Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Some people are unforgettable.
Like, the first sheriff that pulled you over for speeding.
The first person to kiss you senseless on the hood of a car.
And, the first guy to make you orgasm.
But, when all of those things are from the same man; let’s just say unforgettable doesn’t even come close.

I wonder if he ever thinks about me and everything we ALMOST had.

Oh, he remembers and he’s prepared to put his money where his mouth is…

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2017

487 people are currently reading
600 people want to read

About the author

Danielle Norman

49 books2,202 followers
Before becoming a romance writer, Danielle was a body double for Heidi Klum and a backup singer for Adele. Now, she spends her days trying to play keep away from Theo James who won’t stop calling her or asking her out.
And all of this happens before she wakes up and faces reality where in fact she is a 50 something mom with grown kids, she's been married longer than Theo’s been alive, and now get her kicks riding a Harley.
As far as her body, she can thank, Ben & Jerry’s for that as well as gravity and vodka. But she says that she could never be Adele’s backup since she never stops saying the F-word long enough to actually sing.
Danielle writes about kickass women with even better shoes and the men that try to tame them (silly silly men).


Sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/DNnews

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
702 (53%)
4 stars
406 (31%)
3 stars
155 (11%)
2 stars
31 (2%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,064 reviews2,873 followers
December 19, 2017
description

description

description 
description 
descriptionI LOVED the first book in this series so I was super excited to get my hands on this one! Alas, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a bad book by any stretch. I still enjoyed it overall and will continue with the series. But there were just a bunch of little things (and one big thing) that over the course of the book annoyed me and therefore I disconnected from both the couple and the story itself.


description

So I found this one to be just as well written as book one. The pace was good. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. That said, it wasn't without its issues and those issues are down to "ME" and my personal pet peeves. I wasn't a fan of how long Sophie's secret was drug out. I get frustrated when adults don't act like adults and have the much needed conversation that would clear the air. Now "I" figured out what the secret was very early on and because of what that secret was it made the whole cliché "surprise" that takes place at 70% even more bothersome. I already HATE that trope in my romance books to begin with, but this one was especially annoying because it seemed like a very convenient way for the couple to deal with Sophie's issues. It also took away from the romance. I wish I could get into it more, alas I don't want to spoil the book so I will leave it at that.


description 


I wouldn't say this was a particularly angsty book and there was no OW/OM drama. The sex scenes were fairly hot. Again, like in the first book, there was a fabulous cast of secondary characters. The whole texting game and the sex store scene had me laughing my a$$ off, and I loved Ringo. Both the main characters in this one were OK. I liked them but there were a lot of little things they did that annoyed me so I didn't completely connect with them individually or as a couple. Too much hot and cold and back and forth. Too many secrets that made little sense why they were secrets in the first place. Especially Sophie's! I mean seriously? Why would you keep that a secret from your family? A close-knit family that loves you and would have given you much needed support? And Carter's secret, why would you wait six years to fix something like that?? Sigh...maybe I am being nitpicky, but it was these small little things that piled one on top of the other and ultimately had me checking out of the book. Last, it was all wrapped up in an OK (but rushed) ending. Most people will love it, but since I was already bothered by the surprise, it left me feeling "meh". and that everything was resolved a bit too "conveniently." Not to mention the whole "Ivey" thing was a HUGE loose end.

So yea, I know it sounds like I didn't like this one much but like I said, I enjoyed it overall. Not as much as book one, but enough I am still onboard for the next book in the series. This author can write that is for sure and my issues with this one are all down to personal pet peeves so keep that in mind when you are making your decision about whether to give this one a go. description


description
description

descriptiondescriptiondescriptiondescriptiondescriptiondescription

Profile Image for Kate.
2,282 reviews357 followers
December 22, 2017
3 'Well the whole book was rather convenient don't ya think?' Stars.

My believability muscle nearly snapped on this one.

I’m not entirely sure how to rate this book. I like the author's style but it was all too smooth. But the author sure does know how to keep you entertained. But if you look closely and past the entertainment factor there are I’m afraid to say some things that don’t make sense
After reading the prologue which I thought was completely unnecessary. I was wondering how it was relevant to the story of Carter and Sophie. I then had an epiphany and it clicked which means I had another 26 chapters to go waiting for the shite to hit the fan. When it finally happened it, all felt so rushed. I’m surprised about the time span anyway if I’m being honest. In a blink of an eye it was all done and dusted. Yes, they met when they younger, yaddy yah. So I’m most likely being a nitpicker.

After a week they were practically living together and even if they were soulmates. A lot happens in ten years. But maybe I’m just being cynical. I was annoyed by Sophie not giving Carter a chance to explain and then she turned into a zombie had no understanding there. Carter, you had years to get your act together and you didn’t. Maybe a note could have been left as to why the circumstances led to the twist at the end. Carter is a good Hero IMO although he was a bit of an arse at the beginning. He really tried with Sophie.

What also bothered me and I swear, I swear a lot is and although I swear I’ve never used what Sophie has used cause for me personally that is what a typical bloke would say and not a lady with a dirty mouth.

What was Sophie’s constant reason for running? Why didn’t she tell her family her secret? They are Greek and tight knit and are all up in everyone’s business, so never in the ten years that they were in Cali did they go out there to find out?

All in all, an enjoyable read. A lot could have been fleshed out and developed more. As it comes across as being a bit fluffy and that could have been avoided.

P.S. I know the author is new to this genre so I'm trying to cut some slack here but book 1 was really good and I think the author kinda lost her way on this one. Please if you are alpha/beta readers than tell the author if there are things to amend. Just don't say that is great well done cause things could have been done differently.




 photo New ARC_zpsdpyxs3wn.jpg


═══  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE / LIKE / FOLLOW US  ════

Blog              : https://www.jerisbookattic.com
FB Page        : https://www.facebook.com/JerisBookAttic
Twitter         : https://twitter.com/JeriTRyan
Goodreads  : https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
Bloglovin      : https://www.bloglovin.com/@jerisbooka...
Profile Image for NAT.orious reads ☾.
965 reviews415 followers
November 4, 2019
★★✩✩✩
Overall.
To be honest, I probably only finished this because I was on a 5-hour train ride and didn't have much else to do. What I did like a lot was the plot twist I am not gonna elaborate on. Overall, just like the first part, this just laked it for me. Itas in this magical, sparks igniting thing one can hardly put into words but is totally essential to the feels.

Sophie met the love of her life at age 17 (turning 18) but had to leave him behind. Nothing she had to endure in those 10 years hurt as much as having to miss Carter. For Carter it is pretty much the same, but with more Alcohol and Women involved. Obviously, their reunion is going to be interesting.
Profile Image for Nicole.
69 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2018
Almost is the second book in the Iron Orchids series, this time the story of Carter and Sophie. I should say that I read the first book and was immediately looking for this one, so I am glad it is here. Almost features some of the same characters as Enough (Stella, Ariel) with the same wit and humor. One of the things I love most about this series is that it feels like real life. No one is perfect, "In my mind, I wanted this moment to be like An Officer and A Gentleman when Richard Gere strode in ... ...Instead, this was more like the movie Babe, and I was the piglet being won at the county fair...." . Danielle blends them together seamlessly. She brings an air of mystery to the characters that makes you connect with them. I also love that Almost (and Enough) take place in real locations. This isn't some far off land, this is here, in America, In Florida, In Orlando (a place everyone knows about). If you like strong women, humor, MC, Greeks, romance, the word fuck, or just a plain good read, make sure you give Iron Orchids and Almost a look. Really what do you have to loose.
Profile Image for The Book Bee.
574 reviews283 followers
Read
January 12, 2018
Again.....another DNF book for me this year. :(

When I read a new author, I want their words to carry me through the story and I don’t like finding myself forcing myself not to skim because it’s wordy and there is no focus. She needed to focus more on their story and less on outside characters.

I also cannot stand drama being made INTO drama, for the sake of drama. The two big "secrets" that each main character had were awful. Eye-rolling awful. We don’t hide that we are a breast cancer survivor. We shout that from the rooftops. Everywhere. That’s not a secret. That was very angering. And his baby mama drama? No. That’s not how things work. It just made no sense and Sophie was all over the place with her emotions. That was very frustrating.

And the biker chic side story was a turnoff for me. I am not a huge MC reader, and the author spent enough time on that aspect that it didn't working for me. This is NOT a negative to the story, this is a personal like/dislike and has no bearing on the rating or DNF factor for me.

I think once Norman hones her story making (not telling-making) skills and finds her voice, she will be a great author.

This book was awful for me. Instead of me posting a very negative review for an author’s second book, I pulled out of this tour and figured I'd let the other reviewers share their love of it on the tour.
Profile Image for Liz.
3,717 reviews64 followers
January 11, 2018
Almost by Danielle Norman is my first read by this author and second book in her Iron Orchids series. This is a second chance romance and can be read as a standalone.

In this story we get Carter and Sophie’s story. They are reunited after ten years apart and find the attraction is still there. Their chemistry is off the charts. But a lot changes in ten years and both hide secrets. Their journey is not an easy one, but it is not overly angst filled either.

This was an enjoyable story that had great banter and laugh out load moments. We see two characters come to terms with what they feel and want to give love another chance. It was sweet and emotional. I loved the characters, including the secondary ones, and the story. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
September 16, 2019
It really took me a long time to warm up to this one. The prologue threw me off, it didn't seem to have anything to do with the story. In fact half way through the book I went back to read it again. It wasn't until towards the end that you see how it connects.

Another thing that was off for me was how everyone kept saying how the "Greeks" were so close, it's all about family with them, yet none of them knew why Sophie was gone for 10 years. I didn't buy that they family would let it go.

The one thing that really worked for me was how Sophie was added into the Iron Orchids. All the women welcomed her with open arms and included her in their mayhem. Also, once Carter and Sophie weren't hiding anything they were great together.

Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,803 reviews18 followers
January 4, 2018
Almost by Danielle Norman a fabulous four-star read. This is the second book in the Iron Orchids series but they can be read as stand-alone. The secondary characters in this book really make it, they are brilliant. Sophia and Carter have a great relationship and it faces many challenges but it also has some amazing comedic value, there are some great one liners in the story, but there is also a depth and passion as well. Overall a great story.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,976 reviews173 followers
December 22, 2017
Almost is small town to the core. It's sweet, heartbreaking and bigger than the pages it's written on. Sophie and Carter took readers on a road trip through first love, missed chances and new beginnings. Ms. Norman tempts readers with angst, seduces them with love and even adds in a few wise life lessons with some heartwarming moments. This is a story too precious to walk away from.
Profile Image for Jacinta - Aussie Book Nook .
531 reviews
December 15, 2017
Another 5 star story from Danielle Norman.

I just loved this!
I stayed up way too late because I couldn't put it down.
Sophie and Carter's journey will hit right in the feels. It's heartbreaking, sexy, funny and beautiful.

This is a well written story that flows wonderfully.

I think I loved this more than I did Enough and I freaking love that book!

You definitely need to read this book!

*I voluntarily chose to review an advanced copy of this book.*
70 reviews
December 17, 2017
"Ten years ago you sped into my life and, Sophie, you've never left" is one of my favorite lines in Almost, the second Iron Orchids story. Carter and Sophie reunite after a decade apart, and the sparks fly between them. There is no denying that they are still very much attracted to each other but they both have secrets that could destroy a "happily ever after." When all the cards are on the table only real love can surpass the obstacles.
With the same wonderful wit and humor in Enough, Almost introduces more of the Iron Orchids' group of amazing women who start as friends but quickly form a tight bond. Don't even get me started on the men! Cops, EMS, Firemen...HOT. Almost is sexy, hilarious, and emotional (get the tissues out!). It's a fantastic addition to this series and will definitely keep you wanting more.
Profile Image for Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads).
2,365 reviews102 followers
January 1, 2018
5 The Second Chance Neither of Them Saw Coming

I absolutely love second chance books and for me this one has now moved into my top favorites of second chances. Sophie and Carter are a couple that were torn apart ten years ago only Carter had no idea why. And as tormented as he was, he continued life with a new outlook on life and love....
"I had a motto: girls were like dessert. You savored dessert, you made room for dessert, but did not eat the same dessert every night for the rest of your life."
The only problem with this "motto" is that Carter hasn't been able to let Sophie go and when she comes back home from her time away, the same chemistry that drew them together previously is not only still there, it's increased tenfold. While this is great news there's a reason Sophie went away and she's trying to stay away from Carter because she feels like she can't let him to only be hurt and she's been through so much pain in her lifetime that she doesn't want to subject her heart to potentially breaking again.
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star, my broken body full of scars. You gave me strength to fight the fight. Now give me strength through the night."
The thing about love and the one person that is your forever love, no matter how hard you try, the universe has other plans for you and oh Carter and Sophie belong together. Ms. Norman has written a beautiful and emotional book that allowed me to be drawn into their story. I felt all the tears, the laughter and their hearts opening to let each other in once again. One thing that hasn't changed all these years is the sizzling heat they generate together....
"I need our one night. I need to know you in every way possible. I've needed it for ten years."
As this story moves along, we see Sophie open herself up and let others in and and the friendships she formed with the Iron Orchids is also so important in this book. Strong independent women coming together and sticking together. And trust me when I tell you, these women play an integral part in Carter and Sophie's world.

There are some definite surprises in this book that test Carter and Sophie and their ability to get through anything. Watching them overcome and embrace everything that life throws at them made my heart love them that much more.

In the end, Ms. Norman has given us a book that grabbed my heart, cracked it a couple of times and then mended it with the eloquence of her words.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,219 reviews20 followers
November 2, 2022
For the past, ten years, Carter has been in a funk for quite, a while. No one has been able, to figure out why. Carter's intoxicated, and rambling, about a woman, causing you to think he lost, his heart. Then, poof. She is gone.

Four years into, the ten years he goes, to Vegas and meets a gal, Ivey. They drink, have rabbit sex, drink, sightsee, drink, have monkey sex, and drink some more. Somewhere along the lines, they got married. Meant to divorce. Yet, in the last six years, he forgot, to get the divorce. That is until Sophie, rolls back into town, to stay.

You see, Sophie and Carter met when she was a senior in high school and he had just graduated from the sheriff Academy. She had a lead foot and he was always having to pull her over. They became friends and then they realized in their hearts, it was more. She was seventeen and he was twenty. They were waiting for the day she turns eighteen. To be a couple.

On that day, she did go, poof! She was, gone. Completely gone. No one, not even her cousins knew, where she was. So, he was none too nice the first time, they come face to face. But, she takes it. Because she is not ready to tell anyone, why. Sophie was just not ready to tell them why she left, not even him. He will, however, be the first. Once she opens up.

As much as, he wants her, to be honest, and open up to him. It appears he has been holding on to his own secret. This one can take them down as a couple. Cut ties to long-standing friendships. If it is not handled correctly. Take the time to read this book, both their secrets are equally important, and only one can tear them apart, for good.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
December 27, 2017
I’m still trying to think of enough words to express how much I love this book. Absolutely captivating, it had me hooked right from the prologue. I devoured every page in just a few hours because I simply could not stop reading. An emotional ride bursting with all the feels, Almost sent me through a wide range of everything from laughing, crying, and throughly melting at times from the sheer beauty of the love between Carter and Sophie. This is a second chance love you do not want to miss!

Carter and Sophie have such a strong love you can feel it pouring from the pages long before they’re even together. The chemistry between them is just that powerful. I couldn’t get enough of them together. Their story is devastating at times, but their love outshines it all.

Just as much as Carter and Sophie made me fall head over heels, I couldn’t get enough of their friends and family! Between Stella’s antics making me crack up and the love a support everyone had for these two it was like the book equivalent of a hug. I can’t wait for more in this series!


Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews63 followers
January 1, 2018
Almost was an enjoyable read I did get a little frustrated with both hero and heroine at times but over all this was a good story with interesting characters . This would also be the first book I've read by Danielle Norman and it wont be my last . The blurb is what drew me in including the cover it did take me some time to connect with the story itself along with the characters .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=7 heroine= 7 secondary characters=7 Chemistry= 7
romance= 6 humor= 4 darkness level=3 action= 3 mystery= 4
enjoyment= 6 angst=5 story line= 8 Story ending=8
character development= 9 pacing= 7
cover= 10 stars= 3.5 author=8
would I recommend this book=yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,402 reviews67 followers
December 22, 2017
Almost by Danielle Norman is the second book in the Iron Orchids Series. Every book can easily be readas a standalone. Book one, Enough, is Ariel and Kayson´s story and we´ll meet them again in Almost.
This is Sophie and Carter´s book. Sophie - Sophia Kostas - is a successful writer of children´s books. 10 years ago she left her hometown, but now she´s back in Orlando and with her big greek family.
Carter Lang works in law enforcement. Many years ago he pulled Sophie over for speeding. And she left him without a word too. He´s deeply wounded and when she shows up again he´s furious with her.
Sophie has had a good reason to go, but kept it a secret. And Carter has secrets of his own. These secrets pile up and threaten to destroy the fragile new relationship both have build. And then everything explodes in their faces.
I started reading and was captivated from page one. I read Almost in one sitting, I had to know what happens to the characters.
Almost is a beautiful story with twists and turns. Beaotifully thought out, beautifully told and beautifully written. I love the story and the characters. I give 5 stars. Thank you, Danielle Norman !
Profile Image for Amber Goodwin.
749 reviews40 followers
December 26, 2018
I'm a sucker for second chance romance books and this one did not disappoint.

Sophie had to leave 10 years ago. She never forgot about the one who stole her heart. Can she take seeing him again 10 years later?

Carter has tried for 10 years to get over the one that got away. When she areives back in town can they pick up where they left off? Will they be able to get past the hurt?

This book had twists and turns I didn't see coming. This was great book!
26 reviews
December 19, 2017
After reading Danielle Norman's debut book, Enough, and loving it, I knew i was going to love the second book in her Iron Orchid's series, Almost. I just didn't realize how much this book was going to hit me in the heart and how much it was going to move me.

You know the saying 'If it's too good to be true, it probably is?' That saying fits a small part of this story. The second chance Carter and Sophie have, it goes too smoothly, you just know that something is going to come along and mess it up. And boy did it, even if only briefly.

The way Danielle wove the story, it pulled me in from the first page. I had to force myself to close my kindle and get some sleep because it was extremely late and I had to get up for work in the morning! I loved getting another glimpse into what it's like to be part of a Greek family, but I loved the romance between Carter and Sophie even more.

There are some scenes within the pages of this book that will tug at your heart, make you laugh out loud, make you want to throw something, and make you cry. Almost is an emotional roller coaster but it is a ride that I will gladly take again!
Profile Image for JJ The Book Boss.
46 reviews12 followers
January 7, 2018
I listened to this book on Audio (through Audible) and was COMPLETELY blown away!! Wonderful story, full of angst and who the heck doesn’t LOVE a second chance romance?

Can’t wait for book 3 :-)

Ps.
Stella Bloom (of the Rock Chick audiobooks by Kristen Ashley) and Jonathan Ash narrate this and I can’t say enough about what a FANTASTIC job they did! Bravo 💜❤️💙💚
Profile Image for Maddy's Reading.
437 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2018
A second chance romance, the book was a nice addition to the iron orchids series. The couple were very sweet and you could feel right from the beginning that they were just meant to be together.
I somehow still felt that enough was better though this story kept me intrigued enough.
ARC generously provided by the author in exchange of an honest review
Profile Image for Jenessa.
4 reviews
March 20, 2018
It is 1:20 in the morning on December 20th, I just finished Almost. I started it during my down time at work yesterday and couldn't wait to finish it! I liked that this book can be a "stand alone" book or be read as the second in the Iron Orchid series. Carter is the hero, and while he is definitely that, I felt he came on too strong and needed to back down a bit. Sophia is the heroine and her character came off as an independent woman that also seemed lonely. I loved their romance though, Carter had some of the best lines! "You and me, I like this shit." It just felt so real. Danielle has a talent for making you connect with the characters and feel what they are feeling. I cried and felt for Sophia. I felt Carter's anger. As well as their desire and lust for each other. Overall, it was a fun read. I would recommend it! My only drawback was Carter's personality, but, at the same time, that is what makes him real. Flaws.
Profile Image for Skylar.
591 reviews
March 7, 2018
3.5
There were some pretty unbelievable choices from both MCs. I'm all for creative license. I said, "F*ck it" and kept right on reading. I was about to DNF this puppy when the H's moronic decision suddenly became sweet and beautiful. I'm gonna keep on with this series.
Profile Image for Gale Albright.
2,938 reviews19 followers
June 30, 2020
I just keep falling in love with this wonderful Greek-family. I felt so deeply for Sophia andDamon and all that they had to go through to find their HEA. Great storyline and I loved catching up with the others in this book.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,170 reviews43 followers
May 26, 2019
Loved Sophie & Carter’s story. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all wrapped up with a happily ever after!
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,842 reviews51 followers
December 20, 2017
I love love second chance romances. Almost is an incredible second chance romance. I defiantly had tears streaming down my face at one point. Almost is so so good. You get a little taste of Carter in Enough. Let me tell you in this one oh boy do you swoon for him. He can pull me over anytime. Sophie how my heart ached for her. Once you hear her story you just want to squeeze her tight. What is awesome about Almost is you get a little bit of everyone you meet in book one Enough. Be prepared for some antics that will leave you laughing out loud. Carter and Sophie have amazing soulmate chemistry and you can't help but to love them both. Almost is a book that needs to be read. Danielle Norman has fast become a one click author for me.
Profile Image for Yvonne V (Naughty Professora).
791 reviews14 followers
December 16, 2017
Poof!

Carter meets Sophie when she's entirely too young for him. He's a cop that pulls over this little speedster, and continues to do so until her 18th birthday when he pulls her out of her car and makes her his. Turns out, that lasted only one night.

Sophie disappears, only to return ten years later. She has a good reason for being gone, and Carter is determined to find out what it is, and to not let her go again.

This pulled me out of my book funk! This was heartbreaking, hopeful, and hilarious! If you read Enough, you'll love this one. If you haven't, it can be read as a stand alone (but really, go read Enough!).

The Iron Orchids are hilarious, and Danielle's created a fantastic group of women that you really want to have shots with and be part of their "this is not a gang" gang.

I'm already dying for the next in the series!
Profile Image for Tania's Book Blog.
1,721 reviews22 followers
December 26, 2017
It wasn’t bad but I just couldn’t connect or get involved in it. Sophie held on to a secret that I thought was extremely bad since it was dragged out. Don’t get wrong it was bad but not for it to be dragged out so long. At first I was a bit confused because of how the book started with Carter in the past but then towards the ending it adds up. Carter was determined to win back Sophie after 10 years regardless.

The secondary characters weren’t bad and overall it wasn’t bad but I just couldn’t connect with the book.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,729 reviews27 followers
January 4, 2018
Normally I love second chance romance stories and that's what reeled me in with the book blurb. Unfortunately this fell kinda flat for me.
I never really "got it" as to why their relationship was so special. They go from not talking and ignoring each other to going to bed together. Again, not usually a problem, but it just didn't fit.
The other thing about this story that I didn't get was the Iron Orchids themselves. Why would you invite women to join your club that don't own and have never ridden a motorcycle? Classes on how to ride a bike? Who is providing these bikes that they are going to ride? Maybe I need to read the first book to get the point? Regardless, it just didn't make sense to me.
I really wanted to like this book, but it just wasn't the one for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.