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Forever #1
Forever Changed
There’s nothing like finding out you have breast cancer to make you take a second look at your life. Along with the diagnosis, Ariana finds a new reason to live when she meets tattoo artist Blaine Bennett. But Blaine’s reaction when she informs him of the pending double mastectomy isn’t what she expected. Can two people who so obviously belong together deal with the outside forces keeping them apart?
Each book in the ‘Forever’ series focuses on a woman at a crossroads in her life. These romances contain no graphic sex, but instead focus on the woman’s story, and how her journey leads to love. Novella-length at between 32,00-40,000 words, they are complete stories, and may be read in any order. Enjoy!
Each book in the ‘Forever’ series focuses on a woman at a crossroads in her life. These romances contain no graphic sex, but instead focus on the woman’s story, and how her journey leads to love. Novella-length at between 32,00-40,000 words, they are complete stories, and may be read in any order. Enjoy!
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2015
780 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read
About the author
Mona Ingram
83 books298 followersMona Ingram is the author of over 60 romance novels, including twelve novellas. Many of her stories take place in British Columbia, where she has lived since the age of twelve. In recent years she has lived in the Okanagan Valley and on Vancouver Island. In addition to reading and writing, traveling and bird watching are among Mona's favourite pastimes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
June 7, 2019
Very odd story
This was an odd story. Too much packed into a little book. She was married, found out she had breast cancer and that her husband was sleeping around. And she meets Blaine one time. And it is instant love. I think I might have been more invested if it had been fully fleshed out but it just was way too short. And very weird. I love the author but this book just didn't work for me unfortunately.
This was an odd story. Too much packed into a little book. She was married, found out she had breast cancer and that her husband was sleeping around. And she meets Blaine one time. And it is instant love. I think I might have been more invested if it had been fully fleshed out but it just was way too short. And very weird. I love the author but this book just didn't work for me unfortunately.
February 17, 2016
I really wanted to love this book. After reading the description, I thought it was going to be a really good book. I also really like the cover. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
The story started with Ariana finding out she had breast cancer. Both her mother and sister had died of breast cancer, so she decided to get a double mastectomy. Her and her husband Jeremy where having problems, however, she thought that they could overcome those problems. That was until she met Blaine, a tattoo artist.
Blaine saw Ariana on a park bench slowing rocking back and forth. He didn't see her face, or hear her voice, but he instantly could not get her out of his mind. He saw her one more time without talking to her, and knew he was in love with her from the start, however, once he knew who she was (he saw her picture on the side of a bus) he realized that she was married. Then one day, she walked into his tattoo studio, however, she was embarrassed by what she came there for, so she ran out and couldn't find her car, so she went to a nearby coffee shop. Of course, he ran out after her. After about a 30-40 minute conversation, she fell for him. But after she told him about her upcoming mastectomy, his reaction wasn't that great, so she ran out on him again.
I had a lot of issues with the characters falling in love without even knowing each other, and in Blaine's case, without seeing Ariana's face. I also thought it was odd that all of the characters were rich, and owned their own successful businesses. Ariana and her husband owned a reality company, Blaine owned a tattoo studio, Jodi owned a fitness studio, Blaine's dad owned a shipping company, and Jackie (Ariana's grandmother) was just rich.
I didn't really like the way this was written. It was in third person, but altered between Blaine and Ariana, however, it would give some insight into what the other characters were thinking about, not just Blaine and Ariana. Also, I would notice that every once in a while, there would be a random sentence in first person, so that bugged me. I feel like the backdrop information was there, however, I just didn't like the writing style and how things seemed to be executed fairly quickly.
One thing I thought was strange was how Blaine's father, Ham, was never really in Blaine's life because he was always at work, so they had this strained relationship. But, when Blaine went to visit, all he had to do was call Ham "Dad," and Ham had to call Blaine "son," and all their problems were solved. I feel like this was kind of randomly thrown into the story, and didn't really have much of a purpose.
I really liked the idea of
I didn't really like Ariana. I understand that both her mother and sister died of breast cancer, but she seemed a little too glad that she was diagnosed. To me, it seemed like she was looking forward to getting breast cancer. Also Jeremy didn't even care that his wife had breast cancer, and instead of going to the doctor appointment with Ariana, he was Overall, the characters seemed unrealistic.
Ultimately, I really disliked this story. I probably would have stopped halfway through if it wasn't so short. I thought it was going to be about a character overcoming a difficult time in her life and her loved ones helping her get through that difficult time, but it was more about Ariana and Blaine falling in love without knowing each other. Almost the whole story seemed laughable to me because it seemed so unrealistic. I think the idea behind the story had potential, however, it was executed very poorly. I would not recommend this book, unless you like an unrealistic story about two people falling in love before they know each other.
The story started with Ariana finding out she had breast cancer. Both her mother and sister had died of breast cancer, so she decided to get a double mastectomy. Her and her husband Jeremy where having problems, however, she thought that they could overcome those problems. That was until she met Blaine, a tattoo artist.
Blaine saw Ariana on a park bench slowing rocking back and forth. He didn't see her face, or hear her voice, but he instantly could not get her out of his mind. He saw her one more time without talking to her, and knew he was in love with her from the start, however, once he knew who she was (he saw her picture on the side of a bus) he realized that she was married. Then one day, she walked into his tattoo studio, however, she was embarrassed by what she came there for, so she ran out and couldn't find her car, so she went to a nearby coffee shop. Of course, he ran out after her. After about a 30-40 minute conversation, she fell for him. But after she told him about her upcoming mastectomy, his reaction wasn't that great, so she ran out on him again.
I had a lot of issues with the characters falling in love without even knowing each other, and in Blaine's case, without seeing Ariana's face. I also thought it was odd that all of the characters were rich, and owned their own successful businesses. Ariana and her husband owned a reality company, Blaine owned a tattoo studio, Jodi owned a fitness studio, Blaine's dad owned a shipping company, and Jackie (Ariana's grandmother) was just rich.
I didn't really like the way this was written. It was in third person, but altered between Blaine and Ariana, however, it would give some insight into what the other characters were thinking about, not just Blaine and Ariana. Also, I would notice that every once in a while, there would be a random sentence in first person, so that bugged me. I feel like the backdrop information was there, however, I just didn't like the writing style and how things seemed to be executed fairly quickly.
One thing I thought was strange was how Blaine's father, Ham, was never really in Blaine's life because he was always at work, so they had this strained relationship. But, when Blaine went to visit, all he had to do was call Ham "Dad," and Ham had to call Blaine "son," and all their problems were solved. I feel like this was kind of randomly thrown into the story, and didn't really have much of a purpose.
I really liked the idea of
I didn't really like Ariana. I understand that both her mother and sister died of breast cancer, but she seemed a little too glad that she was diagnosed. To me, it seemed like she was looking forward to getting breast cancer. Also Jeremy didn't even care that his wife had breast cancer, and instead of going to the doctor appointment with Ariana, he was Overall, the characters seemed unrealistic.
Ultimately, I really disliked this story. I probably would have stopped halfway through if it wasn't so short. I thought it was going to be about a character overcoming a difficult time in her life and her loved ones helping her get through that difficult time, but it was more about Ariana and Blaine falling in love without knowing each other. Almost the whole story seemed laughable to me because it seemed so unrealistic. I think the idea behind the story had potential, however, it was executed very poorly. I would not recommend this book, unless you like an unrealistic story about two people falling in love before they know each other.
November 26, 2015
Review originally published on Rach Lawrence Books.
When Ariana finds out she has breast cancer, she doesn’t know what to do with herself even though she’s been preparing herself for this for years since it took the lives of her mother and sister. The diagnosis forces her to take a hard look at her life, and she doesn’t like what she sees—a marriage that’s long since died and an unfulfilling job. When Ariana walks into Blaine Bennett’s tattoo shop, both their lives will be forever changed.
Forever Changed is a women’s fiction and contemporary romance novella that hooked me with its summary. Ariana’s breast cancer diagnosis and surgery gave her a new lease on life, and what better way to start it than with a new romance? I loved the plot and that this was a short, quick read. Blaine was a hot tattoo artist who knew his own loss, which was another plus for this story.
Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver as much as I’d hoped it would. While we were given enough background on both characters and some secondary characters as well, the insta-love between Ariana and Blaine was an insta-turn-off. Blaine saw Ariana twice before they met in person, and Ariana had never seen him before their first meeting. They spent maybe an hour together—it was actually difficult to tell—and then they were both in love. On top of that, Ariana left that meeting thinking Blaine was repulsed by her, yet she still loved him. I couldn’t buy into it and struggled throughout the rest of the story.
There were some other issues that didn’t really work for me as well, like bringing up the problems with Blaine and his father and immediately resolving them, Ariana’s best friend asking if she was in love after her first meeting, and Ariana’s eagerness to get remarried before her divorce was even final. On top of that, the amount of editing errors—missing commas before direct address, incorrect punctuation, letters missing from words—gave the book an unprofessional feel.
I truly had higher hopes for this book and was disappointed when they weren’t realized.
When Ariana finds out she has breast cancer, she doesn’t know what to do with herself even though she’s been preparing herself for this for years since it took the lives of her mother and sister. The diagnosis forces her to take a hard look at her life, and she doesn’t like what she sees—a marriage that’s long since died and an unfulfilling job. When Ariana walks into Blaine Bennett’s tattoo shop, both their lives will be forever changed.
Forever Changed is a women’s fiction and contemporary romance novella that hooked me with its summary. Ariana’s breast cancer diagnosis and surgery gave her a new lease on life, and what better way to start it than with a new romance? I loved the plot and that this was a short, quick read. Blaine was a hot tattoo artist who knew his own loss, which was another plus for this story.
Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver as much as I’d hoped it would. While we were given enough background on both characters and some secondary characters as well, the insta-love between Ariana and Blaine was an insta-turn-off. Blaine saw Ariana twice before they met in person, and Ariana had never seen him before their first meeting. They spent maybe an hour together—it was actually difficult to tell—and then they were both in love. On top of that, Ariana left that meeting thinking Blaine was repulsed by her, yet she still loved him. I couldn’t buy into it and struggled throughout the rest of the story.
There were some other issues that didn’t really work for me as well, like bringing up the problems with Blaine and his father and immediately resolving them, Ariana’s best friend asking if she was in love after her first meeting, and Ariana’s eagerness to get remarried before her divorce was even final. On top of that, the amount of editing errors—missing commas before direct address, incorrect punctuation, letters missing from words—gave the book an unprofessional feel.
I truly had higher hopes for this book and was disappointed when they weren’t realized.
March 23, 2018
Insta-love that I couldn't figure out or connect with - I guess I need to learn to expect that from a novella length book. The writing was just fine, the storyline/plot was just fine...it just had more potential than what was delivered. I think maybe this should have been a full length story, at least for my liking.
January 17, 2020
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
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- insta love
- short
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- insta love
- short
What was it about getting cancer that forced you to face life? Silly question.
At twenty-eight, she’d thought herself mature, but it wasn’t until she’d discovered a lump during a routine self-exam in the shower that something had clicked. Up until then, she’d been what psychologists like to call a pleaser. She’d lived her life worrying about what others would think rather than what was good for her.
Erin had been gone for well over two years now, but that didn’t stop him from the crushing guilt that swamped him every time he looked at another woman. And last night he’d done more than look… a lot more.
Her pale, porcelain skin and dark hair resembled Erin so much his heart ached and he’d turned away, determined to ignore her.
Later, as they lay in bed, her hair spilled on his chest, she told him that she’d decided to sleep with him the moment she saw him.
For one wild, insane moment as he made love to her for the third time, Blaine saw Erin’s face.
She couldn’t remember the last time they’d made love. When had he stopped caring? And just as importantly, when had she given up trying?
Besides, he had a date with Amber tonight, and no matter how long he’d been without a woman, he still held to his principles. Let the others brag about juggling two or three women at once; that wasn’t his style. He was a one-woman man, and God help him but he ached for this one.
He lowered his voice. “I moved into one of the guest rooms so I won’t be bothering you at night.” You haven’t bothered me at night for a long time, she thought. I don’t even remember the last time.
To her way of thinking, she shouldn’t have to fight for someone’s love. They either loved you or they didn’t, and her days of being needy were over.
June 26, 2017
It was okay. Not really believable. Would love to have read a better plot but this story was rushed. For example getting divorced to marrying another man she just met and living happily ever after just isn't a plot to keep you interested
April 27, 2018
This was a really heart warming story. I really enjoyed this book and it was so sad. It’s hard to read about someone having and going through breast cancer. It was heartbreaking to read as it seems like everyone you know is ending up with some form of cancer. Just awful. This was a great story but I would have liked to have seen more emotion from Ariana she seemed like she knew she would get breast cancer and had already come to terms with it. I am glad she was able to find love again and especially with someone like Blaine who loved her from the start. It’s like they both had second chances at life.
May 2, 2019
The story was okay, but it felt hurried and a little forced. I feel like the story would've been better as a full length novel, instead of a novella. It's still free on Amazon, so if the blurb sounds good you should give it a read.
October 22, 2019
Talk about strong women!
Wow. Arianna has a very hard road to travel but is so very lucky to have a support system in place. Her grandmother is a hoot — a strong woman with plenty of backbone to share with Arianna. And Blaine...he too has had a rough road to travel but together they make a wonderfully sweet, strong team. Good story.
Wow. Arianna has a very hard road to travel but is so very lucky to have a support system in place. Her grandmother is a hoot — a strong woman with plenty of backbone to share with Arianna. And Blaine...he too has had a rough road to travel but together they make a wonderfully sweet, strong team. Good story.
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November 30, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/30/2017)! 💝
March 25, 2023
3.5 stars
This book had a lot packed into it. You have a marriage on the brink of disaster. The main character finds out she has breast cancer. There's cheating plus so much more that I can't remember at the moment. Ariana excepts everything very calmly which I found pretty unbelievable. I'm sorry if you find out you have cancer and your marriage is already on the rocks only to find out your husband is cheating on you you don't just walk away all calmly. There is an actual romance in here as well but it was very rushed. I mean Blaine couldn't stop thinking of her after seeing the back of her head and fell in love with her after the second time he met her. I mean there was a lot wrong with this book but the overall story was pretty good it just needed to be a little more fleshed out.
This book had a lot packed into it. You have a marriage on the brink of disaster. The main character finds out she has breast cancer. There's cheating plus so much more that I can't remember at the moment. Ariana excepts everything very calmly which I found pretty unbelievable. I'm sorry if you find out you have cancer and your marriage is already on the rocks only to find out your husband is cheating on you you don't just walk away all calmly. There is an actual romance in here as well but it was very rushed. I mean Blaine couldn't stop thinking of her after seeing the back of her head and fell in love with her after the second time he met her. I mean there was a lot wrong with this book but the overall story was pretty good it just needed to be a little more fleshed out.
March 18, 2019
This was a very uplifting story of how a woman with cancer fights back and makes huge changes in her life for the better. Ariana is a inspiration to all women.
I liked the courage Ariana had to make the choices she did to make her life better for herself. Thanks for a great story.
I liked the courage Ariana had to make the choices she did to make her life better for herself. Thanks for a great story.
August 30, 2015
A woman's cancer diagnosis leads her to transform her comfortable but unfulfilled life.
Ariana Logan appears to have it all. She's beautiful, well off, and is the majority owner of the most successful real estate firm in town. She also lost her mother and her older sister to breast cancer. So when she's diagnosed with the disease, it doesn't come as a surprise to her. It is, however, the catalyst for a complete reevaluation of her marriage and work life.
Ingram is careful to make Ariana's transformation from privileged doormat to self-directed independent woman gradual and believable. Ariana's support system...her grandmother, her best friend...play key roles in encouraging her to change and then supporting her fledgling attempts. Also believable is the rapid-fire attraction between Ariana and tattoo artist Blaine Bennett.
Blaine's love-at-first-sight reaction works because Ingram delays his and Ariana's meeting and then uses geographical separation (and a carefully plotted misunderstanding) to put the brakes on the developing relationship. This flies in the face of conventional romance fiction, where the hero and heroine are never separated for very long. It succeeds here thanks to the rich backstories Ingram provides each character. They have genuine work lives and genuine romantic pasts. This makes for more complicated characters and a richer plot.
The setting (British Columbia) provides another enjoyable dimension to the story. Ariana has a strong sensitivity to place. She appreciates the beauties of her quaint town and that is part of what makes her profession (and her success at it) seem so believable. Also, the scenes at the seaside resort where she hides away to heal and, later, reconnects with Blaine are among the best in the book.
If I have one complaint, it's how Ingram handles Blaine's interactions with certain supporting characters. There's a degree of conversation rehashing that becomes noticeable and weighs down an otherwise well-paced narrative. Also, Ariana's husband and mother-in-law come off as a bit over the top in their behavior and attitudes. Ingram adds more complexity to Jeremy by the end of the book, but his character doesn't ring as true as the others in the cast.
On the whole, FOREVER CHANGED is a well developed story told with emotion and sensitivity.
Ariana Logan appears to have it all. She's beautiful, well off, and is the majority owner of the most successful real estate firm in town. She also lost her mother and her older sister to breast cancer. So when she's diagnosed with the disease, it doesn't come as a surprise to her. It is, however, the catalyst for a complete reevaluation of her marriage and work life.
Ingram is careful to make Ariana's transformation from privileged doormat to self-directed independent woman gradual and believable. Ariana's support system...her grandmother, her best friend...play key roles in encouraging her to change and then supporting her fledgling attempts. Also believable is the rapid-fire attraction between Ariana and tattoo artist Blaine Bennett.
Blaine's love-at-first-sight reaction works because Ingram delays his and Ariana's meeting and then uses geographical separation (and a carefully plotted misunderstanding) to put the brakes on the developing relationship. This flies in the face of conventional romance fiction, where the hero and heroine are never separated for very long. It succeeds here thanks to the rich backstories Ingram provides each character. They have genuine work lives and genuine romantic pasts. This makes for more complicated characters and a richer plot.
The setting (British Columbia) provides another enjoyable dimension to the story. Ariana has a strong sensitivity to place. She appreciates the beauties of her quaint town and that is part of what makes her profession (and her success at it) seem so believable. Also, the scenes at the seaside resort where she hides away to heal and, later, reconnects with Blaine are among the best in the book.
If I have one complaint, it's how Ingram handles Blaine's interactions with certain supporting characters. There's a degree of conversation rehashing that becomes noticeable and weighs down an otherwise well-paced narrative. Also, Ariana's husband and mother-in-law come off as a bit over the top in their behavior and attitudes. Ingram adds more complexity to Jeremy by the end of the book, but his character doesn't ring as true as the others in the cast.
On the whole, FOREVER CHANGED is a well developed story told with emotion and sensitivity.
June 26, 2016
What a wonderful book this was. The author did a great job of dealing with a very sensitive subject: breast cancer. This is Ariana's story of how she deals with this painful diagnosis. At the same time she is also aware that her marriage to Jeremy is crumbling and falling apart. But in the least expected way she meets someone who turns her world around.
Blaine is a well known tattoo artist and comes across Ariana during one of his daily runs. She is sitting on a park bench and looking so sad he wants to wrap her in his arms and help her. He knows that isn't the thing to do as he doesn't even know her. He spots her another day in the same place looking the same way but still does nothing. Then one day she comes into his tattoo parlor and after a brief conversation turns and runs out. He couldn't let her leave like that and followed her to the coffee shop next door. They have coffee and chat and then he asks her why she came to his parlor. When she answered he turned white and shocked and the look on her face told him he had hurt immensely.
Throughout her ordeal Ariana developed a strength she didn't know she had. She looked closely at what her life had been and decided it was time to make some changes.. This is a very thought provoking book that will keep you turning those pages. What are you waiting for.....pick it up and read it.
Blaine is a well known tattoo artist and comes across Ariana during one of his daily runs. She is sitting on a park bench and looking so sad he wants to wrap her in his arms and help her. He knows that isn't the thing to do as he doesn't even know her. He spots her another day in the same place looking the same way but still does nothing. Then one day she comes into his tattoo parlor and after a brief conversation turns and runs out. He couldn't let her leave like that and followed her to the coffee shop next door. They have coffee and chat and then he asks her why she came to his parlor. When she answered he turned white and shocked and the look on her face told him he had hurt immensely.
Throughout her ordeal Ariana developed a strength she didn't know she had. She looked closely at what her life had been and decided it was time to make some changes.. This is a very thought provoking book that will keep you turning those pages. What are you waiting for.....pick it up and read it.
December 2, 2015
When Ariana's doctor tells her she has cancer, she isn't surprised. Her mother, aunt and her sister were taken by the same disease, so it wasn't a big shock that this time it was her.
Ms. Ingram has captured exactly how the things that are truly important can become crystal clear in an instant when one is faced with their own mortality.
As we follow Ariana's journey we see her change from a people pleasing, timid wife of a less than supportive or even honorable husband, into her own true self. She faces this cancer head on and it turns out she has amazing strength and courage. It was wonderful watching her come into her own.
The Forever Series of books are each about women at some turning point in their lives and this is the first one I have read. The wonderful thing about this series is that each book stands alone. You can read them in any order you like.
This was my first Mona Ingram book, but it will not be the last. I've already ordered more!
Ms. Ingram has captured exactly how the things that are truly important can become crystal clear in an instant when one is faced with their own mortality.
As we follow Ariana's journey we see her change from a people pleasing, timid wife of a less than supportive or even honorable husband, into her own true self. She faces this cancer head on and it turns out she has amazing strength and courage. It was wonderful watching her come into her own.
The Forever Series of books are each about women at some turning point in their lives and this is the first one I have read. The wonderful thing about this series is that each book stands alone. You can read them in any order you like.
This was my first Mona Ingram book, but it will not be the last. I've already ordered more!
August 26, 2015
In the beginning when I first started reading the book, I was very confused because of the way the author had written it. She wrote it telling 2 stories about 2 people at the same time so I was confused on which was which. After about chapter 8 I realized that these 2 stories were telling how the people eventually met and fell in love so I later understood it. I really liked how it's a cute little love story and its a series so I'll have to read the rest on my own. I just didn't like how it was confusing. I definitely would recommend this book to someone who loves fairytale romance books.
June 5, 2016
This is a touching story of a young woman struggling critical health issues along with a failing marriage. The story line has potential, but the turning point and ending were too abrupt to be believable. Still it was an enjoyable read.
December 11, 2015
3.5 very sweet stars. I enjoyed reading something light and sweet for a change.
January 13, 2018
Hmm..
Going into this, I was expecting a different kind of read, but falling in love literally at first sight.... I wasn't expecting that.
When Ariana finds out that she has breast cancer, she's relieved. Her mother and her older sister had both died from breast cancer. So she decides to do a double mastectomy, no regrets. Her louse of a husband, Jeremy, who's been cheating on her is horrified that she has cancer. He's a no-show to her appointment with her oncologist. That's when Ariana decides that her marriage is over, that it's been over for a while.
Blaine sees Ariana while jogging one morning, and he's instantly smitten. When Ariana comes to see him about tattooing her after she has her surgery, she chickens out and leaves. He follows her and they talk over coffee. When he finally gets her to tell him why she came to see him, he has the same horrified look her husband did; and she leaves.
But that's not why Blaine was horrified about. He lost his own wife to breast cancer too.
It was a very quick read. I felt that the author was trying to shove a story into a short novella.
Going into this, I was expecting a different kind of read, but falling in love literally at first sight.... I wasn't expecting that.
When Ariana finds out that she has breast cancer, she's relieved. Her mother and her older sister had both died from breast cancer. So she decides to do a double mastectomy, no regrets. Her louse of a husband, Jeremy, who's been cheating on her is horrified that she has cancer. He's a no-show to her appointment with her oncologist. That's when Ariana decides that her marriage is over, that it's been over for a while.
Blaine sees Ariana while jogging one morning, and he's instantly smitten. When Ariana comes to see him about tattooing her after she has her surgery, she chickens out and leaves. He follows her and they talk over coffee. When he finally gets her to tell him why she came to see him, he has the same horrified look her husband did; and she leaves.
But that's not why Blaine was horrified about. He lost his own wife to breast cancer too.
It was a very quick read. I felt that the author was trying to shove a story into a short novella.
May 7, 2022
Ariana is a real estate agent married to another real estate agent but she’s not happy in any way. As the book opens she has just found out she has breast cancer of the non evasive kind. When she tells her husband he doesn’t believe her and tells her she’s being overly dramatic. When he doesn’t show up to her oncology appointment she decides that its time to move on and it was even more evident when she found her husband with another woman. Her first encounter with Blaine is moving in so many ways because she only went to his tattoo place to see about get a tattoo done of an areola on her breasts after her double mastectomy was done. When she runs out of his place and not telling him what she wanted, Blaine follows her to a small cafe. They talk and he finds out about why she came to his shop but his expression towards her makes her run away again. Don’t worry the love story is apparent in this little romance novel that has a storyline that makes you want to fall in love all over again with somebody of importance.
May 26, 2018
Nice way to start a new year, with a second-chance romance by Ingram. Her usual theme, women overcoming, is doubly true here. Ariana Logan is a member of a family whose women have been targeted by breast cancer. When she finds that she is the fourth member of her family to be afflicted, she chooses a radical solution, a bilateral mastectomy, to avoid future issues.
At the same time, she assesses her life and realizes that her husband and she had drifted apart and that there is nothing left to her marriage. Then she meets Blaine Bennett, local tattoo artist, who is already enamored of her just from seeing her locally. It seems almost too sappy for words, but Ingram makes this kind of ending palatable.
They have a hiccup or two, but they receive their HEA, as well as doing some good for the women of their town.
At the same time, she assesses her life and realizes that her husband and she had drifted apart and that there is nothing left to her marriage. Then she meets Blaine Bennett, local tattoo artist, who is already enamored of her just from seeing her locally. It seems almost too sappy for words, but Ingram makes this kind of ending palatable.
They have a hiccup or two, but they receive their HEA, as well as doing some good for the women of their town.
May 27, 2017
A very sweet romance
You are married to a conceited arrogant ignorant man who ignores you and controls your every move, it's all about him and then you find out you have breast cancer.
You reevaluate your life and grow some round shaped bouncy objects and stand up for your self.
It was sweet, well written with OK characters and dialogue. It was a simple story and clean.
It was however missing a character development and smooth dialogue.
The declaration of love and the last few chapters felt rushed. The storyline was worth expanding and with a bit more development this could have been a five star read.
The arrogance of the husband needed a moment so she could piddle on his chips.
The foundations were there. Still worth a look.
You are married to a conceited arrogant ignorant man who ignores you and controls your every move, it's all about him and then you find out you have breast cancer.
You reevaluate your life and grow some round shaped bouncy objects and stand up for your self.
It was sweet, well written with OK characters and dialogue. It was a simple story and clean.
It was however missing a character development and smooth dialogue.
The declaration of love and the last few chapters felt rushed. The storyline was worth expanding and with a bit more development this could have been a five star read.
The arrogance of the husband needed a moment so she could piddle on his chips.
The foundations were there. Still worth a look.
May 7, 2020
Forever Changed
Ariana just found out she has breast cancer, she kinda knew when she felt a lump. She also knew it was likely since it took her mother, Aunt and Sister. When she came home she told her husband who didn't really seem to care, he was all about the business and she's ready to walk away from that life.. When she decided to have a double mastectomy her best friend told her a tattoo artist named Blaine creates tattoos for the woman's chest area. When she meets him she feels like she knows him already but when she brings up the mastectomy his look makes her leave. Only Blaine wasn't disgusted. It was because of his past. Can Blaine apologize and tell Ariana the real reason why he acted like he did? Great read.
Ariana just found out she has breast cancer, she kinda knew when she felt a lump. She also knew it was likely since it took her mother, Aunt and Sister. When she came home she told her husband who didn't really seem to care, he was all about the business and she's ready to walk away from that life.. When she decided to have a double mastectomy her best friend told her a tattoo artist named Blaine creates tattoos for the woman's chest area. When she meets him she feels like she knows him already but when she brings up the mastectomy his look makes her leave. Only Blaine wasn't disgusted. It was because of his past. Can Blaine apologize and tell Ariana the real reason why he acted like he did? Great read.
March 6, 2018
Beautiful is how you feel !!
I enjoyed this book ! Being a BC Survivor myself, I Always wonder , "what if " ? What if I was married ,or had children while undergoing this most horrible of situations...? What if this news was NOT the most horrible thing to have happened ?? In Mona Ingram's story, Ariana' s story was sad , yes . But it was also uplifting in the way that she was able to take something brutal , and make it into something hopeful , and encouraging for herself as well as others. And a sexy love interest never hurts , does it ?? I also loved the way the Author was able to incorporate beautiful scenery, and historical facts . It was a lovely read.
I enjoyed this book ! Being a BC Survivor myself, I Always wonder , "what if " ? What if I was married ,or had children while undergoing this most horrible of situations...? What if this news was NOT the most horrible thing to have happened ?? In Mona Ingram's story, Ariana' s story was sad , yes . But it was also uplifting in the way that she was able to take something brutal , and make it into something hopeful , and encouraging for herself as well as others. And a sexy love interest never hurts , does it ?? I also loved the way the Author was able to incorporate beautiful scenery, and historical facts . It was a lovely read.
May 23, 2018
a sweet, if implausible love story but the author does a big disservice to breast cancer patients by getting her medical “facts” wrong. DCISis not truly cancer since it has, by definition, not spread. An occurrence of malignant cells in the nodes is not considered true metastasis. And worst of all one does not come out of a double mastectomy with reconstruction looking the same. It’s a huge long surgery usually with two surgeons. The recovery from that, even for a young woman is long and arduous requiring PT and months of healing.
January 10, 2024
I love Mona Ingram books but this one was not a favorite.
Ariana is diagnosed with breast cancer. It does not shock her as her mom and sister died from this.
She decides the diagnosis is her new chance at life. She decides to divorce her husband especially after she discovers he is having an affair.
Ariana meets Blaine, the town tattoo business owner, and they immediately form a bond after a 5 minute meeting. He knows she is meant for him and will do anything to be with her. It takes Ariana a bit longer to realize this as well.
Ariana is diagnosed with breast cancer. It does not shock her as her mom and sister died from this.
She decides the diagnosis is her new chance at life. She decides to divorce her husband especially after she discovers he is having an affair.
Ariana meets Blaine, the town tattoo business owner, and they immediately form a bond after a 5 minute meeting. He knows she is meant for him and will do anything to be with her. It takes Ariana a bit longer to realize this as well.
April 23, 2019
Just what I needed!
This light, romantic, hopeful story was perfect for my current needs. Her husband did not value her. A stranger took one look at her rocking on a lonely bench and fell in love. When he found she was going for a double mastectomy, he blanched. His wife had left it too late, and died a few months later. Togther they did something very special for other women in a similar position. A lovely story.
This light, romantic, hopeful story was perfect for my current needs. Her husband did not value her. A stranger took one look at her rocking on a lonely bench and fell in love. When he found she was going for a double mastectomy, he blanched. His wife had left it too late, and died a few months later. Togther they did something very special for other women in a similar position. A lovely story.
September 3, 2019
Humbling
Breast cancer is humbling, the first time. Demeaning the next time, demoralizing after that. By the fourth time the doctor says cancer you just feel defeated. You don't stop, you keep fighting but love is long gone. Even love of self. How can you love a body that constantly betrays you? How can you expect anyone else to? Your spouse has long since moved his gaze away from your scars.
Breast cancer is humbling, the first time. Demeaning the next time, demoralizing after that. By the fourth time the doctor says cancer you just feel defeated. You don't stop, you keep fighting but love is long gone. Even love of self. How can you love a body that constantly betrays you? How can you expect anyone else to? Your spouse has long since moved his gaze away from your scars.
May 11, 2021
A LOVELY STORY
I loved this book. It was romantic and clean without a lot of explicit sex. It also touched on something important that I feel we should have more of in the world, BREAST CANCER and treatment centers for help to recover that most women can't afford. I had an aunt who had it and was lucky enough to have a husband with a good job, so she recovered. But not many women are that lucky most aren't.
I loved this book. It was romantic and clean without a lot of explicit sex. It also touched on something important that I feel we should have more of in the world, BREAST CANCER and treatment centers for help to recover that most women can't afford. I had an aunt who had it and was lucky enough to have a husband with a good job, so she recovered. But not many women are that lucky most aren't.
February 18, 2020
Forever Changed
This story was not long drawn out. It revolves around a woman who has found out that she has cancer. And the ratio artist who can not resist her. She finds her husband has been cheating on her. But now knows she has a lot to live for. This is a sweet second chance romance.
This story was not long drawn out. It revolves around a woman who has found out that she has cancer. And the ratio artist who can not resist her. She finds her husband has been cheating on her. But now knows she has a lot to live for. This is a sweet second chance romance.
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