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Loving Daniel

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When Kenzie Hart's boyfriend dumped her and broke her heart, she didn't let it stop her from living life. Kenzie went out and made a great life for herself.
She has a loving husband, two kids, and even a thriving career. She is living the life of a modern day fairy tale.
But if Kenzie should have learned anything, it's fairy tales are a work of fiction. There are not happily ever after's.
When tragedy strikes, she moves back to her hometown to start over with friends and family at her side.

Daniel Roberts has always regretted the way things ended with Kenzie. There has not been a day in the last twenty years he has not wished he
could go back in time and change what happened. Now she is coming home after the loss of her husband. He is determine to show her he can
be the man she and her children need.

Will Kenzie be able to forgive Daniel? Could he give her a second chance at a happily ever after?

184 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2016

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Stacy Ford

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,637 reviews418 followers
February 12, 2016
3.5 Stars

Review by Lisa Kane

Kenzie is moving back home from Memphis. Her husband Ben died after a battle with cancer and she thinks being with her family and friends will make things easier. Her son Jacob is a cute kid, but her beautiful daughter Ave is a rebellious teenager. She was close to her dad and has taken his death especially hard.

But the one person Kenzie hadn't bargained on seeing, Daniel Roberts has just moved back to town also. Daniel and Kenzie dated for during high school. He shattered her when he broke up with her so he could join the Army and see the world.

Daniel had other plans. Although he promised me the moon, he wound up dumping me on prom night while laying naked in his arms to boot.

It took her a long time to get over him, but then she met Ben. He was ten years older than her, was patient and loved her with his whole heart. They had eighteen years together and she misses him every day.

Daniel Roberts. My heart still hurts when I hear his name. Even though I married an amazing man and moved on with my life, I always wondered about Daniel.

Her best friend Beth is married to Tommy, Daniel's brother. So there is no getting around seeing Daniel. She hasn't seen him since he broke up with her. He was in the service all those years and he made excuses for why he couldn't be home for those times he knew Kenzie and Ben were in town visiting. Beth tells her all the time that Daniel never got married because he never got over her.

Their first meeting is awkward, but it gets easier after a while. Daniel makes is clear that he is sorry for what he did; he took some bad advice from his recruiter and when he tried to make amends, his brother blocked his efforts. Kenzie had moved on and he wasn't going to let his brother break her heart again.

"If it matters at all, I have regretted my decision for the last twenty years, and you do deserve the fairy tale," he says as he walks back out the front door.

Kenzie slowly lets Daniel come around; helping with her backyard. This leads to some wicked hot fantasies on her part, seeing as Daniel always has his shirt off because of the hot sun. (I'm sure that's the only reason!) When they agree to see where things can go for them, Jacob is fine with it, since Daniel now works at the school as a coach. But Ava- she is one tough nut to crack and she stirs up all kinds of trouble.

Except for the drama with Ava, Loving Daniel is angst free. To be honest I would have loved a little bit more groveling on Daniel's part. Kenzie didn't put up too much of a fight in letting him back in her life. I like a little spice in my books and two lovers; especially one holding a grudge can make for great reading. But Loving Daniel is a sweet read to pick up when you need something to soothe your heart.

"Sometimes, family trees grow straight up from roots to branches. Other times the roots of two separate trees tangle up. They twist until it becomes unclear where one ends and the other began. That's going to be our family."
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,100 reviews57 followers
February 29, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.

Loving Daniel is a bittersweet story about second chance romance.

20 years ago Daniel made the worst decision of his life one he has truly regretted when he walked away from his one true love Kenzie to join the army.

Over the years Kenzie has made a life for herself she moved away, got married and had 2 wonderful children but when her husband dies she decides she needs the support of her family and decides to move back home, unbeknown to her Daniel is retiring from the army and is also on his way back to their home town. Is this a 2nd chance for Kenzie and Daniel.

I enjoyed this fast paced story I just think I would have liked to see Kenzie put Daniel through his paces a little more it didn't really take much for her to forgive him after the way her treated her.
283 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2016
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Loving Daniel is a heartwarming, tear jerking, wonderful romance novel about Kenzie who is recently widowed and Daniel her what she thought was her high school sweetheart. Kenzie doesn't know what to do her heart is broken and her kids hearts are broken so what does she do when she loses the love of her life. Kenzie knows she needs support from her family it may be the only thing to get her through this very difficult time in her life. Until she sees him again Daniel. The high school sweetheart the broke her in more ways that one all those years ago. Daniel is a career military man who has recently retired and when Kenzie finds out that he is going to be living near her she tries everything she can to avoid him at all costs. Her family have other ideas. Can Daniel help heal Kenzie's broken heart? Can Kenzie ever forgive Daniel for what he did so many years ago? And what about Ava and Jacob? They have lost their father can they let anyone in to help them with their pain? Well when you read Loving Daniel you will get all the answers and so much more. This book was one that I didn't put down until I had finished and I couldn't wait to find out if Kenzie would be able to one forgive Daniel and two if she would ever be able to find love again? When you read this book you will be taken on a wonderful ride of love, life and forgiveness. This is a one click purchase and to be added to your TBR list right now.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,003 reviews33 followers
February 2, 2016
Daniel did something monumentally stupid 20 years ago and has been paying for it ever since.

Kenzie has come back to her hometown with her two children so they can have the extra support of family after the death of her husband. She wasn't expecting to see her first love again, the one who broke her heart, but he seems determined to see her.

Can she overcome past hurts to find something good or will it all be to much?

Kenzie is all about putting her kids first, with everything that has happened she will always make sure they are ok. Daniel comes in and shows her that it's ok for her to be happy too and it terrifies her sometimes.

Daniel may have been a bit stupid as a kid, but he grew up and matured and will do anything to prove it. He is a total sweetie and I loved him!

Second chance stories can be sweet and amazing if done right and this one definitely was!
Profile Image for Marion.
532 reviews
February 5, 2016
I love second chance love stories and this book definitely fits the bill. The characters are well fleshed out and you can feel the emotions of Kenzie, Daniel and the children. There are so many moments that pull on your heartstring and you feel you are right there with Kenzie and Daniel. This is a beautiful love story that will stay with you. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sophy Sorn.
1,366 reviews9 followers
January 2, 2018
So this is my first book for 2018!! Stacy is new to me and I normally don’t read books about older couple with teens. This is a second chance Romance and I actually like the storyline. I love that Daniel is doing everything to win her back. All in all it’s a great story as well as sweet.
Profile Image for Kris.
206 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2019
couldn't finish. bored. THANK YOU, NEXT
602 reviews
February 22, 2016
Title: Loving Daniel
Author: Stacy Ford
Publisher: Self Published
Reviewer: Keri Tabor
Release Date: February 1, 2016
Genre(s):M/F, Romance, High School Sweethearts, Second Chance Love, Widower, Over 35 main characters.
Page Count: 184
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

“FOUR SWEET STARS!!”
“ My husband, lover, and best friend is no longer with me, and while the days are slowly getting easier to bare, I don’t think I’ll ever overcome the heartache that comes with losing a spouse.”
Debut novel for Ms. Stacy Ford, awesome character development, low angst, hot man, funny scenes, not so graphic love making. All the great qualities of an amazing book!!
Kenize, Kenzie, Kenzie… what an incredible woman, Stacy Ford created. She is a strong independent woman. Just getting over the death of her husband of 18 years she moves back to her hometown so that she can surround herself with family and friends to help her with her two children. What she didn’t bargain for was the one person that left her behind 20 years ago.
Daniel recently retired from the military, moves back to his hometown to coach high school baseball/football. He had heard that Kenzie was moving back and quickly made his move. He never got over Kenzie. He wants to show her that he is a different man and that the reasons he left her behind that many years ago wasn’t because he didn’t love her.
These two have a very quick rekindled romance and the I love you’s are flowing fast. This is an awesome second chance love story. I wouldn’t call this instalove because I don’t think these two ever fell out of love with each other, Kenzie just learned to love again, whereas Daniel never really did.
The only reason this did not get five stars was due to a few timeline differences. Kenzie’s husband died before Christmas(the moved back to her hometown 7 months after his death), they state that they are celebrating their first holidays with him but actually this would be their second, additionally she states that the following March (after she is already with Daniel) she is celebrating her first birthday without her husband, again this would be her second. If not for for these minor timeline issues, I would have upped the stars to 4.5-5.


Review Copy of Loving Daniel provided by the Enticing PR for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Keri from Alpha Book Club
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Profile Image for Romance Between The Sheets.
1,175 reviews68 followers
June 21, 2016
Please note this review may contain spoilers.

Kenzie and Daniel were high school sweethearts, but Daniel joined the Army and didn't want to leave Kenzie waiting for him at home, so he broke up with her on the night of their senior prom. Twenty years later, Kenzie has been married, had two children and lost her husband to cancer. Knowing that she'll head back home, Daniel retires from the Army with the sole purpose of winning Kenzie back.

I liked Kenzie a lot and thought she was an amazing character. She's lost her husband and is raising two kids by herself as well as running a home business. She has a great support network and is not afraid to ask for help when she needs it. I also liked Daniel and his determination to win Kenzie back. He made it very clear he was not out to replace her husband or her children's father and he did a wonderful job with helping them honour Ben's memory. But I was a little disappointed with some of his actions. He avoided his brother's wedding because he didn't want to see Kenzie with her husband, and when he got the news that Kenzie's husband was dying, he dumped the woman he'd been in a relationship with so that he could go home to win Kenzie back. Some women might swoon over stuff like that, but it didn't sit right with me.

LOVING DANIEL is a sweet and sometimes emotional read that is told in dual POVs. You'll definitely need tissues when Kenzie talks about her late husband. I did notice several spelling and grammar mistakes, and there was also an issue or two with the timeline, so it could use an editor. My copy of LOVING DANIEL was an ARC/Master Copy, so perhaps by the time it went live, the mistakes I found had been fixed. And I'm not sure if this will make sense, but the story felt like it moved quickly, but moved slowly at the same time. But for a debut novel, I thought this was a pretty good read.

Daniel: We have consumed way too much soda and pizza, but that's what you do when the wives leave. No one is going to get a balanced meal, but we'll keep them alive.

For more reviews, please visit our website: www.romancebetweenthesheets.com

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa Morr.
189 reviews16 followers
February 29, 2016
Daniel Roberts broke Kenzie Hart's heart 20 years ago when he broke with up her on their prom night before he joined the army so he wouldn't leave a girl at home, a mistake he has regretted for 20 years. When they both move back home, Kenzie moving back to be closer to her family after her husband's death & Daniel after retiring from the Army will they get a second chance at love or will the heartbreak be to much for Kenzie to allow them a second chance.

" If it matters at all, I have regretted my decision for the twenty years, and you deserve the fairy tale"

This book was a very sweet, emotional second chance read. I am a sucker for second chance love romance books if it says second chance love in the description of book it has me hook, line & sinker and this one had me. Who couldn't fall in love with Daniel, he has regretted breaking Kenzie's heart 20 years ago and still loves her. He will do anything to win her love back & gain her trust and dang does he ever, I am going to leave it at that because I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. If you believe in first love never dies than this book is for you, you fall in love with Daniel & Kenzie, you will laugh with them & you will cry with them, so have that Kleenex ready. I recommend this book to all those who love fairytale, second chance & first love addicts like me.

I received a free ARC copy from the author & Enticing Journey Promotions for my honest review. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
Profile Image for Jodie Scott.
236 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2016
Reviewed on behalf of two girls who love books blog
Loving Daniel was an emotional, romantic, feel good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. it is a beautiful story written well and with sympathetic wordings. The plot is well thought out and very very well described although I feel it should warn that there could be triggers in here. It is written out in two POV (Kensie and Daniel) and at some stages can repeat of over small parts but not to the point where you’re wondering why you’re reading this part again! Even though there are two POW it isn’t confusing and flows very well from one person to the next
The characters are fantastic and could well be your next door neighbours (no rich kids here) Daniel is ex-military who has never got over breaking his first loves heart but could a sad twist of fate change that?
Kensie has decided to move back to her home town after an awful family tragedy takes place she wants to start again but can she cope running into her old flame?
If you want to read about how good things can happen after a life altering situation the read this book. It really is brilliantly written and I sensitive where it needs to be.
I rate this story 5 stars
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,655 reviews79 followers
March 1, 2016
4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, twists & turns, second chance a love, grief, and heartbreak.

This is Kenzie and Daniel’s story. Daniel and Kenzie dates years ago but when his recruiter told him to go off to the service with no attachments he broke it off. It was not a soft parting it was brutal. Now years later Kenzie is come back to town after losing her husband. Kenzie is moving back home to be around family and raise her kids. When she runs into Daniel she is still hurt but trying not to show the hurt she feels. Daniel will do everything he can for Kenzie as he has wanted her ever since he let her go. He knows it will not be easy but he is determined to win her love again. Can these two overcome the past? Can Daniel prove that he does not want to take their fathers place but to also make his own place in their lives? Will Kenzie moving on with Daniel be okay with her children or will they make sure that it does not happen? Can these two who are so in love make something work or is it over?

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Leslie Dominguez.
2 reviews
February 27, 2016
Powerful!!

First let me say that this is the first, but hopefully not the last book I have had the pleasure of reading by this author..
This book had me so interested, I had a hard time putting it down..
It is nice to read a romance book that is about a woman who is closer to my age and has real life issues to deal with. It made me happy at times, and yes, I even cried at times!!
Mrs. Ford, this was a wonderful book and I strongly encourage you to continue writing, because you are a very talented storyteller..
182 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2016
Loved

Oh Lord. I think the writer did really well explaining about losing a husband, and father. And then starting to date again.
Have to say the scene with Bob was mega embarrassing even I blushed!
Lol
I loved Daniel, being a step parent is hard. Especially when your step daughters a toad at times. I was once the toad :)
Great writing!!!
Profile Image for Stacy Aube.
834 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for a honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Stacy Aube for Cutting Muse Blog Review.

This was a very touching feel good read. The situations in this book were very believable.
Profile Image for Jeannette.
3,220 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2016
Great book

This was a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. Heartfelt and funny moments. I loved the characters. I had tears in my eyes but all in all good book. I didn't want the book to end.
Profile Image for J.
3,104 reviews51 followers
Read
October 1, 2016
Too schmaltzy (a word?) for me. Everything just seemed to come together too easily in this second chance romance.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews