Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Cole Mallinson has never been able to move on.

It’s been two thousand, three hundred and sixty-two days since he’s seen his ex-wife, Julia. He’s never stopped loving her, never stopped wishing she’d come back. Everyone thinks he’s lost his mind for never moving on, but they couldn’t understand. It was never a choice.

Seven years ago, Julia Mallinson left Denver, and even though it’s the last place she wants to be, she’s back. The years of infertility that she and Cole endured during their marriage wore her down past the point of breaking. And when she left, she didn’t look back, couldn’t look back, for the sake of her sanity, her heart.

Between an accidental run-in at the grocery store and a meddling pregnant sister, Julia is forced to face the man she walked away from. The man who still, after all these years, has never moved on. Though neither has she.

And in the end, she’s left wondering if the past is ever left in the past.

242 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2017

415 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read

About the author

Karla Sorensen

46 books5,030 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
499 (39%)
4 stars
444 (35%)
3 stars
247 (19%)
2 stars
60 (4%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,410 followers
January 1, 2019
Hero is soooo in love with his woman, it's unreal 😍

Infertility is a hard subject. I didn't blame the heroine for not wanting to adopt at young age. Adoption is a beautiful thing, but you can't expect everyone to be ready for it.

He was celibate during 7-years separation, she had 1 bf. Cool.

Couldn't stand her sister, who is the heroine of the next book...
December 30, 2018
4 ⭐'s

“It felt like home.”

Cole's book surprised me but I'm not sure it was necessarily in a good way. I was intrigued by the idea that Cole was holding out for his ex-wife (in all ways) after SEVEN years...seven years people.

Like I've said before, Karla Sorensen can write the hell out of imperfect people and she definitely has the "devoted" part down pat. I really felt bad for what Cole had to go through even if he's a little over the top.

Julia, well, I don't think I really warmed up to her. The emotional upheavals she went through from just seeing Cole didn't match up to her leaving him no matter the circumstances. And they fell right back into things too easily.

However, the angst was quite satisfying and I enjoyed seeing the gang all together. Michael's book is up next and it should be quite interesting.
Profile Image for Michal.
766 reviews64 followers
July 27, 2018
Dnf 62%

The start was good, when they met after seven years of separation but than it started to drag and nothing really happened, just him trying to get her back.

She suddenly left their marriage after years of them trying to get pregnant and failing. He wanted to adopt and she was selfish enough to think he has no voice in this and pregnancy it's all she wants. So she just abandoned him and filled for divorce. He let this happened because he loved her and wanted the best for her.
Suffice to say I didn't like her.
On top of that She was sobbing and crying all the time and I had enough. she was weak.

He was a good man, I liked him a lot and how strong he was for her and for their marriage.
He waited for her to come back for seven years and stayed celibate the whole time.
She had boyfriend for almost a year.

She just didn't deserve him.
Profile Image for Eva.
168 reviews23 followers
Want to read
October 9, 2019
So hero is celibate during the separation for 7 years! Now this is what I call true love. But heroine had one boyfriend/OM during separation. Damn this is so rare for the guy to be celibate but not the girl. In fact last several books i read/dnfed was full of hero sleeping around while heroine was all chaste for years!! I need to read this as a detox.

Yes, I do kind of wish heroine was also celibate because I think the hero deserves better but the first book in the series had a virgin h with more experienced H so it's only fair that roles are reversed in this one.

They were each others other's first. Which means heroine is hero's one and only.

Mad respect to the author for challenging the norms! Thank you!

Profile Image for ✮ rach ✮.
688 reviews113 followers
dnf
April 6, 2017
Didn't like the heroine. She was a selfish bitch and never thought of how her actions would hurt other people. Also, she allowed her parents to think for her instead of acting like the adult she apparently is.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
April 6, 2017
What do you do when life gives you a second chance with your first love? That was the million dollar question for Cole. The moment he met Julia, he knew she was the One for him and he did everything in his power to let her know that she was his Queen and he, her King.

As I read Cole & Julia's struggle my heart went out to them because I know personally what Julia was going feeling and going through. And despite the fact that Cole was supportive and such an amazing man she still felt inadequate and alone.

Julia's sister Brooke- totally awesome!!! I loved that not only did we get the present but we also get to see their past and what caused their love to falter.

Have Kleenex ready and a good drink because it will help ease the pain and emotions that this book will bring out. Such a beautiful story at a second chance at love. -Kara, 4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Monique.
1,279 reviews57 followers
September 30, 2022
Reunited At Last!

I love a second chance romance, and you don’t get many that fall into the ex spouses category, which was a refreshing take on it. We all have issues or insecurities that can hinder our thoughts or actions, and it’s that what causes Cole and Julia to separate and divorce. I have to say, I think it was more Julia’s doing but at least she could own it and apologize. The way they came back together was so special. I loved Cole’s dedication and loyalty and determination, very swoon worthy.
I truly appreciated each and every one of their fears on reconciling and loved that they worked through them at their own pace.
This is a great series to read, and I’m looking forward to see how Julia’s sister falls for the commitment phob Michael. Her quick wit will slay him I bet.
Profile Image for Rejane.
1,366 reviews62 followers
nope
December 2, 2018
7 years?! What about for better or for worse, in health or sickness?! Etc etc
Esse povo mole é muito chato... c nhor. Continue me livrando desses enjoados irritantes na vida real.

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Profile Image for Dana.
655 reviews60 followers
March 14, 2017
I wish I could give this book more than five stars.

I have been on a reading binge for over a year now and have come across quite a few books that have touched me. Cole is a perfect example of one of those books.

Cole and Julia’s story starts years after their divorce. They have not seen each other in over six years when Julia walked out. Their marriage was weighed down by so many outside sources: family, friends and the most damaging weapon: infertility.

Julia returns to her hometown to help her sister; who unbeknownst to Julia, decides to take matters into her own hands.

I really loved this book; 14% into the book, I was crying. I felt every word and every emotion the Julia and Cole experienced.

Ms. Sorensen captured the heartbreak that a couple can experience when trying to start a family.

This was my first read from the author and it will not be my last, I am a new fan.
Profile Image for Cyndi Becker.
1,385 reviews12 followers
March 20, 2017
What an utterly fantastic story about forgiveness and second chances. Cole is the first book by Karla Sorenson that I've read. About half way through the story I felt compelled to picked up the first two books in this series. Sorensens writing is wonderful and there are some profound messages surrounding forgiveness that are a great part of this story.

Julia and Cole have been divorced for 5 years when Julia moves back to Denver and back into Cole's life. These two seem fated as it doesn't take long for their worlds to collide. The story unfolds from both of their points of view and in both present and past sequences. Sorensen does a great job maneuvering through this so that they story gives us a great perspectives on these two individuals. They both have wonderful support networks who only want the best for them. Julia is still damaged by what drive them apart and Cole is still damaged about how she left him. Neither have been able to move on and for good reason, they simply aren't meant to be separated.

What set this apart for me was how Sorensen drives the choices the characters make. They are adults and they act accordingly, but not always smartly and never without emotion.Strong emotion. Palpable emotion. Julia has a lot to make up for and Cole, the dreamboat that he is, wants a second chance. He also wants to do things right. But he wont be a sucker. Julia is going to have to earn a place in his life again.

“I’m walking on eggshells,” he whispered. “And I can’t sustain that forever. When I don’t know what’s going on in your head, I feel like I’m one wrong comment away from losing you for the second time. That’s not something I can handle going through again, Julia. You are my heart, and I don’t want to live without you, but I can’t keep feeling like this.”


This passage leads to the other thing that sat with me long after I finished this. Sorensens take on forgiveness and what it means for people to take a chance on someone who has already slighted them, as Julia has with Cole: “You’re not starting over, Julia. You’re starting fresh."

Her sister Brooke is really the person who pushes them back together and even in her state, she's so very wise:

"If you and Cole decide that you’re going to try this again, it’s not a continuation of your previous relationship. It’s a new one.”


This is one of the sweetest stories about the transformation of a relationship. But its the change, the step towards bravery, that Julia makes that makes this a 5 star read. There are moments I was really frustrated with her, but she has much to contend with and she does push herself to embrace her hearts desire:

“I’ve run from my fears my entire life. And I never felt shame in that until you, because you are my deepest, truest love.”

Again, this is a 5 star read and one I recommend. I feel pretty invested in this little group of friends now and look forward to going back to books one and two (Dylan and Garrett) and to the future stories.
Profile Image for Marcela.
719 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2020
After two books about this group of friends, I was hoping Cole had a better story. He was married to Julia, that had problems with fertility and one day she leaves him, later on she sends him divorce papers and disappears. They don’t see each other for seven years, but she’s back in townhouse help her pregnant sister. What actually bothered me in the plot was that the main problem was that Julia couldn’t deal with the fact that she couldn’t get pregnant and couldn’t accept another optimum of having kids, and all the while she was crying, blaming everything and everyone and not trying to solve her problems. Cole was just the perfect book boyfriend, supporting, honest, lovable and overall good man. So to me he deserved better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for A Faithful Reader.
22 reviews
May 8, 2017
Bad choice

SPOILERS!

I really disliked this story. Julia makes a terrible decision to leave her husband with no warning, and no explanation. He goes on loving her for 7 years, when she comes back into his life He does have some trepidations but not enough to keep him from taking her back. She explains why she did what she did, but her life is lived with minimal self-reflection or knowledge. She was just too infuriating! And Cole was a doormat to take her back.

Profile Image for Kandi Steiner.
Author 84 books14.9k followers
March 24, 2017
Love this series SO much! Every book can be read as a stand-alone but I'm glad I've read them all and got the "build up" to each bachelor. Karla's writing is smart, sweet, and laugh out loud funny. She gets better with every book, and I am HOOKED on Bachelors of the Ridge!
Profile Image for AKA.
559 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2019
This was... okay. I liked Cole and Julia, which I wasn't so sure of at first. 😁 Thankfully, Julia's fears made sense to me and I was glad she did the work to overcome them. I liked how Cole loved her and how decisive he was about the future he wanted. His logic towards the end was screwy though.


MINOR SPOILERS
Him not trusting that she'd stay made all the sense. However, him trying to rush her and miserably giving her time (he fell apart in 48 hours) was crazy. Then, him getting a grand gesture and still having doubts made sense... but then he lets them go because he realizes he is literally getting everything he wants in 48 HOURS!
Learning to trust someone again takes the one thing he refused to give, time. I realize he waited for her but since she'd given him no reason to hope, that was entirely on him. It just felt off. Cole in a nutshell: I love you and I'll wait forever, now hurry up and be mine again.

The supporting characters were alright. I disliked Brooke (she was manipulative and nosey, giving out advice she should have taken with her ex deadbeat) and Michael (he was so smarmy) so totally skipping their book. I won't back track because I didn't like Rory, Garrett or Dylan. 😂 Hopefully, Tristan is less of a wet blanket in his book. Garrett's sister sounds like a pill...



Safe Completely...
Profile Image for Christy  (CaptainReadsALot.
667 reviews30 followers
March 13, 2017
YESSSSSS! THIS STORY IS SO REFRESHING!

Literally, it's like taking a big whiff of fresh Colorado air and exhaling with a healing breath that you didn't even know you had in you.

Cole and Julia's story is complicated, peppered with a meddlesome family and undying loyalty. I don't think I've ever read two characters who were as faithful and devoted to one another.

The unspoken pain, distrust, and a subtle amount of angst makes this one of Karla's best books. The emotions, the pain, the fact that you will be rubbing your heart. You may not need tissues (I did in a few places) but you will want hugs.

As always, I continue to look forward to more books from Sorensen. She tells the best stories. <3
Profile Image for Sania.
939 reviews
November 3, 2020
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone but part of a series
Ages of H and h:Both are 34
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: Yes
>>Detail: Infertility
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes

My Thoughts
I really wish we had delved deeper into why Julia left Cole so suddenly and why she didn't try to save her marriage. She didn't grovel enough to Cole, who bless his heart, forgave Julia way too quickly. I understand that infertility is a hugely sensitive issue, but it almost felt as if Julia was very... self-absorbed about the entire issue. Also her parents should've exiled until they got rid of their judgy attitudes.
Profile Image for Katarzyna.
308 reviews34 followers
March 25, 2017
This one was less of a romantic comedy than other KS books, more serious and complicated, I still enjoyed it, although I was more interested in Brooke's story most of the time. I hope she will have her own book, I liked her character right away. I can easily see her with a carefree bachelor like Michael, it would be fun to see mister "no-commitment" face a reality with two newborns to take care of :)
I loved seeing previous couples, even if it was brief.
As to Cole and Julia, they might not be my favorite couple but I'm glad they got their second chance at love and happiness.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next books in the series, especially Tristan's! I assume the author is saving the best one for last ;)
Profile Image for Stephanie Reid.
Author 4 books81 followers
March 22, 2017
Cole is one of those truly devoted, steadfast heroes who's every woman's dream. I liked this fresh take on the second chance romance. It's not one of those books where there's some silly misunderstanding that could've been wrapped up years ago if the hero and heroine had only talked to each other. None of that nonsense in this tale. Cole and Julia know exactly what tore them apart, and I think that's what makes Cole's devotion so believable. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say, read Cole! It will make you remember why you love to read romance.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
336 reviews
March 26, 2017
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

TITLE: Cole (Bachelors of the Ridge #3)
AUTHOR: Karla Sorensen
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: March 22nd 2017

Cole is the 3rd book in this series and can be read as a standalone. This is the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see what adventure they will take me on.

This is one of my favourite kind of books. This is a second chance story that takes us on the journey of Cole & Julia and their life together.

We are first introduced to a very broken man. He is so intense in his heart break for Julia and the trouble they have been through conceiving that led to their divorce. Your heart can't help but ache for both them.

"But the years of silence had taught me one thing; that even if I never saw her again, not a single glimpse, I'd love Julia with a wasted heart for the rest of my life."

I love how beautiful and emotional this story was. Following Cole and Julia in finding love in each other again, seeing how devoted & faithful they were touched my heart. It was great to see how they worked through their problems in such a mature way. I think this story will relate to a lot of us. Both in a sense of overcoming issues within a marriage and also dealing with infertility.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

"I will never run from you again, Cole. Never. Every single day, I will choose you, choose us, no matter how scary it might be, because I'd rather be side by side with you fighting against those fears than be alone."

We are given duel POV through out the story that helps to gain such an emotional connection to both Cole and Julia. As well as the secondary characters that are fantastic and funny!

If you are in the mood for a heart-felt romance that will keep you hooked this is the one for you.

"You're my soul, Julia. My Wife. You'll never not be a part of me."

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book I can't wait to read more from this author.

5 Amazingly Emotional Stars
Profile Image for Bewaji.
1,599 reviews5 followers
December 21, 2020
One of a Kind...

Cole is one of a kind man. One woman man. He loves Julia and has not moved on seven years after their divorce. Good to see and read in this age of some faithless men ( and women). Uplifting read...
Borrowed through Kindle Unlimited...
Profile Image for Marisela M. Chavez.
1,394 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2021
Oh my goddess. This series just keeps getting better with each story. Cole and Julie wrecked me in a good way. Their love story is one for the ages, and I couldn’t help rooting for such a deserving couple. I’m so glad they got the ending they deserved. 🤍
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,391 reviews67 followers
March 16, 2017
Cole by Karla Sorensen is the third installment in Bachelors of the Ridge Series.
For better understanding you should read Dylan and Garrett, book one and two first.

Cole is single.His wife Julia divorced him years ago. But he can´t move on. He loves her so deeply. My heart broke for him.
Now she´s back in Denver and fate and a meddling sister put them together.
And yes Julia has still feelings for Cole. They are soul mates, and it was so so beautiful to read how they make it work.
The words: Love conquers all, was made for this couple.
Cole is a sweet second chance romance novel . I loved the characters, I loved the words and I loved Karla Sorensen´s writing.
5 Stars and Thank you Karla Sorensen !
Profile Image for Nina.
282 reviews14 followers
March 22, 2017
Cole was heartbreaking at times and in other places, a beautiful story about getting that second chance at love.

Julia and Cole married at a young age, but as with every marriage and relationship, they had there ups and downs. But some problems at the time were just to big to over come. Resulting in Julia walking out and the couple divorcing.

Seven years later and Cole hasn't ever forgotten about Julia, or gotten over her. So when he finds that she has moved back, to help her pregnant sister. All those old feelings resurface.

The couples first meeting after 7 years isn't exactly a happy one. Thrown together the couple slowly start to find those things, they loved about each other again.

Cole was such a swoon worthy hero, he was thoughtful, patient to an extent and loved Julia something fierce even after all this time. I felt Julia was a little selfish at times, but I grew to actually like her. I loved how she stepped up in the end, and took what she needed.

This was my first book by Karla Sorensen, and I will definitely read some of her other books. I can't wait for Michael and Tristan's stories.
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,305 reviews362 followers
August 3, 2017
This is a good book.
I liked that although the husband and wife are divorced and been separated for many years, he still loves her and as a result he hasn't been with anyone else.
In many books now it seems the hero can't have the heroine or get over her but he still manages to sleep with half the country. Cole doesn't expect them to get back together and he is not lacking in offers and he even wishes he was able to 'move on', he is available and the he isn't expecting any sort of reconciliation but he just doesn't feel anything for anyone else. That's refreshing.
I did find it quite an emotional story. The reason for the split are bound to make anyone feel for them and for this reason I may not reread as I made me a bit depressed. At the same time sometimes you feel in the mood for this type of angst.
A good read, well written.
Profile Image for Chelsea Tollefson.
310 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2019
To be fair, I could tell by the synopsis that I didn't want to read this. I almost didn't, but I do want to read the next one in the series, and I've read the first 2, so I didn't want to skip it.

The characters were really not likeable. Julia was manipulative, petty, and dramatic. She's the person you turn into when you're arguing with a family member and are being completely unreasonable, but she's kind of like that all the time. Cole was a little desperate, and I didn't feel like I knew much about him other than his obsession with Julia.

Eh. Onward.
Profile Image for Kathy West.
1,319 reviews26 followers
July 2, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
Profile Image for Rehema M.
59 reviews
May 5, 2020
dnf this book. I read about 20% and just had to put it down. I found Julia to be way too selfish and inconsiderate.
Profile Image for Kristen Johnson.
1,173 reviews48 followers
March 22, 2017
One of my favorite things about books by Karla Sorensen is they just get better and better. Going in, I always know the sort of writing to expect and there is always a perfect execution of the plot and everything woven together perfectly for the characters in the story. Cole is no different, Karla took a not often used plot device and delivered a powerfully emotional second chance romance.

Nobody knows what was really in Julia's head when she left Cole, after suffering silently through their problems, she just walked away - turning back would have meant an inability to leave and Julia had to go at that point. But even with her running, even with her unwillingness to look back or try to explain, Julia never moved on from Cole, she never lost the love in her heart. So when she finds her way, unexpectedly, back in the same town with Cole, and even more unexpectedly crossing paths with him, she's not sure how to handle it.

Cole's emotions are all over the place when he hears his ex-wife is back in town. The chaos in his mind causes more than just his emotions to be overwrought and he's finally able to talk to his friends with some of the details of his past. Nothing prepares him for seeing Julia again though, or the strength of his feelings for her, because Cole has never moved on, never let go, never forgotten what they had.

This book was a beautiful story of second chances and forgiveness. With glimpses into the past between Cole and Julia giving a deeper understanding of their hidden pain and struggles that eventually tore them apart, it was easy to feel the tugs on my heart strings making me root for their love.

I loved the addition of Julia's sister to the store, and the role she played, I loved that she was such a supporter of Cole while still trying her best to support her sister. Seeing more of my favorite characters from previous books in the series also made this story so much better. I have enjoyed the closeness between this group of guys and the women in their lives - the close bonds between them add an extra layer of relatability to the story, making me feel like a part of the group.

Cole is a fabulous addition the the men of Bacholors of the Ridge series and brought to life an amazing story of two people who have been through so much finding their way back to each other with a love that never quite let go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.