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Great Expectations #2
Later Than Expected
Ben Blackbird has always been there for everyone else. He took care of his mother and sisters when his alcoholic father didn’t. He raised his son alone when his wife got sick and eventually died from breast cancer. Ben has been his family’s rock in every crisis situation. He loved his life, but he was lonely. Greta spent her childhood in the foster care system. She was always an exceptional student, but didn’t have much experience with men. Years later, after enduring years of her husband’s cheating and manipulation her husband dies unexpectedly giving her the opportunity to start a new life. Both Ben and Greta find themselves on the same delayed flight to Nashville. Ben offers to share the drive and they find an attraction along the way. Their romantic relationship continues but her husband’s past threatens to destroy their hopes for a long awaited happily ever after.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 15, 2015
4.5 of 5 Stars
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2015...
I am honored to have had a chance to Beta read this book for Catherine. I loved Jade and Leo's story and was very anxious for more. Well Catherine has certainly given us more....
I liked Ben from the beginning, he was there for Leo and so welcoming for Jade. He has been the strong one for so long and always looking out for everyone it seems like he has missed looking out for himself. When he starts to have some interest in the lovely lady sitting next to him, he seems to not be willing to let this pass him by. The more he gets to know Greta the more fascinated he is with her. All the while being conscious of her wants and needs. When the time arises, Ben steps forward doing the right thing but for more reasons than that alone. He wants this and is willing to fight for it. With his family behind him he decides he is going to do anything he can to make it happen.
Greta has not had things easy and has a little trouble seeing herself deserving of her wishes. Life has thrown her some recent curve balls and she is struggling with where she wants to head next. Thanks to her instinct to trust a stranger, her meddling best friend she may very well have found a new path for herself. She is a beautiful, kind woman and you can easily relate to her feelings throughout the book.
Catherine does a wonderful job of keeping the story interesting, with the love connection that grows very quickly for Ben and Greta being the center but there is a couple other small back stories. Her character growth is coming along in strides. I certainly felt a connection with these characters. Wonder who we will get in book 3, as she doesn't make it easily obvious. I will wait impatiently.
** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. **
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2015...
I am honored to have had a chance to Beta read this book for Catherine. I loved Jade and Leo's story and was very anxious for more. Well Catherine has certainly given us more....
I liked Ben from the beginning, he was there for Leo and so welcoming for Jade. He has been the strong one for so long and always looking out for everyone it seems like he has missed looking out for himself. When he starts to have some interest in the lovely lady sitting next to him, he seems to not be willing to let this pass him by. The more he gets to know Greta the more fascinated he is with her. All the while being conscious of her wants and needs. When the time arises, Ben steps forward doing the right thing but for more reasons than that alone. He wants this and is willing to fight for it. With his family behind him he decides he is going to do anything he can to make it happen.
Greta has not had things easy and has a little trouble seeing herself deserving of her wishes. Life has thrown her some recent curve balls and she is struggling with where she wants to head next. Thanks to her instinct to trust a stranger, her meddling best friend she may very well have found a new path for herself. She is a beautiful, kind woman and you can easily relate to her feelings throughout the book.
Catherine does a wonderful job of keeping the story interesting, with the love connection that grows very quickly for Ben and Greta being the center but there is a couple other small back stories. Her character growth is coming along in strides. I certainly felt a connection with these characters. Wonder who we will get in book 3, as she doesn't make it easily obvious. I will wait impatiently.
** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. **
September 6, 2015
Another enjoyable read from Catherine Scott. Ben is an older man getting a second chance at love. Greta is finding her way after a bad marriage. Their chance encounter is just magical and immediately you can tell these two are meant to be together. The love story is interesting and it warms your heart to see how it blossoms. Ms. Scott does a wonderful job of weaving into to this a suspenseful plot that has many twists and turns. Things did not turn out the way I'd predicted. The secondary characters had a lot of depth and rounded out the story. I would definitely recommend this novel.
September 23, 2015
reviewing for book boyfriend heaven
This is the story of Greta and Ben. They met by chance and became good friends. Their story blossoms along the way, as they deal with her past and his. Family and friends are thrown along in the mix and that leaves us with a great laugh and a wish for a happy ending for all. If you want to know how their story ends, then pick up this gem and find out for yourselves.
This is the story of Greta and Ben. They met by chance and became good friends. Their story blossoms along the way, as they deal with her past and his. Family and friends are thrown along in the mix and that leaves us with a great laugh and a wish for a happy ending for all. If you want to know how their story ends, then pick up this gem and find out for yourselves.
January 17, 2016
Love and family in all its wonder….
Was it accident or fate that matched up travelers Ben Blackbird and Greta Neill? Either way, they met and instantly felt an attraction for each other as they both put aside the “don’t trust a stranger” adage to take a chance. Both had lost their spouses but in entirely different circumstances. The timing may not have been ideal but that didn’t stop their feelings from growing from instant attraction to more.
I enjoyed this story of mature lovers who, no matter what their age, still have to deal with life and family in all its joy and sorrow. Ben and Greta have always been responsible and seeing them lash out and reach for something that is out of their norm is scary and wonderful at the same time. Both have misgivings but given their very different pasts that is understandable. Ben has always had family around him with him being the steady influence for them all while Greta, despite being married for a decade, was used to being independent and making decisions alone.
“You make me feel like I’m sixteen years old. How do you do that?”
I loved all the characters as they gently wormed their way into my heart. I admit to shedding a tear or two at the bittersweet epilogue which made for a perfect ending. This is the second in the series and I will definitely be looking for Leo and Jade’s story to catch up on it all.
December 21, 2015
Later Than Expected is book 2 in the Great Expectations series. This book involves Ben Blackbird, who is the father of Leo from book 1. Ben has always been the one to take care of his family, whether it was his sisters or his son. Exactly how and why he has to do this, you need to read this book. With all that Ben is giving of himself, he is finding himself lonely. But fate would be dropping into his life in the form of a delayed flight to visit with his son. Greta is a hard working lady who has been dealt a pretty bad life so far. Raised in the foster system, husband who cheated on her and then suddenly dies, she now has the chance to have a new life. Greta happens to be waiting for the same delayed flight as Ben and they end up agreeing to share a ride. During this ride they learn about each other and developing an attraction to each other. But it will not all be easy. Greta's past isn't quite done with her yet.
I love how Catherine develops her character relationships. We get the main character development, but also the supporting characters. I very much look forward to seeing what she has in store for book 3.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book.
I love how Catherine develops her character relationships. We get the main character development, but also the supporting characters. I very much look forward to seeing what she has in store for book 3.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book.
September 16, 2015
4 stars
I did not read book one in this series and was not familiar with the characters but that didn't take away from the story.
Ben is a nurturer, he takes care of those he cares for in any way he can.
Greta had a rough upbringing and is recently widowed. She was in a loveless marriage and is trying to put her past behind her but her late husband's secrets may put an end to her future.
Ben and Greta meet by chance and spend one night together, knowing it will never be enough they keep in touch. Ben is the one that's there for her when her world crashes down and she's looking at a possible murder charge.
Even when Greta pushes him away Ben has hope, when he finds out her reasons for giving him up he fights for what he wants.
I did not read book one in this series and was not familiar with the characters but that didn't take away from the story.
Ben is a nurturer, he takes care of those he cares for in any way he can.
Greta had a rough upbringing and is recently widowed. She was in a loveless marriage and is trying to put her past behind her but her late husband's secrets may put an end to her future.
Ben and Greta meet by chance and spend one night together, knowing it will never be enough they keep in touch. Ben is the one that's there for her when her world crashes down and she's looking at a possible murder charge.
Even when Greta pushes him away Ben has hope, when he finds out her reasons for giving him up he fights for what he wants.
September 6, 2015
This book was great. I loved Ben and Greta's story. Would love to have more on Ben and Greta but if I know you they will be mentioned in the next bookIf you haven't read Leo and Jade you must read it before this one. Catherine you did an awesome job with this one. Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for Raul book. You Rock Catherine!
September 17, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog.
Ben is finding his way through life after losing his wife to cancer. He is a loving man and father. He busied himself with building furniture. But furniture isn't the only thing he is building, he is also building a new life for himself. He takes a trip to meet his son but the airlines has canceled his flight. He doesn't realize that his flight cancelation helps him meet a woman named Greta.
Greta is very successful woman, who recently has become a widow. She is taking a business trip. But she also finds herself in a rather pecuilar situation, her flight has also been cancelled. Her and Ben decide to drive togethor to their destination. Sparks fly and romance happens. But one of them fights fate.
Greta lost her husband 3 months ago due to a car accident. Greta is a lost woman who is battling her husbands son over his estate. She also has become an interest in her husbands death investigation. Greta has so much going on that she pushes herself away from Ben.
One thing is for sure, you can't fight fate.
She finds herself in another peculiar situation.
She becomes pregnant with Ben's child.
Ben is the perfect man. He is loving and caring. I really enjoyed his character.
Greta drove me nuts. Just give in for Pete's sake.
I loved this book because it shows that you can meet someone and know them for a short time and fall in love. 2 months, 6 months or 3 years love is love. true love is real. :-)
❤ 4 Stars!!!!
Ben is finding his way through life after losing his wife to cancer. He is a loving man and father. He busied himself with building furniture. But furniture isn't the only thing he is building, he is also building a new life for himself. He takes a trip to meet his son but the airlines has canceled his flight. He doesn't realize that his flight cancelation helps him meet a woman named Greta.
Greta is very successful woman, who recently has become a widow. She is taking a business trip. But she also finds herself in a rather pecuilar situation, her flight has also been cancelled. Her and Ben decide to drive togethor to their destination. Sparks fly and romance happens. But one of them fights fate.
Greta lost her husband 3 months ago due to a car accident. Greta is a lost woman who is battling her husbands son over his estate. She also has become an interest in her husbands death investigation. Greta has so much going on that she pushes herself away from Ben.
One thing is for sure, you can't fight fate.
She finds herself in another peculiar situation.
She becomes pregnant with Ben's child.
Ben is the perfect man. He is loving and caring. I really enjoyed his character.
Greta drove me nuts. Just give in for Pete's sake.
I loved this book because it shows that you can meet someone and know them for a short time and fall in love. 2 months, 6 months or 3 years love is love. true love is real. :-)
❤ 4 Stars!!!!
September 12, 2015
3.5 Stars-Quite the Dramatic Romance
While part of a series, Later Than Expected can be read as a stand alone. Catherine Scott gives her readers a sweet romance with a tinge of drama to go along with it.
Ben Blackbird has always been a caregiver. Raising his now adult son on his own, Ben never really had much of a love life himself after losing his wife years ago. After meeting Greta at the airport and realizing their flights have been cancelled, they decide on a road trip.
During the drive, they fall into a comfortable conversation. Each learning how the other ended up where they were at this point in time. Ben looking to move closer to his son and Greta looking to finally put her past to rest. Even with the baggage they carry, Ben and Greta really hit it off.
The characters were well developed, however I didn't feel much of a connection to them. I had a hard time with the proper speech from Ben and how things just seemed to fall into place easily. I like a little angst and drama in my romances and am probably a little jaded due to my darker reading preferences. That said, Later Than Expected was well written, however not the type of book to draw me right in.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
While part of a series, Later Than Expected can be read as a stand alone. Catherine Scott gives her readers a sweet romance with a tinge of drama to go along with it.
Ben Blackbird has always been a caregiver. Raising his now adult son on his own, Ben never really had much of a love life himself after losing his wife years ago. After meeting Greta at the airport and realizing their flights have been cancelled, they decide on a road trip.
During the drive, they fall into a comfortable conversation. Each learning how the other ended up where they were at this point in time. Ben looking to move closer to his son and Greta looking to finally put her past to rest. Even with the baggage they carry, Ben and Greta really hit it off.
The characters were well developed, however I didn't feel much of a connection to them. I had a hard time with the proper speech from Ben and how things just seemed to fall into place easily. I like a little angst and drama in my romances and am probably a little jaded due to my darker reading preferences. That said, Later Than Expected was well written, however not the type of book to draw me right in.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
October 18, 2015
Later Than Expected by Catherine Scott is the story of Ben Blackbird, who is Leo Blackbird’s father from book one. The story timeframe begins during events of book one. While this is part of a series, they can be read alone. I found this second book didn’t drawl me in as much as the first. It, to me, was very slow paced and somewhat seemed to drag: except for the first hook up, that was sudden. It was written well, so don’t get me wrong I did enjoy reading, just not as exciting and as planned out, I think, as I would have liked. I found I did not really care for the speech Ben was accustomed to revert to at times. Greta mentioned liking his non usage of contractions, but a few pages later I found them in his dialogue. Those are just my musings. I also found them to be sweet and caring. I love that no matter that Ben is older he gets his HEA with the woman he wants. It makes you think that even when life chews you up and spits you out there is still hope. The epilogue is bittersweet and just perfect. I do wonder who we will read about next, as there are many well developed supporting charterers in this series. I think Ms. Scott does a wonderful job of developing many different characters and lives those characters live.
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September 12, 2015
Since I’m not in my 20’s or even 30’s, I love reading books which involve a romance between couples who aren’t in that age group either.
I briefly met Ben and Greta when I read “When You Least Expect It”, the first book in the Great Expectations series. Each of these books can be read as a stand-alone, but I’m glad I read the first book because I felt it gave me some background to Ben. But the first book didn’t really give me a hint of what happened in “Later Than Expected”.
I loved the main characters, Ben and Greta as well as most of the characters in this book. There were glimpses of characters I already knew but, I would have to say my favourite was Raul.
Did I love it? No, but I did like it a lot. I preferred the first book in this series, simply because the story flowed better. I felt that some of the elements in this story were add-ons and not essential to the overall story. But, on the other hand, there were some characters I wanted to know more about.
I gave Later Than Expected 3 and half stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
I briefly met Ben and Greta when I read “When You Least Expect It”, the first book in the Great Expectations series. Each of these books can be read as a stand-alone, but I’m glad I read the first book because I felt it gave me some background to Ben. But the first book didn’t really give me a hint of what happened in “Later Than Expected”.
I loved the main characters, Ben and Greta as well as most of the characters in this book. There were glimpses of characters I already knew but, I would have to say my favourite was Raul.
Did I love it? No, but I did like it a lot. I preferred the first book in this series, simply because the story flowed better. I felt that some of the elements in this story were add-ons and not essential to the overall story. But, on the other hand, there were some characters I wanted to know more about.
I gave Later Than Expected 3 and half stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
October 1, 2015
4/5 Star Review for Later than Expected – Catherine Scott
This is a story about lost people finding each other, both Ben and Greta have had loss and loneliness in their pasts and a chance meeting throws them together and starts a new path for them together.
I really enjoyed their story and how they faced dealing with Greta’s past as it threatened to tear them apart, there are a few surprises along the way and you read about some colourful characters.
There were a few parts I felt a bit lost as I was unsure of the time frame and also sentences that I was unsure who was meant to be saying them, but overall it didn’t affect the storyline in the book.
I LOVED the thought provoking quotes that started every chapter, it really made you think as you carried on through the book.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a light hearted but sensitive read!
This is a story about lost people finding each other, both Ben and Greta have had loss and loneliness in their pasts and a chance meeting throws them together and starts a new path for them together.
I really enjoyed their story and how they faced dealing with Greta’s past as it threatened to tear them apart, there are a few surprises along the way and you read about some colourful characters.
There were a few parts I felt a bit lost as I was unsure of the time frame and also sentences that I was unsure who was meant to be saying them, but overall it didn’t affect the storyline in the book.
I LOVED the thought provoking quotes that started every chapter, it really made you think as you carried on through the book.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a light hearted but sensitive read!
September 19, 2015
Later than Expected (Great Expectations book 2) by Catherine Scott is a wonderful, fun, and easy read. I so enjoyed reading a good romance about second chances.
The characters are amazing. Greta and Ben are just ordinary people who happen to meet. Neither one was expecting fate to push for more. They each have their own baggage and iinsecurities. That road trip gave them each a new hope and a beginning of something special.
Greta is a warm, caring woman. Ben is the sweetest man. Everyone deserves a Ben. He is awesome. Together they take a chance on building a life.
I flew through this sweet, amazing story. I highly recommend it to anyone who thinks it is to late for love and romance. Later than Expected shows us that love can happen anywhere and anytime . We just have to be open to it!
The characters are amazing. Greta and Ben are just ordinary people who happen to meet. Neither one was expecting fate to push for more. They each have their own baggage and iinsecurities. That road trip gave them each a new hope and a beginning of something special.
Greta is a warm, caring woman. Ben is the sweetest man. Everyone deserves a Ben. He is awesome. Together they take a chance on building a life.
I flew through this sweet, amazing story. I highly recommend it to anyone who thinks it is to late for love and romance. Later than Expected shows us that love can happen anywhere and anytime . We just have to be open to it!
April 7, 2016
Great book!
This book was given as a gift in a contest. I never read any books by this author but I am happy to say I was very impressed! The book had a good flow and balance of romance, murder, and suspense.
A chance meeting set up by bad weather leads Greta and Ben on a road trip. They get to know each each really well. Both have a past with love and loss. Despite their age difference, they have a connection. This book is a sweet romance with just enough twists and turns to make Greta and Ben's journey exciting! I am looking forward to more books by this author!!
This book was given as a gift in a contest. I never read any books by this author but I am happy to say I was very impressed! The book had a good flow and balance of romance, murder, and suspense.
A chance meeting set up by bad weather leads Greta and Ben on a road trip. They get to know each each really well. Both have a past with love and loss. Despite their age difference, they have a connection. This book is a sweet romance with just enough twists and turns to make Greta and Ben's journey exciting! I am looking forward to more books by this author!!
May 2, 2016
Amanda
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book from the author when I attended the One More Romance Author Event a few weeks ago.
This is the story of Greta and Ben. I have be dying to know Ben’s story since reading book 1. Ben meets Greta when their flight is delayed because of bad weather. With the weather not clearing up, they decide to drive.
I love seeing how their relationship grows from friends to lovers. This book is a great read. I read it in one sitting.
5 stars
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book from the author when I attended the One More Romance Author Event a few weeks ago.
This is the story of Greta and Ben. I have be dying to know Ben’s story since reading book 1. Ben meets Greta when their flight is delayed because of bad weather. With the weather not clearing up, they decide to drive.
I love seeing how their relationship grows from friends to lovers. This book is a great read. I read it in one sitting.
5 stars
September 17, 2015
Later than Expected is such a beautifully written book. It tells the story of Ben and Greta who aren't really looking for love, but when a storm cancels their flight they ride together to Nashville and love seems to find them. Later than expected gives hope that even though you may not have the prefect love the first time around don't loose hope. You will find it just later than expected.
September 11, 2015
**Reviewed for Nerdy, Dirty & Flirty**
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