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Always a Bridesmaid #1
Betting on You
"Do you believe in second chances?"
Four years ago, Mason Stewart ripped out Lark's heart. Ripped it out, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it as he ran away from their one-day-old engagement.
Now he wants her back.
"Lark needs you back in her life like an octopus needs a hang glider.”
All he’s asking for is one week. Seven dates to prove to Lark that he’ll never break her heart again. But between small town gossip and her sisters’ persistent meddling, Lark and Mason might need a downright miracle to make things work.
Mason was always The One for her, the only man who made her heart pulse with a pure mix of love and desire. But can Lark possibly trust him again?
Will things really be different this time around?
Four years ago, Mason Stewart ripped out Lark's heart. Ripped it out, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it as he ran away from their one-day-old engagement.
Now he wants her back.
"Lark needs you back in her life like an octopus needs a hang glider.”
All he’s asking for is one week. Seven dates to prove to Lark that he’ll never break her heart again. But between small town gossip and her sisters’ persistent meddling, Lark and Mason might need a downright miracle to make things work.
Mason was always The One for her, the only man who made her heart pulse with a pure mix of love and desire. But can Lark possibly trust him again?
Will things really be different this time around?
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2013
377 people are currently reading
2092 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Evans
46 books664 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary romances she loves to read.
She's married to the man of her dreams, and together they're raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.
When she's not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.
Learn more at www.jessieevansauthor.com.
She's married to the man of her dreams, and together they're raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.
When she's not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.
Learn more at www.jessieevansauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
February 10, 2017
I give this book two out of five stars for having large plot holes and an emotionally immature heroine. It’s a predictable love story where the love of Lark’s life, Mason, has returned to win her back. The cast is okay, and the setting of a small southern town is sweet.
What I liked:
1) The date where Lark was in charge. I think this was one of the highlights of the book, and helped ease my suspended disbelief angst over the plot issues from Mason’s absence.
2) The environment and daily life of the characters. I liked all the American big south wedding imagery. I liked the fishing, BBQ dinner, and how the characters talked to people wherever they went because they live in a small town.
Things I didn’t like:
1) The plot. Mason dated Lark for a long time, asks her to marry him then disappears without offering her an explanation and is incommunicado for four years. It’s an implausible situation meant for fiction, because reality dictates the probability of a happy ending, as being equal to your odds of getting bitten by a shark. Then the plot is made worse when Mason says he went to therapy during this time so he could win Lark back, however he dated and was intimate with other women during his absence. That’s the kind of Mack truck sized plot hole, an editor can help you fix. For Lark to believe this, with a straight face, creates very low expectations for her as character. To see the plot of “will Lark forgive Mason”, resolved in the timeline it did, paints Lark as a person with the emotional IQ of a child.
2) There was a high level of cheesiness, and it is not cheesy goodness. I’m careful using terms like cheese, but its appropriate when an emoticon is placed on a wedding band. That’s cheesy, and lends further evidence to my indictment of Larks emotional IQ.
3) The dialog. I think the poorly timed dialog goes hand in hand with a poorly timed plot. The almighty love word is thrown around way too much for my taste. Mason and Lark were thinking about true love, they made deep tear filled confessions of love. Love was uttered before, during, and after sex. They declared love during fights, and when marriage proposal were made. All the love talk made the emotional impact watered down and sappy.
In the end I was more interested to learn what was up with Larks sister Aria and her ex, than I was in the Mason and Larks story.
What I liked:
1) The date where Lark was in charge. I think this was one of the highlights of the book, and helped ease my suspended disbelief angst over the plot issues from Mason’s absence.
2) The environment and daily life of the characters. I liked all the American big south wedding imagery. I liked the fishing, BBQ dinner, and how the characters talked to people wherever they went because they live in a small town.
Things I didn’t like:
1) The plot. Mason dated Lark for a long time, asks her to marry him then disappears without offering her an explanation and is incommunicado for four years. It’s an implausible situation meant for fiction, because reality dictates the probability of a happy ending, as being equal to your odds of getting bitten by a shark. Then the plot is made worse when Mason says he went to therapy during this time so he could win Lark back, however he dated and was intimate with other women during his absence. That’s the kind of Mack truck sized plot hole, an editor can help you fix. For Lark to believe this, with a straight face, creates very low expectations for her as character. To see the plot of “will Lark forgive Mason”, resolved in the timeline it did, paints Lark as a person with the emotional IQ of a child.
2) There was a high level of cheesiness, and it is not cheesy goodness. I’m careful using terms like cheese, but its appropriate when an emoticon is placed on a wedding band. That’s cheesy, and lends further evidence to my indictment of Larks emotional IQ.
3) The dialog. I think the poorly timed dialog goes hand in hand with a poorly timed plot. The almighty love word is thrown around way too much for my taste. Mason and Lark were thinking about true love, they made deep tear filled confessions of love. Love was uttered before, during, and after sex. They declared love during fights, and when marriage proposal were made. All the love talk made the emotional impact watered down and sappy.
In the end I was more interested to learn what was up with Larks sister Aria and her ex, than I was in the Mason and Larks story.
October 16, 2017
Yeah I should have just bloody skipped it!
So they're together.... he proposed and then did a runner!
I know he "had issues" but seriously it just felt like he wanted to go sow his wild oats because he fucks around and dates other women for 4 fucking years before going back and admitting that he's a gigantic wanker!!!
He tells her to give him 7 dates to win her back....turns out he barely needed 4 (4 flipping days people WTF)
Then (totally loved up) she discovers that he signed a lease agreement in NY 5 days before proposing (so he was already going to leave her)
Does she overreact (but making him wait two whole months (insert Sarcasm) No! She didn't react enough to the fact that the man she was in love with, got down on one knee and promised her forever only to run off for four years without a goodbye!
And let's no forget the fact that this douche wants her to give up her apartment to move in with him (I'd have slight trust issues with that) and then SHE proposes to HIM (I'm all for women popping the question with their partners that are taking to long, but not in this situation....he hasn't really working for anything)
It's the first in a series I think and thank god it was free! Definitely won't be checking out the rest of them if they're all as weak as the h and and fucking arsehole like the H!!
(Super sorry about the rant.....this one pee'd me off!)
Keep your fingers crossed that the next book I read is better!
So they're together.... he proposed and then did a runner!
I know he "had issues" but seriously it just felt like he wanted to go sow his wild oats because he fucks around and dates other women for 4 fucking years before going back and admitting that he's a gigantic wanker!!!
He tells her to give him 7 dates to win her back....turns out he barely needed 4 (4 flipping days people WTF)
Then (totally loved up) she discovers that he signed a lease agreement in NY 5 days before proposing (so he was already going to leave her)
Does she overreact (but making him wait two whole months (insert Sarcasm) No! She didn't react enough to the fact that the man she was in love with, got down on one knee and promised her forever only to run off for four years without a goodbye!
And let's no forget the fact that this douche wants her to give up her apartment to move in with him (I'd have slight trust issues with that) and then SHE proposes to HIM (I'm all for women popping the question with their partners that are taking to long, but not in this situation....he hasn't really working for anything)
It's the first in a series I think and thank god it was free! Definitely won't be checking out the rest of them if they're all as weak as the h and and fucking arsehole like the H!!
(Super sorry about the rant.....this one pee'd me off!)
Keep your fingers crossed that the next book I read is better!
April 22, 2017
Don't Bet On This Book!!
Mason left four years ago and there hasn't been a single word from him to Lark, the woman he loves...really?? Mason was getting therapy so he could be a better man for her...you're kidding, right?? While Mason is preparing himself for a life with Lark and receiving counseling so he can be the man she deserves...stupid me...I did not realize that would include having other girlfriends and sleeping around! This is what he does so that he can spend the rest of his life with the only woman he has ever loved. You've got to be kidding me!! How sick is that!! Not a friggin' word to her in four years and he hopes she hasn't found someone else when he returns home so he can have another chance. What kind of idiot is this man? No, no...man is too nice of a word for what he is. Rat ba$tard would sum it up nicely. He not only left her right after he proposed marriage, but he silently, without a word, sneaked away and had a whole other life while he got his head together...so he could come back to the love of his life. This is just all kinds of sick!
Gosh, I am disgusted!! Enough said. This is the very first book of Jessie Evan's that I have not liked as I love all of the others I have read. I am heartsick about this book.
Mason left four years ago and there hasn't been a single word from him to Lark, the woman he loves...really?? Mason was getting therapy so he could be a better man for her...you're kidding, right?? While Mason is preparing himself for a life with Lark and receiving counseling so he can be the man she deserves...stupid me...I did not realize that would include having other girlfriends and sleeping around! This is what he does so that he can spend the rest of his life with the only woman he has ever loved. You've got to be kidding me!! How sick is that!! Not a friggin' word to her in four years and he hopes she hasn't found someone else when he returns home so he can have another chance. What kind of idiot is this man? No, no...man is too nice of a word for what he is. Rat ba$tard would sum it up nicely. He not only left her right after he proposed marriage, but he silently, without a word, sneaked away and had a whole other life while he got his head together...so he could come back to the love of his life. This is just all kinds of sick!
Gosh, I am disgusted!! Enough said. This is the very first book of Jessie Evan's that I have not liked as I love all of the others I have read. I am heartsick about this book.
October 13, 2013
2.5 stars.
I picked up Betting on You when I wanted something light and fun. Even better, it was free on Amazon. Although this book started off that way, and I loved the Georgia setting, it didn't end up having the emotional impact on me that I wanted.
1) I thought that Lark forgave Mason way too easily in the beginning. He was gone for over 4 years without ever contacting her, and though she puts up what looks like a good resistance at first, she completely forgives him in 4 days. I will give Lark props for an inventive idea to make him understand how much he hurt her. But still, it was way too soon for me to trust him, or feel like I could believe their romance after that point. Lark also doesn't really ask Mason any hard questions or seek to get to know him deeper after he was gone so long. She forgave him on the most basic explanations. After she was destroyed when he left, I'd think she'd need a lot more time and effort to be won back. That said, I still liked Mason and I wasn't really worried about whether he would hurt her again (being inside of his head too helped). Even so, I was still angry at him when Lark was ready to start back where they left off. Eventually I did get over this and was fairly successful in getting back into the romance.
2) That is until about halfway through we get a chapter/interlude from another character and learn that there is possibly some secret that Mason hasn’t told Lark about, however, we're not told the nature of this secret. Then in the very next chapter the book shifts back to Mason/Lark and a huge important moment of intimacy and bonding for them. Instead of enjoying this part I felt uncomfortable and skimmed the whole thing, because of this looming secret. Emotionally, it did not work for me to be able to connect to their relationship, when I knew there was still something big between them, even if they didn’t know it yet. For me, the previous chapter needed to be removed entirely, or placed after this one for this book to work. Honestly, that interlude pretty much ruined the whole emotional impact of the story for me. I have some friends who read this book and weren’t as bothered by this as I was, but I very much considered DNFing after this point. Especially, because I was already on shaky ground due to the quick reconciliation in the beginning of the book.
3) Eventually we find out what the secret is and of course it’s a huge deal and causes major tension. Only, I didn’t think it should have been as big a deal as Lark thought it was, especially after Lark was able to so easily forgive Mason in the beginning of the book. I get that it was a wakeup call that maybe Lark did have some unresolved issues with Mason that she let go too easily before. But the extent to which she takes her reaction, just made me frustrated with her.
Betting on You is a contemporary romance and the ending was satisfying, but as a whole, the book was too frustrating for me to be able to really enjoy it. That said, I am interested in Aria and Nash’s story, which was teased in this one, enough that I may give this author another chance.
I picked up Betting on You when I wanted something light and fun. Even better, it was free on Amazon. Although this book started off that way, and I loved the Georgia setting, it didn't end up having the emotional impact on me that I wanted.
1) I thought that Lark forgave Mason way too easily in the beginning. He was gone for over 4 years without ever contacting her, and though she puts up what looks like a good resistance at first, she completely forgives him in 4 days. I will give Lark props for an inventive idea to make him understand how much he hurt her. But still, it was way too soon for me to trust him, or feel like I could believe their romance after that point. Lark also doesn't really ask Mason any hard questions or seek to get to know him deeper after he was gone so long. She forgave him on the most basic explanations. After she was destroyed when he left, I'd think she'd need a lot more time and effort to be won back. That said, I still liked Mason and I wasn't really worried about whether he would hurt her again (being inside of his head too helped). Even so, I was still angry at him when Lark was ready to start back where they left off. Eventually I did get over this and was fairly successful in getting back into the romance.
2) That is until about halfway through we get a chapter/interlude from another character and learn that there is possibly some secret that Mason hasn’t told Lark about, however, we're not told the nature of this secret. Then in the very next chapter the book shifts back to Mason/Lark and a huge important moment of intimacy and bonding for them. Instead of enjoying this part I felt uncomfortable and skimmed the whole thing, because of this looming secret. Emotionally, it did not work for me to be able to connect to their relationship, when I knew there was still something big between them, even if they didn’t know it yet. For me, the previous chapter needed to be removed entirely, or placed after this one for this book to work. Honestly, that interlude pretty much ruined the whole emotional impact of the story for me. I have some friends who read this book and weren’t as bothered by this as I was, but I very much considered DNFing after this point. Especially, because I was already on shaky ground due to the quick reconciliation in the beginning of the book.
3) Eventually we find out what the secret is and of course it’s a huge deal and causes major tension. Only, I didn’t think it should have been as big a deal as Lark thought it was, especially after Lark was able to so easily forgive Mason in the beginning of the book. I get that it was a wakeup call that maybe Lark did have some unresolved issues with Mason that she let go too easily before. But the extent to which she takes her reaction, just made me frustrated with her.
Betting on You is a contemporary romance and the ending was satisfying, but as a whole, the book was too frustrating for me to be able to really enjoy it. That said, I am interested in Aria and Nash’s story, which was teased in this one, enough that I may give this author another chance.
February 17, 2017
Lark the wounded and Mason the groveler. ; )
Mason has had a difficult childhood but when he meets Lark as teens he falls in love. This love however didn't stop him from running off as soon as he finished school, just after having proposed to Lark. Of course Lark is broken hearted and it has affected her belief in love.
Four years later, Mason returns after getting therapy for his commitment issues. I have to say here, that it is SOOOO nice to have a character in a book actually be proactive about healing themselves from their hangups!
Anyhoo, Lark isn't thrilled to see him again, to say the least. But he is determined to make it work. He basically pleads with her to give him 7 dates to prove that he has changed. The going isn't smooth and Lark is a hard nut to crack. Which I found believable. I mean trust lost is even harder to earn than the first time around. The MCs were interesting as were the side characters.
As for safety stuff .
I would read this author again!
Mason has had a difficult childhood but when he meets Lark as teens he falls in love. This love however didn't stop him from running off as soon as he finished school, just after having proposed to Lark. Of course Lark is broken hearted and it has affected her belief in love.
Four years later, Mason returns after getting therapy for his commitment issues. I have to say here, that it is SOOOO nice to have a character in a book actually be proactive about healing themselves from their hangups!
Anyhoo, Lark isn't thrilled to see him again, to say the least. But he is determined to make it work. He basically pleads with her to give him 7 dates to prove that he has changed. The going isn't smooth and Lark is a hard nut to crack. Which I found believable. I mean trust lost is even harder to earn than the first time around. The MCs were interesting as were the side characters.
As for safety stuff .
I would read this author again!
October 19, 2013
The best thing about this book was that it was free. It wasn't a terrible story but was nothing remarkable. Lark and Mason dated 4 years before the start of the story and their relationship ended with Mason proposing to Lark and then leaving her without even saying goodbye. Lark was heartbroken by his abrupt leave from her and is finding it hard to believe him when he returns and says he wants a second chance. The story follows a predictable storyline which wasn't terribly dull but just didn't drag me in like other novels. Overall it was an okay book that I'm happy I got for free.
May 2, 2019
I had to DNF at 30%. Get ready for a rant:
After years of dating Mason ran off the day after he proposed to Lark. Ran off for four years without a call or letter. Lark was left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. He shows up and demands one week of Larks time to win her back. That’s right: he demands seven days to win her over again. Let that sink in. Then weakling that Lark is she agrees to the week. Mason is as selfish as they come. He got upset that Lark was no longer a virgin. Seriously?! Lark “still burns and yearns for his hand to touch her”. *cue eye roll*
I stopped reading after day two. Had this been two teenagers and in a YA genre I would be a bit more understanding but this is two grown adults in the Romance category. I don’t need to read the remaining 70% to know how it’ll end.
I will not continue the series nor would I recommend.
After years of dating Mason ran off the day after he proposed to Lark. Ran off for four years without a call or letter. Lark was left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. He shows up and demands one week of Larks time to win her back. That’s right: he demands seven days to win her over again. Let that sink in. Then weakling that Lark is she agrees to the week. Mason is as selfish as they come. He got upset that Lark was no longer a virgin. Seriously?! Lark “still burns and yearns for his hand to touch her”. *cue eye roll*
I stopped reading after day two. Had this been two teenagers and in a YA genre I would be a bit more understanding but this is two grown adults in the Romance category. I don’t need to read the remaining 70% to know how it’ll end.
I will not continue the series nor would I recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2015
I liked this story overall. No real issues that I noticed (thankfully), although it wasn't original. I knew as soon as Mason was mentioned, that he and Lark would be getting back together.
Questions/Comments:
In the beginning Lark and Mason are planning to go bowling. He's never been but she has? "Lark was always one to embrace a new experience." How would that be considered a new experience?
Lark pretends that she's sick. Seriously? Did she forget that Mason was a doctor? That was just stupid.
I wasn't a fan of Aria really. She annoyed me too much; constantly getting into other peoples business, especially Larks. Yes, she was the older sister but still. It's like just because she was alone (without a man), she wanted to make sure her sisters were too.
Where were their parents?
There was a paragraph where the phrase ....is made of fail. For example:
"Give her something to distract her from trying to prove that our second chance is made of fail."
Or
"Complete fail?"
Or
"Right now she thinks all relationships are made of fail."
What exactly does that mean? I assume that the relationship is going to fail, but the way the author worded it, it just doesn't sound right to me.
When Lark and Mason finally get intimate, the author describes Lark removing her dress. She's undoing a bunch of buttons that lead down to her waist...she's unzipping a zipper...that's somewhere...but instead of just dropping the dress to the floor, she lifts it over her head? Sorry but I can't help but notice weird things like that.
The big fight near the end was stupid! I mean he's already apologized...weren't they suppose to be starting fresh? And strangely after Mason leaves, Aria is trying to convince Lark to take him back? Huh?
Questions/Comments:
In the beginning Lark and Mason are planning to go bowling. He's never been but she has? "Lark was always one to embrace a new experience." How would that be considered a new experience?
Lark pretends that she's sick. Seriously? Did she forget that Mason was a doctor? That was just stupid.
I wasn't a fan of Aria really. She annoyed me too much; constantly getting into other peoples business, especially Larks. Yes, she was the older sister but still. It's like just because she was alone (without a man), she wanted to make sure her sisters were too.
Where were their parents?
There was a paragraph where the phrase ....is made of fail. For example:
"Give her something to distract her from trying to prove that our second chance is made of fail."
Or
"Complete fail?"
Or
"Right now she thinks all relationships are made of fail."
What exactly does that mean? I assume that the relationship is going to fail, but the way the author worded it, it just doesn't sound right to me.
When Lark and Mason finally get intimate, the author describes Lark removing her dress. She's undoing a bunch of buttons that lead down to her waist...she's unzipping a zipper...that's somewhere...but instead of just dropping the dress to the floor, she lifts it over her head? Sorry but I can't help but notice weird things like that.
The big fight near the end was stupid! I mean he's already apologized...weren't they suppose to be starting fresh? And strangely after Mason leaves, Aria is trying to convince Lark to take him back? Huh?
April 12, 2014
What a sweet second chance romance, Mason bless that boy's heart, "clutching his beer in a death grip, Mason started toward Lark. He made it three steps before she turned and ran. Flat out ran, like she was running away from a rabid escaped from quarantine." Lark she tends to blurt what's on her mind:
"I'm not a virgin anymore," Lark blurted out. Maybe Mason would stop looking at her with such obvious desire when he realized she had given up on saving herself for marriage the day he left.
"Oh." Mason blinked and a slightly pained look flashed behind his eyes. "Well, I...good to know."
Mason is such a typical guy, "trying to sneak a peek at your butt in those jeans," he said, with a sheepish grin." Lark that girl really has no qualms about blurting the stuff on her mind out of her mouth, "I don't think we will," Lark said with a smile. "Because I think I'm going to want to have your baby as soon as is reasonably possible."
"I'm not a virgin anymore," Lark blurted out. Maybe Mason would stop looking at her with such obvious desire when he realized she had given up on saving herself for marriage the day he left.
"Oh." Mason blinked and a slightly pained look flashed behind his eyes. "Well, I...good to know."
Mason is such a typical guy, "trying to sneak a peek at your butt in those jeans," he said, with a sheepish grin." Lark that girl really has no qualms about blurting the stuff on her mind out of her mouth, "I don't think we will," Lark said with a smile. "Because I think I'm going to want to have your baby as soon as is reasonably possible."
reviews-say-meh
May 15, 2015Eg: reviews like these:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 9, 2024
I enjoyed this second-chance story, although both characters seemed a bit immature for being 25 and 29 and a business owner and doctor. I was impressed with how Mason humbled himself both before he returned (by seeing a counselor to work on the issues from his childhood) and how even-tempered he was (almost unreal). His devotion to Lark and their relationship was a bit astounding, considering there'd been no contact for four years and she wasn't exactly welcoming him back with open arms. I liked the underlying theme of forgiveness and acceptance that not everyone is perfect. I especially liked the way it ended, with the grand gesture on HER part instead of his. Note: I could not find this in ebook on Amazon.
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August 11, 2019I swear I try! But you're kidding me right ??? I really don't know what's going on in these authors' minds thinking this kind of crap is acceptable! Are they based on their personal lives? I don't know the kind of woman who would accept a looser like him back, if they would could at least spare us how pathetic they are.
May 7, 2016
Lark March & Mason Stewart were childhood sweethearts who were going to get married when suddenly Mason retracted his marriage proposal and left town. He didn’t give a reason per say, just up and left. Lark was devastated-she mourned his rejection of her, of their love. 4 years go by and then at a wedding, there is Mason again. He wants her back, he wants to be back in her life and pick back up where their love left off.
Mason knows he has an uphill battle on his hands but he wants his Lark back. In reading this story, you are able to find out the reason(s) why he left and what he has been up to during the 4 years he has been away from Lark. I felt that this is where the plot got alittle weird. He dated while he “hoped” she hadn’t moved on. He didn’t ask anyone about her yet he comes back 4 years later, ready to pick back up and fight for “his woman”. That was so unreal. Yet his love comes shining thru.
Lark held on for her love for Mason for all the years they were together AND not together. She is very upset . confused and bitter over him coming back into her life now. She goes back and forth over being happy he is back to bitter “why now” feelings. Lark doesn’t know how to handle her feelings.
Lark and Mason go thru this journey over do they or don’t they make it back together. There is some bad guys that try to keep the lovers apart and also the 4 yr time span also plays apart in the feelings. The passion, angst and small town romance is things I loved about this story. The things that made this sort of off was the 4 years apart and the MC hero thinking things could get right back together after being apart for so long. Other than that, loved this story and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
My rating: 4.1 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review***
Mason knows he has an uphill battle on his hands but he wants his Lark back. In reading this story, you are able to find out the reason(s) why he left and what he has been up to during the 4 years he has been away from Lark. I felt that this is where the plot got alittle weird. He dated while he “hoped” she hadn’t moved on. He didn’t ask anyone about her yet he comes back 4 years later, ready to pick back up and fight for “his woman”. That was so unreal. Yet his love comes shining thru.
Lark held on for her love for Mason for all the years they were together AND not together. She is very upset . confused and bitter over him coming back into her life now. She goes back and forth over being happy he is back to bitter “why now” feelings. Lark doesn’t know how to handle her feelings.
Lark and Mason go thru this journey over do they or don’t they make it back together. There is some bad guys that try to keep the lovers apart and also the 4 yr time span also plays apart in the feelings. The passion, angst and small town romance is things I loved about this story. The things that made this sort of off was the 4 years apart and the MC hero thinking things could get right back together after being apart for so long. Other than that, loved this story and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
My rating: 4.1 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review***
October 5, 2013
This is one of those books that I just wanted to shout at the main character to get over it and move on!
The main characters in this story have a lot of history. Guy and girl fall in love young, guy has all kinds of issues with his home life, proposes to girl, then ditches her the next day fleeing to NY. The book begins 4 years later when said guy, Mason, comes back because he realizes that the girl he fell in love with all those years ago has always been the only girl for him. So he has decided to come home and win her back.
This story was just okay for me. It wasn't really one I see myself wanting to read again in the future. As I said, there were times I was just annoyed by the main character, Lark. She was quick to judge and very back and forth. She says she was saving herself for marriage when she was dating the guy she was in love with, but later on gives it up to someone she doesn't love. She gets back with guy she was in love with, decides they can overcome anything and are going to be together forever, then breaks up again after another little something from four years ago. She also decides that he was the "one" and since she feels she can never trust him (and therefore can not be with him) but never love anyone else she will just go it alone now. I just wasn't really feeling this one. Definitely not enough to continue on with this series. I read the synopsis for the next book, and all I could say was "Really???"
The main characters in this story have a lot of history. Guy and girl fall in love young, guy has all kinds of issues with his home life, proposes to girl, then ditches her the next day fleeing to NY. The book begins 4 years later when said guy, Mason, comes back because he realizes that the girl he fell in love with all those years ago has always been the only girl for him. So he has decided to come home and win her back.
This story was just okay for me. It wasn't really one I see myself wanting to read again in the future. As I said, there were times I was just annoyed by the main character, Lark. She was quick to judge and very back and forth. She says she was saving herself for marriage when she was dating the guy she was in love with, but later on gives it up to someone she doesn't love. She gets back with guy she was in love with, decides they can overcome anything and are going to be together forever, then breaks up again after another little something from four years ago. She also decides that he was the "one" and since she feels she can never trust him (and therefore can not be with him) but never love anyone else she will just go it alone now. I just wasn't really feeling this one. Definitely not enough to continue on with this series. I read the synopsis for the next book, and all I could say was "Really???"
November 1, 2013
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
I'm pretty indifferent to this book. It wasn't written in a way that I would hate the characters or love them. I didn't really care about them. If I sit and think about the events of the book I think Lark is so lame, but while reading it I just didn't care. It was just a light quick read.
Mason left Lark four years ago, the day after he proposes to her. His reasons are alright I guess. He needs to grow and be a better person for her. Sure. Not once in those four years did he contact her though. So now the start of the book he comes back and convinces her to give them another chance. Go on a date every day for a week and then if she doesn't want him he will leave her alone. Sounds alright.
Lark pretty much forgives him right away. Well she tries not too, but she is not too successful at that. Maybe it is just me, but man I would not forgive him half as easily as she does. She does 'test' him one day and then all is well. Almost. There was a big secret revealed which based on everything else shouldn't have been that upsetting Upsetting sure, but my life is over I will never love again I won't even try and live at all from now on upsetting no. Then how Lark just gets over it like that...if she were really so upset wouldn't it take longer to get over it? Yes her sisters talked to her, but it didn't really seem that that should have worked that well. Oh well.
I'm pretty indifferent to this book. It wasn't written in a way that I would hate the characters or love them. I didn't really care about them. If I sit and think about the events of the book I think Lark is so lame, but while reading it I just didn't care. It was just a light quick read.
Mason left Lark four years ago, the day after he proposes to her. His reasons are alright I guess. He needs to grow and be a better person for her. Sure. Not once in those four years did he contact her though. So now the start of the book he comes back and convinces her to give them another chance. Go on a date every day for a week and then if she doesn't want him he will leave her alone. Sounds alright.
Lark pretty much forgives him right away. Well she tries not too, but she is not too successful at that. Maybe it is just me, but man I would not forgive him half as easily as she does. She does 'test' him one day and then all is well. Almost. There was a big secret revealed which based on everything else shouldn't have been that upsetting Upsetting sure, but my life is over I will never love again I won't even try and live at all from now on upsetting no. Then how Lark just gets over it like that...if she were really so upset wouldn't it take longer to get over it? Yes her sisters talked to her, but it didn't really seem that that should have worked that well. Oh well.
April 10, 2014
This was really short, it only took me about an hour and a half to read this, so it seemed a little rushed. Parts of it were sweet, parts were perplexing.
Lark was devastated when Mason left her (the day after he proposed!!!!), and four years later she's never heard a word from him. So when he shows up at a wedding she's catering and wants to get back together, I was expecting her to kick him in the junk or gouge his eyes out. Instead she cries a little and then decides to let him take her out for seven dates over the course of a week to see if he can make it up to her. What!?! This girls needs a little more backbone! He should have had to grovel a lot more at first.
Lark and Mason dated for two years, starting when she was 19 and he was 23. She was holding onto her V-card until she was married. Mason wasn't a virgin, but he had no issues with waiting. Um, ok, that's just not even believable! And then, after Mason dumps her, Lark just sleeps with some random guy she's dating so she won't be a pathetic virgin anymore. That makes even less sense.
Lark and Mason re-fall in love (over the course of five days), and even though it's too fast, I did find their relationship sweet. They had good chemistry, and Mason really did seem like he was trying to redeem himself.
If you like your books short and sweet, this one will probably appeal to you.
Lark was devastated when Mason left her (the day after he proposed!!!!), and four years later she's never heard a word from him. So when he shows up at a wedding she's catering and wants to get back together, I was expecting her to kick him in the junk or gouge his eyes out. Instead she cries a little and then decides to let him take her out for seven dates over the course of a week to see if he can make it up to her. What!?! This girls needs a little more backbone! He should have had to grovel a lot more at first.
Lark and Mason dated for two years, starting when she was 19 and he was 23. She was holding onto her V-card until she was married. Mason wasn't a virgin, but he had no issues with waiting. Um, ok, that's just not even believable! And then, after Mason dumps her, Lark just sleeps with some random guy she's dating so she won't be a pathetic virgin anymore. That makes even less sense.
Lark and Mason re-fall in love (over the course of five days), and even though it's too fast, I did find their relationship sweet. They had good chemistry, and Mason really did seem like he was trying to redeem himself.
If you like your books short and sweet, this one will probably appeal to you.
February 2, 2014
I was so disappointed with this one. I thought this was light hearted and fresh romantic story I was looking for, but it lacked in so many things.
First off, I couldn't believe how Lark forgave Mason that guy. I mean the guy was MIA for more than four damn years, and all it took was 3 days for her to forgive him. That is so not acceptable! I mean, where is the revenge girl? You're supposed to play the girl-who-is-hard-to-get. You do not surrender that easily.
Second, I didn't like the writing at all. There were too many grammatical mistakes, and the characters seemed very immature. There was hardly any style.
Third, there was no, absolutely no thrill or excitement in the story. I could predict the entire story without any glitch. I practically snored through the first half of the story.
So, this book gets 2 I-read-it-because-I=had-to-finish-it-fast stars.
First off, I couldn't believe how Lark forgave Mason that guy. I mean the guy was MIA for more than four damn years, and all it took was 3 days for her to forgive him. That is so not acceptable! I mean, where is the revenge girl? You're supposed to play the girl-who-is-hard-to-get. You do not surrender that easily.
Second, I didn't like the writing at all. There were too many grammatical mistakes, and the characters seemed very immature. There was hardly any style.
Third, there was no, absolutely no thrill or excitement in the story. I could predict the entire story without any glitch. I practically snored through the first half of the story.
So, this book gets 2 I-read-it-because-I=had-to-finish-it-fast stars.
April 30, 2015
Honestly, this book was just okay. Short, not a lot of heart and the drama felt trumped up. Like the writer suddenly realized, oops... I forgot to throw the standard wrench in. It's fine if you like sweet with a low tolerance for drama. I like my romances to always have an extra element either suspense or angst. This one just didn't draw me in to continue the series. Book missed the heart by a mile, a few miss opportunities to really open things up were missed.
Saving grace, Piper Goodeve did a fine job with the narration.
Saving grace, Piper Goodeve did a fine job with the narration.
May 7, 2014
This was a sweet light read the type of book for those lazy days when you just want to cuddle up with a book. We have two main protagonist with intense baggage who don't really know how to overcome them. Lark was left heart broken 5 years ago by the love of her life.When he decides to come back begging for forgiveness she is going to have to make the tough decision of giving him a second chance or wondering what if. Very sassy and fun.
If you want a more in detailed review you will find it on my blog:
http://reirlari.blogspot.com/2014/05/...
If you want a more in detailed review you will find it on my blog:
http://reirlari.blogspot.com/2014/05/...
September 14, 2015
Mason and Lark was nice. Him coming for a second chance to right a choice he made four years prior. They were on the right track until meddling big sister and resentful uncle made Lark question his willingness to change or that he had change causing months of misery and a March sister intervention in 100° weather.
Jessie delivered a great second chance romance that brought a woman to both her knees.
Jessie delivered a great second chance romance that brought a woman to both her knees.
December 3, 2013
Not sure how I felt about this book. It was frustrating to me that everyone seemed so bitter and angry. Didn't like that it contained sex, either. However, I did like the fact that they all seemed to finally grow up and come to terms with their past and that she took the next step instead of waiting for him.
February 20, 2018
Betting on You (Always a Bridesmaid #1) - R
Violence: none
Language: <50 swears words, including a couple FBombs, some suggestive phrases about arousal
Sex: several pages of descriptive stuff about 70% in around the end of chapter 20 into 21; basically, skip to the last page of chapter 21 and you'll be set.
It's fine. I don't want to continue reading in the series. Not my cuppa.
Violence: none
Language: <50 swears words, including a couple FBombs, some suggestive phrases about arousal
Sex: several pages of descriptive stuff about 70% in around the end of chapter 20 into 21; basically, skip to the last page of chapter 21 and you'll be set.
It's fine. I don't want to continue reading in the series. Not my cuppa.
October 6, 2013
Great read, light, sexy & full of awesome characters including a fab trio of sisters :) Found a new fave series...
December 25, 2016
A little too lovey dovey for my tastes.
October 22, 2019
This was the first book I have read by Jesse Evans. It was also included in the Happily Ever After : A Romance Collection (there have been several books I have reviewed from this collection). It was sweet but for me, it was too predictable. Their connection almost felt forced so it was hard for me to fall in love with the characters.
Mason broke Lark’s heart years ago, but that pain lingered. Just when she thought she was over him, he pops back into her life. He knows what he did was wrong and he wants to make amends. He has been working on his issues so he can be the man Lark needs.
Can she give Mason a second chance? Will her heart be able to take a second break if things do not work out? Will their love enough to get through it all?
It has lots of great reviews, so give it a try! What I didn’t love doesn’t mean it won’t be your next favorite book! Always remember, everyone’s tastes are different!!
Mason broke Lark’s heart years ago, but that pain lingered. Just when she thought she was over him, he pops back into her life. He knows what he did was wrong and he wants to make amends. He has been working on his issues so he can be the man Lark needs.
Can she give Mason a second chance? Will her heart be able to take a second break if things do not work out? Will their love enough to get through it all?
It has lots of great reviews, so give it a try! What I didn’t love doesn’t mean it won’t be your next favorite book! Always remember, everyone’s tastes are different!!
June 5, 2021
A Fun, Quick Read
An easy to read love story. A bit mushy but what good romance novel isn't filled with the promise of forever love.
The only thing I could not wrap my head around was the book's description of Lark made you think she was a bit on the
full-figured side but the picture of the lady on the cover was nothing close to full-figure. The author should consider revising the cover with a more representative model.
An easy to read love story. A bit mushy but what good romance novel isn't filled with the promise of forever love.
The only thing I could not wrap my head around was the book's description of Lark made you think she was a bit on the
full-figured side but the picture of the lady on the cover was nothing close to full-figure. The author should consider revising the cover with a more representative model.
March 12, 2020
I gave this book 4 stars because it was an okay book it just didn't impress me. I didn't like the conflicts. I thought the main character was annoying and ignorant. However, when I read it I was not in the mood for a light and fluffy book. I did like the ending and that was about it. I would not recommend this book but I think I will continue the series.
October 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. When Mason left Lark she was devasted and never really got over him. He turns up a few years later and wants to rekindle their relationship but Lark is still hurting. I love the emotion and the twists in the story. It's a real will they won't they make it !!
July 2, 2023
Sweet and beautiful
I loved the back story and seeing how they found one another again. It was a book I couldn't put down. I just wish I hadn't waited so long to read it and hope I can find the next book in the series.
I loved the back story and seeing how they found one another again. It was a book I couldn't put down. I just wish I hadn't waited so long to read it and hope I can find the next book in the series.
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