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The Can't Have Hearts Club #3
This Time Around
From USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske comes a refreshing take on second-chance love―and the hilarious hurdles along the way. Allie Ross is not living the life she once dreamed. Her law career ended before it ever started, her parents landed in jail for running a Ponzi scheme, and she just inherited her grandmother’s B&B―which is nice, even if it is full of extra-toed cats. As for her love life…she’d rather not talk about it. When Jack Carpenter reaches out to reconnect with Allie, the girl who broke his heart in college, his plan is to impress her with the adult he’s become. Sure, he was a deadbeat then, but life has forced him to grow up. And it’s a relief to find out that things didn’t necessarily go the way Allie expected either. As Allie and Jack get reacquainted, they rediscover the things they loved―and hated―about each other. But who they are now isn’t who they were then, and secrets―old and new―will test whether they have a future together, or if the past is destined to repeat itself.
316 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2017
325 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
73 books1,616 followersWhen Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
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July 4, 2024
This Time Around is a stand alone romantic comedy by Tawna Fenske. Every time I read one of these books, I fall in love all over again. This is a sweet, heart squeezing second chance romance with a single dad and a woman who at thirty six years old, is just figuring out who she really is.
Allison “Allie” Ross’s life didn’t turn out anything like she thought it would. She thought she’d be married by now, have a couple of kids, live in a house in a fancy neighborhood and drive an expensive car. Not living in a small townhouse, drive the same car she’s had since she was in high school, and still be single. Both of Allie’s parents are now in prison after getting caught running a ponzie scheme.
Allie has just found out that her grandmother who she adored, has passed away and left the B&B she owned, The Rosewood B&B, to her. Her grandmother hasn’t live there for some time, living in an assisted living facility, but has a caretaker there along with a bunch of five toed, polydactyl cats. And, on top of everything else, the man she used to be engaged to whom she hasn’t seen in sixteen years, is back in Portland and wants to see her.
Jack Carpenter’s heart was broken sixteen years ago when Allie broke things off with him. Maybe he deserved it. He was a deadbeat then. But now he is a single dad to his ten year old daughter, Paige, and is the owner of an App Development company which is very successful. So maybe he wants to finally show Allie that he isn’t the loser he was back then. Maybe he wants to show off a little bit. He certainly wasn’t prepared for all those sneaky feelings to creep back in when he saw her again.
As these two spend time together and get to know the people they are now which is nothing like who they were sixteen years ago, secrets long left behind come to the surface. Along with some new secrets her grandmother has kept that are uncovered.
You can’t help but to fall in love with Allie, Jack and Paige as they try to figure things out. Paige was ten going on thirty. This little girl just had a way about her. My heart did that squeezy thing just typing this. This was a heart warming, wonderful romance that I loved. The epilogue was perfect. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of Tawna’s books and you definitely don’t want to miss this one.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Allison “Allie” Ross’s life didn’t turn out anything like she thought it would. She thought she’d be married by now, have a couple of kids, live in a house in a fancy neighborhood and drive an expensive car. Not living in a small townhouse, drive the same car she’s had since she was in high school, and still be single. Both of Allie’s parents are now in prison after getting caught running a ponzie scheme.
Allie has just found out that her grandmother who she adored, has passed away and left the B&B she owned, The Rosewood B&B, to her. Her grandmother hasn’t live there for some time, living in an assisted living facility, but has a caretaker there along with a bunch of five toed, polydactyl cats. And, on top of everything else, the man she used to be engaged to whom she hasn’t seen in sixteen years, is back in Portland and wants to see her.
Jack Carpenter’s heart was broken sixteen years ago when Allie broke things off with him. Maybe he deserved it. He was a deadbeat then. But now he is a single dad to his ten year old daughter, Paige, and is the owner of an App Development company which is very successful. So maybe he wants to finally show Allie that he isn’t the loser he was back then. Maybe he wants to show off a little bit. He certainly wasn’t prepared for all those sneaky feelings to creep back in when he saw her again.
As these two spend time together and get to know the people they are now which is nothing like who they were sixteen years ago, secrets long left behind come to the surface. Along with some new secrets her grandmother has kept that are uncovered.
You can’t help but to fall in love with Allie, Jack and Paige as they try to figure things out. Paige was ten going on thirty. This little girl just had a way about her. My heart did that squeezy thing just typing this. This was a heart warming, wonderful romance that I loved. The epilogue was perfect. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of Tawna’s books and you definitely don’t want to miss this one.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 18, 2018
I ended up liking this a good deal (despite the awful cover). I'm a little ambivalent on second-chance romances. I find that the best way for them to succeed for me is if the reason they broke up in the past holds together and the reason it won't be a problem now makes sense. Most second chance stories rely on misunderstandings or grudges or broken communication or trust issues as the reason they didn't work out in the past. In this one, Fenske shows (credibly) how they needed to gain maturity and learn to compromise in ways that couldn't have happened together. And I really liked how well that fit.
Allie seemed like the stronger, more mature partner in the past but I liked how Fenske showed she was just as at fault as Jack, really. She was as irresponsible with their resources as he was but on the spending, rather than earning, side. And I like how it becomes clear that her habit of dodging hard issues by assuming the best possible motivations and outcomes were a big part of their problem, too.
Jack had been a slacker in the past so his journey to successful businessman is the more overt. You can see how being a widower responsible for raising his daughter alone became a game-changer and how he let that challenge be the impetus for him stepping up and becoming reliable and taking the needs of others more seriously.
So their past made sense and I liked how both used the intervening years to overcome those weaknesses and for reasons unrelated to that breakup (i.e. because they needed to mature to be better people and more responsible adults). But what really engaged me was seeing them interact in the present and how well-suited they were. You can see why they'd reconnect so quickly and I loved their interactions and honesty and ability to communicate, even about the hard stuff.
There were two things that keep this from being a complete win. The first is that there's an almost farcical element to Allie's problems with the B&B she inherited. It was a bit too quirky and all the weird hidden crap in the attic were over the top. And nearly extreme. This isn't helped by having a tone shift later in the novel where at least some of those elements become serious. I liked that this novel wasn't afraid to go with some weighty elements. And it earned those elements honestly, I think. But the tone introducing some of those elements started in farce and that corner was too tight to turn. Or, at least, I don't think Fenske managed it.
The second sour note is that Jack's daughter Paige is way too perfect a fit into the needs of any given scene she is in. She dispenses wise advice, smooths over rough adult conversations, calms nerves, needs Allie's help shopping, what have you. She's not so much a plot-moppet (i.e. generating plot elements) as she is a plot-linchpin (key to making her scenes work out "right"). I liked individual interactions with her, but even the ones I found most emotionally moving still left me conscious that she was a tool of the author more than an actual eleven year-old girl.
Anyway, this was a good experience with a new-to-me author and I'm glad I took the chance. I sincerely hope her other novels work out as well.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple explicit sex scenes putting this near the middle of my steam tolerance. Fenske uses those well to display how their connection is as emotional as it is physical and how that's part of what makes it so strong.
Allie seemed like the stronger, more mature partner in the past but I liked how Fenske showed she was just as at fault as Jack, really. She was as irresponsible with their resources as he was but on the spending, rather than earning, side. And I like how it becomes clear that her habit of dodging hard issues by assuming the best possible motivations and outcomes were a big part of their problem, too.
Jack had been a slacker in the past so his journey to successful businessman is the more overt. You can see how being a widower responsible for raising his daughter alone became a game-changer and how he let that challenge be the impetus for him stepping up and becoming reliable and taking the needs of others more seriously.
So their past made sense and I liked how both used the intervening years to overcome those weaknesses and for reasons unrelated to that breakup (i.e. because they needed to mature to be better people and more responsible adults). But what really engaged me was seeing them interact in the present and how well-suited they were. You can see why they'd reconnect so quickly and I loved their interactions and honesty and ability to communicate, even about the hard stuff.
There were two things that keep this from being a complete win. The first is that there's an almost farcical element to Allie's problems with the B&B she inherited. It was a bit too quirky and all the weird hidden crap in the attic were over the top. And nearly extreme. This isn't helped by having a tone shift later in the novel where at least some of those elements become serious. I liked that this novel wasn't afraid to go with some weighty elements. And it earned those elements honestly, I think. But the tone introducing some of those elements started in farce and that corner was too tight to turn. Or, at least, I don't think Fenske managed it.
The second sour note is that Jack's daughter Paige is way too perfect a fit into the needs of any given scene she is in. She dispenses wise advice, smooths over rough adult conversations, calms nerves, needs Allie's help shopping, what have you. She's not so much a plot-moppet (i.e. generating plot elements) as she is a plot-linchpin (key to making her scenes work out "right"). I liked individual interactions with her, but even the ones I found most emotionally moving still left me conscious that she was a tool of the author more than an actual eleven year-old girl.
Anyway, this was a good experience with a new-to-me author and I'm glad I took the chance. I sincerely hope her other novels work out as well.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple explicit sex scenes putting this near the middle of my steam tolerance. Fenske uses those well to display how their connection is as emotional as it is physical and how that's part of what makes it so strong.
May 29, 2018
I was in the mood for a light and easy romance to read this weekend, and thankfully this one fit the bill. Allie dated Jack many years ago and he was heartbroken when she broke up for him. While his life now is going great, Allie isn't anywhere near where she thought she would be in her 30s. As the two become reacquainted, they rediscover the good and the bad about one another and try to figure out if they can move on from the past and give their love a second chance.
This was just a good, solid romance with easy to like main characters. I thought Allie's parents as criminals in prison for a Ponzi scheme was unique as I can't remember ever having that as part of the plot of a romance novel. Yes, the book did take some cliched turns but that's okay because all I wanted from this book was a comfortable read. Would recommend to anyone who likes the romance genre.
I won this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This was just a good, solid romance with easy to like main characters. I thought Allie's parents as criminals in prison for a Ponzi scheme was unique as I can't remember ever having that as part of the plot of a romance novel. Yes, the book did take some cliched turns but that's okay because all I wanted from this book was a comfortable read. Would recommend to anyone who likes the romance genre.
I won this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
April 12, 2017
4.5 stars
Every time I pick up a book by Tawna Fenske I’m never sure what I’m going to get other than a really fantastic story. In This Time Around, sixteen years after an emotional break-up in college these ex-lovers meet to catch up on their lives not realizing just how much each other’s lives were changed post break-up. Quirky, fun, flirty but tempered with enough seriousness to make it believable, I loved this book.
Sometimes you find the right person at the wrong time and that definitely fits teenage Allie and Jack. Very different childhoods and goals as they begin college cracks their fragile relationship and Allie breaks off their engagement and leaves Jack wondering what happened. They go on to lead their lives and even find love again; Jack marries and has a daughter and Allie, she supports her parents through the trial that lands them both in jail for a Ponzi-type scheme. Returning to Portland, Jack is eager to see Allie again, but not for the reason you would think and so begins this crazy, twisted love story.
From the minute they meet again the connection between them was noticeable, but there wasn’t a romantic feel to it; it was that feeling of closeness of someone you shared a lot of time and memories with yet, there were some fundamental difference between these two that I feel came from their young lives. Jack had abandonment issues from his father leaving him and his mother when he was six and then again when Allie left them. He tends to only remember the negative things whereas Allie is good about reminding him of the good. Allie on the other hand seems to want the picture perfect life. Growing up in an affluent family, when her family fell from grace, Allie was forced to change her ways and while she’s adapted, she still sees the world through rose colored glasses. Being together again wasn’t easy and they both made some mistakes, but they also were adult enough (something they weren’t the first time they broke up) to admit those mistakes and work towards a solution.
While I loved this couple’s story, the secondary characters were very entertaining as well. Allie’s best friend (and another ex-fiancé) Wade was funny, a voice of reason, and a good shoulder when she needed it. The caretaker at her Grandmother’s B&B, Skye, added some color and a bit of whimsy to this story and became a true friend for Allie. However, it was Jack’s daughter Paige who stole the show time and time again. Not only did I love her unique outlook on life, her unabashed questions and thirst for knowledge, but she was wise beyond her years.
A story of friendship, heartbreak, second chances all told in author Tawna Fenske’s comedic style, This Time Around was a lighthearted and thoroughly entertaining romance.
Review copy provided by Montlake Romance for a voluntary review.
Every time I pick up a book by Tawna Fenske I’m never sure what I’m going to get other than a really fantastic story. In This Time Around, sixteen years after an emotional break-up in college these ex-lovers meet to catch up on their lives not realizing just how much each other’s lives were changed post break-up. Quirky, fun, flirty but tempered with enough seriousness to make it believable, I loved this book.
Sometimes you find the right person at the wrong time and that definitely fits teenage Allie and Jack. Very different childhoods and goals as they begin college cracks their fragile relationship and Allie breaks off their engagement and leaves Jack wondering what happened. They go on to lead their lives and even find love again; Jack marries and has a daughter and Allie, she supports her parents through the trial that lands them both in jail for a Ponzi-type scheme. Returning to Portland, Jack is eager to see Allie again, but not for the reason you would think and so begins this crazy, twisted love story.
From the minute they meet again the connection between them was noticeable, but there wasn’t a romantic feel to it; it was that feeling of closeness of someone you shared a lot of time and memories with yet, there were some fundamental difference between these two that I feel came from their young lives. Jack had abandonment issues from his father leaving him and his mother when he was six and then again when Allie left them. He tends to only remember the negative things whereas Allie is good about reminding him of the good. Allie on the other hand seems to want the picture perfect life. Growing up in an affluent family, when her family fell from grace, Allie was forced to change her ways and while she’s adapted, she still sees the world through rose colored glasses. Being together again wasn’t easy and they both made some mistakes, but they also were adult enough (something they weren’t the first time they broke up) to admit those mistakes and work towards a solution.
While I loved this couple’s story, the secondary characters were very entertaining as well. Allie’s best friend (and another ex-fiancé) Wade was funny, a voice of reason, and a good shoulder when she needed it. The caretaker at her Grandmother’s B&B, Skye, added some color and a bit of whimsy to this story and became a true friend for Allie. However, it was Jack’s daughter Paige who stole the show time and time again. Not only did I love her unique outlook on life, her unabashed questions and thirst for knowledge, but she was wise beyond her years.
A story of friendship, heartbreak, second chances all told in author Tawna Fenske’s comedic style, This Time Around was a lighthearted and thoroughly entertaining romance.
Review copy provided by Montlake Romance for a voluntary review.
April 5, 2017
Jack and Allie were together for years, being high school and college sweethearts. However, Allie had plans to become a lawyer, and Jack didn't seem to have any. Knowing something had to change, Allie ended their engagement even though it broke her heart.
Sixteen years have passed since then and Allie's goals for herself were never realized. Her dreams of becoming a lawyer were never realized, her parents are in jail for scheming a lot of people out of money, and her grandmother passed away. Apparently, she's also a business owner having inherited her grandmother's B&B.
Jack, a single father after the death of his wife, has returned to his hometown. Upon learning Allie is living there now, he realizes this is his second chance. He wants to show Allie the man he's become, someone she'd be proud to stand beside.
As Jack and Allie spend time together, learning who they've become while apart, it's obvious the chemistry is still there, as is the love each still has for the other. However, you have to take the good with the bad, which means the reasons that drove them apart so many years ago, may still be a factor. Not to mention, Jack is now a package deal and his daughter, Paige, may not accept Allie's place in his life. Then there's the secrets that are being uncovered inside the B&B.
What happens when two people who had once agreed to spend their lives together are reunited after almost twenty years? Had the love between them faded into only a memory? Or is it still present, asking for a second chance? Will Allie and Paige, Jack's daughter, get along? What family truths will the B&B reveal? Will Allie finally realize her dream of having a family? Can Jack and Allie accept who the other has become? Or are issues from the past still a hindrance to their HEA?
One-click now and follow along as Jack and Allie see if love will see them through this time around.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Sixteen years have passed since then and Allie's goals for herself were never realized. Her dreams of becoming a lawyer were never realized, her parents are in jail for scheming a lot of people out of money, and her grandmother passed away. Apparently, she's also a business owner having inherited her grandmother's B&B.
Jack, a single father after the death of his wife, has returned to his hometown. Upon learning Allie is living there now, he realizes this is his second chance. He wants to show Allie the man he's become, someone she'd be proud to stand beside.
As Jack and Allie spend time together, learning who they've become while apart, it's obvious the chemistry is still there, as is the love each still has for the other. However, you have to take the good with the bad, which means the reasons that drove them apart so many years ago, may still be a factor. Not to mention, Jack is now a package deal and his daughter, Paige, may not accept Allie's place in his life. Then there's the secrets that are being uncovered inside the B&B.
What happens when two people who had once agreed to spend their lives together are reunited after almost twenty years? Had the love between them faded into only a memory? Or is it still present, asking for a second chance? Will Allie and Paige, Jack's daughter, get along? What family truths will the B&B reveal? Will Allie finally realize her dream of having a family? Can Jack and Allie accept who the other has become? Or are issues from the past still a hindrance to their HEA?
One-click now and follow along as Jack and Allie see if love will see them through this time around.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
April 5, 2017
So good! Full review to come.
April 3, 2017
I don’t normally talk about covers, but I really don't like this one and feel that it doesn’t come even close to doing this book the justice it deserves. If I wasn’t already a huge fan of Tawna Fenske, I’d have passed it by and been none the wiser about this being a highly entertaining, second chance romance with a scene-stealing kid and an attic full of the most, umm, interesting secrets. So ignore that cover and dive in anyway, because this book is well worth your time – well, if you’re looking for something funny, a little bit dirty and deeply enjoyable, anyway.
Allie and Jack have history, and it didn’t end well, so when chance brings them back to living in the same city, both are out to impress and show how amazingly well they’ve done with their lives since they split up. For Allie, she’s desperate to prove that her choice to leave was the right one, while Jack wants to show her that he managed to amount to something after all. But neither are quite as assured as they’d like and it turns out they aren’t much over each other either.
Poor Allie, her life is one drama after another. Partly because her parents are both in prison, but there’s also the woodpeckers destroying her grandma’s house and an attic full of secrets that everyone seems to have used at some point in their lives with Allie. She frequently comes across as a woman who doesn’t know what she wants in life, who has trouble facing the past and would much rather bury her head in the sand and ignore all of life’s unpleasantness.
Which isn’t always great, especially when it comes to her history with Jack. Then again, he’s not great at letting things go sometimes either. Yet somehow, he and Allie do work together, despite their seemingly different outlooks on life. They have great chemistry and still know each other so well, despite all the years apart. I really wanted them to sort out their differences and keep trying, because even though they have their troubles, they are great together.
But, to be honest, their romance wasn’t the best thing about this book. That was the humour, the inappropriate conversations and the dramatic moments that came out of nowhere and left me caught between horror and hysterics. Like the reunion, or the barbershop conversation, or the bra fitting or all the awkward conversations about that attic. This is a book that revels in the ridiculous and isn’t afraid of innuendos or polydactyl cats. It’s great fun and I particularly loved Paige, Jack’s daughter, who doesn’t just steal scenes, she stole the whole book.
I might have liked a bit more closure regarding why they split up in the first place, though. Allie wasn’t wrong about her relationship with Jack, and he never seems to acknowledge that, even though he willingly changed his whole life for someone else a few years later. I would also have liked to have heard about Allie’s plans for the future, concerning the B&B, because although she’s doing up the house, this isn’t mentioned until the epilogue. I would also have liked a bit more foreshadowing of Allie’s dark secrets, because although it didn’t entirely surprise me, it did seem to come out of nowhere.
On the whole, though this is a fun, light and enjoyable read that takes an honest view of second chance romances and meeting up with old exes. The characters have flaws and problems, but are also packed with redeeming qualities and the secondary ones are just as complicated as Jack and Allie. It’s always a pleasure to read a Tawna Fenske book, and this is no exception. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
Allie and Jack have history, and it didn’t end well, so when chance brings them back to living in the same city, both are out to impress and show how amazingly well they’ve done with their lives since they split up. For Allie, she’s desperate to prove that her choice to leave was the right one, while Jack wants to show her that he managed to amount to something after all. But neither are quite as assured as they’d like and it turns out they aren’t much over each other either.
Poor Allie, her life is one drama after another. Partly because her parents are both in prison, but there’s also the woodpeckers destroying her grandma’s house and an attic full of secrets that everyone seems to have used at some point in their lives with Allie. She frequently comes across as a woman who doesn’t know what she wants in life, who has trouble facing the past and would much rather bury her head in the sand and ignore all of life’s unpleasantness.
Which isn’t always great, especially when it comes to her history with Jack. Then again, he’s not great at letting things go sometimes either. Yet somehow, he and Allie do work together, despite their seemingly different outlooks on life. They have great chemistry and still know each other so well, despite all the years apart. I really wanted them to sort out their differences and keep trying, because even though they have their troubles, they are great together.
But, to be honest, their romance wasn’t the best thing about this book. That was the humour, the inappropriate conversations and the dramatic moments that came out of nowhere and left me caught between horror and hysterics. Like the reunion, or the barbershop conversation, or the bra fitting or all the awkward conversations about that attic. This is a book that revels in the ridiculous and isn’t afraid of innuendos or polydactyl cats. It’s great fun and I particularly loved Paige, Jack’s daughter, who doesn’t just steal scenes, she stole the whole book.
I might have liked a bit more closure regarding why they split up in the first place, though. Allie wasn’t wrong about her relationship with Jack, and he never seems to acknowledge that, even though he willingly changed his whole life for someone else a few years later. I would also have liked to have heard about Allie’s plans for the future, concerning the B&B, because although she’s doing up the house, this isn’t mentioned until the epilogue. I would also have liked a bit more foreshadowing of Allie’s dark secrets, because although it didn’t entirely surprise me, it did seem to come out of nowhere.
On the whole, though this is a fun, light and enjoyable read that takes an honest view of second chance romances and meeting up with old exes. The characters have flaws and problems, but are also packed with redeeming qualities and the secondary ones are just as complicated as Jack and Allie. It’s always a pleasure to read a Tawna Fenske book, and this is no exception. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
July 20, 2018
I am really struggling to write a review for this book. Not because I didn't like it, but because I was so annoyed with both characters throughout much of the book.
Jack and Allie dated in college, and Jack is back in Portland for his college reunion. He reaches out to Allie and asks to see her, so he can show her how successful he is. Allie, in turn, does the same thing, by asking her friend to pose as her fiancé so that Jack doesn't know how her life turned out.
Allie admitted pretty quickly that her fiancée was fake. Allie had a real commitment problem. She was engaged four times!
There was a few back stories - Allie's grandmother passed away, leaving Allie her B&B, which she had turned into a cat sanctuary for extra-toed cats. This was a strange back story. Then there is a back story of Allie's parents being in prison for a Ponzi scheme. Jack also has a ten year old daughter named Paige, who was adorable. There was just a lot going on in this book, and sometimes it was hard to keep up.
There was little backstory about why Jack and Allie broke up until the very end, and we had no time to process it. It took away from the story.
The writing was fine, but this book probably would have been a four star book if it was told in the first person. Would have been more relatable that way. Not sure I would recommend this one. It was just ok.
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April 4, 2017
Another fabulous offering from Fenske, THIS TIME AROUND shows how finding the right person isn't the only thing that matters in a successful romance. Finding the right person _at the right time_ is crucial to the success of a relationship. Jack and Allie always had the spark, but it isn't until life offers them a second chance to connect that the conditions are right to ignite the spark into a blaze that promises to last a lifetime. Bonus: Jack's adorable daughter, Paige, brings tons of personality into the mix. Absolutely loved this book!
May 31, 2017
It took me a long time to read this book not because it was hard to read but because it just didn't hold my attention. The writing felt very basic to me and the storylines were predictable and boring. I skimmed a lot to get to the end. I grabbed it off the new books shelf at the library one day and didn't notice that the genre was romance. Maybe all romance books are this way but too much empahsis on the sexual thoughts that Jack had about Allie. I only finished it so I could add to my reading challenge.
May 19, 2017
B- at All About Romance, so 3.5 stars here Stories about couples getting a second chance at love are one of my favorite tropes. I like a sweet, funny romance, too. However, sometimes we can get a little too much of a good thing. This Time Around has all the marks of a favorite for me, but the dosage on sweetness and kookiness is just a tad high. The book has more than a few good moments, but it’s too sugary to be refreshing overall.
You’ll learn early on in this book that albatrosses fly alone. And why should we care? Because it gives the author a convenient reason to keep referring to the heroine as “Allie Ross, the albatross.” Like more than a few of the plot points, it’s catchy at first but soon gets a little old.
At any rate, we have a scene early in the book where our fine-feathered heroine is preparing to meet her old high school/college/we-almost-got-married-but-didn’t boyfriend after years apart. Allie apparently placed a high value on material success and back in the day, Jack Carpenter just wasn’t measuring up in that department. The tables have now turned and Jack has made a success of himself. Allie, meanwhile, has had to face ruin as the foundation of her social-climbing parents’ well-heeled lifestyle turned out to be a Ponzi scheme. The parents are now in jail and Allie is trying to figure out what to do with her life. Faced with seeing Jack again, she gets a friend to stand in as a fake fiancé because she cannot bear to have Jack see her as anything other than successful.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
You’ll learn early on in this book that albatrosses fly alone. And why should we care? Because it gives the author a convenient reason to keep referring to the heroine as “Allie Ross, the albatross.” Like more than a few of the plot points, it’s catchy at first but soon gets a little old.
At any rate, we have a scene early in the book where our fine-feathered heroine is preparing to meet her old high school/college/we-almost-got-married-but-didn’t boyfriend after years apart. Allie apparently placed a high value on material success and back in the day, Jack Carpenter just wasn’t measuring up in that department. The tables have now turned and Jack has made a success of himself. Allie, meanwhile, has had to face ruin as the foundation of her social-climbing parents’ well-heeled lifestyle turned out to be a Ponzi scheme. The parents are now in jail and Allie is trying to figure out what to do with her life. Faced with seeing Jack again, she gets a friend to stand in as a fake fiancé because she cannot bear to have Jack see her as anything other than successful.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
March 10, 2017
I love books written by Tawna Fenske and This Time Around is a great addition to her line up. Jack and Allie were teenage sweetheart until Allie broke his heart by leaving him. She had big dreams and Jack was too laid back. Jack eventually moved on, getting a great career, finding a beautiful wife, and having an adorable little girl. Now widowed he is back for his college reunion, eager to show Allie what a success he has become. But choices Allie made at 19 have changed the course of her life and nothing turned out the way she hoped. Now she must take a hard look at her life and decide what she really wants.
There is so much to love about this book. Jack is a sexy single dad. He barrels back into Allie' s life and sees her more clearly now. Jack's daughter is a riot! And the cats add some comedy and history to the story. I had a hard time connecting with Allie but in the end it was Allie who has stayed in my thoughts. The overall theme of this book for me was learning to live with the choices you make, good and bad.
I was given a copy of this book.
There is so much to love about this book. Jack is a sexy single dad. He barrels back into Allie' s life and sees her more clearly now. Jack's daughter is a riot! And the cats add some comedy and history to the story. I had a hard time connecting with Allie but in the end it was Allie who has stayed in my thoughts. The overall theme of this book for me was learning to live with the choices you make, good and bad.
I was given a copy of this book.
June 4, 2017
3.75 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2017
Allie Ross is not living the life she once dreamed. Her law career ended before it ever started, her parents landed in jail for running a Ponzi scheme, and she just inherited her grandmother’s B&B—which is nice, even if it is full of extra-toed cats. As for her love life…she’d rather not talk about it.
When Jack Carpenter reaches out to reconnect with Allie, the girl who broke his heart in college, his plan is to impress her with the adult he’s become. Sure, he was a deadbeat then, but life has forced him to grow up. And it’s a relief to find out that things didn’t necessarily go the way Allie expected either.
As Allie and Jack get reacquainted, they rediscover the things they loved—and hated—about each other. But who they are now isn’t who they were then, and secrets—old and new—will test whether they have a future together, or if the past is destined to repeat itself.
••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--THIS TIME AROUND by Tawna Fenske is a stand alone, adult, contemporary, romantic story line focusing on the rekindling relationship between Certified Association Executive Allie Ross, and ‘app’ developer Jack Carpenter.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Allie and Jack) Allie Ross and Jack Carpenter were once high school sweethearts and college lovers but sixteen years had passed since the day Allie pushed Jack Carpenter out of her life. Fast forward to present day wherein our heroine struggles with the knowledge that not all is right in her ordered world-law school never came to fruition; her parents are in prison for running a Ponzi scheme that bilked hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients and friends; her beloved grandmother recently passed bequeathing Allie a former B&B that now is home to sixteen polydactyl cats; and the man that Allie once loved has returned to town with a ten year old daughter, potentially looking for a second chance, at a happily ever after. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Allie and Jack, and Allie’s discovery that her grandmother’s attic is a Pandora’s box of secrets and lies.
Allie Ross grew up privileged but the man that Allie loved was never good enough or determined to make something of his life. Allie had plans to attend university then law school but life had a way of interfering pulling Allie in another direction. Jack Carpenter left town and made a name for himself following several years of struggle and the death of the woman he once called lover and wife. With his ten year old daughter in tow Jack returns to the town he once called home, and the woman he is hoping to rekindle the spark.
The relationship between Jack and Allie is one of second chances but Allie is reluctant to reveal everything about her life. Throughout the story Allie begins to shed the protective walls that have encompassed her heart but too many secrets revealed finds our hero walking away without a backwards glance. The $ex scenes are limited, intimate and sensual.
We are introduced to Allie’s ex fiancé and best friend Wade, her parents Priscilla and Nathan Ross, Rosewood B&B custodian Skye, as well as Jack’s ten year old daughter Paige. The world building focuses on the rebuilding relationship between Jack and Allie but also on a lifetime of secrets that slowly begin to eat at Allie’s façade.
THIS TIME AROUND is a spirited and hopeful story line with a little bit of humor, romance, guilt and love. The premise is idealistic and heartwarming; the characters are colorful and realistic; the romance is passionate and emotional. THIS TIME AROUND follows one woman as she battles the realities of life and love.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2017
Allie Ross is not living the life she once dreamed. Her law career ended before it ever started, her parents landed in jail for running a Ponzi scheme, and she just inherited her grandmother’s B&B—which is nice, even if it is full of extra-toed cats. As for her love life…she’d rather not talk about it.
When Jack Carpenter reaches out to reconnect with Allie, the girl who broke his heart in college, his plan is to impress her with the adult he’s become. Sure, he was a deadbeat then, but life has forced him to grow up. And it’s a relief to find out that things didn’t necessarily go the way Allie expected either.
As Allie and Jack get reacquainted, they rediscover the things they loved—and hated—about each other. But who they are now isn’t who they were then, and secrets—old and new—will test whether they have a future together, or if the past is destined to repeat itself.
••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--THIS TIME AROUND by Tawna Fenske is a stand alone, adult, contemporary, romantic story line focusing on the rekindling relationship between Certified Association Executive Allie Ross, and ‘app’ developer Jack Carpenter.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Allie and Jack) Allie Ross and Jack Carpenter were once high school sweethearts and college lovers but sixteen years had passed since the day Allie pushed Jack Carpenter out of her life. Fast forward to present day wherein our heroine struggles with the knowledge that not all is right in her ordered world-law school never came to fruition; her parents are in prison for running a Ponzi scheme that bilked hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients and friends; her beloved grandmother recently passed bequeathing Allie a former B&B that now is home to sixteen polydactyl cats; and the man that Allie once loved has returned to town with a ten year old daughter, potentially looking for a second chance, at a happily ever after. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Allie and Jack, and Allie’s discovery that her grandmother’s attic is a Pandora’s box of secrets and lies.
Allie Ross grew up privileged but the man that Allie loved was never good enough or determined to make something of his life. Allie had plans to attend university then law school but life had a way of interfering pulling Allie in another direction. Jack Carpenter left town and made a name for himself following several years of struggle and the death of the woman he once called lover and wife. With his ten year old daughter in tow Jack returns to the town he once called home, and the woman he is hoping to rekindle the spark.
The relationship between Jack and Allie is one of second chances but Allie is reluctant to reveal everything about her life. Throughout the story Allie begins to shed the protective walls that have encompassed her heart but too many secrets revealed finds our hero walking away without a backwards glance. The $ex scenes are limited, intimate and sensual.
We are introduced to Allie’s ex fiancé and best friend Wade, her parents Priscilla and Nathan Ross, Rosewood B&B custodian Skye, as well as Jack’s ten year old daughter Paige. The world building focuses on the rebuilding relationship between Jack and Allie but also on a lifetime of secrets that slowly begin to eat at Allie’s façade.
THIS TIME AROUND is a spirited and hopeful story line with a little bit of humor, romance, guilt and love. The premise is idealistic and heartwarming; the characters are colorful and realistic; the romance is passionate and emotional. THIS TIME AROUND follows one woman as she battles the realities of life and love.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
August 23, 2017
First things first - the cover is just plain wrong! It hints at a frothy, light-hearted romantic comedy, whereas in reality this is a pretty intense story about love and family and responsibilities.
I downloaded this book without any real expectations and I was at the 30% mark when I realised just how darned GOOD this book is. The gentle humour is not the usual cackling/heavy-handed/tacky/belly-laugh stuff that is all too often written in ‘contemporary romance’ - instead it’s far more reserved and all the better for that.
The REAL moment in this book for me was the scene in the barber’s shop. I won’t go into details but my word - that was utterly delightful and beautifully written.
I finished this in one read - and without ever being distracted. Allie and Jack are well-fleshed out characters, their relationship comes across as believable and Paige is perfect. She doesn’t steal the show, neither is she just in the story for added ‘ah’ factor. She doesn’t speak like a teenager, or act like a toddler which is pretty rare in a lot of romance books with children.
(I read a book yesterday where an adult male was talking to his 10 yr old godson and used the word ‘pussy-whipped’ to describe the boy’s father as well as words such as ‘asshole’ and ‘dick’. Nothing like that happens here!)
There are some delightful secondary characters as well. ‘Bam’ is the one I loved most. That ONE sentence of his – ‘Keep it down over there, ladies. We have children in the house.’ – was perfect.
All in all, a delightful and fun read. (just a pity about the cover - which might have deterred some readers looking for a solid, well-written romance.)
I downloaded this book without any real expectations and I was at the 30% mark when I realised just how darned GOOD this book is. The gentle humour is not the usual cackling/heavy-handed/tacky/belly-laugh stuff that is all too often written in ‘contemporary romance’ - instead it’s far more reserved and all the better for that.
The REAL moment in this book for me was the scene in the barber’s shop. I won’t go into details but my word - that was utterly delightful and beautifully written.
I finished this in one read - and without ever being distracted. Allie and Jack are well-fleshed out characters, their relationship comes across as believable and Paige is perfect. She doesn’t steal the show, neither is she just in the story for added ‘ah’ factor. She doesn’t speak like a teenager, or act like a toddler which is pretty rare in a lot of romance books with children.
(I read a book yesterday where an adult male was talking to his 10 yr old godson and used the word ‘pussy-whipped’ to describe the boy’s father as well as words such as ‘asshole’ and ‘dick’. Nothing like that happens here!)
There are some delightful secondary characters as well. ‘Bam’ is the one I loved most. That ONE sentence of his – ‘Keep it down over there, ladies. We have children in the house.’ – was perfect.
All in all, a delightful and fun read. (just a pity about the cover - which might have deterred some readers looking for a solid, well-written romance.)
October 10, 2017
I'm impressed! I think I'm definitely in love with Tawna Fenske and her books.
If you want to read this book you wont be disappointed at all. It was really cute and a fun read. I loved Jack and Allie and their relationship. You find out that there are so many god damn secrets between these two and their families. Again, it was very interesting and amusing. I loved this book.
December 20, 2017
A feel good romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.
4 1/2 stars, loved it! This was good smart chic lit with Some sexy times, and I laughed out loud a lot. Simply feel good. 4 stars first half, 5 stars second half, with a few happy tears.
One of my favourite tropes, single dad with a ten year old daughter on the cusp of puberty. Also, second chance romance. Ally and Jake were engaged in college but broke up. Also, older couple, both 36 and have lived a little.
This could have really dive into miscommunication territory a number of times, but refreshingly didn't. They communicated, discussed feelings, reminisced. Chemistry and sexual tension was ever present.
There were great layers to tuck into and to provide much humour: both his and her families, a deceased grandma with a lot of eye-brow raising secrets to reveal, cats, friends. I loved Ally's growing relationship with ten year old Paige. There was a mystery to solve. There was some predictable drama that I saw coming, but whatever. Finished reading this with a smile on my face and a swoon in my heart.
I listened to this via audible, and it was fantastic. The narrator completely made all of the characters come alive.
4 1/2 stars, loved it! This was good smart chic lit with Some sexy times, and I laughed out loud a lot. Simply feel good. 4 stars first half, 5 stars second half, with a few happy tears.
One of my favourite tropes, single dad with a ten year old daughter on the cusp of puberty. Also, second chance romance. Ally and Jake were engaged in college but broke up. Also, older couple, both 36 and have lived a little.
This could have really dive into miscommunication territory a number of times, but refreshingly didn't. They communicated, discussed feelings, reminisced. Chemistry and sexual tension was ever present.
There were great layers to tuck into and to provide much humour: both his and her families, a deceased grandma with a lot of eye-brow raising secrets to reveal, cats, friends. I loved Ally's growing relationship with ten year old Paige. There was a mystery to solve. There was some predictable drama that I saw coming, but whatever. Finished reading this with a smile on my face and a swoon in my heart.
I listened to this via audible, and it was fantastic. The narrator completely made all of the characters come alive.
February 1, 2019
I love humor, humor is my jam! I have read a few of Tawna Fenske ... mysteries are my fave ...but humor is a very very close 2nd. love the option to read and listen .. so awesome! great style. funny all the way through. I love when an author takes a book that is just so awesome and finds a super great narrator ... Carly Robins rocks!! so important ... a certain narrator said that the point of a narrator is just to disappear and read ... u r just a carrying, a magician so to speak of words, humor, and they whip it all together ... loved it!
September 16, 2017
This may be the sweetest book that Tawna Fenske has written and I absolutely loved it. It tugged at my heart. But don't worry--there was still the perfect amount of steamy and funny. Another hit by Fenske!
lost-interest
April 5, 202260% audio.
I love Tawna Fenske books. But this is ... boring. Sorry. And I am not even complaining about the 10 year old daughter with the intellect of a 14 year old. Oh well, maybe I am complaining.
It's also a second chance book, and I barely ever do well with those.
I love Tawna Fenske books. But this is ... boring. Sorry. And I am not even complaining about the 10 year old daughter with the intellect of a 14 year old. Oh well, maybe I am complaining.
It's also a second chance book, and I barely ever do well with those.
May 20, 2020
4.5⭐ rounded up.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Mistakes were made sixteen years ago and both Allie and Jack had some growing up to do, but now they have a chance to figure things out.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Mistakes were made sixteen years ago and both Allie and Jack had some growing up to do, but now they have a chance to figure things out.
March 8, 2021
Cute, fun read
July 23, 2022
3.5 stars low drama second chance romance
June 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️! this was SO cute and cheesy. loved Jack so so much, and Paige too. i just love second chance romances
March 20, 2017
This book is written in third person, not something I am a big fan of but this author does an amazing job at it and I love her writing. This book was no exception. This second chance romance was somewhat realistic, with quirky characters and sexual innuendos that kept me entertained throughout the book. I enjoyed all of the characters and their backstory. There were some heavy topics in this book but thanks to her captivating writing, they did not appear as much so. Paige and the cats were great additions to help lighten the book up as well.
This book is a complete standalone.
** Copy received in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a complete standalone.
** Copy received in exchange for my honest review.
March 14, 2017
A fun, easy read from Tawna Fenske. It made me chuckle throughout and easily entertained me. I was able to put the book aside quite often, though, and it helped me to realize that, depending heavily on my mood, I need a bit more substance and depth to my reads now. If you're looking for a lighthearted and laid back read, this is the book for you.
July 21, 2017
I loved this story. I liked how they were young and together, then separated . After time, they came back together and fell in love again.
October 22, 2017
Funny and witty
So I really enjoyed this book. It does have some F-bombs but aside from that the characters are funny and there’s so much writ that you can’t help but laugh out loud.
So I really enjoyed this book. It does have some F-bombs but aside from that the characters are funny and there’s so much writ that you can’t help but laugh out loud.
July 4, 2020
This was my first time reading this author. I’m a lover of rom-coms so it was right up my alley. It had a unique storyline. A great second chance romance. Also single dad trope. The drunk sister in law was hilarious. You probably have to be a cat person to be able to appreciate it to it’s fullest.
August 8, 2017
reviewed for AudioGals. Narrated by Carly Robins. 4.5 stars.
https://www.audiogals.net/2017/07/thi...
https://www.audiogals.net/2017/07/thi...
March 5, 2018
3.75 Solid Stars
This was my first book by this author. I’m glad I picked it up. Will look up more of her books.
This was my first book by this author. I’m glad I picked it up. Will look up more of her books.
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