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Negotiated Marriage #3
Revival
When she was a girl, Leila had an embarrassing crush on Baron James, her brother's best friend. She has grown up now, divorced with twin daughters and a new job as a college professor, and she needs to make good decisions. No matter how irresistible Baron is when he reenters her life, she won't be a fool over him again.
Baron James has been a bad boy all his life, chasing women and seeking thrills, but he's forced to take on leadership in his family's company after his father dies. His new role takes everything he has, and he doesn't have room in his heart to start a relationship with Leila and her daughters.
But his heart doesn't seem to know this...
Baron James has been a bad boy all his life, chasing women and seeking thrills, but he's forced to take on leadership in his family's company after his father dies. His new role takes everything he has, and he doesn't have room in his heart to start a relationship with Leila and her daughters.
But his heart doesn't seem to know this...
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2013
45 people are currently reading
1661 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
140 books2,675 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 17, 2021
I wasn’t expecting such an angsty read!
Usually, my enjoyment of a book is weighted more by my love of the hero than the heroine but Leila was such a great heroine. Her ability to handle the problems that arose from Baron’s situations was just a small reason I loved her. Her behavior with him and her children was wonderful. Even when she wanted to lash out and had every reason to do towards him, she always used wisdom. I just loved that she was such a solid presence in his life as well as her girls’.
Baron’s situation was absolutely heartbreaking to me. Every area of his life was steeped in obligation with no room for love and laughter. I just wanted to give him a great big hug, or smack him upside the head. I was never sure exactly what would do the trick. Lol. Through all of the angsty uncertainty in his life, it was obvious that he cared deeply for Leila and her girls. Oh man, nothing was sweeter than the moments he gave to the twins. Absolutely precious.
I appreciated the resolution Baron came to to find a balance in his life although I would have like to have known more about how it all actually worked out in the end with his brother. Never has a man hungered for family and I would have loved to have seen them together in the end. Nevertheless, the epilogue was amazing as it gives us a good look at what’s currently happening to these characters. After crying over their previous problems, I couldn’t help but tear up over their happy ever after.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Usually, my enjoyment of a book is weighted more by my love of the hero than the heroine but Leila was such a great heroine. Her ability to handle the problems that arose from Baron’s situations was just a small reason I loved her. Her behavior with him and her children was wonderful. Even when she wanted to lash out and had every reason to do towards him, she always used wisdom. I just loved that she was such a solid presence in his life as well as her girls’.
Baron’s situation was absolutely heartbreaking to me. Every area of his life was steeped in obligation with no room for love and laughter. I just wanted to give him a great big hug, or smack him upside the head. I was never sure exactly what would do the trick. Lol. Through all of the angsty uncertainty in his life, it was obvious that he cared deeply for Leila and her girls. Oh man, nothing was sweeter than the moments he gave to the twins. Absolutely precious.
I appreciated the resolution Baron came to to find a balance in his life although I would have like to have known more about how it all actually worked out in the end with his brother. Never has a man hungered for family and I would have loved to have seen them together in the end. Nevertheless, the epilogue was amazing as it gives us a good look at what’s currently happening to these characters. After crying over their previous problems, I couldn’t help but tear up over their happy ever after.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
September 18, 2025
This was ok, but knowing what Noelle Adams can do? I think this could have been better. I’m not going to hold it against her though because this is one of her earlier works. It’s described as a brothers best friend story where the heroine was in love with her brothers best friend when they were kids. She embarrassed herself in front of him, and kind of left him in the dust. Years later, she’s divorced and a single mother. MMC comes back into her life because of their shared interest in a building being sold, and it kind of goes from there.
I wish this went more into the brother’s best friend trope, and played on that. It’s definitely a footnote in their story, and I wanted more. I also wanted more of the flashback scenes. We only got 2, and I think the book could have been more complete had we had more sequences. I also wished the main plot of the church building being sold was actually cohesive throughout the book. We just kind of forget the plot halfway through. It was half baked.
I did like the FMC’s daughters, and the MMC’s developing relationship with them. I thought all those interactions were sweet. Unfortunately, I don’t actually believe this couple would last in the long run. The MMC is kind of toxic, a workaholic, and has to essentially has his teeth pulled to change and compromise. I can just imagine how tired the FMC will get of that shit really quick. I see a 4 year marriage and subsequent divorce after lots of fighting from long nights at the office.
Overall, a fine story. But I’ve read so many Noelle Adams at this point. I know she can do ten times better than this. Maybe her older works are just not for me, and I should stick to her more recently published books?
I wish this went more into the brother’s best friend trope, and played on that. It’s definitely a footnote in their story, and I wanted more. I also wanted more of the flashback scenes. We only got 2, and I think the book could have been more complete had we had more sequences. I also wished the main plot of the church building being sold was actually cohesive throughout the book. We just kind of forget the plot halfway through. It was half baked.
I did like the FMC’s daughters, and the MMC’s developing relationship with them. I thought all those interactions were sweet. Unfortunately, I don’t actually believe this couple would last in the long run. The MMC is kind of toxic, a workaholic, and has to essentially has his teeth pulled to change and compromise. I can just imagine how tired the FMC will get of that shit really quick. I see a 4 year marriage and subsequent divorce after lots of fighting from long nights at the office.
Overall, a fine story. But I’ve read so many Noelle Adams at this point. I know she can do ten times better than this. Maybe her older works are just not for me, and I should stick to her more recently published books?
June 26, 2019
When Leila was a girl she had a huge crush on Baron James and after an embarrassing moment with an unexpected exclamation of her feelings she ran. Now years later Baron James is back in her life and this time he finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Leila. Baron though has a lot on his plate and had led a very cavalier life and Leila comes with two twin daughters. Could Baron find true happiness in a different kind of life?
Good story, there was a lot going on in this story with flashbacks and a struggle that Baron is dealing with where his own family is concerned. I liked both Leila and Baron, thought the history games the twins played were a hoot. Would check out more by this author.
Good story, there was a lot going on in this story with flashbacks and a struggle that Baron is dealing with where his own family is concerned. I liked both Leila and Baron, thought the history games the twins played were a hoot. Would check out more by this author.
October 16, 2013
2.5 Stars for this book, It was okay, but I really think it could have been better.
I wanted to know more about Baron James and more about why he felt he had to carry through with his father's legacy to the point that he did. I wanted to know more about the break in his family and why it was as brutal as it was. I didn't feel like I got all of that in this story. I also wanted Baron to expose his feelings more. You only seemed to get snippets here and there about what was going on with him, and I wanted more. For such a playboy I would have expected him to be a little more swoon worthy in his approach with Leila, not that she would fall for it mind you.
I like Leila, she was quirky, smart, and I loved Jane and Charlotte. I liked the overall premise of the whole story as it was sweet and touching how Leila finally had Baron in the end when she has had a crush on him since she was a little girl. But, I also liked how she was careful with her heart and understanding of him, but he never seemed to open up.
The best part of the story was his gift to Leila- I think more to that story could have been done at the time of the gift instead of the small blurb. Its a feel good story about a man who is missing something in his life and finally finds it in a way he never expected.
*This honest review is done in exchange for an ARC through NetGalley*
I wanted to know more about Baron James and more about why he felt he had to carry through with his father's legacy to the point that he did. I wanted to know more about the break in his family and why it was as brutal as it was. I didn't feel like I got all of that in this story. I also wanted Baron to expose his feelings more. You only seemed to get snippets here and there about what was going on with him, and I wanted more. For such a playboy I would have expected him to be a little more swoon worthy in his approach with Leila, not that she would fall for it mind you.
I like Leila, she was quirky, smart, and I loved Jane and Charlotte. I liked the overall premise of the whole story as it was sweet and touching how Leila finally had Baron in the end when she has had a crush on him since she was a little girl. But, I also liked how she was careful with her heart and understanding of him, but he never seemed to open up.
The best part of the story was his gift to Leila- I think more to that story could have been done at the time of the gift instead of the small blurb. Its a feel good story about a man who is missing something in his life and finally finds it in a way he never expected.
*This honest review is done in exchange for an ARC through NetGalley*
October 26, 2013
I'd say 2.75 stars for me.
This is the third in a series, though it reads like the second, however Baron played a supporting role in 'Intimate'.
I really liked Negotiated Marriage, Molly's story where her break up with Baron was the catalyst for her marriage to Luke. Baron also played a role in the final act inadvertently helping Molly to her HEA.
Revival is Baron's story. It's well constructed but I didn't connect with the characters the way I did in 'Negotiated Marriage' (and that was written completely from Molly's pov, yet I felt I understood Luke better).
I really didn't feel the spark between Leila and Baron. I also felt that Baron needed more redemption than he was given. He was written as a player in 'Negotiated Marriage'. He really hurt Molly and later tried to get her to leave her husband to go back to him. In this book
I wish he had apologized to Molly both for his behavior to her in the past and for trying to interfere with her marriage, I think he also needed to answer for the games he played with Caleb in 'Intimate'. I just didn't feel satisfied that he really grew from beginning to end. I didn't feel the emotion from him (toward Leila and more importantly her daughters) I needed to fully get behind his HEA.
This is the third in a series, though it reads like the second, however Baron played a supporting role in 'Intimate'.
I really liked Negotiated Marriage, Molly's story where her break up with Baron was the catalyst for her marriage to Luke. Baron also played a role in the final act inadvertently helping Molly to her HEA.
Revival is Baron's story. It's well constructed but I didn't connect with the characters the way I did in 'Negotiated Marriage' (and that was written completely from Molly's pov, yet I felt I understood Luke better).
I really didn't feel the spark between Leila and Baron. I also felt that Baron needed more redemption than he was given. He was written as a player in 'Negotiated Marriage'. He really hurt Molly and later tried to get her to leave her husband to go back to him. In this book
I wish he had apologized to Molly both for his behavior to her in the past and for trying to interfere with her marriage, I think he also needed to answer for the games he played with Caleb in 'Intimate'. I just didn't feel satisfied that he really grew from beginning to end. I didn't feel the emotion from him (toward Leila and more importantly her daughters) I needed to fully get behind his HEA.
July 12, 2015
I liked Leila and Baron's story, it started nicely. Leila writes a poem to Baron some seventeen years ago, describing his smoldering eyes, breathtaking smile and overall, all a teen-girl can pore in a poem about a sexy guy. Well, as I wrote before, I did like the start but I would have 'Loved' it if the author has written more about their past.
NOW WE COME TO THE PRESENT, Leila is a mother of twin girls, who are incongruous in nature, one is ill-mannered and quite troublesome whereas the other, Jane, is a darling. Leila is divorced and works as a teacher, she researches a lot. The hero who is as sexy as ever, is back after his Dad died. He seeks help from the heroine regarding the church. Leila knows a lot about the local church, and agrees.
The hero who was never loved by his family is very introvert, he doesn't want relationships but Leila has captured both his mind and soul. What will happen next?
Three stars because after 95% of the novel, the story was just lingering, it got boring and HARD TO READ.
NOW WE COME TO THE PRESENT, Leila is a mother of twin girls, who are incongruous in nature, one is ill-mannered and quite troublesome whereas the other, Jane, is a darling. Leila is divorced and works as a teacher, she researches a lot. The hero who is as sexy as ever, is back after his Dad died. He seeks help from the heroine regarding the church. Leila knows a lot about the local church, and agrees.
The hero who was never loved by his family is very introvert, he doesn't want relationships but Leila has captured both his mind and soul. What will happen next?
Three stars because after 95% of the novel, the story was just lingering, it got boring and HARD TO READ.
May 17, 2021
This was a very refreshing read. It was a great romance story and felt like it could easily be a biography. Plenty of times I've read love stories that seem so far-fetched. This was not. It was a realistic look at the life of a newly single mom trying to combine her new love life and her single mom life together. Her life isn't perfect, it didn't all come together in a perfect way. But that is life. I loved how realistic it was. It made it easier to embrace this world and this story.
October 21, 2016
I never did like Baron in the first book and I was reluctant to read his story, that's why it took me so long to start this book. But I'm going through a Noelle Adams phase now and I'm glad I gave him a chance. The Baron we meet in this story is quite different from the previous one and it almost justifies his behavior.
Baron is a guy who's thirsty for affection and family bliss. He feels obligated by his father's legacy and is torn between his duty to his father and brother (who he considers family) and what his heart is lusting after.
Through out the story we witness his struggle and his conflict and guess what?
Baron is a guy who's thirsty for affection and family bliss. He feels obligated by his father's legacy and is torn between his duty to his father and brother (who he considers family) and what his heart is lusting after.
Through out the story we witness his struggle and his conflict and guess what?
February 4, 2017
Noelle Adams does it again.
Gives you love, loss and a whole hunk of hotness to get your teeth into. All bundled into a good story. I want me a Baron James. ♥
Gives you love, loss and a whole hunk of hotness to get your teeth into. All bundled into a good story. I want me a Baron James. ♥
May 21, 2016
Not bad but I have to admit, the book seemed to flow really slowly. It wasn't dramatic or anything that I could really enjoy but it was an okay read, different from the others I've read by Noelle.
July 2, 2014
I love Baron.
The end.
The end.
June 13, 2018
Crushed dreams become a reality.
This is a light hearted and relatively quick read where we again meet Baron James, ex-playboy and now Coffee King after the recent death of his father. In the past he’s been frivolous – playing fast and loose with the women, and going easy on the work, so much so that he just doesn’t know what he wants out of life anymore, especially after his failed romance with Molly from A Negotiated Marriage.
Leila used to have an unrelenting crush on Baron James, and at the age of 12, suffered the mother of all embarrassments – his discovery of her love poem. Now, at 29 and one failed marriage, twin six year old daughters, and one Doctorate later, she’s a much more practical woman.
She’s also passionate about saving a damaged historical church on the grounds of the university she’s teaching at, and also happens to be the one that Baron has a sentimental attachment to. He can’t believe how gorgeous she is, and, he can’t believe it when a woman for the first time ever, blows him off.
Revival is a book that I got through very quickly, and was nice to read as a follow on from A Negotiated Marriage. It’s ideal if you just want to switch into cruise mode and enjoy something that is easy to consume in one sitting. Noelle Adams is one of my auto-one-click authors, and I have no hesitation is saying this book is money and time well spent. 4 Stars.
This is a light hearted and relatively quick read where we again meet Baron James, ex-playboy and now Coffee King after the recent death of his father. In the past he’s been frivolous – playing fast and loose with the women, and going easy on the work, so much so that he just doesn’t know what he wants out of life anymore, especially after his failed romance with Molly from A Negotiated Marriage.
Leila used to have an unrelenting crush on Baron James, and at the age of 12, suffered the mother of all embarrassments – his discovery of her love poem. Now, at 29 and one failed marriage, twin six year old daughters, and one Doctorate later, she’s a much more practical woman.
She’s also passionate about saving a damaged historical church on the grounds of the university she’s teaching at, and also happens to be the one that Baron has a sentimental attachment to. He can’t believe how gorgeous she is, and, he can’t believe it when a woman for the first time ever, blows him off.
Revival is a book that I got through very quickly, and was nice to read as a follow on from A Negotiated Marriage. It’s ideal if you just want to switch into cruise mode and enjoy something that is easy to consume in one sitting. Noelle Adams is one of my auto-one-click authors, and I have no hesitation is saying this book is money and time well spent. 4 Stars.
April 30, 2020
I started reading this with trepidation as I’m always wary of plot lines in book series that includes a current hero as a previous heroine’s love interest or sex partner. This trope would always make me a little nervous - would he treat his new love interest as second best or is he with her because he didn’t want to be alone? Not many authors get it right.
Thankfully - Noelle Adams addresses this beautifully in the early parts of the book as he clearly knows that what he feels for Leila is very different from what he experienced before. Thank God - now I could actually enjoy the book!
Very sweet story, loved both main characters but I especially liked the heroine - she was sweet yet strong and mature. Epilogue was swoon- worthy 💜
Thankfully - Noelle Adams addresses this beautifully in the early parts of the book as he clearly knows that what he feels for Leila is very different from what he experienced before. Thank God - now I could actually enjoy the book!
Very sweet story, loved both main characters but I especially liked the heroine - she was sweet yet strong and mature. Epilogue was swoon- worthy 💜
June 9, 2017
3.5 stars
December 14, 2023
DNF. Overdoing the cute kid bonding thing to bring him out of his shell etc
dnf
April 16, 2025DNF 35% ... It's just not holding my interest. They are both too reluctant.
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December 15, 2025Kindle UNLIMITED
October 7, 2013
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C’est toujours avec un immense plaisir que nous retrouvons Noelle Adams, auteure discrète d’une romance qui n’est sans doute pas le plus à la mode mais si pleine d’émotions justes qu’il est difficile de lui résister. Cette fois, c’est un héros déjà connu que nous retrouvons. Il était en quelques sorte l’amant délaissé dans A negociated marriage. Baron James était apparu comme séduisant, séducteur, homme à femme, musicien, homme d’affaires... Une sorte d’homme parfait mais très différent dans le livre qui lui est consacré.
C’est en réalité un homme fragilisé par la perte de son père et par une situation familiale un peu complexe. Il a hérité de l’entreprise familiale et a sur les épaules tout le poids d’une affaire que son père a monté seul et à laquelle il avait consacré sa vie. Ce n’est pas le choix de Baron qui assume pourtant avec courage mais en ressentant tout ce que cela change à sa vie. Il souffre également de solitude.
Il va retrouver, à sa grande surprise, une amie d’enfance, Leila, devenue professeur et très investie dans le projet de conservation d’une petite église qui n’est autre que celle qui a accueilli le mariage des parents de Baron. Ce petit coup de pouce du destin va le rapprocher de Leila et de ses filles, des jumelles. Et comme souvent avec Noelle Adams, ce n’est pas les héros qui vont se jeter l’un sur l’autre mais les enfants qui vont les rapprocher. Pas de passion au premier regard, même si Leila avait conçu un embarrassant béguin pour cet ami de son frère mais la montée dune tendresse profonde entre deux êtres qui ont été échaudés par la vie.
Le début du livre est un peu surprenant car Baron est différent. Il est très ébranlé par les événements récents et a perdu ses repères. Plus de saxo ( il est musicien aussi), plus d’homme expansif et sympathique mais plutôt un homme plein de questions qui n’est pas l’homme qu’était son père et tente de composer avec un frère qu’il a perdu de vue. Nous sommes loin des clichés : c’est un homme d’affaires peu convaincu et un frère déçu. Rien en s’arrangera miraculeusement dans une fin rose bonbon. Ce n’est pas le genre de l’auteure !
L’amour entre Leila et Baron va donc se développer lentement, au gré de rencontres adorables, autour des jumelles, une fois de plus plus vraies que nature. Ces deux gamines complémentaires sont délicieuses et Baron va entrer dans une relation avec elles aussi, lui qui n’a jamais approché d’enfants. Tout sonne juste entre eux, c’est doux, frais, passionné aussi et peu à peu, le livre se charge d’émotion. Il n’y a pas de grandes phrases pleines de pathos mais une atmosphère vibrante des émotions des personnages toujours très sensibles. C’est la grande force de Noelle Adams.
Baron James va donc rejoindre le groupe des héros atypiques de cette auteure. Nous sommes aux antipodes des mâles alphas mais en compagnie d’hommes ordinaires ou presque qui rencontrent des femmes qui pourraient être nous. Noelle Adams a un don d’observation de ses contemporains qui lui permet à chaque fois de nous faire entrer dans ses histoires. Nous continuerons donc à la suivre avec la plus grande attention.
C’est toujours avec un immense plaisir que nous retrouvons Noelle Adams, auteure discrète d’une romance qui n’est sans doute pas le plus à la mode mais si pleine d’émotions justes qu’il est difficile de lui résister. Cette fois, c’est un héros déjà connu que nous retrouvons. Il était en quelques sorte l’amant délaissé dans A negociated marriage. Baron James était apparu comme séduisant, séducteur, homme à femme, musicien, homme d’affaires... Une sorte d’homme parfait mais très différent dans le livre qui lui est consacré.
C’est en réalité un homme fragilisé par la perte de son père et par une situation familiale un peu complexe. Il a hérité de l’entreprise familiale et a sur les épaules tout le poids d’une affaire que son père a monté seul et à laquelle il avait consacré sa vie. Ce n’est pas le choix de Baron qui assume pourtant avec courage mais en ressentant tout ce que cela change à sa vie. Il souffre également de solitude.
Il va retrouver, à sa grande surprise, une amie d’enfance, Leila, devenue professeur et très investie dans le projet de conservation d’une petite église qui n’est autre que celle qui a accueilli le mariage des parents de Baron. Ce petit coup de pouce du destin va le rapprocher de Leila et de ses filles, des jumelles. Et comme souvent avec Noelle Adams, ce n’est pas les héros qui vont se jeter l’un sur l’autre mais les enfants qui vont les rapprocher. Pas de passion au premier regard, même si Leila avait conçu un embarrassant béguin pour cet ami de son frère mais la montée dune tendresse profonde entre deux êtres qui ont été échaudés par la vie.
Le début du livre est un peu surprenant car Baron est différent. Il est très ébranlé par les événements récents et a perdu ses repères. Plus de saxo ( il est musicien aussi), plus d’homme expansif et sympathique mais plutôt un homme plein de questions qui n’est pas l’homme qu’était son père et tente de composer avec un frère qu’il a perdu de vue. Nous sommes loin des clichés : c’est un homme d’affaires peu convaincu et un frère déçu. Rien en s’arrangera miraculeusement dans une fin rose bonbon. Ce n’est pas le genre de l’auteure !
L’amour entre Leila et Baron va donc se développer lentement, au gré de rencontres adorables, autour des jumelles, une fois de plus plus vraies que nature. Ces deux gamines complémentaires sont délicieuses et Baron va entrer dans une relation avec elles aussi, lui qui n’a jamais approché d’enfants. Tout sonne juste entre eux, c’est doux, frais, passionné aussi et peu à peu, le livre se charge d’émotion. Il n’y a pas de grandes phrases pleines de pathos mais une atmosphère vibrante des émotions des personnages toujours très sensibles. C’est la grande force de Noelle Adams.
Baron James va donc rejoindre le groupe des héros atypiques de cette auteure. Nous sommes aux antipodes des mâles alphas mais en compagnie d’hommes ordinaires ou presque qui rencontrent des femmes qui pourraient être nous. Noelle Adams a un don d’observation de ses contemporains qui lui permet à chaque fois de nous faire entrer dans ses histoires. Nous continuerons donc à la suivre avec la plus grande attention.
October 11, 2013
Revival. Noelle Adams.
Well, this sounded like a promising romance so eagerly dived in as that's what I was in the mood for, having just finished a complex paranormal. But....well...it Was romance, it was all the things it said it the description and it was just...nice. When I was at school our English teacher used to get really cross with us using certain words. Got and Nice were two of her real no-no's. She said nice was a really vague description – well sadly it fits this book well, its just bland. Its a sweet man meets woman, they’re reminded of their childhood and start a romance. And its...nice. Baron is nice, Leila is nice, the twins are nice...the only person who isn't is Baron's brother and we don't see much of him. I was waiting for some drama, something to go wrong, a bit where it would be sadly emotional and make me tearful ( I know. Masochist!)but..all I got was more and more nice. Even the break-up was done in a nice way, and everyone was so understanding it seemed emotionless.
So if you want an easy to read, happy ever after romance, with a sweet but very ordinary, basic plot then this book is for you. Me? Sorry but I need more – more depths to the characters, more emotion form them all and a plot that's got more substance. I didn't dislike the book, there wasn't anything to dislike but I just didn't like it either :(
It's priced at £1.91 for 258 pages so good value if its the sort of read you want, uncomplicated and easy to follow, sweet romance. Lots of people do – that's why M&B are so popular, sadly I need more.
Stars: 2.5 – it was inoffensive and just OK, not bad just not good either for me, but as always this is a personal view and others have different tastes.
NB: ARC provided by Netgalley
Well, this sounded like a promising romance so eagerly dived in as that's what I was in the mood for, having just finished a complex paranormal. But....well...it Was romance, it was all the things it said it the description and it was just...nice. When I was at school our English teacher used to get really cross with us using certain words. Got and Nice were two of her real no-no's. She said nice was a really vague description – well sadly it fits this book well, its just bland. Its a sweet man meets woman, they’re reminded of their childhood and start a romance. And its...nice. Baron is nice, Leila is nice, the twins are nice...the only person who isn't is Baron's brother and we don't see much of him. I was waiting for some drama, something to go wrong, a bit where it would be sadly emotional and make me tearful ( I know. Masochist!)but..all I got was more and more nice. Even the break-up was done in a nice way, and everyone was so understanding it seemed emotionless.
So if you want an easy to read, happy ever after romance, with a sweet but very ordinary, basic plot then this book is for you. Me? Sorry but I need more – more depths to the characters, more emotion form them all and a plot that's got more substance. I didn't dislike the book, there wasn't anything to dislike but I just didn't like it either :(
It's priced at £1.91 for 258 pages so good value if its the sort of read you want, uncomplicated and easy to follow, sweet romance. Lots of people do – that's why M&B are so popular, sadly I need more.
Stars: 2.5 – it was inoffensive and just OK, not bad just not good either for me, but as always this is a personal view and others have different tastes.
NB: ARC provided by Netgalley
December 21, 2013
Akhirnya kelar... gw ga gt enjoy! Emang gw kurang suka kl hero/heroine nya itu duda/janda si heheehe
Baron James, mantan pacarnya Molly (sex buddy ding) dan temennya hero buju 2, bajingan ya kaga si... cuma pecinta wanita saja mungkin, pokoknya kehidupan yg tadinya die lakukan dgn liarnya tiba2 harus berubah ketika Ayahnya meninggal. Die musti balik ke Boston dan ngurusin kerjaan bisnis babenya, awalnya die ngarep adeknya Steven mau pulang dan bantuin die tp nyatanya steven nolak mentah2. Yups... die ngerasa tertekan dgn pekerjaaan menggunung, ga bisa jadi diri sendiri lagi tp terutama die ngerasa kesepian pas steven nolak die, ngerasa ga py keluarga hingga die ketemu ama Leila.
Leila, cerai dan punya dua anak kembar, Jane n Charlothe (bener kaga ya namanya kekekeke). Dia cerai gegara suaminya selingkuh dgn alasan Leila kaga bisa jadi istri yg die harepin (pret lah). Leila ini adek temen masa mudanya James dan profesor.
Mereka ketemu lagi pas James ingin ngebeli tanah univ tempat Leila ngajar, awalnya malah ketemu si kembar dulu ding, ya pokoknya gt lah... James ngerasa py keluarga lagi pas bareng mereka b3, dan Leila sendiri awalnya jg ragu secara kan die py anak yg musti dipikirin meski dr kecil die ude ngepens James. Konfliknya lebih ke James yg berkomitmen dan membentuk keluarga ngadepin ketakutan masing2 deh pokoknya... tipikal si, James yg ketakutan trs di komporin Molly (btw die lg hamil 5bulan) ya gitu lah..... kelar jg gw baca series inI hehheheeh....
Baron James, mantan pacarnya Molly (sex buddy ding) dan temennya hero buju 2, bajingan ya kaga si... cuma pecinta wanita saja mungkin, pokoknya kehidupan yg tadinya die lakukan dgn liarnya tiba2 harus berubah ketika Ayahnya meninggal. Die musti balik ke Boston dan ngurusin kerjaan bisnis babenya, awalnya die ngarep adeknya Steven mau pulang dan bantuin die tp nyatanya steven nolak mentah2. Yups... die ngerasa tertekan dgn pekerjaaan menggunung, ga bisa jadi diri sendiri lagi tp terutama die ngerasa kesepian pas steven nolak die, ngerasa ga py keluarga hingga die ketemu ama Leila.
Leila, cerai dan punya dua anak kembar, Jane n Charlothe (bener kaga ya namanya kekekeke). Dia cerai gegara suaminya selingkuh dgn alasan Leila kaga bisa jadi istri yg die harepin (pret lah). Leila ini adek temen masa mudanya James dan profesor.
Mereka ketemu lagi pas James ingin ngebeli tanah univ tempat Leila ngajar, awalnya malah ketemu si kembar dulu ding, ya pokoknya gt lah... James ngerasa py keluarga lagi pas bareng mereka b3, dan Leila sendiri awalnya jg ragu secara kan die py anak yg musti dipikirin meski dr kecil die ude ngepens James. Konfliknya lebih ke James yg berkomitmen dan membentuk keluarga ngadepin ketakutan masing2 deh pokoknya... tipikal si, James yg ketakutan trs di komporin Molly (btw die lg hamil 5bulan) ya gitu lah..... kelar jg gw baca series inI hehheheeh....
August 3, 2016
3 Stars
Leila fell in love with Baron James as a young girl. When they reconnect in Revival, she is a divorced mother of twins and he is a lonely bachelor and ex-playboy embarking on a new chapter of his life. She is cautious with him at first, but they slowly form a friendship and eventually a romance blooms between them.
This book didn't blow me away, but Leila and Baron's relationship is realistic and steamy. Baron falls for Leila and her girls, and they take him in and accept him with all of their hearts. But his heart is still too cold and not ready to accept the fact that he is worth loving...will Leila fight for him, or let him get away?
This is book 3 in the Negotiated Marriage series, but you don't have to read the other books to enjoy this one. I read #1 in this series, A Negotiated Marriage, but not #2. A few characters overlapped here and there but I'd say this is a Standalone with a lovely HEA! It's a quick and enjoyable read!
Leila fell in love with Baron James as a young girl. When they reconnect in Revival, she is a divorced mother of twins and he is a lonely bachelor and ex-playboy embarking on a new chapter of his life. She is cautious with him at first, but they slowly form a friendship and eventually a romance blooms between them.
This book didn't blow me away, but Leila and Baron's relationship is realistic and steamy. Baron falls for Leila and her girls, and they take him in and accept him with all of their hearts. But his heart is still too cold and not ready to accept the fact that he is worth loving...will Leila fight for him, or let him get away?
This is book 3 in the Negotiated Marriage series, but you don't have to read the other books to enjoy this one. I read #1 in this series, A Negotiated Marriage, but not #2. A few characters overlapped here and there but I'd say this is a Standalone with a lovely HEA! It's a quick and enjoyable read!
October 11, 2013
Molly's (Book 1 - A Negotiated Marriage) ex gets his story.
Baron James was Leila's first crush, back when she was twelve and he was her brother's best friend. Leila is now divorced, a mom to adorable 6-year old twin girls and a professor at a Boston College.
Baron has a reputation as a playboy, thrill seeker and a happy go-lucky type. His father's recent death has him taking over the reigns to the family company. He is stressed, overwhelmed and the rift between him and his brother, Steven is taking a toll on him.
I enjoyed the book, reading about how Baron interacted with the twins and how he always made sure he kept his word to them just made me melt.
Baron and Leila's romance was sweet. It wasn't too complicated, they got their HEA and gave me some warm fuzzy moments to swoon over.
Baron James was Leila's first crush, back when she was twelve and he was her brother's best friend. Leila is now divorced, a mom to adorable 6-year old twin girls and a professor at a Boston College.
Baron has a reputation as a playboy, thrill seeker and a happy go-lucky type. His father's recent death has him taking over the reigns to the family company. He is stressed, overwhelmed and the rift between him and his brother, Steven is taking a toll on him.
I enjoyed the book, reading about how Baron interacted with the twins and how he always made sure he kept his word to them just made me melt.
Baron and Leila's romance was sweet. It wasn't too complicated, they got their HEA and gave me some warm fuzzy moments to swoon over.
October 15, 2013
"Revival" by Noelle Adams - I liked the concept of this story. The beginning was great - I enjoy when there are flashbacks to give you some history into the characters' backgrounds. I would have like to seen a bit more, especially from Baron.
I found the relationship between Baron and Leila odd. To me, it didn't seem like they really connected at all. He was fantastic with the Jane and Charlotte but I never felt the "sizzle" between the H/h. Since the development of the relationship progressed slowly, I would have liked to seen a bit more of their time together to show how they fell in love, especially since they had a history together. That could've been expanded on a bit more.
Overall, it was a fairly quick read and a light read too.
I found the relationship between Baron and Leila odd. To me, it didn't seem like they really connected at all. He was fantastic with the Jane and Charlotte but I never felt the "sizzle" between the H/h. Since the development of the relationship progressed slowly, I would have liked to seen a bit more of their time together to show how they fell in love, especially since they had a history together. That could've been expanded on a bit more.
Overall, it was a fairly quick read and a light read too.
October 9, 2013
never could be disappointed with this author.
the length and the story was enough and good.
I had in mind what kind of storyline for this book. what if? and got confirmations over and over. I had expected or saw possibilities. predictions. but I wasn't disappointed. so it was positive.
And this book could really bring aches and heartwarming.
I also had in one point some questions aboit what term the girls would call him if we have an happy ending.
anyway this book was pretty good. worth to read.
the length and the story was enough and good.
I had in mind what kind of storyline for this book. what if? and got confirmations over and over. I had expected or saw possibilities. predictions. but I wasn't disappointed. so it was positive.
And this book could really bring aches and heartwarming.
I also had in one point some questions aboit what term the girls would call him if we have an happy ending.
anyway this book was pretty good. worth to read.
October 13, 2013
This is book 2 in a series, and evidently the hero is the ex of the heroine in book 1. The book stood alone, but I think I would have liked to read them in order. This was a sweet romance. It was light afternoon reading with engaging characters and an enjoyable journey to happily ever after. Second chance love well done, Ms. Adams.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2014
I loved it! I loved all the relationship angles. I loved the humour, the emotions, and the love. I also loved Jane and Charlotte and how they slowly helped heal Baron's brokenness, along with the love of their mother Leila.
I did want to know a little more about why Baron so needed to fulfil his father's dreams. I guess knowing about that relationship would have helped.
Overall, it was a good read.
I did want to know a little more about why Baron so needed to fulfil his father's dreams. I guess knowing about that relationship would have helped.
Overall, it was a good read.
August 31, 2015
I loved this book! Super romantic and love how lives and paths cross in this great big world! I think I am in love with Baron as well......we all have been there and done embarassing things like write a love poem to a friend's hot brother......and then have it come haunt you from years ago......I loved the interactions betweeen Baron and the twins. The history games were a riot! And ahhhhhhh the church! Sigh.......
October 31, 2013
I have been reading a lot of Adams' (Claire Kent) work recently. Something about the way she writes speaks to me. This book goes on my favorites shelf. The story is a little different but heartwarming and sexy. I cried more than once. If you are a fan, this one is not to be missed. If not, a great one to give her a try.
September 14, 2015
After second book in the series I had doubt about this book but the author had done a good job.
I really loved the twins. Sometimes it felt like they weren't like six years Olds at all more like 10 year olds. They were just adorable.
The way their relationship progressed was just awesome. I hated baron in the end and thank god he realised his mistake before it was too late.
I really loved the twins. Sometimes it felt like they weren't like six years Olds at all more like 10 year olds. They were just adorable.
The way their relationship progressed was just awesome. I hated baron in the end and thank god he realised his mistake before it was too late.
January 12, 2014
I'm sorry to say that I really didn't enjoy this book. I did finish it. .but it was finished with me skimming through the pages. To me the book was lacking. We never did hear the reason why Steven hated Baron so much. I would not recommend this book.
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