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Coming Together

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Aloha, romance. Aloha, big blue sea. Aloha, handsome husband.

It's been fourteen years since Justin and I got married, promptly got pregnant and buried under bills and diapers and jobs and playdates. Although our love remains steady and strong, an avalanche of daily details have taken us farther away from each other. I’ve lost count of how many years it's been since we were truly alone.

But here we are now, in idyllic Hawaii, on the dream honeymoon we've been--well--dreaming about for years. There's a roast suckling pig, my husband in a lei, and a sunset over the ocean that would put Bob Ross to shame. Still, we seem to be missing each other, like two hula dancers passing in the night.

I've got four days to put the spark back in this marriage and I'm bringing out the big sexy dress, strappy heels, grotto sex to scandalize the other guests. But when the outside world starts infringing on this intimate scene, my husband's eyes move to a hot new business prospect instead of hot little me.

If a honeymoon in paradise can't bring us back together, do we really have a shot at this thing? Can we say aloha to each other again?

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2018

39 people are currently reading
497 people want to read

About the author

Poppy Dunne

7 books359 followers

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5 stars
26 (31%)
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26 (31%)
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20 (24%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Beneath The Covers Blog.
1,512 reviews502 followers
April 4, 2018
What a hot and sweet quick read!

This was the perfect story to highlight Justin and Charlotte! We were only given a small taste as to what their current marriage dynamic was like in Come Again, so this quick novella really showcased their love and devotion towards each other.

Marriage isn’t easy. And from what little we do know, Justin and Charlotte had a lot of ups and downs in their relationship. So to rekindle their lost spark, Justin takes Charlotte on a honeymoon to Hawaii, since they never had one at the beginning of their marriage. But insecurities and miscommunication follow them to their tropical paradise, and it’s not hard to realize that just because they’re on vacation, their troubles aren’t going to go away.

I really loved this story! I liked Justin and Charlotte’s characters in Come Again, so it was great to connect with them more in their own novella. Plus the little cameos of Emma and Fraser were hilarious. Those two need a novella of their own, as well. *wink* The author gives us so much within the pages of this romantic short story, you’ll devour it in the blink of an eye! So good!

5 Stars!

*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Kelly
Profile Image for Rose  He.
74 reviews45 followers
April 11, 2018
Each time I hear that Poppy Dunne is writing a new book, I get happy and excited because I love her writing style, I know I will smile or laugh out loud and I will get in love with her characters .

Coming Together is a short story about Charlotte and Justin from her previous book Come Again, you don’t need to read that book but I strongly recommend you do, not only to get to know them but to read another great story.

This book is different because it’s about a 4 day honeymoon to Hawaii celebrating 15 years of marriage.
A couple who have 3 kids , a dad with a stressful job, a home stay mom, and the day to day ups and downs that their relationship has. Dealing with insecurities that felt so real that I wanted to shake them both at times.

Coming Together was so much fun to read, sweet, emotional, romantic, steamy with hilarious scenes that got me laughing .

I definitely recommend this 5 star story and looking forward for Poppy Dunne's next book.
Profile Image for Carol Seymour.
829 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2018
I love a good book that proves that there is still love, spontaneity, romance, and passion in marriage. I feel Poppy Dunne did an excellent job telling the story of Justin and Charlotte who have been married for fourteen years. Those years have included struggles, children, lots of responsibility but they have lost their direction. They have lost their reason for enduring all of this. A honeymoon in paradise should bring it all back to them but of course not everything goes according to plans. As I have come to love in Poppy Dunne's writing, she always seems to handle the angst with grace, dignity and HUMOR.
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
April 3, 2018
*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review***

Coming Together by Poppy Dunne is one of those books that you just fall in love with. Heartwarming with a side of steamy encounters and a splash of reality.

In this short novella that is a companion to Come Again about Jason and Charlotte, you get a glimpse of life after 14 years of marriage. Life is moving along with children, jobs, carpooling, bedtimes and the co-existence of life. Given the opportunity, Jason and Charlotte are finally having their honeymoon in Hawaii, But things are not going the way they both planned. Four days and if things can go wrong, they will, if a business opportunity arises you take it. Can they survive and bring back that something special they once had?

SO well written, you just feel the desire they have for each other jumping off the pages, the struggle to get back what you feel is lost. You become a part of them and at the end you are left wanting more.

This is not your typical romance of boy meets girl and life happily ever after. This is what happens after that and the haphazards of life.

5 aloha Stars

**Review by Lisa, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night with Books**
Profile Image for Liz.
3,725 reviews64 followers
April 11, 2018
I recently discovered Poppy Dunne and am enjoying her stories very much. In Coming Together, we find a couple trying to find their spark again after life and responsibilities got in the way. The story was funny, sexy and so realistic. I loved it.

This is a companion novella to Come Again, which was a good read as well, but can be read as a standalone. Jason and Charlotte have been married for a long time and are ready to finally take their honeymoon. But after 14 years of marriage, can they really find that spark again?

I loved Jason and Charlotte so much. It was never that they did not love each other, just life is full of responsibilities and sometimes you can forget each other with everything else piling up. We can all relate to that. Though they had many mishaps and had to find their way back to each other, it was funny and emotional and just perfect.

Coming Together had great characters and was funny, sexy and full of charm. A must-read for sure! I am loving Poppy Dunne’s writing. She has a way to have readers really connect with her characters and story.

4.5 stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Happy reading.
Profile Image for Cindy.
901 reviews27 followers
April 12, 2018
Coming Together is a companion novella to Come Again, however can be read as a standalone. We get to see married couple Jason and Charlotte as they go on a long overdue honeymoon. We see them trying to reconnect in Hawaii.

I LOVE stories about married couples!!! All the struggles that come from real life, kids, jobs, everything! Not only do we get this, Coming Together had sooooo many laugh out loud moments. It was so much fun to read, I really enjoyed every moment of it!!

*I voluntarily read an advance copy from the author. This is my honest review.*
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,831 reviews44 followers
May 21, 2018
I love a good book that proves that there is still love, spontaneity, romance, and passion in marriage. I feel Poppy Dunne did an excellent job telling the story of Justin and Charlotte who have been married for fourteen years. Those years have included struggles, children, lots of responsibility but they have lost their direction. They have lost their reason for enduring all of this. A honeymoon in paradise should bring it all back to them but of course not everything goes according to plans. As I have come to love in Poppy Dunne's writing, she always seems to handle the angst with grace, dignity and HUMOR.
1,183 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2025
Really loved this. Justin and Charlotte on a belated honeymoon learning how to communicate with each other again having left their children at home. Some hot and steamy moments even after 15 years of marriage as well as some hilarious moments. Great story. Read an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane).
1,039 reviews42 followers
April 6, 2018
description

Coming Together had me at Aloha. It's a romantic comedy about love, marriage and life. It's about a couple looking to reignite their spark. Work, children, an insane need for organization can be a challenge for any marriage.

Charlotte and Justin have been married for fourteen years. They quickly jumped into pregnancy, bills and focusing on school and work. Over the fourteen years their relationship took a back seat. Charlotte focused on the household and taking care of the children, while Justin focused on his career. Charlotte fears she has lost her identity. While Justin struggles with his fear of failure. The plan, one overdue honeymoon to reignite the spark and to bring them back together or not.

I enjoyed this short story. Marriage is hard work and it's easy to get a little lost. Coming Together made me laugh, warmed my heart and left me a little flushed. 5 Stars
Profile Image for Misty - The Erotic Book Blog.
625 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2018
I absolutely fell in love with this story!

EVERYTHING in this book was so true! Married life is often spent taking care of everybody else and their needs, and it's a real treat when a couple gets some time together to just take care of each other.

Justin is the ideal husband. Loyal, hard-working (sometimes to a fault) and sexy, he's got this easy-going yet determined personality that just hits you in all the right places. And want to know the sexiest thing about him? He still loves his wife, even after fifteen years, three kids, and everything else life has thrown at them.

I completely related to Charlotte! The way she acts, her thoughts, her insecurities, her fears - I could easily see myself in her place. Her character is spot on accurate. I loved her personality! She's quirky, funny, and awkward...and she embraces every bit of it.

This book will hit you right in the feels , especially if you're married and can relate to ALL the things.

One-click worthy and ALL the stars!
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,868 reviews81 followers
April 17, 2018
Coming Together is a quick look into Charlotte and Justin's world. If you've read Come Again, you know Justin as Emma's brother and Charlotte as her sister in law. If you haven't had the pleasure of Come Again (I snickered typing that), then you are sorely missing out.

Coming Together is a quick and fun read but it is also emotional. Poppy Dunne managed to hit all the high and low notes of a relationship in this quick hit. It's naughty and nice. Sad and hopeful. It's also filled with pot heads, fire twirled, and beady eyes pigs. Oh and plenty of awkward...but mostly insecurities.

Enjoy it! I did.

Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,940 reviews101 followers
April 12, 2018
This is a story that makes you sit back and take stock of your life and your relationships. Charlotte and Justin after 3 kids are looking to find balance with each other, to change their focus from their family to themselves. This story reminds us that communication and partnership are key for any relationship.
Profile Image for Melissa.
606 reviews125 followers
April 13, 2018
**ARC provided courtesy of the Author and Candi Cane PR**

It's no secret I love Poppy Dunne's writing. I have truly enjoyed each and every one of her previous books so when I saw the blurb for Coming Together I didn't have to think twice about wanting to read it. This novella was sweet, emotional and funny-which you'd think would be difficult to pull off in a novella, but Poppy Dunne manages to get it done.

If you've read Come Again by this author then you've met Charlotte and Justin. If you haven't read that book (go buy it now!) you can absolutely still enjoy this standalone novella.

Charlotte and Justin have been married, with kids, for years. I love that this focus is on the couple AFTER that happily ever after moment. There's still the funny scenes, sure, but this peek into seeing these two reconnect for themselves as husband and wife really resonated with me. Maybe it's because my husband and I have also been married 14 years...nah, it's just the brilliance of this author's writing.

I really did love this peek into Charlotte and Justin's life. I thought this novella was fun, sexy, and emotional. I appreciate the author letting us have a look into what happens after the happily ever after, and I loved this novella. I absolutely recommend it.

**This and other reviews featured on our blog, Booked All Night, http://www.BookedAllNightblog.com**
225 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2018
Coming Together is a follow-up novella to the full-length book, Come Again. It can be read as a standalone, though.

There were definitely a number of parts of this book that resonated so deeply with me. And I enjoy Poppy and her writing. I think I struggled with how the couple dealt with their issues, though. Jealousy that my husband and I don't have the money/opportunity to get away on a tropical vacation to fix our issues? Possibly. I liked the concept of a long-term couple trying to reconnect, but I felt that they didn't resolve a lot of their issues, or that the resolution was unlikely.

Charlotte and Justin have been married fifteen years. They have three kids. Justin has a high pressure job, having started his own company only recently. Charlotte is home with kids and the two have just disconnected. Kids' activities, in-laws, long work hours, bills, and the everyday stresses of life have caused this couple to lose touch with each other.

A second honeymoon is in order to try and reignite the flame. But can they once again discover the spark? Find what brought them together in the first place? Can they have a conversation that doesn't revolve around which kid is doing what and which business deal fell through? Can they come together once again?

Poppy hits notes that will resonate with any long-term couple, and brings in some of her signature wit and hilarity, as well. Still a one-click author for me.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
2,056 reviews
April 9, 2018
This is a story that makes you sit back and take stock of your life and your relationships. Charlotte and Justin after 3 kids are looking to find balance with each other, to change their focus from their family to themselves. This story reminds us that communication and partnership are key for any relationship.
2,354 reviews14 followers
April 12, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..I really like Poppy Dune, the first book I read from her was the first from this series "Come Again" and loved it! I had already liked both Charlotte and Justin from the first book, and I really really encourage you to start with that one, you will get so much more out of it. Anyway, Charlotte and Justin were trying to reconnect after being married for so long and not as in sync as when they started. Justin was working a lot of hours trying to get his business up and running and Charlotte was the mom at home which means always busy.. I wont tell you more so that you can grab a copy..Enjoy!
Profile Image for Anna.
1,027 reviews49 followers
April 15, 2018
A sweet, rebuild the heat romance

Justin and Charlotte are married with 3 kids. They are both needing to reconnect. She feels boring and blah. He feels like he needs to prove his provider skills. They are on a trip to Hawaii for the honeymoon they never had. After some fumbles, they reignite the passion they've been missing. We get to see a little more of Emma & Fraser. A sweet, hot reconnection.
Profile Image for Moriah.
2,673 reviews22 followers
April 13, 2018
Loved

Such a good story! Love the fact that it's about a real couple with real issues after marriage and years down the road. Really enjoyed reading this one!
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,415 reviews41 followers
April 13, 2018
4 STARS FOR COMING TOGETHER!! This is a quick read that will put a smile on your face. Justin and Charlotte are trying to ignite the fire again after several years marriage and kids. I enjoyed seeing their vacation play out with some sexy times and discovering each other again. This is my first book by Poppy Dunne and it will not be my last. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Liz ~ Liz's Reading Life.
857 reviews32 followers
April 27, 2018
Charlotte and Justin are finally getting the honeymoon they never had, but there is something missing. Miscommunications and missed opportunities seem to plague this couple. Can they find a way to get back that spark before it's too late?

Coming Together is a fun, flirty, and fascinating read that draws the reader in right from the start until the fantastic end.

Charlotte and Justin have been through so much over the years, so their relationship hiccup highly relatable to the readers. What I love is their deep desire to make the time to strength their bond at all costs. The fact that they have never once falling out of love with each other is incredible.

I really enjoyed getting to know Justin and Charlotte better. The are a couple you can't help but fall in love with over and over again. Their vow to never give up on their marriage will pull at your heartstrings, but be warned, when Justin turns up the heat... damn! And in case you're wonder, Charlotte isn't one to take a back seat, she can give just as good as she can get.

So if what you are looking for is something quick, sultry, and oh so enticing, then I highly you pack your bags and take a fun filled trip to Hawaii with Justin, Charlotte, and Coming Together.
Profile Image for Julie.
896 reviews8 followers
April 15, 2018
Sexy Honeymoon with Interference

Novella - two secondary characters from an earlier book, married for fifteen years with three young children, go on a delayed honeymoon. It’s a microcosm of their marriage, with their issues floating up to the top. Still in love, but can their issues - interfere with it? Will this be their last vacation together?
726 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2018
Coming Together

Charlotte and Justin finally take a honeymoon trip 14 years and 3 children later. It may be too late to bring them back together. This is a story that is all too familiar. Career before family, motherhood over partner. The story is good. It has the HEA that we both expect and in this case want.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,517 reviews61 followers
April 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this one from Poppy Dunne. Her books always make me laugh and this one was no exception. What I loved most about it though was the way it explored how you can lose your way - even in a happy marriage and how finding that spark again is crucial.
Profile Image for Tammy.
3,893 reviews16 followers
May 1, 2018
14 years since they married they are finally taking a honeymoon away from their 3 kids. There is a lot of inner dialogue happening in this book. and like every other marriage issue people just need to talk to each other. Loved the reconnection and heat- super sexy
Profile Image for Laura.
2,597 reviews113 followers
Read
April 13, 2018
Marriage can be sexy. And it can be funny. Most romances are about couples who just meet, or who were together years ago and now are again. But, romances where we spend time with characters who have been together for years are less common.

And, if they can all be as fun and well written as this one, I say we need more of them.

Justin and Charlotte are on a trip. Their relationship has had its challenges, but at its core they love one another. Watching them realize this, and make decisions that honor it, were the heart of this novella.

It had the trademark (I'm not looking for that little logo) Poppy Dunne humor and heart. It had characters you laugh with, maybe at, and relate to. This was a fun book, and it was a pleasure to read.

I recommend this title.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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