Jaden Miller had one plan when she left her hometown, and it was simple—never return. She has her dream job, her freedom, and miles separating her from a past she needed to outrun. Only one thing could make her return to River Bend, and that’s her best friend on the verge of a breakdown. From the moment Cole Brooks realized he married the wrong woman, he’d done his best to not let fantasies of the one who got away haunt him. Now that his marriage is over, and Jaden’s back in town, is the universe giving him a second chance? Jaden isn’t about to let her guard down around the man who broke her heart, but Cole won’t give up until she admits how perfect they would be together.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl who wrote sappy poetry about every relationship gone wrong. She had her heart broken many times before the man of her dreams stepped off a big Navy ship and swept her off her feet, promising to never hold her shoe obsession against her.
From that day forward, she swore she’d never again write sappy poetry of unrequited love. Instead, a sucker for smooches and happily-ever-afters, Niecey Roy now writes contemporary romance inspired by her sailor’s sexy brown eyes and charming sense of humor.
The hero marries the mother of his son, with whom he had a one-night stand and leaves the heroine. Only when the wife leaves him after 6 years or so, he decides to go back to the heroine.
In which century are we? Do you have to marry the mother of your child if you don't love her at all? Can't you be just a father, do you have to be a husband , as well?
The reason for his pending divorce from the other woman/his wife: “Leaving had been her decision, not his. He’d fought for her—for them—and she was the one to give up.”
91% into the book, the hero's thoughts define their whole story for me: “He loved her [the heroine]. So much the thought of losing her made his chest shrink, making every breath a struggle. But, Kensie [wife] offered him something he’d wished for since the day she left—Micky [his and ow's son], home, every day.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
**Relationship dynamic SPOILERS** The reviews for this are all over the place, but I wanted to clarify the content in case you’re on the fence. Ok, unless I seriously misread something (or this is a revision) there is no cheating in this one. To me it reads like this…Jaden was Cole’s sis BFF, there wasn’t anything ever romantic (from his end) until he spots her at a wedding, and notices she’s all grown up… Boom epic love. Shortly after, an OW shows up very pregnant with Cole’s baby. Jaden leaves- Cole gets married. They’d only been together a month, so the knocking up happened prior to the soulmate love connection. The second stickler is that the OW initiated the divorce, and the H never went after her. This wasn’t ideal for me, and everyone has their own interpretation, but IMO the H decided to make it work for his son, and had come to terms with a less than fulfilling relationship. I looked at the reconnection as fate or right place and time to start things back up which worked for me because they had mad chemistry, but had a very short romance. It’s a smidge confusing because a couple times we’re told the h was seriously pissed (dumping a drink and saying I can’t wait to never see you again) but also says his sis filled her in on the deets, and she didn’t hate him anymore. 🤷♀️
So, the content was acceptable to me, but I had other issues. This is the first book of the series and reads like a prequel/intro to set up future books with a hint of second romance on the side. So MUCH page time is dedicated to secondary characters and their issues which made the H & h feel like just another secondary character in the sea of River Bend world building. The mc’s spent little time together, so their “milestones” felt jarring and not believable. For example, the couple see each other again, then he goes and talks to his friends while she talks to hers. They see each other again and kiss, then he goes and talks to his friends while she talks to hers. Then they see each other again and so on… There’re hardly any discussions or relationship building which made for a boring romance read. There’s a hint of OW drama the second half from the future ex-wife, but it’s mostly between the H and her... not much drama.
Bottom Line- Not very romantic second chance romance. His sister’s relationship felt more interesting, but there just wasn’t enough meat on the bone for me to be entertained or invested in the non-existent relationship. We’re left to hop on the HEA train with a 1-month relationship 6 years earlier, and a few physical interactions.
I'm a bit of a sucker for second chance romances. This didn't satisfy though. Too many other characters and drama going on. The H was kinda wishy washy. Seemed like the h had to do all work while the H let the OW passive-aggressively manipulate him. And I have to agree with another reviewer, the whole I gotta marry my baby mama drama just doesn't ring true outside of Harlequins written in the last century. Not my cup of tea I guess.
Ohnnmmmm people... how sweet. What more could she ask for than being a “spare tire”. 🤮🤮🤮🤮 this is one of the books you really hope heroine will not give the hero a chance, at all. And this isn’y a century ago when people married because of pregnancy (and an ons??😒🙄). This is so ridiculous that would make me drop the book on the spot. But give power to the ex wife... it’s just extremely horrible. This heroine should not be with him.
This was just an OK read for me. I'm not found of the I also didn't get that "bang" of a connection between the H/h. I thought the H was just to..I dunno...mellow I guess.
That being said, I do think this author has potential, some of the dialogue had me laughing out loud in a good way, so I may check out future books. :)
As Jaden returns to her hometown, a place she left six years ago, she comes face to face with the man who broke her heart. Her best friend’s older brother and the man who she thinks is still married to the woman who he knocked up.
Cole never forgot the one who got away, but when he learned that a drunken night resulted in a child, his child – he does what he thinks is best. He gives up a chance at real love to take responsibility. Six years later and just a month shy of signing his divorce papers, she returns.
There is just something about a second chance romance that hits me right in the feels. It’s hope at its best. It’s about forgiveness, personal growth and most importantly it’s about knowing what your heart wants most of all – and going for it, no matter what. Both Cole and Jaden already know what it feels like to lose it all – they still wear the scars of their failed relationship, but when life tosses them back in each other’s path, they jump straight into the second chance they’ve been given, at least for now.
With Every Breath was not overly emotional or deep – but it did hit the right buttons when it comes to romance. There are a lot of traits in my heroes that I love, but I think confidence comes out on top (for the most part) – Cole did not lack confidence in his feelings. He knew what he lost and he knew what he’d do to ensure he could keep it.
Jaden is on the cusp of getting everything she’s always wanted, reviving her relationship with Cole was not part of her plans, but giving in to her desire was a must – even when she thought it could be temporary. A step towards closure. Now, Jaden could have easily become a wishy-washy heroine but she walked that fine line and even with a bit of waffling, she remained likable.
This is the third Niecey Roy book (I think) that I’ve read and I really enjoy the style of her writing and the realistic love stories she delivers.
This is the kind of book that pairs well with sweet wine and dark chocolate. Perfect for a little R&R/girls time out. It has everything it needs to be the perfect chick read.
-Handsome and rugged hero, check -A cast of awesome gals to balance out our heroine, check -Sweet secondary stories to warm your heart, check -The kind of small town you wish desperately you lived in, check!
It was the loveliest second chance romance that sweetly creeps up to give you all the feels!
First, I have to admit that I have a HUGE soft spot for a man who loves his kid. Boom. Done. In love. Cole was just such a damn good man! He managed to hit all my weak spots. He loves his family. He had wonderful friends. He works with his hands, in a garage, on classic cars! Take me now, please and thank you. He was constant and insistent with his pursuit of Jaden, but never an ass.
Jaden was a great character. She had so many traits that were relatable. Dropping her life to be there for her friend. Wanting to give back to the small town she had forgotten how much she loved. Her desire to be more than her parents, and to leave the past behind. The way she is able to see so much of herself in the rebellious teen she takes under her wing, and then to be a role model for her without being condescending or overbearing. What I really loved the most about her was her ability to admit mistakes, to allow others to admit mistakes, and to move on.
Oh, yeah. There was also smoldering, unexplored, repressed desire. Holy smokes, there was desire.
The secondary characters are absolutely brimming with untold stories! There was so much life in the words about that small town that I can't wait until they all get their chance to shine. This is the kind of small town series I could easily revisit time and again for future editions. Bring on the series, I'm ready! ~ George, 4 stars
I kind of went into this book blind, having really only read the blurb. Honestly, I was expecting an angst and drama filled book, not this sweet, humorous one I got!
Second-chance romances are one of my absolute favorites and this one was so sweet and funny, it had me laughing out loud and sighing with happiness. I loved the characters in this book- the friendship between Jaden, Mia and Hillary is so fun and realistic...I want to hang out with them, painting ceramics and drinking champagne. There's a crazy group of older ladies, a smartass best friend (his), asshole exes, a town I'd love to live in and be a part of.
I really enjoyed Jaden and Cole- he is the ultimate sweetheart and she's a strong, independent woman. Things didn't work out for them when they were younger, but now they have a chance at something they both always wanted.
Don't really have strong feelings for this story one way or the other. As far as romance or second chance stories go, this was an ok read. I didn't have any issues with any of the characters. They were fine. It felt more like a 'what might have been' story. Cole talked a lot about how he thought of Jaden over the years and that she was the only one he ever loved but towards the end with Kensie...I felt cheated a little. There was nothing wrong with what he did per say but it makes you wonder if Jaden would have had a chance otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a pretty sweet surprise of a book. This is my first Niecey read, and I quite enjoyed it. Jaden and Cole have history. Short brief one, but they've been in each others lives since forever. Jaden is Cole's sister's best friend, and one day he saw her differently. Jaden has always liked Cole, and it was finally happening, until, a fling shows up pregnant, and Jaden leaves town. Breaking her heart. Cole moves on with his baby mama, giving that new relationship a chance. Five years pass, and Jaden is back, Cole is almost divorced. But, while Cole wants to pursue and chase the one girl he was meant to be with, Jaden knows and doesn't want his drama.
This was a really sweet read. The only complaint I have is that this isn't written in first person point of view. Its a bit distracting, but other than that, I enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to Mia and Hillary's book.
Unfortunately I read the second book first, so I knew what happened!!!
Even so it is an enjoyable and fun read. Jaden comes back to town after swearing she would never return, but her friend needs her, Mia. Jaden and Cole (Mia's brother) had a fling before she left. Cole got at girl pregnant and did the right thing and married her, but now they are near the end of the divorce when Jaden arrives. The whole town seems to have their own part to play.
Some characters are just so funny. Full of misunderstanding and innuendos. Will Jaden and Cole rekindle their relationship??? Predictable but a good read.
I received a copy of With Every Breath from the author in exchange for an honest review. This story is terrific! It begins with a woman named Jaden who makes her way back to River Bend, Nebraska to be there for her best friend with her failing marriage. Her rental car breaks down on the outskirts of town and she is forced to ask for assistance upon arrival. Growing up in the town, she has a past with a lot of people that she would most certainly rather forget, but the one who comes to pick her up is none other than an old ex—Cole Brooks. After six years, he looks good and her heart goes racing with just the sight of him. She thought about him while traveling the world with her career and blog, but she thought that those feelings had subsequently vanished. She is in for some denial if she thinks that she can leave after a week without running into him again. Can her heart handle a second chance or can she find a way to keep him at a distance while still being able to console her friend?
My favorite characters are Cole and Jaden, but I really enjoyed Hillary and Mia. I suspect that the next two books in the series will be about them finding their happily ever after. After one drunken night—Cole is faced with two options, he can step up and take responsibility after he gets someone pregnant or he can continue his romance with Jaden. At the time, he is young and doesn’t realize that his boy’s mother would be totally wrong for him in every way. As he lets Jaden slip through his fingers, it takes him five years to realize that they live in a world where marriages don’t always work out, but it doesn’t have to ruin his life. Six months before Jaden’s trip back to River Bend, Cole if ready to move on with his life and file for divorce. At the time, he didn’t know that he could possibly get a second chance to find the love that he could have once had. Jaden is fun, loving, sporadic and honest—except when it comes to Cole. Her friends are in dire need of a stress-free get together after one long year of no contact. Her journey is what really drew me in to this book. I found it interesting to read about her struggles with her family, friends and love because I can relate to some of them.
In my opinion, this book deserves five stars. I thought that the overall story was thought out and planned very well. The content flowed well and there was a lot of originality. The story held a quick pace, which I like and the character development is superb. I was able to sympathize with these characters and the lives that they led because everyone does what they think is the best thing to do. Everyone makes mistakes, but things do seem to come back around so that people can learn how to amend for their mistakes. I think that this is the key moral of this story. I recommend this book to those who enjoy second chance stories as well as contemporary romance genres. I did thoroughly enjoy this work and look forward to reading more by this talented author.
I really enjoyed Cole and Jaden's story! Second chance romances are my Jam, I just love them. This book is a really good, quick, and light contemporary read with just the right amount of Spice!
The chemistry between these two characters just oozed off the page, Niecey Roy did a wonderful job capturing Cole and Jaden's feelings for each other, without coming off as if she was trying to hard.
My absolute favorite thing about this novel are the characters and their bonds. One phone call with Jaden's best friend Mia and she knows something is wrong. She hops on the next plane to the small town she grew up in (a place she has avoided for the past 8 years) and was there for her. I especially adore Hillary! She is feisty!
Cole is Mia's big brother. He and Jaden have some unfinished business, and with her being in town, he is not going to let the opportunity of being with her slip away. Like I previously stated, the chemistry between these two characters is undeniable.
There were a few issues I had with the book nothing major, I think in one sex scene the author used the word NUB, that is one of my biggest pet peeves, like I said my issues with the book are VERY minor. The storyline is nothing new, but Niecey did a great job at making this second chance trope her own! I really enjoyed her writing style and I will definitely be continuing this series.
Im hoping for Hillary's story next, I NEED her story!
A very sweet and easy going contemporary second chance romance. Cole and Jaden lose out on the first round of their romance before it gets a chance to get too serious. Jaden leaves the small town she lived in to escape her life and to get away from Cole. She dedicates her life to her career and travels the world. Three years later she returns to see her best friend Mia, who is also Cole's sister. Jaden starts to see the town she ran from in a different light. Will Jaden and Cole have a shot at a second chance? Will they take it? The story moves at a good pace and the major drama gets resolved quickly. A nice read.
I love a good small town romance and even better this is a second chance romance too! I loved Cole, he was sweet, loyal and a good dad. Jaden and Cole have a sweet chemistry that never went away the years they were apart so now that Cole is divorced and she is in town, can they rekindle what they had? With a little encouragement from the right people, I think so! I loved the whole group. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I enjoyed Jaden and Cole's story. It was a cute, funny second chance romance story with a little bit of drama. Loved the characters. My favorite is the banter between Trey and Hilary. Can't wait to read more from this series. I won an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
Jaden left her small hometown behind without even a glance in her rearview mirror. When she hears the stress in the voice of her best friend, Mia, she goes home for a visit. If she can avoid the mother she hasn’t spoken to in years as well as Mia's brother, Cole, who broke her heart (or did she break his?) she’ll consider the visit home a success.
This author has such an easy, comfortable style, I find myself drawn in and halfway through the book before I realize it. I’m always a sucker for a second chance romance, but then add in a small town, a single dad, and unresolved emotional issues and I know it’s going to be a great read, and this one was. There are so many layers and subplots that are effortlessly woven together and this book has a way of making me vested in every little part and outcome, and Ms. Roy does a beautiful job of creating the story's tapestry and tying up all the lose ends.
I had read this author's work once before and enjoyed it, but after reading the advance copy of this book, I’m in awe of her talent. It’s like a gentle breeze precisely arranging the story elements while creating a soothing, calming, refreshing environment for the reader to exist in as she experiences Cole and Jaden's story. That’s not to say there aren’t bits of temper, irrationality, quirkiness and humor, because those elements are also perfectly placed. With Every Breath is delightfully entertaining, soothingly heartfelt, emotionally evocative, deliciously steamy and supremely satisfying to read.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
It's hard not to fall in love with River Bend and its vibrant residents. As someone who grew up in a small town, this duo was a great match for me. Besides, who doesn't like a second chance romance, some good ol' divorce drama and a happy ending or two?
I really enjoyed following Jaden on her trip back home. There's a lot there that she tried to put behind her by leaving, but things like love don't vanish just because you aren't there. This was a good example of how you can go home again, even if you don't realize that's what the place is to you, but nothing will be the same as it was, except maybe your bond with your friends. It was a lovely, romantic, funny jaunt watching the push and pull between Cole and Jaden with their meddling friends all around them!
I really enjoyed this duo! (see review for Only Ever After also!) Small town life (gossip), hilarious old ladies painting ceramics, good guys and smart girls. Highly recommend!
Jaden is back in River Bend where she never thought she be again but her best friend, Mia, is in need. And she’s not having much luck on this trip. On top of losing her luggage and having her rental car break down, Mia sends none other than Cole Brooks to pick her up! He’s the one that broke her heart 6 years ago and it was the final straw that sent her packing for good. And to make it worse the attraction is still there. Little does she know that he’s well on his way to single. Will Jaden be able to resist Cole’s charming ways?! He’s. It gonna let her go a second time without a fight. This is a sweet, small town second chance romance Witt just a little bit of drama involved. This is my first read by Niecey and I can’t wait to read more in series! I was gifted a copy and voluntarily left my honest review.
I gave this Book a rating of 5 ✩’s Title: With Every Breath Series: (River Bend Book 1) Genre: Second Chance Romance, Small Town Romance Author: Niecey Roy Format: Kindle Edition Published on: Oct 26, 2015
I voluntarily received a Courtesy Copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions and am choosing to leave a review. >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< What I liked/Didn’t Like: The chemistry between Jaden and Cole was awesome. She doesn’t want to let him in again and he won’t give up until she lets him in. I loved the writing style which was easy to follow, and her characters were easy to love.
Cole has never forgotten the one that got away, and when Jaden comes back home and back into his life he cannot resist the attraction that never went away. But will Jaden let him back in her life? Or will the bad decisions of his youth keep him from getting everything he ever dreamed of? This book is the first for me from this author and it will not be my last. The depth of characters and the emotion that dripped from every page was fabulous. The reader gets a glimpse of other characters that hopefully will be in the next books in the series. This is a definite must read.
I love a Small-town own romance and this one did not let me down. All the characters in River Bend made me want more from this series. I like that Jaden made a way for herself despite her upbringing, that she came home and it wasn't for a tragedy and that she had amazing friends that were loyal and FUN! I liked the fact that the relationship between Cole and Jaden didn't feel forced, it just seemed so natural.
I can't wait to see more of these characters, so I jumping into Only Ever After....
I was pleasantly surprised with Jaden & Cole’s story. It grabbed me right away and I caught myself sneaking in chapters. I finished it in one day and can’t wait for more. This is the story that has you wondering “what if” we had to let “the one” get away. What would you do if you had a second chance with the one true love you never forgot. Grab With Every Breath and meet the family and friends of River Bend.