Paradigm

by Nicole Pyland

Arlowe Romano left her heart in Amsterdam twelve years ago when she ended what was supposed to be a college fling during her semester-abroad program. Leaving her girlfriend behind because it wasn’t the right time and place for them was probably the right decision, but even after all these years, all the failed attempts at relationships, and after building a successful company with her friends, Eline is still all she can think about.

Eline Claasen was born and raised in the Netherlands. She attended college just outside of Amsterdam, and that was where she met the love of her life. Saying goodbye to Arlowe was the hardest thing she’d ever done, and it had felt like it made sense at the time, but telling Arlowe not to contact her after their breakup might have been the biggest mistake of her life.

Years later, Eline and Arlowe are at the same place at the same time, and their connection is still there. They have a chance to start again, but navigating this reconnection isn’t as easy as either of them had hoped. Are they finally ready to figure out how to make it work?

Genres: Second Chance, Contemporary, Lesbian Romance

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2026

About the author

Nicole Pyland is a best-selling author of sapphic stand-alone novels and series.

Since 2017, she’s published over 60 romance novels in different sub-genres (contemporary romance, erotica, mystery, sci-fi, paranormal, historical, fantasy), and more of her books are on their way!

She grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a master's degree in Behavior Analysis. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.

​"I’ve always had fictional characters trapped inside my head. Now, I’m giving them their voices in my books. I started publishing in November 2017, but out of all the words I’ve ever used to describe myself, writer has been the only constant."

Reviews

[Alex Ferrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I have read and enjoyed all three books in this series so far but this one stole my heart. Arlow and Eline's story is so sweet, so romantic, it made my heart ache in all the best ways. Read it, unless you have no soul at all you will love this book. I have no more words

[Robin Kenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just cried at the ending of this book!

Nicole Pyland has again pushed the boundries of my emotional stability from joy to heart break, to wonder and renewed joy. There is plenty of angst, the build up to the heated portions is intense and so desired. These characters in this series are now old friends and I want more!

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

I’m sad that there is only one book left in this series. All three so far have been amazing, which is absolutely no surprise. Can’t wait for the next one and hopefully it won’t be too long from now. Highly highly recommend the read.

[Deb · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

After finally finding their way back to each other, you’d think Arlowe and Eline would be eager to go for it. Instead, they immediately hit the brakes and start making unnecessary, rather baffling rules about how they should interact with each other. I honestly didn’t understand some of the choices they made, and I found myself wondering why they had to make things so complicated.

Before their love story even gets a chance to properly unfold, the focus shifts to all the practical details and logistics surrounding Eline’s stay in the USA. There’s so much discussion and planning that it starts to overshadow the romance. Things even escalate into an argument before they’ve had sex, which didn’t exactly help create the romantic atmosphere I was hoping for.

I also found myself getting a little tired of the repeated references to the past, with phrases like “for the first time since…” and “just like all those years ago.” I understood that their shared history was important, but it was a bit too much to keep mentioning it.

Thankfully, things do eventually work out, as they should in a romance. Despite my frustrations, I was still invested enough in their story to want to see how it all turned out. I just wish they’d spent less time overcomplicating their relationship and more time actually enjoying being together.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

second chance..

Loving this series.. what a great set of friends, girlfriends/fiancees. Imagine meeting your true love while you’re doing a semester abroad. The problem once your semester is done you need to head back to the states and your love stays in Amsterdam her home. For 12 years you’ve wished circumstances hadn’t been against you. Then by chance you meet again Eline is here on a work visa can you make it work this time.

[InsanityAwaits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has to my fav of the series so far and I remember being annoyed at Arlow in part two for flirting with Gabi!!

I saw the twists/turns coming but in a good way, a way you know the story is well told and told logically and so what you as the reader thought will happen is a good feeling

Nicole Pyland doesn't miss

[Elvian Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally we are getting Arlowe's story! Since book 1 of this series I've aways to know what happened between Arlowe's and Eline. It was a very good read, and enjoyed it from beginning to the end! Looking forward to Anya's story next.

[Sandi Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of the series so far. Love a good second chance romance!

[Pamela A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read

I love this book series. Their personalities shine individually in each book. I can't wait for the next book to be released.