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Oakville #5
Love Me
MARCUS and Taryn Winters along with their six-year-old son Chase, have a wonderful life. They are ready to expand their perfect little family, but for some reason, it's not happening as easily as they think it should. A trip to the doctor’s office delivers a crushing blow to Taryn. No one is prepared for the news she receives. With the help of their friends Marcus and Taryn try to deal the best they can with the life changing event that’s taken place.
After a tragedy leaves Marcus and Chase forever changed, they need to find a way to piece their lives back together. Both of them are spiraling out of control. When Marcus gets called in to speak with Chase’s teacher his world is again turned upside down
LEXI has spent years trying to keep her past where it belongs. In the past. She moves to Oakville hoping to start over. She starts to notice problems with one of her students and calls in his father for a conference. The minute she meets Marcus an intense need to help him takes over. She will fight harder than she ever has to bring Marcus and Chase back to life.
**Can be read as a Stand Alone**
After a tragedy leaves Marcus and Chase forever changed, they need to find a way to piece their lives back together. Both of them are spiraling out of control. When Marcus gets called in to speak with Chase’s teacher his world is again turned upside down
LEXI has spent years trying to keep her past where it belongs. In the past. She moves to Oakville hoping to start over. She starts to notice problems with one of her students and calls in his father for a conference. The minute she meets Marcus an intense need to help him takes over. She will fight harder than she ever has to bring Marcus and Chase back to life.
**Can be read as a Stand Alone**
ebook
Published July 11, 2016
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About the author
Kathy-Jo Reinhart
9 books78 followersAfter growing up in Saranac Lake, a small town in upstate NY, Kathy-Jo Reinhart returned to her birth place and where she spent her summers with her grandparents, St. Petersburg, Florida, after graduating High School. The sub zero climate and piles of snow definitely weren’t a loss, in her opinion, and this is where she still resides with her Husband of fifteen years and their eleven year old son, who they lovingly refer to as their miracle baby. A name righteously earned after a very difficult and scary pregnancy with 7 1/2 months on complete bed rest.
By day, she works as an Office Manager for a construction company started by her grandfather and uncle. Like most people, she has a love hate relationship with her job, but cherishes all the years she was able to work side by side with her grandfather before he passed away.
Writing has always been something that she has loved. In school, creative writing was her favorite class. Writing a book was something she had always wanted to do, but was too afraid she didn't have what it took to make it happen. After going from working sixty hours a week to twenty, she found herself with a lot of extra time on her hands and decided it was time to take the leap. Crossing her fingers and closing her eyes, she jumped into creating the Oakville series and hasn’t looked back.
The first five star review she received after First Love, the first book in the Oakville series, was published, left her speechless, overwhelmed with emotion, and so blown away that someone really liked what she had written. Her initial fears seemed to calm and reassured her that others love her writing just as much as she loves doing it. How it will all turn out, still remains a mystery, but she’s having a blast seeing where these characters will take her.
When she isn’t spending time with her characters, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, scrapbooking, and doing ancestry research.
By day, she works as an Office Manager for a construction company started by her grandfather and uncle. Like most people, she has a love hate relationship with her job, but cherishes all the years she was able to work side by side with her grandfather before he passed away.
Writing has always been something that she has loved. In school, creative writing was her favorite class. Writing a book was something she had always wanted to do, but was too afraid she didn't have what it took to make it happen. After going from working sixty hours a week to twenty, she found herself with a lot of extra time on her hands and decided it was time to take the leap. Crossing her fingers and closing her eyes, she jumped into creating the Oakville series and hasn’t looked back.
The first five star review she received after First Love, the first book in the Oakville series, was published, left her speechless, overwhelmed with emotion, and so blown away that someone really liked what she had written. Her initial fears seemed to calm and reassured her that others love her writing just as much as she loves doing it. How it will all turn out, still remains a mystery, but she’s having a blast seeing where these characters will take her.
When she isn’t spending time with her characters, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, scrapbooking, and doing ancestry research.
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August 1, 20164.5 stars
Review by Jen Skewes
Love ME is the first book that I have read by Kathy Jo Reinhart and it will not be my last. I loved this book. Even though at times it completely broke me. Every tear shed was worth it because in the end my heart was left feeling happy. This is a second chance love story, which I love. But this book is not a story about two people who once knew each other and are now getting their second chance at love. No, this is about having the perfect life, being in love and happy, until that happiness is taken away from you. It is about finding love again after losing the love of your life. And I am always a sucker when it comes to this type of story. It gets me every time. From the minute I read the blurb I knew that I needed to read this book.
Marcus had it all, a beautiful wife, a son, and the happiness and love that went along with it. Marcus and Taryn wanted another child and had been trying for some time now. When they went to the doctor to see what was going on they received some unexpected news that completely shattered their world. Instead of looking forward to another child these two now have to face the unthinkable. And the worst is yet to come. This is anyone’s worst nightmare coming true. How do they tell their son and their friends? How can anyone handle or prepare to face the next few months knowing how it will all end?
Three years later, Marcus is still struggling. But his son needs him. When he meets his son’s teacher Lexi, he feels something that he hasn’t felt in a long time. But the guilt outweighs those feelings. He is not sure that he can move on. With the help of his friends and his son he decides to give love another chance. But when it comes down to it can he really do it?
What I loved the most about this book was how it all started out. We first met Marcus and Taryn and get to see how in love they were and at the same time fall in love with the two of them as well. So when they got the most shocking news of their life I was right there with them, my heart breaking for all of them. I felt every ounce of pain that they did. I wanted to hug them and their son and pray that it would all be ok. The tears came without fail, kept streaming down my face. That is how much I felt with these characters. My heart just broke for everyone involved, especially that little boy. This is what made this book even more fantastic for me, because falling in love with these characters and to be able to experience the hardest moment of their life with them just made it feel more real. It made me feel more. So when it is three years later and Marcus hasn’t moved on yet you understand why. You know what he felt and how much he loved his wife and completely understand why it is so hard for him.
I loved the main characters in this book. I felt the love between Marcus and Taryn. But years later when he met Lexi I felt what they had as well. Lexi was completely understanding of his love for Taryn which is what I loved about her. She just wanted to love him and his son. She was everything that Marcus needed. She had her own story to tell and her own fears. But with Marcus it just seemed so simple to love him. And her relationship with his son will just melt your heart. Seeing how much she cared for him just made it all better. I LOVED this book so much. I didn’t read the other books in the series but will definitely go back and do so. Marcus’ best friends are such an important part of this story, so I am looking forward to going back and reading their stories. Especially Angel’s, because there is just something about that man that I loved. Love Me is a recommended read for me. But have your tissues ready because you will need them.
July 12, 2016
This is my first Kathy-Jo read and I absolutely loved it. I was a bit skeptical to read it since it is #5 in a series but honestly I did not feel lost at all. Yes I now want to know what all the other couples stories were and I loved how they were incorporated into this story.
This entire book broke my heart and had me clutching my chest. There were parts of this story that hit very very close to home. Some of the things said were things that I have said and things that were done in this book I have done. The shooting star... Yup I broke down when i read that as I have done it over and over again and believe it whole heartedly. (That is all I will say on the subject as I'm not one to spoil a story)
Just a warning you will need a box of tissues maybe even a few. Straight up heart wrenching, body shaking read.
Kathy-Jo you lady have a gift of telling a story that hits you where it hurts but you just cannot put it down. I do not think I have ever cried or been so emotional in a book EVER. Fabulous job Kathy. Cannot wait to read more from you in the future.
This entire book broke my heart and had me clutching my chest. There were parts of this story that hit very very close to home. Some of the things said were things that I have said and things that were done in this book I have done. The shooting star... Yup I broke down when i read that as I have done it over and over again and believe it whole heartedly. (That is all I will say on the subject as I'm not one to spoil a story)
Just a warning you will need a box of tissues maybe even a few. Straight up heart wrenching, body shaking read.
Kathy-Jo you lady have a gift of telling a story that hits you where it hurts but you just cannot put it down. I do not think I have ever cried or been so emotional in a book EVER. Fabulous job Kathy. Cannot wait to read more from you in the future.
October 14, 2016
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Naomi / Scandalous Book Blog***
WARNING....GET YOUR TISSUES READY!!!
This book stole the show for me...Love me was Raw and Real. Whilst reading this book I sobbed like a baby, but I still couldn't put it down. I read through tears and my heart hurt bad. I felt every emotion right there with the characters. Kathy-Jo's writing didnt just touch my heart she broke my heart...ripped it out my chest, stomped all over it and smashed it into millions of little pieces. When I woke the next day I still felt the loss like it was my loss, it hurt to breath and I cried whilst telling my husband all about it.
The thing that made this book stand out for me was the way that we got the full story, we weren't hit with the loss straight away. We joined this couple for the final journey together. I found myself questioning what and how would I feel if it was me in their position. I felt like this story was told in 2 parts first we had the end of one couple then the beginning of another. Marcus is a man who stood out for me, he was real and what true knights in shining armour are made of.
Marcus and Taryn are the perfect couple, happily married with a 6 year old son called Chase, life is great but they would like another child. After trying for another baby they feel like something is wrong as its taking its time happening. Both agreeing to go for checkups, Marcus comes back with a clean bill of health but they are both left distraught after receiving the news that Taryn is dying. There is no cure, only chemo that will prolong the inevitable. Faced with the task of telling their friends and son...they know time is not on their side and Taryn knows that Marcus will need all the help and support he can get.
The scenes between the couple, their son and their friends are gut wrenching painful. Knowing that time isn't on their side they live every minute like its their last. There are sweet tender moments, times of anger and disbelief but never once does their love waver. They are always there to support one another. Sorrow and loss were felt with every word I read. I was there right alongside them, I felt like I was part of their story. They had sucked me in and there was nowhere else I would rather be.
3 years later and Marcus and Chase are still trying to come to terms with their loss. Marcus lost his wife but Chase didn't just loose his mother he also lost his father in a sense too.
Chase is struggling and Marcus is called to the school. He knows what they are going to say but what he doesn't expect is the reaction he has to Chase's teacher Lexi.
She stirs something in him but Marcus is still very much in love with his wife and believes he could never pursue another woman.
Lexi is instantly attracted to Marcus but she knows Chase needs her help and the last thing she needs is to fall in love with a man who is unavailable. Whilst she is trying to help Chase she finds herself falling for Marcus no matter what she tries and she thinks he likes her too. With the encouragement from his friends, son and dead wife Marcus decides he want to try and find love again...With this couple taking steps to move forward, sometimes for every step they took they took 2 back, Guilt played a big part for the decisions that Marcus made and fear made Lexi take the stand back. Leix is understanding and believes she is strong enough to help both Marcus and Chase if only she was given the chance.
Will this family ever get their HEA?
Whilst Kathy-Jo destroyed me in the beginning she slowly helped me heal right along side the characters. I couldnt ask for a better book...I had all the feels whilst reading and for a long time after.
I cant wait to read what comes next for this group of friends there are still so many stories to be told.
WARNING....GET YOUR TISSUES READY!!!
This book stole the show for me...Love me was Raw and Real. Whilst reading this book I sobbed like a baby, but I still couldn't put it down. I read through tears and my heart hurt bad. I felt every emotion right there with the characters. Kathy-Jo's writing didnt just touch my heart she broke my heart...ripped it out my chest, stomped all over it and smashed it into millions of little pieces. When I woke the next day I still felt the loss like it was my loss, it hurt to breath and I cried whilst telling my husband all about it.
The thing that made this book stand out for me was the way that we got the full story, we weren't hit with the loss straight away. We joined this couple for the final journey together. I found myself questioning what and how would I feel if it was me in their position. I felt like this story was told in 2 parts first we had the end of one couple then the beginning of another. Marcus is a man who stood out for me, he was real and what true knights in shining armour are made of.
Marcus and Taryn are the perfect couple, happily married with a 6 year old son called Chase, life is great but they would like another child. After trying for another baby they feel like something is wrong as its taking its time happening. Both agreeing to go for checkups, Marcus comes back with a clean bill of health but they are both left distraught after receiving the news that Taryn is dying. There is no cure, only chemo that will prolong the inevitable. Faced with the task of telling their friends and son...they know time is not on their side and Taryn knows that Marcus will need all the help and support he can get.
The scenes between the couple, their son and their friends are gut wrenching painful. Knowing that time isn't on their side they live every minute like its their last. There are sweet tender moments, times of anger and disbelief but never once does their love waver. They are always there to support one another. Sorrow and loss were felt with every word I read. I was there right alongside them, I felt like I was part of their story. They had sucked me in and there was nowhere else I would rather be.
3 years later and Marcus and Chase are still trying to come to terms with their loss. Marcus lost his wife but Chase didn't just loose his mother he also lost his father in a sense too.
Chase is struggling and Marcus is called to the school. He knows what they are going to say but what he doesn't expect is the reaction he has to Chase's teacher Lexi.
She stirs something in him but Marcus is still very much in love with his wife and believes he could never pursue another woman.
Lexi is instantly attracted to Marcus but she knows Chase needs her help and the last thing she needs is to fall in love with a man who is unavailable. Whilst she is trying to help Chase she finds herself falling for Marcus no matter what she tries and she thinks he likes her too. With the encouragement from his friends, son and dead wife Marcus decides he want to try and find love again...With this couple taking steps to move forward, sometimes for every step they took they took 2 back, Guilt played a big part for the decisions that Marcus made and fear made Lexi take the stand back. Leix is understanding and believes she is strong enough to help both Marcus and Chase if only she was given the chance.
Will this family ever get their HEA?
Whilst Kathy-Jo destroyed me in the beginning she slowly helped me heal right along side the characters. I couldnt ask for a better book...I had all the feels whilst reading and for a long time after.
I cant wait to read what comes next for this group of friends there are still so many stories to be told.
October 1, 2016
I recommend this book for 18+
Marcus, Taryn and Chase are a happy family. Then tragedy strikes and rips the family apart. Marcus and Chase are by themselves now but they have their friends. Lexi is Chase's teacher and calls Marcus in to chat. Lexi helps them to live again.
I just couldn't put this book down.
Reviewed for KFA
Marcus, Taryn and Chase are a happy family. Then tragedy strikes and rips the family apart. Marcus and Chase are by themselves now but they have their friends. Lexi is Chase's teacher and calls Marcus in to chat. Lexi helps them to live again.
I just couldn't put this book down.
Reviewed for KFA
July 7, 2016
I thought reading Full Tilt was heart wrenching.
I feel I should read the rest of the series because I need to know what started in the beginning of this series even if the books are stand alone. From the beginning Kathy-Jo had me balling when the news was given from the biopsy. Taryn and Marcus were the typical couple, happy and very much in love with each other. They have the best of friends they could ever ask for and a sweet little boy. Life can change and not always with a happy ending. Taryn and Marcus are trying to get pregnant, but it's not happening. The two decide to get checked out to see who the culprit is, this is where it takes a left turn sharply. Marcus' swimmers are fine but Taryn on the other hand is fine in most aspects but the one that counts the most. Taryn has cervix cancer and can't be treated for it.
So the lives of Taryn, Marcus, and Chase (their 6 year old) are forever changed not to mention their friends that are more than that. Since there is no treating Taryn, they all just enjoy the time left with her until the end.
Marcus has been inside himself since the love of his life has been gone and he's been there for Chase but not the way it counts and now Chase is acting up at school. Chase's teacher has requested to speak with Marcus and chase isn't a big help about why. Chase does great in school so the conference with the teacher is a surprise.
Lexi Bissen is Chase's teacher that has become concerned for the boy once she knows what might be causing the behavior. When Marcus and Lexi meet there are sparks right off the bat. She wants to help and Marcus will take what he can get even if it is an outsider of the group. Lexi spends time with Chase after school and they bond and the old Chase is slowly peeking back through the dark.
Kathy-Jo did an excellent job with the book. It flows and you can kinda see what's coming (grab the tissue box). The writing is in main characters POV and this is my favorite style of writing. this way you know what each is thinking from their own perspective.
There is a happy ending. A must read but do have tissue ready you will need it. You've been warned.
***Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
I feel I should read the rest of the series because I need to know what started in the beginning of this series even if the books are stand alone. From the beginning Kathy-Jo had me balling when the news was given from the biopsy. Taryn and Marcus were the typical couple, happy and very much in love with each other. They have the best of friends they could ever ask for and a sweet little boy. Life can change and not always with a happy ending. Taryn and Marcus are trying to get pregnant, but it's not happening. The two decide to get checked out to see who the culprit is, this is where it takes a left turn sharply. Marcus' swimmers are fine but Taryn on the other hand is fine in most aspects but the one that counts the most. Taryn has cervix cancer and can't be treated for it.
So the lives of Taryn, Marcus, and Chase (their 6 year old) are forever changed not to mention their friends that are more than that. Since there is no treating Taryn, they all just enjoy the time left with her until the end.
Marcus has been inside himself since the love of his life has been gone and he's been there for Chase but not the way it counts and now Chase is acting up at school. Chase's teacher has requested to speak with Marcus and chase isn't a big help about why. Chase does great in school so the conference with the teacher is a surprise.
Lexi Bissen is Chase's teacher that has become concerned for the boy once she knows what might be causing the behavior. When Marcus and Lexi meet there are sparks right off the bat. She wants to help and Marcus will take what he can get even if it is an outsider of the group. Lexi spends time with Chase after school and they bond and the old Chase is slowly peeking back through the dark.
Kathy-Jo did an excellent job with the book. It flows and you can kinda see what's coming (grab the tissue box). The writing is in main characters POV and this is my favorite style of writing. this way you know what each is thinking from their own perspective.
There is a happy ending. A must read but do have tissue ready you will need it. You've been warned.
***Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
July 11, 2016
Warning you will not be able to read this book without several boxes of tissues. This is the 5th book in the Oakville series that focuses on the Winters family. Marcus and Taryn have been the longest married couple in the group with a six year old son. Now that the other members are having babies, Chase is wanting a younger sibling. They decide to expand the family but it just isn’t happening. Taryn visits the doctor and learns shocking news that turns the Winter’s lives upside down. Kathy-Jo does a wonderful job with this heartbreaking story over these life changing events. The support of the gang, especially Angel bringing laughter into the scenes just at the right time helps you stop the running faucet of tears. Life is not always sunshine and roses as we see big time in this story.
Chase is struggling after the events that have taken place with his family and is acting out in school. Lexi, his teacher, has no other option but to call home. Lexi moved to Oakville to escape her past and start over never expecting for her life to change as much as it does when Marcus shows up for the parent teacher conference.
This book can be read as a stand alone but you will end up with spoilers on the lives of the other members of the group. Holly shows her protectiveness of Taryn and not ready to accept Lexi into the fold as easily as the others.
I wasn’t able to put this book down as it is the case with all of Kathy-Jo’s books. She loves making us cry and this one does not fail. You will also find some great laughs as well as suspense and unexpected twist. She does a great job in keeping the story very real with issues that people don’t like to discuss in books, but this is one of the reasons why this book is so great.
I’m sad to see the series coming to an end but I do hope that she will revisit with this group in her spin off series.
Chase is struggling after the events that have taken place with his family and is acting out in school. Lexi, his teacher, has no other option but to call home. Lexi moved to Oakville to escape her past and start over never expecting for her life to change as much as it does when Marcus shows up for the parent teacher conference.
This book can be read as a stand alone but you will end up with spoilers on the lives of the other members of the group. Holly shows her protectiveness of Taryn and not ready to accept Lexi into the fold as easily as the others.
I wasn’t able to put this book down as it is the case with all of Kathy-Jo’s books. She loves making us cry and this one does not fail. You will also find some great laughs as well as suspense and unexpected twist. She does a great job in keeping the story very real with issues that people don’t like to discuss in books, but this is one of the reasons why this book is so great.
I’m sad to see the series coming to an end but I do hope that she will revisit with this group in her spin off series.
July 11, 2016
Love Me tore me apart and then slowly built me back up. I ugly cried through the better part of the first half of the book. Love Me takes you on an emotional ride. There is love, hate, sadness, happiness and so much more! Kathy-Jo Reinhart did an excellent job portraying the characters.
Marcus and Taryn are happily married with a 6 year old son Chase and are trying to get pregnant again when they get devastating news regarding Taryn. They are both devastated not only for themselves but also for Chase. With the support of their friends (who are family) they rally around them and help them deal with the earth shattering news the best they can. Marcus and Chase's lives are forever changed and go on a downward spiral despite the help. Years later Marcus is called into Chase's school to meet with his Teacher. From here you watch Marcus struggle with trying to move on but also not let go.
How does one survive losing their soulmate? The heartbreak that Marcus went through was shattering. Even though I have never experienced what he specifically has my heart broke into a thousand pieces for him and his son. Love Me is a book that shows you that there is strength in numbers and that with some faith and time the pain gets less and you can move on but not forget. Even though this book had some very sad and emotional parts it also had happy and fun parts. I truly enjoyed reading Love Me and look forward to reading more from Kathy-Jo Reinhart.
I think this quote from the book says it all...
"Too often we all take life for granted. We think there’s always tomorrow or we’ll have plenty of time to do this or that. Of course, we don’t allow ourselves to think we may not have a tomorrow. Why would we? You never think bad things will happen to you. They happen to everyone else, but not you—and it’s time we start living every single day like it’s our last."
Marcus and Taryn are happily married with a 6 year old son Chase and are trying to get pregnant again when they get devastating news regarding Taryn. They are both devastated not only for themselves but also for Chase. With the support of their friends (who are family) they rally around them and help them deal with the earth shattering news the best they can. Marcus and Chase's lives are forever changed and go on a downward spiral despite the help. Years later Marcus is called into Chase's school to meet with his Teacher. From here you watch Marcus struggle with trying to move on but also not let go.
How does one survive losing their soulmate? The heartbreak that Marcus went through was shattering. Even though I have never experienced what he specifically has my heart broke into a thousand pieces for him and his son. Love Me is a book that shows you that there is strength in numbers and that with some faith and time the pain gets less and you can move on but not forget. Even though this book had some very sad and emotional parts it also had happy and fun parts. I truly enjoyed reading Love Me and look forward to reading more from Kathy-Jo Reinhart.
I think this quote from the book says it all...
"Too often we all take life for granted. We think there’s always tomorrow or we’ll have plenty of time to do this or that. Of course, we don’t allow ourselves to think we may not have a tomorrow. Why would we? You never think bad things will happen to you. They happen to everyone else, but not you—and it’s time we start living every single day like it’s our last."
February 3, 2022
This is the 5th book in the Oakville series and although this one can be read as a stand-alone I highly advise reading the other ones first in order to truly appreciate the characters and background stories on everyone involved.
Marcus and Taryn were the first in their group to be married and have a child, Chase. They have been trying for months to have a second child and are not having success. When they learn the reason behind it they are devastated and with their friends they try to come to terms with what lays ahead for them.
As Marcus and Chase face the unknown they find an unlikely ally in Chase's teacher, Lexi Bissen, who is escaping from her own past. With Marcus and Chase both withdrawing from everyone around them will they be able to find their way out from the darkness that surrounds them?
First off, this book totally made me ugly cry and I was just an emotional wreck after reading it. I had tears running down my face. This book just hits home in so many ways as a mother and it was just so well written that you felt the pain of everyone in the book.
This is the first book that you really get more in depth with Marcus and Taryn as they have always been the in love couple right from the start so you never got any drama with them. This book really made you look at the strength of them and their circle of friends and that family is made up of who you choose it to be and not defined by blood.
I love Marcus and I could completely understand the pain he was going through and how he really never wanted to let go. He was so torn inside and didn't know how to deal with his grief or help Chase with his. This book was just so emotional and raw with what they were going through.
Absolutely loved this book and all the tears that came with it!!
Reviewed for KFA
Marcus and Taryn were the first in their group to be married and have a child, Chase. They have been trying for months to have a second child and are not having success. When they learn the reason behind it they are devastated and with their friends they try to come to terms with what lays ahead for them.
As Marcus and Chase face the unknown they find an unlikely ally in Chase's teacher, Lexi Bissen, who is escaping from her own past. With Marcus and Chase both withdrawing from everyone around them will they be able to find their way out from the darkness that surrounds them?
First off, this book totally made me ugly cry and I was just an emotional wreck after reading it. I had tears running down my face. This book just hits home in so many ways as a mother and it was just so well written that you felt the pain of everyone in the book.
This is the first book that you really get more in depth with Marcus and Taryn as they have always been the in love couple right from the start so you never got any drama with them. This book really made you look at the strength of them and their circle of friends and that family is made up of who you choose it to be and not defined by blood.
I love Marcus and I could completely understand the pain he was going through and how he really never wanted to let go. He was so torn inside and didn't know how to deal with his grief or help Chase with his. This book was just so emotional and raw with what they were going through.
Absolutely loved this book and all the tears that came with it!!
Reviewed for KFA
July 11, 2016
Oh Kathy-Jo...
You did it again. You destroyed me within the pages of your story, and pieced me back together again. You seem to have a knack for ripping my heart out of me chest and shredding me apart so I feel as if I'll never be the same again. After going through copious amounts of tissues you apply a soothing balm and slowly allow me to heal, but my life is forever changed with each of the books in this series. This journey was especially bittersweet as it's the end of a series that I have immensely and thoroughly enjoyed, taking into my life as almost a second family. I will miss these characters but look forward to this authors future works.
Now, the story...
I was dry eyed through a tragic diagnosis, and through revealing it to close friends but when it had to be told to a sweet little boy? Oh. My. God. Where are the tissues??? The aftermath with said boy broke my heart, and as a mom to a little boy around the same age I kept picturing him and myself in this situation. There is no way I could handle it as poignantly as Ms. Reinhart wrote it but that's why she's the author and I'm only the reader. Watching Chase heal and find his smile again is what saved me from total destruction, and of course the underlying love story didn't hurt. This book is about love and loss, of healing and opening your heart up to many possibilities. I know I will be revisiting it again and again for many years to come. Now excuse me as I open up my third box of tissues just from remembering certain parts.
You did it again. You destroyed me within the pages of your story, and pieced me back together again. You seem to have a knack for ripping my heart out of me chest and shredding me apart so I feel as if I'll never be the same again. After going through copious amounts of tissues you apply a soothing balm and slowly allow me to heal, but my life is forever changed with each of the books in this series. This journey was especially bittersweet as it's the end of a series that I have immensely and thoroughly enjoyed, taking into my life as almost a second family. I will miss these characters but look forward to this authors future works.
Now, the story...
I was dry eyed through a tragic diagnosis, and through revealing it to close friends but when it had to be told to a sweet little boy? Oh. My. God. Where are the tissues??? The aftermath with said boy broke my heart, and as a mom to a little boy around the same age I kept picturing him and myself in this situation. There is no way I could handle it as poignantly as Ms. Reinhart wrote it but that's why she's the author and I'm only the reader. Watching Chase heal and find his smile again is what saved me from total destruction, and of course the underlying love story didn't hurt. This book is about love and loss, of healing and opening your heart up to many possibilities. I know I will be revisiting it again and again for many years to come. Now excuse me as I open up my third box of tissues just from remembering certain parts.
July 9, 2016
I've never read a book by this author before, but when I read the blurb and found out there was a child as a main character I knew I needed to read it. This quick read was many things that included heartbreak and second chance love.
We all know something bad happens to Marcus' wife from the blurb. Most of the time the inevitable happens right away or already happened, but not this time. This time the author prolongs it and makes me fall in love with the heroin only to rip my heart out.
The second half of Love Me takes place three years later when Marcus meets Chase's teacher. The second half of the book was so sweet I wanted to cry happy tears.
I felt so many emotions while reading this. Most of them little boy Chase was involved. He was my favorite character, absolutely adorable. I cried whenever he cried and smiled whenever he smiled. I would've loved if this book was longer though. It would've been nice to see more of Marcus and Lexi getting to know each other better. It felt like their relationship was too rushed and I missed so much. I thought it was interesting how the author did all the different POVs, even if it was one chapter. It would've been awesome to have had at least one chapter from Chase's POV towards the end maybe.
I do recommend this book, but be prepared for the ride your emotions will go on.
We all know something bad happens to Marcus' wife from the blurb. Most of the time the inevitable happens right away or already happened, but not this time. This time the author prolongs it and makes me fall in love with the heroin only to rip my heart out.
The second half of Love Me takes place three years later when Marcus meets Chase's teacher. The second half of the book was so sweet I wanted to cry happy tears.
I felt so many emotions while reading this. Most of them little boy Chase was involved. He was my favorite character, absolutely adorable. I cried whenever he cried and smiled whenever he smiled. I would've loved if this book was longer though. It would've been nice to see more of Marcus and Lexi getting to know each other better. It felt like their relationship was too rushed and I missed so much. I thought it was interesting how the author did all the different POVs, even if it was one chapter. It would've been awesome to have had at least one chapter from Chase's POV towards the end maybe.
I do recommend this book, but be prepared for the ride your emotions will go on.
July 31, 2016
I reviewed this book for KFA.
I know there are more books to come in this series, and I've come to love these characters so much, but this book was the best in the series by far.
If you read the synopsis of this book, you may have an idea as to how it starts out, and it is heartbreaking. I cried a lot, but Marcus and Chase made this book so worth reading. I can't imagine how that would be for a family to have to go through that, with figuring out how to pull yourselves together, but it needed to happen. Chase is a remarkable little boy, with such a big heart, that it just made the book all that much better. Meeting Lexi was a great addition to their story.
Lexi was a strong woman who just wanted to see a little boy smile again. I loved that about her, as she was willing to help someone be strong and show him how happy he could be. This ended up helping more than the boy, it also helped the man too. This is what Marcus needed more than anything.
I implore you to read this book. It is tearful, and loving, and gracious in all parts. Have the tissues ready... But it's definitely worth it!!
I know there are more books to come in this series, and I've come to love these characters so much, but this book was the best in the series by far.
If you read the synopsis of this book, you may have an idea as to how it starts out, and it is heartbreaking. I cried a lot, but Marcus and Chase made this book so worth reading. I can't imagine how that would be for a family to have to go through that, with figuring out how to pull yourselves together, but it needed to happen. Chase is a remarkable little boy, with such a big heart, that it just made the book all that much better. Meeting Lexi was a great addition to their story.
Lexi was a strong woman who just wanted to see a little boy smile again. I loved that about her, as she was willing to help someone be strong and show him how happy he could be. This ended up helping more than the boy, it also helped the man too. This is what Marcus needed more than anything.
I implore you to read this book. It is tearful, and loving, and gracious in all parts. Have the tissues ready... But it's definitely worth it!!
September 18, 2017
This the fifth book in the Oakville Series.
I don't want to post any spoilers, so this review will be short and sweet.
The first half of the book broke my heart. Like pulled my heart out of my chest and stomped on it. I cried so bad I had to stop reading and just sit for a little bit.
Once the sadness was over, happiness started to take hold, and I was grateful. Angel was such a great friend and support in this book, it made me love his character even more.The ending was very sweet and everything came full circle. Kathy-Jo is a awesome writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I reviewed this book for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
I don't want to post any spoilers, so this review will be short and sweet.
The first half of the book broke my heart. Like pulled my heart out of my chest and stomped on it. I cried so bad I had to stop reading and just sit for a little bit.
Once the sadness was over, happiness started to take hold, and I was grateful. Angel was such a great friend and support in this book, it made me love his character even more.The ending was very sweet and everything came full circle. Kathy-Jo is a awesome writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I reviewed this book for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
August 8, 2016
Oh Kathy, you really wanted to hit all our emotion in this story. She really took us on a roller coaster with this one. This book was Marcus story and Tyrans. I cried and I yelled and then fell back in love. The hardest part was watching his 6 year old son have to go through this. Angel has a strong presence in the book and he is the strong one.
I am not sure yet if I would rank thus one with the other, but I think it's because of the roller coaster. All the friends are in this one as well.
This review was written for KFA
I am not sure yet if I would rank thus one with the other, but I think it's because of the roller coaster. All the friends are in this one as well.
This review was written for KFA
June 27, 2016
This story hit to close to home for me once I started reading I couldn't stop crying I couldn't even put the book down.. but Marcus and Taryn were so much in love and they loved their son Chase loved that their friends were there for them in those last horrible days my heart broke into a million pieces when Marcus and Chase had to Say there final goodbyes after a few years went by I was so happy Marcus would find love again ... this book is a great read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. It has everything you could want in a book. I cried the first half of the book. What Marcus, Taryn, and Chase have to go through is heartbreaking. When Lexi enters the picture the boys are lost. They need someone to help them move forward and she is the perfect person to do it. If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would. You must buy this book. You will not be disappointed!
July 7, 2016
eeekkk!!! Ms. Kathy-Jo nailed it again!!! From the start, I also started tearing up. Marcus and Taryn are living happily but an unexpected event will tear them apart. Then, when Marcus and Lexi met, things changed between the two. As the story goes, it will go interesting and full of surprises. Still, it gets me teary eyed on some parts - aside from the start. Truly this book is full of unexpected things and I was hooked with it! Ms. Kathy-Jo did it again!
June 30, 2016
when you read this book you will need a box of tissue and alot of chocolate and wine . the first of the book you will feel like your heart is ripped out. you follow Marcus ,Taryn and there sob chase through a difficult time in there life. then you will follow Marcus when he find love again . I will recommend this book to anyone .
July 13, 2016
This is Book 5 in the Oakville series And Wow I was so not expecting this .....I had to put this book down several times ..It is So Intense And Emotional At times I couldn't Read thru My tears. I have Read everything Kathy Has written And love Her!!!This is is Up there With Her First Book...Only 4More Boxes Of Kleenex
September 25, 2016
All the books in this series have been heart felt in there own right, but this one is heart wrenching. Marcus, Taryn and Chase the unexpected event in there life. So devastating! Have a box of tissues handy.
Then Lexi a god send, moving them past there grief and into a different and much brighter and happy future. This is a must read, an add to your TBR list.
Read for KFA
July 25, 2016
4.5 stars
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