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She left for the military thinking she would have it all.

The career, the man she loved, a family of her own. Then her fiancé issued an ultimatum: come home and marry him, or lose him forever.

Eight years later, Lieutenant Lynn Johnston returns to her small Kentucky hometown with a secret to keep and a desire to find peace. Her planned lifelong career had been cut short by events beyond her control. Now, she hoped that she could forge a new path, one that would heal her heart and help to put her past behind her. Those hopes are dashed when she discovers Carter Mathis, her former fiancé, has also returned and is raising his two young sons.

Lynn must decide if she can deal with not only the old hurt feelings from the past -- and Carter’s soon-to-be ex who has a vendetta against Lynn-- to give Carter a second chance. A deadly collapse at the coal mines where Carter works, an accident that rocks the town, could possibly take the choice out of her hands. Does she confront her feelings and move forward, or leave the life she's always wanted behind?

231 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2016

76 people are currently reading
449 people want to read

About the author

H.C. Bentley

28 books214 followers
There's just something about a small town that makes relationships interesting, whether they are romances, long-running feuds, or life-long friendships. These are the relationships H.C. Bentley enjoys discovering and exploring. Well that, and the fact she just loves a good happily ever after or second chance story.

When she's not writing, H.C. works as a cataloging librarian at her county library. In her spare time, you can find her playing pool, traveling with her family, or curled up watching movies (romantic comedies are a favorite!). She's also an avid reader, leaning towards various authors of romance and chick lit, but her favorite is Nora Roberts.

A southern girl at heart, H.C. calls Kentucky her home. After opting to join the military to pay for college, she spent three years stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany before returning to her hometown in rural western Kentucky, where she and her husband live with their two daughters.

H.C. loves chatting with readers. You can contact her through her website, or any of her social media.

Website: http://hcbentley5.wix.com/hc-bentley

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HC-Bentley-9...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_hc_b...



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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Kiki.
1,217 reviews679 followers
avoid
October 24, 2018
- Then her fiancé issued an ultimatum: come home and marry him, or lose him forever.
Strike one

- Carter Mathis, her former fiancé, has also returned and is raising his two young sons.
Strike two

- Lynn must decide if she can deal with not only the old hurt feelings from the past -- and Carter’s soon-to-be ex who has a vendetta against Lynn
Strike three

I'm out. Any man (or woman) issuing ultimatums regarding their love is one strike too many to begin with, and then there's the shit about him moving on with kids and a nasty ex, this is way way too much!

And OF COURSE hero won't hurt her this time, she fucking left that career, hasn't she? She will no longer need an ultimatum to be at his beck and call and instant mother to his kids.
Profile Image for Bridget.
34 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2016
•The author provided me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review•

After reading novels far away from the genre of romance, I needed a good romance story to brighten my day.

This was it! I found it! Her Last Love was so amazing, I sped right through it. Everything inside this book made me smile. I adored how passionate Carter was about his sons, and how understanding Lynn was, and how each character was different.

There was no insta-love in this novel, which made me love it even more. I hate insta-love! The romance was beautifully played out, and the drama was kept low.

There was a great friendship bond with Lynn and her friends that I absolutely adored! I loved reading about their friendship. I also loved the fact that we got backgrounds on all of the characters, which was really insightful in developing the plot.

I have high expectations for the next two books in this series, which I know will be exceeded! I fell in love with the author's writing, which made the story pure, and straight from the heart.

Great friendships, pure love, and wonderful writing lies inside of this book. Her Last Love is a hidden gem that needs to be strung on a necklace and worn where everyone can see.

Five out of five stars to Her Last Love by H.C. Bentley.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
October 24, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (10/24/18)!💝

Blurb:
She left for the military thinking she would have it all.

The career, the man she loved, a family of her own. Then her fiancé issued an ultimatum: come home and marry him, or lose him forever.

Eight years later, Lieutenant Lynn Johnston returns to her small Kentucky hometown with a secret to keep and a desire to find peace. Her planned lifelong career had been cut short by events beyond her control. Now, she hoped that she could forge a new path, one that would heal her heart and help to put her past behind her. Those hopes are dashed when she discovers Carter Mathis, her former fiancé, has also returned and is raising his two young sons.

Lynn must decide if she can deal with not only the old hurt feelings from the past -- and Carter’s soon-to-be ex who has a vendetta against Lynn-- to give Carter a second chance. A deadly collapse at the coal mines where Carter works, an accident that rocks the town, could possibly take the choice out of her hands. Does she confront her feelings and move forward, or leave the life she's always wanted behind?
Profile Image for Dakota Willink.
Author 100 books1,546 followers
November 27, 2016
Okay…this review is long over do. I finished this book months ago, but time got away from me. So, here it goes…

H.C. Bentley’s debut novel, Her Last Love, is a beautiful second chance love story that will pull at your heart. It was extremely well written, with characters that anyone could relate to in real life.

Lynn really got to me for a number of reasons, especially because of her homecoming. Her reasons for being away broke my heart, yet it was heart warming when she returns because of her willingness to accept and reconnect with the people in her past. Carter Mathis is one of those individuals that she reconnects with. Lynn was never far from his mind, and I enjoyed how fate brought these two back together.

H.C. Bentley does a superb job with flow of the story line. The novel moved at an expertly measured pace, with the characters rebuilding a bond of friendship before evolving into something more. Overall, their journey was delightfully written, in a story that kept me turning the pages well after my bedtime. I look forward to the next book in the series!

5 STARS!
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
April 2, 2016
Wow, this is a great story. The character are so well written that they feel real.

Lynn had planned on being a lifer in the military but after some things happen she decides not to relist. She goes back to her hometown, where her ex and past love Carter still lives.
When they run into each other again you can tell the connection is still there. There's a lot of hurt from how then ended their relationship but they start out again by building a friendship.

Carter has an ex wife with who he has kids with. I loved how the kids were worked into the story. Sometimes in the books I read the kids are there but they play not part in the story. Carter's boys were perfectly weaved into the story. Carter's ex, Hillary, is a little crazy. I had excepted Hillary to get a little more crazy in her action but she didn't and after reading the story and looking back her level of craziness was just enough so that she didn't overshadow Lynn and Carter's love story.

This is a great story. You should definitely check this one out.

A copy was received for a review.
Profile Image for Gemma Downing.
52 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2017
5 stars. Reviewed by Gemma on behalf of Your Next Hot Read

Awww I just don’t know where to begin with my review for this Second Chance romance that is just adorable and sweet and any other adjective I can think of for lovely. I feel like I’ve had a huge warm hug after reading this book.

Carter and Lynn were so in love when they were younger but when they both joined the military and Lynn was stationed in Germany, the separation was too much and they ended things.

Years later and Lynn returns to her home town in Kentucky for good, but she’s not told a sole. She is so happy to be home but also scared as the reason she left the Army is a secret she has yet to tell anyone. And then there is the inevitable chance she will bump into Carter. Awkward!!

Carter cannot believe his eyes when he spots Lynn in the grocery store looking as stunning as ever with her auburn hair and slim build, although too slim for her. (Just what has happened to her?) He doesn’t have the courage to speak to her then but when he does so begins the sweet romance that they should have continued with.

But throw in Carter’s estranged wife, his 2 young boys, Lynn’s secret and a mining accident, will they be able to make it this time?

This is the first book in the Small Town Hearts series and is a wonderful start to it. I loved the pace of the writing and how although not every day is explained and chapters may jump a few weeks you do not feel you have missed one thing of Carter and Lynn’s blossoming relationship. His 2 boys are just adorable and cute and you just want to ruffle their hair as the characters do in the book. Lynn’s 2 best friends are hilarious and you just want them as your own. And Carter’s relationship with his sons?? Swoonworthy let me tell you! I loved the storytelling of this book and how it seamlessly flows from each characters POV without it having to be advertised in the chapters. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series and urge you all to read this one and find a new author in H.C Bentley.
Profile Image for Nicole.
2,871 reviews10 followers
July 3, 2023
So many complimentary reviews here but I cannot agree with them. I found this novel slow moving with way too much attention to trivial detail and descriptions that bordered on purple prose.
The drive to town was short, no more than ten minutes, but to an outsider, it would have seemed like forever and felt like driving through the middle of nowhere. The closer you got to town, the more the houses began to crop up along the side of the road, sitting more and more near each other as the miles went by. Lynn came around a bend in the road, hit a straightaway where the road widened, temporarily from two lanes to three marking the unofficial edge of town. (Ch 2).


No accident on the way in; no accidentally bumping into her former boyfriend… Instead we assume that it is just like coming into any town. We are then treated to an in-depth description of their former school which has very little impact on the story either.

Other more worthy incidents are wasted. An accident in the mine reminds us that this is a coal mining town. The tension during the wait for news shows promise, but it’s only impact is to drive the two protagonists into bed together. Thanks Kyle, best friend since primary school, for that push.

The main characters do not engage this reader either. They originally broke up because he issued an ultimatum about her coming home for the wedding, at a time when she was covering someone’s else’s job and unable to do so, and while he appears to have learned his lesson, he is still quite self-centred. She just buckles under. Supposedly he was in the navy and she was a lieutenant in the army. I simply did not see the strength of character that these jobs would I still in either of these characters.

Lastly, did anyone else wonder about all of the candles they left burning in the park? So much detail, but that one got missed.
Profile Image for Morgan Terry.
103 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2016
One thing I’m a sucker for is a second chance book so when I was asked to read this book, I was beyond happy. And H.C. Bentley, in the end, is the ultimate reason why. This book is amazing, extremely well written, characters that are so loveable and make you want to be friends with them in real life, and just all around enjoyable to read.

Lynn is coming home. It’s not something she wanted but because of issues that arise with her job in the military, she does. It’s completely heart breaking reading about why she left in the first place but I think it’s rather cathartic when she does return. And even though she doesn’t know what she has in store, I love that she’s excited to reconnect with the people of her past … well, most of them. She still needs a fresh start from the man that is the one and only Carter Mathis.

Carter may be in the midst of a divorce from an uber-crazy lady, but all this time, Lynn has never been far from his mind in eight long years. Lo and behold, as if kismet, Lynn walks back into his life and most definitely back into his heart.

I enjoyed seeing them start over as friends. But I loved seeing them blossom into real life coupledom, including seeing Lynn bond with Carters two boys. Lynn and Carter’s connection is intimate, soul grabbing, and makes you ponder, what if? What if love gave you a second chance? What if you, yourself, took a chance on love, again?

Aptly named, Her Last Love granted me one heck of a wonderful book hangover, a story that pleasantly lingers long after you read it. This was definitely the perfect weekend read, something that I will recommend to anyone
Profile Image for Eshadi Sharif.
119 reviews18 followers
July 29, 2016
*copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are in no way biased and are 100% honest*
This was a really quick and light read. I have to point out that the author has a real talent because this book was well written. I loved all the characters in this book, even the evil characters. Yes, even the evil characters because you know an antagonist is properly developed when you want to take him/her out of the book and beat the living daylights out of them. I think I'd even prefer a bit more Hilary in this book.
Furthermore, I LOVED Lynn's relationship with Carter and his kids. Lynn is one of those rare sensible female characters. THANK GOD! You know those female characters who have something bad happen to them and they just assume it'd be better they keep their mouth shut for no reason? Lynn is nothing like that and thank God! She's smart, sensible and patient. Many thanks to the author for not doing that to the main character.
I'd highly recommend this for Nicholas Sparks fans!
Tbh I have so much more to say about this book. A review will be up soon on my blog: www.thereadersblockblog.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Bette Stanek.
2,148 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2018
3.5 easily bumped to 4. This has Hallmark written all over it. If you're looking for a sweet romance with all the fixin's pick it up. You won't be sorry. Her Last Love is the first in a series by H.C. Bentley, if the rest of the stories are like this one it'll be a go-to when I need a quick, feel-good read with engaging characters.

Lynn is home for good this time. She thought she'd be an Army lifer. She still has nightmares about the night that ended her dreams. Now she's adjusting to a new life in her hometown where other dreams were shattered.

Carter has finally decided his marriage is not salvageable; his estranged wife is about to find out. He knows she won't take it well, he has no idea how bad it will get. Carter's boys steal the show even though they aren't the center of it. Logan, especially, will steal your heart.

There's no real angst or great drama in this one. It's a sweet second chance romance with two characters who never truly got over one another. It's a fun one to pick up when you're looking for a quick read.
Profile Image for Jacquie.
596 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2016
Her Last Love is the engrossing, heart-wrenching story of lost but never forgotten love between Lynn and Carter. Lynn leaves to join the military and through a series of events and misunderstandings, the relationship shatters (along with Lynn's' heart)

When Lynn returns eight years later, disillusioned and with her career up in flames, she finds that Carter is now a soon-to-be-divorced father of two young boys (and a CRAZY ex-wife) Can Lynn let go of all the pain that devastated her when she and Carter split up? Will she be able to trust that he won't break her ravaged heart a second time?

As this beautiful story unfolds, Carter shows his true colors and proves to Lynn that he IS worth taking the chance at a life filled with love and passion (and an incredible HEA) H.C. Bentley has written a timeless, heartwarming love story that will stay with me for a very long time to come! I loved this book and would highly recommend this book to anyone!
Profile Image for Debra.
3,466 reviews13 followers
February 3, 2024
Her Last Love

This is a new author for me to read. I enjoyed reading about the second chance romance by H.C. Bentley. She had left to go into the military. Her fiancee grew despondent when she couldn't make it home so that they could marry and broke up with her. Now ten years later she is back in town. And he is going through a divorce, and a father to two boys. And a deranged ex wife. There was drama and suspense in this story. I enjoyed the journey. Can't wait to read the next book.
1 review1 follower
March 1, 2016
The book was a great read!! It had a small hometown feel and I enjoyed the characters and learning about them. I would definitely recommend this book as a good read for all to enjoy. I am impatiently awaiting the sequel!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dawn.
70 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2017
All the makings of a hallmark movie. Sweet story
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,218 reviews20 followers
November 20, 2023
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book. Just a lot of info was missing for us. The fact that considering all, Lynn had been through and her reasons for leaving the military, she was always calm and logical even at her own expense. Unless you have lived through an abuse, I would hold off on the opinions. Not to mention, when it comes to, Hillary no matter what she is still, Nathan and, Logan’s mother.
The author shows the outbursts, discussions, or physical altercations in public between, Hillary or, Carter and, Lynn, and shows how mature adults should handle themselves. Especially, in front of the boys. She never said, showed ill will for, Hillary. Hillary is still, their mom. I feel like I read a different book than other reviewers. He didn't join, the Air Force until after they broke up. Remember the fight over not setting a date.
This is during the discussion on the phone while in Germany. Excerpts.
“Some errands for Mom before I head into work.”
“You’re working today? I didn’t think you worked on Wednesdays.”
Carter’s voice held an edge of bitterness. “Not much else to do around here.”
Lynn bit back a sigh of frustration. Carter grew more passive-aggressive with every phone call, no matter what she did or did not say.
“You’re getting promoted?”
“No. Well, at least not yet. She has to go off to A-school, which leaves me running the shop. I just hope I can handle it.”
“What does this mean for us setting a date?”
“She’ll be gone for a couple of months, I know we talked about September, but with everything going on, I’d like to set a date for December.”
Now this is crowded together for space of what he said.
“You want to push back our wedding. To December.”
“I don’t want to but—
- You decided this, without any thought to my feelings, my input? I don’t want to wait that long.” This statement was firm, decisive.
“I don’t want to wait that long either, but maybe it would be best if —”
“Best for who, Lynn?” he yelled. “Best for you? So you can gallivant around Europe without someone tying you down? Party with the single friends you’ve made there? Do you have any idea of what it’s like for me here? Alone? You don’t act like it. There are times when we talk, and you act like it doesn’t bother you at all we’re thousands of miles apart. You talk about your new friends and all the places you’re seeing and how great a time you’re having. How do you think it makes me feel? And then you hit me with the idea of pushing the wedding back by months? I’m starting to get the idea you don’t want to marry me anymore.”
“That’s not it. Not it, at all. Why are you acting like this?”
“Because I’m tired of waiting. Lynn. I knew when I asked you to marry me we’d have to deal with working around the military issues. But it’s getting ridiculous. You need to make a decision. Find a way to take leave so we can set a date in September like we talked about before you left, or forget the whole thing.” He threw the ultimatum down like a gauntlet, leaving her to sit for a moment in stunned silence.
“You can’t mean that, Carter.”
“As a matter of fact,I do. I need to know where my life is going, whether it’s with or without you.”
“It’s not that easy. I can’t just tell my commanders — Sounds like you’ve made your decision. Keep the ring. I’ll send your things.”
This is in the diner during the discussion to clear the air at the diner:
“When we ended things, it about killed me,” Carter says.
“We? We didn’t end things, Carter. You did.”
“Fair enough. Yes, I ended things, and I was crushed. Odd coming from a guy, but it’s true. My mother will tell you I spent days, weeks actually, moping around the house. Then it went from moping to anger. I mean, how could it be over? When you refused to set a date so you could come home for Christmas, it was like you were saying you had decided you didn’t want to marry me anymore.”
Review overall:
Lynn and, Carter fell in love long ago. Their friends were just waiting for them to marry, but then, Lynn joined the Army. With her in, and him back home, the separation tore them apart.
Can anyone explain why he married, Hillary? Was she from their hometown? Did she meet him while in the military? Just asking, was, Hillary always disturbing, and, unhealthy? Lynn’s friends are wonderful, her mama, lets you see where she gets her love for cooking. What melts you, is her love for the boys. It's so natural and true. The author does a great job of bringing those gentle moments out.
It's a good thing, Carter is a good father. Yet I think he was slow in seeing his, ex’s mental health issues were becoming, more and more of a danger to the boys. And that their living environment, was no longer safe.
She could have made him wait longer to get her back, but the accident the town suffered put her heart in fear. She thought if she lost him for good, nothing else mattered.
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,613 reviews45 followers
May 20, 2024
This is the first book in a new series by H.C. Bentley. Lynn and Carter dated in high school and had plans to spend the rest of their life together. Things didn’t go as planned though. Lynn had already joined the military but the distance and uncertainty of when they would get married began to take its toll on Carter. Frustration led to things being said and done that lead to the end of their relationship. Now eight years later Lynn has left the military and is back home. Carter is there as well. But during their time apart he married someone else and had two children with the her. With them both back in the same town they will have to find a way forward. When Carter makes in known that he would like a second chance after they clear the air. Lynn will have to decide if she wants to risk her heart a second time. Carter’s ex is hand full but his boys are amazing. The pair never really stopped loving each other. Could they have their happily ever after now? This book was a fun read, a little slow for me. Carter and Lynn are perfect for each other. Maybe they needed to time apart to grow and really appreciate how they felt for each other. Carter’s ex is a mess and can’t accept that they are no longer together. His boys are wonderful. I look forward to reading more books in this series. Great job H.C. Bently.
Profile Image for Kendy Richards.
282 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2022
Very sweet

I don't read a lot of romance, but I liked this book. Lynn and Carter's relationship was sweet, and I really enjoyed Lynn's interactions with his boys. I kept waiting for something bad or a misunderstanding to happen part way through them dating, but I'm glad it didn't. It was kind of a relief for a couple to actually communicate with each other and stay strong in their relationship. Really the only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because there were several editing errors and sometimes the wording was awkward. Other than that, the story was good and the characters interesting.
Profile Image for Judy Miracle.
1,198 reviews12 followers
November 6, 2016
this is a beautiful romance read. Lynn planned to be a military lifer but when things happen that make her question it all she decides not to re-enlist. Heading back to her hometown where her ex-fiance lives as well as her family.

This is about a second chance at the love of you life. But what happens when Carters ex-wife starts throwing out threats. Will Lynn stick it out and stay by Carter's side or will it be to much for her and walk away?

This was an amazing read that I couldn't put down.
896 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2024
Great story!

Carter was in the Navy and now works transporting coal. He was engaged to Lynn but that ended. She went in the army and he the navy. He married and had two boys. Now in the throes of a divorce, Lynn returns home. He saw her at the grocery store and couldn’t believe it. He went to see her the next day so they could hash out their differences. Both thinking if things would be alright with them…
Profile Image for Linda.
1,172 reviews25 followers
May 14, 2020
An enjoyable, light read with strong main characters who were former lovers and were now earning a second chance for their HEA. The secondary characters of the H's ex-wife, his sons and family, the h's friends and family added depth and help flesh out the story.
48 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2018
A slow, heart warming read of a love-a-far of two people who went their separate ways, the heartache they both went through and how they both handled their own problems during their 8 year hiatus.
Profile Image for BethAnn Redd.
130 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2017
This book was totally real. Real life miscommunications and timing. Carter and Lynn have chemisty, the feelings are there bubbling with undeniability. They try to be friends but romance is romance, love is love, lust is lust. <3 HC is a great writer, can not wait for the next book
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,408 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2016
Lynn Johnston never really saw herself returning home, once she left for the Army eight years ago, but after a series of unforeseen circumstances arise and effect her career plans, she finds herself doing just that. Coming home is kind of bittersweet, she is excited to see her family and friends, but she isn't sure what she'll find once she is there. Her departure left behind a lot of hurt feelings and an ex-fiance with a broken heart, and she knows the minute she's home her family and friends will be armed with questions about her return, questions that she isn't really prepared to provide answers for right now. She is ready to put her past behind her, a start over with a clean slate, and give her damaged heart time to finally heal. Losing Carter Mathis was heartbreaking, and she knows she needs to find a way to move on once and for all, he is, after all, married to someone else, so it's high time to let him go...

Carter Mathis thought he was over Lynn Johnston, he even found a way to move on, and married someone else, but she was always there lingering in the back of his mind. Now that his marriage is coming to an end, he has this undying urge to reunite with the girl who stole his heart long ago, but the circumstances that caused their break-up haven't changed, she's still across the world serving her country in the Army, which means the odds of reconciliation are slim... or are they? When he sees her in the grocery store he swears his eyes are playing tricks on him, surely it can't be her, she swore she'd never return, but sure enough it is her. He knows the minute he sees her that he has to find a way to get her to talk to him, this maybe his one and only chance to have her back in his life and he isn't about to let her walk away a second time...

If ever there were a story about two people who deserved a second chance it was these two, what they had was something that very few have the opportunity of finding once in their lifetime, let alone having the opportunity to discover a second time. Watching them go from two broken souls to discovering their happily ever after was truly inspiring and uplifting, and reaffirmed my belief that second chances are definitely possible. I truly enjoyed every minute I spent with these two, their dedication to one another, and Carter's children was not only admirable, but also a beautiful thing to witness. From the moment I started this story I had an immediate sense that it was going to be one of those heartfelt reads that would monopolize my every thought, leave me emotionally spent (in the best way possible), and would linger with me long after the last page was turned... and those are my favorite kind of stories to read, and my favorite to recommend!!

If you are looking for a read to warm your heart, tap into your emotions, and satisfy your every literary need, then this is a book for you!! Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Allison Michaels.
68 reviews6 followers
February 14, 2017
Lynn Johnston returns home after opting to not reenlist in the Army on the heels of an incident that has left her shaken to the core. Although she knows bumping into Carter Mathis, her ex-fiance, is unavoidable, she doesn’t expect it to happen so soon. Much to her chagrin, he’s still as good-looking as ever. But those looks aren’t enough to distract her from their tumultuous history.

Eager to clear the air and obtain closure, Carter requests a sit-down with Lynn. They make amends and agree to be friends. It seems like a pretty cut-and-dry situation until what they thought was a long-gone affection for each other bubbles to the surface whenever they spend time together. Lynn tries her best to ignore her emotions and focus on her new job, but simply can’t ignore the sparks. And she also can’t ignore her adoration for Carter’s two young sons.

Lynn is Carter’s rock and his shoulder to lean on as he endures the rigors of a messy divorce. His soon-to-be ex-wife, Hillary, is a scorned and vicious woman who doesn’t hesitate to blame Lynn for the demise of her marriage even though she’s actually to blame. Hillary’s attempts to publicly shame and embarrass Lynn threaten to damage her new and fragile relationship with Carter and his boys. Time will tell if their bond is strong enough to survive an unexpected tragedy and a court battle.

Ah, this story. The writing is superb, with an almost lyrical quality to it which makes the words flow naturally from one page to another. I loved, loved, LOVED how Ms. Bentley created a strong heroine who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes is just and true. Lynn is a breath of fresh air, with a backbone and brain that she isn’t afraid to use. I liked her right off the bat. Carter is the kind of hero I’d like to see in more books. I admired him for owning up to the role he played in the demise of his past engagement with Lynn and applauded how he sought forgiveness and worked hard to lay a new path with her. Hillary is positively vile. My blood pressure rose whenever she appeared. Hats off to the author for creating a fictitious person who could elicit such a strong physical response from a reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and fully intend to read the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Trish Kitty Taylor  ***narniaandbeyond***.
571 reviews46 followers
June 14, 2016
A beautiful story of love renewed.

8 Years is a long to forgive & forget, yet neither Lynn or Carter have been able to do either. Having ended their relationship abruptly, both hurt by miscommunication, the feeling of being left behind & the long distance strains a military career places on fragile hearts, they spend the next 8 years forging their own lives.

Circumstances beyond's Lynn's control see her return to her small hometown. Carrying the secret that forced her return, she longs to find peace, in an attempt to fix her battered heart. Nervous about how she left all those years ago, part of her hopes that Carter is long gone, living his life to the fullest like she hoped he would.

Carter has always loved Lynn & was a wreck for a long time. 8 years is a long time. He has 2 young sons he adores & one real cranky estranged wife. Although he had left the small town, he returned several years ago to build a future for his boys.

The inevitability of them meeting all but guaranteed. She was stunning, beautiful, everything he had imagined she would be & more. The images & memories of Lynn that chased his dreams didn't do her justice. He was hot, toned & sexy as hell.. How on earth did Carter Mathis grow into the delicious specimen of a man?

H.C Bentley captured a beautiful story of love. The lead charaters developed perfectly as she pulled at your heart with the honesty they both portrayed in not only their mistakes, but also their dreams & hopes for a better future. I loved how real the emotions were & how she allowed the charaters time to adjust, forgive & move on. This story flowed seamlessly with some good giggles as well as some fat tear moments. I loved it & can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,613 reviews45 followers
November 6, 2016
This is the first book by H.C. Bentley that I have read and I loved it. Lynn Johnston has come home after leaving the Army. She served 8 years and everyone thought that she would be a lifer. She is hesitant to tell people why she didn’t sign up again. Shortly after coming home she runs into Carter the man she was once engaged to. Carter can’t believe his eyes when he sees Lynn in the grocery store and she is gone before he can say anything. Once he sees her he can’t get her out of his head. Carter has never really stopped loving Lynn even though he married someone else and had two little boys with her. Carter and his wife are currently separated. Lynn must decide if she wants a second chance with Carter. This book pulled me in from the beginning. I must admit second chance romances are one of my favorite genres. Lynn is a difficult time in her life. She is basically starting over again. She is torn when it comes to Carter. She still finds him attractive and is drawn to him but can she separate their current relationship from the one they had before. Carter would give anything for a second chance with Lynn however he is still dealing with his soon to be ex-wife, Hillary. Hillary is a wee bit crazy. I love Lynn’s two best friends. They are always there for each other. This book has a great story line and I can’t wait to read the next one. Great job H.C. Bentley.
Profile Image for Stacey .
661 reviews17 followers
September 19, 2016
H C Bentley is a new author to me but I really liked the sound of this book.

Lynn is back home after deciding to walk away from her time in the military rather than re-enlisting and we know from her that there is something big that caused her to walk away, but we don't find out right away. I liked the mystery of this.

Soon after arriving back she bumps into an old flame - Carter - and we find out that their relationship ended badly after she was stationed, but he had moved on and had a family, then had parted from his wife. But had he gotten over Lynn?

When they met again, I could feel the passion between them right from the off and was hoping for a happy ending for them right away as they both seemed like decent people who were made for each other!

They faced battles though in the form of Hillary, Carter's ex-wife, who wasn't going to let him go lightly. I have to say I didn't like her - bitch alert! But it's always good to have at least one bitch of course.

I loved Lynn's friends though, the kind of friends I would love to have, and Carter's sons were just adorable! The way they warmed to Lynn was lovely.

I did think the story was a bit slow at points but overall I enjoyed it and did want to keep reading to see if it was a HEA. It is partly set around Christmas too so it would be a lovely heartwarming seasonal read!

4.5*
Profile Image for Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review).
1,169 reviews98 followers
May 27, 2016
Her Last Love is a great book about love and romance.

Lynn and Carter loved each other once, but insecurities got in the way causing them to drift apart, ultimately giving up on the love they once shared. Life after high school has only been about the Army for Lynn. Now it’s time for her to reenlist and due to a situation beyond her control she decides against it. That means Lynn is going home. Somewhere she has been for longer than a few weeks at the most in a while. She’s not sure what civilian life has in store for her, but she’s about to find out. And she’s also about to figure out how to co-exist in the same place again with Carter.
Carter gave up on loving Lynn and moved on. Now years later Carter has 2 kids and a soon to be ex-wife. Carter is shocked when he sees Lynn in the store. He knows he needs to find out why she’s home and for how long but he’s not sure he can handle having her back in his life.

Her Last Love is heartwarming and touching. I was left wanting so much more from H.C. Bentley. I love Carter and Lynn!!! I hope their story continues.
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