Trent Rockwell has it all—a thriving legal practice, coownership of the Rockwell Resort, and a big, loving family. And yet his failed marriage to Reese Nicholson has haunted him for ten long years. Now that he has moved back to Cape Cod Bay to help run his family’s resort, he is surrounded by memories of Reese…and he can’t stop longing for the woman he’d always believed was his one true love.
At nineteen, artist Reese Nicholson was swept off her feet by the handsome, charming, and incredibly sensual Trent Rockwell. After a whirlwind courtship, they married and moved to New York City, where they hoped all of their personal and professional dreams would come true. But six months later, Reese returned to Rockwell Island brokenhearted and disillusioned.
For a decade, Trent and Reese carefully kept their distance. But all it takes is one accidental late-night encounter to immediately stir the desires they have both tried to bury deep. Powerless to resist the heat between them, every passionate kiss, loving caress, and heartfelt apology draws them closer together. So close that they can’t help but wonder if the promises they once made to love each other forever are still true…
Cape Cod Promises is a new contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Bella Andre and Melissa Foster!
Fall in love on Rockwell Island... Sink your toes into the sandy beaches at the heart of Cape Cod Bay, where family comes first, good friends are around every corner, and true love is waiting beneath the stars.
Bella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans” and “The Morrisons” series.
Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.
Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..
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For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at bella@bellaandre.com
Having read Cape Cod Kisses which I enjoyed, it was a given that I would want to read Cape Cod Promises. Stories like these pique my interest and the fact that Melissa Foster was a co-author helped to make my decision that much easier. There is just something about second chance romances that get me going. They are filled with a range of emotions that always keeps me on my toes and I cannot help but hope that the characters that I have become so invested in will finally get their happily ever after.
Trent Rockwell and Reese Nicholson got married ten years ago after a whirlwind romance. They relocated from the Rockwell Island to New York to begin their life as a married couple. However, driving ambition on Trent’s part and fear of embracing the unknown on Reese’s part led to a breakdown of their marriage. They discovered that being in love was not enough to sustain a marriage. As a result, Reese moved back to the island, leaving Trent behind. Trent’s way of dealing with his broken heart was to throw himself into work with the aim of building a successful business. I guess he wanted to prove that if he could not be successful at his marriage, he could at least be successful in business. However, he would soon come to learn that being successful means nothing if you had no one to share it with.
Fast forward ten years later we see Trent being forced to return to the island at the behest of his grandfather. He knew that returning home would mean coming face to face with the one woman who had the power to break him to the very depth of his soul. He was determined to win Reese back in spite of the challenges he knew he would face in trying to convince her that he had changed. Will Trent succeed in his endeavours? I understood Reese’s fears where Trent was concerned. What guarantees does she have that he had changed? However, we know that life offers no guarantees we just have to be willing to take the good with the bad. Will Reese be willing to take this risk and re-unite with the one man she has ever loved?
The story moved at a pace that was quite fitting. It was slow but not boring. It was an engaging read with interesting characters. We are introduced to characters that portray real human emotions. They have history making it easy to relate to them. The love that Trent and Reese have for each other is the kind that most persons would dream of having. You could feel it emanating from the pages.
In this story, drama is non-existent and the characters were not conflicted. This story proved these characteristics are not necessary to make a story entertaining. What I enjoyed about Cape Cod Promises is watching the characters address their issues, acknowledging their mistakes which paved the way for their healing process.
I loved the moral behind this story. It's my belief that readers who are married can learn something from this story. It shows that being head over heels in love is not enough to sustain a marriage. Marriage takes work and the parties involve have to be willing to put in that work and not run at the first sign of trouble.
I am so glad I read this installment and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
I started reading this book with high expectations, since I am a big fan of Melissa Foster's books, but, even though the story is a good one (I am a sucker for second-chances stories), I got a little bit disappointed. The characters are kind of flat and the story lacks of tension. That turns the book a bit repetitive and definitely made me long for something that would add more emotion and tension to the story. I cannot comment anymore without including spoilers, but I was expecting more. I will keep on reading the series because I enjoyed the first one in the series, but this one needed more action.
However, I really enjoyed the use of the setting to create connections among the characters, the feelings, and the artistic expressions of the characters.
Reese and Trent were married ten years ago. She was nineteen to his twenty-six, raised by parents a decade older than the parents of all her friends, she’d spent more evenings quietly at home with her close-knit family than out socialising.
She’d spent ten years trying to repress her feelings.
Leaving Trent had been one of the most difficult things Reese had ever done. After six months of Trent coming home long after she’d gone to bed, seven days a week, she’d realised that she wasn’t anywhere near the top of his priorities and that work came first, not even just second to his job, but seventh or eighth, after his workday, parties, office events, networking and whatever else might lead to his success.Sleep, when he could it in. She said she didn’t recognise him anymore.
A wife barely made the list, especially one who never managed to find her footing in such a big city, no matter how hard she tried. Splitting up had seemed like the only way forward for either of them—he could single-mindedly pursue his career and she could return home to paint.
Right before he returned to New York, his mother had said something that still rang in his ears today. “When your heart is ready to commit, you’ll know. Until then, you just have to do the best you can to move on.”
Their relationship hadn’t gone bad. They hadn’t fought or said hateful things. She was lonely by the emotional and physical distance.
Trent at twenty-six, was full of fervour and invincibility to succeed. Ten years later he knows now that while other lawyers were living and breathing the business, he wasn’t working round-the-clock because he loved the law, he was simply trying to prove to everyone that he was worthy of the Rockwell name. Worthy of his position in their family.
He was not particularly attached to the city. As the eldest Rockwell, he felt compelled to succeed. He knew his father didn’t want him to end up working under his grandfather Chandler’s thumb the way he had his whole life. So even though New York was not a fit—especially without Reese—he remained there because he had something to prove.
‘If you love someone, set them free’. That was just what she’d done when she’d left ten years ago, tried to set them both free because she’d been certain there was no other way. “Well, sweetie, if you ask me, love doesn’t get set free. Love lingers. Love haunts. Love consumes. Love isn’t easily dissuaded. It doesn’t go away when one of you dies, and it certainly doesn’t go away when one of you moves away. It’s like a boomerang. No matter how many times you toss it away, it always comes back.”
Reese’s parents were my favourite aspect of this book, paragons of virtue, a type of parent sorely lacking in books. Loving and nurturing. A warm and loving family starts with the love invested. Her mum, Judith Nicholson was a doting mother always with a readily available hug.
Her father, David Nicholson was well-liked and respected. To Reese he was the epitome of the perfect husband and father. Retired now, when he’d worked, he’d eaten breakfast with Reese and her mum every morning before work, and he’d been home every evening in time for dinner. He’d never failed to enquire about both of their days, and he was genuinely interested—he really cared—about their answers. One of the most difficult things Reese faced about moving to New York had been leaving her parents behind. She’d be lying if she didn’t admit that when she’d returned home, a part of her had felt as though she’d been tethered to them the whole time she’d been gone. She wasn’t a needy, clingy woman, but she loved them too much to just grow up and move away, to only visit on holidays.
Reese’s parents had always encouraged her to follow her heart. They’d been supportive of her artistic efforts, and they’d been just as eager for her to find happiness. When she’d come home six months after she’d married and moved away, with a shattered heart and broken dreams, they’d wrapped her in their loving arms and had never uttered a negative word about Trent. They’d simply listened. For hours. Days. Weeks. Years. They are sympathetic, understanding and unconditionally supportive.
They’d never made her feel like she’d made the wrong decision falling for Trent, or that she should have known better than to get married so young. Her father put his arms around her again, and she gladly leaned in to his solid warmth.
Reese unknowingly became co-dependent on Trent, in a way that was unhealthy. Thereby adding stress to an already challenging situation. She’d been frightened about venturing out into the big, bad city that she’d isolated herself in their flat, impeding their ability to prosper as a couple.
It had taken her time to recover following their divorce. Despite underlying hopes that she’d written off as first-love remnants, she’d never imagined that she and Trent might ever share the same space again. She’d certainly never conceived that he might possibly move back to the island.
Ten years ago, she’d felt selfish asking for more of him when she knew he was working to affirm his career. She’d grown up with parents who placed their relationship above all else, and that’s what she’d thought she’d found with Trent. She’d recognised that same commitment in his parents’ relationship, and she’d believed Trent when he’d reassured her that nothing could drive a wedge between them.
She sacrificed everything to be with him, but then she realised that she didn’t actually have him. She later realised that she relied on him far too much, she didn’t do a better job of being self-reliant. Thus, they’d failed and lost each other.
After spending a decade trying to forget Reese, Trent reflected that she’d always been on his mind. Work had been a panacea for losing her.
This spends a great deal of time on self-reflection. Maybe they weren’t able to navigate marriage because they weren’t ready nor did they have the tools as people grow, and they change.
They garner acceptance from his emotionally detached grandfather, Chandler, whom in turn bequeaths the resort to them. Reese completes the mural with a little help and Reese and Trent propose to each other!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Trent and Reese fell in love on Rockwell Island and thought the world was theirs for the taking. Caught up in their faith in love and dreams of their future, they set off to New York, only to fall apart within just six months. It’s been years, but Trent has never gotten over the woman he lost, and despite all the moving forward she’s done, Reese’s heart hasn’t been able to move on. But now Trent’s back, and in a place this small, there’s no way they’ll be able to avoid each other.
The Verdict: Just buy it. Buy it now and read it and love it as much as I did. Reading this review is simply wasting time you could be spending with Trent and Reese and romance at its best. But if you must…
Trent and Reese had a bit of a whirlwind romance, but they knew love when they found it, and marriage seemed like the perfect next step. They were young, and their adult lives were really just getting started. Trent was determined to succeed as an attorney in New York, and while Reese wasn’t entirely comfortable leaving the island for the big city, she would have followed him anywhere. But six months of a strange new place, away from her home and with a husband who was more interested in his job than his wife, Reese threw in the towel and returned home. And they’ve both been hurting ever since.
It was with the best of intentions that Trent pursued his career to the detriment of everything else. He thought he was proving that he could make his own way, that he was securing the perfect future for him and his bride, that their love could see them through anything — even his never being around. And Reese was just lost, lost in a new city and lost without her husband’s presence. Just six months later, she packed her bags, left a note, and returned home to Rockwell Island without him.
Years have gone by, but the pain hasn’t really diminished, and now Trent is back on Rockwell Island to take on the family business, a move that puts him in Reese’s path almost immediately. The instant they run into each other, sparks fly, and their hearts break all over again. Trent’s become the law world success he set out to be, but it’s an empty achievement. And Reese has established herself as a local artist, but she, too, is still drowning in what could have been.
It’s impossible not to relate to them in some way. I think we all know what it’s like to fall so fast, especially when we’re young and convinced that happily ever after is just one white picket fence away. But too soon we’re faced with the reality of adult life — responsibilities and deadlines and differing ideas of just what constitutes happily ever after. It’s so easy to lose sight of what’s important, to take for granted that everything will always work out in the end, to assume that we’re on the same page with our partner. But Trent and Reese, just like every other couple in history, soon learned differently, and their marriage didn’t survive it.
Their re-connection is bittersweet and feels incredibly real. There’s an almost overwhelming sense of loss, even after so much time has passed, but for every bit of regret over the past, there is an equally strong and still very present love for each other. It doesn’t take long for Trent to decide that he’s going to prove himself worthy of another chance, and as much as Reese wants to protect her heart, she knows that Trent has had it all along. And within a matter of days, they’re both in too deep, even without having decided to give each other another shot, to really stay away from each other. Not that their friends and family are surprised. What follows is a slow burn toward surrendering to feelings that haven’t diminished and working through the things that tore them apart in the first place.
Normally, this is where I’d get bored. Something about a divorced couple coming together again usually loses me, and I’m not really sure why. Perhaps it’s because they know each other too well for it to feel new and exciting to me. Or maybe it’s just that most books seem to rush that kind of reunion. But Melissa Foster and Bella Andre put this one together perfectly. I soaked up every scene, dwelled on every word, and died a little with every new bit of angst the characters suffered as they tried to reconcile the past and trust each other enough to seek a future together. Their story was beautifully sad but still hopeful, and even as I wanted them to just throw caution to the wind, I absolutely loved the way none of the characters’ feelings were glossed over in favor of a rushed ending. Cape Cod Promises perfectly captures the frightening vulnerability and incredible love necessary to give happily ever after with someone a second try.
***FicCentral received a free copy of this book from Tasty Book Tours.
This lovely and heartwarming second chance romance is the story of Reese and Trent. With a whirlwind courtship and marriage between them, the young couple moved from the small town of Rockwell Island to the big city of New York. But workaholic Trent’s drive for success and Reese’s inability to adapt to city life resulted in her making a heartbreaking decision after only six months together, to leave Trent and head back home to familiar territory. Though Trent tried to convince Reese to come back, the truth was that his workaholic attitude hadn’t changed and Reese knew this and stayed strong in her conviction that their marriage would not work. Now ten years have passed, and Trent is back home, taking over his grandfather’s resort, and realizing what a fool he’s been to have let Reese slip through his fingers without a fight. Given a second chance to make things right, can he convince Reese that she can place her trust in him again?
The setting of this story, the beautiful island and its lush scenery are well described and it’s easy to fall in love with this place of gentle breezes and friendly faces. The characters are typical of a small town romance – close knit families (with the occasional crotchety grandparent, at least in Trent’s case), supportive friends, and of course handsome men and beautiful women. Reese is a lovely, quiet woman, a successful painter and her character was very likable. She’s never gotten over Trent despite her best efforts, and seeing him again brings back all the desire and love she had for him (and still has) though it is tinged with the hurt and regret over her failed marriage. Trent has changed though, being back on the island helping him to realize what he’s missed during his years as a successful lawyer, a success that seems hollow in the face of what he’s lost. He’s a changed man here, and he’s realized that his future lies with Reese, if she’ll consider taking him back. While Reese is easily persuaded to share herself with Trent physically, emotionally she struggles to keep herself from falling all over again, worried that when his project here is finished, he’ll leave her and head back to the city. It takes a concerted effort on Trent’s part to show Reese that she’s now his number one priority. Their love scenes are plentiful, sensual and emotional as their bodies tell what their hearts really feel. There is minimal angst in the story, and the conflict is all internal on Reese’s part as she’s the one who has to decide whether to give Trent a second chance. I appreciated that she was able to take some of the blame for her failed marriage, realizing that it was not all one sided and that she made decisions in New York that didn’t support their partnership too. After reading several angst laden stories recently, this one is just a simple, flowing, sweet (with a good dollop of sexy) romance. 3.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by Tasty Book Tours for review.
♥ My Thoughts: I always have soft spots for second chance romance, and this one was not an exception. Trent Rockwell and Reese Nicholson had a great love ten years ago. They were so much in love and promised each other forever. They got married but eventually, they went their separate ways without so much as a closure.
Ten years later, both Trent and Reese are back in Cape Cod. The chemistry was still there, so are the emotions, Trent was willing to take the risk and gamble his heart. Can Reese do the same?
I always believe in one great love and that ‘right-time’ thing for everything. I guess they were young, and were misguided in the past. Reese was just nineteen and Trent was trying to build his name and career. But now, they’re ten years older and wiser – they knew what they have given up in the past, they knew the risk if ever they took a leap right now, and they both knew how strong they still feel for each other. They were each other’s IT, and it never changed. Fate was kind enough to bring them back together. I was glad that Trent was wise enough to take the chance, and I couldn’t blame Reese for stepping back and think about it for a while. Nevertheless, if it’s love – nothing is going to stop it. Love the second time around is much sweeter and steamier. Ah yes, they couldn’t even make it to the bed. #hawt
They were just too happy and everything was too perfect and I was looking forward for their bubble to burst, only that it didn’t happen (and I’m sorta crazy to say but I’m a little disappointed, I was looking forward for a little twist here and there, a little conflict). Nevertheless, the dialogues can melt your hearts and make you swoon. I mean, the writers are the royals in contemporary romance – they knew how to melt and break hearts!
It’s a feel-good, sexy second-chance romance that you will surely love.
♥ Recommended For: Readers who are s*cker for second-chance romance.
WOW! Sparks, sparks and more SPARKS! Reese and Trent fell head over heels in love at first sight! – and heart, body, soul and everything else! But at 19, with very little life exposure and admittedly sometimes scared of her own shadow, Reese was not ready for life in NYC. Or ready to see what was really chasing Trent Rockwell to succeed at a life off the family island, at all costs.
It took Trent ten years to realise that what he thought he needed to do to prove himself and be happy, was not even close to what he actually needed to be happy! Reese. But after breaking her heart and his promise to many years ago, Trent might never have a chance at letting Reese understand just how much he needs her and how he never stopped loving her. How do two people forgive and repair the past to find that all consuming love they lost themselves in so many years ago?
Beautiful, beautiful story! The emotion and chemistry between Reese and Trent jump off every page! From the moment they run into each other again after ten years of avoidance, the want, need and love they still share envelopes you, crawls over your skin and leaves you holding your breath with each page as you root for them to discover just how absolutely perfect they are for each other!
“You’re touch is kryptonite to my mental abilities …” – Reese.
I LOVE Melissa’s writing, as you all know by now :) I love her characters, I love the quirky and HOT HOT HOT ways she introduces you to them and makes you a part of their lives! This was my first introduction to Bella, and after reading the amazing collaboration with Melissa, I will surely be adding her to ‘Must Read Author’ list!
Can’t wait for the next one! And if you haven’t read the first book, Cape Cod Kisses, you’re missing out on super hot Quinn Rockwell and Shelley’s gorgeous story of finding love!
This time all of our Cape Cod promises are going to last forever.” – Trent
I received an ARC of this book from Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.
Second chances. I love these stories. I don't know what it is about second chances that always touches me. From the start, this book was already a guaranteed good read because I don't think anybody could go wrong with Melissa Foster and Bella Andre. I mean, these names alone are already trustworthy names in the contemporary romance genre. When I read the blurb for Cape Cod Promises, I just couldn't not read it.
The thing about the book was that the character development and progreee more than made up for the lack of drama and conflict. But who needs those anyway? I just enjoyed reading about the main characters' journey. The transition from exes to friends to lovers again. It was quite clear from the very start that while they had issues in their marriage, it wasn't because they didn't love each other enough.
I love this book because every married couple can take a few things from the story. You can fall deep in love when you're only 19. That person can be the right one for you. But that's not where the story ends. That is only the beginning. Marriage shouldn't be the end of the road, the end of the love story. It should be the start of something new, something more difficult, like moving on to the next level on your favorite online game. There's so many things you can actually learn from the story. That's why I know I'm right when I say that the authors truly did a wonderful job with this book.
Trent fell in love in love with Reese when she was 19years old. They dated, married and moved to NYC so Trent could practice law and Reese could get her paintings into art galleries but after 6 months Reese returns to the island and the marriage is over.
Although these two loved one another they had issues in their marriage. After 10 long years of being divorced Trent is back on the island to stay and he is looking for another chance to be with Reese.
I really liked how Andre and Foster wrote this book. It went from the characters wanting to clear the air to them trying to give love another try. I liked how their whole relationship was based on communication and realized they both didn't have that 10 years ago. You can see how much they grew and wanted to talk things through this time.
Andre and Foster did an excellent job on writing each and every character. After reading this book you get the feel of two more couples that might just be in the making.
I loved how their relationship went slow and they worked into the whole lets get married again. It didn't feel rushed but it was liked they picked up where they left 10 years ago.
The one thing I would have loved to see added in this book was more of a conflict or maybe a little drama. Once they got together again it was pretty much smooth sailing.
Overall I enjoyed this read. If you love couples who get second chances at a HEA then this is the book for you.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for a Wicked Reads~~
Having really enjoyed the first book in the series, it was no surprise that I found this to be just as delightful. We had met the protagonists of this book last time, and just knew that there was a story to tell. The story generally continues apace, so I would recommend that you start with Cape Cod Kisses, so that you get the full picture.
I think what I particularly liked about this second time romance was that we were not treated to lots of painful flashbacks. They had after all spent ten years 'getting over' each other, so the hurt, whilst deep seated was also measured. That they came to personal realisations all these years later, was also an indication of just how deeply they buried themselves in the present. It was so funny that they had such a reputation for ultra hot PDAs, and could not resist again. Their new resolve and recognition of the biggest issue in their relationship makes for some interesting conversations. Sweet, sexy and very cute with a lovely ending - I really enjoyed this story, and look forward to the rest of the Rockwell's having their turn in the spotlight.
This one left me with tears in my eyes--I am such a romantic and I love happy endings. Trent and Reese got married on Rockwell Island where they both grew up. Did you ever see two people where the chemistry was just as apparent to you as to the couple? This was one of those cases. They got married and moved to NYC where Trent was starting his legal firm and Reese was going to try and get galleries to show and sell her artwork. Then one day Reese just up and left leaving Trent a "Dear Trent note" and headed home. For 10 years these two were mostly miserable--then Trent was called back to the Island to help with the family resort by his Grandfather-a curmudgeon if ever there was one. When Trent and Reese bumped into each other the spark was still there but so was the fear of being hurt once again. Can these two find their way back to each other now there they are older and a bit wiser? You will have to read the book to find out--just make sure you have your tissue box ready at the end! Cape Cod Promises
I love Melissa Foster and I love Bella Andre, put the two together and it's like Christmas morning in the perfect book. I loved this book and all the characters! Reese and Trent fell in love and married at a young age and moved to NYC where Trent started his law firm and Reese tried to make a go of it with her heart, till one day she just leaved Trent and returns to Rockwell Island. Ten years later, Trent, is called home by his Grandfather to help with the family business and there Trent and Reese see each other again. I loved second chance love stories, but this book was so much more than that. They both have always loved each other, that was never the problem. It was just the right person, at the wrong time. I loved seeing the two connect again and all that chemistry was just hot! This was a sweet,sexy read and one of my favorite books this year.
The steamy parts are steamy and the chemistry between the characters is perfect. Yet, the back and forth between Trent and Reese gets a bit repetitive. Since they were so young during the six month marriage, Reese is extra cautious. I am a fan of Melissa Foster and this is my first Bella Andre reading. Fans of the series, as this is the second installment, should find some familiar characters that will no doubt find their own love stories in future collaboration(s) between Andre and Foster. I love that these two authors are also strong female entrepreneurs!
Meh... this one was a slog to finish. I was really looking forward to it after reading the first one, and I had to search high and low to obtain a copy (found it through ILL). It was nothing like the first. It was syrupy and repetitive, and I had to push myself to finish it. I really thought at some point it had to get better, but it didn't. Not really. It probably would have been more successful as a novella, since half of the book was just Reese and Trent saying the same things over. And over. And over. Which brings me to another point. The whole book is based on the fact that the H/h got a divorce because of communication issues. They stay apart for TEN YEARS, and then suddenly- they're so in love that it's like they were never apart. WHAT?? I'd have some major issues with someone if they couldn't figure themselves out in a lot less time than that. Then they just kept telling each other that they had such a great love. It was pretty stupid. If it was so great, then a ten minute conversation could have cleared up their problems before Reese wrote her "Dear John" letter and ran off. Two stars only because I liked the scenes with the whole family and the ones between Trent and his grandfather. I wish that this series had continued, because the first book was pretty good, but this installment was a disappointment.
Tent and Reese fell in love and married young, six months later his career derailed their marriage. Neither of them has gotten over each other. Ten years later Trent is back on the island realizing he never stopped loving Reese and is willing to do anything to get her back. Very sweet, lots of past regrets and how they did things wrong. Seemed a touch preachy and repetitive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have to say that while I liked this book on many levels, I found that it didn’t meet all of the expectations that I had for it, but that tends to be the problem with second books in a series. After having read the first book the reader often expects to see more from the second and has a greater desire for things to be bigger, brighter, etc. While this was a pretty good read, I got frustrated a lot by both Trent and Reese throughout the story, and I often found myself muttering under my breath every couple of chapters. Part of the reason was because the entire problem between these two characters could have been avoided if they’d taken the time to just talk in the first place! Yeah, okay, in reality clear communication between two people is a challenge even in the best of times, but both Trent and Reese were so caught up in their own heads and problems that they didn’t once take the time to really sit down and listen to the other until they met up again ten years later on Rockwell Island. Course, had they hashed everything out right at the start there would have been no story, but seriously, I couldn’t help but shake my head over the reasons for their initial failure at marriage. And then when they finally have the chance to set things right between them, Reese would continually angst over their failed first attempt while Trent would go on and on about how much of an idiot he was and how it was his own stupid fault things didn’t work out between them. Um, hello, it takes two people to make a marriage work! And while I will give kudos points to Reese for admitting a few times that she was just as much to blame for things not working between them, I did want to slap her silly for all the other times when she’d turn around and lay all the blame at Trent’s feet for always being busy with his job. Hiss!
Which leads me to arguably the biggest issue that I had with this story: it was repetitive and, just like with the first book, there wasn’t much by way of any major conflict. And what conflict there was was too easily solved in the end. Given that this story was focused on a divorced couple looking to reconnect after ten years apart, I had rather hoped for a bit more depth with the plot and characters, but that didn’t materialize.
This doesn’t mean that the story wasn’t enjoyable at times. While I wasn’t personally enamored with Trent and Reese’s relationship, I loved the scenes where they would interact with their families and the residents on Rockwell Island. And this is what draws me to the series, I enjoy watching the family dynamics grow and change with each book. It’s what I enjoy in all family romance series, but particularly with this one. I love the Rockwell family, flaws and all, and after two books I’ve found myself caring greatly for every member of Trent’s family, especially Chandler. Yup, Grandpa’s managed to earn a special place in my heart after this book. I actually will be rather sad if in the end he dies because behind his gruff exterior is an intriguing gentleman. I really am looking forward to reading more about the Rockwell family, and though this book didn’t live up to my expectations, it was still a wonderful read overall.
So in the end, the second book in Andre and Foster’s series about the Rockwell family is, like the first book, a sweet romance when all is said and done. Readers who are looking for an escape from a crazy day, or want to curl up with a cozy read during a cold, rainy afternoon will enjoy this story. It’s a great continuation to the family romance series that these writers have created together, and I’m looking forward to watching the series and family grow in the remaining books.
I really love that this series is all about the romantic fairy-tale, sweet, soft and passionate, with little to no conflict. It's more about the journey the characters take to their happy ending.
Trent Rockwell found the love of his life a decade ago, but lost her due his blind ambition for success in his career. He's always regretted the end of his marriage and his success feels very hollow, considering all he gave up for it. Now that he's back on Rockwell island and in close proximity with her, he can't help but remember how good together they were and is willing to give his all to get her back.
It took Reese Nicholson a long time to get over Trent and she's been very careful to keep her distance from him, but a chance encounter with him opens the floodgates to the memories she had locked away and now she's drowning in what-ifs. With Trent making no secret that he wants her back, it's hard for her to resist him when she wants the same thing, but her heartbreak from their breakup is enough to make her cautious about opening up to him again.
One thing I realized as I read this book, especially since Reese and Trent were so in love with each other but couldn't make it work the first time, is that there really can be a wrong time, even for two people who are totally in love and ten years ago was it for them. Trent was so focused on achieving success that he neglected Reese and Reese failed to communicate how she felt and instead chose to run away from the problems in their relationship. Now that they are older and more mature, can they make it work? Will Reese give Trent a chance to show her that's he's changed? Will Trent be able to keep Reese as his number one priority?
Both Trent and Reese were very likable characters and the chemistry between them very intense. Even though the plan was to talk and find closure, I love that they were able to move on to become friends and give their relationship another chance. I really enjoyed that they were honest about the roles they each played in their failed relationship and how hard they worked on communication.
I fell in love with Rockwell island in the first book and I still feel the same way about its beautiful scenery and friendly and warm people as well as the close-knit Rockwell family and Reese's supportive family and friends. CAPE COD PROMISES is sweet, romantic and the perfect second chance story and I look forward to the next story.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Authors in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Bella Andre and Melissa Foster are pretty much the queens of contemporary romance. I absolutely love their solo books, and the Love on Rockwell Island from both of them is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Cape Cod Promises is the second in the series, but it can be read as a standalone with interconnected characters. If you haven't read Cape Cod Kisses yet, I would highly recommend it even though it isn't necessary to understand Cape Cod Promises.
Trent Rockwell appears to have everything. He is a successful lawyer and has a large and loving family, but the one thing missing is having a woman he loves to share his life with. After the failure of his marriage to Reese Nicholson, he tried to move on but has never been able to forget her. After moving back to Cape Cod Bay to help run the family's resort, he runs into Reese again after years apart. Though things might have ended between them years before, their feelings for one another never went away. Now after running into one another again, they find themselves unable to deny the connection they still feel to one another. Can they put the past behind them though and give a future together another shot?
I really loved these two. It was so clear to me how much these two really cared about one another and the fact that they had never stopped. But I loved seeing them fall for one another all over again. These two had both been through so much apart, and even though they still had a connection it was really about them getting to know one another again. These two both were partially to blame for their marriage falling apart the first time, so it was good to see them communicating better here and doing things differently. Reese and Trent had so much chemistry and you could see that the attraction between them was just as strong as it was when they had first met. But their connection just continued to strengthen here, and I really thought that they were even more perfect for one another after everything that had happened.
Overall, this was a great contemporary romance and I am really loving this series. Bella Andre and Melissa Foster are great writers as individuals, but when you put them together it is something really special. I love that their collaborations are so seamless and flow so well. This series is one that I really love, and I think that so many people can relate to the stories and characters here. The one thing that I love the most about these books is that they have everything that I look for in a great romance. They are sweet and sexy, with enough emotion and depth to keep me invested from the first page to the last. I honestly cannot wait to read more from these two and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Note: This ebook was provided by Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Cape Cod Promises is the second book in the Love on Rockwell Island contemporary romance series penned by the bestselling writing duo of Bella Andre and Melissa Foster. There were hints in the first book as to what happened to Trent Rockwell and Reese Nicholson and now we finally get their love story, both when she was just nineteen and he was twenty-six, and ten years later, after a heartbreaking separation and divorce. After their marriage ended, both Trent and Reese went on to live successful professional careers--Trent as a lawyer who now has his own legal practice and Reese as an artist who showcases her work in her own gallery--and they did go out with other people, but while they may not have been outwardly pining for each other, it's clear that they were each other's forever love, even after the divorce.
Reese was an independent woman who clearly learned to safeguard her heart after she left Trent. She was more careful about the decisions she was making, even when she knew for a fact that she never fell out of love with her ex-husband. I liked that she wasn't lying about how she felt or that she was trying to rationalize it constantly, but that she simply wanted to think things through so as not to run the risk of getting her heart broken by the same person yet again. When she fully embraced her feelings for Trent, she was still her own person and didn't need any sort of validation from him, something that he wasn't offering her because he knew that she was capable of standing on her own two feet. These two had a beautiful relationship, one that was borne out of a decade of growing up and learning some harsh lessons.
Second chance romances are bittersweet because they fall in love for the first time, separate for a period of time, and then rekindle the romance once again. There's a song that has a line about having the right love at the wrong time, and that's what rings true for Trent and Reese. They were young when they got married, especially Reese who had yet to experience life away from Rockwell Island and was only nineteen. One of my favorite things about their love story was the realizations they came away with when they were truly looked at their time together with honesty, especially in the case of Reese. It takes two to make a relationship work, and it takes two for it not to, in my opinion. While it took a decade for them to reunite, they proved that love really is sweeter the second time around. Cape Cod Promises gets five stars. ♥
Do you believe in a second chance in Love? Bella Andre & Melissa Foster's Cape Cod is all about second chances, but will a love that's still strong after a decade end in a second heartbreak? Or will it turn into the forever they never had?
Trent Rockwell, hardworking, career minded, focused and driven Lawyer, with just one bad mark on him- divorce. Ten years ago, he married the woman of his dreams and the love of his life, Reese Nicholson. It was a quick love affair, believed they were soulmates and poured everything into each other. No one would question their love for each other and everything seemed to be going just fine- until they moved. Trent's focus was moving up in his career, and while it did indeed take off just without his marriage. Ten years later, he's moving back to the island he'd left and the woman he'd practically abandoned in NYC for his own job. Question is will she give him a second chance and see him for the better man he is now? Or will she send him packing for good?
Reese's never truly healed from the divorce, so when Trent shows back up in town wanting to try again she's not only taken back but fear along with all the buried desires she not been able to let go of resurface. He'd left her once, he could do it again. Reese wants nothing more than to move on, bury the past and get on with her life, but it's impossible to turn away from Trent and ignore the true passion still burning between them. Second chances don't often happen let alone to her, so Reese and Trent aren't about to ignore what is still between them. Only problem is, will it end in a devastation heartache all over again, only this time for good? Or will they be able to mend what was broken all those years ago and move on past it? You'll have to read Cape Cod Promises to find out!
Loved this book! Not one for second chances in romance myself, they never seem to read real well. People either hold on to the past, make it difficult and never let go or it seems they just don't even deal with the issues and make all the same mistakes twice. It's usually something that doesn't make the story enjoyable or even real- Bella Andre & Melissa Foster have made second chances enjoyable in Cape Cod Promises! It was a nice read, characters as always so developed and the story an all around heartwarming! Don't miss this one, pick it up and find out what happens!
*I received the following product(s) to review . I was not required to write a positive review no other monetary compensation was given . Any and all opinions are my own.
I have been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to return to Rockwell Island since I read Cape Cod Kisses, and FINALLY, Cape Cod Promises is here. Cape Cod Promises is the story of Trent and Reese, former husband and wife who lost their way early in their marriage. Reese had returned to Rockwell Island as soon as they divorced - it took Trent's grandfather and his edict to return that forced Trent to return. Or so we believe.
What's interesting about this book is that we didn't have to watch them fall in love - it was pretty obvious from the beginning of this book that they both still loved each other. What we see in this book is Reese and Trent navigating the path of how to STAY in love and how to stay TOGETHER. This book could almost be a primer in how to develop good communication skills with your significant other, because we see Reese and Trent constantly struggle with the right way, and the right times to communicate with each other as they rediscover each other.
Trent and Reese both admit to fostering their feelings of love for each other, even while they were apart. They also go through a journey of self-discovery, each realizing areas where they could have done something differently in their marriage, and also seeing themselves NOW and what they need to do in order to ensure a successful relationship. I think the most insightful thing they realized is that what they've learned in their time apart is equally important to the success of their relationship moving forward as learning from their mistakes the first time around. They both realized they probably weren't in the right places in their lives, and with themselves, to make their relationship a success the first time, but their individual maturity helps them know how to be successful this time.
Reese's biggest struggle is her need to separate their intense chemistry from her hurt feelings. The chemistry has been bubbling just below the surface all these years and explodes as they reconnect - Trent and Reese literally cannot keep their hands off themselves. This book could also be a primer in "how to find an out of the way place to make love with your significant other", because they certainly did.
The authors have also teased us with potential relationships with the remaining Rockwell siblings and I look forward to watching each of them develop as we come back to Rockwell Island over and over again!
I've said it before and I say it again, I love a good 'ol story of second chance at love, and this is one of those. Overall I liked the storyline and the characters. Reese and Trent met at a moment in their lives when they were both trying to find themselves and what they wanted from life. Reese was a few years younger than Trent and just getting out of her teenage years, love blinded her and she followed him to NYC after they got married. Trent was just starting his career as an attorney and at that point in his life his career and the ascend into becoming partner became his number one priority living Reese to fend for herself in a city where she didn't know anyone. They divorce and years later they meet again, both more mature, with different goals and still loving each other dearly, but the issues from the past come to hunt them, specially Reese who doesn't know if she can go back to do it all over again with Trent and revive the pain their failed relationship left behind. I really liked Trent, it seems to me that he learned his lesson and changed his priorities in life, he seemed more mature, and more worried about his happiness and that of Reese than the career he so much obsessed over at one point in his life. Reese was an ok character, her constant whining kind of turned me of at times, and while I understand that she was a few years younger than Trent, she was not a naive 19 year old anymore, she was a grown woman capable of fully understanding that people change and sometimes they deserve a second chance. My two major problems with this story were the repetitions of the same old, we were married and he ignored me, choosing his career and not me." Yes, we've heard that over and over and over throughout the book, it became a bit boring after a while. Also, it seemed to me like the authors were a bit out of sync when it came to certain parts of the story, creating a distraction from the main storyline. I liked the fact that the second time around they took their time building their relationship, they were cautious, but that was to be expected after what they had experienced before. This is a sweet and very loving story of two people who rushed into a relationship that crashed and burned when they weren't ready for it, but never stopped caring for each other. It proves that when relationships are meant to be with a certain person, no matter how many years go by, that person will come back into your life to fulfilled the universe's fate.
In the second book in the Cape Cod series, we meet up with oldest brother Trent and his ex wife Reese. 10 years earlier, when Reese was 19 and Trent was 26, the pair met, fell in love and married. Trent was an up and coming hot shot lawyer, and Reese was just starting out in her painting career. They moved to New York, where Trent worked 24/7, and Reese was so afraid of the big, bad city, that after a few months of being too scared to venture out, and being ignored by her husband, she left Trent a goodbye letter and ran home. Every time Trent made it home, he tried to avoid seeing Reese, because he was so upset at how their love fell apart. Reese, too, tried to avoid Trent. Until Trent's grandfather requested that all of Trent's brothers return home to run Rockwell Islands' resort. Upon running into each other, they realized that the passion and love that they once shared was still very much present. And that they are now 10 years older and are more settled in their respective lives. Trent is finally ready to settle down, on the island, and Reese wants a family, and love like her parents have. Both Reese and Trent know that they both made mistakes, and really need to deal with their issues before trying to start over again. But while they are dealing with their issues, they can't seem to keep apart from each other physically.
Ok, so as predictable as the first book in this series was, I still enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to seeing what the next book would be. Unfortunately, this book was repetitive and boring. I don't know how many times both characters can say that they needed to talk, they were both wrong, can't keep their hands off each other, etc. before the reader gets the picture. Another issue I had was that there seemed to be a slight disconnect between the two authors. I'm not sure how the writing was split up, but there were a few instances where Reese would be lifted up in Trents' arms kissing, and the following sentence would have Trent picking Reese up. Huh? There were more examples, and they were minor, but to me, they detracted from the story. The one character whose back story I would love to read about is the grandfather, Chandler. I'm dying to know what made him become the way he is.
I fell in love with this series in the first book and each book after the first one just gets better and better. The writing of Bella Andre and Melissa Foster together is such a treat!! This series has made Cape Cod such a lovely island to be on with these characters. I have fallen in love with all of them and can't wait for more from this series.
Trent had married the woman of his dreams and was on his way to building a very successful business in New York. When Trent let other things come ahead of his marriage though, he and Reese split up and go their separate ways. Reese moves back to the island to be close to her mom and dad. Trent stays in New York and continues to build his business until his grandfather summons all of the grandchildren to the island to run his resort. Trent ends up moving back to the island and he and Reese do everything in their power to avoid each other since their divorce 10 years ago.
When Trent and Reese happen to run into each other one night when they are out about town, the sparks are still there between them and Trent quickly realizes that he has made a big mistake by putting everything ahead of his marriage to Reese. Trent vows to do everything in his power to prove to Reese that he was wrong before and that he wants her back. Trent is the charmer for awhile and when things fall back in to place for the tow of them like no time had passed, they both know that they are still meant to be with each other. Trent goes about asking Reese's father for her hand in marriage again and they vow to do things better this time. Reese was young when they were married before and now that she has had 10 years to grow and mature, she realizes what she wants from their marriage.
This ends in a HEA for Trent and Reese and I am so glad. These two deserved a second chance. I think that sometimes couples jump to conclusions and get divorced without trying to work things out or even talking to people and Trent and Reese are a good example of how things can work out when you just sit back and communicate. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
Bella Andre and Melissa Foster created another fantastic novel! I loved their work with the Love on Rockwell Island and getting to meet the Rockwell family. Cape Cod Promises continued on the Rockwell story by getting the story on the older brother, Trent, and his ex-wife Reese. Trent and Reese had fell in love quickly after they first met. Shortly after meeting, falling in love, and getting married, the couple moved to New York City. City life turned out to be much different than island life. Each handled the noise and chaos differently. Fear and lack of communication made them fall apart.
Years later, the two finally meet again after avoiding each other. Their type of love is hard to get over. Each had spent those long years apart to grow and learn what they truly wanted in life. The novel kept my interest the entire time wanting to know how Trent and Reese would act being brought together again.
There's one quote that stood out to me the most. Tilly, one of the elderly students of Reese's painting classes at the assisted living facility on the island, had compared the similarities with love and painting. Tilly said: "And just like you show us how to tweak our colors and bring more life into our paintings by using different brushes and different strokes, or applying shading to temper some areas and bring out others, love is the same way. Two people bring together their personalities, wants, needs, hopes, fears-and hope to come out with something beautiful that inspires each of them, helps them grow-together and individually. Love takes tweaking." This conversation between Tilly and Reese is one of my favorites in the novel.
I loved reading Trent and Reese process through their emotions and feelings towards their present relationship and their past hardships. They try to learn to communicate better to help determine what their future could hold.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
This is the 2nd book in the Love on Rockwell Island series. I always caution you as a reader, to read the series books in order. It helps to enjoy the book, as well as giving complete understanding with the way the authors intended. I believe this book is just as good as a standalone, but I give you the warning nonetheless.
This book takes place on the beautiful Rockwell Island, where the siblings have come home by command - per their Grandfather - to run the family resort. The main characters here are Trent Rockwell and Reese Nicholson, who were married 10 years ago. They broke up 6 months later.
Here is where it gets tricky. I do not want to give spoilers or offend anyone who is currently enjoying this book. I will just let you know now, proceed with caution!
Reese left Trent in New York, since she was just too scared and too young to handle it. He was busy trying to make it there, and in his career. I have a hard time with this part of the story - mainly because it weaved much too strongly in the book - and seemed to always make Trent the only person who did anything wrong in their marriage breaking up.
I feel like I am gratified, since by the end of the story, we hear apologies from both of them. Only the thread is already there and still weaving in the story. I was very pleased with the great quotes this book has! I was also impressed with the obvious show of character development and maturity that Reese and Trent both have.
Due to the nature of the book, and the HEA I was finally given, I can say that I was pleased overall with the story. I feel like there are many parts that are just so sweet and endearing. I found that I want to talk about the characters with others so maybe - if there is a support group, I will join.
***This ARC was given in exchange for an honest review only.
If I had to select only one trait that I enjoy the most about authors, Andre and Foster it is the realism of their novels that reflects the conflicts of emotional heart aches and the romances of the modern world. This book was of no irregularity of that specific trait and like other novels written by both the authors I savored Cape Cod Promises.
Honestly if there is one book that I could see appealing to readers this year I would choose this book as this story is about a second chance at both love and of happiness. Both Trent and Reese fell in love when they were young and then realized that the love that they had for one another couldn't survive the world around Trent's hectic work schedule.
My favorite character by far within this book was Reese. I felt like she was the more reasonable character from the duo. She had her heartbroken by Trent in the past. She had lived her life keeping a safe distance from the man that she had once loved and had married in reflection of that love. Reese was entirely relatable to the modern woman in the way that she still felt strong about her feelings for Trent and I think most of us have experienced that before in our own lives about an ex. I deeply admired Reese for her willingness to give Trent a second chance once that spark was ignited once more on one summer night.
This story was a different read for me. I normally do not read second chance romances because I cannot bring myself to believe that a person is capable of surviving such a chance at love the second time well, Reese and Trent made me want to consider to continue to read second chance romances.
I would encourage you, the reader to give this book a chance. It's warmly enriching for both the heart and the soul as well as being all the things that I was hoping to uncover.
When Trent and Reese married a decade ago, they thought their love could withstand anything. But when they moved from Rockwell Island to New York City so Trent could pursue his law career, the move provided to be more intense than they expected. Being in a new city, Reese wasn’t used to riding subways and dealing with the craziness that is the Big Apple. So when Trent would be out much of the day and night for work, it took a toll on their six month marriage. Reese knew that she couldn’t take it any longer. That’s when she left a note for Trent and made her way out of the city and back to Rockwell Island
Fast forward to the present and Trent and his siblings are summoned back to the island by their grandfather. Insisting that they run the resort for a year, Trent reluctantly leaves his busy practice and heads back. But knowing that the potential to bump into Reese is great, makes his thoughts of being on the island more tolerable.
This is a beautiful story about a couple who are clearly in love and meant to be together, but have to learn to prioritize. And although Reese’s feelings for her ex-husband have never gone away, the fear of being hurt again has caused her to construct a sturdy wall around her heart. But Trent is persistent and is determined to break down that wall one brick at a time.
Although I enjoyed this book, I felt that it was lacking something. Melissa Foster is one of my all-time favorite authors. I’ve read every book of hers. However, I don’t feel like this book lived up to the standards of her previous novels. Whereas her other books gave us sexy, sweet love scenes and more tension and conflict filled storylines, I felt this one left me a little underwhelmed. In her defense, it can’t be easy co-writing a book, but I realize both author’s voices need to be heard. Overall, a good book. I was just expecting a little bit more.