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The Broken Road to Forever
Brent and I overcame overwhelming odds. We struggled and fought for our happily ever after, so why do I find myself knee deep in laundry, bills, and ungraded papers years afterwards? Why is he distant and more worried about football plays for his high school team than our happiness? Where has the spark gone? The broken road of life happened, and it's painfully relentless. Is our journey one even worth continuing? To better grasp our future, a visit to our past is needed. Take a trip back to the 90s, and enjoy the story of Mallory and Brent's high school shenanigans, their crazy college days, and eventually, their journey into adulthood. The Broken Road to Forever chronicles an emotional voyage across the decades as an unconventional couple struggles to keep their love alive.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2016
64 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 25, 2018
Hero was a jerk
I can't believe he invited his ex to his hotel room at the reunion. He was just weird. I cried as his wife the h listened to him talking about how he was so unhappy. He didn't touch or kiss the OW but he had intent I believe. If the h hadn't started crying I don't know what would have happened. I'd like to think he would have walked away but who knows. His ex was only in her underwear. and the weird way he said he hadn't committed to sleeping with her?! I don't get what that meant. Just crazy stuff. One of the tags said he wasn't celibate during the separation but he was and so was the h. They were only apart two or three months and I liked how the heroine fixed herself up and was trying to raise her self worth for herself. It was good. The kids were cute. The first part of the story I pretty much skimmed but he was sleeping with other people in high school, they weren't together but they knew each other. That bothered me and normally this would be a one star read but I am giving it three. I loved th ending and I totally adored her friend Iris. I even liked Colt, the new coach who was interested in her. I loved how the hero was jealous but calling in Tiffany, the ex and the woman in his room was wrong. That pissed me off. Iris took care of her though. Good scene. I would not re-read this book and I am glad I got to read it for free. It's really not that safe either. The high school drama, the Woman being brought to his room are triggers for me. But in the end we got an HEA.
I can't believe he invited his ex to his hotel room at the reunion. He was just weird. I cried as his wife the h listened to him talking about how he was so unhappy. He didn't touch or kiss the OW but he had intent I believe. If the h hadn't started crying I don't know what would have happened. I'd like to think he would have walked away but who knows. His ex was only in her underwear. and the weird way he said he hadn't committed to sleeping with her?! I don't get what that meant. Just crazy stuff. One of the tags said he wasn't celibate during the separation but he was and so was the h. They were only apart two or three months and I liked how the heroine fixed herself up and was trying to raise her self worth for herself. It was good. The kids were cute. The first part of the story I pretty much skimmed but he was sleeping with other people in high school, they weren't together but they knew each other. That bothered me and normally this would be a one star read but I am giving it three. I loved th ending and I totally adored her friend Iris. I even liked Colt, the new coach who was interested in her. I loved how the hero was jealous but calling in Tiffany, the ex and the woman in his room was wrong. That pissed me off. Iris took care of her though. Good scene. I would not re-read this book and I am glad I got to read it for free. It's really not that safe either. The high school drama, the Woman being brought to his room are triggers for me. But in the end we got an HEA.
June 17, 2020
2.5
This really needed the H POV. It's one of those situations where it could have been very good if the author had made her hero justify himself. Instead, he came off very one dimensional and cruel at that.
KU
This really needed the H POV. It's one of those situations where it could have been very good if the author had made her hero justify himself. Instead, he came off very one dimensional and cruel at that.
KU
October 24, 2021
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
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Zero is a bully with daddy issues.
Our Zeroine is plus size with low esteem.
Zero's behavior is despicable and only a woman who doesn't know her own worth would accept all the shit he's done over the years. From kindergarten through college she was humiliated and belittled by him.
The story was at 50% and I was feeling dreadful all the time. Nothing good would come from the union of a bully and a doormat.
He chose a woman he thought inferior to inflate his ego.
He didn't do anything to redeem himself and I really preferred that she pick someone who would treat her like a queen and not a fat woman with no options.
======================
Zero is a bully with daddy issues.
Our Zeroine is plus size with low esteem.
Zero's behavior is despicable and only a woman who doesn't know her own worth would accept all the shit he's done over the years. From kindergarten through college she was humiliated and belittled by him.
The story was at 50% and I was feeling dreadful all the time. Nothing good would come from the union of a bully and a doormat.
He chose a woman he thought inferior to inflate his ego.
He didn't do anything to redeem himself and I really preferred that she pick someone who would treat her like a queen and not a fat woman with no options.
His eyes darkened with lust as he approached. “You know, you’re kind of hot for a fatty.”
It hurts to see him, arms entwined with a new woman nearly every day, but I know it’s all just a show for his father’s sake.
Four children later, and the fairytale is over.
Nate lives the life that he desired—professional football hero with a fan base that extends globally. It would be easy to be bitter if he weren’t so damned kind-hearted and good-natured.
Brent left the house and didn’t come back until nearly dinner time. He’s been doing that a lot more lately, checking out for long periods of time. I don’t suspect him of cheating, but something is wrong.
Gone are the days of waking early to brush my teeth. Gone are the days of his constant showering after doing anything physical just so I won’t have to smell his stinky sweat. Gone are the days of closing the bathroom door when showering or anything else, and since he witnessed me giving birth, there isn’t a damn thing he’s ever walked in on that has left me feeling embarrassed.
I’ve tried sexy lingerie, I’ve tried leaving love notes, and I’ve tried opening a dialogue. All I get is, “I’m really worn out,” or “We’ll talk about it tomorrow, okay?”
He’s a good man, and of course I’ll always love him, but I’m worried we’re drifting too far apart. This has been going on for so long now.”
“Besides, reunions are about bragging about your achievements, not showing off your failures.”
“Hey! I’m proud of you, Brent, and I’m proud of our life together. Are you telling me that you’re embarrassed?”
A smile crosses my lips. It disappears when I see Brent slow dancing with Whitney.
Bothering me more than his dancing with another woman is the look on his face. He’s happy.
Truly happy. It’s a look foreign to me because it’s been years since I’ve seen it.
I never was part of that group. Funny how quickly they come back together after all these years apart.
“He was telling Nate that he’s really unhappy about things and needs a change. I think he might pack up and leave them all behind.”
My dress is over my head when I hear her giggle. At first, I’m not sure I am hearing right. Did I turn on the TV? No. Did someone come into the wrong room? Did I leave the door open?
“So, your divorce was a bad one, huh?” he asks. “Very. It’s okay, though. No kids to fight over, so what’s done is done. We were able to cut ties completely.” “He didn’t hit you or anything like that?”
“So life is better since your divorce? No regrets at all?” Brent asks.
“Hell no! Not one tiny regret. Ever.” Whitney of all people? She is model perfect, but her personality. Brent hated her in high school, and from what I’ve seen tonight, she hasn’t changed all that much. I bite down on my lower lip to prevent myself from accidentally making any noises.
“Whitney.”
“Are you happy?”
“Stop.”
“Answer me. Are you happy?”
“No! No, I’m not happy, and I haven’t been for a long time.”
Brent is the first in the bathroom, and an underwear clad Whitney is right behind him trying to peek around to see what’s happening.
“Whitney! You’re leaving me for Whitney? Oh, my gosh! How many others were there before her? Wait. I don’t want to know. No, I need to know.”
“Are you giving me custody of the kids? I guess so, being that they’d put a damper on your future lifestyle. The girls might understand, but the twins will… Never mind. We’ll be fine. Are you going to want to sell the house?”
“I didn’t toy with you. You have to know that. My feelings were sincere.”
“Were.”
“You said your feelings WERE sincere.” I slowly stand on unsteady feet.
“I’m going to make this easy on you. I want a divorce. I’ll take the kids, but you can see them when and if you like. All I want from you is the house, and that’s only because the kids are settled there.”
“Mallory, stop. Everything is being taken out of context. Things aren’t coming out right. I was wrong to bring Whitney in here tonight. I’ve been making a steady string of mistakes, but we can talk things over and work things out.”
“Brent, how are we supposed to work things out? You brought another woman into this suite with the intention of sleeping with her…” “I never committed to sleeping with her.”
“You still don’t get it, do you? I’m already gone, Brent. We’re over.” The elevator door opens, and I jump inside, mashing the button to close them as quickly as possible.
Images of Brent and Whitney assault my mind, and I scroll Brent’s words over in my head. I never committed to sleeping with her. What the hell does that even mean?
“I caught him in our room last night.” Nate looks confused.
“With Whitney.”
“What do you mean, ‘with Whitney’?”
“It’s exactly what it sounds like.”
“Whitney stripped to her underwear after Brent told her how unhappy he was. I heard the entire conversation from the bathroom.”
“Shit. He never told me that.”
When I returned to the gym a couple of hours later, I found him dancing with perfect Whitney, and I became jealous.”
“In a hotel room. Her in her underwear. Him telling her how unhappy he is with me.” “What the fuck, Mal! Who the hell with? The lady he was dancing with?” “Yes, Whitney.”
“I also overheard all of their conversation. The things he said. His words were hurtful and humiliated me more than any of his actions ever could. He’s not happy and hasn’t been for a long time.”
That betrayal cuts deeper because he confided in her, not me. He would never admit anything to me.
“That’s the point; he doesn’t want me to know, Iris. He wants to do this without me and the kids. He knows I’d do anything to help him achieve his dream, but he never gave me a chance to show him that.
He hurt me terribly, but I won’t let him do it again. I’m making it easy for him. I’m the one divorcing him. Our marriage has been over for a long time now.
“I was not trying to get into her pants, Mallory.” “Seriously, Brent? You’re going to say that when I WAS THERE!”
“You sure as hell didn’t turn her down.”
“No, I didn’t.” He hangs his head.
“Yeah, I found that out when you confided more to Nate’s ex-girlfriend than to me, your fucking wife.”
He squints his eyes, anger boiling over once again. “That’s because no one…” He shakes his head, raises a hand overhead, and stands.
“Never mind.”
“It’s because no one wants me.”
“What the hell is this with your lack of commitment all of a sudden? ‘I never committed to sleeping with her.’ ‘I’m not committing to a divorce.’ What ARE you committing to, Brent?”
“I’m going away for a few days with Uncle Nate. When I get back, I’ll be coming by to visit you guys, but I won’t be living here anymore.”
“Finally had it with the frump queen over there, huh? Can I live with you?” Natalie’s words are pure venom, and they cut me to the core.
Will I ever be able to get those words spoken between him and Whitney out of my head? What about the sight of them slow dancing, or her pushed up against him in her underwear?
“I’ve been offered the job and will be accepting it.”
“You said support me and the kids. Now that we’re separated, it’s just the kids you have to support.”
I glance down at where her finger once was to see a picture of Brent and some leggy blonde walking away from a sports car.
“Is there anything real about you, Whitney? Fake tits, fake hair, fake life. You’re such a whore!” Iris screamed.
The night in the hotel room, when I heard him confess how unhappy he’s been to Whitney, it crushed me. I can’t live with myself knowing I am the one doing that to him. The one holding him back. The one dulling his passion, his desire, his spirit.”
July 25, 2021
This book frustrated me to no end. I couldn't connect with either of the MCs. Their relationship never made sense to me. Treating your "true love" like shit for so many years (and that includes allowing friends and family to treat her like shit) is not a good way to start a relationship. That she accepted the tiny, very private scraps of goodwill and affection from the H was just nauseating to me. No wonder everybody else ignored or abused her!
As many other reviewers have said, this book really needed the H's POV, which we never had. Abandoning the family is generally not a sign of true love and devotion, and since there was absolutely no grovel, I was just left with my belief that the h just rolled over and took the abuse heaped upon her once again. Barf. Pull up your lady britches and find your self-worth, h!!! Ahh well, at least I can pull it off the giant TBR pile and be done with it forever.
As many other reviewers have said, this book really needed the H's POV, which we never had. Abandoning the family is generally not a sign of true love and devotion, and since there was absolutely no grovel, I was just left with my belief that the h just rolled over and took the abuse heaped upon her once again. Barf. Pull up your lady britches and find your self-worth, h!!! Ahh well, at least I can pull it off the giant TBR pile and be done with it forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2019
Definitely needed Brent’s POV, because as it was I saw no actually reason for his sudden turn around in attitude towards his wife. He literally seemed to want to run from her, basically was about to cheat, though no one else would want her, and then suddenly he couldn’t live without her? Also, where was the redemption, for what he did he needed to be begging! But instead, the wife kept thinking she was not good enough and let him back in straight away!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2016
The Broken Road To Forever by Rhonda Dennis Novels and L.K. Owen
Are broken roads worth traveling?
As the daughter of a hard working single mother, Mallory James is very familiar with struggle. Loneliness becomes a common theme in her life, especially because she suffers with issues such as low self-esteem, poor body image, and a lack of confidence. She’s more than happy to be the wallflower who hides away from the world that intimidates her, especially when in high school.
Brent Grayson is a wealthy, bold, sexy, and confident star athlete who can land any woman he wants. However, outward appearances can often be deceiving. Though he’s a bully with a bad attitude, an odd and seemingly unlikely bond begins after they meet in kindergarten, and continues well into adulthood.
Then everyday life happens…
Their paths split and a decision must be made. Will Brent and Mallory successfully navigate the roads they’re on, or give up and search for a different route all together?
I went from actively disliking the hero Brent, to laughing out loud in several places, to crying with Mallory when her life implodes and then hating Brent. Then I realised that Brent was written as being a typical man not the usual "Mr Perfect" you find in a novel & there were faults on both sides. The love was still there but they had somehow lost track of each other in the chaos of family life. This is true life, not some fantasy where they all live happily ever after but by the end of the book you just know that Mallory and Brent will make it.
I know this is supposed to be a standalone book but I'm hoping for another collaboration between these two authors and maybe a book featuring Iris and Howard
Are broken roads worth traveling?
As the daughter of a hard working single mother, Mallory James is very familiar with struggle. Loneliness becomes a common theme in her life, especially because she suffers with issues such as low self-esteem, poor body image, and a lack of confidence. She’s more than happy to be the wallflower who hides away from the world that intimidates her, especially when in high school.
Brent Grayson is a wealthy, bold, sexy, and confident star athlete who can land any woman he wants. However, outward appearances can often be deceiving. Though he’s a bully with a bad attitude, an odd and seemingly unlikely bond begins after they meet in kindergarten, and continues well into adulthood.
Then everyday life happens…
Their paths split and a decision must be made. Will Brent and Mallory successfully navigate the roads they’re on, or give up and search for a different route all together?
I went from actively disliking the hero Brent, to laughing out loud in several places, to crying with Mallory when her life implodes and then hating Brent. Then I realised that Brent was written as being a typical man not the usual "Mr Perfect" you find in a novel & there were faults on both sides. The love was still there but they had somehow lost track of each other in the chaos of family life. This is true life, not some fantasy where they all live happily ever after but by the end of the book you just know that Mallory and Brent will make it.
I know this is supposed to be a standalone book but I'm hoping for another collaboration between these two authors and maybe a book featuring Iris and Howard
October 9, 2019
Huh?
There was no resolution as far as I'm concerned. This book was ridiculously frustrating. And stupid. I don't get it.
He almost cheats on her. left her. She blames herself. They don't discuss anything and they get together???? Wtf?
There was no resolution as far as I'm concerned. This book was ridiculously frustrating. And stupid. I don't get it.
He almost cheats on her. left her. She blames herself. They don't discuss anything and they get together???? Wtf?
November 24, 2018
I do not like the hero of this book, Brent. Not at the beginning, or any time. Even though there was an HEA, how do you get past a husband who body shamed his wife? He was not the one who carried three pregnancies (one were twins), birthed these babies, took care of them, at the same time a working mom, because they never had enough. Mallory of course. He had the audacity to invite a woman to his hotel room at their High school reunion! If the wife did not catch them he would have slept with her. He also confessed to this former classmate of theirs that he was not happy in his marriage before they got down to business. Really? I am so happy Mallory left his sorry a... Thank God for her friend who made her reinvent and took care of herself. She shouldn’t have taken him back for years. In my own opinion. Douche..
July 3, 2020
Reread—this desperately needs his POV.
August 18, 2020
I enjoyed the angst but disliked the hero. He was so robotic about everything. I would have liked the story more if we got to know more about his feelings because really it felt like he was content to leave them all behind. His responses when he got caught were ridiculous. I would have liked it better had h and Colt explored things more. Also a lot of things were left unaddressed...like the night in the hotel (he said and did some very questionable things), H saying basically no one wants h hence her cheating was impossible like how do you come back from that? :S I liked the conflict and a lot could have been done with it if the H wasn’t an a**. Also the fact that the idea at the end wasn’t even H’s ruined the HEA for me.
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March 16, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/16/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Brent and I overcame overwhelming odds. We struggled and fought for our happily ever after, so why do I find myself knee deep in laundry, bills, and ungraded papers years afterwards? Why is he distant and more worried about football plays for his high school team than our happiness? Where has the spark gone? The broken road of life happened, and it's painfully relentless. Is our journey one even worth continuing? To better grasp our future, a visit to our past is needed.
Blurb:
Brent and I overcame overwhelming odds. We struggled and fought for our happily ever after, so why do I find myself knee deep in laundry, bills, and ungraded papers years afterwards? Why is he distant and more worried about football plays for his high school team than our happiness? Where has the spark gone? The broken road of life happened, and it's painfully relentless. Is our journey one even worth continuing? To better grasp our future, a visit to our past is needed.
October 19, 2016
This book is everything you want when sitting down to read. I love both of these authors so I had high hopes for Mallory & Brent's story. Let me just say, it did not disappoint. As a matter a fact, I've read the book twice already! It's that amazing! It will have you laughing, crying, smitten and frustrated throughout, all the elements of an awesome story. I'm warning you now, once you start it you won't want to stop.
The story spans from childhood to adulthood in chronological order. We get to grow up with Mallory, Brent, and their classmates. Mallory is an amazing character. She's always been a little overweight which lead to her being bullied. Mostly by none other than Brent, who ends up being the star jock of the school. We watch their relationship grow from enemies to friends to much more. I loved the adversities they were faced with. It made it so very real, which is why I connected with the story so much. The secondary characters were amazing also. They really complemented the story nicely.
This story hit home for me. In the early years, it brought me back to elementary & high school, but the later years really touched me. We see this happen every day in real life. I applaud the authors for writing such a real story. I think many will connect with the characters and the situations that they face throughout the book.
If you are looking for a life, love, loss and second chance story, this is one you don't want to miss. Get ready for a roller coaster ride of emotions and experience life with Brent, Mallory, and their friends.
The story spans from childhood to adulthood in chronological order. We get to grow up with Mallory, Brent, and their classmates. Mallory is an amazing character. She's always been a little overweight which lead to her being bullied. Mostly by none other than Brent, who ends up being the star jock of the school. We watch their relationship grow from enemies to friends to much more. I loved the adversities they were faced with. It made it so very real, which is why I connected with the story so much. The secondary characters were amazing also. They really complemented the story nicely.
This story hit home for me. In the early years, it brought me back to elementary & high school, but the later years really touched me. We see this happen every day in real life. I applaud the authors for writing such a real story. I think many will connect with the characters and the situations that they face throughout the book.
If you are looking for a life, love, loss and second chance story, this is one you don't want to miss. Get ready for a roller coaster ride of emotions and experience life with Brent, Mallory, and their friends.
November 15, 2019
I don’t like bully stories and no groveling then boom HEA
December 24, 2020
Reread.
An enjoyable reread! I still wonder why the H invited a former gf to his room and he never adequately explained the reason. I also wondered why he never talked with his wife about his depression and later, plans for changing jobs and relocation. Like the h, I would have been fired up to learn all of this from his friends and '2 skanks' when nothing had been discussed with me at all.
Still an amazing journey!
First read.
I really wish the story included the H's point of view! The H and h grew up together with the H always being mean to the h but secretly admiring and then loving her. His family was dysfunctional and her Mom was awesome. She was overweight with self esteem issues throughout her school years. The H was the BMOC everywhere he went and was severely pushed by his father. He had a shot at being a professional athlete but sustained an injury which ended this hope. He married the h and was disowned by his father.
After 4 kids, this couple attends a high school reunion (which was a very painful time for the h and a glorious time for the H). Anyhow, her insecurities grow watching him morph back into the BMOC and culminates in the h over hearing him talking to his ex in their hotel suite telling her how unhappy he is and has been for a long time. The h is destroyed and assumes full responsibility for the H being so unhappy and asked for a divorce. They do achieve their HEA after a lot of soul searching and some long needed communication...and the intervention of their children.
Why did the H invite his ex to their hotel suite and allow her to kiss him and take off her clothes? He said it did not matter since he had not committed to cheat! What??? Why did he not tell his wife of his plans to interview for a job but shared it with his ex??? He said that since he had not committed that it was not a problem. What?? Emotional betrayal is seriously betrayal and devastating. The H had too much pride and the h had serious self doubts about everything. Couple this with her self esteem issues and the results are predictable.
An enjoyable reread! I still wonder why the H invited a former gf to his room and he never adequately explained the reason. I also wondered why he never talked with his wife about his depression and later, plans for changing jobs and relocation. Like the h, I would have been fired up to learn all of this from his friends and '2 skanks' when nothing had been discussed with me at all.
Still an amazing journey!
First read.
I really wish the story included the H's point of view! The H and h grew up together with the H always being mean to the h but secretly admiring and then loving her. His family was dysfunctional and her Mom was awesome. She was overweight with self esteem issues throughout her school years. The H was the BMOC everywhere he went and was severely pushed by his father. He had a shot at being a professional athlete but sustained an injury which ended this hope. He married the h and was disowned by his father.
After 4 kids, this couple attends a high school reunion (which was a very painful time for the h and a glorious time for the H). Anyhow, her insecurities grow watching him morph back into the BMOC and culminates in the h over hearing him talking to his ex in their hotel suite telling her how unhappy he is and has been for a long time. The h is destroyed and assumes full responsibility for the H being so unhappy and asked for a divorce. They do achieve their HEA after a lot of soul searching and some long needed communication...and the intervention of their children.
Why did the H invite his ex to their hotel suite and allow her to kiss him and take off her clothes? He said it did not matter since he had not committed to cheat! What??? Why did he not tell his wife of his plans to interview for a job but shared it with his ex??? He said that since he had not committed that it was not a problem. What?? Emotional betrayal is seriously betrayal and devastating. The H had too much pride and the h had serious self doubts about everything. Couple this with her self esteem issues and the results are predictable.
October 20, 2016
The Broken Road to Forever... Well, that was a life lesson story. I have to admit that I wasn't too sure about this one and nearly stopped reading, but I carried on and I'm so happy that I did.
I'm not a fan of high school/college stories, this is why I thought about dropping it, but once I got to the part of the characters' adult life, I began to understand what is the broken road to forever actually is...
Mallory and Brent have known each other forever. Since kindergarten, they’ve shared the same school and classroom. Brent is super mean to Mallory and always makes her feel insecure. He keeps behaving like that all through their years in school and then high school. What Brent doesn't know is that Mallory has feelings for him, and what Mallory doesn't know is that Brent feels the same.
On their homecoming prom night he confesses to her about his feelings, and with this moment everything changes between them. Unfortunately, Brent is a high-profile jock who lives under his father standards and Mallory, well Mallory is nothing close. She doesn't look like one of the girls his father expects him to date. She has no money whatsoever and she is definitely not one of the popular kids. They both struggle to find their way to one another and when the struggle ends and the fairy tale begins, it doesn't last forever.
Brent and Mallory's journey is full of love, struggles, fear and situations that each and every one of us can relate to. I have to applaud the authors for such an amazing job. Writing together is not an easy task but they did it so perfect that I couldn't tell who wrote what. Every word, every struggle, every shed tear felt like they were my own. Like I said, each and every one of us can relate...
Great job L.K. + Rhonda! You two are a match made in heaven.
I'm not a fan of high school/college stories, this is why I thought about dropping it, but once I got to the part of the characters' adult life, I began to understand what is the broken road to forever actually is...
Mallory and Brent have known each other forever. Since kindergarten, they’ve shared the same school and classroom. Brent is super mean to Mallory and always makes her feel insecure. He keeps behaving like that all through their years in school and then high school. What Brent doesn't know is that Mallory has feelings for him, and what Mallory doesn't know is that Brent feels the same.
On their homecoming prom night he confesses to her about his feelings, and with this moment everything changes between them. Unfortunately, Brent is a high-profile jock who lives under his father standards and Mallory, well Mallory is nothing close. She doesn't look like one of the girls his father expects him to date. She has no money whatsoever and she is definitely not one of the popular kids. They both struggle to find their way to one another and when the struggle ends and the fairy tale begins, it doesn't last forever.
Brent and Mallory's journey is full of love, struggles, fear and situations that each and every one of us can relate to. I have to applaud the authors for such an amazing job. Writing together is not an easy task but they did it so perfect that I couldn't tell who wrote what. Every word, every struggle, every shed tear felt like they were my own. Like I said, each and every one of us can relate...
Great job L.K. + Rhonda! You two are a match made in heaven.
January 16, 2024
Would have liked to hear Brent's POV. I did not find anything redeemable about him. I don't understand how Mallory liked him anyway in HS and through college the way he treated her. His Dad was not there to see the treatment so he can't blame that on him. And then at the reunion the way he talked about her to another woman that he brought her to their hotel room but hadn't decided on if he was going to hav sex with her or not. He never once apologized to Mallory or cared how any of this hurt her. I was very disappointed. All the way to the end of the book I felt like he didn't care enough for Mallory to make it work. I really expected them to go their own ways. Being a Mom, can't imagine having 4 kids with 2 being twin boys and a job. I think Brent was a very selfish person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2017
I didn't like this book...could not finish....
November 23, 2021
Spoiler warning!!!!!
I’ve kinda been in a mood for these kind of second chance romances with married couples which this one definitely is. I was debating if I should leave 2 stars or 3 stars and I still don’t know. What I don’t like about this story is how the h doesn’t have any backbone and let’s both the H and everyone else behave however they want towards her.
Don’t even get me started on the H, he is an absolute jerk in my opinion. He made it seem like he had sacrificed everything to be with her (when he actually didn’t) and he never considered what she sacrificed. This book would definitely have been better if h had a backbone and wasn’t always pining for H.
The storyline would also have been better if it was dual POV instead of only her POV and it would definitely have been better if he hadn’t actually cheated (in my opinion he definitely did cheat but I k or not everyone agrees with me). The author tried really hard to convince us readers that their failed marriage was as much the h fault as the H but I don’t agree.
I seriously don’t know how the h could stand being treated by the H like that, I didn’t see the “big love” he had for her and I feel like she only could stand being treated by him like that is because of her low self esteem that made her feel she didn’t deserve him (not like he made her feel better and some of the things he said to her or insinuated made me feel sick).
I think I’ve figured out what I’m gonna rate this story now. 2 stars. Sorry but I think it’s important to be honest in reviews. I really don’t like when people say they don’t want to give less than 5 stars reviews because what is the whole point with reviews then. Not everything is 5 stars for everyone and it’s important to acknowledge that.
I’ve kinda been in a mood for these kind of second chance romances with married couples which this one definitely is. I was debating if I should leave 2 stars or 3 stars and I still don’t know. What I don’t like about this story is how the h doesn’t have any backbone and let’s both the H and everyone else behave however they want towards her.
Don’t even get me started on the H, he is an absolute jerk in my opinion. He made it seem like he had sacrificed everything to be with her (when he actually didn’t) and he never considered what she sacrificed. This book would definitely have been better if h had a backbone and wasn’t always pining for H.
The storyline would also have been better if it was dual POV instead of only her POV and it would definitely have been better if he hadn’t actually cheated (in my opinion he definitely did cheat but I k or not everyone agrees with me). The author tried really hard to convince us readers that their failed marriage was as much the h fault as the H but I don’t agree.
I seriously don’t know how the h could stand being treated by the H like that, I didn’t see the “big love” he had for her and I feel like she only could stand being treated by him like that is because of her low self esteem that made her feel she didn’t deserve him (not like he made her feel better and some of the things he said to her or insinuated made me feel sick).
I think I’ve figured out what I’m gonna rate this story now. 2 stars. Sorry but I think it’s important to be honest in reviews. I really don’t like when people say they don’t want to give less than 5 stars reviews because what is the whole point with reviews then. Not everything is 5 stars for everyone and it’s important to acknowledge that.
September 22, 2017
It has been a while since a book has made me cry and this one just did. Mallory and Brent's story is one that us ordinary people can connect with, there are no billionaires or cowboys involved. Brent and Mallory were classmates since kindergarten but he was always mean to her. Throughout the years they always have this special connection but Brent the popular jock he was has a rep to protect, he can't be seen with the pudgy shy girl in class. A lot of feels in this story and I highly recommend it!
July 21, 2025
I wish the h had a backbone!
Tags: abuse, bully, college-romance, cruel-cruel-hero, curvy-beauties, damaged-broken_hero, doormat_heroine, emotional-cheating, enemies-to-lovers, ex-bully, hero-does-heroines-nemesis, hero-hurts-heroine, hero-married-to-heroine, high-school, hurtful-words-overheard, jocks, mean-mean-girls-women, no-grovelling, om_drama, over-the-years, ow-drama, poor-heroine, read, small-town, teenage-romance, troubled-marriage, unlikable-hero, unlikable-heroine, virgin-heroine, weak-heroine
Tags: abuse, bully, college-romance, cruel-cruel-hero, curvy-beauties, damaged-broken_hero, doormat_heroine, emotional-cheating, enemies-to-lovers, ex-bully, hero-does-heroines-nemesis, hero-hurts-heroine, hero-married-to-heroine, high-school, hurtful-words-overheard, jocks, mean-mean-girls-women, no-grovelling, om_drama, over-the-years, ow-drama, poor-heroine, read, small-town, teenage-romance, troubled-marriage, unlikable-hero, unlikable-heroine, virgin-heroine, weak-heroine
June 24, 2020
Resolution
The story was good, but we got more of the back story than the present one. It would have been great to have his point of view as well.
I’d like to know what was he thinking about having Whitney in his room, how could the h accept him so easily without a true answer and did he sleep around while they were separated?
Seemed like the author was trying to wrap the story up without giving details.
Probably wouldn’t recommend to friends.
The story was good, but we got more of the back story than the present one. It would have been great to have his point of view as well.
I’d like to know what was he thinking about having Whitney in his room, how could the h accept him so easily without a true answer and did he sleep around while they were separated?
Seemed like the author was trying to wrap the story up without giving details.
Probably wouldn’t recommend to friends.
November 23, 2022
This is both a great read and a frustrating one at the same time. The older children's behavior is typical for the age, but the younger twins need a butt whooping. However, the attitude of the younger version of the married couple is so diametrically opposite it's crazy. And I've haven't read of someone with that much low esteem in a long time. There's a few details that need editing but otherwise it's a good read.
October 8, 2017
Keeping the love alive!
Mallory's and Brent's story is real. Going into love thinking that love alone will keep it alive. This story, so well written, is about the adjust pimentos that need to be made for love to continue to flourish. Brent and Mallory had checked out, but they figured out what was important before it was too late. I loved this story!
Mallory's and Brent's story is real. Going into love thinking that love alone will keep it alive. This story, so well written, is about the adjust pimentos that need to be made for love to continue to flourish. Brent and Mallory had checked out, but they figured out what was important before it was too late. I loved this story!
October 16, 2017
This story was by no means perfect but I liked the subject matter that it touched on, in the form of body shaming as it is quite current in this day and age. I felt there could have been a bit more detail to the story at the end but over-all an enjoyable read, one that will actually get you thinking.
November 19, 2020
Only gets 2 stars as the author failed to sell the main character, Brent, to me. I hated him during school time and my feelings towards him didn't change. Do I believe he would have cheated? Oh yes!! If a man invites a woman to a hotel room and allows her to undress, they ain't in for a game of Monopoly!!
May 19, 2017
Forever
I laughed, cried ugly tears and wanted to punch a bitch. Story line is amazing and heart wrenchingly close to home. Read this book in a day without meaning to. You'll love this story
I laughed, cried ugly tears and wanted to punch a bitch. Story line is amazing and heart wrenchingly close to home. Read this book in a day without meaning to. You'll love this story
January 24, 2019
Must Read
Every book Rhonda Dennis writes draws you in and you can't put it down. This is the second time reading this book, just as good as the first time! Seriously all of the books by Rhonda are excellent. The first chapter pulls you in and you have to know what happens next!
Every book Rhonda Dennis writes draws you in and you can't put it down. This is the second time reading this book, just as good as the first time! Seriously all of the books by Rhonda are excellent. The first chapter pulls you in and you have to know what happens next!
May 21, 2020
Great read!
I couldn't put this book down. I loved every minute of it. It was so relatable and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. So glad it ended the way it did. Definitely recommend and I'll probably read it again!!
I couldn't put this book down. I loved every minute of it. It was so relatable and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. So glad it ended the way it did. Definitely recommend and I'll probably read it again!!
July 28, 2021
I liked the story but I feel there was so much missing from their reconciliation that it's hard to see how their forever will last. Yes she sees she needs to work on herself but i still dont see how to get over his treatment of her and their marriage without him changing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2021
I must not have liked this book because I permanently deleted it. I have a vague memory of it but not enough to write a review. I gave it two stars because I’m not sure about any of it.
I guess you could call this a NOT review.
I guess you could call this a NOT review.
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