Jake had it all: money, women, and great looks. He was happy. Well, he thought he was.
Then, a series of women and a ghost from his past made him re-evaluate everything.
Why had she come back? Why was she standing in his firm's boardroom with his opposing counsel? And the burning question - why did he give a damn after fifteen years?
She had broken his heart all those years ago, and Jake chose to live the life of a bachelor from there on out. Along with his fast-paced career, he maintained a fast-paced social life. It's what worked for him. At least he'd convinced himself it did.
The loneliness of his large home the minute the housekeeper clocked-out and the women warming his bed deserted him left him wanting. Could he get what so many of his friends already had: the woman, the family, the house with the white picket fence? Maybe. But just because he desired those things, things he'd sworn off ages ago, doesn't mean they were destined for him.
One thing was for sure; with Danica back in town, Jake's life was never going to be the same again...
Born and raised in a small town in Northern Ontario, Canada, award-winning author Carey Decevito has always had a penchant for reading and writing.
More than a decade later, with weeks of sleepless nights, where exhaustion settled into her everyday existence, she finally gave in and put pen to paper (more like fingers to keyboard!) She submitted to the dreams that plagued her. And the rest, as they say, is history!
Carey Decevito enjoys spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, traveling, and playing tourist in Canada's National Capital region. When life gets crazy, she seeks respite through her writing and reading. If all else fails, she knows there's never a dull moment with her two daughters, her goofy husband, and a dog who she swears is out to get her.
H became manho after h left him without explanation. I hated the beginning and the H's inner thoughts on his slutty ways - he even slept with woman at friend's wedding, his manho'ing well known but to be fair once he slapped eyes on the h again (his high school friend/love) all bets were off and he was very faithful, alpha to her. He was actually pretty sweet so it makes you think he would have been with her 100% had they remain together ( twist to why she did partly very sad). I loved the son and the friendship with H before he found out H was his father.
I found the relationship development was lacking though, everything just sort of went so fast from H being furious with h and how she left him without explanation to the sex marathon then just rinse repeat - cant believe it but the focus became the over the top sexing and not on the relationship aspect in my opinion but overall not bad.
No ow/om drama ( the h's ex husband created some issues with the business but mostly off book), none of the ow H slept with made any appearances. Some interesting side characters that I think may show up in other books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 #HotShot Stars and recommendation for romance genre, especially if you love a second chance love story.
I fell in love with this story in the 2rd paragraph of the prologue; “I flashed my come hither smile. Some called it a panty remover…”. I mean, what a reputation and the man, one Jake Landen, knows it. In Carey Decevito's “Almost Forgotten” we get Jakes story as a confirmed bachelor, and the reasons why, primarily one Danica Withers. Jake and Danica's history is long and they have a fifteen year estrangement, due to some major intrusions and extenuating circumstances, and a gap that’s about to be closed.
We met Jake in Carey’s “Once Written, Twice Shy” as Paxtons lawyer. We found out that Paxton had an immense amount of faith in Jake’s legal capabilities, but that Paxton knew of Jake’s inability to get over his first true love. His only love. At 18, Jake gives up on love and decides to live a life of subtle debauchery, vowing to protect his heart at all cost. The story follows Jakes path and re-acquaintance with the girl who broke his heart. However, once the connection is reestablished, we have a second chance love story in bloom.
I love Jakes snarky attitude and you can feel him swagger across the pages. Jake is an overly confident man, with a very distinctive attitude ~ He knows he’s good with his profession, with women, but he has no solid plans for his future and he seems resigned to this. Danica Withers initially seems completely detached from the past she and Jake shared. Her reactions to him, to the situation where they are reacquainted, it’s almost as though she never really knew how Jake felt. But Almost Forgotten is the story that slowly uncovers Danica’s past and her reasons for leaving Jake, and a huge secret that Danica’s been harboring.
We spend a good of time watching Jake and Danica dance around each other, and their chemistry is very evident. It’s obvious the two will reconnect and Danica is not shy about what she wants, but seeing each other, reconnecting is only half the battle. Carey’s writing is sublime, and she peppers the storyline with some subtle and not so subtle hints. Part of me wanted them to just get over the past and begin their romance a new, but Danica's secret is dark, deep, and so sad, and frankly took my breath away. Once this is revealed, there’s some heartache and drama, but there is also light at the end of the tunnel and we are given hope that the two can make a go of it.
Carey delivers some amazingly witty and clever characters. We see a few guest appearances from Paxton and are introduced to Danica’s son Jordan and her brother Mike. Jordan becomes a central character as he mysteriously latches onto Jake, feeling an instant friendship and bond. As Jake plays a sort of guidance counselor to Jordan, his bond with Danica is further developed.
Almost Forgotten is the 2nd book by Carey’s that I’ve read, and the 2nd in “The Broken Men Chronicles”. I’ve come to expect an erotic scene or two, and must say these are very well written. It’s not only because they have a wonderful steam factor, but also because they are written in a way that depicts the characters personalities, from demanding to submissive, both naughty and nice.
Although there are a few more books in the series that I haven’t read, I feel safe in recommending the Broken Men Chronicles. Almost Forgotten is a 5 stars book for me and so I highly recommend that anyone loving erotic/romance pick this up.
Book: Almost Forgotten (The Broken Men Chronicles #2) Author: Carey Decevito Publication Date: 1/19/2016 Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
*May contain spoilers *
We met Jake in book one. He is the lawyer and high school friend of Pax. Jake has lived his life headstrong and carefree. He was left broken hearted by his high school sweetheart and chose to never allow his heart into the equation when out at bars he kept things friends with benefits style no one stayed over and he stayed with no women either.
Well Danica is back in town and she is not alone. She is going to shock Jake to his very core. We get hot romance, loss, heartbreak, and family in this book.
The author has bumped things up a bit with this story. I read it from start to finish loving every minute. I do feel like I lost some parts that were not there but aside from that, it was truly a good book. The grammar issues are still present but nowhere near, what book one had. Kudo' to the author from stepping up her writing skills. I am off to read the next book in this series.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
Although we met Jake in Paxton’s story, his is a standalone. Love the way the author provides us with enough of an introduction to this character in Once Written Twice Shy, that the readers sits back and thinks to themselves: What? Why is Paxton’s friend a womanizing cocky divorce lawyer? But, but what made him that way?? I NEED to know!
Well, we find out in Almost Forgotten. If you think that all second chance romances are all the same, think again. When Jake’s great love, Danica, returns to town nearly sixteen years after pulverizing his heart, old feelings resurface.
What made this different wasn’t just the rediscovery of their love for one another, but the subplots and secondary characters. I love how this author introduces upcoming heroes and heroines for future books, and leaves the reader nearly begging for the next installment.
I am a sucker for second chance love stories. I fell in love with Pax and Alissa in Once Bitten, Twice Shy. I found that Carey's writing style was passionate and emotional an it sucked me in. When I started this book I found that she only got better. I was lost in the feelings and the characters captivated me quickly. I found that the pain that Jake and Danika went through at such a young age broke my heart. I knew that something was just so wrong with this picture. I knew that if Jake would look a little bit closer he'd see the truth. Once it did come to light..so many lives were changed. Such amazing moments that were portrayed when the revelations started pouring out. Their love story was one that never really ended so long ago. It was just on pause for 15 years but took off with an explosion of electricity.
The way she gave herself over to me, her explicit words — everything — was intoxicating.
Jake and Danika were meant for each other in every single way and I felt such a strong connection when they came together. When they reunited it felt as if they were burning for each other for so long..and could finally let their love consume them. Their passion exploded, reaffirming their feelings and proving that they were never going to find peace without each other.
So many secrets and betrayals from people who they should have been able to trust. My mind was reeling and I just wanted to scream at the injustice of it. I adored the way that Jake stood up for his family and how he was so romantic an sweet. They were funny at times and I just felt like their friendship was reborn a long with their passionate love affair. It all culminated in a romantic, passionate and beautiful love story..
I really enjoy the stories this author weaves and look forward to the next book.
Wow this is the 2nd book by this author that I have read to date. I must say it is also the 2nd time that this author has amazed me yet again. This book was outstanding in itself. This book can be read in this reviewer’s opinion as a standalone book but not really. Her first book in this series is Once Bitten Twice Shy which in itself gives you the start of a revaluation into this book. This is Jacob and Danica’s story and with a little help from their friends it is an amazing read. Jacob is the lawyer that has been in love with Danica for his whole life. Danica is the one that walked away 15 years ago only to return to her hometown after a long journey with her son Jordan. Yes you read that right she has a son that is 15 years old. Hmm is he Jacob’s son? I am so not going to let you know that for some reason that would for me the spoiler. Jacob and Danica’s explosion is spot on in this book. The sex is well tame yet explosive at the same time. Talk about a volcano about to erupt WOW they have the connection that I would say dreams are made of but with a little help from time the relationship between the both of them is like the 15 years never missed a beat or did it? This book has the steam I was looking for with a book but not the full eruption I must say but when the two do come together it is explosive in itself. This author does refer several times to Paxton and new wife in this book. At the end of Once Bitten Twice Shy we were left not with a cliffhanger per say but with what was yet to come. This book does not however take up where Once Bitten Twice Shy left off it just gives you the continuation in bits and pieces which I thought worked well for this book. If you’re looking for the AWE FACTOR then pick up this book for sure. It had me laughing out loud several times and wanting to yell too. I usually will write that you’re going to need your supplies for books but this book is a fast paced book that you will enjoy bunches. Definitely take this book on your beach reading journey. I know I would for sure. To the author Kudos for another amazing read that took me on a whirlwind of joy and happiness. You are one amazing writer that I look forward to reading again in the future. So with all that said please come and take this journey of Jacob, Danica and Jordan with me as you do please don’t be afraid to let loose and laugh as you read that the playboy can be tamed when the right woman comes back.
I loved this book. The characters were all amazing. They all had this resilience that was envious. They had lots of obstacles to over come more then once in their lives and some how they bounced back from what life throws at them. I had to read this book after reading the first one in the series and can't wait to read more. It can be a stand alone but you will want to find out more about the secondary characters because they are worth getting to know. I love the cover very sexy.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about Jake, who after being left for no apparent reason by the love of his life has decided that relationships are not his style. He a lawyer by day and player by night. He is not into the long term or even allowing the ladies to spend the night. This shell that he has erected is due to Danica. Danica, the daughter of a wealthy business owner is the one who got away. While Jake and Danica were young when they fell in love the effects of their relationship were long lasting. The story really begins when Jake takes over for a fellow colleague at the last minute in a divorce dispute and finds himself face to face with his past love and a whole lot of questions.
This book was a 3 1/2 for me and I always round up. I really liked being in the man's POV and as a result I really liked Jake. It was a refreshing change because many of these types of books are written in the women's POV and that can get old and often exhausting. So it was like a breath of fresh air. The male POV also made for some pretty HOT scenes. I enjoyed finding out why Danica left and what kept her away. I like that she was the one who "made the first move" while Jake was trying to keep his distance. I liked the story itself and thought it flowed nicely. The writing was easily engaging and I read this book fairly quickly.
Some of the things that I didn't like were Jake's excessive use of the phrase "my women." The first time or two it was okay, but it was way over used for me. I was a little put off by the very quick re-connection and making up for lost time. I understand that they had a history, but everything about them seemed to resolve so nicely and quickly it was almost unbelievable. I also was not satisfied with the "resolution" of Danica's dad issues. Some of it was answered but I was left unsatisfied in that respect.
I should have read the first book in the series first, so anyone reading this who has not read the first one - STOP and read that one first. While this is a somewhat stand-alone, I felt like I was missing out. I might go and pick it up, but I will already know how it ends. I will read the next one in the series if there is one and would check out other title by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is definitely a different take on a contemporary romance. Decevito takes off from the get-go and keeps you captivated with her mesmerizing writing and enchanting storyline. Not only did the storyline shock me, but Decevito’s inviting writing drew me in and invited me to join this world. I thoroughly appreciated the hard knocks that the characters lived through, and came out on the other side all the stronger for. Decevito doesn’t simply rely on her characters and their love to bring her story to life (even though this would do it all on its own). She is a very visually descriptive author who mixes romance with suspense and a bit of intrigue. Life takes precedence and shines through.
I thoroughly appreciated the fact that most of the major players in this story accepted what they couldn’t change, and fought to change what they couldn’t accept. It drew them together while also making them stand out amongst a veritable sea of romance characters. You get right into the main character’s head with this one. It was such a trip to be living life from his perspective. You can easily love these characters, even though their flaws are apparent to anyone.
Overall, this was an absolutely brilliant story. It could easily be read as a standalone, but also fits in nicely with the series as a whole. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to romance enthusiasts anywhere.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This book was gifted in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I've read by Carey Decevito, and will definitely not be the last! I loved this story. It was sweet, sexy, heart-breaking, and had a happy ending. The perfect second chance at love story!
Let me start by saying this was entirely from the hero's (Jake/Jacob's) point-of-view. I LOVE that the book is written completely from Jake's perspective. Almost every book I read is from the female's perspective. It is so refreshing to read something different.
We meet Jake, who is coasting through life. He has a good career, lots of money and lots of easy women. His heart was broken by Danica, his high school sweetheart and the only woman he's ever loved when she up and walks out of his life without any explanations.
Fifteen years later, Danica returns...recently divorced and a teenage son. Jake realizes he is still holding on and needs to confront Danica and find out why she left him all those years ago.
Lots of drama, unanswered questions and surprises unfold.
Highlights for me: -The moments between Jake and Jordan (Danica's son) -Jake's best friend Paxton and his tough love -Jake's character growing and evolving throughout the story (love him!)
The only thing missing for me was the outcome of Danica's father, his company and the role he played. I wanted to see more happen here.
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I definitely recommend this book and can't wait to find out what happens with the other characters!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in this series and I loved it just as much as the first book, once written twice shy. This follows Paxton's friend Jake who has been tortured for the last fifteen years since his love of his life left without any explanation and been a playboy to try and forget the woman he once loved. Fifteen years after she left Danica finds herself back in her hometown facing the man she once loved fighting on the opposing legal team in her divorce to her crook of a husband, both are shocked to see each other. Jake is even more surprised to find out that Danica also has a fifteen year old son. Jake helps Danica's company once he finds out that Danica's husband is a crook and throws the case. Jake bumps into Danica and her son quite a lot and past feelings come back to the surface. Jake and Danica slowly reconnect and past secrets are revealed. Will Jake and Danica get a second chance, do they still feel the same about each other. What obstacles will prevent them being happy. This is a heartwarming love story about, love, loss, regret, deceit, and most of all second chances. It was also nice to read about Paxton's and Allies story throughout the book and also follow their lives as well. A lovely, well written, heartwarming love story, can't wait for book 3. Well recommended read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
My thoughts: This is my first Carey Decevito story and I wasn't sure if I would be lost by not reading the first book prior to reading this one. I have to say that although I might have liked knowing more background, I never felt as though reading the books in order was a must. I will say that I plan to go back and read the first book, Once Written, Twice Shy.
With that said, I enjoyed the story quite a bit. I was hooked from the very first page. The characters are wonderfully created and I found it easy to imagine them as "real"people and invest in their lives while I read. As much as I liked Danica and Jake, I would have been just as happy to read their story with a little innuendo and a little less detail on occasion.
I am a softy when it comes to second chances and this one has so much to offer. Emotions run like wildfire throughout the story, I found myself both laughing aloud and near tears many times while the story unfolded.
I found the story to be well written, clever, entertaining, emotionally challenging, and filled with great characters. Not for the rated G reader, but it isn't billed that way either. I am looking forward to reading Pax and Alissa's story next and will hopefully find time to read the other two books in the Broken Men series too.
(I received an ecopy of this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review)
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *
I give this a 5 out 5 stars.
This is on emotion after another. There are so many emotions from so many different people. It keeps you wanting to keep the tissues handy.
Danica and Jake are high school sweethearts. He was the football jock and she was the cheerleader. Things were going good until one night when things all changed and tragedy began.
Danica had gotten in a fight with her father after coming in late from curfew. But then things for Dancia had been attacked and her father was upset he just up and moved the whole family it seemed over night. It devastated Jake. He didn't know what happened. He then went into a tail spin. He worked hard to get through college law school then started working. He could never come to terms with what happened.
Then fifteen years later she returns to town. But she didn't return alone. She had a son and was going through a divorce. As time went on and emotions between the two got hotter things started to come to light. What Danica's father did was unthinkable. But what Jake did to make up for it was wonderful. From the time Jake started to really think about things and having his best friend push him in a certain direction, Jake never looked back.
I'm so in love with the brilliant- utterly genius Carey Decevito!! It has been a long time since I've been so excited to sink my teeth into a series but Carey has made me want to devour these books in one giant bite!
Jake and Danika get a second chance at love- they were high school sweethearts but something went wrong and now fifteen years later they are thrown together again. Jake doesn't do relationships since losing Danika all those years ago but when he gets a case and walks into the office the last thing he expected was to see Danika. Danika had tried to move on with her life the best she knew how, which considering how controlling her father is, she did well.
With Danika back in the picture and Jake coming to terms with all the emotions her return brings to the surface- betrayals start to unfold. The betrayals these two face together is amazing, it brings them closer together as a couple and cements their relationship again.
I was sucked into this book so fast and so hard that I still have a book hangover!
Yes! Second chances! Staring anew! Miscommunications cleared up and it turns out neither person in the relationship is the bad guy!
Yes, these are common tropes, but they became popular for a reason. Because they’re awesome. And they can totally be carried out in ways that aren’t cliche, and that’s what Carey did with Almost Forgotten.
I loved how you don’t get to the plot right out of the gate. Every woman mentioned in the first few chapters had me thinking, “Is this girl going to be Jake’s HEA?” It’s obvious once it happens, but you don’t normally see a book that doesn’t jump right into the main conflict. I thought that was really unique. For some reason, in the scene with Mia at the beginning, I was sure she was going to be the one. Ha. Ha.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series, Once Written, Twice Shy (though that one had a bit more sex than I could handle), I picked this one up in a recent sale, curious to see how Decevito had married a complex plot with erotic romance for Jake and...whoever the mystery lady on the cover would be.
There's plenty of sex and it gets kinkier than that of the first book - though I won't say how - but it didn't seem excessive, either. A perfect balance between sex and story.
This book's quite a corporate legal romance, too - as the less romantic elements involve family and corporate law, with the interesting subplot of ethics in the legal profession.
I really, really loved this book and I can't wait until the third book in the series comes out - especially as I'm dying to know which of the bachelors succumbs to love next!
Almost Forgotten is an erotic romance which is a genre I rarely read anymore but I thought I would give it a go. I also have not read the first book in this series.
Jake is everything you would think of in this genre, good looking, had money and basically had it all apart from the love of a good woman. He was lonely.
In walks Danica, the woman who broke his heart years ago and turned him into the man he is today and the woman who was standing with the opposing counsel.
Wow this was a steamy read, the loving was steamy, kinky and very hot but it all worked in with the story and it was not misplaced.
I loved the writing style of Carey Decevito, she was very descriptive throughout her work and it was actually a very good book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is the first book I have read by Casey Decevito and I am now going to have to read some more!
I loved this story I was captivated from the beginning and did not want to put the book down
I loved reading the story from Jake's POV it's always interesting to read from a male POV
There were plenty of HOT sex scenes and easy to follow plot even without reading the first book (since they were side characters in this book) I definitely wasn't to go and read the first book and get Paxton's story too.
I can't wait to see what happens next
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I always enjoy Carey Decevito's writing & words. This was a wonderful read for review..a few typo's but nothing that the conversation of the story misses a beat with.I always am a sucker for a story of a homecoming, in more terms than just the literal. Almost Forgotten is a full circle story of loss, love,home & heart and taking that loss perhaps and bringing the best forward, not forgetting the past but cherishing it and using the very substance of it to make a strong foundation for a future. A wonderful read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
What an amazing story of love and second chances. Loved it! I was on an emotional roller coaster but this time it with the guy, Jake. (What a fresh change) Jake and Danica are high school sweethearts. Danica left one night and never looked back. Jake turns into a pure player trying to forget his one and only true love. Danica has her own secretes. Jake only wants to know why she left without a word. Can love conquer all?
I would have rated this book 4 stars if it wasn’t for how long it was for no reason. I would have taken out of 30% of the book for the unnecessary repetitive intimate scenes. Also the story between the hero and heroin when was mostly resolved very quickly and by 60% of the book they were in love and into a relationship so you would expect that the book could finish then and there. The conflict with the ex husband came very late at around 80% of the book and was later resolved very quickly...no fuss no drama...
I received Almost Forgotten in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say that I found the first half a lot more engaging than the second half. I was really interested to learn why Danica had left Jake all those years ago. However, once that was revealed nothing much seemed to happen outside of the two of them having sex. The elements that were thrown in for drama were underwhelming to me. I thought Almost Forgotten was okay and I'd rate it 2.5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Book two of this series was a little harder for me to get into, not because it wasn't enjoyable. I loved the book and after reading book three I and knowing the characters a little more I was able to get started. Once I began reading it I couldn't put it down. This book was a little different than most and that's what I liked about it. I gave this book a four out of five stars and I highly recommend it.
loved loved this book. The writing style and dialogue was phenomenal. I love second chance romances and this is an awesome one. I highly recommend this book in fact I have already recommended it to my book friends. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Amazing just won't cut it~ this second book of the series is a beautiful love story about second changes. It proves that the sweet love of youth can endure into adulthood. The tragedy that separated Jake & Danica is revealed but can love born in youth survive the real truth or will it be lost?
I really, really, really liked this book. As the second book in the series it is so much better than the first. It was funny, emotional, and had a plot that lasted the whole book. Carey Decevito did a lot better with this one. I would saw that it could be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved every second of this book! I was sad when it ended. I would read any book by this author! Love, love, loved it!!!!
While this book is a standalone, Jake was introduced as Paxton's friend and lawyer in Once Written, Twice Shy, Ms. Decevito deep dives into Jake's past and puts him on a whirlwind path to his future. Jake found the love of his life in high school and when she unexpectedly left without a word his world was shattered. Picking up the pieces he became a hotshot lawyer and, vowing never to love again, quite the womanizer. No woman has ever passed the Danica test, no one measures up. Fifteen years later she's back and through a set of events he ends up representing her crooked husband in their divorce. Doing the right thing, Jake realizes he can no longer work at his firm and strikes out on his own. He befriends a teenage boy, who just happens to be Danica's son. The couple seems destined to keep running into each other and they both desperately feel the connection they've always shared. Ms. Decevito weaves a brilliant tapestry of established and secondary characters into this family centered second chance romance. Danica's departure wasn't her decision and the real reason is heartbreaking not only for the couple but also for the reader. The depth of the characters keeps the reader invested in their story and the book is well-paced and a compelling read. This one ticked all my reader love boxes: second chance romance, dirty family drama, a single parent with an amazing kid, great friends, and off the charts chemistry. Ms. Decevito writes deliciously devoured sexy scenes as well as heart-warming and humorous one.I loved this story and though there is a lot of miscommunication and push and pull in the book the eventual HEA is more than worth the tears. Grab Jake and Nica's story and devour it, you won't be sorry.