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A Sense of Belonging
Casey Jansen is celebrating her twenty-first birthday when she catches a glimpse of the older man she's been secretly obsessing over since passing him on a running trail. When her sister identifies him as Tony Prossi, a well-known Washington, D.C. attorney, Casey instantly wishes she was older. There is no way he is going to be interested in a college student. At least that's what she believes until their eyes meet. As a partner in a top D.C. law firm and son of a powerful U.S. senator, Tony Prossi understands the importance of image. There is certainly no place in his life for a woman as young as Casey Jansen, especially not when he's considering running for his father's Senate seat. But one night with the Georgetown University student ignites a hunger he can't seem to quench. And Tony will have to decide whether being with Casey is worth the risk to his reputation and family. Laura Branchflower is a compelling new voice in contemporary romance with believable characters dealing with real life struggles. A Sense of Belonging is a standalone novel but some of the characters also appear in When I Saw You, her debut novel.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2017
127 people are currently reading
2040 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
February 7, 2019
4 - 4.5 Solid Stars
I'm not really in the reviewing mood today, but I wanted to get this review into the interwebs before I forgot to do so...and so I can spread the joy of a new-to-me (and possibly you) author.
Because, hello, Laura Branchflower, where have you been and how did you go undetected by me for so long? lol
Last week, a GR follower (hi, Katie L!) sent me a message recommending this book and its under-the-radar author. I receive a decent amount of recommendations and don't always have the time (or desire, quite frankly) to read some of them. As a mood reader, sometimes I'm either not in the mood for specific books and/or the blurb just doesn't spark any interest.
But after reading the reading the blurb for this one, I immediately clicked on over to Amazon and snagged this via Kindle Unlimited (added bonus, as I probably would have paid for this one).
I am a complete sucker for the age gap romance...and when Katie mentioned it was a good one and I saw the description in the blurb...well...
SOLD.
The H in this also started off as a deliciously cold asshole, which is also a win in the Val book. As for the h...well, some readers might find her a bit annoying at first (I did), but then I remembered she's supposed to be an idealistic 21-year old college student with limited relationship experience and she totally grew on me.
Overall, I just really enjoyed this.
In fact, I know I will probably re-read this numerous times and eventually upgrade my rating.
In fact, fuck it, I'll just put it at 5 stars now.
Looking forward to checking out more from this author.
My thanks to Katie L for the recommendation and keep them coming, people!
I'm not really in the reviewing mood today, but I wanted to get this review into the interwebs before I forgot to do so...and so I can spread the joy of a new-to-me (and possibly you) author.
Because, hello, Laura Branchflower, where have you been and how did you go undetected by me for so long? lol
Last week, a GR follower (hi, Katie L!) sent me a message recommending this book and its under-the-radar author. I receive a decent amount of recommendations and don't always have the time (or desire, quite frankly) to read some of them. As a mood reader, sometimes I'm either not in the mood for specific books and/or the blurb just doesn't spark any interest.
But after reading the reading the blurb for this one, I immediately clicked on over to Amazon and snagged this via Kindle Unlimited (added bonus, as I probably would have paid for this one).
I am a complete sucker for the age gap romance...and when Katie mentioned it was a good one and I saw the description in the blurb...well...
SOLD.
The H in this also started off as a deliciously cold asshole, which is also a win in the Val book. As for the h...well, some readers might find her a bit annoying at first (I did), but then I remembered she's supposed to be an idealistic 21-year old college student with limited relationship experience and she totally grew on me.
Overall, I just really enjoyed this.
In fact, I know I will probably re-read this numerous times and eventually upgrade my rating.
In fact, fuck it, I'll just put it at 5 stars now.
Looking forward to checking out more from this author.
My thanks to Katie L for the recommendation and keep them coming, people!
February 21, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! A Sense of Belonging (stand-alone). Despite the threat of scandal student is swept into affair by famous playboy attorney!
“I want to have sex with you again.”
He half coughed, half laughed. “Tell me what you really want, sweetheart.”
“To have sex with you again.”
“I heard you very clearly the first time.” He pressed his fingers over her lips.”
In A Sense of Belonging (stand-alone) student Casey Jansen, much to her surprise, catches the eye of famous attorney, heir and playboy Tony Prossi. Casey quickly finds herself in over her head with a jaded Tony not interested in complicating his political future by dating a girl twelve years his junior. But moving on proves difficult for them both…
Told in dual POVs it’s a forbidden May-December romance set amidst Washington’s elite. The odds are stacked against them with the disapproval of family and the threat of scandal, amplified by Casey’s inexperience in stark contrast to Tony’s aloofness and manwhoring ways. Tony controlled the story and it was my absolute pleasure to watch his fall into whipped.
“That depends.” He waited until she met his eyes before continuing. “Do we get to have make-up sex if you get mad at me?”
***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★1/2
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★1/2
Story ending: ★★★★1/2
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
February 20, 2019
Okay, so here’s the gist: A twenty-one year old Georgetown graduate student, Casey, and basically a nobody, is ‘dating’ and falling in love with a very high profile, thirty-five year old D.C. attorney, Tony, who is the son of a Senator and is expected to go into politics himself. What could possibly go wrong??
”I care about you. It was unexpected, but I do. That doesn’t mean you’re my girlfriend, because that term is ripe with expectations I am unwilling to meet. I will fail miserably if you measure me as a boyfriend.”
...”My family and job will always come before you. That’s the reality.”
Honest to Pete if this story didn’t grab me from the jump and refused to let go.
This story and it’s characters just spoke to me. Tony and Casey are down to earth, and the differences one would expect given the age gap are genuine. Casey is young, lacks confidence and at times lacks maturity, but completely lovable.
I enjoyed the dynamics of the plot line in which there were a lot of underlying forces playing a hand, a lot of intriguing personalities, a lot of lust and passion. A lot of me dying to know how this forbidden romance would end.
This is my first read by this author, and I was quite impressed with her writing.
”I care about you. It was unexpected, but I do. That doesn’t mean you’re my girlfriend, because that term is ripe with expectations I am unwilling to meet. I will fail miserably if you measure me as a boyfriend.”
...”My family and job will always come before you. That’s the reality.”
Honest to Pete if this story didn’t grab me from the jump and refused to let go.
This story and it’s characters just spoke to me. Tony and Casey are down to earth, and the differences one would expect given the age gap are genuine. Casey is young, lacks confidence and at times lacks maturity, but completely lovable.
I enjoyed the dynamics of the plot line in which there were a lot of underlying forces playing a hand, a lot of intriguing personalities, a lot of lust and passion. A lot of me dying to know how this forbidden romance would end.
This is my first read by this author, and I was quite impressed with her writing.
February 4, 2019
Excellent book. Lovely read. Loved the twist and turns throughout. The genuine love and conflicts between the main could truly be felt and it made for an excellent ride.
February 24, 2024
Re read February 2024
**4.5 stars**
**4.5 stars**
February 1, 2019
4.5 Stars!
Great age gap story ⭐️
Great age gap story ⭐️
February 7, 2019
2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I'm sure I'll be in the minority again for this one. I struggled with the h so much that I couldn't get into the rest of the story. It's a bummer, because I usually enjoy the older man/younger female theme and this also had a political/celebrity status thing going on that I appreciate. I simply didn't understand why the H wanted the h. I also didn't understand how he made a complete 180 from just wanting a sexual relationship to being in love. I didn't like the interactions with his son, as he seemed like a cold father to me. I think that the author could've made so much more from the interactions between the son and the h also. I also rolled my eyes a few times with the h and her cruel family with her "woe is me" mentality about it all. Again, I'm sure I'm just showing my overly picky side here and others will love it -- I just didn't 🤷🏻♀️
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Casey and Tony's story. Casey has been secretly obsessing over Tony that she keeps on seeing while running. She is shocked to meet him in the restaurant that she is in with her family to celebrate her birthday and to find out his celebrity status. After running into each other yet again, Tony asks her out and they start a physical relationship. Tony isn't in a position to offer more, and Casey wants it all. There is some family and career drama, some sexy times, and a few sad scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Casey and Tony in 3rd person narrative. I think the story could've benefited from focusing more on Tony and giving us more understanding as to his motives and behavior. The feeling might be attributed to the fact that I didn't like the h and it was mostly focused on her too...
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: Yes. I didn't understand the progression into deeper feelings.
H rating: 3 stars. Tony. He was alright. I appreciated how he kept his cool with the h's over dramatic behavior.
h rating: 2 stars. Casey. She was not my type of h for sure. She was clingy, dramatic, and often crossed that line into doormat status and embarrassingly desperate.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had alright closure with what I would call a HEA ending .
Safety: This one is probably either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: I'm sure I'll be in the minority again for this one. I struggled with the h so much that I couldn't get into the rest of the story. It's a bummer, because I usually enjoy the older man/younger female theme and this also had a political/celebrity status thing going on that I appreciate. I simply didn't understand why the H wanted the h. I also didn't understand how he made a complete 180 from just wanting a sexual relationship to being in love. I didn't like the interactions with his son, as he seemed like a cold father to me. I think that the author could've made so much more from the interactions between the son and the h also. I also rolled my eyes a few times with the h and her cruel family with her "woe is me" mentality about it all. Again, I'm sure I'm just showing my overly picky side here and others will love it -- I just didn't 🤷🏻♀️
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Casey and Tony's story. Casey has been secretly obsessing over Tony that she keeps on seeing while running. She is shocked to meet him in the restaurant that she is in with her family to celebrate her birthday and to find out his celebrity status. After running into each other yet again, Tony asks her out and they start a physical relationship. Tony isn't in a position to offer more, and Casey wants it all. There is some family and career drama, some sexy times, and a few sad scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Casey and Tony in 3rd person narrative. I think the story could've benefited from focusing more on Tony and giving us more understanding as to his motives and behavior. The feeling might be attributed to the fact that I didn't like the h and it was mostly focused on her too...
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: Yes. I didn't understand the progression into deeper feelings.
H rating: 3 stars. Tony. He was alright. I appreciated how he kept his cool with the h's over dramatic behavior.
h rating: 2 stars. Casey. She was not my type of h for sure. She was clingy, dramatic, and often crossed that line into doormat status and embarrassingly desperate.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had alright closure with what I would call a HEA ending .
Safety: This one is probably either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
February 6, 2019
★ 3.8 STARS ★
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March 21, 2019
You know, the first few pages of the sample had me intrigued, enough so that I bought the ebook. And only a couple of pages later I started to get this icky feeling...
Heads up, one tiny spoiler ahead.
The girl, Casey, read so incredibly young and naive. She was needy and clingy, ignorant and kinda dense. In short, everything that a guy like Tony Prossi would certainly never want. The author tried to sell it as her being refreshing, honest and idealistic but honestly, Casey just came across as a naive kid. Up until about 60% into the story there was no substance whatsoever to their relationship. For whatever inane reason Casey had made up her mind about Tony being The One, just because she had seen him out jogging several times and then started dreaming about him. This was the worst kind of insta love, at least on her part, because she simply refused to hear what he was saying, which was I don’t want a relationship, I’m not willing to commit or put in the effort. The guy took her virginity when they had barely exchanged more than a handful of words, gave her 4 orgasms for it (really? 4??) and bam, she was in love. She defended him like a pit bull to anyone who would say just one negative word about him or their arrangement (which was fuck buddies, btw, even though Casey refused to see it) and got jealous when she really had no right to, it was downright mortifying to read. For the most part of the book she acted like a 15 year old girl and that’s why the story left me feeling so icky. For an age gap romance to work I need the characters to be somewhat on the same maturity level and that just wasn’t the case here. It did get a little better towards the end, I’ll give them that, but overall I just didn’t buy their relationship and Casey annoyed the crap out of me.
Heads up, one tiny spoiler ahead.
The girl, Casey, read so incredibly young and naive. She was needy and clingy, ignorant and kinda dense. In short, everything that a guy like Tony Prossi would certainly never want. The author tried to sell it as her being refreshing, honest and idealistic but honestly, Casey just came across as a naive kid. Up until about 60% into the story there was no substance whatsoever to their relationship. For whatever inane reason Casey had made up her mind about Tony being The One, just because she had seen him out jogging several times and then started dreaming about him. This was the worst kind of insta love, at least on her part, because she simply refused to hear what he was saying, which was I don’t want a relationship, I’m not willing to commit or put in the effort. The guy took her virginity when they had barely exchanged more than a handful of words, gave her 4 orgasms for it (really? 4??) and bam, she was in love. She defended him like a pit bull to anyone who would say just one negative word about him or their arrangement (which was fuck buddies, btw, even though Casey refused to see it) and got jealous when she really had no right to, it was downright mortifying to read. For the most part of the book she acted like a 15 year old girl and that’s why the story left me feeling so icky. For an age gap romance to work I need the characters to be somewhat on the same maturity level and that just wasn’t the case here. It did get a little better towards the end, I’ll give them that, but overall I just didn’t buy their relationship and Casey annoyed the crap out of me.
February 19, 2019
First of all, I really loved this book. But... until 45%, the male character was an awful person, and suddenly he fell in love. Come on! It’s hard to swallow!
The female character was so needy and insecure, yes I think it was because her family. But...
The story was beautiful, but I changed some things there.
It’s worth reading!!
The female character was so needy and insecure, yes I think it was because her family. But...
The story was beautiful, but I changed some things there.
It’s worth reading!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2019
Photo Story Inside!
The book that put Laura Branchflower on my radar. Age gap: hot alpha a-hole Hero (or so it seems) and a sweet, endearing heroine (perfectly 21 years old- immature in life and love). Attorney and college student. This was such a sweet love story. Realistic, sophisticated sex scenes. Engaging storyline. Superb writing, as always, by this author. One of my top 5 books of all time.
Full photo story: https://pin.it/wwlh4jkmaqsz5l
The book that put Laura Branchflower on my radar. Age gap: hot alpha a-hole Hero (or so it seems) and a sweet, endearing heroine (perfectly 21 years old- immature in life and love). Attorney and college student. This was such a sweet love story. Realistic, sophisticated sex scenes. Engaging storyline. Superb writing, as always, by this author. One of my top 5 books of all time.
Full photo story: https://pin.it/wwlh4jkmaqsz5l
June 13, 2025
Insta-love/lust stories aren’t my thing, and the immature FMC kinda annoyed me the whole time... yet I still ended up enjoying the book. Frankly, I was just in the mood for an age gap romance with some steam and drama, and this one totally fit the bill. ;D
July 29, 2024
3.5 to 4 stars. It started off a little cheesy, but it kinda grew on me, and by the end I was quite enjoying it. The heroine seemed pretty immature at first, and I couldn't really see what the mature and experienced hero saw in her except for basic lust. But as their relationship deepened, Casey started to show more maturity and depth in her personality. They ended up being well-matched. The fourteen years between them didn't worry me, although I know some readers wouldn't like that.
Both hero and heroine had weird and unlikeable families. Casey's dad continued to treat her as if she were 16, not 21. But sadly, I guess there are controlling fathers like that out there. Casey's sister was shallow and horrible. Tony's parents were horrible too, but at least he had some family members who were good people.
I liked the relationship between Casey and Tony. Casey cared for and looked after Tony when he really needed it. He in turn respected and looked after her. I liked the way events unfolded in the final chapters. So overall, I enjoyed the read.
Both hero and heroine had weird and unlikeable families. Casey's dad continued to treat her as if she were 16, not 21. But sadly, I guess there are controlling fathers like that out there. Casey's sister was shallow and horrible. Tony's parents were horrible too, but at least he had some family members who were good people.
I liked the relationship between Casey and Tony. Casey cared for and looked after Tony when he really needed it. He in turn respected and looked after her. I liked the way events unfolded in the final chapters. So overall, I enjoyed the read.
September 18, 2019
I truly loved this book. It's the first time I've heard of, much less read, this author, but I loved her voice. The story and characters were utterly compelling, and I enjoyed it so much.
Casey Jansen is a senior at Georgetown, majoring in Sociology. She's a great student, and avid runner. She's out with her family celebrating her 21st birthday, when she spies a familiar face. There's an older man she's seen many times out on the running trails near her place. They've passed each other quite a bit, and he feels more familiar every time she sees him. When her sister identifies him as Tony Prossi, a prominent D.C. attorney, and son of a famous senator, her hopes are dashed. Someone like that would never be interested in her.
Tony Prossi is 35, and a part owner of his own law firm. He represents elite D.C. clients, and he's happy with his life. He has a 16 year old son from his first marriage. They married and had Michael at 19, oops, but they never really had much in common, and split 6 years later. Michael is a great kid, and he was a good side character. Tony's been single for a long time, and plans to keep it that way. He's too focused on his job, his family, and his son to be caught up in a relationship. Plus, no woman wants to always come in third. It wouldn't be fair. When he sees the gorgeous girl from the running trail at the restaurant, he takes the chance to finally get to know her name. He's surprised at her age, but even more surprised to discover it hasn't discouraged him at all.
Tony and Casey's chemistry was electric, and I really enjoyed their interactions. They both had a ton of family issues to contend with, Casey especially. Her family was HORRIBLE. She's the middle of 3 daughters and each of her parents clearly has their favorite daughter, and neither of them is her. She's always felt out of place in her own family. As she's grown older, she's tried not to let it bother her. Also, her dad is paying for her college and her apartment, so she's beholden to him and his rules, even if she's 21. He's a real piece of work, and she's constantly fighting battles she can't seem to win. Her older sister Tarah is gorgeous, and knows it, and manages to make everything about her. Her mom is a clueless gossip monger, obsessed with Tarah. Her younger sister is still just a teenager, so Casey doesn't blame her for too much, though Lizzie's clearly her Dad's favorite. Tony's family is stuck up and expects him to do their bidding, and run for his father's senate seat when he retires soon. He's not sure he is interested, but he's feeling the pull to meet his family's wishes, regardless. His brother Nick is the family screw-up, and though he's cleaned up in recent years, all the burden still falls on Tony. The only person in his family he feels close to, besides his son, is his Nonna. His Italian grandmother is a sweetheart, and I loved her appearances in the story.
Casey often showed her age in certain ways, including her naivety, and blatant openness towards Tony from the start, but it made her more endearing somehow, both to Tony, and to me, as the reader. That was partly what made Tony realize he'd never met anyone like her before and that he needed to keep her. They both had major hurdles to overcome, in addition to their family issues, and I enjoyed watching them contend with those, often with the help of their best friends, Anna and Joseph, respectively. These were great, supportive side characters, and good friends, who told the truth, even when it hurt, and helped the main characters work through problems.
I have a lot more I could say about this story, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I'll just say that I really loved it. I felt for the characters, and my heart broke for them at times. I loved the relationship between Tony and Casey, and how organically it grew into something important. This author is definitely on my radar now, and I plan to go back and read her first book, which is apparently about Tony's best friend Joseph, and his now wife. I really enjoyed the author's pacing and storytelling style, and I look forward to more from her.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Casey Jansen is a senior at Georgetown, majoring in Sociology. She's a great student, and avid runner. She's out with her family celebrating her 21st birthday, when she spies a familiar face. There's an older man she's seen many times out on the running trails near her place. They've passed each other quite a bit, and he feels more familiar every time she sees him. When her sister identifies him as Tony Prossi, a prominent D.C. attorney, and son of a famous senator, her hopes are dashed. Someone like that would never be interested in her.
Tony Prossi is 35, and a part owner of his own law firm. He represents elite D.C. clients, and he's happy with his life. He has a 16 year old son from his first marriage. They married and had Michael at 19, oops, but they never really had much in common, and split 6 years later. Michael is a great kid, and he was a good side character. Tony's been single for a long time, and plans to keep it that way. He's too focused on his job, his family, and his son to be caught up in a relationship. Plus, no woman wants to always come in third. It wouldn't be fair. When he sees the gorgeous girl from the running trail at the restaurant, he takes the chance to finally get to know her name. He's surprised at her age, but even more surprised to discover it hasn't discouraged him at all.
Tony and Casey's chemistry was electric, and I really enjoyed their interactions. They both had a ton of family issues to contend with, Casey especially. Her family was HORRIBLE. She's the middle of 3 daughters and each of her parents clearly has their favorite daughter, and neither of them is her. She's always felt out of place in her own family. As she's grown older, she's tried not to let it bother her. Also, her dad is paying for her college and her apartment, so she's beholden to him and his rules, even if she's 21. He's a real piece of work, and she's constantly fighting battles she can't seem to win. Her older sister Tarah is gorgeous, and knows it, and manages to make everything about her. Her mom is a clueless gossip monger, obsessed with Tarah. Her younger sister is still just a teenager, so Casey doesn't blame her for too much, though Lizzie's clearly her Dad's favorite. Tony's family is stuck up and expects him to do their bidding, and run for his father's senate seat when he retires soon. He's not sure he is interested, but he's feeling the pull to meet his family's wishes, regardless. His brother Nick is the family screw-up, and though he's cleaned up in recent years, all the burden still falls on Tony. The only person in his family he feels close to, besides his son, is his Nonna. His Italian grandmother is a sweetheart, and I loved her appearances in the story.
Casey often showed her age in certain ways, including her naivety, and blatant openness towards Tony from the start, but it made her more endearing somehow, both to Tony, and to me, as the reader. That was partly what made Tony realize he'd never met anyone like her before and that he needed to keep her. They both had major hurdles to overcome, in addition to their family issues, and I enjoyed watching them contend with those, often with the help of their best friends, Anna and Joseph, respectively. These were great, supportive side characters, and good friends, who told the truth, even when it hurt, and helped the main characters work through problems.
I have a lot more I could say about this story, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I'll just say that I really loved it. I felt for the characters, and my heart broke for them at times. I loved the relationship between Tony and Casey, and how organically it grew into something important. This author is definitely on my radar now, and I plan to go back and read her first book, which is apparently about Tony's best friend Joseph, and his now wife. I really enjoyed the author's pacing and storytelling style, and I look forward to more from her.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
February 22, 2019
I was surprised by this one. I didn´t expect too much going in, reviews I read were mixed, but I really enjoyed it for the most parts.
It was low on angst and pointless drama and I liked how Tony managed to redeem himself in my eyes. I wasn´t very fond of him for the first quarter in the book, but he came around (thankfully).
The ending was a little bit rushed in my opinion, I would have wanted a bit "more", but overall I really enjoyed the story.
It was low on angst and pointless drama and I liked how Tony managed to redeem himself in my eyes. I wasn´t very fond of him for the first quarter in the book, but he came around (thankfully).
The ending was a little bit rushed in my opinion, I would have wanted a bit "more", but overall I really enjoyed the story.
October 4, 2023
Loved this one very, very much. POSSIBLE SPOILERS
The title so accurately depicts the circumstances of both the hero and heroine. This relevance makes it all the more special.
The hero's growth develops realistically.
It doesn't happen overnight but is gradual and true to his character.
He brutally fights his attraction to her and when he loses the battle, its thrilling to behold.
The heroine doesn't change, but she will, in the future, grow into her own because she has his complete devotion.
She remains sweet, loyal, vulnerable, feisty, young and impossibly besotted with him.
She's open and free with her affection for him; her emotions are all over the place and she hides none of it.
In another heroine, I'd say she's portrayed as a desperate doormat but Casey is written as naïve and true to her age and life experiences. It does help that we get to see his POV as well.
This story reminds me somewhat of the older Mills and Boon novels, which are, according to the Macmillan Dictionary: "known for the strong emotions that their characters feel, for being easy to read, and for always having a happy ending."
I have a special place in my heart for this type of hero. The Mills and Boon hero:
The aloof, enigmatic, elegant, powerful, rich, tall, dark and handsome alpha.
This one is even Italian....swoon...
It was refreshing to immerse myself in their world.
A positive deviation from the myriad dark stories with dark broken Hxhs, badly written excuse-for-romances, clichéd OTT protagonists...blah blah blah...
This Hxh have their own brand of conflict.
Its edgy and nerve-wracking in its own way. I was literally wanting to turn the pages as fast as I could while also wanting to drag out the story for as long as possible. I loved seeing them interact; it was so precious yet overwhelming because he's at a complete loss of how to deal with the havoc she wrecks in his life, on his emotions. She again, is so emphatically enamoured with him, so accepting of her adoration, yet never overbearing nor off-putting in her neediness. She's just REAL.
The writing style is eloquent without being lofty.
Enjoyed the good ole, tried and tested third person pov for a change. It seamlessly brought across the vivid emotions and intense relationship dynamics.
The ending is perfect.
Almost too neatly wrapped up and my romantic heart loves it.
Note to self: neaten and edit this review sometime, woman!
The title so accurately depicts the circumstances of both the hero and heroine. This relevance makes it all the more special.
The hero's growth develops realistically.
It doesn't happen overnight but is gradual and true to his character.
He brutally fights his attraction to her and when he loses the battle, its thrilling to behold.
The heroine doesn't change, but she will, in the future, grow into her own because she has his complete devotion.
She remains sweet, loyal, vulnerable, feisty, young and impossibly besotted with him.
She's open and free with her affection for him; her emotions are all over the place and she hides none of it.
In another heroine, I'd say she's portrayed as a desperate doormat but Casey is written as naïve and true to her age and life experiences. It does help that we get to see his POV as well.
This story reminds me somewhat of the older Mills and Boon novels, which are, according to the Macmillan Dictionary: "known for the strong emotions that their characters feel, for being easy to read, and for always having a happy ending."
I have a special place in my heart for this type of hero. The Mills and Boon hero:
The aloof, enigmatic, elegant, powerful, rich, tall, dark and handsome alpha.
This one is even Italian....swoon...
It was refreshing to immerse myself in their world.
A positive deviation from the myriad dark stories with dark broken Hxhs, badly written excuse-for-romances, clichéd OTT protagonists...blah blah blah...
This Hxh have their own brand of conflict.
Its edgy and nerve-wracking in its own way. I was literally wanting to turn the pages as fast as I could while also wanting to drag out the story for as long as possible. I loved seeing them interact; it was so precious yet overwhelming because he's at a complete loss of how to deal with the havoc she wrecks in his life, on his emotions. She again, is so emphatically enamoured with him, so accepting of her adoration, yet never overbearing nor off-putting in her neediness. She's just REAL.
The writing style is eloquent without being lofty.
Enjoyed the good ole, tried and tested third person pov for a change. It seamlessly brought across the vivid emotions and intense relationship dynamics.
The ending is perfect.
Almost too neatly wrapped up and my romantic heart loves it.
Note to self: neaten and edit this review sometime, woman!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2021
I tried, I really did, because most people loved this book, but I still ended up DNF. So obviously, it’s me and not the book.
I just can’t deal with a h like this. Clingy, needy, pathetic, desperate, woe is me, pity party, crazy obsessed with the H, doormat because of love, low self esteem, whiny. 🙄. She has so much self respect for herself that she allows the H to use her just for sex. He takes ow to events instead of her. 🤬🤬
She drives by his house at night constantly to stalk him like a psycho. I just couldn’t deal with the second hand embarrassment.🤭
H is a catch? 35, has a 16yr old son, divorced.
The h is 21, but she acts like she’s 14 with her first crush.
🚩Safety
Cheating, for me yes, since he taking ow on dates. But grey area for some, they have sex 3-4 times a week, but the H said he won’t be her bf.
- while H was sleeping with the h, he took ow to multiple events.
“Since I’ve been with you, I haven’t slept with another woman, and as long as we’re together, I won’t.”
“But you’ll take them to all your social events?”
“No.” He shook his head. “Work events, if I find it necessary. Not social events.”
“How many events have you taken other women to in the past month?”
“A couple.”
- This ow he took to the event is someone he did fuck in the past before h, although he said he didn’t sleep with her that night he got caught. He also said it won’t be the last time he took her to an event, and the doormat stayed with this asshole when he threatened to end things with the h for causing drama.🙄
““She is irrelevant to this conversation. But it wasn’t the first function I’ve escorted her to and it probably won’t be the last.”
The h spends her time groveling because she got mad at the H for taking ow to events. One of the worst doormats ever, and this is why I DNF.
I just can’t deal with a h like this. Clingy, needy, pathetic, desperate, woe is me, pity party, crazy obsessed with the H, doormat because of love, low self esteem, whiny. 🙄. She has so much self respect for herself that she allows the H to use her just for sex. He takes ow to events instead of her. 🤬🤬
She drives by his house at night constantly to stalk him like a psycho. I just couldn’t deal with the second hand embarrassment.🤭
H is a catch? 35, has a 16yr old son, divorced.
The h is 21, but she acts like she’s 14 with her first crush.
🚩Safety
Cheating, for me yes, since he taking ow on dates. But grey area for some, they have sex 3-4 times a week, but the H said he won’t be her bf.
- while H was sleeping with the h, he took ow to multiple events.
“Since I’ve been with you, I haven’t slept with another woman, and as long as we’re together, I won’t.”
“But you’ll take them to all your social events?”
“No.” He shook his head. “Work events, if I find it necessary. Not social events.”
“How many events have you taken other women to in the past month?”
“A couple.”
- This ow he took to the event is someone he did fuck in the past before h, although he said he didn’t sleep with her that night he got caught. He also said it won’t be the last time he took her to an event, and the doormat stayed with this asshole when he threatened to end things with the h for causing drama.🙄
““She is irrelevant to this conversation. But it wasn’t the first function I’ve escorted her to and it probably won’t be the last.”
The h spends her time groveling because she got mad at the H for taking ow to events. One of the worst doormats ever, and this is why I DNF.
September 12, 2019
What a book!!!
The feels from this book is giving me goosebumps. I picked this up at 10 pm last night and I just didn’t stop reading. I even stopped doing pre lab for my microbiology lab just to focus on this novel!
I’m imploring you to read this book.
Casey has always felt like the odd one out.
She’s the middle sister with the purest heart that just loves so freely.
Her father rules with an iron fist and her absent minded mother only cares about her older sister because she’s model worthy.
Her little sister is spoiled by her father and she’s left feeling disconnected every time. But still family is family, right?
Tony is 35 years old and he’s supposed to be the next senator replacing his father’s seat. He has a 16 year old son and Tony is slightly jaded due to certain obligations.
Casey and Tony’s love story was giving me goosebumps. The way he loves her and the way she loves him was so pure. Casey does not have a filter. She says what’s on her mind and she acts on impulse. Read this book guys. It’s a re read for me. For sure.
The feels from this book is giving me goosebumps. I picked this up at 10 pm last night and I just didn’t stop reading. I even stopped doing pre lab for my microbiology lab just to focus on this novel!
I’m imploring you to read this book.
Casey has always felt like the odd one out.
She’s the middle sister with the purest heart that just loves so freely.
Her father rules with an iron fist and her absent minded mother only cares about her older sister because she’s model worthy.
Her little sister is spoiled by her father and she’s left feeling disconnected every time. But still family is family, right?
Tony is 35 years old and he’s supposed to be the next senator replacing his father’s seat. He has a 16 year old son and Tony is slightly jaded due to certain obligations.
Casey and Tony’s love story was giving me goosebumps. The way he loves her and the way she loves him was so pure. Casey does not have a filter. She says what’s on her mind and she acts on impulse. Read this book guys. It’s a re read for me. For sure.
February 15, 2019
I read a review by one of my GR friends and decided to check this out. I'm glad I did.
We have the May-December romance. The heroine is a naive, sheltered, senior at Georgetown who is the often overlooked beauty in the making and of course she's a virgin.
The hero is a famous, overly attractive D.C. attorney whose father is a famous and long serving Senator. Their road to a HEA is a difficult one and filled with a lot of awful people, her family mostly, but his mother and father were pretty abhorrent too.
A must for KU reads who love angst and a lot of passion!
We have the May-December romance. The heroine is a naive, sheltered, senior at Georgetown who is the often overlooked beauty in the making and of course she's a virgin.
The hero is a famous, overly attractive D.C. attorney whose father is a famous and long serving Senator. Their road to a HEA is a difficult one and filled with a lot of awful people, her family mostly, but his mother and father were pretty abhorrent too.
A must for KU reads who love angst and a lot of passion!
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August 21, 2022
Just read it. That's the review. 🤡
February 9, 2019
5 stars! I couldn't put it down.
February 8, 2019
DNF@61% Sorry but I give up. I wanted to love this book but unfortunately the exact opposite happened. I definitely enjoy age gapes and as long as the h is over 18 I'm good. Unfortunately this authors writing didn't work for me and Casey is the most annoying h. She's pathetic, desperate and most definitely the definition of doormat. Now I did like Tony he was completely up front with her and gave her no illusion of them having a future. Casey was the one who from the moment she saw him had stars in her eyes but I think what ultimately ruined the book for me was when Casey was already saying she was in love with a man she didn't know. Now at this point of the story they are a couple but for me I don't need to read anymore to know how what's going to happen.
February 9, 2025
2nd read. I finished it. But i am still not happy with how h behaved. But yeah i was much more tolerant this time and appreciated authors writing more than the characters. I loved her other books so thought maybe this could be a win too but it was okay. Still better than most of the book i dnf.
Dnf @ 60%
What is wrong with this heroine?
She behaves like a groupie! For God sake -.-
I was also once 21 and no way would I behave like her ever.
I mean the guy is clearly using her and she knows that, yet She claims to love him just after meeting him!
Oh god! I was so angry about how clearly a good potential book was ruined for me. I was so excited with how this started but then h went away and behaved like a full on groupie.
I am so angry right now :/ :/ :/
Dnf @ 60%
What is wrong with this heroine?
She behaves like a groupie! For God sake -.-
I was also once 21 and no way would I behave like her ever.
I mean the guy is clearly using her and she knows that, yet She claims to love him just after meeting him!
Oh god! I was so angry about how clearly a good potential book was ruined for me. I was so excited with how this started but then h went away and behaved like a full on groupie.
I am so angry right now :/ :/ :/
December 2, 2017
Great Read
This is the first book in a long time that I “did not” want to end. Loved All the characters and the story line. If you decide to read this book, which I recommend, be prepared to pull some all-nighters, as it was very hard for me to put it down.
This is the first book in a long time that I “did not” want to end. Loved All the characters and the story line. If you decide to read this book, which I recommend, be prepared to pull some all-nighters, as it was very hard for me to put it down.
October 4, 2024
The heroine’s quite whiny, immature, annoying, and sometimes downright stupid. The hero wasn’t much better, macho and some wannabe shit. Still, it was enjoyable. I was hooked on their drama. It’s the kind of messy entertainment that kept me seated and eating every sentence.
January 2, 2019
I love older man/younger woman stories, for me this one delivered.
The hero & heroine in this book are very likable characters. The 14 year age difference is noticeable; Casey is (at times) an immature college student, Tony is a successful lawyer/ single father. It was interesting seeing their interactions, I thought there was just enough angst without going over the top.
The chemistry between Tony and Casey was palpable, it made the book special. The author did a good job with the sex scenes, she pulled off Tony being smitten instead of sleazy. He didn't come off like a dirty old man, the sex was hot. Overall the relationship was well written and believable.
My only complaint was the end, it seemed to wrap up a little too quickly. That being said, I'd still recommend. This one's a keeper.
4.25 Stars
The hero & heroine in this book are very likable characters. The 14 year age difference is noticeable; Casey is (at times) an immature college student, Tony is a successful lawyer/ single father. It was interesting seeing their interactions, I thought there was just enough angst without going over the top.
The chemistry between Tony and Casey was palpable, it made the book special. The author did a good job with the sex scenes, she pulled off Tony being smitten instead of sleazy. He didn't come off like a dirty old man, the sex was hot. Overall the relationship was well written and believable.
My only complaint was the end, it seemed to wrap up a little too quickly. That being said, I'd still recommend. This one's a keeper.
4.25 Stars
February 11, 2019
4 "You make me so happy." Stars
I saw a Goodreads friend review this book and was immediately intrigued. A big age gap, wealthy attorney and college coed. The angst was just right for the story. The heroine was a bit much to take at the beginning but her naivete was mostly warranted. The male lead held the appropriate amount of intensity for a man of his stature infatuated with someone so much younger. The writing of Laura Branchflower was lovely in the third person and moved the story forward effortlessly. There were a few nit picky things that I personally couldn't get on board with but nothing overtly offensive that I want to go into detail about. This was angsty and romantic with a lot of charming qualities. Absolutely perfect for Sunday afternoon read. I read A Sense of Belonging from beginning to end and thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 2, 2019
Fabulous read. Love this author.
Want to read
August 20, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/20/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Casey Jansen is celebrating her twenty-first birthday when she catches a glimpse of the older man she's been secretly obsessing over since passing him on a running trail. When her sister identifies him as Tony Prossi, a well-known Washington, D.C. attorney, Casey instantly wishes she was older. There is no way he is going to be interested in a college student. At least that's what she believes until their eyes meet.
As a partner in a top D.C. law firm and son of a powerful U.S. senator, Tony Prossi understands the importance of image. There is certainly no place in his life for a woman as young as Casey Jansen, especially not when he's considering running for his father's Senate seat. But one night with the Georgetown University student ignites a hunger he can't seem to quench. And Tony will have to decide whether being with Casey is worth the risk to his reputation and family.
Laura Branchflower is a compelling new voice in contemporary romance with believable characters dealing with real life struggles.
A Sense of Belonging is a standalone novel but some of the characters also appear in When I Saw You, her debut novel.
Blurb:
Casey Jansen is celebrating her twenty-first birthday when she catches a glimpse of the older man she's been secretly obsessing over since passing him on a running trail. When her sister identifies him as Tony Prossi, a well-known Washington, D.C. attorney, Casey instantly wishes she was older. There is no way he is going to be interested in a college student. At least that's what she believes until their eyes meet.
As a partner in a top D.C. law firm and son of a powerful U.S. senator, Tony Prossi understands the importance of image. There is certainly no place in his life for a woman as young as Casey Jansen, especially not when he's considering running for his father's Senate seat. But one night with the Georgetown University student ignites a hunger he can't seem to quench. And Tony will have to decide whether being with Casey is worth the risk to his reputation and family.
Laura Branchflower is a compelling new voice in contemporary romance with believable characters dealing with real life struggles.
A Sense of Belonging is a standalone novel but some of the characters also appear in When I Saw You, her debut novel.
January 30, 2019
What is it with this author writing female heroines that are so dependant on the Hero's? In both of the White Picket Fence books and this one you read how these women couldn't go barely a day without their man (even if they treat you awfully -as seen in the AWPF books).
Dear author, please tell me you know there are women or there that can go more than a day without hounding her SO? I mean, are men really attracted to that? If so, all the more power to the girl, but I don't think that's the case. Granted, there were some parts where she tried to be an actual independent adult but ... Well, notice the word TRIED.
This book had the potential to be a good book, but I couldn't get over her clinging desperately to the hero. I love age gap romance, but this book showed why some age gap relationships don't work out. I don't really care about her charity work or her spewing about making the world a better place, because, frankly, it was shadowed by her irritating behavior.
Dear author, please tell me you know there are women or there that can go more than a day without hounding her SO? I mean, are men really attracted to that? If so, all the more power to the girl, but I don't think that's the case. Granted, there were some parts where she tried to be an actual independent adult but ... Well, notice the word TRIED.
This book had the potential to be a good book, but I couldn't get over her clinging desperately to the hero. I love age gap romance, but this book showed why some age gap relationships don't work out. I don't really care about her charity work or her spewing about making the world a better place, because, frankly, it was shadowed by her irritating behavior.
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