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Coming home to Crystal Lake was supposed to be a weekend pit-stop for NHL goalie, Travis Blackwell. But a run in with his ex-wife makes him think twice. And though it’s probably not a good idea considering their history—married too young, he’d been gone before the ink had dried on the divorce papers—he decides to stick around for the summer. Things are different now. He’s older. Not as wild. Some would say, even settled. He knows she's the one that got away, so he’s willing to overlook a few things. Like the fact she hates his guts and has every reason to. Call him crazy, but this hot shot goalie has just begun the game of his life.

And losing isn’t an option.

Ruby Montgomery is living the dream. Born on the wrong side of town, she now lives on the lake and owns a successful business. So what if it all sprang from blood money she’d gained in a divorce? From the outside it appeared she had everything, including a cute dog and a handsome boyfriend. Yet, all it takes is one look from Travis Blackwell and her world turns upside down. The heartache she’d buried, the pain she’d ignored, and the desire that never left—all of it was there, simmering beneath the surface, waiting to explode. Travis was the one man Ruby needed to stay away from. The only man who could break her. Again.

So why was she finding it so hard to stay away?

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First published October 30, 2017

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371 people want to read

About the author

Juliana Stone

70 books1,292 followers
Juliana Stone is also known as J.A. Stone.

USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.

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5 stars
135 (35%)
4 stars
150 (39%)
3 stars
77 (20%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Tianna✸loves books✸.
1,084 reviews
November 26, 2017
This is a second chance romance. Travis (H) and Ruby (h) were married. But he left her giving more importance to his career Hockey. And then they divorce. But now after 10 year, he is back. Not for her. But when he sees her again he starts to rethink and starts chasing her again for another chance. She obviously declines.

What I found strange is that Ruby has a boyfriend. But after the Hero enters the so called boyfriend is out of picture. There's just slight mention that she broke with him. That's it. The boyfriend just vanishes from the book.

Ruby is just okay. I liked that she didn't just accept his apology. She took her time.

And Travis. Well he was confusing. I mean he didn't even come for her . But the moment he sees her he wants her back. Wow. She didn't even crossed his thought for 10 years and suddenly he likes her again. That was hard to believe. Even if he didn't cheated, the scenario felt like he cheated. Only its hockey here and not any other girl. I wanted to smack him exactly like I would want to slap a cheater.

This is overall a good book. There's a little tragedy at the end. Nothing happens to the MCs. But
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,146 reviews59 followers
October 18, 2022
En emoji que describe mi reacción es :🙄

No es malo, está entretenido, pero es el más flojo de los 3.

Pensé que Honey era su media hermana.
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
January 19, 2019
I live in northern Michigan so this felt like author was writing about MY hometown. I liked the story although Ruby drove me crazy...and Travis really had grown up. I did excuse due to Ryder....she did have her plate full.
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
November 25, 2018
Hockey playing Travis Blackwell returns to Crystal Lake and has to face is worst mistake. The fact that his ex wife is just that his ex. He and Ruby had been too young and stupid to know how to handle all that life dealt them. Now everything is different and he plans to show Ruby just that. Recommended read
Profile Image for Brenda Pearson.
Author 6 books17 followers
June 9, 2018
When Travis came home for the summer, not knowing what to expect when he ran into his ex-wife. All those old feelings come face forward, after years of separation. The talk that never happens, is now keeping them from moving forward. But Travis is determined to rekindle the love they once had. The connection is still there but when Travis finally comes face to face with Ruby he knows that she still has a lot of anger in her and he knows she hates him for doing the wrong thing so many years ago. Ruby would rather forget about Travis Blackwell but she knows she cannot fight him, but it's on her terms. She will not give in easily hanging on to the past is lingering there she just doesn't want to get hurt by the one man that destroyed her once. Could she move on, and trust each other, will Travis be there for her when the time comes or will he run away? Second chance, will she take the route that is laid out for her or will she turn the other way and never look back.
Profile Image for Sumita Haldar.
27 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2017
This story had two of my favorite storyline second chance and hero/heroine from wrong-side-of-the- track. So obviously i wanted to read and boy did i had to wait for it.
Juliana Stone you really made us wait for this but then the wait was worth it.

Ruby and Travis fell in love when they were really young and got married and like most of the young love it came to an end and both were hurt by the fall out. I don't want to give out the reason. It is pretty obvious as you read but still explore it you will enjoy the journey.

They meet after 10 years and find that they still have feeling for each other. However as both have been hurt they are scared to take the plunge again.

So are they able to clarify the problems and get there HEA.. do read the book and find for yourself.
Profile Image for Suzie Weber.
1,011 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2021
Travis Blackwell and Ruby Montgomery were high school sweethearts. They married young, Travis was drafted into the NHL. Too much, too young, a pregnancy and a baby who didn’t live. Now ten years later they are both in Crystal Lake.

I liked Travis. He is grown up, admits his mistakes, realizes he gave Ruby his heart years ago and never got it back. Ruby I didn’t like. Her twin brother Ryder is an addict. Dad died an alcoholic, mom left them. Her glue isn’t working anymore. Travis is back and she’s angry, ugly, snarly. She’s made something of her life. Owns a great Spa, a beautiful house, has clothes and jewelry that still has the price tags on. This is not the well presented woman who has everything. She is a mess and won’t admit it making more messes.

169 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2018
WOW! Not sure how anyone could give this book 5 stars with the annoying female protagonist! I love this series and all the other series that Ms. Stone has written but this one was really bad. Ruby was a hater. Not saying she didn't have her reasons but she needed to put her big girl panties on and get on with it. Instead she chose to be miserable and make everyone around her miserable even though she managed to make something of herself. Wanted to slap her throughout the book and tell her to get over herself!!

Authors, please have some respect for yourselves and don't write protagonists like this - it's almost disrespectful for some of us.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,652 reviews51 followers
September 9, 2018
This is my second series by Ms. Stone and book # 2 as well as this one, left me wondering where are all the usual fireworks found in her stories. Quite disappointing. I get that Ruby is hurt by how Travis left to play professional hockey when she needed him most. But give the guy a break! Travis is not the only man that has disappointed Ruby. Her brother Ryder, is the worst. But at least Travis is trying to make amends for his behavior. The story also ended quite abruptly. I hope book # 4 is better because although I love these characters, the plot needs work.
Profile Image for zen_s.
2,015 reviews17 followers
December 2, 2017
[1.25 stars] not a fan of this book, cant stand ruby, not sure why. ruby's ex-bf chance seems like a damn sidekick who spoke like less than 15-20 sentences. i mean the author just narrate that chance told ruby he purposely put ruby with travis at the golf game, no actual conversation. even when ruby & chance were done is also narrated out, no dialogue spoken. i was just forcing myself to finish the book.
Profile Image for Georgia.
180 reviews
November 28, 2017
A bit of an abrupt end. I think one last chapter before the epilogue would've tied up the story better but overall a good addition to this series. Hoping that Honey is who I think she is and another story is in the works! Hopefully with Nash...
513 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2018
Another perfect book in this series.

Juliana Stone writes stories that capture you from the beginning and keep you interested till the end.Her characters are believable and easy to like and the romance is off the charts.
Profile Image for Casey Leigh.
1,036 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2017
A great third instalment in this family saga. An emotive read that pulls at the heartstrings and is a reminder that communication is needed to avoid so much heartache.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
1,203 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2017
Have loved this series

Loved this second chance story and truthfully have loved the entire series. I truly hope there is more to come.
40 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2017
Second chances

Loved this book. It was an emotional read and I enjoyed every minute route of it. Thank you for this book
1 review
November 26, 2018
Meh

Didnt like this book as much as i liked the others. I've always liked the Simon family more. Hoping the next one is better :)
77 reviews
March 19, 2020
This was a heartbreaking one. I felt for the characters in this one as there was so much for them to deal with. I’m pleased they both found their HEA though.
14 reviews
April 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book the most in the series but there are so many typos, it’s disappointing a proofreader doesn’t catch them. They become distracting!
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,485 reviews66 followers
November 22, 2024
What a rocky 2nd chance at the love that Travis and Ruby had thought was theirs. And all of the feels, emotional journey that will certainly make you cry.
Profile Image for Sandy.
59 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2018
Loved this series and getting to "know" the characters. Would love to read more of Juliana's books and wish they were on KU. well written, great storylines and character development.
Profile Image for Diane.
2,828 reviews22 followers
August 16, 2023
I loved every minute of Travis and Ruby’s story because of their tragic past, their newfound combustible chemistry and the emotional land mines they tiptoed around that had me holding my breath throughout their story. Travis has never forgotten the love he had for Ruby though their young marriage ended in tragedy and she’s furious when he reappears and destroys her calm and carefully constructed life though her roiling emotions give up the ruse. The added drama of Ruby’s triumphant rise from poverty, her brother’s addictions and Travis’s reconciliation with his ailing father are compelling but it’s the deep and abiding love in this story that I will remember for a long time.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,113 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2017
Travis and Ruby experienced such heart ache and heart breaks. But their journey back to each other was simply beautiful. I loved Travis and Ruby in this story. She was strong but so vulnerable with a great facade. And Travis was playful with a sensitive inside. I enjoyed their connection and was very pleased with the ending. I want more from this family and this series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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