He was everything I thought I didn't need until he became everything I couldn't live without. I let him slip through the cracks of my broken heart before the fractures had time to heal.
That was my first mistake.
My second mistake was allowing myself to take another chance on love, thinking I'd survive. Now, I've fallen head first into the kind of madness that I didn't even know existed, one that devours the heart and soul.
But when love is all you have, it isn't always enough.
Lou and Ella Fields have always been lovers of the written word, especially when it comes wrapped up in a neat little package of pages and labelled romance. You can usually find them running up their phone bills as they spend hours on the phone, plotting and planning various ways to break hearts before deciding how to deliver the perfect happily ever after.
I have nothing original or thoughtful to write here about this book. I could literally just copy/paste my review for book one here, because my thoughts are basically the same.
For those interested, I said this:
"Even though the writing was fine (minus a few typos, etc. here and there, which I don't really care about), the story was decent, and the side characters were great...I had trouble feeling the connection between Olive and Sebastian.
I really liked Sebastian, but he and Olive were just boring to me, quite frankly. I didn't see what made Olive so special. She was very...bland. Millie overshadowed her at every turn for me.
Like I said though, I think a lot of people won't have this problem and will really enjoy this book as a whole. Which isn't to say that I didn't enjoy it; in fact, I am almost done with book two."
So yeah, that's pretty much how I feel about this one too.
Sebastian was REALLY sweet - prime book boyfriend material for some ladies, for sure - but this book just didn't do it for me in the sense that, well, I won't even remember it after today.
In fact, I probably would have rated this lower if I hadn't gotten it via kindle unlimited. But as I said in my previous book, I think this is a decent read that a lot of people will justifiably like more than me. It just didn't do it for me.
The hero and heroine both develop brain apathy...I don't know what I mean, but stupid stuff ensues.
She almost kisses....let me rephrase, she almost lets her zero ex kiss her. The hero freaks and leaves in the equivalent of middle school huff. Spare me.
But the real kicker is the zero ex that comes back for the heroine and the plot moppet he dumped months ago and is shocked, SHOCKED, I tell you that she dared to move on because they had a twue wuv for the ages. Well, except for the fifteen months or so when he moved away, got another girl(s) and whooped it up.
Here is some of his inner monologuing.
Jesus, she can’t seriously have moved on from what we had.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I don’t know what I expected, though, when I left my beautiful, amazing, pregnant girl behind like I did. I guess I wasn’t thinking. Just acting. And by the time it all caught up with me, really sunk its filthy ass teeth into my dipshit brain, it was too late. I’d already been gone for two months. Two months in a new town, a new job, and hell, even new women.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
No, thanks. I’ve fucked up, but I want back what’s rightfully mine. And I don’t care who I trample on or what I have to do to make that happen.
The three stars are for the friends and family of the entitled ex that, for once, are horrified about his betrayal. his selfishness, and his entitlement and don't fail to tell him.
Loved this book even more than the first one. It picks up right where book one finished. The characters experienced a lot more angst in this book but it was well written and had you really hoping for a HEA. Still plenty of laughs and even hotter chemistry as the characters were more established. Definitely had my moments of being cranky at nearly everyone in this book but that's what I want - a book that makes me feel. Fantastic second release and I look forward to more books from this author.
If you have not read book 1 – Elapse, please stop reading this review :) This is the continuation of Olive’s story and there is the potential for unintentional spoilers.
OK so let’s seeeeeeee…..if you have read book 1 you know that it ended on quite the WTF moment. I had a feeling it was coming but WOW it hit hard. We jump right back in to that moment where Zeke, the absentee father of sweet baby Rose, has unexpectedly returned and has just shown up at Olive’s house. You could feel the tension immediately and knew that you were in for a bumpy ride.
My heart went out to each of them for different reasons. For Zeke who has missed out on so much, for Seb who now feels threatened and worried about his relationship, and of course for Liv who is stuck in the middle of it all. But then….then I was angry at each of them. At Zeke for his hidden agenda, at Seb for what he ends up doing, and at Liv who was just infuriating at times.
There is a lot of back and forth and unsure emotions in Erase. It’s hard to say much without giving something away. But the constant second guessing and not knowing which way things were going to go was exhausting. I knew it was going to be trouble when Zeke came back but I really didn’t expect things to unfold how they did. Things are said and done by all three of them that can’t be taken back or forgotten. There was more angst in this part of the story for sure. The way things go will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I loved, loved, LOVED it!!! I was so excited to read this: Book 2 in The Expiration Duet. It’s another rollercoaster ride for Liv as she works through her emotions and learns to deal with her unexpected intruder in her now satisfying life. Confusion and a series of poor decisions by all had me unhappy but glued to it hoping for a much needed HEA.
It really is a painful journey for all of them as they try to find their new normal. Emotions.hurt…stress…anger...It’s so well written, it flows so nicely that it doesn’t feel overly angsty or dramatic; it feels real. It made my heart hurt and my eyes sting as they were mostly filled with tears. It’s sad, but happy, frustrating, beautifully sweet, mushy at times and I loved every minute. It’s about forgiveness, friendships, love, trust, and finally moving forward that had me smiling and teary-eyed.
The chemistry between Seb and Liv is so strong you can feel it. You can’t help but love them. Even Zeke grew on me. The support characters in this story are also very strong Millie, Beau, Ryan, Wilma...I love how they all tell it like it is. They see what Seb, Liv and Zeke don’t see and are not afraid to say it. The story feels complete, no unanswered questions, which I love!
This is another great story by Lou-Ella Fields. I am a hooked on this author and can’t wait to read what’s next! I’m hoping for Millie and Beau’s story or even more about Zeke. Either way I’m ready for more.
Great ending to a drama filled story. Still hate Zeke not matter what that man is a douche. Seb, what a keeper. Liv is a strong, loving and confident woman, loved that. Epilogue was perfect.
The second addition of the expiration date novel was even more intimidating and brimmed with scalding emotions. The authors were right and just in telling the tale of Olive and at the same time I cannot believe she goes through the same pain again as she went through in the first edition. It is a must say that the authors of this know how to wound their characters beyond limit emotionally only to bring a momental happy ending back to her life and the ones closest to her.
In this addition, we readers see a different and maybe a significant mature side of Zeke which wasn't expected at all. The story is a turbulent one that threatens and troubles the lives of the trio, Olive, Sebastian, and Zeke.
Also, we see Rose growing a bid older in her infant stage which is quite adorable. She is a child who makes an unimaginable impact on the onlookers and the ones who loves her already.
I loved the pace of the novel too. It was a quicker read in comparison to the earlier one. But it doesn't mean that this novel is less saddening or swallowing. Nope. Dear readers, this book can easily hold candle to the prior and it is one of its plus points as usually the sequel novels are not really that interesting to read if the first addition is a big hit.
I abso-fucking-lutely loved each and every character that got the chance of evolving their life through their words. There were also some amazing and hot clit clenching worthy sexual scenes. I loved and my tongue rolled in a pleasure reading those sensuous words and had me fan my hand.
The ending was a bubbly, holiday worthy, treat laced, turky filled, an ultimate packed scenery. It was vivid as a real scene playing out in front of my eyes and I could see the journey and its worth finally. In the end authors taught us that sometimes going through the same pain is necessary to realize the beautiful gift love can be and the power it can hold to let us forget and forgive the grudges of the past for the sake maintaining the relationships and giving them the priority above and over the hurt cause by the same people, because, dude, life's too short for that kind of shit! And I am amazed and flabbergasted at the intelligence and imagination of these two beautiful authors who have the capability to push us through hard times or even just a few lonely nights.
I will remember this sojourn I took with the help of your sweet, dark, twisted yet happily ever after romance. I love second chances and second love. And you people made me believe even more in that concept.
Cheers and gudluck for more endeavors of yours Lou-Ella Fields!! 😘😘😘😍😍😍👍👍👍
This is a very satisfying conclusion to book 1 “Elapse” by Lou-Ella Fields. In this book, the characters (Liv, Seb and Zeke) go thru A LOT more angst and anger was present in this book than in the last which amplified the emotions and feelings. This book is another nail bitter for we watch Liv confronted by her unexpected intruder in her now very satisfying and happy life. She is beset by angst, confusion and that leads to a series of decisions that can lead her down a road that may not be so happy to find her HEA.
I found for all the main characters involved, this was a painful yet necessary road that they needed to take so that they could get to a new normal so that they could start to heal for all involved. It was painful to see that for some of the characters, this was a road that at first they didn’t want to take but it had to happen. You can’t force love once it left back yet that was what Zeke was trying to do in a series of underhanded moves which caused friction. It really at times was painful to read how Liv was looking at her past vs her present and then wondering if she was doing the right thing and I wondered would SHE make the right decision for the chemistry was always so strong and right between Seb and Liv. I could literally feel it between them. Zeke never had it and he truly lost when he ran away from it all. I felt truly sorry for him but I was at least glad he did the right thing in coming back to get to meet his baby and admitting his mistakes. Liv and Seb are the real deal and made me so invested in their love and their story. Their passion is enticing and their story had me hooked back in book 1. I loved the secondary cast of characters and how the enriched this story and added flavor. It rounded out the story and helped give background to the main characters. I will say there are many twists and turns in this story that will have you begging for more books set in this town, because I know I would love to read more with the characters brought forth. This author has a fresh writing style that makes the characters seem real and the town feels as though you grew up there. I look forward to seeing what she had next up.
My Rating: 4.9 stars ***** "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Even better than the first one. The ex comes back. He wants his daughter and the heroine because he realized he made a mistake. No, he doesn't have a good reason for his behavior. He's only a spoiled, selfish, spineless, useless man. He got scared of commitment and run away. New life, new job, new friends, a lot of women. But now he realized the heroine is the love of his life and wants her back. Thank god the heroine has a real man by her side now. The hero, who is a bit annoyed by the presence of the ex and feels threatened, has a bit of a scare when he sees him almost kissing the heroine and leaves. For two weeks. He ghosts her exactly like her ex. The heroine now doesn't trust him any more. I must admit I didn't expect this hero would behave like this. He was always such a solid presence and such a strong and self confident man. I was hoping he would act differently. Ghosting the woman you promised you would never leave is a coward thing to do. The heroine makes him grovel, then she forgives him. I think he was not quite so bad, maybe he was a bit immature, and definitely the fact that the heroine had a child with her ex was a big deal. Eventually everyone is happy, the ex regrets what he did but not so much as I would have liked. He is a selfish useless man, in the end, so he isn't able to feel any hurt... Thank god the heroine is never tempted to go back with the loser ex. He didn't deserve a second chance. Sadly in most romances heroines are unable to move on from such losers. Not this one. She learned her lessons. Very good HEA with children and marriage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved, loved, LOVED it!!! I was so excited to read this: Book 2 in The Expiration Duet. It’s another rollercoaster ride for Liv as she works through her emotions and learns to deal with her unexpected intruder in her now satisfying life. Confusion and a series of poor decisions by all had me unhappy but glued to it hoping for a much needed HEA.
It really is a painful journey for all of them as they try to find their new normal. Emotions….hurt……stress……anger…..It’s so well written, it flows so nicely that it doesn’t feel overly angsty or dramatic; it feels real. It made my heart hurt and my eyes sting as they were mostly filled with tears. It’s sad, but happy, frustrating, beautifully sweet, mushy at times and I loved every minute. It’s about forgiveness, friendships, love, trust, and finally moving forward that had me smiling and teary-eyed.
The chemistry between Seb and Liv is so strong you can feel it. You can’t help but love them. Even Zeke grew on me. The support characters in this story are also very strong Millie, Beau, Ryan, Wilma…….I love how they all tell it like it is. They see what Seb, Liv and Zeke don’t see and are not afraid to say it. The story feels complete, no unanswered questions, which I love!
This is another great story by Lou-Ella Fields. I am a hooked on this author and can’t wait to read what’s next! I’m hoping for Millie and Beau’s story or even more about Zeke. Either way I’m ready for more.
Liv and Seb have been through so much to get to a place where they are happy and ready to move forward with their lives and everything is thrown into turmoil when her ex-boyfriend Zeke returns.
Liv is shocked that he is back and experiences a whole range of feelings as she tries to reassure Seb that they belong together and Zeke’s return won’t ruin it because now that she has experienced Seb’s love she doesn’t want anything else however she is facing her own confused feelings as well.
Zeke is back and wants to make a family with Liv and Rose and can’t believe that she has moved on. He reminds Liv how happy they were and how she can’t just give up six years of love for one mistake. He does everything he can to cause tension between Seb and Liv by antagonizing Seb everytime he sees him.
Seb is uncertain where he fits into the new dynamic and feels threatened by the return of Zeke which causes him to react in a way that could destroy everything.
Elapse is the story of Liv recovering from Zeke’s disappearance when she needed him the most and Erase is the emotional journey of his return as she realizes who is her soul mate. The secondary characters were great and added so much to the storyline as they try to steer Liv in the right direction. This was an amazing series and I can’t want to see what the author comes up with next. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
*This is book 2 of a duet, so be sure to read book 1 first. A nice conclusion to the story that began in Elapse. The book is well written, conversation flows nicely and not awkward (except where intended). A lot of emotions in this one - I felt the confusion, deep connections, and heartache throughout the book. Admittedly, there were a couple of places I was ready to move on... kinda wanted to yell "come on already", but for the majority of the story I was impressed that the characters again (as in the first book) were not whiny or high-school drama-filled. They dealt with very adult emotions in, for the most part, very adult ways as we knew their thoughts in the different POVs.
Awesome job capturing the cuteness of Rose and therefore the reason every adult falls in love with this baby. The touching scenes between Seb and Rose showed Seb hands down to be the better man. And it was unnecessary to try draw parallels between Seb and Zeke just to create a conflict for Olive. I never really got a clear picture of Zeke’s aversion to marriage and babies and neither was he convincing as the repenting asshole come to reclaim the family he threw away.
Pure amazingness! Such an awesome conclusion to Elapse. I found I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! You get so wrapped up in these characters and the emotions they feel throughout the story. You'd never guess that the Expiration Duet was Lou-Ella's debut creation. I loved the multiple POV that was used in this book. Getting inside Zeke and Seb's head was such a great addition to the story. This duet is an easy one click and get ready to reread it once you've finished! 💖
I think everything that needed to be said about Olive and Sebastian could have been said in one book and I would have really enjoyed it. I do not enjoy drawn out angst for angst's sake. It's boring. You know what's not boring? Millie and her budding romance (I need more details, stat!) and her strained relationship with her mother. Why wasn't the second book about Millie? The third book (is there a third book?) better be about Millie.
This is the second book in the Expiration Duet. LOVED Sebastian but hated Zeke. What a jerk!! Made it hard for me to see what Olive even saw in him in the first place. Full of himself, and I thought too little too late. Yes, he was Danielle's "father" but his behavior Olive was abhor-able.
And I thought that Olive didn't treat Seb that well after Zeke came back into the picture. I thought this conclusion was just okay.
Erase is the conclusion to the first book Elaspe and I loved it. The story was so wonderful, emotional and the writing was flawless. I couldn't put it down. I loved Seb and Liv, they are so awesome together. Loved Liv's bestie too, she had my laughing at loud more than once. I will definitely reread this series again.
This is the perfect conclusion to the this duet, Olive and Sebastian still have amazing chemistry and make this story so good, this conclusion has answered all my questions from the first book. I loved all the secondary characters just as much as the main ones. I am forever hooked on Lou Ella fields now. I volunteered to read a copy of this book
This is the perfect conclusion to the this duet, Olive and Sebastian still have amazing chemistry and make this story so good, this conclusion has answered all my questions from the first book. I loved all the secondary characters just as much as the main ones. I am forever hooked on Lou Ella fields now. I volunteered to read a copy of this book
Loved Olive and Sebs story they deserved happiness . Zeke Olive ex tried to cause problems but in the end unconditional love won. The only thing lacking was a epilogue and I didn't care for the female names that didn't seem as adventures of sexy as the men names
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ For a perfect end to this duet. This book picks up right where book 1 finished. Both are so well written. I've definitely found a new Author. This story wrapped up just the way I like it. I really hope Beau and Millie get a book, she cracked me up.
The conclusion to this duet was better than I imagined. I just absolutely loved these characters and their story. I loved that they gave the side characters a big part too and wrapped up their story too.
I enjoyed reading this (two book)series. Gave me the feels. It’s full of emotions and the storyline is easy to follow. Strong female lead and two guys fighting for her love...need I say more.
Remember my last review? Saying Sebastian was my forever book boyfriend. I take that back. He’s an @ss. He don’t deserve my love. Why Olivia deals with idk….
I did really enjoy reading this book. In this conclusion we actually toggle between Liv, Seb and even Zeke point of views. I absolutely loved this series!