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New Haven #4
Revive Me: Part Three: The Apology
The next book in the New Haven series, interconnected standalones featuring second chances, fiery passion, and Black heroines who get their happily ever afters. This is part three of a trilogy.
Mallory
Hope is a dangerous thing. It holds you close like a lover, whispering promises it never intends to keep, and just as soon as you relax into its arms, it lets you go. Sending you spinning into an abyss of nothingness. When I sent him away four years ago, he promised he would come back to me, and even as I asked him not to, I hoped that he would.
Hope. I tucked it deep inside of me, underneath the scars of our before, beside the dreams of our after. Hidden like contraband. Guarded like a treasure. Broken like every promise that ever fell from his lips and hit my ears. Eventually, I got tired of hoping, of waiting for him, and I plunged my hands inside my own heart, ripping past scar tissue and muscle, veins and arteries to root it out.
Hope. He conspired with it to make a fool of me, and when I freed myself from it, exorcised that pointless dream, I promised myself that no one would get the chance to do that to me again. Then, and only then, did he appear.
My promise, a spell that conjured him. My determination, a challenge. My heart, the only prize he hopes to win.
Christopher
Life without Mallory Kent has taught me that time doesn't heal wounds. It turns them into scars. Jagged tissue that grows around your pain, covering it with raised skin that will never again be smooth to the touch. My first scar formed when I was just a child. Too young to fully understand what my mother's loss would mean for my life but old enough to remember the echo of the pain inside my empty chest. It was a unique agony. One I never expected to feel again.
But that was before I loved her. Before I let things that had nothing to do with us cost me everything.
It's been four years since I decided to honor her request to stay away. To move on with my life and give her a chance to move on with hers. And she might not agree, but it was more than enough time for us to try and do the impossible. The only thing our time apart has done is remind me that wherever she is, is where I'm supposed to be.
Now I just have to make her believe it.
Mallory
Hope is a dangerous thing. It holds you close like a lover, whispering promises it never intends to keep, and just as soon as you relax into its arms, it lets you go. Sending you spinning into an abyss of nothingness. When I sent him away four years ago, he promised he would come back to me, and even as I asked him not to, I hoped that he would.
Hope. I tucked it deep inside of me, underneath the scars of our before, beside the dreams of our after. Hidden like contraband. Guarded like a treasure. Broken like every promise that ever fell from his lips and hit my ears. Eventually, I got tired of hoping, of waiting for him, and I plunged my hands inside my own heart, ripping past scar tissue and muscle, veins and arteries to root it out.
Hope. He conspired with it to make a fool of me, and when I freed myself from it, exorcised that pointless dream, I promised myself that no one would get the chance to do that to me again. Then, and only then, did he appear.
My promise, a spell that conjured him. My determination, a challenge. My heart, the only prize he hopes to win.
Christopher
Life without Mallory Kent has taught me that time doesn't heal wounds. It turns them into scars. Jagged tissue that grows around your pain, covering it with raised skin that will never again be smooth to the touch. My first scar formed when I was just a child. Too young to fully understand what my mother's loss would mean for my life but old enough to remember the echo of the pain inside my empty chest. It was a unique agony. One I never expected to feel again.
But that was before I loved her. Before I let things that had nothing to do with us cost me everything.
It's been four years since I decided to honor her request to stay away. To move on with my life and give her a chance to move on with hers. And she might not agree, but it was more than enough time for us to try and do the impossible. The only thing our time apart has done is remind me that wherever she is, is where I'm supposed to be.
Now I just have to make her believe it.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
About the author
J.L. Seegars
16 books2,902 followersJ.L. Seegars is a dedicated smut peddler and lifelong nerd who’s always had a love of words, storytelling and drama. When she isn’t writing messy and emotionally complex characters like the ones she grew up around, she’s watching reality TV, supporting her fellow authors by devouring their work or spending time with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 622 reviews
June 27, 2023
i am so incredibly disappointed by this book. i love jl seegars and i will read anything she writes because her writing is absolutely beautiful to me. but i will say that mal and chris’ story simply dragged on for too long. three books for one couple is just too many.
i found myself irritated while reading many parts of the book. i just feel like chris and mal’s story really did not need this many pages and books. and a lot of the things felt very repetitive from the first two books. also a lot of the things chris would say and do for mal felt the same as before, so it didn’t feel “special.” i’ve connected them to that version of chris, and my subconscious kept waiting for mal to end up heartbroken again after letting him in. it was hard for me to trust that this time he would stay with her. to me, it always feels like he’s one family crisis away from leaving her behind, again.
and i don’t think he grovelled enough. i definitely was not left satisfied. he was crying shaking and dying when she was avoiding him for a month, but he legit left her for 10 years, so….yeah.
”I love him so much, but he scares me. In the 'he has the power to emotionally decimate me' kind of way.”
she let him back into her life way too easily. it made more sense in book 2 because they were grieving over their loss and and vulnerable, but in this book, it surprised me how quick she agreed to continue seeing him and how quickly they got intimate with one another. especially when he left her twice in ten years 🫥. and i don’t doubt chris loves mal. they love each other, but it’s the trust that i’m struggling with. would it not always be in the back of her mind that he would leave her or something would happen again? because it was always in the back of my mind lmao.
and i love sloane, dom and mama but why were they so quick be supportive her letting chris back in? i do think a huge reason could be because mal covers up her feelings really well, and they didn’t know the extent to which he broke her, but when they did, why were they all so “team chris” because if that was my daughter or my sister i would be saying fuck him. leave him. you deserve better.
anyways, for me, domsloane happiness and seeing amina and jax are what carried the book. i unfortunately couldn’t find myself connecting to mal and chris as a couple anymore. i fear jl seegars might have girlbossed a little too close to the sun with this one.
also omg i think the next book will probably be about sebastian adler or teresa??
i found myself irritated while reading many parts of the book. i just feel like chris and mal’s story really did not need this many pages and books. and a lot of the things felt very repetitive from the first two books. also a lot of the things chris would say and do for mal felt the same as before, so it didn’t feel “special.” i’ve connected them to that version of chris, and my subconscious kept waiting for mal to end up heartbroken again after letting him in. it was hard for me to trust that this time he would stay with her. to me, it always feels like he’s one family crisis away from leaving her behind, again.
and i don’t think he grovelled enough. i definitely was not left satisfied. he was crying shaking and dying when she was avoiding him for a month, but he legit left her for 10 years, so….yeah.
”I love him so much, but he scares me. In the 'he has the power to emotionally decimate me' kind of way.”
she let him back into her life way too easily. it made more sense in book 2 because they were grieving over their loss and and vulnerable, but in this book, it surprised me how quick she agreed to continue seeing him and how quickly they got intimate with one another. especially when he left her twice in ten years 🫥. and i don’t doubt chris loves mal. they love each other, but it’s the trust that i’m struggling with. would it not always be in the back of her mind that he would leave her or something would happen again? because it was always in the back of my mind lmao.
and i love sloane, dom and mama but why were they so quick be supportive her letting chris back in? i do think a huge reason could be because mal covers up her feelings really well, and they didn’t know the extent to which he broke her, but when they did, why were they all so “team chris” because if that was my daughter or my sister i would be saying fuck him. leave him. you deserve better.
anyways, for me, domsloane happiness and seeing amina and jax are what carried the book. i unfortunately couldn’t find myself connecting to mal and chris as a couple anymore. i fear jl seegars might have girlbossed a little too close to the sun with this one.
also omg i think the next book will probably be about sebastian adler or teresa??
July 4, 2026
4/5
Sooooo in love with Chris and Mallory!!!! We NEED more books where characters get multiple books to tell their love story. The way I can literally feel their emotions jumping off the page needs to be studied!!!
Sooooo in love with Chris and Mallory!!!! We NEED more books where characters get multiple books to tell their love story. The way I can literally feel their emotions jumping off the page needs to be studied!!!
July 1, 2023
I love malchris but three books weren’t needed :/
June 14, 2023
after three books, i can happily say i made it to the end of chris + mal’s love story in one piece. granted i’m glued together and hanging on by a thread because JL broke me into a million little pieces in the first two books. but she came back out me back together like i was humpty dumpty sitting on a wall.
the growth of both characters made my heart swell. it’s been such a ride seeing them go from naive college kids to adults who healed themselves after
going through unspeakable trauma.
i’ve said it once and i’ll say it again. the way seegars weaves words together is truly art. she is a master at making you feel things while reading her books. i laughed. i cried. i cussed everybody and they mama (not mama tho. she’s an angel). i went through a wide range of emotions while reading this. well done, JL.
the growth of both characters made my heart swell. it’s been such a ride seeing them go from naive college kids to adults who healed themselves after
going through unspeakable trauma.
i’ve said it once and i’ll say it again. the way seegars weaves words together is truly art. she is a master at making you feel things while reading her books. i laughed. i cried. i cussed everybody and they mama (not mama tho. she’s an angel). i went through a wide range of emotions while reading this. well done, JL.
June 19, 2023
Tooooo damn long
I really love Chris' heart, but nearly 1200 pages on Chris and Mal's story? Seriously?! Listen, this last book was nearly 500 pgs long and 51 chapters of a whole bunch of fluff. I almost DNF quite a few times, but I needed to know how it ended, which was kind of anticlimactic after all of the extra story lines that were thrown into poor Chris' life. These 3 separate books should have really been combined for all of the retelling of certain parts. I am annoyed, and I want my 2 days back.
I really love Chris' heart, but nearly 1200 pages on Chris and Mal's story? Seriously?! Listen, this last book was nearly 500 pgs long and 51 chapters of a whole bunch of fluff. I almost DNF quite a few times, but I needed to know how it ended, which was kind of anticlimactic after all of the extra story lines that were thrown into poor Chris' life. These 3 separate books should have really been combined for all of the retelling of certain parts. I am annoyed, and I want my 2 days back.
March 16, 2026
3.25⭐️
Whew!! I thought I’d never make it to the end of this one… Geez!!
I’m so happy that Chris and Mallory’s story gave me everything I wanted for them from the first book, however, did it have to take 450+ pages to do so? 😩
I felt like there was way too much repetitive inner monologue in this one making the book DRAG. The repetitiveness was actually from all three Revive Me books too, so some parts I felt like I was just re-reading the other two in the series and that got annoying really fast for me.
However, at about the 60-70% mark I was able to get into the story more because there was originality put in and made it more interesting to see then do something a bit different besides Mallory stringing that poor man along like she did the entire book!😤
Chris’ personal story had me locked in as well! 🫢
The last 30% of this saved the rating honestly because I was ready to abort mission😂
Overall, I’m glad they finally got their HEA and I hope to see them make cameo appearances in the next two books of this series🩷
Whew!! I thought I’d never make it to the end of this one… Geez!!
I’m so happy that Chris and Mallory’s story gave me everything I wanted for them from the first book, however, did it have to take 450+ pages to do so? 😩
I felt like there was way too much repetitive inner monologue in this one making the book DRAG. The repetitiveness was actually from all three Revive Me books too, so some parts I felt like I was just re-reading the other two in the series and that got annoying really fast for me.
However, at about the 60-70% mark I was able to get into the story more because there was originality put in and made it more interesting to see then do something a bit different besides Mallory stringing that poor man along like she did the entire book!😤
Chris’ personal story had me locked in as well! 🫢
The last 30% of this saved the rating honestly because I was ready to abort mission😂
Overall, I’m glad they finally got their HEA and I hope to see them make cameo appearances in the next two books of this series🩷
June 17, 2023
I think it’s really hard to write a trilogy in romance. What was missing from this third book was the high-stakes from book 1. I think, book 2, and book 3 could have been one book. Spoilers: we spend so much time in book 2 with Chris and Mallory just reconnecting and she doesn’t find out the whole story of why he left until the very end of the book. However, Chris ends up leaving again and it doesn’t really make sense because there’s no real stakes for them to not be together like there was in book one. Reese can’t destroy Mallory‘s life, because she already knows what he’s capable of and it makes no sense for them to have to split up again especially for another four years.
I think it would’ve made sense if that trust fund had been in Chris’s name, and that Reese had somehow tricked him into signing for it back in book one that would’ve made the stakes really high if Giselle went down for the medical fraud, because Chris could’ve also been implicated. It would have made the decision for them to be together more interesting. I just felt like Mallory was all over the place and I would cringe at some of the parts with her and Sloan. I know they are best friends but when she just walked in to her house, I was like girl Sloan is engaged, you can’t just intrude. It felt like everyone was moving forward and Mallory was still acting like a college girl when she’s 30! It was good she was in therapy but I found myself not really taking Mallory seriously. I think because I loved Mallory so much in Book 1, I was disappointed.
I get that she became more sexually liberated but her character was just 180 from Book 1. If Book 2 and 3 were one book with two parts, with some adjustments, Chris groveling, Reese going down, the plot twist with his Mom, Mallory taking risks with her career it would have been more of a satisfying end. This book just felt long and the predictable. I kind of wish Mallory’s job opportunity would have been something that took her out of New Haven. If she received that job opportunity in Book 2 but it would require her to be out of state or something and then her sending Chris away would be her choosing herself.
Then by book 3, we see her in therapy working through her issues, maybe trying to actually date seriously not the club hookups and Chris shows back up wanting another chance but having this potential case on his back and trying to take down Reese. Then maybe Mallory decides she wants to try being friends and they actually get that connection they had in book 1 back. Then it ends with Mallory choosing to be with Chris and happily ever after etc.
I don’t know y’all I’m an avid reader and JL Seegars is a ridiculously talented writer but this felt rushed, maybe she under pressure from all of the TikTok hype? We literally never get anything else from Reese, RJ like doesn’t exist in this book, the plot was just all over the place.
This May be an unpopular opinion but I didn’t like the crossover with Sloan and Dominic. The plot from Restore Me and Revive Me were just all over the place, I just wished they were truly separate books/timelines. Why couldn’t this book just be set after Sloan and Dom are already married? They didn’t add anything to the story! Even their wedding planning was unnecessary.
This is my last point and again might be unpopular, I’m starting to hate when romance writers just throw in a bunch of unnecessary smut when they could use that space for non sexual intimacy. Yes, I’m talking about the vacation to Antigua. It was the cringiest storyline, I’ve read to date. Chris’ character development makes me believe that he would never want other men and women seeing/watching Mal get off. I get the chase metaphor starting from book 1 but by book 3 it was cheesy. I think Book 1 chase metaphor was good but book 2 should have been running away/hiding metaphor and then book 3 could be standing still/allowing yourself to be found and the vulnerability that it takes to be seen.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I read it just get it over with but I’m disappointed. So much potential but completely missed the mark. I really think that Book 2 set Bool 3 up to fail. The plot was not strong enough from Book 2 to carry over and compel me as a reader to still care about the relationship. 🤷🏾♀️
I think it would’ve made sense if that trust fund had been in Chris’s name, and that Reese had somehow tricked him into signing for it back in book one that would’ve made the stakes really high if Giselle went down for the medical fraud, because Chris could’ve also been implicated. It would have made the decision for them to be together more interesting. I just felt like Mallory was all over the place and I would cringe at some of the parts with her and Sloan. I know they are best friends but when she just walked in to her house, I was like girl Sloan is engaged, you can’t just intrude. It felt like everyone was moving forward and Mallory was still acting like a college girl when she’s 30! It was good she was in therapy but I found myself not really taking Mallory seriously. I think because I loved Mallory so much in Book 1, I was disappointed.
I get that she became more sexually liberated but her character was just 180 from Book 1. If Book 2 and 3 were one book with two parts, with some adjustments, Chris groveling, Reese going down, the plot twist with his Mom, Mallory taking risks with her career it would have been more of a satisfying end. This book just felt long and the predictable. I kind of wish Mallory’s job opportunity would have been something that took her out of New Haven. If she received that job opportunity in Book 2 but it would require her to be out of state or something and then her sending Chris away would be her choosing herself.
Then by book 3, we see her in therapy working through her issues, maybe trying to actually date seriously not the club hookups and Chris shows back up wanting another chance but having this potential case on his back and trying to take down Reese. Then maybe Mallory decides she wants to try being friends and they actually get that connection they had in book 1 back. Then it ends with Mallory choosing to be with Chris and happily ever after etc.
I don’t know y’all I’m an avid reader and JL Seegars is a ridiculously talented writer but this felt rushed, maybe she under pressure from all of the TikTok hype? We literally never get anything else from Reese, RJ like doesn’t exist in this book, the plot was just all over the place.
This May be an unpopular opinion but I didn’t like the crossover with Sloan and Dominic. The plot from Restore Me and Revive Me were just all over the place, I just wished they were truly separate books/timelines. Why couldn’t this book just be set after Sloan and Dom are already married? They didn’t add anything to the story! Even their wedding planning was unnecessary.
This is my last point and again might be unpopular, I’m starting to hate when romance writers just throw in a bunch of unnecessary smut when they could use that space for non sexual intimacy. Yes, I’m talking about the vacation to Antigua. It was the cringiest storyline, I’ve read to date. Chris’ character development makes me believe that he would never want other men and women seeing/watching Mal get off. I get the chase metaphor starting from book 1 but by book 3 it was cheesy. I think Book 1 chase metaphor was good but book 2 should have been running away/hiding metaphor and then book 3 could be standing still/allowing yourself to be found and the vulnerability that it takes to be seen.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I read it just get it over with but I’m disappointed. So much potential but completely missed the mark. I really think that Book 2 set Bool 3 up to fail. The plot was not strong enough from Book 2 to carry over and compel me as a reader to still care about the relationship. 🤷🏾♀️
June 19, 2023
The ending we deserved!
Chris and Mal can finally just be and live happily ever after! 😭 This book starts four years post part 2 and timelines match up with Restore Me which I thoroughly enjoyed because again it gives us insight into Dom/Sloane and Sloane/Eric from a different perspective and new insight that wasn’t revealed in Restore Me. JL Seegars draws you in with the back-and-forth pull of Chris and Mal. While I had my frustrations with Mal’s indecisive behavior and constant running to and from Chris, when I think about it, she had every right not to trust him. I’m so glad Chris didn’t give up and that he gave up his hero complex to let her in about everything. He no longer kept her in the dark so they could fight in the light together! Teresa almost pissed me off but I’m glad that was short-lived lol. Giselle is still trash and I hate that I had any sympathy for her in this book! RJ is still irrelevant, Isabelle changed the game, and the dad got what he deserved! That’s all I will say about that! I’m ready to continue with this series and see what is next! This will be a series I revisit! The pacing was great, and a lot of great smut! 😆 I will say that the Antigua scene with the running was something else and I too would’ve been like Mal 😆 lol. Overall a great end to a beautiful love story that didn’t let outside factors destroy their union. They figured it out and came out stronger than ever!!
Chris and Mal can finally just be and live happily ever after! 😭 This book starts four years post part 2 and timelines match up with Restore Me which I thoroughly enjoyed because again it gives us insight into Dom/Sloane and Sloane/Eric from a different perspective and new insight that wasn’t revealed in Restore Me. JL Seegars draws you in with the back-and-forth pull of Chris and Mal. While I had my frustrations with Mal’s indecisive behavior and constant running to and from Chris, when I think about it, she had every right not to trust him. I’m so glad Chris didn’t give up and that he gave up his hero complex to let her in about everything. He no longer kept her in the dark so they could fight in the light together! Teresa almost pissed me off but I’m glad that was short-lived lol. Giselle is still trash and I hate that I had any sympathy for her in this book! RJ is still irrelevant, Isabelle changed the game, and the dad got what he deserved! That’s all I will say about that! I’m ready to continue with this series and see what is next! This will be a series I revisit! The pacing was great, and a lot of great smut! 😆 I will say that the Antigua scene with the running was something else and I too would’ve been like Mal 😆 lol. Overall a great end to a beautiful love story that didn’t let outside factors destroy their union. They figured it out and came out stronger than ever!!
August 18, 2023
I am drained...
Revive me nearly drained my entire world of energy with this storyline. Mallory drove me to monumental fits of wanting her to just stop talking. Mallory's indecision about Chris, and the oscillating like a fan was so annoying. Chris kept coming back for more heart breaks because he felt bad for leaving Mallory. Big deal. Move on it, move out of the way, or stop being miserable. Then the deal with Nic and Sloan was another house of cards. The complexity in the story started to wane for me with the excessive repetition.... repetition in this edition. I liked this story, I did not love it, as I was drained when it was over. The author told a story, with a heavy dosage of drama, and realistic points about power hungry people. The love story parts balanced the dramatics.
Revive me nearly drained my entire world of energy with this storyline. Mallory drove me to monumental fits of wanting her to just stop talking. Mallory's indecision about Chris, and the oscillating like a fan was so annoying. Chris kept coming back for more heart breaks because he felt bad for leaving Mallory. Big deal. Move on it, move out of the way, or stop being miserable. Then the deal with Nic and Sloan was another house of cards. The complexity in the story started to wane for me with the excessive repetition.... repetition in this edition. I liked this story, I did not love it, as I was drained when it was over. The author told a story, with a heavy dosage of drama, and realistic points about power hungry people. The love story parts balanced the dramatics.
November 10, 2025
I've finally reached the conclusion of Chis and Mallory's story! This was a fun ride! Although this story was 3 books total, it never felt dragged out. The author kept me engaged and wanting more!
The two main characters drove me crazy and made me smile at the same time! 🩷 They were both faced with so many ups and downs, but Chris was determined to win Mallory's heart regardless of how many obstacles got in the way.
Read this story if you love strong character development and depth that will evoke so many emotions!
The two main characters drove me crazy and made me smile at the same time! 🩷 They were both faced with so many ups and downs, but Chris was determined to win Mallory's heart regardless of how many obstacles got in the way.
Read this story if you love strong character development and depth that will evoke so many emotions!
June 21, 2023
I hate to admit that this was a struggle for me. Seegars writing is incredible to read, but this was so drawn out. There was too much going on, and for the first ~40% of this book I felt like I was reading Dominic and Sloane’s story all over again.
Also, I’m going to be honest, I was frustrated with Chris at the end of this book. It felt like he learned nothing about keeping secrets from the important people in his life with the way he kept things from his sister.
I will definitely continue with the New Haven series, I just hope the future releases are a little more concise.
Also, I’m going to be honest, I was frustrated with Chris at the end of this book. It felt like he learned nothing about keeping secrets from the important people in his life with the way he kept things from his sister.
I will definitely continue with the New Haven series, I just hope the future releases are a little more concise.
November 27, 2024
3.75⭐️ i loved seeing the journey chris and mallory go through, and even though i was holding a major grudge towards chris through most of these books, jl seegars just has a way of still making me like him! and the groveling?! I LOVE TO SEE IT. but being FULLY honest, if it was me in mallory’s position, i would’ve straight up slapped that man and never talked to him again. mallory is clearly better than me. 😭😅😅
March 3, 2024
2 stars
“There aren't many things I'm sure of in this world, but I am sure that I was made to love Mallory Kent, to guard her secrets and her truths, to kiss her scars, and ensure that nothing, not even me, causes her pain again.”
We are finally out of the woods and Mallory and Chris finally had their happily ever after. There was so much longing and angst in this book. Mallory and Chris are both so far gone for each other. I liked the grovelling and Chris's redemption arc. He did his best to save his relationship with Mallory and it was so heartbreaking to see him shackled and tortured by his fucked up father.
This is my least favourite book in this series and mostly it's because Mallory and Chris's story was dragged on for way too long. Sure, there is a decade of hurt and pain between them and they have to move on from their past to look forward to their new future together, but their story didn't needed three books. It could've easily been wrapped up in two books.
I liked that Chris and Mallory both are in therapy for all the trauma they had to deal with in their life and it was needed for their growth and development. I liked how Chris was so adamant about his future with Mallory and how he did everything to reassure Mallory that he won't leave her again. Mallory's fear of being left alone by Chris wasn't unfounded and she something from Chris that could prove that Chris is in New Haven for her now and that he won't leave her again just like he did in the past.
Chris and Mallory's story is heartbreaking and devastating but it's also beautiful and precious. It took them ten years to finally get to the place they always dreamed of when they first fell in love but it was all worth it in end because they have the love and family they deserve.
“There aren't many things I'm sure of in this world, but I am sure that I was made to love Mallory Kent, to guard her secrets and her truths, to kiss her scars, and ensure that nothing, not even me, causes her pain again.”
We are finally out of the woods and Mallory and Chris finally had their happily ever after. There was so much longing and angst in this book. Mallory and Chris are both so far gone for each other. I liked the grovelling and Chris's redemption arc. He did his best to save his relationship with Mallory and it was so heartbreaking to see him shackled and tortured by his fucked up father.
This is my least favourite book in this series and mostly it's because Mallory and Chris's story was dragged on for way too long. Sure, there is a decade of hurt and pain between them and they have to move on from their past to look forward to their new future together, but their story didn't needed three books. It could've easily been wrapped up in two books.
“I love you, Mallory, and I’ve never had a choice in the matter. But, even if I did, I would never choose differently. Even if I lived a thousand lives, my soul would seek yours out. No matter what form I take, what name I'm called by, or what part of the universe I'm designated to, it'd still belong to you. I'd still belong to you.”
I liked that Chris and Mallory both are in therapy for all the trauma they had to deal with in their life and it was needed for their growth and development. I liked how Chris was so adamant about his future with Mallory and how he did everything to reassure Mallory that he won't leave her again. Mallory's fear of being left alone by Chris wasn't unfounded and she something from Chris that could prove that Chris is in New Haven for her now and that he won't leave her again just like he did in the past.
Chris and Mallory's story is heartbreaking and devastating but it's also beautiful and precious. It took them ten years to finally get to the place they always dreamed of when they first fell in love but it was all worth it in end because they have the love and family they deserve.
“Every time you walked away from one of them, you took a step closer to me, Mallory. And when you're done running, when you finally come home, when you believe me when I say I'm sorry, and you trust that I'm not going anywhere without you ever again, you'll agree that every man who's touched you has only served as a reminder that you were made for me.”
August 27, 2025
Mallory and Chris finally got their HEA. It was a long run and not without its flaws. I really enjoyed Part 1 and 2. I liked this one but it sadly had too many issues.
What I really liked was the yearning. So good. From both Chris and Mallory but Chris in particular. He had a lot to make up for and he did his work to get his soulmate and woman back.
The side characters were great. Especially Mallory’s Mama. I adored her. Also Sloane and Dom were there but I could’ve done without the whole Restore Me recap.
The romance was there but what sadly overshadowed it all was the length of the story and the repetition. It was way too long.
Revive Me Part 3 wasn’t my favorite of the trilogy but I’m glad the couple got what they deserved. Each other.
What I really liked was the yearning. So good. From both Chris and Mallory but Chris in particular. He had a lot to make up for and he did his work to get his soulmate and woman back.
The side characters were great. Especially Mallory’s Mama. I adored her. Also Sloane and Dom were there but I could’ve done without the whole Restore Me recap.
The romance was there but what sadly overshadowed it all was the length of the story and the repetition. It was way too long.
Revive Me Part 3 wasn’t my favorite of the trilogy but I’m glad the couple got what they deserved. Each other.
August 26, 2023
Mallory & Chris…their story hits differently for me, thinking about wouldas and shouldas. The world would miss out on four 5-star reads if J.L. Seegars kept this series hidden. Writing such a visceral, emotional, and at times devastating novel is a gift. Although I felt complete emotional damage, I loved every word.
June 22, 2023
Chris + Mal = foreva 🥲🫶🏽
June 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️: Least favorite of the series but I still enjoyed it. It dragged a bit too much and Mal started to really annoy me lol. Still happy to finish their story!
June 19, 2023
disappointed
The first 3 books Amazing. This book I felt very disconnected to the point of skipping pages. alot of internal monolog that we're in the middle of conversations. I expected her to run away from him but nearly at 75% of the book wtf. The ending very rushed no babies no wedding. I felt so disappointed we waited so long for part 4. Retelling of important aspect of conversations/ interaction were describe as " i sat and told them everything" no emotion or feeling as if I'm sitting on the edge of my seat. I love this author but part 4 felt like two half's of 2 different books coming together without proper connection. i feel such a void after finishing. read at your own risk.
The first 3 books Amazing. This book I felt very disconnected to the point of skipping pages. alot of internal monolog that we're in the middle of conversations. I expected her to run away from him but nearly at 75% of the book wtf. The ending very rushed no babies no wedding. I felt so disappointed we waited so long for part 4. Retelling of important aspect of conversations/ interaction were describe as " i sat and told them everything" no emotion or feeling as if I'm sitting on the edge of my seat. I love this author but part 4 felt like two half's of 2 different books coming together without proper connection. i feel such a void after finishing. read at your own risk.
September 6, 2024
3.5⭐️
My Gosh! This series did not need to be 3 parts. I am disappointed with how this series ended overall!
Part 1 loved! & the ending pissed me off but left me wanting more!
Part 2 can’t even tell you what happened!
Part 3! Disappointed!!!
Mal & Chris endured all that and FOR WHAT??? We didn’t get to see them get married. Don’t get me started on that slaw ass proposal from Chris. 🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅
We got Sloan and Dominic wedding when they got a whole book themselves! However, there was a lot of growth in this book I might say.
I knew by the second time that lady approached Chris that was his mama!! I could feel it! His daddy got what he deserved!!
My Gosh! This series did not need to be 3 parts. I am disappointed with how this series ended overall!
Part 1 loved! & the ending pissed me off but left me wanting more!
Part 2 can’t even tell you what happened!
Part 3! Disappointed!!!
Mal & Chris endured all that and FOR WHAT??? We didn’t get to see them get married. Don’t get me started on that slaw ass proposal from Chris. 🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅
We got Sloan and Dominic wedding when they got a whole book themselves! However, there was a lot of growth in this book I might say.
I knew by the second time that lady approached Chris that was his mama!! I could feel it! His daddy got what he deserved!!
December 3, 2024
It hurts me to be done with this book. Chris and Mallory will be heavily missed 💔😩
June 18, 2023
I need a word stronger more gut-wrenching than “disappointing” to describe my feelings for this book. Full review coming soon
February 23, 2026
4.50 Stars!!
I am so relieved Chris and Mallory finally got it together. This one got right to the edge of me giving up on them. I was ready to tell Chris to either live in heartbreak or move on. I am satisfied, but I would have loved to have an epilogue for this one. Maybe book 3 will give me all the feelings of completion I'm still missing. But overall, I loved this story.
I am so relieved Chris and Mallory finally got it together. This one got right to the edge of me giving up on them. I was ready to tell Chris to either live in heartbreak or move on. I am satisfied, but I would have loved to have an epilogue for this one. Maybe book 3 will give me all the feelings of completion I'm still missing. But overall, I loved this story.
June 24, 2023
J L Seegars has such a beautiful way with words. The details were chef’s kiss 🤌🏾
We finally got our happy ending for Mal and Chris but I’ll be damn if we didn’t have to work hard for it right along with Chris! I was almost worried for him but he stayed persistent and it paid off for them both in major ways. Their development in this book was amazing. The major bomb dropped made my heart smile so much for Chris and his sister. They all deserve peace.
It was also cool to see Nic and Sloan’s relationship play out from Chris and Mal’s poin of view and I loved the inclusion of Jax and Amina ❤️
OH and the resort they traveled to in Antigua??? Whew honeyyyyy
We finally got our happy ending for Mal and Chris but I’ll be damn if we didn’t have to work hard for it right along with Chris! I was almost worried for him but he stayed persistent and it paid off for them both in major ways. Their development in this book was amazing. The major bomb dropped made my heart smile so much for Chris and his sister. They all deserve peace.
It was also cool to see Nic and Sloan’s relationship play out from Chris and Mal’s poin of view and I loved the inclusion of Jax and Amina ❤️
OH and the resort they traveled to in Antigua??? Whew honeyyyyy
September 16, 2023
The happy ending Chris and Mal deserve. I am a puddle on the floor.
June 6, 2024
The part two and part three could have been one book! But I loved Chris and Mal story and I can’t wait for the another books
November 3, 2023
I am glad they got happily ever after. The book could also have been shorter
August 22, 2026
THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is how you apologize.
And THAT, J.L. Seegars, is how you write a mutha👏🏾f'ing👏🏾 ROMANCE!👏🏾
More than a smut peddler. I went through emotions during the trilogy of Mallory and Chris's story like I was in the relationship. I need to meet the author and get my copies signed!
And THAT, J.L. Seegars, is how you write a mutha👏🏾f'ing👏🏾 ROMANCE!👏🏾
More than a smut peddler. I went through emotions during the trilogy of Mallory and Chris's story like I was in the relationship. I need to meet the author and get my copies signed!
June 18, 2023
Warning this review might involve spoilers
*deep sigh* the story of Mallory and Chris has been one of my favorites this year to read. I was extremely excited to read their HEA after two books of heart twisting, crying and anger book throwing. (yep good times lol)
I want to first say JL writing is *chief kiss* she will always be one of my favorite authors. But... Part 3 🥲
Here are pros and cons
Pros:
- seeing Mal and Chris character development from the first book to the end of this book. I LOVED IT!!!
- Reading Mal’s pov at dinner when she sees Chris (if you read restore me, you know)
- SPICY 🌶️😩🔥 JL knows how to do it to you
- Chris ON HIS KNEES... Put in the work. I loved that he didn't keep saying sorry to win her back. He said sorry because he wanted to her know that he meant it. He was not going to pretend all things they went through (read part 1 and part of revive me) didn't happen... That man!!
- Chris daddy got what he deserve
- Also I KNEW IT when that old lady first approached Chris, I KNEWWWW
Cons
- It could have been shorter. Part 2 was under 300 pages, I felt part 3 could have been under 300 as well
- Too many plots and storylines. Nobody cares about his ex-wife. If we did care, IS SHE WITH HIS BROTHER NOW?!
- The restore me recap. I didn't need that. A few scenes was necessary but not all of them 😭
- Mallory, I wanted to fight her towards the end. Girl, you know that's your man. I get taking your time to forgive him but come on. The man was unsure you wanted him for 80% of the book.
Rating
I was at first going to give it a 3 stars, then 3.5 stars. But I took two days to make sure... I'm giving it a 3.75. I feel like book 2 did set up book 3 to fail. I love this book and story of Mallory and Chris. It was great way to end their story. I can now sleep at night.
*deep sigh* the story of Mallory and Chris has been one of my favorites this year to read. I was extremely excited to read their HEA after two books of heart twisting, crying and anger book throwing. (yep good times lol)
I want to first say JL writing is *chief kiss* she will always be one of my favorite authors. But... Part 3 🥲
Here are pros and cons
Pros:
- seeing Mal and Chris character development from the first book to the end of this book. I LOVED IT!!!
- Reading Mal’s pov at dinner when she sees Chris (if you read restore me, you know)
- SPICY 🌶️😩🔥 JL knows how to do it to you
- Chris ON HIS KNEES... Put in the work. I loved that he didn't keep saying sorry to win her back. He said sorry because he wanted to her know that he meant it. He was not going to pretend all things they went through (read part 1 and part of revive me) didn't happen... That man!!
- Chris daddy got what he deserve
- Also I KNEW IT when that old lady first approached Chris, I KNEWWWW
Cons
- It could have been shorter. Part 2 was under 300 pages, I felt part 3 could have been under 300 as well
- Too many plots and storylines. Nobody cares about his ex-wife. If we did care, IS SHE WITH HIS BROTHER NOW?!
- The restore me recap. I didn't need that. A few scenes was necessary but not all of them 😭
- Mallory, I wanted to fight her towards the end. Girl, you know that's your man. I get taking your time to forgive him but come on. The man was unsure you wanted him for 80% of the book.
Rating
I was at first going to give it a 3 stars, then 3.5 stars. But I took two days to make sure... I'm giving it a 3.75. I feel like book 2 did set up book 3 to fail. I love this book and story of Mallory and Chris. It was great way to end their story. I can now sleep at night.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2023
Glad It's Finally Over
I'm so glad this book is over. TBH, I almost DNF it. It was drawn out but somehow missing important elements at the same time.
Things I Liked
Chris - he was amazing throughout most of the book, and I was happy that he got all that he deserved
Chris & Mal - getting their HEA after all they'd been through was a bit satisfying
The Spice - I felt like the book had just the right amount of smut....Lol
What I Didn't Like
Mal - she was a pain in the tail for much of the book. I get why she was hurt, but seriously, how many times and ways was he going to have to show and say he was sorry before she truly accepted his apology? Like Sis, accept the apology and move towards the future or let him go.
The way the characters from Again were linked in - Let's keep it 💯; doctors becoming friends with their patients in this manner almost never happens. We could've left it at Jax and Amina being Chris' patients and moved on
RJ - the way he was constantly mentioned in the first 2 books to not being mentioned until the end in this one was weird
Sloane & Nic - most of us read Restore Me; we didn't need so much of this book being used to recap a story we already read. Mentioning certain parts would've been fine, but it was too much
The ending - we went through all of that and couldn't get a wedding, pregnancy, or something?
Overall, I'd give this a 2.5. Forcing myself to finish the book purely out of wanting closure felt like a chore. The chances of me revisiting this one are nonexistent.
I'm so glad this book is over. TBH, I almost DNF it. It was drawn out but somehow missing important elements at the same time.
Things I Liked
Chris - he was amazing throughout most of the book, and I was happy that he got all that he deserved
Chris & Mal - getting their HEA after all they'd been through was a bit satisfying
The Spice - I felt like the book had just the right amount of smut....Lol
What I Didn't Like
Mal - she was a pain in the tail for much of the book. I get why she was hurt, but seriously, how many times and ways was he going to have to show and say he was sorry before she truly accepted his apology? Like Sis, accept the apology and move towards the future or let him go.
The way the characters from Again were linked in - Let's keep it 💯; doctors becoming friends with their patients in this manner almost never happens. We could've left it at Jax and Amina being Chris' patients and moved on
RJ - the way he was constantly mentioned in the first 2 books to not being mentioned until the end in this one was weird
Sloane & Nic - most of us read Restore Me; we didn't need so much of this book being used to recap a story we already read. Mentioning certain parts would've been fine, but it was too much
The ending - we went through all of that and couldn't get a wedding, pregnancy, or something?
Overall, I'd give this a 2.5. Forcing myself to finish the book purely out of wanting closure felt like a chore. The chances of me revisiting this one are nonexistent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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