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Ardent Springs #5
The Last in Love
Abby Williams lost her husband—and the future she envisioned—to a roadside bomb in a foreign land, so a kitchen fire is no big deal. When the local firemen show up to put out the blaze, the army widow finds herself attracted to one hot volunteer firefighter…until she realizes it’s Justin Donovan, a man five years her junior.
Justin has long carried a torch for Abby. But after she got married ten years ago, he put her out of his mind, left Ardent Springs for Chicago, and got a job as a real estate developer. Now he’s back—for reasons he’d rather not share—and he wants to prove to Abby that age is nothing but a number. Will Abby’s reluctance and Justin’s secrets extinguish any attempts at romance? Or will the sparks between them ignite a second chance at love?
Justin has long carried a torch for Abby. But after she got married ten years ago, he put her out of his mind, left Ardent Springs for Chicago, and got a job as a real estate developer. Now he’s back—for reasons he’d rather not share—and he wants to prove to Abby that age is nothing but a number. Will Abby’s reluctance and Justin’s secrets extinguish any attempts at romance? Or will the sparks between them ignite a second chance at love?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2017
480 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Terri Osburn
35 books931 followersBestselling and award winning author Terri Osburn writes contemporary romance with heart, hope, and lots of humor. She fell in love with the written word at a young age and the genre of romance beckoned during her teen years. Since her debut in 2013, her work has been translated into five languages, and sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide. Terri resides in Pittsburgh, PA, with a menagerie of high-maintenance pets. You can learn more about this international bestselling author by visiting her website at www.terriosburn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 25, 2018
Review available at Under the Pages.
May 14, 2017
Life has given Abby a whole truckload of lemons. She lost her husband, is alone and lonely while all her friends have found love, she’s lost her job and to top it all off her kitchen has been gutted after a fire. Things just aren’t going well.
Justin has returned to Ardent Springs after a development he was involved with went south and he was left holding the can. He’s just killing time in Ardent Springs and working as a volunteer firefighter. When he attends Abby’s kitchen fire he suddenly sees his second chance. He left Ardent Springs years earlier after Abby chose someone else. This time he’s determined to be the one she chooses.
There is something special about Contemporary Romance. Alfred Hitchcock once quipped that, “A good story is life with all the boring bits taken out.” He was right and for me that’s the attraction of CR. It’s not about explosions, bigger and badder villains, or finding the most gruesome ways to kill someone. It’s life. An idealised version of life but life none-the-less.
And The Last in Love is all of that. It’s a good story, well told. It’s positive and life affirming. It’s everything I want from CR and truthfully it’s everything I want from reading. Returning to Alfred Hitchcock he also said, “A good movie isn’t a slice of life, it’s a slice of cake”, and that’s this book. It’s a giant slice of the best cake ever made.
Justin has returned to Ardent Springs after a development he was involved with went south and he was left holding the can. He’s just killing time in Ardent Springs and working as a volunteer firefighter. When he attends Abby’s kitchen fire he suddenly sees his second chance. He left Ardent Springs years earlier after Abby chose someone else. This time he’s determined to be the one she chooses.
There is something special about Contemporary Romance. Alfred Hitchcock once quipped that, “A good story is life with all the boring bits taken out.” He was right and for me that’s the attraction of CR. It’s not about explosions, bigger and badder villains, or finding the most gruesome ways to kill someone. It’s life. An idealised version of life but life none-the-less.
And The Last in Love is all of that. It’s a good story, well told. It’s positive and life affirming. It’s everything I want from CR and truthfully it’s everything I want from reading. Returning to Alfred Hitchcock he also said, “A good movie isn’t a slice of life, it’s a slice of cake”, and that’s this book. It’s a giant slice of the best cake ever made.
May 25, 2017
Wow, I just love Terri Osburn’s down-to-earth characters and intriguing plots. The Last in Love is another awesome read. Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for allowing me to read this book in advance of publication.
Since the death of her husband, Abby Williams has just been going through the motions of living life. When she became a nurse, she wanted to help sick people, but the everyday duties have lost their appeal. She craves a career that will use her creative heart, but not until she’s laid off due to budget cuts, does she realize it.
When a kitchen fire brings Justin Donovan into her life, she’s amazed at the attraction she feels for this man who is five years younger than she. She watched him when she was a teenager, so surely nothing can come of the spark between them.
Justin has always felt attraction to Abby since he was eighteen, but she had married, so he tried to move on. When the fire opens up possibilities, he blazes in. He’s not going to let this chance pass him by.
Can Justin convince Abby that the five years are unimportant, or will she deny what she feels and pass up on a chance for a forever kind of love?
I became enmeshed with these characters from the first page and remained so until the last. The pacing is excellent and kept me involved throughout the book. The plot is great, the characters are engaging. I love how Ms. Osburn develops her characters. This is definitely a character-driven novel. Her characters are real and so believable. They are flawed and do and react as someone in real life would to events that unfold in their lives.
Abby is an endearing character. I could feel her emotions as if they were my own. I loved her kind heart. She is a loyal friend and a great sister. She loves her mother and is not afraid to let anyone know how she feels. I enjoyed her internal struggle to accept that it’s okay to be older than Justin.
I loved Justin’s character from the first page to the last. His determination to convince her to give him a chance touched my heart in a big way. What I thoroughly enjoyed about Justin was his wonderfully flawed character. He experiences emotions that anyone in his situation would feel.
Bottom-line, this is a feel-good story with great characters and an interesting plot. I’m so glad I found Ms. Osburn’s books and can’t wait for her next one. I just love Ardent Springs and the wonderful characters in this small-town USA creation of the author’s imagination. Happy reading!
Since the death of her husband, Abby Williams has just been going through the motions of living life. When she became a nurse, she wanted to help sick people, but the everyday duties have lost their appeal. She craves a career that will use her creative heart, but not until she’s laid off due to budget cuts, does she realize it.
When a kitchen fire brings Justin Donovan into her life, she’s amazed at the attraction she feels for this man who is five years younger than she. She watched him when she was a teenager, so surely nothing can come of the spark between them.
Justin has always felt attraction to Abby since he was eighteen, but she had married, so he tried to move on. When the fire opens up possibilities, he blazes in. He’s not going to let this chance pass him by.
Can Justin convince Abby that the five years are unimportant, or will she deny what she feels and pass up on a chance for a forever kind of love?
I became enmeshed with these characters from the first page and remained so until the last. The pacing is excellent and kept me involved throughout the book. The plot is great, the characters are engaging. I love how Ms. Osburn develops her characters. This is definitely a character-driven novel. Her characters are real and so believable. They are flawed and do and react as someone in real life would to events that unfold in their lives.
Abby is an endearing character. I could feel her emotions as if they were my own. I loved her kind heart. She is a loyal friend and a great sister. She loves her mother and is not afraid to let anyone know how she feels. I enjoyed her internal struggle to accept that it’s okay to be older than Justin.
I loved Justin’s character from the first page to the last. His determination to convince her to give him a chance touched my heart in a big way. What I thoroughly enjoyed about Justin was his wonderfully flawed character. He experiences emotions that anyone in his situation would feel.
Bottom-line, this is a feel-good story with great characters and an interesting plot. I’m so glad I found Ms. Osburn’s books and can’t wait for her next one. I just love Ardent Springs and the wonderful characters in this small-town USA creation of the author’s imagination. Happy reading!
April 21, 2017
I found myself charmed by this one from the first page. Abby was relate able in her wallowing, happy for her friends, but feeling a bit sorry for herself and what she lost. The fire was a big wake up call in more than one way.
I found myself laughing from the start when Abby kept saying how the 5 year age difference was such a big thing. Yes it would have been when she was his babysitter, but now when he was 28 and she 33, it was nothing. I was glad when she succumbed to Justin's charms and started dating him. Both seemed to be adrift in their lives at a crossroads where anything was possible if only they had the guts to try. Their work on the town square was good, it gave them a chance to get to know each other and do physical labor to shut down their minds.
I didn't like how Justin didn't want to talk about his past, you knew it would come to bite him in the butt, I just didn't expect things to blow up as much as they did. It didn't help that Justin let his past in, that even by just talking it screwed him up.
The grand gesture that Justin made was the right thing to do in so many ways.
I found myself laughing from the start when Abby kept saying how the 5 year age difference was such a big thing. Yes it would have been when she was his babysitter, but now when he was 28 and she 33, it was nothing. I was glad when she succumbed to Justin's charms and started dating him. Both seemed to be adrift in their lives at a crossroads where anything was possible if only they had the guts to try. Their work on the town square was good, it gave them a chance to get to know each other and do physical labor to shut down their minds.
I didn't like how Justin didn't want to talk about his past, you knew it would come to bite him in the butt, I just didn't expect things to blow up as much as they did. It didn't help that Justin let his past in, that even by just talking it screwed him up.
The grand gesture that Justin made was the right thing to do in so many ways.
July 10, 2017
3.5 Stars **Some spoilers ahead**
Honestly this was better than I was expecting. The truth is I was hesitant to read this one, because I didn't like Abby the female lead. In a previous book, she came across as a bitter and unsympathetic character. So I wasn't too excited to read a story about her, but in all honesty, she redeemed herself in this one.
This was an uncomplicated, easy read and my only issue is that I think the conflict with the Hero at the end was a little overplayed. I liked the Hero Justin very much, up until the last part, when he was kind of a jerk. I didn't get why Justin would be so mad at Abby, for her doubting him when she had every reason to. He wasn't upfront with her, and while he didn't lie, he didn't tell her the whole truth, so for him to react so offended, break up with her, and then lash out to her in front of people was uncalled for. He did redeem himself at the end although he never really apologized for his harshness and for not being completely honest with her. It was her who went looking for him to sort of apologize. WTH? I wasn't too happy about that.
Overall, If you want light and easy, low in angst but still entertaining, then this would be a good choice.
Honestly this was better than I was expecting. The truth is I was hesitant to read this one, because I didn't like Abby the female lead. In a previous book, she came across as a bitter and unsympathetic character. So I wasn't too excited to read a story about her, but in all honesty, she redeemed herself in this one.
This was an uncomplicated, easy read and my only issue is that I think the conflict with the Hero at the end was a little overplayed. I liked the Hero Justin very much, up until the last part, when he was kind of a jerk. I didn't get why Justin would be so mad at Abby, for her doubting him when she had every reason to. He wasn't upfront with her, and while he didn't lie, he didn't tell her the whole truth, so for him to react so offended, break up with her, and then lash out to her in front of people was uncalled for. He did redeem himself at the end although he never really apologized for his harshness and for not being completely honest with her. It was her who went looking for him to sort of apologize. WTH? I wasn't too happy about that.
Overall, If you want light and easy, low in angst but still entertaining, then this would be a good choice.
June 15, 2017
THE LAST IN LOVE by Terri Osburn is the fifth book in the Ardent Springs series. It can be read as a stand-alone, however, the characters from the earlier books are often mentioned or involved in the story line. I haven't read the other books and didn't find this to be a problem.
Essentially Abby Williams is the last single woman in her group of her friends, although technically she was married for nearly ten years and is now single because her husband was killed in combat. She's been dealing with grief and hasn't dated in two years. Her friends are worried and they intervene by buying her a bachelor auction date with the hot young fireman in town.
Justin Donovan fell for Abby a long time ago, but she crushed his young heart when she married someone else. He moves away to Chicago and becomes a successful land developer. When a job goes bad he finds himself out of a job and back in Ardent Springs. He still cares about Abby and sets out to win her heart. He is a romantic at heart and does some pretty sweet things to convince Abby to give him a chance.
There's several minor stories that play out along with the main love story. Lots of twists. Interesting characters. A few very steamy scenes. Overall an entertaining love story. 3.5 stars.
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Essentially Abby Williams is the last single woman in her group of her friends, although technically she was married for nearly ten years and is now single because her husband was killed in combat. She's been dealing with grief and hasn't dated in two years. Her friends are worried and they intervene by buying her a bachelor auction date with the hot young fireman in town.
Justin Donovan fell for Abby a long time ago, but she crushed his young heart when she married someone else. He moves away to Chicago and becomes a successful land developer. When a job goes bad he finds himself out of a job and back in Ardent Springs. He still cares about Abby and sets out to win her heart. He is a romantic at heart and does some pretty sweet things to convince Abby to give him a chance.
There's several minor stories that play out along with the main love story. Lots of twists. Interesting characters. A few very steamy scenes. Overall an entertaining love story. 3.5 stars.
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 22, 2017
A wonderfully sweet and sexy romance. This is the 5th book in the Ardent Springs series but easily read standalone. Abby and Justin are such a cute couple although it takes Abby some time to come around. Justin had a serious crush on Abby when they where younger. Back then the 5 year age difference seemed huge now not so much. As far as Justin is concerned his being younger than Abby shouldn't make any difference and he's determined to get her to see things his way. Abby has been hiding away from life for 2 years now after her husband died whiled deployed. Now she can't understand why Justin has set his sights on her. She use to babysit him for cripes sake. Yet slowly but surely Justin draws her out and has her living again.
A great read and one I highly recommend.
A great read and one I highly recommend.
June 9, 2017
Where do I begin? I love the meet cute. The handsome Justin helps "rescue" Abby Williams when her kitchen goes on fire. Whew! She is attracted to someone for the first time since her husband was killed in action 2 years ago. And then she finds out Justin is a boy she used to babysit. I think it was 12 years ago, but he always had a crush on her. Once she gets her mind in the present, instead of the past, and makes up her own mind what she wants, it still isn't totally smooth sailing! Some people from his past, who have done him wrong, turn up to stir things up. It's rough going for awhile, but Justin finds a way to be a true hero and Abby finds a way to let him back in her heart (not that he ever left it!)
June 3, 2017
Yet again another very cute story for this little town. It was nice to have the whole gang back together but I wish I would have seen more of some people. I do know that the main focus should be on Abby and Justin but it's always nice to see the other couples. The story was very good with his background and the drama that followed him, but I did want to see how he did with the landscaping and also how her new job works out. I can see another book about Becky happening and hopefully she gets worked out into a better personality
December 5, 2017
The Last in Love review
The Last in Love is the fifth and final book of the Ardent Springs book series. It's Abby's love story.
All the novels are considered stand alone but, I suggest reading them in order since the couples will be revealed.
Abigail Williams' life is up in flames, literally. While attempting to bake a cake, her house catches on fire. To her surprise, a hot fireman keeps her calm; a man that knows her name without her telling him... what?
I enjoyed this book. Like most of the Ardent Springs novels, this one tackled two very serious topics- moving on after becoming a widow and dating a younger man. I think she did a great job highlighting the fears some women face while dealing with both.
My issue with this novel was the ending. Though their story was complete, I felt as though another relationship was being forged and then dropped. The series didn't feel complete.
I enjoyed reading this authors stories and will definitely consider reading others.
Highly recommend this believable love series.
The Last in Love is the fifth and final book of the Ardent Springs book series. It's Abby's love story.
All the novels are considered stand alone but, I suggest reading them in order since the couples will be revealed.
Abigail Williams' life is up in flames, literally. While attempting to bake a cake, her house catches on fire. To her surprise, a hot fireman keeps her calm; a man that knows her name without her telling him... what?
I enjoyed this book. Like most of the Ardent Springs novels, this one tackled two very serious topics- moving on after becoming a widow and dating a younger man. I think she did a great job highlighting the fears some women face while dealing with both.
My issue with this novel was the ending. Though their story was complete, I felt as though another relationship was being forged and then dropped. The series didn't feel complete.
I enjoyed reading this authors stories and will definitely consider reading others.
Highly recommend this believable love series.
May 17, 2017
Wasn't my favorite. I'm tired of all the "incestuous" Ardent Springs' connections and their ridiculous HEA. Could've been really cute with the younger guy/"older" woman romance, but she was not really that much older and he was so full of himself. I think I'm jaded. I'm not having as much fun with these romances as I used to--can't say it's the author's fault--she's just using her proven formula and churning out the stories.
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
June 4, 2017
This was the final book in the Ardent Springs series. It could be read as a stand alone book. I have read all of the books in this series and was happy to see Abby get her HEA.
Abby is a widow, her husband Kyle was killed by a roadside bomb in the service two years ago. Since then she has had a hard time moving forward with her life, stuck in place and feeling angry. All her friends have found their happy endings by either getting engaged or married but Abby still sits alone every night.
Justin Donovan is back in town after his life in Chicago fell apart. He had the big fancy job, fancy apartment and even a fiancé. The job came to an end when he failed to oversee a project and trusted people he shouldn't have. He was fired and blackballed. He then walked in on his fiancé in bed with his best friend and co-worker. Time to leave town.
Abby was baking and a fire started in her home which brought the fire dept. out. Her kitchen was ruined but everything else was fine. Justin was a volunteer fireman for the dept. and came out to fight the fire. That is how they ended up seeing each other after 10 long years. Justin as a kid had been smitten with Abby but too shy to approach her, due to her being older. She used to babysit him. Even after all this time he never forgot her and seeing her again awoke his feelings for her. When Abby saw the fireman coming from her house she thought he was incredibly handsome, but was shocked when she found out it was Justin. She told herself she couldn't feel anything for him since he was 5 years younger than she was. Justin kept asking her out and Abby kept refusing due to the age difference. But he wore her down and things started to happen. They had dates, they worked together in landscaping since Abby was laid off. For some reason he never came clean with her about his 10 years away from Ardent Springs and that is where some trouble started. I won't say anymore, read the story. It goes up and down from there.
I have to say I did enjoy this book, but it didn't grab me like the others in the series did. I'm not even sure why, whether it was the way the relationship started, the odd way some of their "differences" were handled or the way the friends were always butting in. Like I said I did enjoy it, and it had all the things I look for in a romance book, the feelings were all there. It might have just been that I might have picked a different type of man for Abby.
My heart belongs to Carrie and Noah in Her Hopes and Dreams in this series. Just something about those two. I have read everything that Terri Osburn has written, and she has never disappointed me. Her Anchor Island series is awesome. So with this being the end of Ardent Springs, I am looking forward to see where she takes us next. I hear its in the music business in Nashville.
Abby is a widow, her husband Kyle was killed by a roadside bomb in the service two years ago. Since then she has had a hard time moving forward with her life, stuck in place and feeling angry. All her friends have found their happy endings by either getting engaged or married but Abby still sits alone every night.
Justin Donovan is back in town after his life in Chicago fell apart. He had the big fancy job, fancy apartment and even a fiancé. The job came to an end when he failed to oversee a project and trusted people he shouldn't have. He was fired and blackballed. He then walked in on his fiancé in bed with his best friend and co-worker. Time to leave town.
Abby was baking and a fire started in her home which brought the fire dept. out. Her kitchen was ruined but everything else was fine. Justin was a volunteer fireman for the dept. and came out to fight the fire. That is how they ended up seeing each other after 10 long years. Justin as a kid had been smitten with Abby but too shy to approach her, due to her being older. She used to babysit him. Even after all this time he never forgot her and seeing her again awoke his feelings for her. When Abby saw the fireman coming from her house she thought he was incredibly handsome, but was shocked when she found out it was Justin. She told herself she couldn't feel anything for him since he was 5 years younger than she was. Justin kept asking her out and Abby kept refusing due to the age difference. But he wore her down and things started to happen. They had dates, they worked together in landscaping since Abby was laid off. For some reason he never came clean with her about his 10 years away from Ardent Springs and that is where some trouble started. I won't say anymore, read the story. It goes up and down from there.
I have to say I did enjoy this book, but it didn't grab me like the others in the series did. I'm not even sure why, whether it was the way the relationship started, the odd way some of their "differences" were handled or the way the friends were always butting in. Like I said I did enjoy it, and it had all the things I look for in a romance book, the feelings were all there. It might have just been that I might have picked a different type of man for Abby.
My heart belongs to Carrie and Noah in Her Hopes and Dreams in this series. Just something about those two. I have read everything that Terri Osburn has written, and she has never disappointed me. Her Anchor Island series is awesome. So with this being the end of Ardent Springs, I am looking forward to see where she takes us next. I hear its in the music business in Nashville.
May 29, 2017
This book seemed to be full of people making unexpected decisions in some sharp and often baffling ways. Or fixating on small things, while missing the bigger picture altogether. Like Abby making such a big fuss over being older than Justin, completely ignoring the man in front of her. Or Justin doling out the truth of his past in tiny parcels out of some sense of wounded pride or hurt ego, and ignoring the fact that such behaviour leaves him open to huge misunderstandings. Then there’s the reaction of everyone who is supposed to love Abby, who also seemed incapable of supporting her decisions about anything, regardless of the facts before them. It just left me baffled at times and often angry and annoyed on behalf of the main characters.
Which is kind of how this book made me feel all over, really. I enjoyed it overall, but it also took a few turns that didn’t quite baffle me, but left me feeling less than enthused. Justin and Abby are both decent people struggling to adjust to recent upheavals in their lives. They get on well, have good chemistry and make a great team. Their relationship develops fairly quickly, especially considering Abby’s original resistance and some disapproval from friends and family. Then somehow Justin shifted into someone I didn’t like all that much.
I also expected a little more about Abby’s first marriage and her feelings towards her ex, and perhaps a bit more of a battle from Justin to get Abby to the point of accepting him. But that didn’t happen. They just fall fairly quickly into a serious relationship, despite his inability to open up about his past.
Which of course comes back to bite him in expected ways. And again, I was left a bit baffled by the way he reacts to Abby’s anger. I don’t know what I expected from him, but that wasn’t it. When the real fight for love begins, even though it was all for Abby in the big picture way, it didn’t really feel like that to me. What he does is as much about restoring his reputation at large as getting her back. Everyone seems pretty happy with the outcome, but for me it wasn’t the grand gesture I needed. Nor did it quite wrap up the few loose ends Justin had.
So overall this was okay. It didn’t win me over as much as I’d hoped when I started reading it, but I didn’t hate it either. There are plenty of recurring characters and locations to please existing fans of the series, but it also stands alone well enough for newcomers to enjoy. I just wish more people had been able to trust Abby to know her own mind, including Justin, and that they’d both fought as hard for each other as they seemed to do for everyone else.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
Which is kind of how this book made me feel all over, really. I enjoyed it overall, but it also took a few turns that didn’t quite baffle me, but left me feeling less than enthused. Justin and Abby are both decent people struggling to adjust to recent upheavals in their lives. They get on well, have good chemistry and make a great team. Their relationship develops fairly quickly, especially considering Abby’s original resistance and some disapproval from friends and family. Then somehow Justin shifted into someone I didn’t like all that much.
I also expected a little more about Abby’s first marriage and her feelings towards her ex, and perhaps a bit more of a battle from Justin to get Abby to the point of accepting him. But that didn’t happen. They just fall fairly quickly into a serious relationship, despite his inability to open up about his past.
Which of course comes back to bite him in expected ways. And again, I was left a bit baffled by the way he reacts to Abby’s anger. I don’t know what I expected from him, but that wasn’t it. When the real fight for love begins, even though it was all for Abby in the big picture way, it didn’t really feel like that to me. What he does is as much about restoring his reputation at large as getting her back. Everyone seems pretty happy with the outcome, but for me it wasn’t the grand gesture I needed. Nor did it quite wrap up the few loose ends Justin had.
So overall this was okay. It didn’t win me over as much as I’d hoped when I started reading it, but I didn’t hate it either. There are plenty of recurring characters and locations to please existing fans of the series, but it also stands alone well enough for newcomers to enjoy. I just wish more people had been able to trust Abby to know her own mind, including Justin, and that they’d both fought as hard for each other as they seemed to do for everyone else.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
May 15, 2017
This is the fifth book in the Ardent Springs series, but it completely stands alone. The characters and circumstances from the first books are described well enough that you don't have to have read the others to enjoy this story. There is both cursing (including a couple of f-words) and on-screen sex in this one, so if those aren't your thing, you might want to skip this one.
Abby's character has always been intriguing to me as a side character in the previous books. She was kind of there meddling and being around the others as they coupled off and lived happily ever after, but she wasn't a focal point, so it was nice to finally get to know her story and her character. I actually identified pretty closely with her as she tried very hard to cope with watching everyone around her pair off after her own love story ended tragically. I also very much appreciated the way that Ms. Osburn handled Abby's ex and his death. So often military men are painted in a poor light in order to make the main female character sympathetic, but Ms. Osburn didn't do that, which was awesome.
Justin was a good guy, but he was a little...intense. He doggedly pursued Abby as if she were still the 20-something girl that he knew a decade before, despite the fact that he himself had obviously changed over their time apart. While his intense devotion to her was incredibly sweet, it was also a teensy bit awkward because he was so determined to make her his completely, while not wanting to open up to her at all. The grand gesture was perfect and exactly what I had hoped it would be. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get any follow up with his life. We know what Abby's future holds, but what was Justin going to do with his life? Did he keep doing what he and Abby had started? Did he go back to being a fat cat swinging deals? Does he pump gas now? If this was mentioned I missed it.
The biggest surprise in this one was the Becky Winkle tease. Is Ms. Winkle getting her own story, or was that just a way to soften the town's bad girl? Either way, it was intriguing and I kind of liked it.
While this book doesn't have the emotional impact of the book before it, it was a nice addition to the Ardent Springs collection and a good read as a standalone. If you like reading a story about two really likable characters who both deserve their happily ever after getting together, you should give this one a read.
I requested and was very generously granted an ARC of this book via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write this review, I did so because I enjoyed the book.
Abby's character has always been intriguing to me as a side character in the previous books. She was kind of there meddling and being around the others as they coupled off and lived happily ever after, but she wasn't a focal point, so it was nice to finally get to know her story and her character. I actually identified pretty closely with her as she tried very hard to cope with watching everyone around her pair off after her own love story ended tragically. I also very much appreciated the way that Ms. Osburn handled Abby's ex and his death. So often military men are painted in a poor light in order to make the main female character sympathetic, but Ms. Osburn didn't do that, which was awesome.
Justin was a good guy, but he was a little...intense. He doggedly pursued Abby as if she were still the 20-something girl that he knew a decade before, despite the fact that he himself had obviously changed over their time apart. While his intense devotion to her was incredibly sweet, it was also a teensy bit awkward because he was so determined to make her his completely, while not wanting to open up to her at all. The grand gesture was perfect and exactly what I had hoped it would be. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get any follow up with his life. We know what Abby's future holds, but what was Justin going to do with his life? Did he keep doing what he and Abby had started? Did he go back to being a fat cat swinging deals? Does he pump gas now? If this was mentioned I missed it.
The biggest surprise in this one was the Becky Winkle tease. Is Ms. Winkle getting her own story, or was that just a way to soften the town's bad girl? Either way, it was intriguing and I kind of liked it.
While this book doesn't have the emotional impact of the book before it, it was a nice addition to the Ardent Springs collection and a good read as a standalone. If you like reading a story about two really likable characters who both deserve their happily ever after getting together, you should give this one a read.
I requested and was very generously granted an ARC of this book via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write this review, I did so because I enjoyed the book.
June 6, 2017
I picked this book up after reading the fourth book in the series, and also having read and loved the author's previous series, Anchor Island. Although I liked this book, it wasn't my favorite of hers. The heroine, Abby, is a nurse who is just kind of stuck in life. She lost her Army husband to a roadside bomb two years ago and has not been able to move on. Her family has been pretty concerned about her, but she has been refusing everyone's offers of help. As the story opens, the hero, Justin comes to help fight a fire at her house that was set off by faulty wiring. Abby is 5 yrs. older than Justin and used to babysit him, so initially she resists his attention, but he's been in love with her forever and finally sees a chance to date her. Justin was really sweet and supportive in spite of Abby's hang-ups over the age difference. Abby was also stuck in her career as a nurse and Justin tried to get her to break out of that rut. She didn't really like her job, but when she was had a chance to change it, she was very resistant to actually making a change that might make her happier. Justin also made some errors in hiding the reason behind his coming home after working as a developer in Chicago, but overall, I thought he was a nice guy who deserved some happiness.
Abby's resistance to Justin was a bit tiresome for me. She's very attracted to him, he's a nice guy, and there's no real reason not to give him a chance. Abby was also very concerned with the reactions of other people in town to their relationship. I think that's the other reason I didn't click with this story. I used to like small-town romances, but these days, they just aren't appealing to me, especially when they are set in small-minded, conservative communities. This isn't the author's fault, it's a change in my own reading preferences and I think I need to be more careful in the future when choosing these stories. Overall, I didn't love this story, but I liked it, and I think it would appeal to other readers who enjoy small-town romance.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Abby's resistance to Justin was a bit tiresome for me. She's very attracted to him, he's a nice guy, and there's no real reason not to give him a chance. Abby was also very concerned with the reactions of other people in town to their relationship. I think that's the other reason I didn't click with this story. I used to like small-town romances, but these days, they just aren't appealing to me, especially when they are set in small-minded, conservative communities. This isn't the author's fault, it's a change in my own reading preferences and I think I need to be more careful in the future when choosing these stories. Overall, I didn't love this story, but I liked it, and I think it would appeal to other readers who enjoy small-town romance.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2017
I really enjoyed reading Terri Osburn's
The Last in Love
--my first book in this series (Ardent Springs) and from this author, but definitely not my last on either count!
Abby and Justin were an adorable couple--I liked the older woman/younger man twist (only 5 years, though--definitely not insurmountable when the couple in question is late 20s/early 30s) and the fact that he had a major crush on her while in his late teens--too sweet! The fact that he's a volunteer firefighter now definitely doesn't hurt, either (and OMG, the description of the firefighter bachelor auction at the beginning? Fabulous!) I really loved that Abby was able to (eventually, of course, after the appropriate amount of relationship angst and a suitable black moment) move on to a second relationship after losing her solider husband without diminishing her first marriage. (If you follow my reviews at all, you'll know that having to demonize the first--dead--spouse or make their relationship somehow less-than in order for a hero/heroine to commit to a new one is a huuuuuge pet peeve. Okay, yes, sometimes that will be the case. But all too often in romance it's a crutch, a convenient way to get the surviving spouse to more easily put their first marriage in the rear view mirror and get on with the second, clearly superior, one. C'mon, people. We can do better.)
Though there were times that things happened abruptly--Abby changing her mind about the age difference after being so resistant was pretty sudden, as was when she decided that Justin had been less than honest about breaking up with his fiancee--overall there was a lot more to like here than to criticize. And even though Abby's "the last in love" of her friends in Ardent Springs, her story worked just fine as a standalone.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go add books #1-4 to my TBR...
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Abby and Justin were an adorable couple--I liked the older woman/younger man twist (only 5 years, though--definitely not insurmountable when the couple in question is late 20s/early 30s) and the fact that he had a major crush on her while in his late teens--too sweet! The fact that he's a volunteer firefighter now definitely doesn't hurt, either (and OMG, the description of the firefighter bachelor auction at the beginning? Fabulous!) I really loved that Abby was able to (eventually, of course, after the appropriate amount of relationship angst and a suitable black moment) move on to a second relationship after losing her solider husband without diminishing her first marriage. (If you follow my reviews at all, you'll know that having to demonize the first--dead--spouse or make their relationship somehow less-than in order for a hero/heroine to commit to a new one is a huuuuuge pet peeve. Okay, yes, sometimes that will be the case. But all too often in romance it's a crutch, a convenient way to get the surviving spouse to more easily put their first marriage in the rear view mirror and get on with the second, clearly superior, one. C'mon, people. We can do better.)
Though there were times that things happened abruptly--Abby changing her mind about the age difference after being so resistant was pretty sudden, as was when she decided that Justin had been less than honest about breaking up with his fiancee--overall there was a lot more to like here than to criticize. And even though Abby's "the last in love" of her friends in Ardent Springs, her story worked just fine as a standalone.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go add books #1-4 to my TBR...
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 14, 2017
Abby Williams lost her husband in a roadside bomb in Afghanistan and has been surviving alone since. Yes she has family and friends but no dates and none in the future. That is until the night her kitchen is on fire and after it is put out she recognizes one of them that she has been starring at for a while, his name is Justin Donovan five years younger but still looks good. She did not know that he had moved back home from Chicago. Now talking to him she can’t believe he looks the way he does. What she does not know is that he has been in love with her since he was in high school and when she was a nurse in the local hospital he even got a job delivering flowers his senior year just to see her. When he turned eighteen he was going to tell her his feelings only to overhear that she got engaged, he left town for college and stayed in Chicago. Now back he does not tell anyone what happened at the firm he worked at or what happened in his personal life to bring him back home. What he wants is to date Abby, and he slowly gets her to see that maybe they could be good together when his past from Chicago comes back in a big way to ruin everything. Now he is not worried about the girl he is trying to save the town he grew up in and the people he has known his whole life, if the girl comes back it was met to be. Can he save the town, and better yet can he save himself. Read this good book about small town life. The characters are all good, a very good story. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
May 29, 2017
Abigail (Abby) Williams is still grieving the loss of her husband two years later. She has a group of friends she has been keeping at arms length and just going through the motions at her job.
Justin Donovan has returned home to Ardent Springs from Chicago after losing his job and discovering his fiancé in bed with his friend. He’s at loose ends trying to figure out what’s next for him. One thing he doesn’t question is his intent to make Abby his. He is intelligent, considerate, easy going and attentive. He refuses to let their age difference, he’s 5 years younger, be a factor for her.
Abby and Justin meet again when her house catches on fire. She can’t believe the hot fireman she’s drooling over is the 10 year old boy she used to babysit. When he asks her out, she refuses based on their age difference. Justin wears her down and she takes a chance. Things are going well until the past he refuses to talk about comes to bite him in the behind.
I really loved Justin until he kept his past hidden and then refused to tell Abby.
His grand gesture was definitely needed to make up for everything. I think he needed to do more groveling. Abby ran back to him way too fast.
Overall just an okay read. This can easily be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.
Justin Donovan has returned home to Ardent Springs from Chicago after losing his job and discovering his fiancé in bed with his friend. He’s at loose ends trying to figure out what’s next for him. One thing he doesn’t question is his intent to make Abby his. He is intelligent, considerate, easy going and attentive. He refuses to let their age difference, he’s 5 years younger, be a factor for her.
Abby and Justin meet again when her house catches on fire. She can’t believe the hot fireman she’s drooling over is the 10 year old boy she used to babysit. When he asks her out, she refuses based on their age difference. Justin wears her down and she takes a chance. Things are going well until the past he refuses to talk about comes to bite him in the behind.
I really loved Justin until he kept his past hidden and then refused to tell Abby.
His grand gesture was definitely needed to make up for everything. I think he needed to do more groveling. Abby ran back to him way too fast.
Overall just an okay read. This can easily be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.
August 2, 2017
Abby is having a little bit of a life crisis. She’s feeling a little lost after the death of her husband and while she’s happy for her friends it is hard to see them happy with their lives when she’s … well, not. Accidentally setting fire to her kitchen introduces her to a very sexy fireman - unfortunately he was someone she babysat for as a teen. While she may be attracted to him, it’s hard for her to see past their age different. But that definitely isn’t going to slow him down!
Justin’s pursuit of Abby is a ton of fun and, while I really liked the two of them together, but the man really needs to learn that keeping secrets is going to bite you in the butt every time :) Osburn makes sure that you understand why he feels like he needs to do the things he does, but as an observer you know that he is going to crash and burn. It’s a fun journey, though, and they manage to figure things out quickly enough.
With a deft hand at delivering realistic situations involving characters you are drawn to, Osburn is one of the best at small-town contemporary romances.
(Part of a series but easily stands on its own.)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Justin’s pursuit of Abby is a ton of fun and, while I really liked the two of them together, but the man really needs to learn that keeping secrets is going to bite you in the butt every time :) Osburn makes sure that you understand why he feels like he needs to do the things he does, but as an observer you know that he is going to crash and burn. It’s a fun journey, though, and they manage to figure things out quickly enough.
With a deft hand at delivering realistic situations involving characters you are drawn to, Osburn is one of the best at small-town contemporary romances.
(Part of a series but easily stands on its own.)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
June 29, 2017
I'm late to the game on this one, because apparently this is book five in the Ardent Springs series. This book, though, can be read as a stand alone. It's the sweet story of a window named Abby Williams who recently lost her soldier husband in a bombing.Abby is working in her kitchen one day and a fire starts. A hot, young fireman named Justin Donovan shows up. It's only then that sparks really fly!
Justin, it seems has always had a crush on Abby but when she married he moved to Chicago to start a job in a different field. He's back now and holding some secrets. Abby, however, feels things could never work because she's five years older. She just can't get past this. Justin couldn't care less about the age difference, he just wants Abby.
There were times things got a little redundant with Abby flipflopping on her life choices including her feelings for Justin but overall, it's a sweet story.
I'm definitely going back and reading this series as well as other books by this author!
Justin, it seems has always had a crush on Abby but when she married he moved to Chicago to start a job in a different field. He's back now and holding some secrets. Abby, however, feels things could never work because she's five years older. She just can't get past this. Justin couldn't care less about the age difference, he just wants Abby.
There were times things got a little redundant with Abby flipflopping on her life choices including her feelings for Justin but overall, it's a sweet story.
I'm definitely going back and reading this series as well as other books by this author!
May 26, 2017
I have loved the Ardent Springs book and the characters have been so much fun to get to know. Abby hasn't always been the easiest to like but definitely easy to sympathise with up to this point, and I liked that getting to know her in her own story wasn't about the grief for her lost husband but instead about moving on in her life. Another theme that Osburn often has in her books that is present throughout is that while this is certainly a love story about Abby and Justin, it is also a story about how Abby moves on with her life in general and finds her own direction. The entire story is uplifting and hopeful while still humorous and romantic along the way. This could be read as a standalone, but would probably be better read after the other books in the series, but I recommend them all to anyone who is looking for books about hope and strong women who overcome obstacles to find happiness for themselves.
June 14, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. . . Abby Williams lost her husband—and the future she envisioned—to a roadside bomb in a foreign land, so a kitchen fire is no big deal. When the local firemen show up to put out the blaze, the army widow finds herself attracted to one hot volunteer firefighter…until she realizes it’s Justin Donovan, a man five years her junior.
Justin has long carried a torch for Abby. But after she got married ten years ago, he put her out of his mind, left Ardent Springs for Chicago, and got a job as a real estate developer. Now he’s back—for reasons he’d rather not share—and he wants to prove to Abby that age is nothing but a number. Will Abby’s reluctance and Justin’s secrets extinguish any attempts at romance? Or will the sparks between them ignite a second chance at love?
A totally addicting read. Loved the beginning the middle and the end. 5 stars.
Justin has long carried a torch for Abby. But after she got married ten years ago, he put her out of his mind, left Ardent Springs for Chicago, and got a job as a real estate developer. Now he’s back—for reasons he’d rather not share—and he wants to prove to Abby that age is nothing but a number. Will Abby’s reluctance and Justin’s secrets extinguish any attempts at romance? Or will the sparks between them ignite a second chance at love?
A totally addicting read. Loved the beginning the middle and the end. 5 stars.
July 31, 2017
This was a great story! I loved the chemistry between Abby and Justin. You feel bad with how alone she feels, seeing her brother, mother and friends so happy in love. It was great to see Justin, who has had feelings for Abby for years, see his opportunity and take it. He incorporated himself into her life in any way he could until she opened up to him. I loved seeing their relationship grow and then stumble with Justin's accident and then the huge misunderstanding due to Justin's inability to be completely forthcoming as to why he returned home. Loved seeing Justin take necessary steps to make Abby happy, evening knowing he may not get the girl in the end but hoping for it. And Abby- it was awesome to see her come out of her shell, try new things, and want to explore old dreams that she once had. Great story! Interested in reading the others from the series.
June 3, 2017
I love visiting Ardent Springs and this was no exception. Abby has been basically living in a fog the last two years after her husband died in the military. While trying to bake a cake she catches her kitchen on fire, Justin a firefighter comes to her rescue in more than one way. Justin brings the sparkle back into Abby life. The only problem is that Justin is five years younger than her, and she use to babysit him. Soon they can't deny the chemistry between them.
I really enjoyed this cute couple, perfect for each other. It was great to catch up with the other Ardent Springs residents. It's sad to say good bye.
I read this book through my kindle unlimited program. Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
I really enjoyed this cute couple, perfect for each other. It was great to catch up with the other Ardent Springs residents. It's sad to say good bye.
I read this book through my kindle unlimited program. Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
June 6, 2017
First of all, you can’t go wrong with a romance written by Terri Osburn. She always gives readers a swoon-worthy romance they can feel good about. The Last in Love is no different. This might be book five in the Ardent Springs Series, but her writing is still as fresh as it was when she started this series.
Abby lost her husband two years ago in a roadside bomb and to say she’s lonely, is putting it lightly. She tries to stay happy with all her friends getting married or already settled down, but it’s hard. But when a small kitchen fire brings a volunteer fireman to her door, her luck just might be turning around…as long, as she doesn’t let age come between them.
Is age truly nothing but a number? Let….Justin and Abby tell you what they think in this worth-while romance!
Abby lost her husband two years ago in a roadside bomb and to say she’s lonely, is putting it lightly. She tries to stay happy with all her friends getting married or already settled down, but it’s hard. But when a small kitchen fire brings a volunteer fireman to her door, her luck just might be turning around…as long, as she doesn’t let age come between them.
Is age truly nothing but a number? Let….Justin and Abby tell you what they think in this worth-while romance!
June 11, 2017
Abby is a widow with a little black rain cloud over her head. She just set her kitchen on fire baking a cake! To make matters worse, one of the firemen on the scene is none other than Justin Donovan, whom she used to babysit. Justin is all grown up and back in town. And he is so much more than Abby remembered. Only 5 years younger, Justin has always had a crush on Abby. Can Abby get over the age difference? Can they both adjust to major career changes? Humiliation? Trust issues?
Terri Osburn has written a story that has depth. The characters are very realistic and the situations are easy to picture. From the professional to the silly, this story will grab your feels and reel you in. Enjoy the ride!
Terri Osburn has written a story that has depth. The characters are very realistic and the situations are easy to picture. From the professional to the silly, this story will grab your feels and reel you in. Enjoy the ride!
July 12, 2017
This book was very enjoyable. The story of unrequited love & a second chance to have that love even though pain and sadness have come from the lost years. Justin always loved Abby but she never knew until a kitchen fire brought them together. The pain of losing her husband to the war and Justin's pain of infidelity by his best friend and fiancée and the loss of his career are the building blocks for a new relationship. Even though she tried to deny her feelings and had everyone telling her she was crazy Abby went for happiness. They had it until it was wrenched away by secrets and half truths. What Justin and Abby learn is that a second chance to love should never be taken lightly. Definitely recommend.
May 25, 2017
This is book #5 in the Ardent Springs series. You do not have to read the others to follow along.
Abby is a widower and just going through life doing what she knows, not taking any chances. When there happens to be a fire at her house, the boy she used to babysit, Justin, comes along as he is a volunteer firefighter. Boy, did Justin grow up.
Justin is back in town after getting fired from his job and ending his engagement. He has always had a thing for Abby and intends to pursue it.
The relationship from friends to lovers was a slow burn with this book but was completely enjoyable. All in all, it was a good book.
Abby is a widower and just going through life doing what she knows, not taking any chances. When there happens to be a fire at her house, the boy she used to babysit, Justin, comes along as he is a volunteer firefighter. Boy, did Justin grow up.
Justin is back in town after getting fired from his job and ending his engagement. He has always had a thing for Abby and intends to pursue it.
The relationship from friends to lovers was a slow burn with this book but was completely enjoyable. All in all, it was a good book.
June 3, 2017
Love of Gardening
I enjoy reading all of Terri Osburn's books and especially the gardening portions of this book. Being an avid gardener I think she got mulch mixed up with compost. Mulch is usually made from wood chips such as pine or cedar. It goes on last to prevent weeds & conserve moisture. Compost is used to amend the soil & goes in the ground before any plants. Not all compost stinks. Sorry if I'm being nitpicking, but that was one of the garden references that bugged me. Also I would have put Rock Cress in front with Cosmos in back of the flower bed unless the bed slope upward.
I enjoy reading all of Terri Osburn's books and especially the gardening portions of this book. Being an avid gardener I think she got mulch mixed up with compost. Mulch is usually made from wood chips such as pine or cedar. It goes on last to prevent weeds & conserve moisture. Compost is used to amend the soil & goes in the ground before any plants. Not all compost stinks. Sorry if I'm being nitpicking, but that was one of the garden references that bugged me. Also I would have put Rock Cress in front with Cosmos in back of the flower bed unless the bed slope upward.
November 11, 2017
Another lovely visit to Ardent Springs.
Can a tragedy and a mistake lead to a happily ever after?
Abigail is going through the motions 2 years after losing her husband. Justin is regrouping after his life took an unexpected turn.
Faulty wiring leads to a spark between Abigail & Justin. Can they both allow it to develop to something deeper or will their personal demons and preconceived ideas get in the way.
I really enjoyed reading this. It can be read as a stand alone however it is a lovely series and you will get some spoilers if you read them out of order so I recommend starting at the beginning if you haven't read the others.
Can a tragedy and a mistake lead to a happily ever after?
Abigail is going through the motions 2 years after losing her husband. Justin is regrouping after his life took an unexpected turn.
Faulty wiring leads to a spark between Abigail & Justin. Can they both allow it to develop to something deeper or will their personal demons and preconceived ideas get in the way.
I really enjoyed reading this. It can be read as a stand alone however it is a lovely series and you will get some spoilers if you read them out of order so I recommend starting at the beginning if you haven't read the others.
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