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Willow Creek #2

Never Too Late

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I’d never met anyone quite like Mathias Wade.
He was brooding and arrogant, but I loved him anyway.
Together we were wild and uncontained—a hurricane raging.
Then I had to leave, and words were exchanged that could never be undone.
But now I was back, and Mathias better watch out, because this bitch wasn’t finished with him.
Game. Set. Match.
All is fair in love and war, right?


Mathias Wade, the lead singer of Willow Creek, is used to getting everything he wants. Except for Remy Parker—the one that got away. Childhood friends that grew into more, Remy was the one constant in his life until she moved away. In anger, he lashed out and broke the only girl he ever loved. With temptation around every corner Mathias drowns his sorrow in women and alcohol. When the band returns to their hometown for the holidays the last thing Mathias expects is to run into Remy—but she’s back, and she’s not done with him.

Remy never forgot Mathias or the pain he caused her. When she moves back to the place she grew up to take care of her ailing grandma her heart is set on revenge. She’s determined to make Mathias fall in love with her all over again—only this time she’s going to break his heart.

But Mathias never stopped loving Remy—and she soon discovers that her feelings haven’t disappeared either.

Can two people too stubborn for their own good overcome their own demons and find the love they always deserved?

458 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2015

138 people are currently reading
1759 people want to read

About the author

Micalea Smeltzer

82 books6,679 followers
Micalea Smeltzer is an author from Northern Virginia. Her two dogs, Ollie and Remy, are her constant companions. As a kidney transplant recipient she's dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation. When she's not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
Profile Image for NinaReader.
565 reviews82 followers
December 19, 2018
This author is new for me and I picked up the 1st book as a freebie.

Where that was sweet YA this was opposite.
First it's NA and everything about the story is a complete opposite of the 1st book.
It was explosive, fiery, sexy.
I love when the author can change it up.

I really liked it.
Profile Image for Amy .
3,119 reviews
April 21, 2015
“We’re too much alike. Both of us like fire–loud, all consuming, and willing to burn anything that got in our way”

I love, love, loved this book! What a great second chance romance! Never Too Late is Remy and Mathias’ story. Remy and Mathias have known each other for a long time. They fell in love at a young age and Remy is probably one of the only people who truly knows the real Mathias. Everything would be ok as long as they were together. Then, one fateful day, Remy tells Mathias that she has to move. To say that Mathias took this badly would be a total understatement. Unable to deal with what Remy told him, Mathias broke Remy in the worst way possible.

Now, seven years later, the two them are reunited. At first, Remy wants to break Mathias just as he did all those years ago. However, the more time she spends with Mathias, the more she realizes that she still loves him and could never hurt him that way. Can Remy and Mathias let go of the past? Will they be able to get past their own demons and finally get the happily ever after they both deserve?

I really loved Remy and Mathias. I have been curious about Mathias since meeting him in Last To Know. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Many people see Mathias as an asshole, a broody jerk. Someone who is hard and doesn’t smile and is always getting into trouble. But there’s a side to him that no one sees. A sweet, romantic guy is there hiding under the surface and only Remy has the power to bring that out in him. The chemistry between Remy and Mathias was undeniable. They were a force to be reckoned with. I loved watching the two them interact, their banter, the way their personalities fit each other. I loved watching the two of them grow. Yes, they messed up. Yes, they had things that broke them. But to see how far the two of them came and how they fought for their relationship, was just amazing.

To say I enjoyed this book would be a complete understatement. I loved everything about this book. I was hooked on Mathias and Remy’s story from the first page. The story-line was well written and captivating. I completely devoured this book. Micalea Smeltzer really knocked it out of the park with this one. There is just something about her characters and her writing that just pulls me in. Never Too Late is an amazing second chance romance. It’s filled with all the things I love in a great romance: angst, drama, misunderstandings, steam,, heartbreak and of course romance. I couldn’t get enough of this story and the characters and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!!

*I was provided with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

You can also see my review at: www.onceuponabookblog.com
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
June 4, 2015
Never Too Late earned a big 4.5 stars! The author's words created a whirlwind of emotions that could make even the coldest of hearts warm. Each chapter grew in strength like a tide wave just waiting to wreck you, and wreck me it did!

After reading Last To Know, the first book in the series, I knew Mathias and Remy's story had the potential to be something out of this world and the author completely delivered. If you walk away from this story learning only one thing, it will be that not every fairy tale has glass slippers and a Prince Charming. In fact, some fairy tales are so screwed up that you can't help but want to see if they crash and burn. Do Remy and Mathias crash and burn? You'll just have to read Never Too Late to find out!

There is no doubt that this book took on a different light than the first in the series. It was more mature and although high in intensity, it was low on drama. I enjoyed this book more than the last and cannot wait for Ezra's story to be published! ~ Kelly, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Carla.
989 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2015
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from Stephanie's Book Reports in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars for Never Too Late by Micalea Smeltzer! This is the second book in the Willow Creek series, and it is an awesome read!

Okay, we met Mathias in the first book of this series, Last to Know, and he came across as such a jerk! In this book, we get some insight into what made him the way he is, and we get to see his good side. Under all of that grumpy exterior, beats a heart of gold.

Mathias and Remy dated in high school, and things between them did not end well. When Remy told Mathias that she and her family were moving, he freaked out. His gut reaction was to hurt her like she was hurting him, so he told her a bunch of lies. Remy was devastated. After suffering another loss, Remy was filled with hate for Mathias, and she vowed to one day hurt him just like he hurt her. When she returns to her hometown to care for her ailing grandmother, she runs into Mathias for the first time in years. She comes up with a plan to make him fall back in love with her and then dump him. However, she didn't plan on him professing his love for her. She soon realizes that she still loves him as well. Will she continue with her plan of revenge, or will she fall back under his spell? Will the secret that she has kept from him for seven years surface and blow any chance of them finding their happily ever after?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed, and the story line progressed at the perfect pace! This is a great series that I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Whispering Chapters.
1,358 reviews458 followers
October 22, 2015
In Never Too Late, Micalea Smeltzer introduces us to Mathias, twin brother to Maddox whom we met in Last To Know. Mathias' past is not a pleasant one and only a few, selective people know about his past. Mathias shared all of his past with Remy, the girl he fell in love with in high school but she broke his heart when she left town. Now Mathias doesn't trust anybody and doesn't let people close. He is arrogant, a jerk, an asshole, but with a caring heart that not many people know about.

I was convinced that once you fell in love with a Wade you could never stop loving them.

I was HIGHLY anticipating this release...HIGHLY!!!! I signed up for an eARC and when it appeared on my Kindle app, I started screaming and messaged Jennifer from Boricuan Bookworms because we planned to buddy read it. I was expecting a lot of a moody Mathias, which I got but I also was surprised to read about a side of him that wasn't shown in Last To Know.

Jesus Christ, that man could make me want him while sitting at a table with his fucking parents. He was dangerous to be around.

If you don't follow me on Instagram, then you don't know that I have staked my claim on Mathias Wade. He is my #1 book boyfriend and he is mine! I don't share. Okay, I do share but only with Remy and Micalea, nobody else. He is the type of male character that I love: moody, an ass, hot, has that bad boy vibe, can have you swooning by just saying "fuck". I'm not kidding. I was swooning on 8% and fanning my face. My heart rate went up and I was taking in all of the glory that is Mathias. And this wasn't even a sexual scene so can you imagine how hot this man is with his actions and words?! Asdfghjkl. You cannot form a coherent thought when you read about him. It's like...instant mind-blankness. He is the total opposite to Maddox. Where Maddox is sweet and romantic, Mathias curses a lot, is a jerk to everyone and his "romantic" moments are rare but gosh, he is still perfect!!!!

"I'm the fucked up bad boy everyone wants to save," his voice lowered, "but you wouldn't try to save me, would you, Remy? Because you're just like me."

Remy is badass. I was only starting the book and I thought she would be the perfect fit for Mathias. You could just tell she wouldn't take Mathias' bullshit. She is a fierce, strong character. Before moving out-of-town thirteen years ago, she had a confession for Mathias but she wasn't able to tell him and it has been eating her insides but she stays strong. Remy moves back to her childhood town to take care of her grandma who is a major piece of work and is sick. Not even a week passes by when she encounters Mathias and all of those feelings come crashing into her full force. Remy knows she shouldn't fall for Mathias again or she will end up heart-broken.

"Don't leave," he called. "Why shouldn't I?" I stopped, not looking over my shoulder at him. Instead I stared straight ahead with my shoulders squared. "It's what we do best, right?"

Now, let's talk about Remy's grandma.  As I mentioned before, Remy's grandma is a piece of work! She is amazing! She says whatever's on her mind and she is so funny! I was laughing out loud with everything she kept saying. I couldn't keep up with her. She was so random at times. I want a grandma like her. I will never have a dull moment in my life!

"I'm dead serious. If you see me in the backyard with a shovel don't come out. I don't want you to become an accessory in a murder charge."

I stared at her, fighting the urge to laugh. "I think you've been watching too much CSI."

"Oh no, I don't like that show. I watch Criminal Minds. That Morgan..." She licked her lips. "The things I'd like to let that man do to me."

The characters were a great aspect to the story—they made it light. I felt so happy while reading this book. This story is definitely hotter than Last To Know. It is hot, emotional... a story of second chances and hope! It is great story that I cannot recommend enough.
Profile Image for dee ♡.
507 reviews99 followers
May 15, 2016
This book, holy guacamole was it an emotional ride! I absolutely loved it! After reading Last to Know I was so excited to get to know Mathias a little bit better and I am so glad we got that chance! Mathias Wade is one the best bad boys I've read in a long time. You can't help but love him. He's rude, brooding, a pain in your behind and has the attitude to match, but deep down he's the sweetest guy you could ever meet. My heart literally was in a puddle of tears seeing him worry so much over his sweet little pitbull puppy, Shiloh. Leave it to Micalea Smeltzer to really make you fall in love with the character's pets. Remy was a great character as well. I admit I didn't like her too much in the beginning because I hated that she just wanted to hurt Mathias so badly, but I really learned to like her when she let her guard down and saw why she was so bitter. She was just as sassy and strong as Mathias and these two are made for each other. I am so wrapped up in these characters and their stories that I am sad that I have to wait for the next one to come out! The Willow Creek series is written beautifully and so vibrant with lovable characters that you too will get wrapped up in their world. I really do love it and I am so thankful to be involved in bookstagram or else I wouldn't have heard known about these books.


For full review, check out my reblog! (:
http://thebookishkhaleesi.blogspot.com/2015/04/review-never-too-late-by-micalea.html
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
April 8, 2015

You would think the stars of the book would be Remy and Mathias but in actuality it was gramma, "I wanted some cookies,” she called back, “so I’m making some God damn cookies and no one can stop me." I bet you a hundred dollars that Mathias was the kid in school that hated to share because the boy still hates to share, "I want you to be mine,” he growled lowly, “and only mine." He tries to accommodate his woman, "Would you like me to give you my credit card so you can go to Pier-Effing-One and make the place all feminine and prissy?” He waved a hand wildly through the air." Gramma likes to make sure Mathias is right for her granddaughter so she had to check out everything about him, "have you been working out?” My grandma asked him, reaching up to grasp his bicep through the material of his shirt." When asked about how she likes Mathias's house Remy of course has to be honest, "I haven’t seen much, you know, besides your c***. But it was pretty nice. I quite like it actually." I loved this book it was dirtier and grittier than Maddox's and I loved that.
Profile Image for Jolene.
443 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2015
I wasn't a fan of no.2
Definitely was not as addictive as Last to Know was. Most of the booked dragged and I felt like the 3 days it took me to read, I was reading at a snails pace because I just couldn't connect to the characters.

So many things were predictable which really ruined this.
My opinion on Grandma was that she tried too hard to be funny that most of the time it didn't work.

Mathias character definitely got more but it was confusing- a nasty jerk one minute but then a caring person the next. I know he struggled with his past and what he went through as a kid but this didn't seem to connect to the snippets we got in the first book of the series.

Remy.... Well I got over her character and up and down, left and right, going forward the backwards pretty quickly and didn't feel any emotional connection in which it was portrayed.

Disappointed when you look forward to the next book in a series, pre order, start on release day, then get let down.
Profile Image for Kendall {Book Crazy}.
1,476 reviews
April 5, 2015
I was really excited to read this book! I loved the first book, and although this book was about different characters, I was even more excited to read it! The author then offered me an ARC and I jumped at the chance and started reading it straightaway! This book was amazing! Absolutely amazing! I had such a hard time putting it down once I started reading it, and I read it in a few sittings! The plot was written brilliantly! It had a lot in it and the main character hid a pretty big secret from the guy she loved! I could understand why she hid the secret though, as they were both young and her love interest said horrible things to her at a certain point! My mouth even fell open at the things he said to her! The main characters secret had a big impact on the plot though! There were also some twist and turns in the plot as well, which changed things! The plot also developed a lot further than I was expecting it too! I was really happy it did though because it showed the characters relationship development! The characters were amazing! Remy was the main female character, and I loved her! She was really easy for me to connect with! Remy also had this no caring attitude about her, but I felt like this was a bit of a façade as she acted like this to hide what she was really feeling and to make people think she was strong and okay! Remy was actually a really vulnerable character, which I could completely understand! She was also strong in her own way and had been through a lot! My heart went out to her when I found out what she had been through and the loss she had endured! It must have been so hard to go through something like that and then try and come to terms with it! Remy was just an amazing character, and I loved her! Mathias was the love interest of Remy, and he was seriously hot! He was also brooding and a bit arrogant! I mean, this made him that little bit hotter lol! Mathias really intrigued me in the first book in this series when he was a secondary character, so I couldn't wait to read his story! In this book, Mathias said and did some wrong things, but he was a good, decent person who had been through a lot and was in a high profile job in a well known band, which made Mathias be in the spotlight a lot! I could see that Mathias hated being in the spotlight, and I think this had an effect on his attitude! I loved him though, and he really redeemed himself in this book! I was expecting this book to be written from both Remy and Mathias' point of views, but it was actually only written from Remy's! I was surprised at this, but I was still able to connect with Mathias perfectly as well! It would have been interesting to get inside his head though! I can't wait to read the next book in this series! I know that it's not going to be about Remy and Mathias and that it's going to be about other characters, but I still can't wait to read it! I'm really excited about whose book it's going to be! I'm hoping that Remy and Mathias will make appearances in it! The cover for this book is stunning! It suits the first book's cover perfectly and the models on the front are the perfect Remy and Mathias! I completely fell in love with it as soon as I saw it! Big thank you to Micalea for an ARC of Never Too Late!
Profile Image for Becca.
687 reviews54 followers
March 31, 2015
Mathias’ story is finally here! After meeting Mathias in Maddox’s book I was dying to get to know this jilted man. I wanted to hear his story, to experience the heartbreak that had jaded him so completely, and maybe even see someone break through his walls. Micalea Smeltzer delivered all of that and more in Never Too Late. The reappearance of Remy, the girl who broke Mathias in the first place, promised a story bursting with vulnerability, hesitancy, regret, and inextinguishable attraction. As feisty as they are individually, Mathias and Remy are an absolute force of nature together. Each page of their story was burning with the inimitable energy between them, making their journey addictive and unforgettable.

Mathias was so different from Maddox in the first book, so I was definitely curious to see how Micalea Smeltzer would develop this character. The rough, cynical twin was everything I thought he would be and so much more. With Remy back in his life, his anger and resentment towards her is unleashed completely. I began to understand Mathias and even relate to his emotional upheaval, connecting me with him unexpectedly. Micalea crafted an electric current between Remy and Mathias that sparked and sizzled with every word exchanged and touch offered. Their journey was the perfect reflection of who these two characters are: messy, loud, and impulsive.

I love the concept of getting a second chance at love, and the added twist that neither of them were the people they once were and the completely different directions their lives had taken only made this story more heart wrenching and brilliant. The effect of Remy’s secret on their relationship tugged at my heart and filled me with overwhelming emotion. We get to see more of Emma and Maddox in this book, along with Hayes and Ezra (whose story I’m desperately needing ASAP). Micalea Smeltzer balances the heavy emotional undertone of this story with a new character, Remy’s grandma, a hilarious and brazen presence that spoke her mind and gave Never Too Late some much needed levity. I loved every second of Never Too Late and I’m so excited about the direction Micalea is taking this series in. Bring on the rest of Willow Creek!
Profile Image for Nicole De La Cruz.
Author 4 books19 followers
April 10, 2015
This is the book after Last to Know, but it can be read as a stand alone.
The book is in the POV of Remy, who has just moved back home after living in Arizona for the past seven years. Her grandma's health isn't doing so great, so she volunteered to move in with her. She hasn't seen her ex boyfriend Mathias Wade since they broke up when they were in high school. The last thing Remy wants to do in run into the man that broke her heart so long ago.
When she does run into him she comes up with a plan to break his heart like he broke hers. The only problem is her feelings for him are getting the best of her. Slowly Mathias begins to chip away at the armor she has over her heart.
This is a beautifully written story. I was constantly laughing at Remy's grandma who has an obsession with what seems like The CW Network and is a very feisty woman. I loved Remy's cat who was pretty much like her, kind of a bitch until you get to know her.
I felt so many different emotions with this book. The best part is you don't get a cliffhanger, it was a wonderful ending that made me cry.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Maya.
858 reviews498 followers
August 5, 2015
BASICS

Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Definetely. :)
Rating: +4 stars


Profile Image for Raquel Auriemma.
261 reviews
April 16, 2015
Micalea Smeltzer writes some of my favorite characters. Who would have thought that I'd love Mathias after he was such a jerk in Last to Know? But I guess that since he is Maddox' twin, there had to be some good in him. And there is. He even made me cry! I think you'll love him too.
Profile Image for Haley.
236 reviews31 followers
April 13, 2015
NEVER TOO LATE is the second book in the Willow Creek series. I absolutely loved this book!
Profile Image for Jennifer Madero (Boricuan Bookworms).
263 reviews23 followers
April 21, 2015
Check out more of my reviews in my blog Boricuan Bookworms, and go enter Micalea Smeltzer's Giveaway, plus see teasers of Never Too Late, in my release day blitz post on Tuesday, April 21st, 2015!

eARC Provided for Release Day Blitz in exchange of an honest and unbiased review



Mathias Wade has the world at his disposition--women, cars, money--except the one woman who has ever held his heart. Remy Parker and Mathias used to be a thing when they were younger, until the day she had to move away and in his anger, he broke her heart and never heard of her again. Until she moves back to town with revenge in her mind.

Mathias makes his first appearance in the first book of the Willow Creek Series, Last To Know, as this annoying asshole, jerk, moody and broody teen who didn't have a care in the world. I detested him, but also had pity of him because of his much rougher start in life than his twin, Maddox. In Never Too Late we see a whole new side of Mathias, and damn, what one twin lacked the other has plenty! Let me tell you, I had an inner conflict while reading this book. Why? Well, while Maddox was super sweet, romantic, thoughtful, funny, overall amazing, Mathias played with his own rules, was rough, wild, a jerk, temperamental, and super, super mega hot. My heart belongs to Maddox but... omg. You wouldn't have expected Mathias to be like this.

Since this was a New Adult book, it had really intense sexual scenes (heh) and wow... I'm not going into detail, but hot damn you'll need something to cover your cheeks from blushing and swooning over Mathias. But what I also liked of him was that even though he had this intense bad boy vibe going on, he could be sweet and thoughtful too! And Mathias being like that, with glasses and suspenders... Perf. I might have to fight him with Genesis from GenGenBookBlog.

Now Remy was one badass chick. I don't think anyone other than her can go head to head with Mathias. She's strong, independent, smart, sexy, clever, with an attitude that'll have you cowering at the mere sight of her, or have you begging for her attention. She and Mathias were perfect for each other in all aspects, from standing each other, from how they knew the other so well, and so on and on. I loved her from the very first page.

Though as much as sexy and hot romance sounds great, this book deals with so much more than just that. Remy and Mathias are both faced with the demons of their past when they find each other by thing of destiny and circumstances. They have anger and resentment with the other, but together they move forward into having a better future even though, as they both say, they are explosive and tend to bring danger everywhere they go. Remy is ridden with a horrible past only she bares the burden, and Mathias holds back the truth of what happened so many years ago when they both parted ways. I deeply enjoyed reading how they developed as characters with these things they've held on to so much time and got together once all the truth came out.

"The thing about the heart is, once it's given itself completely to someone it's theirs forever, no matter the circumstances."

Also, the secondary characters were pretty hilarious, such as Remy's grandmother. She was a teen living inside the body of an old woman. She watched The Vampire Diaries, CSI, Arrow, and gosh... It was disturbing to read about her imagining the things those sexy actors such as Stephen Amell would do to her body. She would insult Remy and Mathias, basically drool over poor Mathias, flirt, shout, do whatever she wanted, but was also a wise soul when the moment needed it, a free spirit and independent. She liked annoying Remy but loved her anyway.

"No more MTV!" I called over my shoulder as I left.

"I'm older, you can't boss me around young lady," my grandma yelled back"

It was incredibly great to know Mathias as deeply as one does in this book and how second chances are possible if we put our minds into it, and that hope never dies, and that it's never too late (I had too...).

Emotional, hot, sexy, thought-provoking, another great novel in the Willow Creek Series, and I can't wait to read Ezra's story in his own book In Your Heart, releasing this Summer. Also, MY BABY MADDOX MAKES APPEARANCES HERE AND OMG I ALMOST FAINTED. It was cute. I hope he appears more in the third book too... and Mathias and Remy too. I love this series soooo much <3

Rating: 5 stars
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,631 reviews419 followers
April 21, 2015
4 Star Review by Jen Skewes

Never Too late is the second book in the Willow Creek series but could be read as a stand alone. When I first met Mathias I could not wait for his story. He seemed like such as complex individual. He was angry and bitter and for the most part seemed to be a miserable person who was mad at the world. We didn’t know that much about him other than that there was one girl from his past that broke his heart. I could not wait to find out what it was that made Mathias the man that he is today. And would the woman who possibly put the walls around his heart be able to break them down again?

Remy and Mathias were together in high school. They loved each other but even back then what they had together was a bit complicated. Mathias had walls up back then and it had everything to do with his childhood. But Remy was the one person who understood him, the one person he could open up to. But when circumstances beyond their control forced them apart things got even more complicated, leaving Remy with a shattered heart.

Remy is back in town to help her grandmother. The last thing she wants is to run into the boy that broke her heart. The boy who also happens to be all grown up, sexy as ever and a rock star. But when Remy does see him, she has a plan. She is still angry at Mathias for breaking her heart and walking away so easily, so she plans on crushing his heart just as he did to her. But as she starts spending more time with Mathias she realizes that she is still in love with him and she also sees that maybe everything that happened all those years ago didn’t just affect her. She wasn’t the only one who walked away with a broken heart that day. Mathias still loves Remy and he is determined to get her to give him a second chance. Will Mathias win back the heart of the only girl he ever loved? And when secrets are revealed will it only ruin them in the end?

I loved Mathias! He was such a complicated individual and at times his feelings and his emotions completely gave me whiplash. I think he still loved Remy and knew how much so, but he was still scared. He still held onto his past and his childhood and in a way didn’t think he was good enough because of it. Deep down he may seem like a jerk who doesn’t care about anyone or anything. He is grumpy at times and may not always do or say the right thing. But he has a big heart and cares so much more than he lets on. Remy was the perfet match for him. She didn’t need the hearts and flowers which is something that Mathias is not. She understood him, she knew why he was the way that he was but she also believed in him. She believed that beneath the man everyone sees is a good guy who cares. She just wished he saw what a good person he really was. These two were perfect together and I was rooting for them to work it all out.

Micalea Smetzer did a great job with this story which is told in Remy’s point of view. Mathias has a twin brother that we met in book one. They are complete opposites in every way. And that is what I loved about them, how different they were and how different their story was as well. We get to see what caused the pain and anger that Mathis carries around. We get to feel his emotions with him. I loved watching him grow as a character, he wanted to be a better person, one that Remy deserved and I loved seeing the other side of him grow. Remy was a great heroine who has such sass and I loved her for it. She was hiding something from Mathias. As the reader you know exactly what that secret is and the anticipation leading up to the moment that Mathias finds out is intense. There a one particular scene that was so intense and emotional and left you wondering how these two would be able to come back from that. And I hoped and prayed that they would.

I love this series and cannot wait for Ezra’s story!
Profile Image for Maryna aka Ryna.
209 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2015
Never Too Late is the second book in the Willow Creek series and I can tell you I loved it. This is also the first book in the series that has been turned into a New Adult book. This book had some great spunk and a nice edge. This book is still full on contemporary and also one of those cliché stories where high school lovers break up and then a few years later they find each other again and fall madly in love again :P but for me this book had a few twists. Yes it’s one of those cliché stories but I still loved it. It’s just who I am….. I love romance novels.

Now in my eyes this book deserves a full on five heart rating but I’m going to give it a 4 heart rating instead. Not because of what you think… I just loved the first book a little more and my expectations where set high for the next book. I don’t like liars so what Remy kept from Mathias was so bad in my eyes. I mean a person needs to know something that vital and he of course could have made her feel better, a person can’t go with something like that alone.


So you have already guessed this book is about two high school lovers that found each other again; but I’m still going to tell you what it’s about! So this story is about Mathias Wade, the singer of Willow Creek and also Maddox’s twin brother. Mathias was mean broody jackass who pushed everyone away in the first book and in this book he was still the same old guy but he slowly started to change when Remy came back into his life. Now Remy and Mathias so much alike in many ways so they fight like demon but when they make up, the fire ignites to burning point. Remy hated Mathias after he broke up with her. He told a load of lies to hurt her in the way that he thought she was hurting him. Let’s just say Mathias has a lot of abandonment issues and when Remy’s family moved to Arizona against here wishes he thought she was abandoning him. It took a while for him to trust that she won’t leave him again when she came back into his but her plan was one cruel plan… She wanted to make him feel the way she did when he broke her heart but she still loved him and could not go through with that plan.

Together they started trusting each other again and they become best friends once more where they can talk about anything to each other. Their relationship isn’t just a relationship it’s a friendship as well and that is what I love about a relationship…. You need to be best friends with the person you love. Though when Mathias found out Remy’s secret, she almost lost him. They nearly lost each other again but Remy’s grandmother and friends where very persistent and they made sure she never gave up. It just took a while for Mathias to get over that secret and now they don’t tell each other anymore lies. These two were made for each other. They understand each other and Remy is one strong woman who isn’t a pushover, she says her mind and some might not like her like that but she doesn’t care much about that.

All in all I love the book and the Mathias is actually a nice guy. My favourite moment of this book would be to see how overprotective Mathias got around his dog…. He can go real over board with his protectiveness. This was one fast and easy read and I’m sure I will love the other books in this series!
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Profile Image for Arti.
536 reviews12 followers
April 21, 2015
It finally came. The long awaited release of Mathias and Remy's story. This story is a lot more mature than Last to Know so where there are fewer goofy scenes, we get a whole bunch of hotness. And it's really hot.

"His touch sparked an electric current in my body,"
The chemistry between Remy and Mathias was well, electric. Because of their past, from the very first scene, there is an apparent connection between these two characters that really never goes away. Throughout the book, I could feel the heartbreak, sadness, attraction, anger, and love that these two felt. They are both such complicated characters that putting them together, made their relationship more realistic in a way. The relationship that Remy and Mathias had cant really be described, it has to be experienced, and the only way to experience it is to read the book.

The entire book revolved around these two characters and if past and their present and it was intertwined so you are kind of guessing the entire time and discovering missing parts of their story that comes together to form a one-in-a-kind romance. There were bits and bobs that I first felt were random, but then you think about life, and realize it is kind of random and that just makes the journey of reading more realistic.

One thing that I wish for is that there was more interaction with the other characters. I get its a standalone, but I wish we could have had some more fun scenes with Maddox, Emma, Ezra, etc. There were times where I felt that there was too much Remy and Mathias. But I did squeal when Trace and Olivia made an appearance.

I also wish there would have been a little more background about Remy, Mathias, and their relationship. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if there had been more about Remy's relationship with her parents or Mathias's relationship with his brother. And a little bit more about the two of them at age 16. Obviously the book would have been longer, but I feel that I personally needed that little extra information to fully understand the story. Especially because their past plays such an important role.

As a conclusion, I am happy with this book. There are things I wish were different, but overall I did enjoy this book and i do recommend reading it after finishing Last to Know, especially since it sets us up for Ezra and Sadie's story this summer. And to Micalea Smeltzer, please keep the animal aspect going. It's seriously adorable.

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

My Book Blog
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews65 followers
August 25, 2015
☆☆☆☆ TWO 4 Hooked Star Reviews ☆☆☆☆

****4 Stars****

Never too Late is the second instalment in the Willow Creek Series and is
based on Mathias Wade, twin brother to Maddox. He is arrogant, he is moody,
he carries a lot of emotional baggage.

Mathias has only ever had one true love and she left when they were
teenagers, but when Remy returns things quickly heat up, she is out for
revenge on him after he broke her heart.

I was excited to read about Mathias, after getting a glimpse into his life
in book 1, I wanted to see if we would ever see Mathias happy. Remy is Hot,
she is full of attitude and fire, she is out for revenge, but her love for
Mathias runs deep and a secret from her past is bound to haunt her. Now that
they are grown up, we get some sexy steamy scenes, we get the hot sexual
tension, we get a book full of emotion.

While I did enjoy reading the book, I felt it hit abit of a lull, the
constant swearing of Mathias became too much and took away the enjoyment of
the reading. Putting that aside there was a good story line behind it.

I look forward to reading about every loving Ezra next,
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****4 Stars****

Never Too Late (Willow Creek Book 2)
By Micalea Smeltzer

We were introduced to bad boy rebellious rocker Mathias Wade when he's twin fell in love in the Willow Creek debut novel Last To Know. He was the surly, chain smoking a$$hole with a broken heart. In his story, we meet the woman who got away, Remy. She a tough, hard as nails chick saddled with coming back to their hometown to take care of her grandma. She has never stopped loving Mathias, but was overcome with grief cause of losing him and so much more. Coming home, she decides to seduce Mathias and break his heart in return, but who will end up broken in the end??

This is a great followup for the Willow Creek Series and definitely takes a dive from YA/ Clean NA to New Adult with some steamier scenes. Mathias is a foul mouth jerk, and Remy is his female counter part. I love the character arcs in this, because in the beginning I hated Mathias, but at the end I was in love with him. Remy is a great female character, though she felt slightly weak in the end, I thought she would have handled the twist differently, but the way it was written makes sense. (Does that make sense? I don't want to give away the end) While I think I enjoyed Maddox's story more, this was a great read!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Wyk.
Author 28 books1,426 followers
April 18, 2015
Mathias! Oh the bad boy I just can't seem to get enough of!

So if you read Last to Know, you met Mathias already. Maddox's super broody, angry-at-the-world twin brother. Everything Maddox is, Mathias is not. Because I really just adored Maddox and his super playful personality, it made me really intrigued to read about Mathias and who he is, how he became so jaded, and where his story could go. Enter... Remy. His one time love, his high school girlfriend, his only. Remy is so much like Mathias, although I can't really say she's angry. She's been dealt a rough hand in one aspect of her life that's caused her to stay pretty closed off from the world. Add that to the fact that she's just a ball of spunk and has a no-care attitude, she and Mathias are pretty electric together.

Remy coming back to her hometown where she once loved Mathias was never in her plans, nor was it in his plans to ever walk into a bar and see her bartending in his hometown. When the two one-time loves meet once again, the sparks that fly are enough to burn down a home.

I must admit, I so adore a boy next door. I can't help it. So when a bad boy truly breaks me down and makes me love him, I know it's for a reason. Mathias is so broody and focused and angry but seeing him transform into this whole different person for Remy... ***sigh***
"You give me a new reason to love you every day." <"People screamed the guys' names, thrusting out scraps of paper and boobs for them to sign." <
I think what I loved about Never too Late was that it had so many elements to it. It was steamy. Oh wow, was it steamy! Fan yourself yum. It was so sweet. Remy and Mathias together is so explosive that when those sweet moments collide with the steamy ones it made my pulse race. It was funny! I already proved that... so many great one liners and a Grandma! I LOVE you funny grandmas! And finally, it was heart racing.

Micalea Smeltzer did just a fabulous job with Never too Late, I adored it. I will say I recommend reading Last to Know first, but it would read great either way.
**I received an early copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karla.
489 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2016
Let me just start off by saying that Never Too Late is the second book in the Willow Creek series but it can also be read as a stand alone, seeing as how you don't have to read the first book in the series about Emma and Maddox to understand about Mathias and Remy's story.

Now, as to this story, I loved it! It was even better than Last To Know in my opinion. I just knew that I was going to like this story because I love reading about bad guys and their loves especially when their girlfriends mean a lot to them and stuff. I liked that they already had a history with each other and we got snippets here and there about who they used to be in the past because that was a very important aspect to their relationship and stuff.

But as I read the first few chapters I knew that they were going to end up together again, no matter what Remy had planned about breaking his heart and walking away. It wasn't going to be possible because they were meant for each other. It was nice to see how they each complimented each other in the relationship- they were both fucked up with problems and anger issues, mostly Mathias tho, so watching them together was adorable. As much as I liked Maddox being all smooth and romantic with Emma in the first book, I think I prefer Mathias being all honest about his feelings of love towards Remy. Mathias professing his love and need for Remy and how he never stopped loving her after 7 years of being apart, even going to the extent of tattooing her name on his wrist, just about melted my heart and me love this couple even more. I especially loved the fact that they grew and changed each other for the better. In fact they became better people because they wanted their second chance at loving each other.

Despite the fact that Remy kept a huge and important secret from Mathias I think Remy was a strong character and she was a kickass. Remy was a great step up from Emma but I liked that each character in the book was unique too. I'll be looking forward to reading about another Willow Creek band member, Ezra and Emma's best friend Sadie and seeing how it goes with the two of them. Hopefully they get their happy ending too.
Profile Image for Jodie D..
575 reviews13 followers
April 20, 2015
This book is a part of a series, but there are a couple things I think I should note, things I would have wanted to know before starting this book.

First, you do not have to have read the first book to enjoy this one. Although Emma and Maddox do make a couple appearances in this book, they don't play major roles. Maddox and Mathias are twins that are in the band, Willow Creek, together.

Another thing you need to know is that if you have read Last to Know, this book is VERY different. The first one was definitely a YA, sex is barely mentioned in that book at all. However, Mathias and Remy's relationship is very different than Maddox and Emma's and therefore their books are different. I wasn't expecting the amount of sexual content I found in this book. Not saying I didn't enjoy it, because I really did. The scenes that were included definitely added to the story rather than distracting from it.

I loved this second chance to make it right story. Mathias and Remy were together in high school but broke up when Remy announced she was moving. Some things were said, some very hurtful things that were hard to get over. Now, 6 years later, they are back in town together. They need to deal with their past before they can truly consider a future. But admitting you were wrong isn't easy for anyone.

I couldn't put this wonderful book down for long. Between their intense relationship, needing to know what happened the day Remy told him she was leaving, and then learning that Remy still had things to tell him about kept me so engulfed in the story that I felt I was living it right there with them.

I look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future. I am patiently waiting the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews38 followers
April 21, 2015
This was a fantastic book, I simply loved it.
It absorbed me and kept me captive within its pages as I journeyed along with what can also be described as some completely glorious charaters.
The story had it all but initially I found myself aghast at the secrets that were being shielded between the two main characters. I understood her reticence to tell him what she held inside but I have to say that its undercurrent through the plot was simply worked to perfection.
The story had more twists and turns that you could shake a stick at but I have to say the author to it to the millionth degree – and damn was she good!
Remy hide, it is what she did best – the real woman was buried beneath the face she showed to the world each day but she was as tough as old boots to all those who thought they knew her. I liked her she gave what she had to, to a situation but she never really gave all of her and that frustrated me. I wanted her to let the world see it was ok to not be ok. She broke my heart when I found out what she had been through, better than her would have crumbled at the loss.
Mathias was a self-righteous ass, hot as hades but an ass all the same. Arrogance is never an attractive feature but if you are blessed with what Mathias brought to mankind then maybe you can be forgiven – a little bit. He was in the public eye in the most spectacular of ways, being in popular band but despite or perhaps because of his flaws he was basically a good guy. I didn’t expect to like him and sometimes I wanted to slap him but overall he was a great read.
The book had it all and I am glad that I gave myself the opportunity to read what one of my favourite books is so far this year.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,026 reviews11 followers
April 14, 2015
Never Too Late is the second book in this series and boy did it pack a punch. Mathias and Remy were high school sweethearts but their relationship had to end due to outside forces. However there were words saids and feelings hurt. Fast forward seven years later and the two will be reunited. But what will win out in the end-love or hate?

I love Micalea’s writing. She is able to get you into the story and her characters. Mathias is the lead singer of Willow Creek and the quote-unquote bad boy of the band. He and his brother Maddox have had a rough upbringing and it seems that has installed a long-lasting effect on Mathias. He was such a complicated character-hot one minute, cold the next-I was getting whiplashed. And that personality really shined when it came to Remy. And Remy? She was one tough chick-a no-nonsense attitude. She really was the only girl that could handle Mathias. When these two meet again, sparks resurfaced and the emotions are through the roof. There is a lot of give-and-take with them. Though their relationship could be volatile at times, there was no denying their love for one another. I must say I was surprised with this story and Mathias. It was not what I was expecting and I mean that in a good way. There is so much more to this story and to these two characters. Never Too Late was fantastic and a book that you will love and enjoy. I definitely did. I am loving this series by Micalea! I can’t wait for the next one-Ezra! :)
Though it can be read as a standalone, you still should read the first one Last To Know because Maddox…and hedgehogs but mostly Maddox.
18 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2015
Never Too Late is the second story in the Willow Creek series but I think it could be read as a stand alone..

 The story picks up with Remy coming back to town several years after she left with her parents.. She comes back to town to take care of her grandmother. She knows there is a huge chance she might run in to her old high school flame. Who is non other the Mathias Wade.

   Mathias Wade and the rest of Willow Creek is in town recording a new album. He never expected to see Remy again much less than see her working in his favorite bar.

As soon as they start reconnecting you find out that Remy is keeping a secret from Mathias that could potentially hurt him like he has never been hurt be for..


Over all this story is amazing and I couldn't have asked for a better follow up to Last to Know. Never Too Late grabs you from the first word and still don't let go even after you have read the last words.. The characters and their relationship is normal and not your every thing is roses and sunshine. It shows the real life side of a relationship where it takes work and that there are time when you want to hurt each other. Now with all that said I have to say I freaking love Remy's grandma she is one of the most awesome supporting characters I have ever read! I for one can't wait for book 3 and see where the characters takes us.. I say a job well done!

*I revived this book in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Jacqui Norris.
296 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2015
ARC received for an honest review

If you are a fan of Micaela Smeltzer, which I am, her new series Willow Creek will just confirm why. Never Too Late is the second in the series and I think my favorite at this point. I liked the “I don’t give a f*ck” attitude of the character Mattias Wade, lead singer and bad boy of Willow Creek. Where the first book in the series was about the romantic Maddox, this one takes a grittier tone and shows a more volatile relationship between Mattias and Remy, his once high school girlfriend, now back in town after 7 years. If Micaela Smeltzer couldn’t tell a story well one would wonder why these two were ever together! But that is the reason her books are worth the read. You get caught up in the story without passing judgment on either person and despite all their flaws, you can’t see them apart. You know there has to be a bomb drop but when she does, she does not draw it out for too long in the story. If each book gets better, then I hope she writes faster, because I for one can’t wait!! Thank you Micaela Smeltzer for another great read!!
P.S. I think grandma needs her damn book!! From one grandma to the other, that woman kicks ass!! (Okay, my grandkids are not grown up, they’re babies, but I want to act like that!)
Profile Image for FMR Book Grind.
2,189 reviews125 followers
April 21, 2015
NICOLE'S REVIEW
5 STARS

This is the book after Last to Know, but it can be read as a stand alone.
The book is in the POV of Remy, who has just moved back home after living in Arizona for the past seven years. Her grandma's health isn't doing so great, so she volunteered to move in with her. She hasn't seen her ex boyfriend Mathias Wade since they broke up when they were in high school. The last thing Remy wants to do in run into the man that broke her heart so long ago.
When she does run into him she comes up with a plan to break his heart like he broke hers. The only problem is her feelings for him are getting the best of her. Slowly Mathias begins to chip away at the armor she has over her heart.
This is a beautifully written story. I was constantly laughing at Remy's grandma who has an obsession with what seems like The CW Network and is a very feisty woman. I loved Remy's cat who was pretty much like her, kind of a bitch until you get to know her.
I felt so many different emotions with this book. The best part is you don't get a cliffhanger, it was a wonderful ending that made me cry.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for JewelsyGoolsy.
636 reviews99 followers
May 26, 2015
2.5 stars.
Don't get me wrong, I do love a good ol hot/cold, tortured hero like any woman, but the over-dramatic dialogue in the first 30%, made the hero seem more bipolar than dark and pining.
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Anyway, once the H&h got their shit together the dialogue got less irritating and I ended up getting through the rest of the book with no hiccups. It wasn't a bad read, it just wasn't my jam. I have read and loved a few books about tortured, angry rock stars who act like assholes and I love em! I also know how hard it is to get them written so well, that the reader can still fall in love and swoon over such a multi-layered character, so I give props to this author for trying and appreciate her effort.

Book #2 in a series and can be read as a standalone novel. Told in heroine's POV

Profile Image for Page Turners.
722 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2015
This book has a mixture of drama and rock star fame. Which of course makes this a good book! Mathias and Remy were high school sweethearts. When Remy gets news that she has to leave town and Mathias, they part ways on a very ugly note filled with secrets. Now six years later, she has come back to town to take care of her elderly grandmother. Of course the drawback of living in a small town is that you can't avoid people. When they run into each other at the local bar, they both realize that their feelings for each other haven't really gone away and that it is Never Too Late for second chances. I loved this story and the characters had so much chemistry that I hated to see the story end. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great romance.
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