Laci & Del: 12 Months, 12 Chances

by Staci Troilo

It’s been a year, and Laci Marks still hasn’t gotten over her break up with Del Keegan. She attends a New Year’s Eve party hoping to snap out of her ever-present funk, but the frivolity only upsets her more. Unable to navigate the crowd and retreat to the sanctuary of home, she slips out onto the balcony to avoid watching all the couples kiss when the ball drops.

But her private moment is ruined by someone joining her outside—Del.

Laci wants nothing more than to escape, but Del has other things in mind. Soft words and softer lips convince her to stay. And to try again. Thus begins a tumultuous twelve months of love and laughter, fear and failure. They still have the passion, but they also still have all the same problems.

Twelve months from their reconciliation, and nothing is resolved. If anything, Laci feels worse than ever. How many chances can she give their relationship before just giving up? And how many chances is Del willing to take on her?

Genres: Romance

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2016

About the author

I grew up knowing family is paramount. I was blessed to spend time with extended family daily, not just on holidays or weekends. Because of those close-knit familial bonds, every day was full of love and laughter, food and fun.

Life took me away from that extended family for twenty years before I finally made it back. And while I'd done my best to keep the traditions alive across the miles, I realize there truly is no place like home.

Through my fiction, I share those traditions and the importance of relationships with you. Mystery or suspense, romance or mainstream, sci-fi or thriller—in my stories, family (however you define it) is paramount.

To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining romantic listening 🎶🔰

This novella was free on Amazon.

Laci and Del are very much in love 💘but have a very hard time getting together. This book is about twelve months of in and out of a relationship but there is a happy ending. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍readers of romantic relationships novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Laci & Del 12 Months, 12 Chances” is a novella about a couple who struggle to find the happily-ever-after, not because they don’t love each other but because life is tricky and full of obstacles. This makes the romance relatable and not a picture-perfect fairytale. The main character, Laci, displays strength and independence as well as vulnerability. The book made for a nice airplane read!

[Jan Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is written in a unique way that I've never seen before, and before I start my review of the book, I'd like to commend the author for her creativity in telling this story. It is comprised of twelve vignettes - a story for each month of the year.

Laci and Del had been an item, and a year has passed since their breakup when they reconnect at a New Year's Eve party. The same attraction and spark are there, but there is no trust. After all, their previous relationship ended suddenly with no explanation, no note, and not even a forwarding address. And now, here they are at the same party and alone outside on the balcony. What starts out as an awkward conversation quickly progresses to soft kisses and the desire to try again.

They quickly move back into a comfortable relationship but both are carrying secrets and the misunderstandings between them loom large. I found myself rooting for them and, at the same time wanting to give them a swift kick in the pants and make them sit down and be honest about what happened. Then when it almost happens again, there doesn't seem to be any redemption for this couple. They move through tumultuous times, happy times, laughter, tears, and everything in between as the next year of their lives unfolds. If you love a good romance with characters that will linger with you after you reach the end of the book, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. It is a fast read, perfectly paced, and well-written.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever romantic tale, the story of Laci and Del unfolds over a single year, with each month presented as a chapter. I loved the structure in which the story is told, moving through monthly highlights and seasons. Beginning on New Year’s Eve and going full circle, the reader experiences the ups and downs in Laci and Del’s relationship, the bulk of their rough patches built through misunderstandings. Those misunderstandings create an emotional roller coaster that left me uncertain how the tale would end.

From the start, I found myself swept up into the character’s lives. I laughed when they laughed and hurt when they hurt. And although I’ve never visited Pittsburgh, Troilo brought the city to life through her vivid descriptions. I admit to getting misty-eyed near the end—which by the way, was utterly perfect. This is a quick read, easily consumed in one sitting if—like me—you find yourself unable to set your Kindle down. This one has Hallmark movie written all over it!

[Judith Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this entire novella in one sitting. The author told a different vignette for each month Del and Laci tried to work things out and get it right. They'd failed last time, but they still loved each other. The story starts with New Year's Eve when they decide to give love another chance and ends with New Year's Eve with a happy ever after. But boy, was it bumpy off and on during those twelve months. I really liked both characters. Each month tested something new for them, and it was so entertaining, I just kept reading until I reached the end. I liked this format for telling a story. It made the plot move really fast.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Laci & Del" is a novella focused on a couple who is trying to make their relationship work within the confines of their busy lives. The romance is real, as is the struggle. It is a contemporary saga, very familiar to most professional couples. This is a quick read, one I enjoyed very much. To top it off, Troilo's dialogue is masterful, and her characters are memorable.

[Kerry]

An uncertain Laci Marks navigates a rekindled romance over a year, with each chapter highlighting important calendar events and misunderstandings. Although Laci doesn't want things left unresolved, her fears of unsatisfactory outcomes keep her from the open communication necessary for a healthy relationship. With touches of "The Importance of Being Ernest" to the storyline, Twelve Months, Twelve Chances create for Laci and her Delany a charming romance.

The author Staci Troilo has an elegant turning a phrase, incorporating clever metaphors and charming sentence structures to keep her readers engaged.