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Storybook Lake #1
Here He Comes Again
Welcome to Storybook Lake, where dreams come true.
Not all fairy tales have a happy ending. Jocelyn learned that the hard way, when she married her high school sweetheart Keaton Shaw—only to have him break her heart.
But that was a long time ago. The papers were signed, the divorce finalized, and Jocelyn is no longer a little girl with her head in the clouds. That’s why no one in Storybook can believe it when Keaton, the All-American dream boy, walks into Jocelyn’s bakery, looking as sweet as one of her frosted cupcakes, and demanding a second chance with the woman he still calls his wife.
Not all fairy tales have a happy ending. Jocelyn learned that the hard way, when she married her high school sweetheart Keaton Shaw—only to have him break her heart.
But that was a long time ago. The papers were signed, the divorce finalized, and Jocelyn is no longer a little girl with her head in the clouds. That’s why no one in Storybook can believe it when Keaton, the All-American dream boy, walks into Jocelyn’s bakery, looking as sweet as one of her frosted cupcakes, and demanding a second chance with the woman he still calls his wife.
First published August 18, 2015
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383 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Shirley
23 books28 followersAs an author, Melissa Shirley believes in fairytales, happily ever after, and destiny. Born and raised in Illinois, and a mother of eight, she lives with her husband and three youngest children in a quiet town in the southern part of the state where she spends her time writing and watching her children grow into the people she has always dreamed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 8, 2015
***3,5 stars for second chances***
Well, this book was kinda of crazy...
Why crazy??? Because the heroine was a little bit undecided to what she really wanted...
Yep, i really understand her reasons why she acted like that but she was jumping on conclusions without allowing to anyone to explain his side... And i'm reffering mostly to Keaton...
This guy went through hell for this woman...
You don't understand much, right???
Well, i will try to tell you more about this book without making any spoilers...
Well, Keaton is coming back after 3,5 years to claim his wife back...
Jocelyn, is not happy about that even though she's still drooling over him...
You see, Keaton cheated on her and then she threw him out of their house and her life.
(You will allow me to say that this kind of action doesn't seem to me as cheating, but who am i to judge???)
But Keaton had a strong ally by his side.
His best friend and Jocelyn's twin brother, Simon.
(Simon is another story that is not the right time to talk about... Maybe he will claim the next book as his??? That will be great!!!)
Well, Keaton is determined to win Jocelyn back and he doesn't intend to back off from that plan.
He never stopped loving her and his life was miserable without her.
Jocelyn from the other hand, she is fighting with tooth and nails to stay away from him, even though she still had feelings for him too...
So here we have a major problem since everything are against them and more of all both's wild and crazy temper...
You see, that book went back and fourth in the past and i learned everything about those two...
How they met, how the ended up together, how they got married, how they got divorced... Everything...
And i can say that they were both having quite a temper...
They were fighting for the most ridiculous things, but they were really in love with each other...
I will admit that mostly in this book, i was irritated by Jocelyn...
She was irrational most of the times and she was acting like a crazy bitch, but in some level that was a little bit charming...
As for Keaton??? I know that he had the lebel of cheating bastard but i really liked him.
He was having big and pure feelings for Jocelyn since the first moment that he laid eyes on her...
But i don't think that i can say anything else!!! Sorry!!! My lips are sealed!!!
So... Yep, that was a crazy ride but i had good time with the companion of those guys...
The only thing that i'm wishing for is to learn what is going to happen with Simon.
Will he restore what he had lost??? Hmmmm????
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
Well, this book was kinda of crazy...
Why crazy??? Because the heroine was a little bit undecided to what she really wanted...
Yep, i really understand her reasons why she acted like that but she was jumping on conclusions without allowing to anyone to explain his side... And i'm reffering mostly to Keaton...
This guy went through hell for this woman...
You don't understand much, right???
Well, i will try to tell you more about this book without making any spoilers...
Well, Keaton is coming back after 3,5 years to claim his wife back...
Jocelyn, is not happy about that even though she's still drooling over him...
You see, Keaton cheated on her and then she threw him out of their house and her life.
(You will allow me to say that this kind of action doesn't seem to me as cheating, but who am i to judge???)
But Keaton had a strong ally by his side.
His best friend and Jocelyn's twin brother, Simon.
(Simon is another story that is not the right time to talk about... Maybe he will claim the next book as his??? That will be great!!!)
Well, Keaton is determined to win Jocelyn back and he doesn't intend to back off from that plan.
He never stopped loving her and his life was miserable without her.
"I came back here because i am broken, and because the only time in my life i was happy was when you loved me. I need you...
Marry me again, Jocelyn."
Jocelyn from the other hand, she is fighting with tooth and nails to stay away from him, even though she still had feelings for him too...
So here we have a major problem since everything are against them and more of all both's wild and crazy temper...
You see, that book went back and fourth in the past and i learned everything about those two...
How they met, how the ended up together, how they got married, how they got divorced... Everything...
And i can say that they were both having quite a temper...
They were fighting for the most ridiculous things, but they were really in love with each other...
I will admit that mostly in this book, i was irritated by Jocelyn...
She was irrational most of the times and she was acting like a crazy bitch, but in some level that was a little bit charming...
As for Keaton??? I know that he had the lebel of cheating bastard but i really liked him.
He was having big and pure feelings for Jocelyn since the first moment that he laid eyes on her...
But i don't think that i can say anything else!!! Sorry!!! My lips are sealed!!!
So... Yep, that was a crazy ride but i had good time with the companion of those guys...
The only thing that i'm wishing for is to learn what is going to happen with Simon.
Will he restore what he had lost??? Hmmmm????
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
avoid
April 22, 2018Those who believe he didn’t “technically” cheat, please send me a shoutout. I’d like to see how you react when your husband/boyfriend/girlfriend kisses OW/OM in front of you. Unless you’re in an open relationship of course. (Heroine wasn’t).
you’d get a front row seat to watch your spouse’s make out session with OP.
you’d get a front row seat to watch your spouse’s make out session with OP.
avoid
July 8, 2022Self note avoid cheating
MCs were high school sweethearts.
Married for 3 yrs.
Then divorce.
Break up was caused by the h seeing the H making out with her nemesis (who is also his ex gf) on their third wedding anniversary dinner!
At the end of the book, he said he didn’t react to the ow.
He was drunk that night, and the ow gave him drugs.🙄
He said he was being kissed, he didn’t kiss back.
Then…this idiot…
He showed up to the divorce court with the ow so she could tell the h what really happened, but made out with her instead.🙄 (this book is a trainwreck)
So then…
He moves in with the ow, and apparently he was so depressed that he was always drunk.
And might have slept with the ow. Oops… cause ow is now preg.😂😂😂
So everything was h fault.🙄
HEA with the ow having the H baby.🙄
In the OW own book,
🤬you find out from her pov that he did kiss her, it was mutual, so he lied. A lot.
And the ow broke them up, because the h broke her relationship with her brother. Yes, H and h brother both dated the ow.
And the ow baby ends up being someone else’s,
but the fact remains the h was just a another pathetic doormat wife, willing to raise her hubs baby with the ow he cheated on her with.
Reader (reviews) and Book Gannet has full spoilers.
MCs were high school sweethearts.
Married for 3 yrs.
Then divorce.
Break up was caused by the h seeing the H making out with her nemesis (who is also his ex gf) on their third wedding anniversary dinner!
At the end of the book, he said he didn’t react to the ow.
He was drunk that night, and the ow gave him drugs.🙄
He said he was being kissed, he didn’t kiss back.
Then…this idiot…
He showed up to the divorce court with the ow so she could tell the h what really happened, but made out with her instead.🙄 (this book is a trainwreck)
So then…
He moves in with the ow, and apparently he was so depressed that he was always drunk.
And might have slept with the ow. Oops… cause ow is now preg.😂😂😂
So everything was h fault.🙄
HEA with the ow having the H baby.🙄
In the OW own book,
🤬you find out from her pov that he did kiss her, it was mutual, so he lied. A lot.
And the ow broke them up, because the h broke her relationship with her brother. Yes, H and h brother both dated the ow.
And the ow baby ends up being someone else’s,
but the fact remains the h was just a another pathetic doormat wife, willing to raise her hubs baby with the ow he cheated on her with.
Reader (reviews) and Book Gannet has full spoilers.
August 12, 2015
This book made me angry. Seriously, astonishingly angry – I’m talking stress-headache levels of suppressed rage. And since I can’t talk about any of it without spoilers, consider this your warning.
Cat 5 Spoiler Warning!
You have been warned.
What now follows is a long rant. I would apologise, but I’m still pretty annoyed.
Normally I love a good old second-chance romance. I like a bit of high school sweethearts too, and if there’s a bit about marriage breakdown and how to make it all come good, then great. Somehow, despite having all of these things in abundance, this book still left me spluttering and swearing in an incoherent fury.
Read this is you want to get angry. It’s probably a pretty realistic portrayal of what happens to some high school marriages, but perhaps it was too real, because this isn’t a romance. It’s one big guilt trip to make the person who isn’t wrong feel like it, so they end up apologising at the end when they didn’t do anything!
And I’m stopping now. Seriously. Before I hurt myself. Urgh.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Cat 5 Spoiler Warning!
You have been warned.
What now follows is a long rant. I would apologise, but I’m still pretty annoyed.
Normally I love a good old second-chance romance. I like a bit of high school sweethearts too, and if there’s a bit about marriage breakdown and how to make it all come good, then great. Somehow, despite having all of these things in abundance, this book still left me spluttering and swearing in an incoherent fury.
Read this is you want to get angry. It’s probably a pretty realistic portrayal of what happens to some high school marriages, but perhaps it was too real, because this isn’t a romance. It’s one big guilt trip to make the person who isn’t wrong feel like it, so they end up apologising at the end when they didn’t do anything!
And I’m stopping now. Seriously. Before I hurt myself. Urgh.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
April 22, 2018
Waste of my time...
November 27, 2020
Some books make me feel worse for having read them. It's not just that I wasted my time on the book, but it feels as if some small portion of my soul has been diminished by being exposed to...whatever the heck this is supposed to be.
In brief, chronological order (with SPOILERS):
Keaton and Jocelyn were high school sweethearts who married immediately after he graduated from college. (She was expelled from their private high school by his mother before they graduated, so she's working in a bakery.)
Jocelyn has a childhood enemy named Danielle who dated both Keaton AND Jocelyn's twin brother Simon in high school. Joss cannot stand Danielle and erupts in a jealous fury when she discovers that "Dani" works at the resort Keaton manages and he's concealed that information from her.
Although Jocelyn doesn't want a baby, she becomes pregnant and suffers a miscarriage. Then their marriage falls apart, but in a way the narrative doesn't connect to the miscarriage at all, really. They apparently argue constantly and were no longer intimate. On the night of their third (?) anniversary, they arrange to meet at a bar to celebrate. She dolls up for the event, planning to tell him she's willing to try for another baby. He assumes she's coming to tell him she wants to separate. Before she arrives, he gets drunk in the back room while playing pool and she walks in to find him making out with the dreaded Danielle.
Jocelyn walks out and files for divorce. Keaton leaves town for Arizona, where Danielle joins him when she hears through the grapevine that he's drinking himself to death. She's going to "fix" him. (We learn through the internal narration in HER book -- because who doesn't want the mean girl OW to get a book of her own? *eyeroll* -- that she's doing all of this to get back at the twin brother through the heroine. She wants them both to believe that she and Keaton are in a relationship. Incidentally, through the narration in her book, we'll also learn that Keaton's attempted excuse -- that Dani was kissing him at the bar and not the other way around -- isn't true. So that's a lovely thing to encounter after the supposed reconciliation and HEA for these loser protagonists.)
When it comes time for their divorce to go to court, Keaton shows up with Danielle because he wants Danielle to explain the night at the bar to Jocelyn. Instead, Danielle makes out with him at the courthouse in front of Joss and Simon, because *itch. Later, she'll lie to Keaton and tell him that the baby she's expecting is his.
The most obnoxious part of this? We actually end this book with the heroine reconciling with Keaton while still believing that he's the father of Danielle's child. (That's why I went on to read the OW's book. Because...what??)
There's no romance here. There's no character development. They each blame the other for not "fighting" for their relationship before the divorce, and they're both right, but the only reason the heroine is willing to give him a second chance is because he's supposed to be so gorgeous and charming. He's a bad decision she can live with for the rest of her life because she has superficial values.
In brief, chronological order (with SPOILERS):
Keaton and Jocelyn were high school sweethearts who married immediately after he graduated from college. (She was expelled from their private high school by his mother before they graduated, so she's working in a bakery.)
Jocelyn has a childhood enemy named Danielle who dated both Keaton AND Jocelyn's twin brother Simon in high school. Joss cannot stand Danielle and erupts in a jealous fury when she discovers that "Dani" works at the resort Keaton manages and he's concealed that information from her.
Although Jocelyn doesn't want a baby, she becomes pregnant and suffers a miscarriage. Then their marriage falls apart, but in a way the narrative doesn't connect to the miscarriage at all, really. They apparently argue constantly and were no longer intimate. On the night of their third (?) anniversary, they arrange to meet at a bar to celebrate. She dolls up for the event, planning to tell him she's willing to try for another baby. He assumes she's coming to tell him she wants to separate. Before she arrives, he gets drunk in the back room while playing pool and she walks in to find him making out with the dreaded Danielle.
Jocelyn walks out and files for divorce. Keaton leaves town for Arizona, where Danielle joins him when she hears through the grapevine that he's drinking himself to death. She's going to "fix" him. (We learn through the internal narration in HER book -- because who doesn't want the mean girl OW to get a book of her own? *eyeroll* -- that she's doing all of this to get back at the twin brother through the heroine. She wants them both to believe that she and Keaton are in a relationship. Incidentally, through the narration in her book, we'll also learn that Keaton's attempted excuse -- that Dani was kissing him at the bar and not the other way around -- isn't true. So that's a lovely thing to encounter after the supposed reconciliation and HEA for these loser protagonists.)
When it comes time for their divorce to go to court, Keaton shows up with Danielle because he wants Danielle to explain the night at the bar to Jocelyn. Instead, Danielle makes out with him at the courthouse in front of Joss and Simon, because *itch. Later, she'll lie to Keaton and tell him that the baby she's expecting is his.
The most obnoxious part of this? We actually end this book with the heroine reconciling with Keaton while still believing that he's the father of Danielle's child. (That's why I went on to read the OW's book. Because...what??)
There's no romance here. There's no character development. They each blame the other for not "fighting" for their relationship before the divorce, and they're both right, but the only reason the heroine is willing to give him a second chance is because he's supposed to be so gorgeous and charming. He's a bad decision she can live with for the rest of her life because she has superficial values.
June 14, 2015
This was kind of annoying for me. Keaton cheats on his wife, then ups and leaves when she files for divorce then comes back 3 years later saying he wanted her back? And then to find out he spent most of the 3 years away from his wife WITH the woman he cheated with her on?!?! I was totally agreeing with the heroine (whose name is escaping me) with her distrust right up until the end. The end felt incredibly rushed and I was not sure what the heck happened?! This book was pretty much a miss for me because I just could not get behind the premise. I did not care for Keaton at all. Maybe if it had been dual POV it would have better-maybe I could have understood him. But, maybe not-I think he was just a giant, self centered asshole.
Read
September 6, 2022Self note:
Jena, reeder and Kiwi have spoilers.
This is the page 312/323 when it’s mention that H is not ow’s baby daddy:
I heard through the grapevine--okay, from Mom--Danielle took her baby and went off in search of the baby’s real father. The DNA test she’d gotten to placate Keaton came back negative. Whiling away the nights at home baking and crying, I suffered in ways I never knew possible. When I'd lost him the first time, the splinters of him in my veins hurt, but this left me shattered.
Jena, reeder and Kiwi have spoilers.
This is the page 312/323 when it’s mention that H is not ow’s baby daddy:
I heard through the grapevine--okay, from Mom--Danielle took her baby and went off in search of the baby’s real father. The DNA test she’d gotten to placate Keaton came back negative. Whiling away the nights at home baking and crying, I suffered in ways I never knew possible. When I'd lost him the first time, the splinters of him in my veins hurt, but this left me shattered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2015
(This review is based on NetGalley ARC ebook in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
As a reviewer, I always hope to like every book I invest my time in reading. Each book begins with potential, and I am extremely forgiving when it comes to grammar, editing, and even the cover. It is the storyline, the characters believability and ultimately likeability, and sometimes redeemability, that I focus on. This book had none of those. I can even overlook the whiplash effect of going back and forth from present to past, because I know the author here was attempting to establish a history for her characters.
What I cannot overlook is how much I could not empathize or even begin to understand the heroine in this story. Never do I remember reading a romance where I think the leading lady does not deserve a HEA. That is until I read Here He Comes Again. At 40% in the story, I started to come to the same conclusion about the leading man. A smart, feisty, outspoken heroine is one of my favorite book characters. This one came across as self-entitled, rude, obnoxious, and just plain stupid, since she obviously does not realize how unappealing those qualities make her.
The leading man came across as weak-minded/weak-willed with no redeeming, acceptable explanations for his behavior/past decisions regarding Danielle. By the end, I felt they deserved each other since I did not particularly like either one of them.
The writing did flow, even with the back and forth. Unfortunately, I did not like the storyline itself. This was frustrating since I loved the book synopsis. One of my favorite plots is when the hero realizes he lost the love of his life and will stop at nothing to win her back. Unfortunately, the heroine was very unlikeable and the hero's actions regarding Danielle inappropriate and unacceptable. This romantic read gets a big “thumbs down” from this reviewer.
Title: Here He Comes Again, Series: Storybrook Lake, Author: Melissa Shirley, Pub. Date: 8/21/15, Pages: 171
As a reviewer, I always hope to like every book I invest my time in reading. Each book begins with potential, and I am extremely forgiving when it comes to grammar, editing, and even the cover. It is the storyline, the characters believability and ultimately likeability, and sometimes redeemability, that I focus on. This book had none of those. I can even overlook the whiplash effect of going back and forth from present to past, because I know the author here was attempting to establish a history for her characters.
What I cannot overlook is how much I could not empathize or even begin to understand the heroine in this story. Never do I remember reading a romance where I think the leading lady does not deserve a HEA. That is until I read Here He Comes Again. At 40% in the story, I started to come to the same conclusion about the leading man. A smart, feisty, outspoken heroine is one of my favorite book characters. This one came across as self-entitled, rude, obnoxious, and just plain stupid, since she obviously does not realize how unappealing those qualities make her.
The leading man came across as weak-minded/weak-willed with no redeeming, acceptable explanations for his behavior/past decisions regarding Danielle. By the end, I felt they deserved each other since I did not particularly like either one of them.
The writing did flow, even with the back and forth. Unfortunately, I did not like the storyline itself. This was frustrating since I loved the book synopsis. One of my favorite plots is when the hero realizes he lost the love of his life and will stop at nothing to win her back. Unfortunately, the heroine was very unlikeable and the hero's actions regarding Danielle inappropriate and unacceptable. This romantic read gets a big “thumbs down” from this reviewer.
Title: Here He Comes Again, Series: Storybrook Lake, Author: Melissa Shirley, Pub. Date: 8/21/15, Pages: 171
no-way-jose
November 26, 2018Another one for the (anti) romance.
I am still trying to find the answer to what type of man women would accept just for the sakw of saying they are “in a relationship”. 🤦🏻♀️
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am still trying to find the answer to what type of man women would accept just for the sakw of saying they are “in a relationship”. 🤦🏻♀️
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 16, 2017
*** 3.5 Stars ***
The story goes back and forth from the present (2009) to the past. The reader gets to see how the couple fell in love and broke apart. I enjoyed this story, but it was a little slow for me in the beginning.
Maybe I feel this way because Jocelyn marries her dream guy at a young age, and then the guy does numerous idiotic things to hurt their relationship. Keaton had his moments of being a gentleman, but he also made me so disappointed. And then his attempts to win her back were (to me) kind of weak and poor.
Keaton doesn't have to be an alpha male for me to like him, but he could have been more smart and determined. I don't know... I guess for me it just didn't pack a punch to be 4/5 stars.
The story goes back and forth from the present (2009) to the past. The reader gets to see how the couple fell in love and broke apart. I enjoyed this story, but it was a little slow for me in the beginning.
Maybe I feel this way because Jocelyn marries her dream guy at a young age, and then the guy does numerous idiotic things to hurt their relationship. Keaton had his moments of being a gentleman, but he also made me so disappointed. And then his attempts to win her back were (to me) kind of weak and poor.
Keaton doesn't have to be an alpha male for me to like him, but he could have been more smart and determined. I don't know... I guess for me it just didn't pack a punch to be 4/5 stars.
June 13, 2015
Review by Trinette Dungee
Look out fellas, there’s a new book boyfriend in town and his name is Keaton Shaw! And ladies, he’s completely swoon worthy…sigh.
Reading the synopsis of this book I figured…okay, this will be a cute read. Uh, can you say totally hooked from the first page? This was not at all what I was expecting. I was not expecting a sassy; hell-on-wheels female character that I actually loved but I was also not expecting this sweet, sensitive, manly-man that was head over heels in lover with her but that is exactly what I got! This is one of those books where I struggle with what to say because I don’t want to give away too much. I don’t want to ruin anything for other readers I want others to enjoy it as much as I did. I’ve been trying to put my thoughts together for almost three days!
Joss and Keaton have known each other since they were thirteen years old; since the day her twin brother, Simon introduced them. Simon and Keaton became best friends, which meant Keaton was a daily part of Joss’ life. Joss initially feigns dislike for Keaton but eventually the two become high school sweethearts and marry. Unfortunately the marriage doesn’t last leaving Joss feeling hurt and betrayed. After their divorce Keaton moves away and stays gone for three years before he returns to Storybook Lake asking Joss to marry him again. Still stinging from his betrayal Joss has no intentions of ever going down that road again but unfortunately for her, her body is not on the same page as her heart and her mind. As determined, as Joss is to not give Keaton a second chance, Keaton is determined to win her back.
At 3am on her thirtieth birthday when Jocelyn is awaken by a phone call from her ex-husband, Keaton, asking her to bail him out of jail; this is where I was sucked in. This is the same ex-husband who left town three years ago and whom she hasn’t heard from since. From the first bit of dialogue with these two I was hooked. If you know anything about the types of books I like (and you should because I’ve said it enough) I absolutely love free flowing quick banter between characters and this book is full of it; and not just between Joss and Keaton. It’s there between Joss and Simon, Joss and her mom and even Simon and Keaton. There are a lot of quotes I could have used but I opted not to because then I’d have to explain them and then I feel like I’d be giving away too much.
What else did I love about this book…Joss, which in itself is unusual for me because I’m normally annoyed by the female characters. The story is told from her POV and through flashbacks we get to experience a teenage Joss who lives to push her mother’s buttons. At first I wasn’t really a fan of the flashbacks, I thought they were confusing but in the end it worked. There isn’t much difference between the teenage Joss and thirty-year old Joss. This chick is brass, crude, rude, snarky and bitchy and just a hand full and I LOVED her. She gives the term “problem-child” a whole new meaning. She pretty much says what’s on her mind and it’s not because she has no filter, she just doesn’t care. She definitely has a few daddy issues. Her mom tended to pay a little too much attention to her boyfriends than her kids, which made Joss a little resentful. For as brass as Joss is, she’s also very sensitive. She loves deeply and is fiercely loyal, especially to her brother. She’s even loyal to Keaton.
As much as Joss doesn’t want to still love Keaton, she does. She basically just has to get out of her own way. In her defense Keaton has done a few things that should give her reason to pause. I noticed he’s not really big on communication until he’s ready to communicate. Like when he leaves for college; Joss doesn’t hear from him for three months! Then he shows up on Thanksgiving with a ring proposing. Or like how he left town after the divorce and she doesn’t hear from him for three years and shows up wanting her to marry him again (I’m sensing a pattern here). Although this is Joss’ story, Keaton shined. Can’t quite put my finger on it why specifically but he had me swooning from start to finish. He’s was the boy that every mother wanted their daughter to date in high school and then marry, according to Joss.
There is definitely some angst in this story that had me on the edge of my seat. When I was 96% done I was starting to worry that this was not going to be a HEA or worse…it was going to be a cliff-hanger; but I got my HEA and the possibility of future storylines since is book one in the Storybook Lake Series. I’m hoping there is a book for Simon. I’m even interested in reading about Joss’ nemesis, Danielle. So I’ve added Melissa Shirley to my “stalkee” list.
Look out fellas, there’s a new book boyfriend in town and his name is Keaton Shaw! And ladies, he’s completely swoon worthy…sigh.
Reading the synopsis of this book I figured…okay, this will be a cute read. Uh, can you say totally hooked from the first page? This was not at all what I was expecting. I was not expecting a sassy; hell-on-wheels female character that I actually loved but I was also not expecting this sweet, sensitive, manly-man that was head over heels in lover with her but that is exactly what I got! This is one of those books where I struggle with what to say because I don’t want to give away too much. I don’t want to ruin anything for other readers I want others to enjoy it as much as I did. I’ve been trying to put my thoughts together for almost three days!
Joss and Keaton have known each other since they were thirteen years old; since the day her twin brother, Simon introduced them. Simon and Keaton became best friends, which meant Keaton was a daily part of Joss’ life. Joss initially feigns dislike for Keaton but eventually the two become high school sweethearts and marry. Unfortunately the marriage doesn’t last leaving Joss feeling hurt and betrayed. After their divorce Keaton moves away and stays gone for three years before he returns to Storybook Lake asking Joss to marry him again. Still stinging from his betrayal Joss has no intentions of ever going down that road again but unfortunately for her, her body is not on the same page as her heart and her mind. As determined, as Joss is to not give Keaton a second chance, Keaton is determined to win her back.
At 3am on her thirtieth birthday when Jocelyn is awaken by a phone call from her ex-husband, Keaton, asking her to bail him out of jail; this is where I was sucked in. This is the same ex-husband who left town three years ago and whom she hasn’t heard from since. From the first bit of dialogue with these two I was hooked. If you know anything about the types of books I like (and you should because I’ve said it enough) I absolutely love free flowing quick banter between characters and this book is full of it; and not just between Joss and Keaton. It’s there between Joss and Simon, Joss and her mom and even Simon and Keaton. There are a lot of quotes I could have used but I opted not to because then I’d have to explain them and then I feel like I’d be giving away too much.
What else did I love about this book…Joss, which in itself is unusual for me because I’m normally annoyed by the female characters. The story is told from her POV and through flashbacks we get to experience a teenage Joss who lives to push her mother’s buttons. At first I wasn’t really a fan of the flashbacks, I thought they were confusing but in the end it worked. There isn’t much difference between the teenage Joss and thirty-year old Joss. This chick is brass, crude, rude, snarky and bitchy and just a hand full and I LOVED her. She gives the term “problem-child” a whole new meaning. She pretty much says what’s on her mind and it’s not because she has no filter, she just doesn’t care. She definitely has a few daddy issues. Her mom tended to pay a little too much attention to her boyfriends than her kids, which made Joss a little resentful. For as brass as Joss is, she’s also very sensitive. She loves deeply and is fiercely loyal, especially to her brother. She’s even loyal to Keaton.
As much as Joss doesn’t want to still love Keaton, she does. She basically just has to get out of her own way. In her defense Keaton has done a few things that should give her reason to pause. I noticed he’s not really big on communication until he’s ready to communicate. Like when he leaves for college; Joss doesn’t hear from him for three months! Then he shows up on Thanksgiving with a ring proposing. Or like how he left town after the divorce and she doesn’t hear from him for three years and shows up wanting her to marry him again (I’m sensing a pattern here). Although this is Joss’ story, Keaton shined. Can’t quite put my finger on it why specifically but he had me swooning from start to finish. He’s was the boy that every mother wanted their daughter to date in high school and then marry, according to Joss.
There is definitely some angst in this story that had me on the edge of my seat. When I was 96% done I was starting to worry that this was not going to be a HEA or worse…it was going to be a cliff-hanger; but I got my HEA and the possibility of future storylines since is book one in the Storybook Lake Series. I’m hoping there is a book for Simon. I’m even interested in reading about Joss’ nemesis, Danielle. So I’ve added Melissa Shirley to my “stalkee” list.
September 12, 2015
Can you say dysfunctional? Wowza, the characters this book has, from Simon, the golden twin who apparently got the great looks, the glowing personality and all the charm in the family; to problem child Jocelyn, the small and dark-haired twin who always felt neglected and abandoned from the time she was a small child, and who acted out all during her school years, seemingly on detention at school or confined to her room at home the majority of the time; to their mom, who goes through husbands and/or boyfriends at a pretty fast clip. It's easy to understand why Joss didn't respect her mom's authority when, by the time the twins were in high school, mom was off on vacation with her boyfriend du'jour and there wasn't always a reason to come home.
Then there's Keaton, the gorgeous new boy in town, who became best friends with Simon, but never let on that he was seriously crushing on Joss. And Keaton’s mom, who’s the principal and always believed the worst of Jocelyn, including having her expelled from school during her senior year. So with a mom who throws her hands up in the air and says, find a job, Joss learned the bakery business and later opened her own.
After going away to college for three months and too busy to even call or write, Keaton comes home and we find the reason he was so busy was earning enough money for an engagement ring. To give to Joss. Who, of course says yes and they live kind of happily for three years until the unthinkable happens and Joss wants a divorce. They split up, Keaton leaves town and neither he nor Joss actually are able to move on with their lives because of the feelings they still have for each other. Years later, Keaton shows back up in town determined to make things right and win Jocelyn back.
This is where the book actually begins. We find out all the other stuff in flashbacks that can be kind of confusing, but we’re all adults here, we can pay attention and figure it out! And seriously, it is a book worth figuring out. There just seem to be a lot of crazy people that live in Storybook Lake, but they grow on you after awhile. Especially Joss and Keaton and Simon and now I’m kind of dying to see who the next book by Melissa Shirley will be about!
Received this as an ARC from NetGalley. Check out my blog at https://ladieswholunchreviews.wordpre...
Then there's Keaton, the gorgeous new boy in town, who became best friends with Simon, but never let on that he was seriously crushing on Joss. And Keaton’s mom, who’s the principal and always believed the worst of Jocelyn, including having her expelled from school during her senior year. So with a mom who throws her hands up in the air and says, find a job, Joss learned the bakery business and later opened her own.
After going away to college for three months and too busy to even call or write, Keaton comes home and we find the reason he was so busy was earning enough money for an engagement ring. To give to Joss. Who, of course says yes and they live kind of happily for three years until the unthinkable happens and Joss wants a divorce. They split up, Keaton leaves town and neither he nor Joss actually are able to move on with their lives because of the feelings they still have for each other. Years later, Keaton shows back up in town determined to make things right and win Jocelyn back.
This is where the book actually begins. We find out all the other stuff in flashbacks that can be kind of confusing, but we’re all adults here, we can pay attention and figure it out! And seriously, it is a book worth figuring out. There just seem to be a lot of crazy people that live in Storybook Lake, but they grow on you after awhile. Especially Joss and Keaton and Simon and now I’m kind of dying to see who the next book by Melissa Shirley will be about!
Received this as an ARC from NetGalley. Check out my blog at https://ladieswholunchreviews.wordpre...
June 20, 2015
I downloaded this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
Here He Comes Again is the story of Jocelyn & Keaton: a divorced couple who ends up thrown back together. Jocelyn wakes up early the morning of her 30th birthday to a phone call from Keaton (her ex-husband), asking her to bail him out of jail. Why would you want to bail your ex out, right? For some reason, she goes and finds out it's a trick. Her brother, Simon (the chief of police and Keaton's best friend), helps set the whole thing up.
Basically, Keaton's spent the last three years since their divorce in a drunken stupor because he can't get over Joss. It was his fault that the divorce happened in the first place, since Joss caught him kissing her arch enemy, Danielle. Keaton's back because he wants Jocelyn back. Jocelyn isn't as apt as he is and doesn't just let him jump right back in. In fact, she basically makes him grovel his way back into her life. Around every corner, just as she lets her guard down, he does something to show her he isn't ready.
I liked the blurb on the story, which is what made me want to read it. However, the back and forth between the past and present was kind of hard to follow. At one point, I even contemplated going through and reading everything from the past first and then reading the stuff from the present. I didn't, but that's not to say I didn't really want to. Actually, I really enjoyed the past parts -- maybe almost more than the present stuff.
It's hard not to say you aren't rooting the couple on. You can tell Keaton really does want Jocelyn back; he's just not really fully capable of showing it the right way. Keaton, himself, is very likable, but a bit dramatic. Jocelyn is a smartass. Together, they're an unlikely pairing, but it works.
I look forward to reading more from the Storybook Lake saga and hope the author writes a book based around Simon, Jocelyn's brother. I really liked his character.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
Here He Comes Again is the story of Jocelyn & Keaton: a divorced couple who ends up thrown back together. Jocelyn wakes up early the morning of her 30th birthday to a phone call from Keaton (her ex-husband), asking her to bail him out of jail. Why would you want to bail your ex out, right? For some reason, she goes and finds out it's a trick. Her brother, Simon (the chief of police and Keaton's best friend), helps set the whole thing up.
Basically, Keaton's spent the last three years since their divorce in a drunken stupor because he can't get over Joss. It was his fault that the divorce happened in the first place, since Joss caught him kissing her arch enemy, Danielle. Keaton's back because he wants Jocelyn back. Jocelyn isn't as apt as he is and doesn't just let him jump right back in. In fact, she basically makes him grovel his way back into her life. Around every corner, just as she lets her guard down, he does something to show her he isn't ready.
I liked the blurb on the story, which is what made me want to read it. However, the back and forth between the past and present was kind of hard to follow. At one point, I even contemplated going through and reading everything from the past first and then reading the stuff from the present. I didn't, but that's not to say I didn't really want to. Actually, I really enjoyed the past parts -- maybe almost more than the present stuff.
It's hard not to say you aren't rooting the couple on. You can tell Keaton really does want Jocelyn back; he's just not really fully capable of showing it the right way. Keaton, himself, is very likable, but a bit dramatic. Jocelyn is a smartass. Together, they're an unlikely pairing, but it works.
I look forward to reading more from the Storybook Lake saga and hope the author writes a book based around Simon, Jocelyn's brother. I really liked his character.
July 22, 2015
What the frack is that ending????
Present
Past
Present
Present
Past
Present
Past
Etc…
This story is exactly why young immature people should not marry…especially without the support of their family and friends. The first year of marriage for me was the WORST! Now, 19 years later and 24 years together, I am much more confident and unflappable in my marriage. But early on, if a waitress even a bit too friendly with the water glass refill…my jealousy would flare. And thus, I introduce you to Joss…Jocelyn.
Jocelyn has been in love with Keaton her whole life. So why would she let any other boy kiss her? Well, because she didn’t feel good enough or worthy of Keaton. Now go back and forth with her doing this shite for the better part of 10-15 years…and you have Here He Comes Again. I did not find myself attaching to either character and I especially didn’t like any of the side characters, with the exception of Simon, Joss’ twin brother.
This story might have been a second chance romance, but I saw very little romance, a whole lot of dysfunction and even less redemption. The whole story tied up in a bow on the what turned out to be the last page and I actual words were…”What the f$#% ending is that?” Shouted to no one in particular (thankfully I was on the deck and all the kids were watching a movie downstairs. While the writing was good, the style was just not for me. I don’t like the flip back and then forward too much (I lose connection to the characters). But, for those who enjoy their characters flawed and self-involved, this is the book for you. Enjoy.
Present
Past
Present
Present
Past
Present
Past
Etc…
This story is exactly why young immature people should not marry…especially without the support of their family and friends. The first year of marriage for me was the WORST! Now, 19 years later and 24 years together, I am much more confident and unflappable in my marriage. But early on, if a waitress even a bit too friendly with the water glass refill…my jealousy would flare. And thus, I introduce you to Joss…Jocelyn.
Jocelyn has been in love with Keaton her whole life. So why would she let any other boy kiss her? Well, because she didn’t feel good enough or worthy of Keaton. Now go back and forth with her doing this shite for the better part of 10-15 years…and you have Here He Comes Again. I did not find myself attaching to either character and I especially didn’t like any of the side characters, with the exception of Simon, Joss’ twin brother.
This story might have been a second chance romance, but I saw very little romance, a whole lot of dysfunction and even less redemption. The whole story tied up in a bow on the what turned out to be the last page and I actual words were…”What the f$#% ending is that?” Shouted to no one in particular (thankfully I was on the deck and all the kids were watching a movie downstairs. While the writing was good, the style was just not for me. I don’t like the flip back and then forward too much (I lose connection to the characters). But, for those who enjoy their characters flawed and self-involved, this is the book for you. Enjoy.
August 18, 2015
Jocelyn has been in love with Keaton for what seems like her entire life. After being caught cheating, Jocelyn divorces him. Then one day, he shows up on her birthday wanting to pick up where they left off. We then start the flashbacks in earnest.
This story showcases young love and the struggles of marriage. Jocelyn's twin brother introduces her to his best friend Keaton when they were young and in school. Jocelyn never felt up to snuff with Keaton from the get-go. We see that continually in the jump to the past then back to the present chapters we get. Because of the back and forth, I never felt connected to either character. Too much jumping around to form any bonds. There was nothing happening that enticed me to root for them. This is billed as a second chance romance, but Keaton doesn't really do any romancing to get Jocelyn back. I know young love can be sweet and all encompassing, but it felt dysfunctional from the beginning. You would hope that with age comes some wisdom, but it doesn't seem to here. And the ending? What was that? Very disappointed. The writing itself was ok, but the style was the kicker for me. I did not like the flip-flopping around, the character development suffered, so I found myself disinterested. For some it may be an enjoyable read, but I am sorry it wasn't for me.
2.5 stars/3 flames
This book was provided to me by The Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The opinions and rating in this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
This story showcases young love and the struggles of marriage. Jocelyn's twin brother introduces her to his best friend Keaton when they were young and in school. Jocelyn never felt up to snuff with Keaton from the get-go. We see that continually in the jump to the past then back to the present chapters we get. Because of the back and forth, I never felt connected to either character. Too much jumping around to form any bonds. There was nothing happening that enticed me to root for them. This is billed as a second chance romance, but Keaton doesn't really do any romancing to get Jocelyn back. I know young love can be sweet and all encompassing, but it felt dysfunctional from the beginning. You would hope that with age comes some wisdom, but it doesn't seem to here. And the ending? What was that? Very disappointed. The writing itself was ok, but the style was the kicker for me. I did not like the flip-flopping around, the character development suffered, so I found myself disinterested. For some it may be an enjoyable read, but I am sorry it wasn't for me.
2.5 stars/3 flames
This book was provided to me by The Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The opinions and rating in this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
June 19, 2015
This book goes back and forth between the past and the future. I knew from reading the synopsis the couple broke up and their hearts were broken, but there was an angle to it that has a bit of a trigger for me - cheating. There is a childhood nemesis and she preyed on a very weak hero who wasn't handling a whole lot of things well at that point in his marriage. He gets caught making out with her in a bar on their anniversary. There's more to it, but the marriage is over with not much of a fight from him and this other woman stays in and out of his life (also in/out of the heroine's brother's life). It flip flopped so much that at one point I really didn't like any of the characters nor could I see how they could all move past the confusion, misunderstandings and bitterness. I know everyone has their own definition of cheating, but this one was tough for me to get past and fully enjoy the book.
Based on the author's note at the beginning of the story, future books might be coming from this world. I'm anxious to try another book by the author.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher/author for an honest review.
Based on the author's note at the beginning of the story, future books might be coming from this world. I'm anxious to try another book by the author.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher/author for an honest review.
June 18, 2015
This story was so good in terms of the emotional arc between the two main characters. The author did a really good job of building. The shifting between past and present was fair, but at times, it seemed to interrupt the flow of things. All the plot points were definitely interesting, however, they seemed to be placed together without a clear flushing out of the details and ended with hanging threads. As the story moved toward completion, there was a flatness that became evident.
This story had me completely (at the beginning) until it didn't (by the end).
This story had me completely (at the beginning) until it didn't (by the end).
July 4, 2015
I enjoyed this past to present to past story of heartbreak, love, life changes and growing. Keaton was a great alpha male. Loved his strength, his sweet seduction and persistence. Joss was just as strong, stubborn and persistent as Keaton. Together they were passionate in every way from loving to arguing.
The love story between them is heartfelt and filled with unanswered questions. This story of second chances was filled with twist and turns. The only down side is there was no epilogue and I wanted more closure.
The love story between them is heartfelt and filled with unanswered questions. This story of second chances was filled with twist and turns. The only down side is there was no epilogue and I wanted more closure.
September 3, 2015
Here He Comes Again by Melissa Shirley is my first book with this author and it was pretty good. This is a second chance book.
Jocelyn married her high school sweetheart at a young age. She met Keaton Shaw through her brother. They end up divorcing and three years later Keaton comes back for a second chance, he wants to win Jocelyn back.
I was given an ARC by publisher via NetGalley, for my honest review.
Jocelyn married her high school sweetheart at a young age. She met Keaton Shaw through her brother. They end up divorcing and three years later Keaton comes back for a second chance, he wants to win Jocelyn back.
I was given an ARC by publisher via NetGalley, for my honest review.
June 8, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
... And I have to say that I'm blown away.
This book was not your average hot romance, but about best friends who lost each other and tried to find their way back.
I'm going to post my original review on the release day of this awesome book, but if you're wondering weather you should buy it?
Hell yes!
... And I have to say that I'm blown away.
This book was not your average hot romance, but about best friends who lost each other and tried to find their way back.
I'm going to post my original review on the release day of this awesome book, but if you're wondering weather you should buy it?
Hell yes!
August 11, 2015
I liked this book, but it left me with a lot of questions. I'm glad they resolved their problems, but I'm not sure why they did, nothing really seemed to change. At one point, I thought there was something physically wrong with Keaton, but nothing came of that. I'd be interested to read the next book. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2015
See full review under Three Chicks and Their Books.
February 14, 2024
What the heck did I just read? I was hoping here for maybe a little angst, being the characters were previously married and split. But nothing. Immediately they were joking, Keaton was continuously telling Joss he wanted back with her after no contact for 3 years, and it all felt sleazy and uncomfortable. Like a guy who won’t leave you alone or take no for an answer.
I didn’t think it was possible to dislike both characters so much, but here we are. They’re weak, at times pathetic, seem toxic to those around them, and can’t even rationalize their own behaviour. They just do whatever they want, screw any implications it may have. They’re entitled, selfish and I just want to wash my hands of this and pretend I didn’t read it.
But equally as problematic is the plot here. There’s so many holes, but I’m not sure how what happened is the option that won? Keaton cheats on his wife, they divorce, he spends a prolonged period of time with the o/w, may or may not have a baby with her, he’s not sure, and now wants Joss back. Just like that. But it’s so sad because “he doesn’t smile without her”. Seriously what is this.
This was so over the top, and not in an enjoyable way. Its safe to say I won’t be trying this author again, I don’t think our styles mesh well.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t think it was possible to dislike both characters so much, but here we are. They’re weak, at times pathetic, seem toxic to those around them, and can’t even rationalize their own behaviour. They just do whatever they want, screw any implications it may have. They’re entitled, selfish and I just want to wash my hands of this and pretend I didn’t read it.
But equally as problematic is the plot here. There’s so many holes, but I’m not sure how what happened is the option that won? Keaton cheats on his wife, they divorce, he spends a prolonged period of time with the o/w, may or may not have a baby with her, he’s not sure, and now wants Joss back. Just like that. But it’s so sad because “he doesn’t smile without her”. Seriously what is this.
This was so over the top, and not in an enjoyable way. Its safe to say I won’t be trying this author again, I don’t think our styles mesh well.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2015
3.5 stars
Jocelyn is finally finding her way again in life with her bakery, her friends and her twin brother when the man who shattered her heart strolls back into town and makes it clear he intends to stay.
Keaton has loved Jocelyn for as long as he can remember. One mistake cost him his marriage but now he is back to fight for the woman he loves and this time build a relationship that will last.
This book had such great potential but there were a few things that made it difficult for me to enjoy. First, Jocelyn. She comes across as a nasty, needy, unforgiving person and the glimpses into her past relationship with Keaton only make her seem worse. I really wanted to like her but I am sad to say in the end I never really did. Keaton...although I liked him as a character and how much he is willing to fight for his relationship with Jocelyn now, he comes across as super weak for giving up so easily in the past considering he says he has loved her most of his life. The last thing was the total lack of heat/sex in this book. For two people who are so in love and hot for each other, it would have been nice to have a few love scenes vs. the "fade away" we get for most of the story, nothing until the very end and I thought that could have been much better.
Unlike other reviewers, I actually liked the switching between the past and the present. I thought it was a good way to show the characters history and develop their story. It is done clearly at the beginning of chapters so it wasn't difficult to follow. I also really liked Jocelyn's brother Simon and I hope he gets a book in the future.
My thoughts:
POV Jocelyn
Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (I was hooked from the beginning and for the most part stayed interested)
Character development: 3.5
Level of Romance between characters: 3.5
Passion/Heat level: 2 (there is a little bit of kissing and one brief sex scene at the end, that's it)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (it seems like all these two do is fight for most of the book)
Cliffhanger?: No, although it felt very rushed, the story is pretty much wrapped up in the end.
Overall, I thought it was just ok since I had a hard time with the main characters. But, the writing is clean and the pace of the story was good so I still read more books from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jocelyn is finally finding her way again in life with her bakery, her friends and her twin brother when the man who shattered her heart strolls back into town and makes it clear he intends to stay.
Keaton has loved Jocelyn for as long as he can remember. One mistake cost him his marriage but now he is back to fight for the woman he loves and this time build a relationship that will last.
This book had such great potential but there were a few things that made it difficult for me to enjoy. First, Jocelyn. She comes across as a nasty, needy, unforgiving person and the glimpses into her past relationship with Keaton only make her seem worse. I really wanted to like her but I am sad to say in the end I never really did. Keaton...although I liked him as a character and how much he is willing to fight for his relationship with Jocelyn now, he comes across as super weak for giving up so easily in the past considering he says he has loved her most of his life. The last thing was the total lack of heat/sex in this book. For two people who are so in love and hot for each other, it would have been nice to have a few love scenes vs. the "fade away" we get for most of the story, nothing until the very end and I thought that could have been much better.
Unlike other reviewers, I actually liked the switching between the past and the present. I thought it was a good way to show the characters history and develop their story. It is done clearly at the beginning of chapters so it wasn't difficult to follow. I also really liked Jocelyn's brother Simon and I hope he gets a book in the future.
My thoughts:
POV Jocelyn
Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (I was hooked from the beginning and for the most part stayed interested)
Character development: 3.5
Level of Romance between characters: 3.5
Passion/Heat level: 2 (there is a little bit of kissing and one brief sex scene at the end, that's it)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (it seems like all these two do is fight for most of the book)
Cliffhanger?: No, although it felt very rushed, the story is pretty much wrapped up in the end.
Overall, I thought it was just ok since I had a hard time with the main characters. But, the writing is clean and the pace of the story was good so I still read more books from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2015
Can love really fix everything? That was the question Jocelyn Shaw was facing when her ex-husband walked back into her life. It may have gone a whole lot better for him if her twin brother, Simon the Chief of Police, had not gone along with his best friend and her ex to surprise her for her birthday.
You see Keaton Shaw came up with the plan to wake her up at 3:30 a.m. telling her he needed her to bail him out of jail. Banking on the love she still had for him, in spite of the divorce. She shows up and as he’s explaining her brother comes up behind her to the cell area with a beautiful cake she had labored for several hours decorating at the bakery she owns. Putting a huge price on it so she could share it with her twin later. When they both yell surprise!
Unfortunately, they did not get the reaction they had hope for. Especially when she turned around to see Keaton out of the cell that wasn’t locked at all. She shoves the cake at her brother calls them both a few choice names and leaves out the building. Keaton follows her trying to explain. But she turns on him. She says I have to be to work at the bakery early and you wake me from a dead sleep. Then you lie to me again. She gets in her car and drives out like a bat out of hell.
She is pissed because her brother had always taken Keaton’s side. He never knew how the family loyalty thing worked. Keaton may have been his best friend but she was his sister. Twin at that. If she just hadn’t fell for him way back when and believed he would love her forever. But seeing him lip locked with the woman she hated since kindergarten on their anniversary just about did her in. At that moment her broke her but when she was ready to roll again she was pissed and she was up and running. Still loved him but couldn’t waste time on a man who betrayed her.
See if they can mend old wounds. Ride the wild ride this author takes you on. It’s worth it. It’s emotional in the way that it’s more real than not but oh so funny. I give this 5 stars.
Provided by netgalley.com
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
You see Keaton Shaw came up with the plan to wake her up at 3:30 a.m. telling her he needed her to bail him out of jail. Banking on the love she still had for him, in spite of the divorce. She shows up and as he’s explaining her brother comes up behind her to the cell area with a beautiful cake she had labored for several hours decorating at the bakery she owns. Putting a huge price on it so she could share it with her twin later. When they both yell surprise!
Unfortunately, they did not get the reaction they had hope for. Especially when she turned around to see Keaton out of the cell that wasn’t locked at all. She shoves the cake at her brother calls them both a few choice names and leaves out the building. Keaton follows her trying to explain. But she turns on him. She says I have to be to work at the bakery early and you wake me from a dead sleep. Then you lie to me again. She gets in her car and drives out like a bat out of hell.
She is pissed because her brother had always taken Keaton’s side. He never knew how the family loyalty thing worked. Keaton may have been his best friend but she was his sister. Twin at that. If she just hadn’t fell for him way back when and believed he would love her forever. But seeing him lip locked with the woman she hated since kindergarten on their anniversary just about did her in. At that moment her broke her but when she was ready to roll again she was pissed and she was up and running. Still loved him but couldn’t waste time on a man who betrayed her.
See if they can mend old wounds. Ride the wild ride this author takes you on. It’s worth it. It’s emotional in the way that it’s more real than not but oh so funny. I give this 5 stars.
Provided by netgalley.com
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November 27, 2015
I'm a little unsure how I feel about this one. Keaton and Joss have had quite a history. From the falling for each other to the finally getting together to overcoming issues with their family. To the divorce, and secrets, and lies, and wow......
Keaton seemed like a great guy in realizing his mistake. However the truth being kept away and the way he acted left me scratching my head and feeling sorry for Joss because I did understand her pain in everything. Love is awesome and yea people are going to hurt you. But sometimes Love can over come that stuff. However I felt like everyone was downplaying her destruction and focusing all on poor Keaton.
Danielle to me could have have been kept out of the story completely. She was a hot mess that just made a mess. From Simon to Keaton I liked Joss's opinion of her. It was an okay book But i'm still just like huh?
Keaton seemed like a great guy in realizing his mistake. However the truth being kept away and the way he acted left me scratching my head and feeling sorry for Joss because I did understand her pain in everything. Love is awesome and yea people are going to hurt you. But sometimes Love can over come that stuff. However I felt like everyone was downplaying her destruction and focusing all on poor Keaton.
Danielle to me could have have been kept out of the story completely. She was a hot mess that just made a mess. From Simon to Keaton I liked Joss's opinion of her. It was an okay book But i'm still just like huh?
September 14, 2015
Jocelyn's brother Simon is best friends with her ex-husband Keaton. Keaton and Jocelyn had been divorced for 3 years. On Jocelyn's 30th birthday Keaton calls her to bail him out of jail and eventually demanding another chance.
Jocelyn was an excellent character. I really enjoyed her. Every emotion possible was displayed through this story. Her strength and her weakness was Keaton.
There were many ups and downs to bring this story to an awesome end. I read this story from the time I started until it was done without setting it down, even with going forth between past and present. It didn't matter in this case. It all came together perfectly. I loved the plot, the overall story and the characters. Every person wishes they had a Keaton in their life. I highly recommend.
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Jocelyn was an excellent character. I really enjoyed her. Every emotion possible was displayed through this story. Her strength and her weakness was Keaton.
There were many ups and downs to bring this story to an awesome end. I read this story from the time I started until it was done without setting it down, even with going forth between past and present. It didn't matter in this case. It all came together perfectly. I loved the plot, the overall story and the characters. Every person wishes they had a Keaton in their life. I highly recommend.
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
September 20, 2015
Copy courtesy of Netgalley
Book one is a standalone with a HEA
The story was ok but it could have been better. It had potential.
The story of Jocelyn and Keaton is told in flashbacks and real time. There is a lot going on in this story. Jocelyn's relationship with her mom, her brother and Keaton is thrown into the storyline. Jocelyn and Keaton married young and struggled with the reality. When things got hard they didn't fight for their marriage. The story picks up with Keaton returning to get his marriage back. Jocelyn has to get pass her insecurities and hurt from tha pass. Every time she takes a step forward she remembers and takes two back. Eventually they have their HEA but the path is not clear why. It's like all of a sudden she sees the light. Yeah, the ending was kind of abrupt. An epilogue would have been nice.
Book one is a standalone with a HEA
The story was ok but it could have been better. It had potential.
The story of Jocelyn and Keaton is told in flashbacks and real time. There is a lot going on in this story. Jocelyn's relationship with her mom, her brother and Keaton is thrown into the storyline. Jocelyn and Keaton married young and struggled with the reality. When things got hard they didn't fight for their marriage. The story picks up with Keaton returning to get his marriage back. Jocelyn has to get pass her insecurities and hurt from tha pass. Every time she takes a step forward she remembers and takes two back. Eventually they have their HEA but the path is not clear why. It's like all of a sudden she sees the light. Yeah, the ending was kind of abrupt. An epilogue would have been nice.
June 14, 2015
The characters in this book frustrated me to no end. Essentially, the book involves twins, Jocelyn and Simon, and Simon's best friend since childhood, Keaton. The story goes back and forth through time to tell their story. Jocelyn and Keaton marry, divorce and try to work through their previous mistakes including Jocelyn' nemesis, Daniella. I loved reading about Jocelyn in her younger years with all her sass and ability to see her way around things. The whole Jocelyn and Keaton story was frustrating for me with the back and forth between the two. I was constantly yelling at the book. However, given her mother's relationship history, I understood more of Jocelyn's hesitation. Overall, it's a great read. I was provided an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
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