What do you think?
Rate this book
Enchanted Places #1
After We Break
She was the girl.
The only girl.
The only girl I ever wanted.
The only girl I ever loved.
The only girl I could ever love.
And I killed it.
I destroyed it.
I threw her love away.
For nine years, I've kept the memory of her locked in the deepest corner of my heart...all the while hating myself for what I did to her.
To us.
Now, without warning, she's walked back into my life.
I'm covered in tats.
She's covered in Polo.
I write heavy metal songs.
She writes chick-lit.
My eyes are angry.
Her eyes are sad.
I still long for her with every fiber of my being.
But I have no idea if she feels the same.
I guess it's time to find out.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
After We Break is a standalone novel previously published as Playing for Love at Deep Haven.
**NOTE: This book contains scenes of detailed intimacy and liberal use of profanity. It is intended for readers 18+**
The only girl.
The only girl I ever wanted.
The only girl I ever loved.
The only girl I could ever love.
And I killed it.
I destroyed it.
I threw her love away.
For nine years, I've kept the memory of her locked in the deepest corner of my heart...all the while hating myself for what I did to her.
To us.
Now, without warning, she's walked back into my life.
I'm covered in tats.
She's covered in Polo.
I write heavy metal songs.
She writes chick-lit.
My eyes are angry.
Her eyes are sad.
I still long for her with every fiber of my being.
But I have no idea if she feels the same.
I guess it's time to find out.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
After We Break is a standalone novel previously published as Playing for Love at Deep Haven.
**NOTE: This book contains scenes of detailed intimacy and liberal use of profanity. It is intended for readers 18+**
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2014
470 people are currently reading
2324 people want to read
About the author
Katy Regnery
117 books4,273 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery has a heart for smart romance featuring strong women and decent men. Almost exclusively self-published, Katy claims authorship of over 60 titles, including three RITA® finalists. Translated into French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Turkish, Katy has sold over 1.8 million books worldwide.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
December 22, 2013
I can't even tell you all how much I loved writing this book. I hope you all enjoy reading it. :) xoxo
January 2, 2014
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! What can I say about this book?
I had read Katy's Heart of Montana books and was told that her Enchanted Places series was very different and written at "a moderate heat level". Since I grew up reading Harlequin Blaze books and other racier romance novels filled with sex scenes, I figured that Enchanted Places would be right up my alley.
However, Enchanted Places isn't just an ordinary romance novel. It's an emotional roller coaster put into words. Zach and Violet draw you into their world and into their hearts almost immediately and don't let you out until the end of the book. As previous reviews stated, you have to set aside a few hours to read this book. It can't be read in stages. I know this because I was up one night reading it until almost 7am and had to force myself to stop reading.
I did manage to put it down at one part because I got nervous. I became so invested in Zach and Violet's relationship that any potential threat to it made me nervous. Yes, most romance novels have happily ever afters; it's pretty much a given. The fun part is reading about how they get to that part. And boy, did they have a journey. There's one particular chapter where I actually started yelling "Shit! Shit! Shit!" because I was worried that they wouldn't make it.
What I mainly like about this book is that it's Zach and Violet's story and nobody else's. The other characters in this book such as Zach's twin sister and Violet's best friend only show up in a few scenes and don't steal focus from the main couple. In fact, they actually help advance the romance plot along. Like Bella Andre, Katy Regnery understands that best romance novels are those that focus mainly on the romance and don't devote equal time to multiple subplots and extra characters.
I can't wait to read Zach's twin sister Cora's story in September. I hope that her romance will be just as intense and mindblowing as her brother's.
Wow! What can I say about this book?
I had read Katy's Heart of Montana books and was told that her Enchanted Places series was very different and written at "a moderate heat level". Since I grew up reading Harlequin Blaze books and other racier romance novels filled with sex scenes, I figured that Enchanted Places would be right up my alley.
However, Enchanted Places isn't just an ordinary romance novel. It's an emotional roller coaster put into words. Zach and Violet draw you into their world and into their hearts almost immediately and don't let you out until the end of the book. As previous reviews stated, you have to set aside a few hours to read this book. It can't be read in stages. I know this because I was up one night reading it until almost 7am and had to force myself to stop reading.
I did manage to put it down at one part because I got nervous. I became so invested in Zach and Violet's relationship that any potential threat to it made me nervous. Yes, most romance novels have happily ever afters; it's pretty much a given. The fun part is reading about how they get to that part. And boy, did they have a journey. There's one particular chapter where I actually started yelling "Shit! Shit! Shit!" because I was worried that they wouldn't make it.
What I mainly like about this book is that it's Zach and Violet's story and nobody else's. The other characters in this book such as Zach's twin sister and Violet's best friend only show up in a few scenes and don't steal focus from the main couple. In fact, they actually help advance the romance plot along. Like Bella Andre, Katy Regnery understands that best romance novels are those that focus mainly on the romance and don't devote equal time to multiple subplots and extra characters.
I can't wait to read Zach's twin sister Cora's story in September. I hope that her romance will be just as intense and mindblowing as her brother's.
Read
January 11, 2014Stopped at 35%
Eff you, book slump!!
I'm sorry but I just can't get into it. I'm having a hard time connecting to the characters. When that happens, I'm pretty much done.
Or maybe I'm just not in the mood. I don't know whether I'll get back into it in the near future but for now, I'm done. No rating though.
*sigh*
Two DNFs for me already. Ugh. And it's only January. Double ugh.
Edit
I have to iterate that this is just my opinion. I would encourage you guys to try this one and see if it works for you. A lot of people have rated this 4 stars or higher, so before you make any decision, you might want to check their reviews too. :)
Eff you, book slump!!
I'm sorry but I just can't get into it. I'm having a hard time connecting to the characters. When that happens, I'm pretty much done.
Or maybe I'm just not in the mood. I don't know whether I'll get back into it in the near future but for now, I'm done. No rating though.
*sigh*
Two DNFs for me already. Ugh. And it's only January. Double ugh.
Edit
I have to iterate that this is just my opinion. I would encourage you guys to try this one and see if it works for you. A lot of people have rated this 4 stars or higher, so before you make any decision, you might want to check their reviews too. :)
December 25, 2013
So many emotions. You're up, you're down, you're frustrated with one, then the other, you feel sorry for a dead guy and want to kick an old man with arthritis in the balls. All in the same book. You had better carve out several hours for this, because this is not a book you want to take several days reading.
It went by too fast, but the payoff was great. That just means I get to read it again.
I usually hate flashbacks because most authors who use this technique do so randomly, which interrupts the flow, or they spend soo long on the past, they forget to flesh out the present. This author carries it off beautifully. The flashbacks make sense, and they are so vivid, it's like you are getting two stories for the price of one.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It went by too fast, but the payoff was great. That just means I get to read it again.
I usually hate flashbacks because most authors who use this technique do so randomly, which interrupts the flow, or they spend soo long on the past, they forget to flesh out the present. This author carries it off beautifully. The flashbacks make sense, and they are so vivid, it's like you are getting two stories for the price of one.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2014
I want to thank the author for asking me to read “Playing for Love at Deep Haven” in exchange for an honest review! I've read and enjoyed (a lot, actually) the previous books from this author, BUT THIS BOOK??? Whoa. Just. Whoa. Playing for love has an edge to it. A sexy, sexy edge. With the Hero of the book portrayed as this bad-ass songwriter/rocker, whose body is beautifully sculpted – both by muscles and tattoos – and he has the long shaggy hair, long enough to tie back off his shoulders going on for him.. Come on, how many of us had or STILL has a major crush on a musician (or 5...10..) Well, after reading this book, I'm crushing something fierce for Zachariah “Z” Aubrey..
Not only did I enjoy (love) Zach, but I really, really liked Violets character as well. She's free-spirited, smart, witty, sexy, and confident. Although it doesn't seem like all of those in the beginning of the book, but as Zach slowly helps her re-discover herself, she totally owns all of those traits! And the way that he does help her remember who she once was, was really...really, hot!
This book is FULL of real, raw passion, that will leave your emotions all mushy inside after you've finished reading it. The world that Ms. Regnery draws us into is 100 % perfect and flawless. Her characters feel so real, that it's easy to believe they could exist! I'm sure somewhere out there, a couple like Zach and Violet have gone thru this exact same scenario, and hopefully it worked out as beautifully as theirs had.
Playing for Love is a great romance novel about two people who once loved each other, but were separated by an unfortunate mishap, then, 9 years later, they find themselves as victims of a beautifully crafted fate, and are brought together once again. This story also conveys a great message that I wish more people would get. No matter what you look like on the outside, it's who you are on the inside, that matters. There were a lot of times in this book that I saw that message shouted out to us readers. Yes, one of the main characters of the book has tattoos, and long punk-rock hair, and wears a bunch of gothic jewelry. But take a look at the character we got to know!!! He's a softhearted man who's passionate about what he loves! Then you have the other main character Violet, who in the beginning of the book goes from being Ms. Hoity Toity suburban-house-wife-material-like-woman from Greenwich, CT, back to her bohemian/beatnik free-spirited ways! No matter how she dressed or tried to talk like, she was still the same woman that Zach fell in love with while they were in college.
Bravo getting that message across to your readers Katy! :)
If you love second-chance love stories, regaining your trust and beliefs in someone, be sure to read this one!!! It's a goodie for sure!
Not only did I enjoy (love) Zach, but I really, really liked Violets character as well. She's free-spirited, smart, witty, sexy, and confident. Although it doesn't seem like all of those in the beginning of the book, but as Zach slowly helps her re-discover herself, she totally owns all of those traits! And the way that he does help her remember who she once was, was really...really, hot!
This book is FULL of real, raw passion, that will leave your emotions all mushy inside after you've finished reading it. The world that Ms. Regnery draws us into is 100 % perfect and flawless. Her characters feel so real, that it's easy to believe they could exist! I'm sure somewhere out there, a couple like Zach and Violet have gone thru this exact same scenario, and hopefully it worked out as beautifully as theirs had.
Playing for Love is a great romance novel about two people who once loved each other, but were separated by an unfortunate mishap, then, 9 years later, they find themselves as victims of a beautifully crafted fate, and are brought together once again. This story also conveys a great message that I wish more people would get. No matter what you look like on the outside, it's who you are on the inside, that matters. There were a lot of times in this book that I saw that message shouted out to us readers. Yes, one of the main characters of the book has tattoos, and long punk-rock hair, and wears a bunch of gothic jewelry. But take a look at the character we got to know!!! He's a softhearted man who's passionate about what he loves! Then you have the other main character Violet, who in the beginning of the book goes from being Ms. Hoity Toity suburban-house-wife-material-like-woman from Greenwich, CT, back to her bohemian/beatnik free-spirited ways! No matter how she dressed or tried to talk like, she was still the same woman that Zach fell in love with while they were in college.
Bravo getting that message across to your readers Katy! :)
If you love second-chance love stories, regaining your trust and beliefs in someone, be sure to read this one!!! It's a goodie for sure!
Lines / Thoughts from the book that I love!
The scene in the beginning of the book, as Z's getting away from his hectic life in New York to vacation in a lodge up in Maine, and he throws his cell phone out the car window... I died at that!! The book had me for sure! :)
I loved how when Violet would catch Z looking into her cleavage, and then make a joke about it...too cute!
“Bet she could probably bounce a quarter off that ass.” – Violet deep in thought about Zach's tight ass!
The part where the author said in the book “Familiar like a forgotten song from long ago that takes you back to a moment the second you hear it.” – This happens to me all of the time, I loved that line!!!!
“Naw, that's bullshit. I know what I want” – Zach to Violet... *SWOOON* What I wouldn't give to have a man say those words to me!
I laughed out-loud when Zach said this to Violet! “Then I'll never leave you. I won't go out on the road, and we wont drink milk...” Okay, when you guys read this, that line will make a lot more sense, I promise!!!
...Okay, I have to make myself stop or I'll just copy/paste the whole damn book on here!!! LOL
Can't wait to read book 2, 3, 20 from this series and more!
January 20, 2014
I love second chance romances and Katy Regnery did not disappoint! I have quickly become a huge fan of hers! I absolutely loved everything about Zach and Violet’s story. To me, this is a must read!! It has amazing lead characters, an incredible and realistic plot, and a fantastic balance between steamy, heartbreaking, funny, and ‘angsty’ scenes.
Zach broke Violet’s heart all those nine years ago, yet neither of them had been able to move past it. And now, fate had brought them face-to-face in quite the amazing way. They were both ‘stuck’ in the same, huge house in the middle of nowhere in Maine, for at least days… or so it started off that way. Violet was hell bent on getting a room in the nearest hotel as soon as a vacancy was available. Getting her heart broken by Zach once was more than enough to last her a lifetime. She was not looking to rehash things with him. But Zach had other plans. He wanted to prove to her that what they had, what they felt, was still very much there. Even if he had screwed things up in the past.
We quickly see how their personalities clash. It honestly took them a while to come around and accept these ‘new’ versions of them. Zach was no longer the quiet, mega talented guy who wrote/played beautiful songs, but rather a hot, toned, tattooed musician that wrote songs for a heavy metal band. Violet wasn’t the laid back poetry writer anymore. She was a novelist currently struggling with writers block causing her to have problems with her contract. This didn’t sit well with either. They both knew just how truly talented the other person was and felt like they were settling for these new jobs they had. I loved seeing how they brought out the best in each other.
The chemistry between these two was hot… and I don’t only mean sexually. *wink* They connected in a way that as a reader, I felt as if no time had passed since the last time they had been together. But… that wasn’t the reality of their situation. Almost a decade had passed and hearts were still broken. Violet had a hard time trusting that Zach wouldn’t hurt her again….that he wouldn’t walk out of her life. And although I can’t really blame her, there were moments I wanted to shake Violet. To me, Zach was just...perfect. I could tell he was head-over-heals in love with Violet and meant every single word when he kept telling her he wasn’t letting her go this time. I was so anxious for her to give into what I knew deep down she wanted…Zach.
I abso-freaking-lutely loved the ending. I literally had the biggest smile across my face. In my opinion, it was just the perfect ending for Zach and Violet. I can’t wait for the next book, which is Cora’s story (Zach’s sister). I’m hoping we get more of Zach and Violet, of course. Although I’m sure I will be engrossed in that story line as well. I said this once and I will say it again, Katy Regnery, I’M A FAN. Go buy this book!
“She lived persistently, achingly, in his heart, tormenting him in quiet moments. Losing her and her love was like a curse: He was convinced that it would take love to write beauty, and love had been elusive since he lost her.”
Zach broke Violet’s heart all those nine years ago, yet neither of them had been able to move past it. And now, fate had brought them face-to-face in quite the amazing way. They were both ‘stuck’ in the same, huge house in the middle of nowhere in Maine, for at least days… or so it started off that way. Violet was hell bent on getting a room in the nearest hotel as soon as a vacancy was available. Getting her heart broken by Zach once was more than enough to last her a lifetime. She was not looking to rehash things with him. But Zach had other plans. He wanted to prove to her that what they had, what they felt, was still very much there. Even if he had screwed things up in the past.
We quickly see how their personalities clash. It honestly took them a while to come around and accept these ‘new’ versions of them. Zach was no longer the quiet, mega talented guy who wrote/played beautiful songs, but rather a hot, toned, tattooed musician that wrote songs for a heavy metal band. Violet wasn’t the laid back poetry writer anymore. She was a novelist currently struggling with writers block causing her to have problems with her contract. This didn’t sit well with either. They both knew just how truly talented the other person was and felt like they were settling for these new jobs they had. I loved seeing how they brought out the best in each other.
“Violet-like-the-flower, it was always you for me.”
The chemistry between these two was hot… and I don’t only mean sexually. *wink* They connected in a way that as a reader, I felt as if no time had passed since the last time they had been together. But… that wasn’t the reality of their situation. Almost a decade had passed and hearts were still broken. Violet had a hard time trusting that Zach wouldn’t hurt her again….that he wouldn’t walk out of her life. And although I can’t really blame her, there were moments I wanted to shake Violet. To me, Zach was just...perfect. I could tell he was head-over-heals in love with Violet and meant every single word when he kept telling her he wasn’t letting her go this time. I was so anxious for her to give into what I knew deep down she wanted…Zach.
“I love you. I’ve always loved you. And I’ll go on loving you until I don’t anymore.”
I abso-freaking-lutely loved the ending. I literally had the biggest smile across my face. In my opinion, it was just the perfect ending for Zach and Violet. I can’t wait for the next book, which is Cora’s story (Zach’s sister). I’m hoping we get more of Zach and Violet, of course. Although I’m sure I will be engrossed in that story line as well. I said this once and I will say it again, Katy Regnery, I’M A FAN. Go buy this book!
“You’re my forever, Violet.”
January 2, 2014
This is the first book in what should be an incredible series by Katy Regnery. Playing for Love is an emotional second chance story that will have you laughing, crying, and reading way past bedtime!! After nine years fate steps in to bring Zach and Violet back together. College friends turned lovers have never forgotten each other but they are both so different now and past hurts run deep. You definitely want to read their incredible story. Recommended for everyone 18+
May 1, 2018
What kind of masochist would take part in this? Apparently the answer seems to point back to me.
Having been scorched and thoroughly burnt by a book I read recently, I fell back into what appears to be the exact plot and trope rehashed here, which left me beyond incredulous and unimpressed with the compendium of clichés and the laughably predictable behaviour of protagonists who simply acted the way I thought they would.
I’m tempted to sentence the second-chance romance to the death penalty.
Katy Regnery’s ‘After We Break’ is essentially an exercise in grovelling, where a decade ago, a scared-of-true-love male hero runs away from a woman declaring her love. Fast forward this nearly 10 years, the woman moves on with 1 man for a long time and the hero devolves into a tatted, metal-loving songwriting manwhore who has never forgotten his mistake and the first love that he can't acknowledge.
I don’t think there’s much more to say as I skimmed through cliché after cliché where both characters have apparently never stopped loving each other, where a spineless heroine, despite her reservations, falls back into bed with the hero because he’s hot and can’t resist his newly-formed rough-edged sex appeal. The latter spends most of the time trying to convince her of his love as well as the idea of fate bringing them back together, when all along, never quite satisfactorily addresses the idea he would have been happy going on not searching for her or fighting for what he supposedly always wanted.
Believability, apart from being the core issue, ranks low on my scale here, more so when all I got was immense frustration with a malleable, weak-ish ‘heroine’ (who couldn’t move on from him properly) and an even weaker ‘hero’ (who downplays his numerous flings and then has the nerve to accuse the former of having slept with her boyfriend for years) whom I thought were better apart.
Having been scorched and thoroughly burnt by a book I read recently, I fell back into what appears to be the exact plot and trope rehashed here, which left me beyond incredulous and unimpressed with the compendium of clichés and the laughably predictable behaviour of protagonists who simply acted the way I thought they would.
I’m tempted to sentence the second-chance romance to the death penalty.
Katy Regnery’s ‘After We Break’ is essentially an exercise in grovelling, where a decade ago, a scared-of-true-love male hero runs away from a woman declaring her love. Fast forward this nearly 10 years, the woman moves on with 1 man for a long time and the hero devolves into a tatted, metal-loving songwriting manwhore who has never forgotten his mistake and the first love that he can't acknowledge.
I don’t think there’s much more to say as I skimmed through cliché after cliché where both characters have apparently never stopped loving each other, where a spineless heroine, despite her reservations, falls back into bed with the hero because he’s hot and can’t resist his newly-formed rough-edged sex appeal. The latter spends most of the time trying to convince her of his love as well as the idea of fate bringing them back together, when all along, never quite satisfactorily addresses the idea he would have been happy going on not searching for her or fighting for what he supposedly always wanted.
Believability, apart from being the core issue, ranks low on my scale here, more so when all I got was immense frustration with a malleable, weak-ish ‘heroine’ (who couldn’t move on from him properly) and an even weaker ‘hero’ (who downplays his numerous flings and then has the nerve to accuse the former of having slept with her boyfriend for years) whom I thought were better apart.
December 29, 2013
A book full of emotions, amazing. Violet and Zach are two characters you can relate to, real. This is a second chance love story between two people that hurt each other, and made the wrong choice. After several years apart, fate works its magic, and they met again, but, as in real life, only trust and true love that never die, will bring forgiveness. For V and Z the way to happiness is not easy, they need to forget the past, to forgive themselves and each other, learn to trust and love again. A book you won't be able to close till the end.
December 27, 2013
Playing for love at deep haven is the first book in Katy Regnery's Enchanted Places series. You will fall in love with this book unforgettable love reunites the two main characters to the same small town for two different reasons where they both have rented the same place without knowing of course one leaves to find another place to stay but are they willing to let the past go to continue with their future together. There is ups and downs between the two main characters but are they willing to rekindle old love.? You have to read to find out. Can't wait for the 2nd book in this series so loved it recommended read for sure. Katy does it again this is the third book I have read of her's and it was amazing like the rest.
July 23, 2016
If you’ve read anything by Katy you know she has written two sweet Christmas romances based on a small town in Montana. I fell in love with her writing and couldn’t wait to read her newest release. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Playing for Love at Deep Haven for an honest review. Katy warned me beforehand that this one had a little more heat, and she wasn’t kidding. This is a great story of second chance love, but be prepared for a lot of steamy scenes and course language. I always love a second chance love story where two people find their way back to each other and discover the love that they lost. This story seemed a little darker with more angst than I was expecting, but it worked with these characters. At times I struggled to feel the connection between the two characters, and felt their physical relationship sometimes over shadowed their emotional relationship, but overall the story kept my attention and I didn’t want to put it down until I was finished. If you’re looking for a steamier story to keep you warm this winter, you will definitely enjoy Katy’s newest release.
January 12, 2014
THIS! This is what a good romance looks like! Real characters, warts and all, with will hangups and setbacks and a romance that doesn't move in a straight line, but suffers all the twists and turns of real life.
Characters who say and do stupid things, making mistakes, misunderstanding words, gestures, actions and leading with their heart, battered and damaged as it may be, just for a chance to take back what they think they lost. There's nothing fabricated or cliche, nothing that rings untrue about the painful, sweet, awkward way in which Zach and Violet find their way through the mine-field of their lives. The dialogue, the romance and the passion are visceral, realistic and flawlessly crafted.
I was pleasantly surprised by both the heat of the romance and the depth of the emotions, both reaching levels far beyond Katy's other books (By Proxy and Christmas Wish). This is, in no way shape or form, a negative comparison. Rather, it's a nod to the skill of an author who can craft both a complex and compelling tale as this, as well as a light, truly bright and sweet (though not saccharine) tale of first love.
Kudo's to Katy, and I look forward to your next work!
Characters who say and do stupid things, making mistakes, misunderstanding words, gestures, actions and leading with their heart, battered and damaged as it may be, just for a chance to take back what they think they lost. There's nothing fabricated or cliche, nothing that rings untrue about the painful, sweet, awkward way in which Zach and Violet find their way through the mine-field of their lives. The dialogue, the romance and the passion are visceral, realistic and flawlessly crafted.
I was pleasantly surprised by both the heat of the romance and the depth of the emotions, both reaching levels far beyond Katy's other books (By Proxy and Christmas Wish). This is, in no way shape or form, a negative comparison. Rather, it's a nod to the skill of an author who can craft both a complex and compelling tale as this, as well as a light, truly bright and sweet (though not saccharine) tale of first love.
Kudo's to Katy, and I look forward to your next work!
January 10, 2014
This is a story of second chance love. Is it fate or want for Zach and Violet . It will take you an emotional roller coaster with flashbacks from their college days. I would get so bad at both of the characters, that I would just want to shake them. Then there would be good times, to bring smiles to my face. So much of the story was PCP- practice, compose and perform in bed and out of bed. Loved it.
This is the first in the Enchanted Places series,looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is the first in the Enchanted Places series,looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 26, 2013
Do second chances at love really exist? Can two people overcome the terrible hurt they caused one another to love again? This is a fantastic story of learning to trust yourself and each other to heal years of hurt, longing, confusion and a love that never died. Loved this book and look forward to more in the Enchanted Places series by the wonderful author Katy Regnery. Her stories take you in and hold you captivated through the entire story.
Revived ARC for review
Revived ARC for review
January 10, 2014
Violet, writer and poet... and Zach, musician and songwriter… were college sweethearts. Fate throws them back together nine years later, and the embers of their young love quickly ignite to form a raging inferno. “ Playing for Love at Deep Haven” is a lovely story that explores the lives, feelings, and fears of Violet and Zach-both from their past and their present in a charming, fun, easy to read style. It is readily apparent the author is a musician and poet (or did extensive research) as both are included within the story in an integral manner adding even more realism and charm to an already wonderfully descriptive and highly enjoyable novel. Music lovers will find this book a real treat! Actually, I can’t think of anyone that would not enjoy reading it!! Be aware, it does contain descriptive sexual language and would not be appropriate for young people. While these scenes are very descriptive and realistic, they are not in any manner pornographic in nature. I highly enjoyed this book. Ms Regnery has done her job well- I found myself wishing I could spend much more time with Violet and Zach!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2013
I loved this book. Playing for love at deep haven is the first book in Katy Regnery's Enchanted Places series. I really loved the characters in this book. They are very true to life. I felt like I could relate to the circumstances of their relationship. Playing for love at deep haven is a sweet yet at times an emotional story that you won't be able to put down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a romance lover or a fan of Katy's. She never disappoints.
November 18, 2017
I listened to the audio version of this story. It was an okay read for me, second chance love between two people who met at college, fell in love, parted ways and then fate throws them back together 10 years later.
They have both had very different lives since the last saw each other but the only thing that has remained constant is their love for each other.
They have both had very different lives since the last saw each other but the only thing that has remained constant is their love for each other.
January 11, 2014
When I started reading this book, I could see the formulaic aspect of it immediately and I worried that the book would be impossible to finish. Once I put aside that thought and allowed myself to enjoy the book, I actually finished it in one evening. The writing is well done. While not needing a dictionary beside me to look up unknown words, it did not talk down to me. The interspersion of poetry is a really nice touch, as is the addition of lyrics from a variety of musicians. For many of the references I ended up looking up the songs that were mentioned to listen to later and I really feel they added a depth to the book that was otherwise missing. The music references also helped to tie the story line together.
The romantic scenes fit in well to the story line, and did not feel uncomfortable like some other books I've read. The dialog and words used conveyed the actions but still left enough to the imagination.
The character development was clear and I felt that with a few changes, I could be Violet. I appreciated learning more about Zach from his point of view and found myself growing attached to him. I cheered for him when he made a smart move, and grumbled at him when he took a mis-step. Admittedly I have a fondness for bad boys and was really hoping for the best and I was not disappointed.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from Katy Regnery.
The romantic scenes fit in well to the story line, and did not feel uncomfortable like some other books I've read. The dialog and words used conveyed the actions but still left enough to the imagination.
The character development was clear and I felt that with a few changes, I could be Violet. I appreciated learning more about Zach from his point of view and found myself growing attached to him. I cheered for him when he made a smart move, and grumbled at him when he took a mis-step. Admittedly I have a fondness for bad boys and was really hoping for the best and I was not disappointed.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from Katy Regnery.
December 27, 2013
Playing for Love at Deep Haven (Enchanted Places, Book 1) was an AMAZING story of possible second chances, Love and Honor. While I was reading this book, I was so entralled in the story line. I hated to have interupptions while I was trying to read it. I was ON EDGE through the whole book trying to anticipate what would happen next and what they would choose to do. It is a real life possiblity love triangle type story. I was soooo impressed with the way this book was written.
The heart knows what the heart wants. And sometimes fighting the heart is a winning battle, but sometimes its a losing battle.
I believe that everyone should read this excellent book. I WILL be recommending this book to anyone who will listen to me!
The heart knows what the heart wants. And sometimes fighting the heart is a winning battle, but sometimes its a losing battle.
I believe that everyone should read this excellent book. I WILL be recommending this book to anyone who will listen to me!
January 7, 2014
I loved this book. It has strong characters and a strong plot. You can relate to the story line. You feel as if you are going through what Violet and Zach are. You experience many emotions reading this, love, anger, desire. There were a few moments where I just shook my head and thought no way, not again. Pick up a copy, you will not be disappointed. Each book I read by Katy Regnery just gets better and better. It is time well spent.
July 24, 2016
What a great book! This was so much deeper and more moving than your standard romance novel. I was transported back to college and felt like I knew these characters. I will definitely be reading more of Katy Regnery's work!
January 5, 2014
ARC generously provided from publisher via NetGalley for honest review.
Violet Smith and Zach Aubrey have history…
…the kind of history he regrets and she wishes she could forget.
Everyone remembers their first love, and their first heart break. Unfortunately for Violet and Zach they are the same for each other. Violet fell for Zach at Yale and even though nine years have past she has never been able to forget him or get over her love for him. What is even worse is that the pain he caused changed her, closing off her heart and her true self.
Zach has lived with the regret of walking away from Violet after she told him she loved him. It isn't that he didn't love her it just scared him because love truly was a completely new feeling for him. Violet was the first person to ever say those words to him and he freaked out. When he realized what he lost it was too late, she had already moved on, so Zach transferred so he wouldn't have to see her any more. Nine years later Zach is a successful songwriter and back up guitarist and determined to fulfill his dream of writing a rock musical. It hurts being in Deep Haven because it all brings back memories of Violet but the last thing he expects is to see her again.
Violet is having a tough time. Her boyfriend was killed in an accident over a year ago and she is stuck. She wrote her first novel and it did pretty well but now she is faced with the deadline of the follow up novel and she has the worst case of writers block ever. She thinks an escape for a couple of weeks in the quite of Deep Haven is just what she needs. She is never more shocked then when she finds out the house she rented is also going to be occupied by the man who broke her heart.
Zach sees this chance encounter as fates way of correcting past mistakes, Violet sees it as opening past wounds. Can Violet get past the hurt and find Zach again and can Zach break through Violet to make her see they belong together?
I think everyone can relate to a first love heart break story. And as much as I wanted these two to work out I will admit I wanted Zach to feel a little pain in order to make up for past hurts. What is wonderful is seeing how even though Zach and Violet have grown apart and changed they are still internally the same people and they help bring out the best in each other. It is a really sweet story of first and everlasting love that you just have to cheer for. Violet must determine if she can trust Zach again as well as forgiving herself for never truly loving Shep (her dead boyfriend) the way that he deserved. Zach is willing to do whatever it takes to make all Violet's dreams come true no matter what the cost. He knows she is it for him and he will do whatever it takes and wait for as long as necessary. This is really a full circle story and it was a fun ride to be a part of.
Violet Smith and Zach Aubrey have history…
…the kind of history he regrets and she wishes she could forget.
Everyone remembers their first love, and their first heart break. Unfortunately for Violet and Zach they are the same for each other. Violet fell for Zach at Yale and even though nine years have past she has never been able to forget him or get over her love for him. What is even worse is that the pain he caused changed her, closing off her heart and her true self.
Zach has lived with the regret of walking away from Violet after she told him she loved him. It isn't that he didn't love her it just scared him because love truly was a completely new feeling for him. Violet was the first person to ever say those words to him and he freaked out. When he realized what he lost it was too late, she had already moved on, so Zach transferred so he wouldn't have to see her any more. Nine years later Zach is a successful songwriter and back up guitarist and determined to fulfill his dream of writing a rock musical. It hurts being in Deep Haven because it all brings back memories of Violet but the last thing he expects is to see her again.
Violet is having a tough time. Her boyfriend was killed in an accident over a year ago and she is stuck. She wrote her first novel and it did pretty well but now she is faced with the deadline of the follow up novel and she has the worst case of writers block ever. She thinks an escape for a couple of weeks in the quite of Deep Haven is just what she needs. She is never more shocked then when she finds out the house she rented is also going to be occupied by the man who broke her heart.
Zach sees this chance encounter as fates way of correcting past mistakes, Violet sees it as opening past wounds. Can Violet get past the hurt and find Zach again and can Zach break through Violet to make her see they belong together?
I think everyone can relate to a first love heart break story. And as much as I wanted these two to work out I will admit I wanted Zach to feel a little pain in order to make up for past hurts. What is wonderful is seeing how even though Zach and Violet have grown apart and changed they are still internally the same people and they help bring out the best in each other. It is a really sweet story of first and everlasting love that you just have to cheer for. Violet must determine if she can trust Zach again as well as forgiving herself for never truly loving Shep (her dead boyfriend) the way that he deserved. Zach is willing to do whatever it takes to make all Violet's dreams come true no matter what the cost. He knows she is it for him and he will do whatever it takes and wait for as long as necessary. This is really a full circle story and it was a fun ride to be a part of.
January 10, 2014
Playing for Love at Deep Haven. Katy Regnery
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I was a teen in the 70's, and at weekends there was always a live band playing somewhere, even in the tiny rural area I lived. So anything with rock bands and romance gets a second look, and this sounded one I’d like....second chances, they always appeal too cos I like the thought of true love, fate and all that ( I know...I'm just a sap really!)
Anyway Violet meets Zach after nine years and... he's more than she remembered, stronger, harder, more bad boy than the loving friend and songwriter/composer she remembers from university. Violet – Zach recalls her as bohemian rebel girl, fantastic poet, best friend and lost love, not this tidied up, dull, conventional shadow she is now. By chance they're forced together again for a short while and ...the chemistry is still there, he still loves her though he couldn't admit it at the time, and she's never stopped loving him even though he broke her heart. Slowly they talk, and we see things from a different POV, he wasn't a hard hearted nightmare who left her, but someone frightened by the idea of being loved. He regrets leaving her, did so almost as soon as he'd done it, but was too late by the time he came to talk to her, she moved on..or so he thought. Now they've a second chance if they can just bring themselves to trust and take it. This time Zach's all in – but Violet struggles still with that past rejection.
There's some great moments here. Things that feel so real, the way events aren't always as we recall them, people aren't as they seem on the surface, but have different reasons for their actions to what we think. Lots to learn, lots to savour and all wrapped up in some hot, spicy, sensual love scenes. Well written, erotic ones too, not those eurgh ones too often seen. We could feel the love between the two – could they just get it together to realise it? And could Violet get by the past, even when it seems to be repeated? Its a lovely story, full of emotion and heartbreak, tears and laughter, real life and romance. One to wallow in and enjoy.
Stars: four and a half.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I was a teen in the 70's, and at weekends there was always a live band playing somewhere, even in the tiny rural area I lived. So anything with rock bands and romance gets a second look, and this sounded one I’d like....second chances, they always appeal too cos I like the thought of true love, fate and all that ( I know...I'm just a sap really!)
Anyway Violet meets Zach after nine years and... he's more than she remembered, stronger, harder, more bad boy than the loving friend and songwriter/composer she remembers from university. Violet – Zach recalls her as bohemian rebel girl, fantastic poet, best friend and lost love, not this tidied up, dull, conventional shadow she is now. By chance they're forced together again for a short while and ...the chemistry is still there, he still loves her though he couldn't admit it at the time, and she's never stopped loving him even though he broke her heart. Slowly they talk, and we see things from a different POV, he wasn't a hard hearted nightmare who left her, but someone frightened by the idea of being loved. He regrets leaving her, did so almost as soon as he'd done it, but was too late by the time he came to talk to her, she moved on..or so he thought. Now they've a second chance if they can just bring themselves to trust and take it. This time Zach's all in – but Violet struggles still with that past rejection.
There's some great moments here. Things that feel so real, the way events aren't always as we recall them, people aren't as they seem on the surface, but have different reasons for their actions to what we think. Lots to learn, lots to savour and all wrapped up in some hot, spicy, sensual love scenes. Well written, erotic ones too, not those eurgh ones too often seen. We could feel the love between the two – could they just get it together to realise it? And could Violet get by the past, even when it seems to be repeated? Its a lovely story, full of emotion and heartbreak, tears and laughter, real life and romance. One to wallow in and enjoy.
Stars: four and a half.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
January 24, 2014
Such an amazing and beautiful book. Full review to come during my blog tour stop on Jan. 21st.
Review:
This is a beautiful, realistic story of first loves and second chances.
Unlike a lot of the popular romances out now, Playing for Love is a more realistic take on college sweethearts that ended their relationship on a bad note only to have fate step in and reconnect them.
Violet, like the flower, and Zach's story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. As college friends they had one passionate night that led to powerful declarations and hurtful reactions leading to the demise of their relationship all together.
Though they've both moved on, neither have been able to forget each other. When fate throws them together Zach decides that he won't let Violet, AKA Vile, slip through his fingers yet again. Violet wants to resist him but the pull of their strong feelings is too strong.
"What we have? It's beautiful and it's real and it's the truth, and yes, it's fucking terrifying, Vile, but we can make it work. I want to make it work because two months with you was worth the nine years of emptiness that came after."
Will they be able to put their past behind them and find their ever after?
This book is a perfect example of why Katy Regnery has quickly become one of my favorite authors. In addition to being one of the sweetest ladies I've never met in person, girl can write!! This book is a little "steamier" than her Heart of Montana series books but all of them are extremely well written. Katy just has a knack for drawing you in and putting you smack dab in the middle of the story. One of my favorite parts of this book is that, while there are brief scenes with supporting characters, this is truly Zach and Violet's story.
This is the first in her new series Enchanted Places but if this is the type of writing and original plotting that we have to look forward to then the best book can't come out soon enough!
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review:
This is a beautiful, realistic story of first loves and second chances.
Unlike a lot of the popular romances out now, Playing for Love is a more realistic take on college sweethearts that ended their relationship on a bad note only to have fate step in and reconnect them.
Violet, like the flower, and Zach's story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. As college friends they had one passionate night that led to powerful declarations and hurtful reactions leading to the demise of their relationship all together.
Though they've both moved on, neither have been able to forget each other. When fate throws them together Zach decides that he won't let Violet, AKA Vile, slip through his fingers yet again. Violet wants to resist him but the pull of their strong feelings is too strong.
"What we have? It's beautiful and it's real and it's the truth, and yes, it's fucking terrifying, Vile, but we can make it work. I want to make it work because two months with you was worth the nine years of emptiness that came after."
Will they be able to put their past behind them and find their ever after?
This book is a perfect example of why Katy Regnery has quickly become one of my favorite authors. In addition to being one of the sweetest ladies I've never met in person, girl can write!! This book is a little "steamier" than her Heart of Montana series books but all of them are extremely well written. Katy just has a knack for drawing you in and putting you smack dab in the middle of the story. One of my favorite parts of this book is that, while there are brief scenes with supporting characters, this is truly Zach and Violet's story.
This is the first in her new series Enchanted Places but if this is the type of writing and original plotting that we have to look forward to then the best book can't come out soon enough!
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2014
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My reaction after finishing Playing for Love at Deep Haven--- WHOA! And I didn't mean it in a negative.
This book is amazing!
I love all of Katy's work so far, but I have to say this one is definitely my favorite of hers.
The plot is brilliant. And I enjoyed Violet and (especially) Zach very much. I wasn't expecting a lot of steam in this novel, but oh boy does Katy bring it!
What I loved about this novel the most compared to Katy's other works is that I felt thoroughly engaged. All of Katy's books are amazing. But by "thoroughly engaged" I mean that I felt more emotionally invested in this one. I don't know about you. But I like having my emotions toyed with while reading a book. For me, it makes a book more enjoyable. I felt Violet's pain after discovering what Zach had done to her nine years earlier. And I felt how sorry Zach was for what he did and how much he truly loves her. There were moments where I wanted to tell Zach to slow down. And there were moments where I was frustrated because Violet couldn't say those three magical words. Even though my emotions were all over the places, I definitely was able to see how much Zach and Violet love each other.
Playing for Love at Deep Haven is the perfect story about a second chance at love. It's flawless.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
(Full review coming soon.)
My reaction after finishing Playing for Love at Deep Haven--- WHOA! And I didn't mean it in a negative.
This book is amazing!
I love all of Katy's work so far, but I have to say this one is definitely my favorite of hers.
The plot is brilliant. And I enjoyed Violet and (especially) Zach very much. I wasn't expecting a lot of steam in this novel, but oh boy does Katy bring it!
What I loved about this novel the most compared to Katy's other works is that I felt thoroughly engaged. All of Katy's books are amazing. But by "thoroughly engaged" I mean that I felt more emotionally invested in this one. I don't know about you. But I like having my emotions toyed with while reading a book. For me, it makes a book more enjoyable. I felt Violet's pain after discovering what Zach had done to her nine years earlier. And I felt how sorry Zach was for what he did and how much he truly loves her. There were moments where I wanted to tell Zach to slow down. And there were moments where I was frustrated because Violet couldn't say those three magical words. Even though my emotions were all over the places, I definitely was able to see how much Zach and Violet love each other.
Playing for Love at Deep Haven is the perfect story about a second chance at love. It's flawless.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
(Full review coming soon.)
January 9, 2014
During her time at Yale, Violet Smith was a free spirit in love with writing poetry who interweaved herself into Zack Aubrey’s life one night by happenstance. He was the musical boy genius who lived down the hall. They became fast friends who did everything together. One weekend while on campus alone, they took things to another level when they slept together. After professing her feelings for him, Zach promptly rejected Violet and broke her heart.
Fast forward nine years life for both has changed drastically. Violet is now a chick lit author with a case of writer’s block and a looming deadline. She has lost much of her individuality after Zach left her. In college, she rebounded with an all American frat boy and began to conform in dress and behavior to that of his waspy family. After his death in an accident a year prior, she struggles to work and live having lost herself long before that. She sets off for time away at a secluded beach house hoping to write a book that just isn’t inspired.
Zach transferred out of Yale after destroying his relationship with Violet. It wasn’t that he didn’t love her he just didn’t know how to handle the feelings he had. Having grown up in an emotionally abusive situation where he was treated as a commodity instead of a child due to his remarkable musical talent, he just couldn’t handle the sentiments of what was happening. Now he writes songs for heavy metal bands and occasionally tours as a musician. In order to entice him to continue writing songs, his boss has sent Zach to his beach house for time away to fulfill his dream of writing a rock musical.
Their intersection of fate at the house sets off a chain of events and emotions paralleling none other. Zach sees this as his second chance to secure the one that got away but he never got past but to do that he first must regain Violet’s trust. He quickly recognizes she’s not the same woman she used to be. She has walled up her emotions, not believing she could survive another shattered heart.
There are numerous flashbacks threaded within and normally I’d find that distracting but in this case was necessary to understand the whole narrative. Another thing I found interesting is this story is truly focused on Violet and Zach with few interactions among secondary characters. Many other books, especially those which will be series, tend to lean heavily on supporting individuals to weave them into the series but this one does not follow that typical technique.
This story is intensely emotional and you won’t be able to put it down. It’s filled with drama, contention, and love. There are moments of utter romance and sweetness as well as those of wanting better decisions the second time around. It is something people can relate to… especially those with regrets of love lost. Finally Playing for Love at Deep Haven gives hope for a second chance at love.
4.5 stars
~ARC received in exchange for honest review.~
Fast forward nine years life for both has changed drastically. Violet is now a chick lit author with a case of writer’s block and a looming deadline. She has lost much of her individuality after Zach left her. In college, she rebounded with an all American frat boy and began to conform in dress and behavior to that of his waspy family. After his death in an accident a year prior, she struggles to work and live having lost herself long before that. She sets off for time away at a secluded beach house hoping to write a book that just isn’t inspired.
Zach transferred out of Yale after destroying his relationship with Violet. It wasn’t that he didn’t love her he just didn’t know how to handle the feelings he had. Having grown up in an emotionally abusive situation where he was treated as a commodity instead of a child due to his remarkable musical talent, he just couldn’t handle the sentiments of what was happening. Now he writes songs for heavy metal bands and occasionally tours as a musician. In order to entice him to continue writing songs, his boss has sent Zach to his beach house for time away to fulfill his dream of writing a rock musical.
Their intersection of fate at the house sets off a chain of events and emotions paralleling none other. Zach sees this as his second chance to secure the one that got away but he never got past but to do that he first must regain Violet’s trust. He quickly recognizes she’s not the same woman she used to be. She has walled up her emotions, not believing she could survive another shattered heart.
There are numerous flashbacks threaded within and normally I’d find that distracting but in this case was necessary to understand the whole narrative. Another thing I found interesting is this story is truly focused on Violet and Zach with few interactions among secondary characters. Many other books, especially those which will be series, tend to lean heavily on supporting individuals to weave them into the series but this one does not follow that typical technique.
This story is intensely emotional and you won’t be able to put it down. It’s filled with drama, contention, and love. There are moments of utter romance and sweetness as well as those of wanting better decisions the second time around. It is something people can relate to… especially those with regrets of love lost. Finally Playing for Love at Deep Haven gives hope for a second chance at love.
4.5 stars
~ARC received in exchange for honest review.~
May 25, 2014
I really just love reading stories about second chances. Zack and Violet's story is a journey about letting go of the past and grabbing on to the present, closing one door to open another. Theirs is an emotional journey, how lost love and broken hearts changes a person. I like the spark between Z and Vile, I like how different they are from one another yet at the same time perfectly compliment each other. This read was quite a bit steamier than the other books I've read by K.R., so those of you who like your romance pg here's your warning :) I read this book in about a day, it flowed well a flowery type of read, definitely on the keeper shelf. Can't wait for Cora's story!! Excellent writing Katy ^_^
http://thebookishchick.tumblr.com/pos...
http://thebookishchick.tumblr.com/pos...
January 5, 2014
I'll be upfront here, and say that i won this as an ARC in a competition. I'm VERY happy to have won it, too!! I loved loved loved this book!! I wish that I could un-read it and start again! I'm an inveterate skim-reader, and I can honestly say that I read every word of this story, I was so taken in with the lives of Zach and Violet. It was heart-breaking and heart-warming all at the same time. I'll be looking out for Cora and James' story when that comes out, that's for sure!
January 6, 2014
Playing for Love at Deep Haven
Enchanted Places Book One
Kate Regnery
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review by Net Galley.
Nine years ago Violet Smith was going to Yale and writing poetry, Zach Aubrey was also going to Yale and studying music, they lived on the same floor at the dorm, they spent all their free time together. They spent an unforgettable weekend together where the young first time lovers learned everything about each other. She professed her love, he ran.
Nine years later, he is writing music for heavy metal bands, and she is trying to write her second novel. Only thing is , her first novel was the story of their love. Serious writer's block now.
She has a friend that offers her a place to stay in Maine, He has a friend that offers him a place to stay in Maine, Two lovers from long ago that have not gotten over each other are now thrown together once more. He has changed, he has multiple piercings, many muscles and multiple tattoes, even if one of them is a flower in honour of her. She has changed, she is more preppy, snobby, has the illusion of being high maintenance instead of the carefree girl he remembers.
But oh, the chemistry is still there, they try to ignore it, but it sizzles, he broke her heart throwing her declarations of love back at her saying she was only a friend. He removes his piercings to try to make her happy. I just want to get to know you again.
There is so much hurt still there, so much that still needs to be talked about, that needs to be settled. They vow to explore these new feelings, to be honest with one another but it is hard. He has never had anyone besides her tell him that they loved him. She has never said the words to anyone else. He is eager to admit his mistakes and move on. She is scared and apprehensie. They are so different now. Can they possibley make it work? They still have so much in common, there are strong feelings there, they make beautiful music together, her writing, him playing. They are truly alive when around each other. Not hiding like they have been for so long and not truly living.
But, has too much time passed? Are they two different people now? They have different lives? Live in different cities, he is eager to love, she is scared to love.Will it be enough? Are they brave enough to put their hearts on the line again? To try to see where love will take them this time?
This was a beautiful love story. The feelings of the characters were expertly portrayed and I could easily relate to both of them. I was so eager for the two of them to get their happy ever after this time. There were a few conflicts and they added some interesting depth to the story. I loved they way her friend kept telling her to go for it. This story deserves a 4/5
Enchanted Places Book One
Kate Regnery
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review by Net Galley.
Nine years ago Violet Smith was going to Yale and writing poetry, Zach Aubrey was also going to Yale and studying music, they lived on the same floor at the dorm, they spent all their free time together. They spent an unforgettable weekend together where the young first time lovers learned everything about each other. She professed her love, he ran.
Nine years later, he is writing music for heavy metal bands, and she is trying to write her second novel. Only thing is , her first novel was the story of their love. Serious writer's block now.
She has a friend that offers her a place to stay in Maine, He has a friend that offers him a place to stay in Maine, Two lovers from long ago that have not gotten over each other are now thrown together once more. He has changed, he has multiple piercings, many muscles and multiple tattoes, even if one of them is a flower in honour of her. She has changed, she is more preppy, snobby, has the illusion of being high maintenance instead of the carefree girl he remembers.
But oh, the chemistry is still there, they try to ignore it, but it sizzles, he broke her heart throwing her declarations of love back at her saying she was only a friend. He removes his piercings to try to make her happy. I just want to get to know you again.
There is so much hurt still there, so much that still needs to be talked about, that needs to be settled. They vow to explore these new feelings, to be honest with one another but it is hard. He has never had anyone besides her tell him that they loved him. She has never said the words to anyone else. He is eager to admit his mistakes and move on. She is scared and apprehensie. They are so different now. Can they possibley make it work? They still have so much in common, there are strong feelings there, they make beautiful music together, her writing, him playing. They are truly alive when around each other. Not hiding like they have been for so long and not truly living.
But, has too much time passed? Are they two different people now? They have different lives? Live in different cities, he is eager to love, she is scared to love.Will it be enough? Are they brave enough to put their hearts on the line again? To try to see where love will take them this time?
This was a beautiful love story. The feelings of the characters were expertly portrayed and I could easily relate to both of them. I was so eager for the two of them to get their happy ever after this time. There were a few conflicts and they added some interesting depth to the story. I loved they way her friend kept telling her to go for it. This story deserves a 4/5
September 1, 2016
4.5 stars.
Extensive use of the F word.
Wow! Playing for Love at Deep Haven is INTENSE. Like, Falling fast and hard in love with your soulmate intense. And Kept these feelings buried for a decade and now they are at the surface all at once intense. And I ran away from myself a long time ago and now I want me back intense.
This book is like a musical composition that increases in intensity and volume until you all of a sudden find the book at forte and then fortissimo. When you think you’re hearing the biggest music you’ve ever heard, it quiets. Until Crescendo. Fortississimo. Amazing.
Violet made me remember what it’s like to be yourself when you’re not trying to meet other people’s expectations. Zach made me realize that not everyone knows how to be loved. I so wanted to know what happened next that I was reading as fast as can be, but then everything I read was so good that I’d go back and re-read to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I was in it 100%. I was inside Zach and Aubrey’s heads. I could hear the music, I could anticipate the poetry. I identified with the characters’ feelings, and I cried. Decrescendo. Piano. Pianissimo. Fine.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Extensive use of the F word.
Wow! Playing for Love at Deep Haven is INTENSE. Like, Falling fast and hard in love with your soulmate intense. And Kept these feelings buried for a decade and now they are at the surface all at once intense. And I ran away from myself a long time ago and now I want me back intense.
This book is like a musical composition that increases in intensity and volume until you all of a sudden find the book at forte and then fortissimo. When you think you’re hearing the biggest music you’ve ever heard, it quiets. Until Crescendo. Fortississimo. Amazing.
Violet made me remember what it’s like to be yourself when you’re not trying to meet other people’s expectations. Zach made me realize that not everyone knows how to be loved. I so wanted to know what happened next that I was reading as fast as can be, but then everything I read was so good that I’d go back and re-read to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I was in it 100%. I was inside Zach and Aubrey’s heads. I could hear the music, I could anticipate the poetry. I identified with the characters’ feelings, and I cried. Decrescendo. Piano. Pianissimo. Fine.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews