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The Do-Over
L. E. Bross’s contemporary romance debut is a fun and sexy tale of unlikely lovers struggling to leave the past where it belongs—behind them—and embrace a bright future.Melanie McAllister’s brand new copy of Home Improvement for Dummies doesn’t even begin to cover the DIY advice she really how to put the pieces of her life back together. Her cheating ex-husband’s insider trading scandal destroyed her family’s multi-million dollar company and left Mel with nothing but the run-down oceanfront cottage she inherited from her parents. Biscay Beach, Maine, seems as good a place to start over as any. Hot-as-hell carpenter Eli Stuart understands new beginnings. Once a rising star in the art world, the former sculptor has been secretly carving out a new existence in the small coastal town ever since the sheen on his old life turned to rust. He’s willing to bet the feisty brunette in need of major home repairs has never lifted a tool heavier than a nail file—until Mel is racing the clock to make her ramshackle home fit for winter and, facing a near-empty bank account, decides she can do it all herself. So Eli offers Mel a if she helps him with the renovations, he’ll cut the bill in half. Soon Mel and her damned home improvement book are driving Eli mad with an explosive urge to return to his studio and fire up his torch once more. His new work is crude and raw, and before long, he can’t keep his hands off Mel, either. But a muse from his past could ruin it all for the second time—if Eli and Mel can’t let go of who they used to be and trust their hearts with a do-over.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 28, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
The Do-Over. Let’s face it, all of us had that moment where we wished we could press rewind and have that do-over, whether it be in relationships, life choices and what not. And so in L.E. Bross’s newest release aptly titled The Do-Over, Ms. Bross writes a charming and heartfelt second chance story.
“Would it be so bad to kiss him? There was chemistry there that Mel had never experienced before. What would it feel like to kiss someone who made her pulse race without even touching her? ”
Melanie McAllister is in need of a do-over like no other. Her life is tarnished after her ex-husband not only cheated on her but also destroyed her reputation and career when he was arrested for insider trading. The company that her father built destroyed. With little money, Melanie is forced to live in a small summer beach house that is in desperate need of renovations. As Melanie tries to get back her life in order, she never expected to meet Eli Stuart, a carpenter who was willing to help her re-fix her house. But along the way, Eli starts hammering his way into her heart? So can this closed off woman finally get her do-over?
“I like you. I like spending time with you. I like watching you laugh and get mad and go all uptight prissy queen on me. Every day I watch you learn something new; the look in your eyes makes me feel ten feet tall. I’m damned proud of you, for trying, for succeeding at everything we’ve been working on. You’re a fighter.”
The Do-Over was a sweet, charming, and sexy second chance romance. Ms. Bross did an amazing job incorporating and weaving friendship, family, and a bit of quirkiness into this story. So if you are looking for a light romantic read that is full of heat, sexiness, and swoonworthy romance then I would recommend this story.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...L.E. Bross
The Do-Over. Let’s face it, all of us had that moment where we wished we could press rewind and have that do-over, whether it be in relationships, life choices and what not. And so in L.E. Bross’s newest release aptly titled The Do-Over, Ms. Bross writes a charming and heartfelt second chance story.
“Would it be so bad to kiss him? There was chemistry there that Mel had never experienced before. What would it feel like to kiss someone who made her pulse race without even touching her? ”
Melanie McAllister is in need of a do-over like no other. Her life is tarnished after her ex-husband not only cheated on her but also destroyed her reputation and career when he was arrested for insider trading. The company that her father built destroyed. With little money, Melanie is forced to live in a small summer beach house that is in desperate need of renovations. As Melanie tries to get back her life in order, she never expected to meet Eli Stuart, a carpenter who was willing to help her re-fix her house. But along the way, Eli starts hammering his way into her heart? So can this closed off woman finally get her do-over?
“I like you. I like spending time with you. I like watching you laugh and get mad and go all uptight prissy queen on me. Every day I watch you learn something new; the look in your eyes makes me feel ten feet tall. I’m damned proud of you, for trying, for succeeding at everything we’ve been working on. You’re a fighter.”The Do-Over was a sweet, charming, and sexy second chance romance. Ms. Bross did an amazing job incorporating and weaving friendship, family, and a bit of quirkiness into this story. So if you are looking for a light romantic read that is full of heat, sexiness, and swoonworthy romance then I would recommend this story.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...L.E. Bross
April 12, 2016
4 Summer Love Stars
The Do-Over is a sweet contemporary chick lit read. When you are in that type of mood it hits all the right spots. There’s a romance, adorable side characters, quirky Heroine and a yummy Hero.
Melanie has a tough life. Her ex-husband is going to jail and Mel’s assets are frozen. She’s use to having money and living in the fast city of NY. She’s now going home to refurbish the only thing in her name, her cottage. She doesn’t know what she is doing, but she’s willing to do anything to get back to NY.
Mel was a tough cookie to crack. She has an OCD personality that I can’t relate to, but I found interesting reading. She gets defensive really quickly, but she has a heart and feelings. She doesn’t like to show her weakness, but she’s anything but put together. She can barely afford her renovations and she’s just struggling to survive.
Eli has been burned by a past flame and because of this he stopped doing what he loves to do, making beautiful pieces of art. Now, he spends his time working on people’s houses, he’s a fixer-upper and he’s very good at his job. He offers to help Mel and Mel can cut the cost of labor by working by his side.
Isn’t that a cute storyline? I really liked Eli. Who doesn’t like a man who can work with his hands? He’s sweet, dependable and easy-going, kind of the opposite of Mel. Eli complemented Mel well, but brining the best out of her. The banter between Eli and Mel was cute and also frustrating at the same time. Mel is so defensive towards Eli, it takes a while to get through her layers and I wanted to slap her at times.
The side characters added little extra bits to the read as they helped Mel and Eli navigate through their feelings.
Overall, like I said, it’s a sweet contemporary read. It has little angst, but a cute storyline and likeable characters. Perfect if you are in a contemporary mood.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
The Do-Over is a sweet contemporary chick lit read. When you are in that type of mood it hits all the right spots. There’s a romance, adorable side characters, quirky Heroine and a yummy Hero.
Melanie has a tough life. Her ex-husband is going to jail and Mel’s assets are frozen. She’s use to having money and living in the fast city of NY. She’s now going home to refurbish the only thing in her name, her cottage. She doesn’t know what she is doing, but she’s willing to do anything to get back to NY.
Mel was a tough cookie to crack. She has an OCD personality that I can’t relate to, but I found interesting reading. She gets defensive really quickly, but she has a heart and feelings. She doesn’t like to show her weakness, but she’s anything but put together. She can barely afford her renovations and she’s just struggling to survive.
Eli has been burned by a past flame and because of this he stopped doing what he loves to do, making beautiful pieces of art. Now, he spends his time working on people’s houses, he’s a fixer-upper and he’s very good at his job. He offers to help Mel and Mel can cut the cost of labor by working by his side.
Isn’t that a cute storyline? I really liked Eli. Who doesn’t like a man who can work with his hands? He’s sweet, dependable and easy-going, kind of the opposite of Mel. Eli complemented Mel well, but brining the best out of her. The banter between Eli and Mel was cute and also frustrating at the same time. Mel is so defensive towards Eli, it takes a while to get through her layers and I wanted to slap her at times.
The side characters added little extra bits to the read as they helped Mel and Eli navigate through their feelings.
Overall, like I said, it’s a sweet contemporary read. It has little angst, but a cute storyline and likeable characters. Perfect if you are in a contemporary mood.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
March 11, 2016
I got the email to read this and after seeing the synopsis, it seemed cute.
I liked Mel and Eli. They have sort of similar backgrounds in the betrayal that happened to them. And while Eli is a different place in his life, it was amusing to see him sit back and watch Mel. Their chemistry was palpable and I really enjoyed seeing them push each other's buttons.
Sure, parts of the plot were predicable and the "let's not communicate properly" thing is annoying, but all in all, it was a cute, quick read.
**Huge thanks to Pocket Star for the invitation to read**
I liked Mel and Eli. They have sort of similar backgrounds in the betrayal that happened to them. And while Eli is a different place in his life, it was amusing to see him sit back and watch Mel. Their chemistry was palpable and I really enjoyed seeing them push each other's buttons.
Sure, parts of the plot were predicable and the "let's not communicate properly" thing is annoying, but all in all, it was a cute, quick read.
**Huge thanks to Pocket Star for the invitation to read**
March 24, 2016
I love it when I find a book that starts out in such a way that you know it's going to be a great read. Simple and straightforward, this Romance novel has all of the qualities we look for in this type of book and this author delivered the goods..
A hot as hell, swoon worthy, carpenter and a straitlaced New Yorker that needs to relax and let go come together in this hot and steamy read. Humorous and sexy together, with plenty of heart pounding moments are found in this new book.
The author takes great delight in telling the story and while the storyline is not complicated, it is full of detail, emotion, passion, and thankfully, fabulous sex. Plus, a beautiful happy ever after that was definitely worth the wait.
A delightful read that leaves you with that feel-good emotional high that makes you want to go read all of her books. I think I'm going to go to that, right now
A hot as hell, swoon worthy, carpenter and a straitlaced New Yorker that needs to relax and let go come together in this hot and steamy read. Humorous and sexy together, with plenty of heart pounding moments are found in this new book.
The author takes great delight in telling the story and while the storyline is not complicated, it is full of detail, emotion, passion, and thankfully, fabulous sex. Plus, a beautiful happy ever after that was definitely worth the wait.
A delightful read that leaves you with that feel-good emotional high that makes you want to go read all of her books. I think I'm going to go to that, right now
March 27, 2016
Melanie McAllister's return to Biscay Beach after years away isn't exactly triumphant. She's lost her company, her job, her husband, basically…everything, including her faith in humanity. Her return to the relaxed little seaside town isn't meant to be long term. She just needs to sell the ocean front cottage she inherited from her parents, and then she'll return to New York to re-build her shattered life.
Eli Stuart has just started patching together the pieces of his own fractured life when Mel comes blowing into it. He’s bearing the scars of his own failed relationship, and he’s not even remotely interested in anything romantic. He’s definitely not interested in some career-driven, money hungry, uptight city girl who has a way of getting under his skin no matter how much he tries to push her away. To say that the two did not experience love at first sight is putting it lightly. However, when Eli agrees to help Mel fix up the neglected beach house, he gets an inside look at the Mel nobody else gets to see. Even Mel herself isn’t familiar with this laid back, fun-loving version of herself. The two pull each other out of their shells, bring each other back to life, and it is...satisfying. Sweet. Sizzling. Lovely.
Eli was a nice surprise—I mean, I knew I'd love him. But while I expected the tall, sexy artist to be good with his hands, I wasn't really expecting his deliciously dirty mouth. He's hot, you guys. And also nice. Nice and dirty. You feel me? He’s also funny, and sensitive and determined. He's basically the dream and made up nearly 75% of my enjoyment of this book.
Mel took a little longer for me to warm to, but as she warmed to Eli, and Biscay Beach, she became more...real. Relatable. I loved watching her warm to the world around her, and accept the changes that Eli helped her make in her life. She did so much healing, and growing, and in the end, I loved her too.
Together, they were…the best. Flirty and sexy and fun. It was so touching to watch how they healed each other. I felt like the conflict was a little predictable and a little too “neat”, but it certainly didn’t detract from how much I loved Eli and Mel together, and it really did give Eli time to shine.
I flew through this light, easy read, loving the time I got to spend with Eli and Mel. Perfect for the beach or a rainy reading day, this is a sweet, heartwarming story that left me happy and satisfied. ~ Shelly, 3.5 stars
Eli Stuart has just started patching together the pieces of his own fractured life when Mel comes blowing into it. He’s bearing the scars of his own failed relationship, and he’s not even remotely interested in anything romantic. He’s definitely not interested in some career-driven, money hungry, uptight city girl who has a way of getting under his skin no matter how much he tries to push her away. To say that the two did not experience love at first sight is putting it lightly. However, when Eli agrees to help Mel fix up the neglected beach house, he gets an inside look at the Mel nobody else gets to see. Even Mel herself isn’t familiar with this laid back, fun-loving version of herself. The two pull each other out of their shells, bring each other back to life, and it is...satisfying. Sweet. Sizzling. Lovely.
Eli was a nice surprise—I mean, I knew I'd love him. But while I expected the tall, sexy artist to be good with his hands, I wasn't really expecting his deliciously dirty mouth. He's hot, you guys. And also nice. Nice and dirty. You feel me? He’s also funny, and sensitive and determined. He's basically the dream and made up nearly 75% of my enjoyment of this book.
Mel took a little longer for me to warm to, but as she warmed to Eli, and Biscay Beach, she became more...real. Relatable. I loved watching her warm to the world around her, and accept the changes that Eli helped her make in her life. She did so much healing, and growing, and in the end, I loved her too.
Together, they were…the best. Flirty and sexy and fun. It was so touching to watch how they healed each other. I felt like the conflict was a little predictable and a little too “neat”, but it certainly didn’t detract from how much I loved Eli and Mel together, and it really did give Eli time to shine.
I flew through this light, easy read, loving the time I got to spend with Eli and Mel. Perfect for the beach or a rainy reading day, this is a sweet, heartwarming story that left me happy and satisfied. ~ Shelly, 3.5 stars
March 20, 2016
Original review: The Daydreaming Bookworm
*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *
After completely falling in love with Bross’s writing with her New Adult debut, Right Where You Are, I knew that I NEEDED to read more books written by her. The Do-Over was one of my most anticipated releases for this month and this romancing read about second chances and starting over did not disappoint. Let’s get this review started!
When her ex-husband is found guilty for insider trading, Melanie McAllister is forced to start over in the small town of Biscay Beach. With nothing more than the clothes on her back, her mother’s old BMW and a run-down beach cottage left to her by her parents, Melanie hopes to somehow she can pull her life together to find a way back to New York, back to her home. But starting over is never that simple and renovating her run-down beach cottage for some quick cash is going to take some hard work. Eli Stuart, local contractor, is the perfect man for the job as he too knows a thing or two about starting over. Willing to help her get back on her feet, Eli agrees to renovate the run-down beach house. But when a fire sparks between the two, Melanie will have to decide what she wants more: her old life in New York, or a new one with Eli.
The Do-Over is Bross’s adult contemporary debut about second chances and starting over. This sweet little debut is filled with romance, new beginnings and a strong sister bond. I have such an infatuation with books set in small towns so one of my favorite things about this book was the setting. I think Biscay Beach was the perfect place for Mel to escape to to start her life over. Unlike the busy streets of New York, Biscay Beach allowed Mel to take a moment to stop and reevaluate her life decisions. She realized that she wasn’t really LIVING, but rather just EXISTING. She was so used to following a plan and when everything shot to hell, so did her perfectly plotted out life. She was not only able to find her true self while in this small town, but she also learned that being spontaneous and living in the moment can be a GOOD THING!
Hands-down my FAVORITE character has to be Liesl, Mel’s sister. She was such a riot and voice of reason throughout this novel. She is also secretly a match-maker! Mel and Liesl have such a STRONG sisterly bond, despite the fact that the two have not seen each other in years. I couldn’t get enough of these two and Liesl kept pushing Mel to see that everything she thought was important was really not. She was wasting her life away in the big city when what she really needed to was to surround herself with people who truly cared for her.
The romance is this book was SO GOOD! Slow-burning and sweet, Eli and Mel were a great match. Eli knows what it’s like to start over in a small town after walking away from his future wife and dream career two years ago. He was an artist who welded metals to form breathtaking works of art, but didn’t feel inspired to create such art again until he met Mel. Now, these two did not start off on the right foot and the back and forth banter between them was HILARIOUS. But once they were able to set their issues aside, they realized that they were not so different. Eli showed Mel that sometimes taking chances were needed because they could lead to amazing things and Eli was able to find love again after being so closed off to it for years. I SHIP THEM SO HARD!
There was a bit of a curve ball thrown in towards to end of the book that I was not expected and it pissed me off a little. Things were up in the air, but thankfully things end on a happy note!
My only complaint I have about this book is that it is TOO DAMN SHORT! Seriously, I can’t get enough of Bross’s writing and I simply want MORE.
I HIGHLY recommend checking out this sweet and sexy debut. I also recommend checking out Bross’s other work because they are AWESOME! I eagerly await Bross’s next book and just like her previous works, I am sure I will LOVE them!
*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *
After completely falling in love with Bross’s writing with her New Adult debut, Right Where You Are, I knew that I NEEDED to read more books written by her. The Do-Over was one of my most anticipated releases for this month and this romancing read about second chances and starting over did not disappoint. Let’s get this review started!
When her ex-husband is found guilty for insider trading, Melanie McAllister is forced to start over in the small town of Biscay Beach. With nothing more than the clothes on her back, her mother’s old BMW and a run-down beach cottage left to her by her parents, Melanie hopes to somehow she can pull her life together to find a way back to New York, back to her home. But starting over is never that simple and renovating her run-down beach cottage for some quick cash is going to take some hard work. Eli Stuart, local contractor, is the perfect man for the job as he too knows a thing or two about starting over. Willing to help her get back on her feet, Eli agrees to renovate the run-down beach house. But when a fire sparks between the two, Melanie will have to decide what she wants more: her old life in New York, or a new one with Eli.
The Do-Over is Bross’s adult contemporary debut about second chances and starting over. This sweet little debut is filled with romance, new beginnings and a strong sister bond. I have such an infatuation with books set in small towns so one of my favorite things about this book was the setting. I think Biscay Beach was the perfect place for Mel to escape to to start her life over. Unlike the busy streets of New York, Biscay Beach allowed Mel to take a moment to stop and reevaluate her life decisions. She realized that she wasn’t really LIVING, but rather just EXISTING. She was so used to following a plan and when everything shot to hell, so did her perfectly plotted out life. She was not only able to find her true self while in this small town, but she also learned that being spontaneous and living in the moment can be a GOOD THING!
Hands-down my FAVORITE character has to be Liesl, Mel’s sister. She was such a riot and voice of reason throughout this novel. She is also secretly a match-maker! Mel and Liesl have such a STRONG sisterly bond, despite the fact that the two have not seen each other in years. I couldn’t get enough of these two and Liesl kept pushing Mel to see that everything she thought was important was really not. She was wasting her life away in the big city when what she really needed to was to surround herself with people who truly cared for her.
The romance is this book was SO GOOD! Slow-burning and sweet, Eli and Mel were a great match. Eli knows what it’s like to start over in a small town after walking away from his future wife and dream career two years ago. He was an artist who welded metals to form breathtaking works of art, but didn’t feel inspired to create such art again until he met Mel. Now, these two did not start off on the right foot and the back and forth banter between them was HILARIOUS. But once they were able to set their issues aside, they realized that they were not so different. Eli showed Mel that sometimes taking chances were needed because they could lead to amazing things and Eli was able to find love again after being so closed off to it for years. I SHIP THEM SO HARD!
There was a bit of a curve ball thrown in towards to end of the book that I was not expected and it pissed me off a little. Things were up in the air, but thankfully things end on a happy note!
My only complaint I have about this book is that it is TOO DAMN SHORT! Seriously, I can’t get enough of Bross’s writing and I simply want MORE.
I HIGHLY recommend checking out this sweet and sexy debut. I also recommend checking out Bross’s other work because they are AWESOME! I eagerly await Bross’s next book and just like her previous works, I am sure I will LOVE them!
March 25, 2016
Are you looking for a well written "classic" small town romance? In the mood for classic romance tropes like opposites attract, secrets from the past coming to light, or just plain 'ole starting over? Well, this story has them all and believe it or not, Ms. Bross made them all work together wonderfully. This story was the perfect short distraction I needed to cleanse my "palate" in between heavier/complicated books.
Melanie McAllister has lost everything: her job, her husband, and just about most all of her money. The only thing she still has is an old, dilapidated cottage her parents left her on the coast of Maine. So she packs her bags and slinks off to Maine to hide.
Her estranged younger sister lives in the town and owns her own cafe so this gives Melanie a chance to get closer to her baby sister. While Melanie is working on getting the cottage fixed up and ready to sell, she works at the cafe to cover for her sister.
Melanie's master plan is to get her cottage sold so she has money to move back to New York and start a new job. The last thing she wanted or needed was to fall for a guy like Eli, the neighborhood bachelor who she hired to fix up her cottage. Little does she know that Eli has secrets of his own when it comes to New York City.
First thing I adored about this story was the setting. Having lived in Downeast Maine, I can picture exactly where Ms. Bross has set her made up town. I'm thinking it's basically Bar Harbor. There is a mountain right there and the blueberry fields aren't that far away. Now I'm missing wild blueberries... ugh.
Second, the story actually worked for me, despite the fact that it was kind of cliched. It was how Ms. Bross worked those cliches together and added authentic chemistry and heat between Eli and Melanie that had me hooked. It really made this a quick, happy read for me.
Lastly, even though this was a quick read, the characters had ample time to explain themselves and gave me a chance to get to know them. It helps that you get two POVs, both Eli and Melanie's. Dual POV is always a favorite narration of mine because I love getting both sides to the story.
If you're in need of an early summer vacation to the Maine coast and want to add some hot romance to the mix, this story could do the trick for you. It was a great way for me to visit one of the prettiest places I ever lived. Thanks, Ms. Bross!!
Review appears on
March 26, 2016
3.5 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2016
Melanie McAllister’s brand new copy of Home Improvement for Dummies doesn’t even begin to cover the DIY advice she really needs: how to put the pieces of her life back together. Her cheating ex-husband’s insider trading scandal destroyed her family’s multi-million dollar company and left Mel with nothing but the run-down oceanfront cottage she inherited from her parents. Biscay Beach, Maine, seems as good a place to start over as any.
Hot-as-hell carpenter Eli Stuart understands new beginnings. Once a rising star in the art world, the former sculptor has been secretly carving out a new existence in the small coastal town ever since the sheen on his old life turned to rust. He’s willing to bet the feisty brunette in need of major home repairs has never lifted a tool heavier than a nail file—until Mel is racing the clock to make her ramshackle home fit for winter and, facing a near-empty bank account, decides she can do it all herself.
So Eli offers Mel a deal: if she helps him with the renovations, he’ll cut the bill in half. Soon Mel and her damned home improvement book are driving Eli mad with an explosive urge to return to his studio and fire up his torch once more. His new work is crude and raw, and before long, he can’t keep his hands off Mel, either. But a muse from his past could ruin it all for the second time—if Eli and Mel can’t let go of who they used to be and trust their hearts with a do-over.
••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--THE DO-OVER by L.E. Bross is a romance story line about two people burned by previous relationships, neither one looking for a second chance at love. When Melanie McAllister’s life spirals out of control, she finds herself in Biscay Beach, Maine helping manage her very pregnant sister’s ‘Arts and Tarts’ café. Following the destruction of her marriage, her career and her father’s million dollar company, our heroine picks up the pieces of her life, and endeavors to renovate the family cottage-all that she has left of her mother’s possessions. Enter Eli Stuart- the local carpenter and handyman with secrets of his own.
In the beginning the relationship and attraction between Eli and Melanie is more or less one sided; Melanie has been burned, and lost everything in her life, and she isn’t willing to open her heart to another man. Eli’s past is haunted by betrayal and heartbreak, but he is a man who is willing to give love another try. There are some issues with a lack of communication; secrets from the past; and betrayal that has hardened the heart to a second chance. The $ex scenes are limited but seductive, provocative and hot.
We are introduced to Melanie’s sister Liesel, and her husband Dave-Dave is Eli’s best friend, therefore Liesel knows more about Eli’s past than she is willing to admit.
The world building focuses on the relationship between Melanie and Eli; Melanie’s inability to let go of the past; and Liesl’s hometown café where everyone knows your name !!
THE DO-OVER is a sexy read; a predictable story line about two people trying to escape the past, finding love and a possible future together. The premise is fun; the characters are colorful and animated; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2016
Melanie McAllister’s brand new copy of Home Improvement for Dummies doesn’t even begin to cover the DIY advice she really needs: how to put the pieces of her life back together. Her cheating ex-husband’s insider trading scandal destroyed her family’s multi-million dollar company and left Mel with nothing but the run-down oceanfront cottage she inherited from her parents. Biscay Beach, Maine, seems as good a place to start over as any.
Hot-as-hell carpenter Eli Stuart understands new beginnings. Once a rising star in the art world, the former sculptor has been secretly carving out a new existence in the small coastal town ever since the sheen on his old life turned to rust. He’s willing to bet the feisty brunette in need of major home repairs has never lifted a tool heavier than a nail file—until Mel is racing the clock to make her ramshackle home fit for winter and, facing a near-empty bank account, decides she can do it all herself.
So Eli offers Mel a deal: if she helps him with the renovations, he’ll cut the bill in half. Soon Mel and her damned home improvement book are driving Eli mad with an explosive urge to return to his studio and fire up his torch once more. His new work is crude and raw, and before long, he can’t keep his hands off Mel, either. But a muse from his past could ruin it all for the second time—if Eli and Mel can’t let go of who they used to be and trust their hearts with a do-over.
••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--THE DO-OVER by L.E. Bross is a romance story line about two people burned by previous relationships, neither one looking for a second chance at love. When Melanie McAllister’s life spirals out of control, she finds herself in Biscay Beach, Maine helping manage her very pregnant sister’s ‘Arts and Tarts’ café. Following the destruction of her marriage, her career and her father’s million dollar company, our heroine picks up the pieces of her life, and endeavors to renovate the family cottage-all that she has left of her mother’s possessions. Enter Eli Stuart- the local carpenter and handyman with secrets of his own.
In the beginning the relationship and attraction between Eli and Melanie is more or less one sided; Melanie has been burned, and lost everything in her life, and she isn’t willing to open her heart to another man. Eli’s past is haunted by betrayal and heartbreak, but he is a man who is willing to give love another try. There are some issues with a lack of communication; secrets from the past; and betrayal that has hardened the heart to a second chance. The $ex scenes are limited but seductive, provocative and hot.
We are introduced to Melanie’s sister Liesel, and her husband Dave-Dave is Eli’s best friend, therefore Liesel knows more about Eli’s past than she is willing to admit.
The world building focuses on the relationship between Melanie and Eli; Melanie’s inability to let go of the past; and Liesl’s hometown café where everyone knows your name !!
THE DO-OVER is a sexy read; a predictable story line about two people trying to escape the past, finding love and a possible future together. The premise is fun; the characters are colorful and animated; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 23, 2016
Read full review HERE
I’ve become a fan of L.E. Bross writing, because I loved her two previous books, Right Where You Are and Whatever It Takes. The Do-Over, like the other two, is all about second chances, so I was super excited when it became available for request on Netgalley.
I loved that this book once again had alternating POVs, I like my romances from both perspectives! It was a 3rd person narrative, but I can live with that. The writing is funny and easy to follow, and did I mention funny?!
The beginning of the book felt a bit slow, but the pace picked up a bit when the two main characters started interacting more, and for a while it was so much fun to read… Then around 86% of the book I just wanted to throw my phone someplace not nice – I didn’t, because Cátia told me not to, and because I do love my phone to bits.
Now the characters… here is where things got tricky… I usually love all of Bross’ characters, but the female MC of this book, Mel, made it a bit impossible for me to love her, or sometimes even like her. I understood where she was coming from, and her need to be on top of things, organized, put together and so on. What I didn’t get was how someone so fierce in some aspects of her life, let herself be put down the way she had by both her parents and her ex-husband. The more she talked about them, the madder I got.
Eli also had his not-so-great moments, but all and all he was great and he was great to Mel and for Mel, and at least for some time she understood that.
Eli and Mel sure had chemistry together. Their banter and exchanges were loaded and hilarious. Some situations made me laugh out loud. But sometimes I would just slap my forehead and yell “STUPID MEL“…
My favorite character, though, had to be Liesl, Mel’s sister. I loved their relationship, though for the life of me I couldn’t quite understand how they spent so much time apart. I would love to read about Liesl and her husband Dave. It would be so much fun!
There’s a huge conflict near the end of the book, which I thought was kind of silly, and the reactions – or OVERREACTIONS – were a bit too much as well. But I did like how it got solved and I did like the ending.
So, even though it wasn’t my favorite read by L.E. Bross, it was still quite an enjoyable, cute and hot romance.
I’ve become a fan of L.E. Bross writing, because I loved her two previous books, Right Where You Are and Whatever It Takes. The Do-Over, like the other two, is all about second chances, so I was super excited when it became available for request on Netgalley.
I loved that this book once again had alternating POVs, I like my romances from both perspectives! It was a 3rd person narrative, but I can live with that. The writing is funny and easy to follow, and did I mention funny?!
The beginning of the book felt a bit slow, but the pace picked up a bit when the two main characters started interacting more, and for a while it was so much fun to read… Then around 86% of the book I just wanted to throw my phone someplace not nice – I didn’t, because Cátia told me not to, and because I do love my phone to bits.
Now the characters… here is where things got tricky… I usually love all of Bross’ characters, but the female MC of this book, Mel, made it a bit impossible for me to love her, or sometimes even like her. I understood where she was coming from, and her need to be on top of things, organized, put together and so on. What I didn’t get was how someone so fierce in some aspects of her life, let herself be put down the way she had by both her parents and her ex-husband. The more she talked about them, the madder I got.
Eli also had his not-so-great moments, but all and all he was great and he was great to Mel and for Mel, and at least for some time she understood that.
Eli and Mel sure had chemistry together. Their banter and exchanges were loaded and hilarious. Some situations made me laugh out loud. But sometimes I would just slap my forehead and yell “STUPID MEL“…
My favorite character, though, had to be Liesl, Mel’s sister. I loved their relationship, though for the life of me I couldn’t quite understand how they spent so much time apart. I would love to read about Liesl and her husband Dave. It would be so much fun!
There’s a huge conflict near the end of the book, which I thought was kind of silly, and the reactions – or OVERREACTIONS – were a bit too much as well. But I did like how it got solved and I did like the ending.
So, even though it wasn’t my favorite read by L.E. Bross, it was still quite an enjoyable, cute and hot romance.
March 11, 2016
This isn't my first book by Bross but as the books continue to come out the more fond I grow of her writing.
In this new contemporary story by Bross we meet Mel who is back in Maine to get her life back on track. Mel thought the scandal of her ex husbands cheating and insider trading would break her but she isn't ready to give up yet. There are somethings she needs to do first and by fixing up the cottage and selling it might be her ticket back to New York but that was before the handsome Eli shows up. Now she has to choose her if she wants her old life back or does she want a new life with Eli.
Eli returned to Maine with his tail between his legs. Not only did he find out his fiancé was unfaithful but that his art work just wasn't he thought it would be. Since he has been back he hasn't created anything but after meeting Mel he starts creating a new piece and while his feelings are starting to grow he isn't sure if it's enough to keep her there.
For starts I really liked these two characters. They both went through some changes and came out stronger then they were before. Although they are different personality wise they understand each other and know what's it like to have their worlds changed before their eyes. Mel came off as uptight and a stickler for the rules but after hanging out and getting to know Eli you can see the changes in her which I loved. She became more fun and open. Eli on the other hand was fun and friendly but I really loved how he kept sticking his foot in his mouth when he was around Mel.
Bross really made these characters stand out and the storyline was interesting and had me wondering what would happen and when. I liked that her ex husband did something more then just cheat.
As far as the romance went these two didn't start out on the friendliest terms but Bross brought humor to them going back and forth and getting on each other's nerves. Yes they were attracted to one another since they first met but I felt their banter just made the story so much better.
I actually had a few favorite scenes while reading but one of the ones that stood out is when Eli throws Mel in the ocean and when Mel gets him back. It was fun, flirty and made these two even matched.
After reading this story I am really excited to see what other stories will be coming from Bross.
In this new contemporary story by Bross we meet Mel who is back in Maine to get her life back on track. Mel thought the scandal of her ex husbands cheating and insider trading would break her but she isn't ready to give up yet. There are somethings she needs to do first and by fixing up the cottage and selling it might be her ticket back to New York but that was before the handsome Eli shows up. Now she has to choose her if she wants her old life back or does she want a new life with Eli.
Eli returned to Maine with his tail between his legs. Not only did he find out his fiancé was unfaithful but that his art work just wasn't he thought it would be. Since he has been back he hasn't created anything but after meeting Mel he starts creating a new piece and while his feelings are starting to grow he isn't sure if it's enough to keep her there.
For starts I really liked these two characters. They both went through some changes and came out stronger then they were before. Although they are different personality wise they understand each other and know what's it like to have their worlds changed before their eyes. Mel came off as uptight and a stickler for the rules but after hanging out and getting to know Eli you can see the changes in her which I loved. She became more fun and open. Eli on the other hand was fun and friendly but I really loved how he kept sticking his foot in his mouth when he was around Mel.
Bross really made these characters stand out and the storyline was interesting and had me wondering what would happen and when. I liked that her ex husband did something more then just cheat.
As far as the romance went these two didn't start out on the friendliest terms but Bross brought humor to them going back and forth and getting on each other's nerves. Yes they were attracted to one another since they first met but I felt their banter just made the story so much better.
I actually had a few favorite scenes while reading but one of the ones that stood out is when Eli throws Mel in the ocean and when Mel gets him back. It was fun, flirty and made these two even matched.
After reading this story I am really excited to see what other stories will be coming from Bross.
March 6, 2016
Mel and Eli's story.
Mel lost everything in a short time and she had to re-build her life and comeback to NY but she needs first time sell her cottage.
Mel is bossy, wants to know everything and do too and she is very uptight person. I like Melanie a lot 'cause she is throw in a new beggining and she still is trying to live her old life and maybe this life before was not the good for her who that work many hours and lives for appearences.
Enter Eli our guy!!!!!!! I love Eli too the sexy packcage and all the Stars Wars style. Eli has too started a new life and more than happy to accept it and move on. There little angst-love start was funny and as I was reading I could not smile about them.
This book is so fluffy, funny and emotional.. This book was a really surprise and as for Mel's sister who is almost and angel and Eli's BFF Dave. There is a sublte message in this book and I was so simple that you start to think that maybe that can be true.
Mel lost everything in a short time and she had to re-build her life and comeback to NY but she needs first time sell her cottage.
Mel is bossy, wants to know everything and do too and she is very uptight person. I like Melanie a lot 'cause she is throw in a new beggining and she still is trying to live her old life and maybe this life before was not the good for her who that work many hours and lives for appearences.
Enter Eli our guy!!!!!!! I love Eli too the sexy packcage and all the Stars Wars style. Eli has too started a new life and more than happy to accept it and move on. There little angst-love start was funny and as I was reading I could not smile about them.
This book is so fluffy, funny and emotional.. This book was a really surprise and as for Mel's sister who is almost and angel and Eli's BFF Dave. There is a sublte message in this book and I was so simple that you start to think that maybe that can be true.
March 29, 2016
I love books like The Do-Over, stories where the main characters have been leveled by circumstances, but still have the strength to pick themselves up, brush themselves off and start again.
Melanie McAllister and Eli Stuart have both in that same boat, though in different stages. Melanie is a big city girl, who does all things proper, having lived under the thumb of her late parents unrelenting expectations and marriage to a twit of that they chose for her. Eli is a wonderful guy who was once into heavy metal (welding) until his ex shagged his heart away.
Mel's discovery includes reuniting with her sister Liesl, who did not confirm to her parents in anyway shape or form. In the process, Liesl's magic finds its way to Mel.
Eli's simply a good man, who had the patience to let Mel discover and appreciate what she needed about living in a small town -- the peacefulness, the kindness and caring of people and that you didn't need access to a 5 star restaurant every night. But he still had his own past to get over and Mel is the answer. I loved it.
I loved watching Mel and Eli's dance as they act on their attraction. They were snippy, funny and sexy. I felt their wave of emotions and appreciated that they could care deeply for each other.
The Do-Over is a great quick read with a good story and characters that you can relate to.
Enjoy!!
Melanie McAllister and Eli Stuart have both in that same boat, though in different stages. Melanie is a big city girl, who does all things proper, having lived under the thumb of her late parents unrelenting expectations and marriage to a twit of that they chose for her. Eli is a wonderful guy who was once into heavy metal (welding) until his ex shagged his heart away.
Mel's discovery includes reuniting with her sister Liesl, who did not confirm to her parents in anyway shape or form. In the process, Liesl's magic finds its way to Mel.
Eli's simply a good man, who had the patience to let Mel discover and appreciate what she needed about living in a small town -- the peacefulness, the kindness and caring of people and that you didn't need access to a 5 star restaurant every night. But he still had his own past to get over and Mel is the answer. I loved it.
I loved watching Mel and Eli's dance as they act on their attraction. They were snippy, funny and sexy. I felt their wave of emotions and appreciated that they could care deeply for each other.
The Do-Over is a great quick read with a good story and characters that you can relate to.
Enjoy!!
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May 25, 2024This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More Quickie Review
The Do-Over is a fun and quick read. We get to see the quaint town of Biscay Beach. The people in this town are pretty amazing, and open their arms to Melanie. She's trying to get the house she inherited fixed and ready for sale so she can go back to her life in New York. She's very list oriented, and wants things to be perfect. The only downfall is she doesn't know how to do much since she never had to do anything for herself.
Eli is the town hottie. He doesn't take to kindly to Melanie at first, but she grows on him. He has his own reason for not really liking the type of person Melanie is. He lets his past keep his mind closed. But he is a sweetheart, and wants Melanie to succeed in whatever she does or learns.
The chemistry is definitely there with these two, and the sexy times are HOT! The Do-Over makes a perfect read to get ready for summer.
The Do-Over is a fun and quick read. We get to see the quaint town of Biscay Beach. The people in this town are pretty amazing, and open their arms to Melanie. She's trying to get the house she inherited fixed and ready for sale so she can go back to her life in New York. She's very list oriented, and wants things to be perfect. The only downfall is she doesn't know how to do much since she never had to do anything for herself.
Eli is the town hottie. He doesn't take to kindly to Melanie at first, but she grows on him. He has his own reason for not really liking the type of person Melanie is. He lets his past keep his mind closed. But he is a sweetheart, and wants Melanie to succeed in whatever she does or learns.
The chemistry is definitely there with these two, and the sexy times are HOT! The Do-Over makes a perfect read to get ready for summer.
March 5, 2016
A fun quick read! Mel and Eli are the classic pair of this genre and Bross does a good job with them. Mel's lost everything material thanks to a rotten ex-husband and Eli is struggling with his own issues. Luckily they have Liesl, Mel's sister, to help them along. I liked the concept of Arts and Tarts, btw. This is very light and there are a couple of really hot scenes. A worthy read for an afternoon :) Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
October 29, 2025
Reread: October 2025
First read: May 2016
First read: May 2016
March 23, 2016
*** ARC Provided by the Author for an Honest Review ***
The Do-Over by L.E Bross is a heart-warming story about two people finding love against all the odds.
This is a standalone novel written in the third person, which at first, I found very off-putting. As you delve deeper into the story, you forget about how it is being told, getting caught up in the story line itself. There is no violence, and the sex scenes are minimal, but tasteful.
This piece of work is really well written and an enjoyable read.
When Melanie McAllister moves into in a small town named Biscay Beach, it is only supposed to be a temporary arrangement.
With her ex-husband now in prison for his part in inside trading at McAllister Investments, Melanie finds herself with nowhere else to live but the cottage left to her when her parents died. Not only did she lose her job, but all of her money, and even her home was caught up in litigation, leaving her with her mother’s old BMW convertible and a small amount of cash.
What you discover about Melanie is that she is an uptight person who was molded to believe that emotions had no place in business. Everything about her is planned, and calculated. She lives for the hustle and bustle of the city, not being one for peace and quiet. Thus making her very unspontaneous and somewhat boring.
************************
Eli Stuart, a local in Biscay Beach, is a contractor. The one man they call upon when anything is in need of repair.
There was a time, when Eli was an artist, one of the locals who displayed their work at Liesl’s, Arts n Tarts Café. A time before his ex-fiancé Kristi talked him into taking his prized works of art and selling them in a New York Gallery.
After he caught his fiancé in bed with the Gallery owner, he left it all, breaking his contract.
Returning to the small town, with his tail between his legs, he locked it all away, losing his motivation, his drive.
That was until he met Melanie McAllister at her sister’s Café.
What I really enjoyed about this story was how the characters were defined, each detail written is significant in understanding each of them as a person. To help you see why they are the way they are and how each of them helps the other to find their way back to love.
My favorite quote is on page 81 - ‘Maybe next time just give him head if you want to be nice’
This story is beautifully written, and well worth the read. I’d give it 5 stars and would highly recommend it.
The Do-Over by L.E Bross is a heart-warming story about two people finding love against all the odds.
This is a standalone novel written in the third person, which at first, I found very off-putting. As you delve deeper into the story, you forget about how it is being told, getting caught up in the story line itself. There is no violence, and the sex scenes are minimal, but tasteful.
This piece of work is really well written and an enjoyable read.
When Melanie McAllister moves into in a small town named Biscay Beach, it is only supposed to be a temporary arrangement.
With her ex-husband now in prison for his part in inside trading at McAllister Investments, Melanie finds herself with nowhere else to live but the cottage left to her when her parents died. Not only did she lose her job, but all of her money, and even her home was caught up in litigation, leaving her with her mother’s old BMW convertible and a small amount of cash.
What you discover about Melanie is that she is an uptight person who was molded to believe that emotions had no place in business. Everything about her is planned, and calculated. She lives for the hustle and bustle of the city, not being one for peace and quiet. Thus making her very unspontaneous and somewhat boring.
************************
Eli Stuart, a local in Biscay Beach, is a contractor. The one man they call upon when anything is in need of repair.
There was a time, when Eli was an artist, one of the locals who displayed their work at Liesl’s, Arts n Tarts Café. A time before his ex-fiancé Kristi talked him into taking his prized works of art and selling them in a New York Gallery.
After he caught his fiancé in bed with the Gallery owner, he left it all, breaking his contract.
Returning to the small town, with his tail between his legs, he locked it all away, losing his motivation, his drive.
That was until he met Melanie McAllister at her sister’s Café.
What I really enjoyed about this story was how the characters were defined, each detail written is significant in understanding each of them as a person. To help you see why they are the way they are and how each of them helps the other to find their way back to love.
My favorite quote is on page 81 - ‘Maybe next time just give him head if you want to be nice’
This story is beautifully written, and well worth the read. I’d give it 5 stars and would highly recommend it.
March 29, 2016
The Do-Over is a super sweet, contemporary romance story. Great for a light, beach read or a quick and cozy fireplace reading material.
Melanie’s New York life has been shattered, including her marriage and career. She now resides in Biscay Beach to regroup and save up before she returns to make another go in the big city. Mel is defensive and likes to have things done a certain way. Her way. She wasn’t in control of her life before, so now, she wants to sit in the driver’s seat. This at times made her a little harder to like at first, but she worms her way into the reader’s heart soon after.
Once she allows the contractor hunk, Eli, to work on the renovations for her beach home, her defenses start to loosen. He’s sweet and personable, and is compassionate toward Melanie’s situation. He relates to her, because he too was once betrayed by his significant other. That pushes him into giving the uptight town newbie a chance.
The bickering banter between the two was flirty, entertaining, sexy, and fun all at once. Melanie really relaxed and let loose around Eli, and it was nice to see her get comfortable in her new life and the little beach town.
The story was easily predictable with its problematic turn of events revolving around lack of communication and hasty assumptions. The drama was cleaned up a little to easily, yet the angst and lovable characters, will most likely lead the reader to look past it all and enjoy the adorable story nonetheless.
The secondary characters were just lovely. Mel’s sister added warmth to the tone of the story, as well as to the untold backgrounds of both Mel and Eli.
Bross could’ve easily extended this story with the way she wrote these characters. They all had a lot of depth that would be interesting to explore further. The characters were so darn likable.
http://xoxoafterdark.com/
April 10, 2016
The Do-Over is the first book I've read by L.E Bross.
The story begins with Melanie McAllister trying to get control of her life. Her ex husband not only cheats on her, but also turns her entire career and financial world upside down by being arrested for insider trading. She's forced to the only home and family she has left in a small town in Maine. Mel tends to be a type A, uptight, snob, so small town life is not for her. Her plan is to fix up her cottage, sell it, get a new job, and move back to New York City as soon as possible.
In comes Eli Stuart, a very sexy contractor hired to fix up Mel's cottage. He has a similar past as Mel and knows betrayal well and he is able to empathize with Mel because of their shared scars. Eli was really sweet and more laid back, basically the complete opposite of Mel.
I really fell in love with the setting of this book. The way Biscay Beach is described makes me want to pack my things and move there forever. I also love the idea of her sisters cafe. Having local artist sell their work in a cafe setting, sounds like such a cool place. I also felt the character development was really good. I got to know and understand the characters' personalities and what makes them all tick.
The character I connected to the most was Mel's sister. I absolutely adored her sister, as did the rest of the town. I found her character to be refreshing, cute, and really funny!
The only negative things I felt in this story were that the climax and ending felt a little too rushed. I feel like it should have flowed a little better with tying all the knots and working out the issues. It also felt a bit predictable at times.
I was able to read this story in just a coruple sittings, so it is a quick and overall cute read.
http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2016...
The story begins with Melanie McAllister trying to get control of her life. Her ex husband not only cheats on her, but also turns her entire career and financial world upside down by being arrested for insider trading. She's forced to the only home and family she has left in a small town in Maine. Mel tends to be a type A, uptight, snob, so small town life is not for her. Her plan is to fix up her cottage, sell it, get a new job, and move back to New York City as soon as possible.
In comes Eli Stuart, a very sexy contractor hired to fix up Mel's cottage. He has a similar past as Mel and knows betrayal well and he is able to empathize with Mel because of their shared scars. Eli was really sweet and more laid back, basically the complete opposite of Mel.
I really fell in love with the setting of this book. The way Biscay Beach is described makes me want to pack my things and move there forever. I also love the idea of her sisters cafe. Having local artist sell their work in a cafe setting, sounds like such a cool place. I also felt the character development was really good. I got to know and understand the characters' personalities and what makes them all tick.
The character I connected to the most was Mel's sister. I absolutely adored her sister, as did the rest of the town. I found her character to be refreshing, cute, and really funny!
The only negative things I felt in this story were that the climax and ending felt a little too rushed. I feel like it should have flowed a little better with tying all the knots and working out the issues. It also felt a bit predictable at times.
I was able to read this story in just a coruple sittings, so it is a quick and overall cute read.
http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2016...
March 28, 2016
The Do-Over, L.E. Bross
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
What a great fun read, I was laughing from very early on. Mel is such a terrific character, I could picture her, book in hand, trying to tell Eli that there might be a better way of doing things! He's a fabulous character too, been through some tough things but picked himself up and moved on. Now he's settled as a contractor in the little seaside town where Mel's sister lives. I loved her, so friendly, so open to everyone and she really wanted Mel to just be happy. I love the idea of a cafe/arts place, arts and tarts.
Poor Mel had been through a huge upheaval in her life, from good job, husband, plenty of money to nothing, divorced, husband in jail and the money all frozen because of his actions. She's been groomed since early childhood to be a certain way, to always be in control, to do exactly as her parents laid out and she's followed that path slavishly. Now all she has left is the ramshackle cottage and her lovely. lovely sister.
Its a really fun read, flows easily and pulled me into Eli and Mel's lives, where they got off on the wrong foot and yet somehow ended up hot and heavy in the kitchen! That was some serious steam, and not from the kitchen equipment.
Still, the path of true love never runs smooth and all that and true to form a couple of obstacles pop up that has Mel running scared. Eli needs to show her what she needs is him and he needs to work out what he needs to do to get that - he can't just give up on love,. knows its special and will go all out to prove it.
Stars: Five, a fun lighthearted read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers.
March 23, 2016
In this story, we meet Melanie who is making a quick stop back in Maine to get her life back on track. Melanie’s ex-husbands cheating and insider trading scandal makes her end up in Maine with her clothes, an old car, and a little bit of money to fix up a cottage left to her by her deceased parents. She decides to fix the cottage and sell it so she can make the money to get back to the life she had in New York.
Eli is nursing a broken heart, burned by his ex-fiancé. She was unfaithful to him while they were in New York and his art work was not what he wanted it to be. So Eli packed up and walked away from his career in art to return to Maine as a contractor.
Now Eli and Mel are working together on the cottage and trying to keep their feelings for one another at bay. Eli seems to be the only one to get Mel to let her hair down and enjoy life.
For starters, I really liked these two characters. They both went through difficult times and ended up stronger than they were before. Eli finds out about Melanie’s issues and can understand what it is like to have your world changed right in front of you. Mel came off as uptight but the more she hangs out with Eli, you begin to see her loosen up and grow to love her. Eli was very fun and friendly but he kept his heartbreak private which of course comes back to bite him in the end.
This was a great quick read! I enjoyed the banter between Eli and Mel. They both knew how to push each other’s buttons, yet their chemistry was amazing and jumped off the pages.
Eli is nursing a broken heart, burned by his ex-fiancé. She was unfaithful to him while they were in New York and his art work was not what he wanted it to be. So Eli packed up and walked away from his career in art to return to Maine as a contractor.
Now Eli and Mel are working together on the cottage and trying to keep their feelings for one another at bay. Eli seems to be the only one to get Mel to let her hair down and enjoy life.
For starters, I really liked these two characters. They both went through difficult times and ended up stronger than they were before. Eli finds out about Melanie’s issues and can understand what it is like to have your world changed right in front of you. Mel came off as uptight but the more she hangs out with Eli, you begin to see her loosen up and grow to love her. Eli was very fun and friendly but he kept his heartbreak private which of course comes back to bite him in the end.
This was a great quick read! I enjoyed the banter between Eli and Mel. They both knew how to push each other’s buttons, yet their chemistry was amazing and jumped off the pages.
March 11, 2016
I received this book via NetGallery in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this book thought it was a sweet, romantic read.
Mel is a typical high society New York girl, until everything comes crashing down around her. Eli is the sexy contractor who can't stand the snobbish New York attitude based on his past. Mel and Eli clash right from the beginning, but the connection between them is strong. Mel is too stubborn she has lived her life the same way for many years and doesn't like to stray from that, but Eli starts to break down Mel and her ways. He helps Mel think and feel different things that she has ever before. She starts to come out of her shell and experience new things.
The book was a bit of a quick read I would have liked to have been able to experience a bit more of the couple side of Eli and Mel, they certainly had passion and there was some hot steamy moments, would have liked a bit more.
I really liked Liesl as well, she added something to the book and would be interested in reading her story.
Have enjoyed reading all books by L.E. Bross and would defiantly recommend her.
I enjoyed this book thought it was a sweet, romantic read.
Mel is a typical high society New York girl, until everything comes crashing down around her. Eli is the sexy contractor who can't stand the snobbish New York attitude based on his past. Mel and Eli clash right from the beginning, but the connection between them is strong. Mel is too stubborn she has lived her life the same way for many years and doesn't like to stray from that, but Eli starts to break down Mel and her ways. He helps Mel think and feel different things that she has ever before. She starts to come out of her shell and experience new things.
The book was a bit of a quick read I would have liked to have been able to experience a bit more of the couple side of Eli and Mel, they certainly had passion and there was some hot steamy moments, would have liked a bit more.
I really liked Liesl as well, she added something to the book and would be interested in reading her story.
Have enjoyed reading all books by L.E. Bross and would defiantly recommend her.
August 8, 2016
Sometimes in life you just need a feel good romp of a story and that is exactly what I got from L. E. Bross’s book The Do Over.
Set in a small town in Maine, Mel has gone to nurse her wounds. She is the ex-wife of an embezzler and has been laughed out of New York by her society friends. She has returned to a family home with plans to sell after she has spent some time with her heavily pregnant sister. Her plans are quickly put into question when she meets (and subsequently falls for) the handsome Eli.
The Do Over is predictable. People think that predictability is a bad thing but as a reader I like to know that the guy is going to get the girl. I like knowing that there is a happily ever after on the horizon. L. E. Bross has created a good story that sizzles with sexual tension. It is raunchy and sexy and has an extremely believable romance at the heart of the story.
L. E. Bross’s The Do Over is definitely worth reading and one that will inspire you to give her other novels a try.
The Do Over by L. E. Bross is available now.
For more information regarding L. E. Bross (@Lee_Bross) please visit www.LeeBross.com.
Set in a small town in Maine, Mel has gone to nurse her wounds. She is the ex-wife of an embezzler and has been laughed out of New York by her society friends. She has returned to a family home with plans to sell after she has spent some time with her heavily pregnant sister. Her plans are quickly put into question when she meets (and subsequently falls for) the handsome Eli.
The Do Over is predictable. People think that predictability is a bad thing but as a reader I like to know that the guy is going to get the girl. I like knowing that there is a happily ever after on the horizon. L. E. Bross has created a good story that sizzles with sexual tension. It is raunchy and sexy and has an extremely believable romance at the heart of the story.
L. E. Bross’s The Do Over is definitely worth reading and one that will inspire you to give her other novels a try.
The Do Over by L. E. Bross is available now.
For more information regarding L. E. Bross (@Lee_Bross) please visit www.LeeBross.com.
March 23, 2016
An awesome read that really proves the past needs to be put and kept in the past and the only way to live is by looking forward. Great writing and characters make this a great read!
Melanie McAllister was completely destroyed by her ex husband. Both emotionally and financially. All she really has left in the world is a run down cottage in Biscay Beach. Determined to sell, she knows she needs to get it in better shape to get the money she needs to restart her life in NYC.
Eli Stuart may have been a promising new artist at one time but now he's a carpenter in Biscay Beach and perfectly happy.... Well, mostly. Since his old life imploded around him he's been missing his muse and unable to sculpt. That all changes when he meets the feisty owner of a cottage in need of repair. To help her keep costs down he offers a deal, she helps with the repairs and he lowers his labor price. Soon he's wondering is this was the smartest or dumbest thing he's ever done! One good thing though, it seems his muse is back!
Definitely a fun read and one I highly recommend.
Melanie McAllister was completely destroyed by her ex husband. Both emotionally and financially. All she really has left in the world is a run down cottage in Biscay Beach. Determined to sell, she knows she needs to get it in better shape to get the money she needs to restart her life in NYC.
Eli Stuart may have been a promising new artist at one time but now he's a carpenter in Biscay Beach and perfectly happy.... Well, mostly. Since his old life imploded around him he's been missing his muse and unable to sculpt. That all changes when he meets the feisty owner of a cottage in need of repair. To help her keep costs down he offers a deal, she helps with the repairs and he lowers his labor price. Soon he's wondering is this was the smartest or dumbest thing he's ever done! One good thing though, it seems his muse is back!
Definitely a fun read and one I highly recommend.
March 14, 2016
ARC provided by publisher.
I think this one came down to personal preferences. 1/3 of the way through, it became a DNF for me. I, honestly, couldn't stand the character Mel. Her "quirks" being an intolerable snob who had no concept of how to use a mop, hammer, dishwasher or -- even though it was her supposed area of expertise -- her own money. Her "greed is good" ex-husband handled all their accounts. Ugh, the character just annoyed me to death. Eli had potential, though, I think this is definitely one of those stories that would have benefitted from one POV. When I can hear every character's EVERY thought, it does ruin the slow burn romance. His constant ogling of Mel's "assets" started to feel sleazy pretty quick.
Disappointing since I enjoy the author's YA Romance. I didn't feel like this novel had Bross's usual snappy dialogue or relatable characters. Maybe I was just spoiled by Tess and Ryan...
I think this one came down to personal preferences. 1/3 of the way through, it became a DNF for me. I, honestly, couldn't stand the character Mel. Her "quirks" being an intolerable snob who had no concept of how to use a mop, hammer, dishwasher or -- even though it was her supposed area of expertise -- her own money. Her "greed is good" ex-husband handled all their accounts. Ugh, the character just annoyed me to death. Eli had potential, though, I think this is definitely one of those stories that would have benefitted from one POV. When I can hear every character's EVERY thought, it does ruin the slow burn romance. His constant ogling of Mel's "assets" started to feel sleazy pretty quick.
Disappointing since I enjoy the author's YA Romance. I didn't feel like this novel had Bross's usual snappy dialogue or relatable characters. Maybe I was just spoiled by Tess and Ryan...
October 28, 2016
This was a very sweet romance. Started with a frustratingly spoiled rich gal that had been brought back to the real world by her crappy husband because he was doing illegal things behind the scenes. In turn caused them to lose everything and Mel lost her husband on top of all that. Melanie ended up in a small beach town without all her normal essentials like upscale restaurants, awesome delivery, and something great on every corner.
In this little beach community all she had was her sister and a temporary life. She fights to get back to her upscale NY lifestyle but in the mean while she's helping her little sister with her business and waiting for er niece or nephew to be born. Luckily she finds more there than just a beautiful cottage and an ocean that soothes her..
I really enjoyed reading this book and the love that is throughout it. Between the relationships and friendships this book is an all out happy read with just lil spunk. The spunk is all Mel for sure!!!
In this little beach community all she had was her sister and a temporary life. She fights to get back to her upscale NY lifestyle but in the mean while she's helping her little sister with her business and waiting for er niece or nephew to be born. Luckily she finds more there than just a beautiful cottage and an ocean that soothes her..
I really enjoyed reading this book and the love that is throughout it. Between the relationships and friendships this book is an all out happy read with just lil spunk. The spunk is all Mel for sure!!!
March 13, 2016
***ARC received courtesy of Pocket Star and NetGalley***
I enjoy a romance that is a slow burn, the build up of the attraction can be a lot of fun. This was no exception, the build up of the chemistry between Mel and Eli was a lot of fun to read.
The problem, for me, is that so much of the book was spend on the build up that their relationship felt rushed once they finally got together. So, while it was an enjoyable story, with enjoyable characters, it feels a little unfinished to me, like all of the major decisions and resolutions happened in about the last 15% of the book, which is fine...when 65% isn't spent building up to them.
The writing was strong, the characters were good and fun. I didn't dislike the book, I just found it to be a little unbalanced.
I enjoy a romance that is a slow burn, the build up of the attraction can be a lot of fun. This was no exception, the build up of the chemistry between Mel and Eli was a lot of fun to read.
The problem, for me, is that so much of the book was spend on the build up that their relationship felt rushed once they finally got together. So, while it was an enjoyable story, with enjoyable characters, it feels a little unfinished to me, like all of the major decisions and resolutions happened in about the last 15% of the book, which is fine...when 65% isn't spent building up to them.
The writing was strong, the characters were good and fun. I didn't dislike the book, I just found it to be a little unbalanced.
March 20, 2016
There were times I thought Eli and Mel were cute, “the gym has nothing on this.” She gasped, tipping back a bottle of water . She grinned at him. “No wonder you’re built like that.” Eli could not stop the stupid grin that spread over his face, which only grew wider when he saw Mel’s cheeks redden as she realized the implications of what she’d said." Mel can be real touchy feely at times, “one hundred percent,” she whispered. To further prove she meant it, she dragged her nails down along his shoulders and then his arms. His muscles were taut and jumped under her touch. “You’re so hard.” I really liked this book I liked Eli.
March 31, 2016
This was a super sweet love story where the heroine is down on her luck after divorcing her cheating, prison bound husband who lost all their money to his corruption.
Moving home to a sleepy seaside tourist town, Melanie McAllister runs in to Eli Stuart who will help remodel her cottage. They of course first butt heads and seem completely wrong for each other, but once they spend time together, Eli deconstructs the walls Mel has around herself and her heart. Eli himself has suffered love and loss and reinvention of sorts. Mel has came into his life and created an awakening in him that had been lacking for years.
Moving home to a sleepy seaside tourist town, Melanie McAllister runs in to Eli Stuart who will help remodel her cottage. They of course first butt heads and seem completely wrong for each other, but once they spend time together, Eli deconstructs the walls Mel has around herself and her heart. Eli himself has suffered love and loss and reinvention of sorts. Mel has came into his life and created an awakening in him that had been lacking for years.
August 15, 2016
Melanie is in Biscay Beach with the sole goal of getting her beach cottage fixed up so she can sell it for enough money to relocate back to New York. Handyman Eli, helps her to fix up the house as well as provide healing to her heart after the damage her Ex inflicted on her. I really enjoyed the romantic story and would recommend it.
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