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Reclaimed Hearts #1
For Life
Cassie Daley found her soulmate at seventeen. Steadfast, sexy, and bold, Grady Mahoney walked into her world one night and claimed her for life. But after an unplanned college pregnancy and six years of struggling, their marriage fell apart. Now, despite sharing custody of their two children, they’ve barely spoken face-to-face in nearly eleven years.
She’s managed to keep both Grady and her emotions at bay for over a decade, but when a family tragedy throws the two together, Cassie must face both the man she fell in love with and the demons that drove them apart. Grady makes it clear that he wants their family back together, but can Cassie’s heart afford to take a second chance on first love?
She’s managed to keep both Grady and her emotions at bay for over a decade, but when a family tragedy throws the two together, Cassie must face both the man she fell in love with and the demons that drove them apart. Grady makes it clear that he wants their family back together, but can Cassie’s heart afford to take a second chance on first love?
ebook
First published August 16, 2015
57 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Chamberlin
10 books143 followersL.E. Chamberlin is a foodie and former librarian who never returns her library books on time. She has a weakness for all things British, including cream teas, Wellies, fish & chips and the full spectrum of scrumptious accents. An aficionado of steamy romances, she wrote her first one at age thirteen and still has all eighty-six handwritten pages of it in a box under her bed.
These are a few of her favorite things, in no particular order:
Men with hot hands and cool heads. Pinterest (come pin hot tattooed boys with me!). Coffee. FMPs. Ink. Craft beer. Key West, FL. Big, slobbery dogs. British accents. Gingers. Singer/songwriters of the 1970s. Traveling. Love, sweet love.
These are a few of her favorite things, in no particular order:
Men with hot hands and cool heads. Pinterest (come pin hot tattooed boys with me!). Coffee. FMPs. Ink. Craft beer. Key West, FL. Big, slobbery dogs. British accents. Gingers. Singer/songwriters of the 1970s. Traveling. Love, sweet love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 12, 2015
*Available now! Amazon US * Amazon US *
For Life is a Contemporary Sexy Second-Chance Romance combined with erotic loveliness showcasing the story of Cassie and Grady from their alternating perspective in the first person narrative. It's a story that spans 20 years, with an eloquent prose that made me think and feel and love and flashbacks that depict their past with perfect snippets of shared history, effortlessly laced through the present day story with seamless transitions showcasing moments that have shaped their love and the demise of their marriage. The flashbacks are perfectly paced adding to the feel and sincerity of the story, endearing me to both the hero and heroine and providing a deeper level of context and insight into the story arc.
I found it to be a very human story with sincerity and truth, about when life falls apart, what happens next and how it can be built back. Its story that convincingly illustrates it’s never too late to put things right, to redeem a situation and embrace ones destiny. It’s about life and family and grief, being there for one another when it counts, putting aside ones regret and moving on. The beauty and mix of complex emotions combined with the integration of carefully constructed flashbacks is skilfully mastered by this author. I was drawn into their world immediately, and continued to be highly invested in the outcome of their love story. The execution of their story, their life, family and love is truly beautiful.
I appreciated the maturity of the characters, the ethos behind the story of living in the moment. The characters feel authentic and drive the story arc from beginning to end showcasing their development as individuals and the way sexual tastes mature with age and knowledge. The more confident Grady becomes with his life situation the more masterful he felt to me as a reader and the more I loved him. I felt him take control of his life and his love; a life that doesn't come with guarantees, only commitments.
The showing in this story is, at times, subtle and exquisite. Sudden emotion caught me in places, moments of raw reality, situations of life, some beyond our control and some that we should grasp with both hands and not let go until we’re forced to do so. The poignant simplicity of the story and the emotion radiating off the male protagonist becomes palpable as we feel his regret, pain, desire and want.
I wish a couple of things had been different as they impacted a little on my overall enjoyment and prevented my complete five-star-love for the story. The heroine's irrationality with regard to her fears, it felt authentic in terms of motivation but the fine line of over doing it was slightly crossed for me as she focuses on them a little too much. I felt the story veer off on a slight tangent towards the end and the sex scenes, although they're super luscious and hot, I feel (I can hardly believe I'm saying this) that there are a little too many. Some feel like they're there for the sake of adding sex and did little to drive the story forward. That said they're beautifully written and I'm potentially in the minority with these thoughts.
Despite my couple of wishes, I basked in the feel of this story much of the time. My heart beat fast for the hero and heroine. I love the manner in which the protagonists show appreciation for each other’s appearance and personas. I adored seeing them reconnect with a burning passion that had clearly never extinguished. I felt his yearning and her trepidation mixed with longing and desire as she navigates her emotions, her fear and the family stability she needs to protect. This author crafts her story and characters with a super dash of warmth, oodles of feeling, layers of depth and beautiful love. I recommend to lovers of SEXY Contemporary Romance who enjoy authenticity from character driven stories of LOVE, HOPE and DESTINY.
Advanced copy provided for my honest review thoughts.
November 18, 2015
If low level but still emotionally charged angst made a baby with hot divorcee sex, this book would be their love child. I liked it and the writing was excellent but after reading it, I'm exhausted! I'm hoping for a full review. Maybe.
October 10, 2017
Squee! It's live!
October 7, 2015
4 "Because you're you." Stars
This story has been on my Kindle since it's release and I'm quite sorry I haven't read it sooner than now. For Life provides a unique look into the lives of two people destined to love each other yet their timing wasn't quite right. It's a tale of second chance, contemporary romance full of memories, regrets, joys, and re-discoveries.
Grady Mahoney and Cassie Daley fell in love fast when they were in high school. Their relationship quickly progressed into a mature one where the two, together, buckled under the strains and pressures of their new life. For eleven years they lived separate lives, barely speaking because of the feelings they still hold for each other. When family tragedy strikes both Grady and Cassie start to believe their feelings for each other can turn into love once more. As the two embark on a new journey of re-lighting the torches they've always held for each other the reader gets a very realistic portrayal of the aftermath post-divorce and how the navigation of new again relationship would develop.
L.E. Chamberlin's writing engaged me the entire time. She took this unique concept of second chance love and made me believe in each of these characters, had me rooting for them throughout. My shining light was most definitely Grady. This is a strong man whose made mistakes, atoned for them, and lives his life proving he's a great man. Sexy, smart, alpha, and completely in love with his family - Grady Mahoney offers so much to this story. Cassie is a woman a bit scorned, a bit confused but so very strong in the faith she holds in being a good mother. She's stuck in the past with fears she keeps close for a long portion of the story. Her motivations were definitely founded but there was a big part of me that wanted her to have more faith in the man she inherently knows deep down Grady has become.
I would most definitely recommend For Life to those romance readers who love second chance, contemporaries. This book is infused with a little bit of angst, a lot of sexy, deep tragedy, humor, heartfelt emotions, and characters who are quite true to real life. This is going to be a series of standalone stories with new main characters in each book and I can't wait for the next installment of the Reclaimed Hearts series. The heroine of that story has so much offer and with this author's story telling I know it will be great.
September 20, 2015
4.5★
I honestly didn’t know how to start this review. I typed a line, I deleted. I typed another, I deleted… Some scenes in this book just pop up in my head and thinking about them gets me teary eyed all over again…
It’s such a moving story about second chances… *sob*
Grady and Cassie have a long history. They met when they were kids, married young, had kids, couldn’t sustain the marriage, divorced, and 12 years later… so goes the story… What happens after is the attempt to reconnect, the efforts it took to not look back, the ways to move forward with now more grown children to consider as well, and the acknowledgment of this beautiful thing they have between them, that passionate connection.
Cassie has a lot of emotional baggage from the beginning, who’s just trying to be the best mom for their kids. I have to say she challenged me a bit but this is all personal take. I was imposing my own feels on her a few time. Some of her decisions frustrated me but like I said, that’s just me being all mcjudgy. Luckily, she woman-ed up at the end, whew!
Grady… I don’t have enough words for Grady! He may have messed up the first time, but talk about redemption! I swear, you think of every adjective you can think of for your idealman BBF (book boyfriend*g*), he’s got it, yes, I say he does!! (hubby need not know hehe) To Casey’s credit, she helped further build that image of Grady just the way she saw him. Seriously, I cannot be any more captivated by Grady!!! *swoon*
So you have well-developed characters from the H&h to their children and the people who surround them, and a story full of emotions. It mirrors real life so much that reading this honestly feels like being given an intimate view into a relationship of a dear friend, or one’s own for that matter. Married or not, I don’t think anyone can argue the emotions this story will evoke… sigh…
I’ve read L.E.’s short stories before and she already impressed me with just few pages. I wondered then how much more she can do with a full-length story, and now, I wonder no more. Well done, L.E., well done! Can’t wait for more!
*ARC received and I also own a copy*
(BR with the Canaries)
I honestly didn’t know how to start this review. I typed a line, I deleted. I typed another, I deleted… Some scenes in this book just pop up in my head and thinking about them gets me teary eyed all over again…
It’s such a moving story about second chances… *sob*
Grady and Cassie have a long history. They met when they were kids, married young, had kids, couldn’t sustain the marriage, divorced, and 12 years later… so goes the story… What happens after is the attempt to reconnect, the efforts it took to not look back, the ways to move forward with now more grown children to consider as well, and the acknowledgment of this beautiful thing they have between them, that passionate connection.
Cassie has a lot of emotional baggage from the beginning, who’s just trying to be the best mom for their kids. I have to say she challenged me a bit but this is all personal take. I was imposing my own feels on her a few time. Some of her decisions frustrated me but like I said, that’s just me being all mcjudgy. Luckily, she woman-ed up at the end, whew!
Grady… I don’t have enough words for Grady! He may have messed up the first time, but talk about redemption! I swear, you think of every adjective you can think of for your ideal
So you have well-developed characters from the H&h to their children and the people who surround them, and a story full of emotions. It mirrors real life so much that reading this honestly feels like being given an intimate view into a relationship of a dear friend, or one’s own for that matter. Married or not, I don’t think anyone can argue the emotions this story will evoke… sigh…
I’ve read L.E.’s short stories before and she already impressed me with just few pages. I wondered then how much more she can do with a full-length story, and now, I wonder no more. Well done, L.E., well done! Can’t wait for more!
*ARC received and I also own a copy*
(BR with the Canaries)
August 22, 2015
I honestly think one of the best “highs” is finishing an absolutely fabulous book. A book you don’t want to put down, tell everyone about, and ultimately makes you fall in love with reading again. Trust me, For Life is the sort of book that will have you falling in love with reading all over again. It’s THAT book that will remind you that there are certain times in life where you do get that do-over.
“Twenty years ago, I met a boy at a football game who changed my life forever.”
For Life is all about second chances. Cassie and Grady met in high school and fell utterly in love from the get-go. They marry early and eventually have kids soon after. In those early years, Grady didn’t put his best foot forward in their marriage which ultimately was the demise of their union. Many years later, when faced with a tragedy, they are both together after many years of barely any contact besides changing custody of their children for the weekend. During this time…old feelings arise as well as resentments. Can Cassie and Grady put the past behind them and move forward?
“I know what I signed. I know what we are, legally. But those divorce papers don’t mean shit to me. I’ve loved you since I was sixteen years old and I’’’ never love another woman but you as long as I live.”
For Life was a glimpse into what I think can and may happen to many relationships. I can definitely see how their marriage ended up in divorce. You get the “feels” of what was happening and why Cassie felt the way she did all those years ago. Ms. Chamberlin wove the beginning of their relationship into the present which added so much more depth to the story and had you wanting a happy ending for Grady and Cassie.
“I never gave up home that somehow we’d find our way back to each other.”
This book was such a fresh breath of air as I have not found “that book” to totally fawn over in a long while. I am an angst-lover and this was a definite treat for me. I think the fact that the chapters were told in dual POV helped feed my addiction for this book. Can I also say that this book is hot as h*ll?! The chemistry these two shared was off-the-charts-hot-you made need a hand-held fan!! Plus, the added dimension of having children and how they add into the equation is just another thing I loved about this one. There aren’t enough books written about women in their 30’s and that’s another thing that hit the spot.
I highly recommend this breathtaking book. I honestly did not want it to end…hence the sneak reading at the most inappropriate times. I can’t wait to dig into more of Ms. Chamberlin’s works. Okay, enough gushing on my part…go grab it!
“Twenty years ago, I met a boy at a football game who changed my life forever.”
For Life is all about second chances. Cassie and Grady met in high school and fell utterly in love from the get-go. They marry early and eventually have kids soon after. In those early years, Grady didn’t put his best foot forward in their marriage which ultimately was the demise of their union. Many years later, when faced with a tragedy, they are both together after many years of barely any contact besides changing custody of their children for the weekend. During this time…old feelings arise as well as resentments. Can Cassie and Grady put the past behind them and move forward?
“I know what I signed. I know what we are, legally. But those divorce papers don’t mean shit to me. I’ve loved you since I was sixteen years old and I’’’ never love another woman but you as long as I live.”
For Life was a glimpse into what I think can and may happen to many relationships. I can definitely see how their marriage ended up in divorce. You get the “feels” of what was happening and why Cassie felt the way she did all those years ago. Ms. Chamberlin wove the beginning of their relationship into the present which added so much more depth to the story and had you wanting a happy ending for Grady and Cassie.
“I never gave up home that somehow we’d find our way back to each other.”
This book was such a fresh breath of air as I have not found “that book” to totally fawn over in a long while. I am an angst-lover and this was a definite treat for me. I think the fact that the chapters were told in dual POV helped feed my addiction for this book. Can I also say that this book is hot as h*ll?! The chemistry these two shared was off-the-charts-hot-you made need a hand-held fan!! Plus, the added dimension of having children and how they add into the equation is just another thing I loved about this one. There aren’t enough books written about women in their 30’s and that’s another thing that hit the spot.
I highly recommend this breathtaking book. I honestly did not want it to end…hence the sneak reading at the most inappropriate times. I can’t wait to dig into more of Ms. Chamberlin’s works. Okay, enough gushing on my part…go grab it!
September 3, 2015
5 Swoon Worthy Stars
For Life is an amazing and beautifully written book.
Where do I start? How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
1. Grady
2. Grady
3. Grady
4. Grady
5. Okay...do you get the picture?!
Eleven years after their marriage ended bitterly, a family tragedy brings Cassie and Grady back together under the same roof. As dormant memories of their love flash before them, Cassie and Grady are forced to re-examine what drove them apart in the first place. There are flashbacks in time that are brilliantly written and they give the readers a chance to discover what brought Cassie and Grady together in the beginning and what eventually drove them apart. For me, having a one-track mind, the story starts with Grady and ends with Grady. A fine, fine man....um-hmm!
For Life is so realistically written that it touched every one of my nerves. I re-lived every joy and pain with this couple. Without pointing out which parts, this was a story that I could easily relate to in my own life. I felt myself taking sides and rooting from the sidelines! I also loved that the author involved the whole family in the story. The children, Chloe and Caden, aren't just window dressing. Often times in books, children are pushed to the background as an afterthought, but not so here. We see how the decisions that are made by this couple not only affects them but the rippling affect it has on their children who are innocent. Thus we see the dynamics at work in this family unit as it crumbles and then re-builds.
For Life has it all! Love. Heartache. Family. Forgiveness. GRADY!!! Everything just works! What also works for me is giving For Life 5 swoon worthy stars! #Grady
For Life is an amazing and beautifully written book.
Where do I start? How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
1. Grady
2. Grady
3. Grady
4. Grady
5. Okay...do you get the picture?!
Eleven years after their marriage ended bitterly, a family tragedy brings Cassie and Grady back together under the same roof. As dormant memories of their love flash before them, Cassie and Grady are forced to re-examine what drove them apart in the first place. There are flashbacks in time that are brilliantly written and they give the readers a chance to discover what brought Cassie and Grady together in the beginning and what eventually drove them apart. For me, having a one-track mind, the story starts with Grady and ends with Grady. A fine, fine man....um-hmm!
For Life is so realistically written that it touched every one of my nerves. I re-lived every joy and pain with this couple. Without pointing out which parts, this was a story that I could easily relate to in my own life. I felt myself taking sides and rooting from the sidelines! I also loved that the author involved the whole family in the story. The children, Chloe and Caden, aren't just window dressing. Often times in books, children are pushed to the background as an afterthought, but not so here. We see how the decisions that are made by this couple not only affects them but the rippling affect it has on their children who are innocent. Thus we see the dynamics at work in this family unit as it crumbles and then re-builds.
For Life has it all! Love. Heartache. Family. Forgiveness. GRADY!!! Everything just works! What also works for me is giving For Life 5 swoon worthy stars! #Grady
August 22, 2015
For Life by LE Chamberlin
3.5 stars!!
This book ticked many boxes for me, I love it when the H’s are older couples and in this case these two were in their late thirties, I also love second chance romance and again this one delivered, so there was a lot to love about this book.
Cassie and Grady were high school sweethearts and when they fell, they fell hard. The last thing they expected was an unplanned pregnancy when they were so young but these two took it on the chin and they dealt. They got married, became parents and in fact had another child as well. The pressures of providing for his family made Grady make some misguided decisions and while not intending on hurting Cassie, they did and this caused them to separate and divorce. Grady cleaned up his act and now eleven years later he still pines after her, still hasn’t given up hope that they can once again reconnect, even though she does not speak to him, only the odd five minute conversation or email about the kids. He certainly has his work cut out.
I adored Grady, he knew he had made his mistakes and had done everything to change the man he was. He has grown up a lot and is one amazing father. His children adore him as does his family. You could tell that he still carried a torch for Cassie, she was the one that “got away” and despite trying to move on, he just couldn’t, he wanted his soul mate back.
Cassie was a strong woman, she had to be really, she had her kids early and then became a single mother, and she had to grow up fast too. She had a fantastic job, she was resilient, and extremely self sufficient but she had her cracks too. She went to counselling and she too had tried to move on, but couldn’t. Even though she felt she didn’t like Grady, she still couldn’t find a man that made her feel the same way as Grady, he had left an indelible mark, they had made an indelible mark on each other.
When tragedy strikes and Grady and Cassie are thrown together for the first time in eleven years, will it be heaven or hell? Grady has been intent on winning Cassie back, will those old feelings resurface or will the past be too hard to forget?
Cassie has a lot of soul searching to do in this book, the past is the past and even though she appreciates that Grady is not the man he was eleven years ago, it still hurts to go there, but one thing that she cannot ignore is the chemistry that these two still have. These two sizzle. The looks, the touches all captivate you into their story and the sexual tension in this book is off the charts.
LE Chamberlin really delivered on character connection in this book; it was powerful, intense and all consuming. It was an honest story and extremely relatable as I am sure many couples go through this all the time. With kids in the picture they too have to be taken into consideration and this was done really well. These two really were a great family unit, despite their divorce and even more so when they try to make a go of things a second time.
This book will melt you heart; it is a sweet romantic read for all us hopeless romantics. My only little niggle was that in places it was a bit too wordy and in some parts this made the story drag a little, but because I was so invested I carried on regardless, else this would have been a solid four star read for me.
I cannot wait for the next book which is another characters story, I just know that it is going to be one emotional read and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
www.theromancecover.com
3.5 stars!!
“…although he’s the father of my children and my first love, how well do I really know the man Grady Mahoney is today?”
This book ticked many boxes for me, I love it when the H’s are older couples and in this case these two were in their late thirties, I also love second chance romance and again this one delivered, so there was a lot to love about this book.
Cassie and Grady were high school sweethearts and when they fell, they fell hard. The last thing they expected was an unplanned pregnancy when they were so young but these two took it on the chin and they dealt. They got married, became parents and in fact had another child as well. The pressures of providing for his family made Grady make some misguided decisions and while not intending on hurting Cassie, they did and this caused them to separate and divorce. Grady cleaned up his act and now eleven years later he still pines after her, still hasn’t given up hope that they can once again reconnect, even though she does not speak to him, only the odd five minute conversation or email about the kids. He certainly has his work cut out.
“I’ve loved you for twenty-one years, Cass. I’m not going anywhere. Even when we split up, I was still yours.”
I adored Grady, he knew he had made his mistakes and had done everything to change the man he was. He has grown up a lot and is one amazing father. His children adore him as does his family. You could tell that he still carried a torch for Cassie, she was the one that “got away” and despite trying to move on, he just couldn’t, he wanted his soul mate back.
Cassie was a strong woman, she had to be really, she had her kids early and then became a single mother, and she had to grow up fast too. She had a fantastic job, she was resilient, and extremely self sufficient but she had her cracks too. She went to counselling and she too had tried to move on, but couldn’t. Even though she felt she didn’t like Grady, she still couldn’t find a man that made her feel the same way as Grady, he had left an indelible mark, they had made an indelible mark on each other.
“I am his sustenance, and he is my salvation.”
When tragedy strikes and Grady and Cassie are thrown together for the first time in eleven years, will it be heaven or hell? Grady has been intent on winning Cassie back, will those old feelings resurface or will the past be too hard to forget?
“…I know what I signed. I know what we are, legally. But those divorce papers don’t mean shit to me. I’ve loved you since I was sixteen years old and I’ll never love another woman but you as long as I live.”
Cassie has a lot of soul searching to do in this book, the past is the past and even though she appreciates that Grady is not the man he was eleven years ago, it still hurts to go there, but one thing that she cannot ignore is the chemistry that these two still have. These two sizzle. The looks, the touches all captivate you into their story and the sexual tension in this book is off the charts.
LE Chamberlin really delivered on character connection in this book; it was powerful, intense and all consuming. It was an honest story and extremely relatable as I am sure many couples go through this all the time. With kids in the picture they too have to be taken into consideration and this was done really well. These two really were a great family unit, despite their divorce and even more so when they try to make a go of things a second time.
“And when I feel the wetness against my skin, it takes me a minute to realize that Grady’s crying. His tears are washing me clean, absolving me of my sins, baptizing me in his love.”
This book will melt you heart; it is a sweet romantic read for all us hopeless romantics. My only little niggle was that in places it was a bit too wordy and in some parts this made the story drag a little, but because I was so invested I carried on regardless, else this would have been a solid four star read for me.
I cannot wait for the next book which is another characters story, I just know that it is going to be one emotional read and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
www.theromancecover.com
May 19, 2016
This book is hard for me to rate. The writing is so engaging, I felt compelled to read it despite the extremely sad context of this story. I don't like sad stories and since reading is my escape from real life, I like stories that make me laugh and feel fancy free. This book made me so sad and frustrated I wanted to stop reading. But I just couldn't. Why not give it more stars, you ask? Well, it's mostly because I hated the H. Now I know hate is a strong word and that he's a fictional character, but I get into it a little bit in the what I didn't like section. Just know that I thought he was full of crap.
What I liked:
1) The alternating dual povs.
2) The angst. I felt like what the MCs were going through was very realistic. I could imagine myself in their place with all of their emotions and thoughts.
3) The writing was so engaging.
4) The MCs are just regular people. There are no gazillionaires, pro ballers, or anything like that. These were just two people who were messed up, made mistakes, and trying to figure out if they can fix things.
5) This story, as much as I didn't like the H, made me feel things. And ugh, my heart broke for the h, Cassie.
What I didn't like:
1) Grady.
2) The MCs were just separated for too long. Eleven years.
What I liked:
1) The alternating dual povs.
2) The angst. I felt like what the MCs were going through was very realistic. I could imagine myself in their place with all of their emotions and thoughts.
3) The writing was so engaging.
4) The MCs are just regular people. There are no gazillionaires, pro ballers, or anything like that. These were just two people who were messed up, made mistakes, and trying to figure out if they can fix things.
5) This story, as much as I didn't like the H, made me feel things. And ugh, my heart broke for the h, Cassie.
What I didn't like:
1) Grady.
2) The MCs were just separated for too long. Eleven years.
September 8, 2015
Do you believe in second chances? Then this is the book for you!! Cassie and Grady were high school sweethearts who had lots responsibility placed on them at such a young age. Like many relationships the responsibilities often affect a relationship where the two people drift apart and divorce, but sometimes even though a couple are no longer together , their hearts are still connected. So sometimes second chances is just what the doctor ordered.
What I really loved about this book was the realistic factor. Yes Grady is swoon worthy but so real at the same time. There's many heart felt issues that were addressed and I loved the back in forth in time to tell such a beautiful story. This book just flowed and you were rooting for the two if them from the start!!!
" "Nothing is too much to bear if we can share it. Nothing is too much to feel if we aren’t feeling it alone."
What I really loved about this book was the realistic factor. Yes Grady is swoon worthy but so real at the same time. There's many heart felt issues that were addressed and I loved the back in forth in time to tell such a beautiful story. This book just flowed and you were rooting for the two if them from the start!!!
" "Nothing is too much to bear if we can share it. Nothing is too much to feel if we aren’t feeling it alone."
September 4, 2015
4.5 stars!!! LOVED this second chance romance!!! It was sweet, sad, steamy, and relatable. The flashbacks of the past were woven into the story perfectly! Cannot wait for Renee's book!!!!
"Nothing is too much to bear if we can share it. Nothing is too much to feel if we aren't feeling it alone"
"Life should always be as easy as folding a load of towels"
"I am his sustenance, and he is my salvation"
"Nothing is too much to bear if we can share it. Nothing is too much to feel if we aren't feeling it alone"
"Life should always be as easy as folding a load of towels"
"I am his sustenance, and he is my salvation"
September 12, 2015
This book is by far my favorite book I've read this year...well, in a very long time for that matter. I'm a sucker for second chance romances. I'm a sucker for older, real, and characters I can relate to. And this book meshed two of my favorites into one story line that had me flipping pages quickly through some parts and rereading tearful parts several times over.
My heart bled for these characters. They both made mistakes. They let something beautiful and whole and pure turn into something ugly. And instead of fighting for it, they let it slip through their fingertips.
For eleven years, they fumbled through life without the other half of their soul. Then, one day, tragedy brings them back together. The past--the ugly parts--are hazy as the heated, beautiful parts become crystal clear. I devoured each page as their love was rekindled and repaired. Like grown-ups, they talked out their issues, sought counseling, and made family a priority.
"She was right in my hands. She was hot and willing and right there. I kissed her and touched her and smelled her and tasted her, and it was like coming home."
Grady was the ultimate husband. He made mistakes but he atoned for them. And Cassie, she was bitter about the past, but found room in her heart to let Grady back in. Those two killed me....in a beautiful way. When I wasn't smiling and rooting for them, I was bawling my eyes out and praying they'd make it through the storm of life.
"Now what?" I whisper.
"Now we cuddle," he whispers back.
"Then what?"
"Then we figure it out."
Seriously, this book gave me all the feels. If you're looking for a book to get lost in, to have hope in, and to laugh and cry for, then this book is for you. I'll most certainly be ordering this one in paperback to grace the shelves with the rest of my all-time favorites. I'm looking forward to reading more by this talented author.
My heart bled for these characters. They both made mistakes. They let something beautiful and whole and pure turn into something ugly. And instead of fighting for it, they let it slip through their fingertips.
For eleven years, they fumbled through life without the other half of their soul. Then, one day, tragedy brings them back together. The past--the ugly parts--are hazy as the heated, beautiful parts become crystal clear. I devoured each page as their love was rekindled and repaired. Like grown-ups, they talked out their issues, sought counseling, and made family a priority.
"She was right in my hands. She was hot and willing and right there. I kissed her and touched her and smelled her and tasted her, and it was like coming home."
Grady was the ultimate husband. He made mistakes but he atoned for them. And Cassie, she was bitter about the past, but found room in her heart to let Grady back in. Those two killed me....in a beautiful way. When I wasn't smiling and rooting for them, I was bawling my eyes out and praying they'd make it through the storm of life.
"Now what?" I whisper.
"Now we cuddle," he whispers back.
"Then what?"
"Then we figure it out."
Seriously, this book gave me all the feels. If you're looking for a book to get lost in, to have hope in, and to laugh and cry for, then this book is for you. I'll most certainly be ordering this one in paperback to grace the shelves with the rest of my all-time favorites. I'm looking forward to reading more by this talented author.
September 4, 2015
This was a tug at your heart, second chance love story. I loved Grady. He was dreamy and swoon-worthy and a real pleasure to read.
L.E. did a great job of interweaving present and past to give us the entire story of this couple. It's sweet, it's hot and heartbreaking all at once. When these two come back together, there's no denying the chemistry between them and it's great to read.
At first I didn't know how I would feel about Grady waiting 11 years and pining for Cassie but never doing anything about it. I know I read a lot of alphas and I'm not saying I wanted him to be that but I kinda didn't think I could go for a guy who didn't go after what he wanted. I fell for him anyway because he's so sweet and he genuinely loves Cassie and his kids. I realized that he needed those years to grow up and become a man. I think they both needed that time apart and the fact that they had it just made the reunion that much sweeter.
I'm glad these two found their way back to each other. L.E. did a great job of bringing me into this world. I felt like I spent real time with this family. This story was real and will stay with me for a long time. Great job L.E.!
L.E. did a great job of interweaving present and past to give us the entire story of this couple. It's sweet, it's hot and heartbreaking all at once. When these two come back together, there's no denying the chemistry between them and it's great to read.
At first I didn't know how I would feel about Grady waiting 11 years and pining for Cassie but never doing anything about it. I know I read a lot of alphas and I'm not saying I wanted him to be that but I kinda didn't think I could go for a guy who didn't go after what he wanted. I fell for him anyway because he's so sweet and he genuinely loves Cassie and his kids. I realized that he needed those years to grow up and become a man. I think they both needed that time apart and the fact that they had it just made the reunion that much sweeter.
I'm glad these two found their way back to each other. L.E. did a great job of bringing me into this world. I felt like I spent real time with this family. This story was real and will stay with me for a long time. Great job L.E.!
August 26, 2015
3.5-4 stars! This was a helluva emotional roller coaster ride. A steamy one!
I HAD to read this as soon as I read the teaser months ago-
I loved both Grady and Cassie, their love story will pull at your heart. High school sweethearts who get married young and well...suffice it to say 11 years later, after a devastating divorce, with seperate lives and two teenagers, no one is more surprised than Cassie when she realizes she still had feelings for her ex.
Grady, though, isn't surprised at all. He's never stopped loving his wife, and never given up on getting her back. A family tragedy isn't the catalyst he wanted, but he won't let the chance slip through his fingers again.
This is a well written, engaging story and I enjoyed it. THe sex was plentiful and super hot. Two things kept me from giving it more stars, one-I like my stories with a bit more fire and action, this one was more languid. Not a bad thing, just not as much my taste, so I ended up skimming here and there. And two, while I thought Cassie was partcularly well done, (I loved that she wasn't perfect; that she had anxiety, insecurity and control issues, all of which felt REAL, not 'bitchy' or overdone). However, I thought Grady was a little too perfect. Don't get me wrong, he was hot, caring and sweet and I adored him. Maybe its just the cynic in me, but I don't believe in men that good. ;)
I am very Intrigued by Renee's story which promises a bit more fire. I'll be snapping that one up as soon as it comes out.
I HAD to read this as soon as I read the teaser months ago-
I loved both Grady and Cassie, their love story will pull at your heart. High school sweethearts who get married young and well...suffice it to say 11 years later, after a devastating divorce, with seperate lives and two teenagers, no one is more surprised than Cassie when she realizes she still had feelings for her ex.
Grady, though, isn't surprised at all. He's never stopped loving his wife, and never given up on getting her back. A family tragedy isn't the catalyst he wanted, but he won't let the chance slip through his fingers again.
This is a well written, engaging story and I enjoyed it. THe sex was plentiful and super hot. Two things kept me from giving it more stars, one-I like my stories with a bit more fire and action, this one was more languid. Not a bad thing, just not as much my taste, so I ended up skimming here and there. And two, while I thought Cassie was partcularly well done, (I loved that she wasn't perfect; that she had anxiety, insecurity and control issues, all of which felt REAL, not 'bitchy' or overdone). However, I thought Grady was a little too perfect. Don't get me wrong, he was hot, caring and sweet and I adored him. Maybe its just the cynic in me, but I don't believe in men that good. ;)
I am very Intrigued by Renee's story which promises a bit more fire. I'll be snapping that one up as soon as it comes out.
dnf
October 2, 2022DNF. I was craving a marriage-in-trouble book but this isn't hitting the spot. I think it's not angsty enough? The heroine and hero originally separate because the hero's a drunk...so no betrayals or anything. During their 11-year separation, they both aren't celibate (thankfully on the heroine's part...) but they both couldn't commit to anyone because they still loved each other. No real OM/OW drama. So it's just...boring...
August 31, 2015
Usually when seeing good book deals of authors I haven't heard about yet, I check Goodreads to see if it already has several ratings, reviews and the average rating. This one had only few ratings and no review yet at that moment but a great average ... normally I would skip the book and maybe check again at a later moment but the short story intrigued me and I'm glad!
This was a nice story of a couple with kids that went thru a messy divorce after things were bad. After 11 years, tragedy brings them back together under the same roof and gives Cassie the courage to give Grady another chance. Grady never stopped seeing Cassie as his wife.
I liked this story very much! I also enjoyed that Cassie was a 38 years ‘old’ woman since I’ll turn 38 in 12 days myself! Most books are of younger females.
I'll give this book 3.5 stars and look forward to reading Renée's story
This was a nice story of a couple with kids that went thru a messy divorce after things were bad. After 11 years, tragedy brings them back together under the same roof and gives Cassie the courage to give Grady another chance. Grady never stopped seeing Cassie as his wife.
I liked this story very much! I also enjoyed that Cassie was a 38 years ‘old’ woman since I’ll turn 38 in 12 days myself! Most books are of younger females.
I'll give this book 3.5 stars and look forward to reading Renée's story
August 27, 2015
This was a great read.It flowed nice and had its hot and steamy moments.
It is a great story of young love gone wrong and how people hold on to that love for years.It emphasizes the fact of how true love never dies.
Grady may have had his issues in the past,which seemed to come out of no where.I think I would have liked to have known more about what started it and why he spent more time out with the buddies than home with his family.I felt that part was not touched on much.It was like they had a great marriage and then bang he was partying and never around.
I liked Cassie too......sometimes she could be a bit over the top and in her head too much.
I will read the next in the series for sure.
It is a great story of young love gone wrong and how people hold on to that love for years.It emphasizes the fact of how true love never dies.
Grady may have had his issues in the past,which seemed to come out of no where.I think I would have liked to have known more about what started it and why he spent more time out with the buddies than home with his family.I felt that part was not touched on much.It was like they had a great marriage and then bang he was partying and never around.
I liked Cassie too......sometimes she could be a bit over the top and in her head too much.
I will read the next in the series for sure.
August 18, 2015
I can't say enough good things about this book! Fans of L. E. Chamberlin know she writes some of the steamiest sex scenes around, but this gem proves she can tug at her reader's heartstrings just as craftily. I honestly can't remember the last time I felt so much angst in something other than a teen movie and I love that this was told from the POV of an older woman rather than the usual 20-something in popular romance novels. I could relate to the problems of having moody teenagers and real world problems that come with being 30 or 40-something. Fans of steamy romance won't want to miss out on this one!
September 7, 2015
4.5 ❤️Sweet Second Chances❤️ BRAVO L.E.!!
A beautiful balance of love, second chances, family and friends with a side of steamy Grady!
I loved how all the parts of the story were continually moving. So often you find when children are part of the story they tend to be an unfocused background. This is not the case in For Life. L.E. does a fantastic job of bringing the importance of family into the decisions of a second chance love without it overpowering the rekindling of their relationship.
Looking forward to the next in the Reclaimed Hearts series.
A beautiful balance of love, second chances, family and friends with a side of steamy Grady!
I loved how all the parts of the story were continually moving. So often you find when children are part of the story they tend to be an unfocused background. This is not the case in For Life. L.E. does a fantastic job of bringing the importance of family into the decisions of a second chance love without it overpowering the rekindling of their relationship.
Looking forward to the next in the Reclaimed Hearts series.
September 8, 2015
Beautiful
Cassie and Grady's story was beautiful. A second chance romance with so much heart. There were many tender moments throughout this story that that brought tears to my eyes. Along with tender moments it was hot and sexy as well. I loved it. Grady will no doubt make you swoon. He is just simply a GREAT guy. I loved the family feel I got with all the characters. The writing was well done and the story had a smooth flow to it. Great read and I highly recommend it.
Cassie and Grady's story was beautiful. A second chance romance with so much heart. There were many tender moments throughout this story that that brought tears to my eyes. Along with tender moments it was hot and sexy as well. I loved it. Grady will no doubt make you swoon. He is just simply a GREAT guy. I loved the family feel I got with all the characters. The writing was well done and the story had a smooth flow to it. Great read and I highly recommend it.
August 21, 2015
Super Sweet & Hot!
Great second chance romance! There's nothing more sexy than a man who knows what he wants or who he wants. Grady is desirable is every way. He is also determined to win back his ex-wife. Cassie is strong, self sufficient and resilient, except when it comes to Grady. Grady has the power to turn her sleeping libido into a raging inferno. Cassie needs to find it in her heart to once again trust Grady and herself.
Great second chance romance! There's nothing more sexy than a man who knows what he wants or who he wants. Grady is desirable is every way. He is also determined to win back his ex-wife. Cassie is strong, self sufficient and resilient, except when it comes to Grady. Grady has the power to turn her sleeping libido into a raging inferno. Cassie needs to find it in her heart to once again trust Grady and herself.
September 21, 2015
I thought it was ok
but not great, it just had three big issues for me I couldn't ignore. One cassie was 38, but had her 17 year old daughter a year after high school,did she fail or something the age just doesn't match up. Two, I wanted more of a backstory on why Grady started screwing up, and three 11 years was too long for them to be apart, they should've gotten back together sooner.
but not great, it just had three big issues for me I couldn't ignore. One cassie was 38, but had her 17 year old daughter a year after high school,did she fail or something the age just doesn't match up. Two, I wanted more of a backstory on why Grady started screwing up, and three 11 years was too long for them to be apart, they should've gotten back together sooner.
September 13, 2015
This was an awesome second chance read! I loved it after only a few pages. This book is emotional right from the start and while I am typically not a huge fan of flash backs in stories this author pulls it off flawlessly. I'm looking forward to reading Renee's story.
August 23, 2015
a great story about true love, forgiveness & second chances
August 24, 2015
4.5 this is how second chance romance is done ! The chemistry between the two was perfect! Can not wait for book two !
September 8, 2015
This was a heartwarming, sexy as sin (sinfully delicious), and a great story of second chances. Grady was hot and a complete alpha male where as Cass was strong but she got on my nerves a lot.
December 26, 2017
make up sex is nice and all but they were divorced for 11 years...one would think theyd have a lot to talk about... plus 11 yrs cmon would have thought theyd come together sooner,..chloes reaction to them back together contradicted her reaction to them being divorced...then the random coach sex scandal at end was sorta dumb . So while I mostly enjoyed the read all that made me give this story 2 stars
September 16, 2019
Le sobra 1/3 de paginas, llega un momento que no son mas que escenas de sexo y la autora nos cuenta hasta la saciedad cuanto le gusta a la h que el H le meta *** cuando le esta ***. Ella es una cansina de cuidado.
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