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San Francisco Thunder #4
Now or Never
Get ready for all the feels in this sexy, "emotionally charged" ( Library Journal ) romance about a bad boy hockey player who wants a second chance to win the heart of his high school crush.
All Winnie Braddock wants is a quiet place to be alone and time to heal her battered heart. But the refuge she'd hoped for in her family's summer cottage is destroyed when she gets there to find Holden Hendricks literally camped out in the driveway. He made her life hell when they were kids, and despite what he says, it doesn't look like much has changed. She doesn't care if her brother hired Holden to renovate the house this winter; she wants him gone.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. Holden knows that hockey saying all too well. After all, he could have gone pro if he hadn't messed up so much as a kid. But now he's desperate to prove he's changed for the better, especially to Winnie Braddock. As the two work together to fix up the cottage piece by piece, they realize that perhaps they can give each other the new beginning they've both been waiting for -- if they're just willing to take the shot.
"A sexy and entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance with real emotional depth...truly moving and deeply romantic." --Frolic
"The characters are so genuine, their relationship so realistic, that I felt like I was living it along with them...It's the type of story that will get you hooked on the genre and begging for more...I loved this couple so much!"
--Lady with a Quill, "A Favorite Book of 2019"
"Victoria Denault has a real talent in writing romance that will touch your heart, as well as make you laugh out loud... Now or Never is a total 5-star read that will have you completely hooked from start to finish!"
--Steph and Chris Book Review
"The character-driven premise is engaging and spirited; the characters are broken, flirty and real; the romance is moving and emotional."
--The Reading Café
What readers are saying about Now or Never ...
"A beautiful story of healing, redemption, and the power of believing in each other."
"Fantastic and enjoyable."
"This book will give you all the feels."
All Winnie Braddock wants is a quiet place to be alone and time to heal her battered heart. But the refuge she'd hoped for in her family's summer cottage is destroyed when she gets there to find Holden Hendricks literally camped out in the driveway. He made her life hell when they were kids, and despite what he says, it doesn't look like much has changed. She doesn't care if her brother hired Holden to renovate the house this winter; she wants him gone.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. Holden knows that hockey saying all too well. After all, he could have gone pro if he hadn't messed up so much as a kid. But now he's desperate to prove he's changed for the better, especially to Winnie Braddock. As the two work together to fix up the cottage piece by piece, they realize that perhaps they can give each other the new beginning they've both been waiting for -- if they're just willing to take the shot.
"A sexy and entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance with real emotional depth...truly moving and deeply romantic." --Frolic
"The characters are so genuine, their relationship so realistic, that I felt like I was living it along with them...It's the type of story that will get you hooked on the genre and begging for more...I loved this couple so much!"
--Lady with a Quill, "A Favorite Book of 2019"
"Victoria Denault has a real talent in writing romance that will touch your heart, as well as make you laugh out loud... Now or Never is a total 5-star read that will have you completely hooked from start to finish!"
--Steph and Chris Book Review
"The character-driven premise is engaging and spirited; the characters are broken, flirty and real; the romance is moving and emotional."
--The Reading Café
What readers are saying about Now or Never ...
"A beautiful story of healing, redemption, and the power of believing in each other."
"Fantastic and enjoyable."
"This book will give you all the feels."
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2019
About the author
Victoria Denault
32 books835 followersSign up for Victoria's monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/cexOL9
Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 225 year-old house with her husband, their Chihuahua Maximus and more spiders than she cares to think about.
Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 225 year-old house with her husband, their Chihuahua Maximus and more spiders than she cares to think about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 12, 2019
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG (live on January 14th)
Ah! Bliss! Sports romance is one of my top favorite genres. There's just something about these self confident, determined, cocky athletes that makes my knees weak. Add an enemies-to-lovers trope with great banter and you have my book catnip.
I loved these characters. Winnie's grief was written in such a real manner, it was palpable how much she was hurting and trying to come to grips with the death of her dad. Reading how she struggled, cried, drank her sorrow away and lashed out at Holden, I felt her mourning to my bones. Holden is the one person she didn't expect to get her through this but it's him who helps her focusing on her grief and doesn't let her drown in it. Victoria Denault shows us how abrasive and aggressive Winnie is in the beginning but transforms her gradually and realistically into a sweet, strong young woman who fights for the people she loves. And while it takes Winona a while to trust the change in Holden, once she does she's 100% in.
Holden Hendricks is persona non grata in his little hometown in Maine. His frustration about the people's distrust in his transformation is understandable but so is the people's skepticism all the awful things he did.
"Coming back to this place was a mistake. I’m done. I’m finishing your cottage and I’m moving back to Boston. Or somewhere else. Somewhere people don’t know about my past so I don’t have to fucking waste my time trying to convince people I’ve changed.”
He is determined, though, and really works hard to fix the trouble he caused. I loved Holden so much. He is a good, hard-working man with a mischievous streak who, yes, falls into old habits sometimes but never causes other people harm. Once he knows why Winona is so grief-stricken he can totally relate and it's almost a little bit ironic that she is now lashing out at him for the same reasons he did when he was young.
"I was a mean little brat back in the day, but I saw you, Winnie. I saw your kindness and your intelligence. I still see it. Difference is back then it made me feel worse about myself. Now I can just admire it.”
From the start there was an undeniable chemistry between Winona and Holden that built up to sexual tension really fast. It seems that they often fall back to square one after an argument but they actually make progress with each fight. Usually when characters fight a lot there is also a great deal of angst which has the potential to become frustrating. I didn't feel that in NOW OR NEVER. The snark absorbed a lot of that. It also helped that after a fight they thought about it hard and apologized when they realized their mistake. When they became close the sweetness and sexiness of their relationship became my favorite thing. The way Holden treated Winnie and showed her how special she was to him was swoon-worthy as all get out.
“I was your favorite Braddock sister?”
I ask in awe because it sure as hell didn’t feel that way. “You were my favorite everything.”
Winnie and Holden were extremely relatable characters and I loved their connection so much.
NOW OR NEVER is my first book by Victoria Denault and it definitely won't be my last. Her writing style is very fluid and captivating which made this story a really fast read. I marked so many quotes because of the beautiful, meaningful things Winona and Holden said to each other.
This book can be read as a standalone. The author gives you enough information about the previous books in the series so that you don't feel lost, but she teases you so much that you are desperate to read them. I can't wait to go back and read all stories by Ms. Denault. She has an undeniable talent to pull you into the story from the beginning and doesn't let go until you're done. The whole Braddock family snuck up on me and I really, REALLY want to read their HEAs.
“I need you.”
“You have me,” he grunts as he pushes hard into me. “You fucking own me.”
January 21, 2019
Bittersweet, emotional ending…
I had such mixed feelings opening this, the last in the series about a family I’ve grown so fond of. The Braddocks have been living and loving under a cloud that ends here. They laughed, bickered, teased and supported each other in a way that couldn’t help but climb right into my heart. Winnie’s story was the last to be told…
And it was amazing! There was such turmoil in her romantic life and all was revealed as she stayed at the family cottage, trying to get her life, her feelings, in order. A blast from the past, an unpleasant one at that, meant her peace and quiet was a fruitless wish. Holden was that blast and was he ever! Back home himself, he was trying to make amends but around every corner was a new obstacle and this one was named Winnie…
Holden was perfect for Winnie. He stepped up to be just what she needed and vice versa. Supportive, loving, cranky, his second chance was another for Winnie as well and it was paved with heat and snark – everything they both deserved. With family at the core as always this was a great ending to a wonderful series. ~Diane, 5 stars
I had such mixed feelings opening this, the last in the series about a family I’ve grown so fond of. The Braddocks have been living and loving under a cloud that ends here. They laughed, bickered, teased and supported each other in a way that couldn’t help but climb right into my heart. Winnie’s story was the last to be told…
And it was amazing! There was such turmoil in her romantic life and all was revealed as she stayed at the family cottage, trying to get her life, her feelings, in order. A blast from the past, an unpleasant one at that, meant her peace and quiet was a fruitless wish. Holden was that blast and was he ever! Back home himself, he was trying to make amends but around every corner was a new obstacle and this one was named Winnie…
Holden was perfect for Winnie. He stepped up to be just what she needed and vice versa. Supportive, loving, cranky, his second chance was another for Winnie as well and it was paved with heat and snark – everything they both deserved. With family at the core as always this was a great ending to a wonderful series. ~Diane, 5 stars
January 25, 2019
Winnie Braddock has decided to stay at the family cottage in Maine after her father’s funeral. Winnie just can’t shake the crushing grief filling her and she’s not ready to continue life status quo. Unfortunately, Winnie doesn’t know her brother scheduled a contractor to renovate the cottage, or that it’s guy that made her teenage life hell: Holden Hendricks. He teased her mercilessly and was nothing but anger and trouble. The last person she wants to see now is Holden, even if he’s one of the hottest men she’s laid eyes on. A hot jerk is still a jerk.
Holden is back home trying to build a future and mend fences with all the people he’s wronged. The Braddock’s family cottage is a big renovation for Holden and one that will help him launch his new business. He doesn’t expect the cottage to be occupied, and Winnie is far from pleased to see him. He was a jerk to her, so he doesn’t blame Winnie for her feelings. Winnie was always his favorite Braddock girl, not that his behavior gave her any clue, but he’d like to make it clear now.
As they’re forced to occupy the same space during the renovations, Winnie understands that Holden isn’t the same horrid teen that teased her mercilessly. Sharing with Holden is about the only thing that’s helped since her dad passed away, and she falls for him a little more each day. I really loved that Holden didn’t push her to just get over it. He was there for support, but also didn’t let her walk all over him. Holden wants Winnie, but he wonders if she’ll ever fully trust him even though he’s a changed man. If she can’t let go of her doubts over his character, they’ll never have a chance for a future together.
Winnie sniped and snapped at first, so there was a bit of fun back and forth to begin with. I do love a good hate-to-love romance when the sparks fly! Watching them overcome the past, see their attraction grow and blossom into deep feelings filled me with the warm and fuzzies. With all they went through they both deserved to be happy and in love! This is the first time I’ve picked up anything by Victoria Denault, but it won’t be the last!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Holden is back home trying to build a future and mend fences with all the people he’s wronged. The Braddock’s family cottage is a big renovation for Holden and one that will help him launch his new business. He doesn’t expect the cottage to be occupied, and Winnie is far from pleased to see him. He was a jerk to her, so he doesn’t blame Winnie for her feelings. Winnie was always his favorite Braddock girl, not that his behavior gave her any clue, but he’d like to make it clear now.
As they’re forced to occupy the same space during the renovations, Winnie understands that Holden isn’t the same horrid teen that teased her mercilessly. Sharing with Holden is about the only thing that’s helped since her dad passed away, and she falls for him a little more each day. I really loved that Holden didn’t push her to just get over it. He was there for support, but also didn’t let her walk all over him. Holden wants Winnie, but he wonders if she’ll ever fully trust him even though he’s a changed man. If she can’t let go of her doubts over his character, they’ll never have a chance for a future together.
Winnie sniped and snapped at first, so there was a bit of fun back and forth to begin with. I do love a good hate-to-love romance when the sparks fly! Watching them overcome the past, see their attraction grow and blossom into deep feelings filled me with the warm and fuzzies. With all they went through they both deserved to be happy and in love! This is the first time I’ve picked up anything by Victoria Denault, but it won’t be the last!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I thought that this book was really well done. This is the fourth book in the San Francisco Thunder series but it would work as a stand-alone story. I jumped into this series on the second book and have enjoyed the books that I have read so I was really looking forward to starting this book. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. These characters made me feel things and I really couldn't wait to see how everything would work out for them. I had a great time reading this book.
Winnie is at a low point when this book starts. Her father has just passed away from a long term illness and she is having a very hard time moving on like the rest of her family. She decides that it is past time to break things off with her long term boyfriend and she just wants to be left alone to try to recover. She does not expect Holden and his camper to invade her space and peace while he renovates the family cabin.
I loved these two characters. Winnie's pain was so raw and it felt really authentic to me. I understood her need to grieve in her own way even if it didn't always seem to be the healthiest choice. Holden just wanted to get a fresh start. He did a lot of things as a teenager that he isn't proud of but he is working hard to be a good man. I felt so bad for him as the entire town seemed to only want to judge him for who he was in the past. As Holden's past was revealed, his story broke my heart and I wanted to see him get his second chance.
I thought that Winnie and Holden were perfect together. They seemed to just know what each other needed and their chemistry was off the charts. They both had a few doubts at times but as they grew to know each other and started ignoring others, their relationship blossomed. There were quite a few heart-melting scenes that I found really well written.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this to be a really solid romance between two characters working to put the pieces of their lives back together. I thought that Winnie's grief over the loss of her father was quite powerful and very well written. I can't wait to read more from Victoria Denault soon!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Forever Yours (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was great! I thought that Winnie's grief over the loss of her father was very well written. I really liked seeing how differently the members of her family handled the loss. Holden was a great character and I totally understood his frustration since nobody wanted to give him a chance after his troubled childhood. These two were great together and I thought that they had a lot of chemistry.
I thought that this book was really well done. This is the fourth book in the San Francisco Thunder series but it would work as a stand-alone story. I jumped into this series on the second book and have enjoyed the books that I have read so I was really looking forward to starting this book. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. These characters made me feel things and I really couldn't wait to see how everything would work out for them. I had a great time reading this book.
Winnie is at a low point when this book starts. Her father has just passed away from a long term illness and she is having a very hard time moving on like the rest of her family. She decides that it is past time to break things off with her long term boyfriend and she just wants to be left alone to try to recover. She does not expect Holden and his camper to invade her space and peace while he renovates the family cabin.
I loved these two characters. Winnie's pain was so raw and it felt really authentic to me. I understood her need to grieve in her own way even if it didn't always seem to be the healthiest choice. Holden just wanted to get a fresh start. He did a lot of things as a teenager that he isn't proud of but he is working hard to be a good man. I felt so bad for him as the entire town seemed to only want to judge him for who he was in the past. As Holden's past was revealed, his story broke my heart and I wanted to see him get his second chance.
I thought that Winnie and Holden were perfect together. They seemed to just know what each other needed and their chemistry was off the charts. They both had a few doubts at times but as they grew to know each other and started ignoring others, their relationship blossomed. There were quite a few heart-melting scenes that I found really well written.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this to be a really solid romance between two characters working to put the pieces of their lives back together. I thought that Winnie's grief over the loss of her father was quite powerful and very well written. I can't wait to read more from Victoria Denault soon!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Forever Yours (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was great! I thought that Winnie's grief over the loss of her father was very well written. I really liked seeing how differently the members of her family handled the loss. Holden was a great character and I totally understood his frustration since nobody wanted to give him a chance after his troubled childhood. These two were great together and I thought that they had a lot of chemistry.
January 7, 2019
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I have nothing but love for the Braddock family, and am sad to see it all end, but I am also glad to see Winnie taking back her life and finding her happy.
It appeared, that Winnie's withdrawal began with her father's illness, but it seems like she had problems in other areas of her life as well. It was advice from her father, which finally made her stop, take a hard look at herself, and start making decisions to get out of her rut and back to the land of the living. I am not going to say she went head-on into this whole new adventure. In reality, Winnie made a big decision, and then sort of wallowed in her grief, but then a little blast from her past gave her a push in the right direction.
Holden had been the resident bad boy. He had a mean disposition and knew how to push Winnie's buttons. He was back in his hometown looking to atone for his past and rebuild those relationships he had broken, back when he was an angry teen. Holden learned from his past, he learned from his mistakes, and he was ready to begin anew. He just needed the other people to believe that he had changed too.
Holden was definitely the star of this story for me. I have a special place in my heart for people, who have to fight back from the bottom, and Holden sort of had to do it all on his own. I could tell how hard he was working to earn back the trust and friendship from all those he alienated as he grappled with his grief and pain in his younger years. A stint in juvie and years of hard work made him a different man, and it pained me that so many people in his life couldn't believe he could change. It was quite gratifying to see so many things fall into place for him, and I especially loved that he got his HEA.
This book had so many elements, which made me happy. It was a hate-to-love-romance with a whiff of second-chance thrown in there. Winnie and Holden shared quite a past, and I adored all their history. Attraction is always great to see in a romance, but it was seeing something real and meaningful develop between Holden and Winnie, which really warmed my heart. Both had some past experiences, that cut them deeply, and this allowed them to see each other in a way many hadn't.
Other things I loved:
• Finding out why Holden called Winnie "Larry" ❤️
• Duke and Uncle Holden
• The Braddock siblings
• A wedding!!!
• Being in Maine
I have grown to love this family so much, and I will miss them, but I am really happy with the ending Denault gave them.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
I have nothing but love for the Braddock family, and am sad to see it all end, but I am also glad to see Winnie taking back her life and finding her happy.
It appeared, that Winnie's withdrawal began with her father's illness, but it seems like she had problems in other areas of her life as well. It was advice from her father, which finally made her stop, take a hard look at herself, and start making decisions to get out of her rut and back to the land of the living. I am not going to say she went head-on into this whole new adventure. In reality, Winnie made a big decision, and then sort of wallowed in her grief, but then a little blast from her past gave her a push in the right direction.
Holden had been the resident bad boy. He had a mean disposition and knew how to push Winnie's buttons. He was back in his hometown looking to atone for his past and rebuild those relationships he had broken, back when he was an angry teen. Holden learned from his past, he learned from his mistakes, and he was ready to begin anew. He just needed the other people to believe that he had changed too.
Holden was definitely the star of this story for me. I have a special place in my heart for people, who have to fight back from the bottom, and Holden sort of had to do it all on his own. I could tell how hard he was working to earn back the trust and friendship from all those he alienated as he grappled with his grief and pain in his younger years. A stint in juvie and years of hard work made him a different man, and it pained me that so many people in his life couldn't believe he could change. It was quite gratifying to see so many things fall into place for him, and I especially loved that he got his HEA.
This book had so many elements, which made me happy. It was a hate-to-love-romance with a whiff of second-chance thrown in there. Winnie and Holden shared quite a past, and I adored all their history. Attraction is always great to see in a romance, but it was seeing something real and meaningful develop between Holden and Winnie, which really warmed my heart. Both had some past experiences, that cut them deeply, and this allowed them to see each other in a way many hadn't.
Other things I loved:
• Finding out why Holden called Winnie "Larry" ❤️
• Duke and Uncle Holden
• The Braddock siblings
• A wedding!!!
• Being in Maine
I have grown to love this family so much, and I will miss them, but I am really happy with the ending Denault gave them.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Want to Read
December 13, 2018I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK.
Over the summer I discovered Victoria Denault and binged on all her hockey series IN A ROW.
9 books later, I'm still deseperately hanging on a thread, anxiously waiting for more!
January can't come soon enough!
Over the summer I discovered Victoria Denault and binged on all her hockey series IN A ROW.
9 books later, I'm still deseperately hanging on a thread, anxiously waiting for more!
January can't come soon enough!
December 31, 2018
What an emotional and moving story! I have loved the Braddock family from the start and watching them struggle and then rise to each challenge or setback that they face has been amazing. Winnie's story was the most poignant and heartfelt of the series for me. There were times when I felt like I was right there grieving the loss of her father along side her.
Now or Never can be read as a stand alone, but I think it would be most appreciated if read after enjoying the previous 3 books in the series.
This enemies to lovers romance had me rooting for Holden and Winnie from the start. Both are trying to make peace with their pasts and move forward. When life brings them back together unexpectedly, they surprisingly find comfort and understanding in the other. I loved that Holden could really "see" Winnie and helped her by sometimes pushing her to face scary feelings that others would shy away from. From the moment they come back into each others lives, Holden is all in and I really appreciated that. Sure he made some mistakes, but at the end of the day, he was trying to make amends and become a better man. It did take me a little to warm up to Winnie, but her behavior and actions made a lot more sense as her walls came down and you could see what she was facing and going through. I think all readers can understand how devastating the loss of a parent can be whether they have experienced it or not.
Checking in with the Braddock siblings was awesome, especially Dixie and Eli. I think those two will always be my favorite Braddock couple. I'm definitely going to miss this family!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book *
Now or Never can be read as a stand alone, but I think it would be most appreciated if read after enjoying the previous 3 books in the series.
This enemies to lovers romance had me rooting for Holden and Winnie from the start. Both are trying to make peace with their pasts and move forward. When life brings them back together unexpectedly, they surprisingly find comfort and understanding in the other. I loved that Holden could really "see" Winnie and helped her by sometimes pushing her to face scary feelings that others would shy away from. From the moment they come back into each others lives, Holden is all in and I really appreciated that. Sure he made some mistakes, but at the end of the day, he was trying to make amends and become a better man. It did take me a little to warm up to Winnie, but her behavior and actions made a lot more sense as her walls came down and you could see what she was facing and going through. I think all readers can understand how devastating the loss of a parent can be whether they have experienced it or not.
Checking in with the Braddock siblings was awesome, especially Dixie and Eli. I think those two will always be my favorite Braddock couple. I'm definitely going to miss this family!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book *
January 17, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Apparently I've decided to read this series out of order. Or at least I skipped the first 3 books and now I'm reading in order. Regardless, I was excited to read this one because instead of focusing on hockey and the San Francisco Thunder team, it focuses on family. The Braddock family to be exact. The previous book in the series featured one of the Braddock sisters and it was nice to see some of that story continue in this book.
They're grieving the death of their father and Winnie is now taking it pretty hard. She realizes she's not in a happy place in her life and has to make some changes so she stays back at the family summer house in Maine after breaking up with her longtime boyfriend to try and figure out what's the next step she should follow. She wasn't counting on her brother deciding to surprise their mom with a house renovation and she's face to face with her childhood nemesis and town bad boy, Holden, who took on the job.
NOW OR NEVER is actually quite sweet. There's no sports romance in this one but it was nice to still follow the family of one of the players and not have all the siblings magically end up with people in the team. There was already history between Holden and Winnie, most of it bad and some of it was the typical bad boy likes good girl but knows she's too good for him kind of thing.
If you like a good reformed bad boy story, then you'll enjoy this one. Holden has turned his life around and dealt with a lot of the emotional issues that put him in that state of mind all those years ago. He's trying to right his wrongs and that's not an easy thing. But he was also the one that could connect with and help the heroine get through what she's dealing with. It was sweet to see them connect on that level.
I'm always a sucker for a hero that works with his hands and found Holden endearing, alpha when he needed to be, but overall incredibly sweet. This was a story that had a lot of heart. Full of small town charm and family centered. Can't wait for the next installment in this series.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
January 23, 2019
ARC REVIEW
San Francisco Thunder #4, Even though this is a SF Thunder book is does lean more toward just being a straight Contemporary Romance than a Sports Romance. The last Braddock sister finally finds her true HEA and it's not with anyone we have previously met. I loved how emotional charged this book is compared to the others, it's all about grieving and starting over again.
Winnie is grieving differently than her siblings, she finally come to the realization she couldn't be happy with her boyfriend of ten years especially after he cheated on her so she did what she should have done two years ago and dumped him. Now all she wants is to be left alone where she can drown her sorrow and grieve in peace without her siblings butting in. But doing this in the family summer home was disrupted when Holden Hendricks sets up right outside and starts the renovations her brother had secretly planned.
Holden didn't leave town his childhood hometown on a good not when he was a teenager. He was an angry kid in need of attention after his mother died and he got into all sorts of trouble that eventually landed him in juvie. Since then he's worked hard first with construction and worked his way up to contractor. The whole reason he moved back home was to be closer to his older sister and her son but it's a bridge he burned a long time ago and rebuilding it is harder than he hoped. He's hoping that if the renovations and remodeling of homes will help people see him in a different light especially the Braddock sibling he teased mercilessly and who also happened to be is favorite, Winnie.
The attraction is strong with these two it's practically been simmering beneath the surface since they were kids. Holden is hesitant for a lot of reasons, Winnie just broke up with her really long time boyfriend and is grieving but mostly she hates him. Winnie as much as she wants to hate Holden he is a different person from when he was younger he wants to make things right with the people he hurt and Winnie believes in him. But there are obstacles for them to get over mostly ones they created themselves.
Overall, a very emotional book and a really hot romance. I loved Winnie and Holden they are just perfect for each other. There is some hockey so it's not entirely devoid of sports. This book had funny moments, hot encounters, and plenty of emotion. I'd love to see some more of the SF Thunder boys get their own book.
San Francisco Thunder #4, Even though this is a SF Thunder book is does lean more toward just being a straight Contemporary Romance than a Sports Romance. The last Braddock sister finally finds her true HEA and it's not with anyone we have previously met. I loved how emotional charged this book is compared to the others, it's all about grieving and starting over again.
Winnie is grieving differently than her siblings, she finally come to the realization she couldn't be happy with her boyfriend of ten years especially after he cheated on her so she did what she should have done two years ago and dumped him. Now all she wants is to be left alone where she can drown her sorrow and grieve in peace without her siblings butting in. But doing this in the family summer home was disrupted when Holden Hendricks sets up right outside and starts the renovations her brother had secretly planned.
Holden didn't leave town his childhood hometown on a good not when he was a teenager. He was an angry kid in need of attention after his mother died and he got into all sorts of trouble that eventually landed him in juvie. Since then he's worked hard first with construction and worked his way up to contractor. The whole reason he moved back home was to be closer to his older sister and her son but it's a bridge he burned a long time ago and rebuilding it is harder than he hoped. He's hoping that if the renovations and remodeling of homes will help people see him in a different light especially the Braddock sibling he teased mercilessly and who also happened to be is favorite, Winnie.
The attraction is strong with these two it's practically been simmering beneath the surface since they were kids. Holden is hesitant for a lot of reasons, Winnie just broke up with her really long time boyfriend and is grieving but mostly she hates him. Winnie as much as she wants to hate Holden he is a different person from when he was younger he wants to make things right with the people he hurt and Winnie believes in him. But there are obstacles for them to get over mostly ones they created themselves.
Overall, a very emotional book and a really hot romance. I loved Winnie and Holden they are just perfect for each other. There is some hockey so it's not entirely devoid of sports. This book had funny moments, hot encounters, and plenty of emotion. I'd love to see some more of the SF Thunder boys get their own book.
February 26, 2019
I received a copy via Netgalley and voluntarily left a review and all opinions are my own.
Not only have a fallen madly in love with all of Victoria Deanult's hockey players in her past stories but I have also fallen head over heels for the Braddock family since Jude was introduced and my love for them has grown by leaps and bounds the more time that I spend with them. Victoria has shown us the passion and love that has grown with each of the Braddock children as they couple up and the strength between this family has endured so much with the illness and passing of their father. I couldn't wait to see Winnie follow her heart and desires down the same rabbit hole that all of her siblings have tumbled down and experience every sweaty, heart palpitating moment that she would have on her road to love. I look forward to every moment of these childhood nemesis to become so much more! Winnie and Holden know how to keep their emotions, heart strings, and sheets twisted in ways that keep readers entertained for hours with no hope of putting down their fictional world until the last page has been read!
I have known Winnie for quite some time now from being in other books by Victoria Denault. I always knew her as Jude's little sister and like his other sisters, she has a tendency to be sassy and doesn't have a problem speaking her mind. I was so excited to get inside this Braddock sister's head and find out what she was made of. It was painful to watch her grieve but also cleansing to see her survive, thrive, and flourish with the love of her family, who are always up in each other's business, and Victoria's newest hero. It was also downright entertaining watching the childhood enemies not only find common ground but try to fight their desires for each other.
Holden Hendricks is a hero that I definitely wanted to get to know and scratch more than just the surface. I could tell right from the beginning that he had a hard childhood that fueled his anger and resentment towards those that had a better life than him and was often misunderstood. It was enlightening to watch this character grow and change from his past self into the man that he needed to be to become a part of Winnie's life and burrow into her heart. It was fascinating watching him and Winnie circle each other like boxers and I couldn't wait to see the sparks fly once these two and their undeniable attraction collides.
Victoria Denault delivers another romance that takes us skidding across the ice right into inferno territory with hearts and desires that cannot be contained. I highly recommend “Now or Never” for a love story that brings a reader all the emotions and passion that they could ever want. I have been a fan of Victoria's since the beginning of her Hometown Players series and my love for her writing never ceases to grow more with each new book that she pens. Her stories always contain the perfect mixture of heart, heat, and wit to keep me glued to my seat until I am finished with the last page and longing for more.
Not only have a fallen madly in love with all of Victoria Deanult's hockey players in her past stories but I have also fallen head over heels for the Braddock family since Jude was introduced and my love for them has grown by leaps and bounds the more time that I spend with them. Victoria has shown us the passion and love that has grown with each of the Braddock children as they couple up and the strength between this family has endured so much with the illness and passing of their father. I couldn't wait to see Winnie follow her heart and desires down the same rabbit hole that all of her siblings have tumbled down and experience every sweaty, heart palpitating moment that she would have on her road to love. I look forward to every moment of these childhood nemesis to become so much more! Winnie and Holden know how to keep their emotions, heart strings, and sheets twisted in ways that keep readers entertained for hours with no hope of putting down their fictional world until the last page has been read!
I have known Winnie for quite some time now from being in other books by Victoria Denault. I always knew her as Jude's little sister and like his other sisters, she has a tendency to be sassy and doesn't have a problem speaking her mind. I was so excited to get inside this Braddock sister's head and find out what she was made of. It was painful to watch her grieve but also cleansing to see her survive, thrive, and flourish with the love of her family, who are always up in each other's business, and Victoria's newest hero. It was also downright entertaining watching the childhood enemies not only find common ground but try to fight their desires for each other.
Holden Hendricks is a hero that I definitely wanted to get to know and scratch more than just the surface. I could tell right from the beginning that he had a hard childhood that fueled his anger and resentment towards those that had a better life than him and was often misunderstood. It was enlightening to watch this character grow and change from his past self into the man that he needed to be to become a part of Winnie's life and burrow into her heart. It was fascinating watching him and Winnie circle each other like boxers and I couldn't wait to see the sparks fly once these two and their undeniable attraction collides.
Victoria Denault delivers another romance that takes us skidding across the ice right into inferno territory with hearts and desires that cannot be contained. I highly recommend “Now or Never” for a love story that brings a reader all the emotions and passion that they could ever want. I have been a fan of Victoria's since the beginning of her Hometown Players series and my love for her writing never ceases to grow more with each new book that she pens. Her stories always contain the perfect mixture of heart, heat, and wit to keep me glued to my seat until I am finished with the last page and longing for more.
February 1, 2019
I have never read this author before but the blurb really caught my attention. I absolutely LOVE second chance romances. Add in the twist where the heroine, Winnie, broke the hero’s nose when they were teenagers and I was hooked. They reconnect after the heroine’s father dies and the heroine is wallowing in her grief at the family vacation cabin. The hero, Holden, is hired by Winnie’s brother to renovate the cabin.
Holden and Winnie have a complicated past. Holden was not very nice to her. But they are all grown up now and Holden has returned to his hometown and wants to show folks he’s changed. It is a tough battle but he wins.
Winnie is really struggling with the loss of her father. And she is reevaluating her life. She is very sad. It was hard to read, but in the best way. I loved almost everything about this book and was willing to overlook the slightly predictable conflict.
I was very invested in Winnie and Holden getting their HEA. They weren’t magically happy because they fell in love. They were still flawed humans, just happened to be together. I loved it.
This book kind of reminded me of Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein. But not quite as dark, but still just as good. This can be read as a stand alone and enjoyed completely. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Holden and Winnie have a complicated past. Holden was not very nice to her. But they are all grown up now and Holden has returned to his hometown and wants to show folks he’s changed. It is a tough battle but he wins.
Winnie is really struggling with the loss of her father. And she is reevaluating her life. She is very sad. It was hard to read, but in the best way. I loved almost everything about this book and was willing to overlook the slightly predictable conflict.
I was very invested in Winnie and Holden getting their HEA. They weren’t magically happy because they fell in love. They were still flawed humans, just happened to be together. I loved it.
This book kind of reminded me of Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein. But not quite as dark, but still just as good. This can be read as a stand alone and enjoyed completely. I look forward to reading more by this author.
December 24, 2018
Y'all. I have so much love for the Braddock family, I can't even tell you. I'm so happy to have gotten to know them, and to have them nestled so deeply into my heart. I've loved every single story in this series, and Winnie's was no exception.
The emotional punches went a little deeper with each new book, I think, and so I felt right there with Winnie as she curled into herself and tried to heal her battered heart. She's not always easy to like in this book. She's a wounded animal with so much grief and anger that it's hard to see through it all sometimes. But that's the beauty of her story arc. She slowly comes out of her shell and we see her true spirit and lovable nature shine as her wounds begin healing.
And Holden Hendricks? Lord almighty. Talk about a perfect hero. I absolutely adored the dynamic between Holden and Winnie. I loved that they had history together and that it was...spirited. I loved that it was the reformed bad boy who settled Winnie's storms. I just loved HIM. So much. And even more? I loved who Winnie and Holden came to be together.
Now or Never was a beautiful story of healing, redemption, and the power of believing in each other. It was romantic, emotional, and littered with these lighthearted moments and smart humor that added balance and kept me hungry for more. This was a lovely series finale. I'm sad to let go of these characters I've come to love so fiercely, but my heart is so full and happy for them. Truly, if you haven't met the Braddock siblings yet, I cannot recommend them highly enough! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
The emotional punches went a little deeper with each new book, I think, and so I felt right there with Winnie as she curled into herself and tried to heal her battered heart. She's not always easy to like in this book. She's a wounded animal with so much grief and anger that it's hard to see through it all sometimes. But that's the beauty of her story arc. She slowly comes out of her shell and we see her true spirit and lovable nature shine as her wounds begin healing.
And Holden Hendricks? Lord almighty. Talk about a perfect hero. I absolutely adored the dynamic between Holden and Winnie. I loved that they had history together and that it was...spirited. I loved that it was the reformed bad boy who settled Winnie's storms. I just loved HIM. So much. And even more? I loved who Winnie and Holden came to be together.
Now or Never was a beautiful story of healing, redemption, and the power of believing in each other. It was romantic, emotional, and littered with these lighthearted moments and smart humor that added balance and kept me hungry for more. This was a lovely series finale. I'm sad to let go of these characters I've come to love so fiercely, but my heart is so full and happy for them. Truly, if you haven't met the Braddock siblings yet, I cannot recommend them highly enough! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
January 4, 2019
My heart.
Definitely the most heart-breaking and heart-warming book of the series.
I felt the emotions in this one hit hard, but let me tell you, that Braddock family is a work of art. I feel I mention this in every review I've written for this series but I'll never get over it because this family feel so much as mine and Victoria wrote them so perfectly!
Back to Winnie.
Being inside of Winnie's head was heart-breaking as she copes with the loss of a loved one and is soon finding it harder once she realizes her childhood nemesis is working on her family's cottage. Snarky banter and flirtatious looks ensue and man, did this couple deliver! While Dixie and Eli are still my favorite, these two came a close second!
Winnie and Holden are some of the most relatable characters as they both deal with their own troubles and grief and eventually, find a way to do it together. Their love seemed so pure and I loved seeing their relationship evolve from that of resentment to trust and adoration. Of course, the steam they brought was out of this world, but that's a given!
I loved this story so much, loved seeing the family together once more and dammit *sniffles* I'm going to miss the hell out of them!
Definitely the most heart-breaking and heart-warming book of the series.
I felt the emotions in this one hit hard, but let me tell you, that Braddock family is a work of art. I feel I mention this in every review I've written for this series but I'll never get over it because this family feel so much as mine and Victoria wrote them so perfectly!
Back to Winnie.
Being inside of Winnie's head was heart-breaking as she copes with the loss of a loved one and is soon finding it harder once she realizes her childhood nemesis is working on her family's cottage. Snarky banter and flirtatious looks ensue and man, did this couple deliver! While Dixie and Eli are still my favorite, these two came a close second!
Winnie and Holden are some of the most relatable characters as they both deal with their own troubles and grief and eventually, find a way to do it together. Their love seemed so pure and I loved seeing their relationship evolve from that of resentment to trust and adoration. Of course, the steam they brought was out of this world, but that's a given!
I loved this story so much, loved seeing the family together once more and dammit *sniffles* I'm going to miss the hell out of them!
January 10, 2019
Holy moly! Winnie and Holden melt my cold dead heart. I loved their passion and their partnership. It wasn’t easy considering she has hated him since they were kids and he was the misunderstood bad body back in town making amends. Now they are grown and find themselves back in the same town and trying to figure out life...and love.
I was worried about the family dynamics this time around considering their loss, but they are still as strong and up in each other’s business as ever. Now Or Never, the final book in this series, gave me the closure I needed because I wasn’t sure I was ready to say goodbye to the Braddock family. That being said, I could always use a novella or deleted scene or for them to be real and adopt me...
P.s. I’m still recovering from her dads letter. Tears. For. Days!
I was worried about the family dynamics this time around considering their loss, but they are still as strong and up in each other’s business as ever. Now Or Never, the final book in this series, gave me the closure I needed because I wasn’t sure I was ready to say goodbye to the Braddock family. That being said, I could always use a novella or deleted scene or for them to be real and adopt me...
P.s. I’m still recovering from her dads letter. Tears. For. Days!
January 14, 2019
***ARC Provided by the Author via NetGalley***
Winnie's story is the one I've been looking forward to. I think because it was after death of their father.
That sounds wrong. I wasn't looking forward to that part, but I was interested in seeing where the characters ended up at the end of the drama when things were back to normal...or the new normal.
Holden was the perfect match for Winnie and I loved that they had a messy history. I loved that both of them came to the relationship with previous expectations of who each of them are...or were.
Victoria Denault is a favorite of mine because of books like this one. There is a lot going on with the characters, they are complex and they have depth.
I enjoyed this title and I recommend it.
Winnie's story is the one I've been looking forward to. I think because it was after death of their father.
That sounds wrong. I wasn't looking forward to that part, but I was interested in seeing where the characters ended up at the end of the drama when things were back to normal...or the new normal.
Holden was the perfect match for Winnie and I loved that they had a messy history. I loved that both of them came to the relationship with previous expectations of who each of them are...or were.
Victoria Denault is a favorite of mine because of books like this one. There is a lot going on with the characters, they are complex and they have depth.
I enjoyed this title and I recommend it.
April 15, 2019
Received in exchange for a honest review
What I liked the most is how much Holden had changed and how he helped Winnie. He believed in her and supported her. At first Winnie had a lot of anger towards him and it was justified to a point. He had to prove to her that he wasn’t who she saw him as when they were younger. He changed and was building his future. She wasn’t making the job easy but he perservered and in the end it pays off. For Holden, he had many hurdles to cross. His sister and gaining her trust, Winnie and showing her he isn’t the man she thinks and getting her to see who he really is, a town and showing them he has changed and even showing himself that he can have it all. He works hard and cares about others. He takes pride in his work and strives to overacheive the expectations of those that hire him.
Winnie is grievng but also trying to find herself. She is lost and not sure where to turn. When Holden shows up to do the renovations, she has a outlet for her anger and pain. He takes it to a point but he also helps her heal.
I love the dynamics between Holden and Winnie. They are strong and stubborn but also vulnerable and finding their way. They are attracted to one another but fighting it to a point. When they finally give in it is explosive. I love how Holden truly sees Winnie and challenges her while being supportive and caring. He helps her find her way while they are falling in love.
The story is sweet, sexy and one about famiy and second chances. About changing and growing but also loyalty and love. You fall in love with HOlden from the beginning as he proves to all around him that he is a great guy but also to himself that he is worth the chance. The romance is sexy and one that shows us how the support of one who loves you helps you heal and find your way. How family helps you be stronger and so does the love of the right person.
What I liked the most is how much Holden had changed and how he helped Winnie. He believed in her and supported her. At first Winnie had a lot of anger towards him and it was justified to a point. He had to prove to her that he wasn’t who she saw him as when they were younger. He changed and was building his future. She wasn’t making the job easy but he perservered and in the end it pays off. For Holden, he had many hurdles to cross. His sister and gaining her trust, Winnie and showing her he isn’t the man she thinks and getting her to see who he really is, a town and showing them he has changed and even showing himself that he can have it all. He works hard and cares about others. He takes pride in his work and strives to overacheive the expectations of those that hire him.
Winnie is grievng but also trying to find herself. She is lost and not sure where to turn. When Holden shows up to do the renovations, she has a outlet for her anger and pain. He takes it to a point but he also helps her heal.
I love the dynamics between Holden and Winnie. They are strong and stubborn but also vulnerable and finding their way. They are attracted to one another but fighting it to a point. When they finally give in it is explosive. I love how Holden truly sees Winnie and challenges her while being supportive and caring. He helps her find her way while they are falling in love.
The story is sweet, sexy and one about famiy and second chances. About changing and growing but also loyalty and love. You fall in love with HOlden from the beginning as he proves to all around him that he is a great guy but also to himself that he is worth the chance. The romance is sexy and one that shows us how the support of one who loves you helps you heal and find your way. How family helps you be stronger and so does the love of the right person.
January 24, 2019
Victoria Denault writes phenomenal hockey romances, and I’ve loved every book in her San Francisco Thunder series. Now or Never is the fourth, stand-alone installment, and it’s a sexy and entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance with real emotional depth. The heroine has fled to her family’s summer beach house in order to grieve her father’s passing and revaluate her life. She desperately wants to be alone, but her solitude is disrupted by her former childhood nemesis, who was hired to remodel the house. They butt heads and argue, but they quickly discover that they’re very different people now. Their relationship turns sexual and burns hot, but they also develop a supportive and strong emotional connection that takes both of them by surprise. Their journey to happily ever after is truly moving and deeply romantic.
January 7, 2019
Another fantastic and enjoyable installment in the San Francisco Thunder series, Now or Never kept me awake until the late hours, completely immersed in Winnie and Holden’s hate-to-love story. The progression of their relationship, from antagonists to tentative friends to more was paced perfectly. Highly recommend this heartfelt and humorous book—and, in fact, this entire series. I’m enamoured by the Braddock siblings!
June 10, 2019
I had a whole review written and GR ATE IT.
In a nutshell:
I really enjoyed the bittersweetness of this book. Winnie and Holden dealt with heavy issues... overcoming your past and events in your present. They offered each other comfort and redemption that they truly needed.
I love the Braddock family and I'm sad this series is over.
*Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley
In a nutshell:
I really enjoyed the bittersweetness of this book. Winnie and Holden dealt with heavy issues... overcoming your past and events in your present. They offered each other comfort and redemption that they truly needed.
I love the Braddock family and I'm sad this series is over.
*Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley
February 13, 2019
This was a cute, heart tugging story.
I loved the battle that Winnie was going through and how she tried to cope in the wake of her Dad's death. I loved Holden's insistence that he right his wrongs from years before rather than just running to somewhere else.
A truly amazing story!
** ARC received from Netgalley **
I loved the battle that Winnie was going through and how she tried to cope in the wake of her Dad's death. I loved Holden's insistence that he right his wrongs from years before rather than just running to somewhere else.
A truly amazing story!
** ARC received from Netgalley **
January 12, 2019
3.5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2019
From the bestselling author of the Hometown Players series comes a sexy romance about a bad boy hockey player who wants a second chance to win the heart of his high school crush.
All Winnie Braddock wants is a quiet place to be alone and time to heal her battered heart. But the refuge she'd hoped for in her family's summer cottage is destroyed when she gets there to find Holden Hendricks literally camped out in the driveway. He made her life hell when they were kids, and despite what he says, it doesn't look like much has changed. She doesn't care if her brother hired Holden to renovate the house this winter; she wants him gone.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. Holden knows that hockey saying all too well. After all, he could have gone pro if he hadn't messed up so much as a kid. But now he's desperate to prove he's changed for the better, especially to Winnie Braddock. As the two work together to fix the cottage piece by piece, they realize that perhaps they can give each other the new beginning they've both been waiting for-if they're just willing to take the shot.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--NOW OR NEVER is the fourth instalment in Victoria Denault’s contemporary, adult SAN FRANCISCO THUNDER romance series. This is thirty year old, home renovator Holden Hendricks, and twenty-nine year old, primary school teacher Winnie Braddock’s story line. NOW OR NEVER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Winnie and Holden) NOW OR NEVER follows the enemies to lovers, acrimonious relationship between thirty year old, home renovator Holden Hendricks, and twenty-nine year old, primary school teacher Winnie Braddock. Years earlier Winnie’s brother Jude’s best friend Holden Hendrick’s made Winnie’s life a living h*ll. Teasing and bullying escalated until the day Winnie punched Holden and broke his nose. Fast forward to present day wherein Holden Hendrick’s has returned to his home town, unwelcome and without forgiveness for sins of the past. When given the opportunity to renovate and repair the Braddock’s family cottage in Maine Holden will come face to face with his past, a past that is unwilling to forgive and forget. Enter Winnifred Braddock, and the woman with whom Holden will fall in love. What ensues is the tempestuous relationship between Holden and Winnie, and the potential fall-out as secrets and the inability to trust continue to push Holden at every turn.
Holden Handricks’ life was destroyed when at the age of ten, his mother died in a freak accident. Angry and grieving, for the next several years, Holden lashed out at everyone and everything, including our story line heroine. Holden’s earlier self-destruction destroyed any chance of turning professional in the game he loved, a game he sacrificed for someone else. Hoping to make amends to everyone back home, the constant rejection was difficult and painful. Winnie Braddock just buried her beloved father and is unable to let go of the grief and pain. Breaking up with her boyfriend of eleven years meant Winnie wanted time alone never thinking she would spend weeks with a man she decreed her mortal enemy. Living side by side Winnie would soon discover that the man with whom she is falling in love is not the same, angry boy whose actions turned her life upside down.
The relationship between Winnie and Holden is acrimonious at best. Their bitter and caustic back and forth is fuelled by Winnie’s inability to trust, and the reminder of a time long ago when Holden did everything to push Winnie’s buttons. Secrets from the past, and Winnie’s issues of trust continue to dog our couple throughout the story. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Winnie’s brother Jude and his wife Zoey (Scored #1), and their sisters Dixie and Eli (Slammed #2), Sadie and Griffin (When It’s Right #3); as well as a Winnie’s friend and townie Cat’ Holden’s sister Bradie and her son Duke, and a couple of Holden’s friends from the past.
The world building departs from hockey and the San Francisco Thunder. Holden was a rising star in the junior hockey leagues but life choices destroyed any chances for a professional career, a career every knows would have been as successful as Jude’s.
NOW OR NEVER is a story of family and friendship, death and loss, forgiveness and moving forward. The character driven premise is engaging and spirited; the characters are broken, flirty and real; the romance is moving and emotional. NOW OR NEVER reveals the pain of childhood trauma; the regret of sins and bullying; and the second chances for two people hurt by words and loss. On the flip side, I struggled with the heroine’s immature attitude throughout most of the story, sometimes too much childish behaviour is difficult to accept.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2019
From the bestselling author of the Hometown Players series comes a sexy romance about a bad boy hockey player who wants a second chance to win the heart of his high school crush.
All Winnie Braddock wants is a quiet place to be alone and time to heal her battered heart. But the refuge she'd hoped for in her family's summer cottage is destroyed when she gets there to find Holden Hendricks literally camped out in the driveway. He made her life hell when they were kids, and despite what he says, it doesn't look like much has changed. She doesn't care if her brother hired Holden to renovate the house this winter; she wants him gone.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. Holden knows that hockey saying all too well. After all, he could have gone pro if he hadn't messed up so much as a kid. But now he's desperate to prove he's changed for the better, especially to Winnie Braddock. As the two work together to fix the cottage piece by piece, they realize that perhaps they can give each other the new beginning they've both been waiting for-if they're just willing to take the shot.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--NOW OR NEVER is the fourth instalment in Victoria Denault’s contemporary, adult SAN FRANCISCO THUNDER romance series. This is thirty year old, home renovator Holden Hendricks, and twenty-nine year old, primary school teacher Winnie Braddock’s story line. NOW OR NEVER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Winnie and Holden) NOW OR NEVER follows the enemies to lovers, acrimonious relationship between thirty year old, home renovator Holden Hendricks, and twenty-nine year old, primary school teacher Winnie Braddock. Years earlier Winnie’s brother Jude’s best friend Holden Hendrick’s made Winnie’s life a living h*ll. Teasing and bullying escalated until the day Winnie punched Holden and broke his nose. Fast forward to present day wherein Holden Hendrick’s has returned to his home town, unwelcome and without forgiveness for sins of the past. When given the opportunity to renovate and repair the Braddock’s family cottage in Maine Holden will come face to face with his past, a past that is unwilling to forgive and forget. Enter Winnifred Braddock, and the woman with whom Holden will fall in love. What ensues is the tempestuous relationship between Holden and Winnie, and the potential fall-out as secrets and the inability to trust continue to push Holden at every turn.
Holden Handricks’ life was destroyed when at the age of ten, his mother died in a freak accident. Angry and grieving, for the next several years, Holden lashed out at everyone and everything, including our story line heroine. Holden’s earlier self-destruction destroyed any chance of turning professional in the game he loved, a game he sacrificed for someone else. Hoping to make amends to everyone back home, the constant rejection was difficult and painful. Winnie Braddock just buried her beloved father and is unable to let go of the grief and pain. Breaking up with her boyfriend of eleven years meant Winnie wanted time alone never thinking she would spend weeks with a man she decreed her mortal enemy. Living side by side Winnie would soon discover that the man with whom she is falling in love is not the same, angry boy whose actions turned her life upside down.
The relationship between Winnie and Holden is acrimonious at best. Their bitter and caustic back and forth is fuelled by Winnie’s inability to trust, and the reminder of a time long ago when Holden did everything to push Winnie’s buttons. Secrets from the past, and Winnie’s issues of trust continue to dog our couple throughout the story. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Winnie’s brother Jude and his wife Zoey (Scored #1), and their sisters Dixie and Eli (Slammed #2), Sadie and Griffin (When It’s Right #3); as well as a Winnie’s friend and townie Cat’ Holden’s sister Bradie and her son Duke, and a couple of Holden’s friends from the past.
The world building departs from hockey and the San Francisco Thunder. Holden was a rising star in the junior hockey leagues but life choices destroyed any chances for a professional career, a career every knows would have been as successful as Jude’s.
NOW OR NEVER is a story of family and friendship, death and loss, forgiveness and moving forward. The character driven premise is engaging and spirited; the characters are broken, flirty and real; the romance is moving and emotional. NOW OR NEVER reveals the pain of childhood trauma; the regret of sins and bullying; and the second chances for two people hurt by words and loss. On the flip side, I struggled with the heroine’s immature attitude throughout most of the story, sometimes too much childish behaviour is difficult to accept.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
February 1, 2019
http://openbooksociety.com/article/no...
Now of Never
San Francisco Thunder, Book #4
By Victoria Denault
ISBN# 9781538763155
Author’s Website: http://www.victoriadenault.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
The Braddock family has been devastated by the death of their father, after a hard battle with ALS. After the funeral, they all head back to their respective homes to try to pick up the pieces and move on with life, like he would want. However, in the line to get on their plane Winnie and her long-time boyfriend, Ty, get into an argument. She realizes that she’s only still with him because it’s easier than ending things, but their relationship is well past its expiration date. She breaks up with him right there in the airport with an audience! She decides to go back to the family’s summer cottage and stay there indefinitely. However, she didn’t expect her childhood nemesis, Holden Hendricks, to be camped out in their driveway. Her brother hired him to do some renovations when he thought the cottage would be empty.
Holden screwed up his life when he was a kid after his mom died. He lashed out at everybody including Winnie. His mistakes ruined his chances of making it in the NHL. When he got out of juvie his own dad wouldn’t even have anything to do with him.
Now he has come back to where it all began to start his own home renovation company and to make something of his life. He’s trying to build a relationship with his sister and wants to be part of his nephew’s life. The problem with small towns though is that nobody believes he’s changed and he’s constantly having to prove he’s different, even to his own kin.
Holden doesn’t know what has Winnie so upset, but he hears her drunk crying every night. He’d do anything to lift her spirits and make it better for her. But she hates him.
Picture Source: https://medium.com/@jeremylr/caught-i...
You have to read the book to get this! Source
Eventually Winnie and Holden find a way to co-exist in such close proximity. She even starts to question if she may have misjudged him. And, when they give in to their passion they never want to go back to the way things were before! But can a tiger really change its stripes? Will Holden’s reputation and Winnie’s lack of trust be their undoing?
“If you’re worried about some weird client-contractor rule you’re breaking, keep in mind I didn’t hire you. I didn’t want you here at all.”
His lip quirks up in the corner. “But now you love me.”
I smile back at him. “I’m pretty sure fucking your client is a bigger broken rule than just having them do manual labor for you.”
I have really enjoyed this series so far and this book was no different. I loved Holden! He definitely had a shitty childhood and this story just goes to show that you never know what someone is going through to make them act the way they do. I also was annoyed with how his sister treated him in this book. The poor guy could not catch a break when all he wanted to do was to right the mistakes he had made. And, I knew that one of those mistakes he was trying to fix was going to seriously mess things up for him and Winnie!
This book was mainly about Winnie and Holden, but don’t worry we got to see the other Braddock siblings as well. I absolutely love Jude and how relentlessly his sisters tease him! Although he does, his fair share of teasing them as well!
“Were you going to tell me you’re coming to visit?”
“Were you going to tell me you’re banging my contractor?”
“No. It’s none of your business,” I say firmly, trying not to sound shocked that he knows. I’m going to have to murder Sadie or Dixie later, whichever one told him. Maybe killing them both would be easiest. “Why are you coming?”
“Why are you banging the contractor?”
I grit my teeth. He’s in one of those snarky moods that he’s been perfecting since he was a preteen. Back then he used to parrot back everything I said on our twelve-hour drives to Maine from Toronto and it would get me so mad I would scream. If he wants to play, I’ll play to win. “Well, where can I start … he’s built like a tank and hung like a horse.”
“Winnie!”
“Not to mention that scruffy beard and the way it feels between my–”
This was another great read and I hope that the series isn’t over now that all of the Braddocks have significant others!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Now of Never
San Francisco Thunder, Book #4
By Victoria Denault
ISBN# 9781538763155
Author’s Website: http://www.victoriadenault.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
The Braddock family has been devastated by the death of their father, after a hard battle with ALS. After the funeral, they all head back to their respective homes to try to pick up the pieces and move on with life, like he would want. However, in the line to get on their plane Winnie and her long-time boyfriend, Ty, get into an argument. She realizes that she’s only still with him because it’s easier than ending things, but their relationship is well past its expiration date. She breaks up with him right there in the airport with an audience! She decides to go back to the family’s summer cottage and stay there indefinitely. However, she didn’t expect her childhood nemesis, Holden Hendricks, to be camped out in their driveway. Her brother hired him to do some renovations when he thought the cottage would be empty.
Holden screwed up his life when he was a kid after his mom died. He lashed out at everybody including Winnie. His mistakes ruined his chances of making it in the NHL. When he got out of juvie his own dad wouldn’t even have anything to do with him.
Now he has come back to where it all began to start his own home renovation company and to make something of his life. He’s trying to build a relationship with his sister and wants to be part of his nephew’s life. The problem with small towns though is that nobody believes he’s changed and he’s constantly having to prove he’s different, even to his own kin.
Holden doesn’t know what has Winnie so upset, but he hears her drunk crying every night. He’d do anything to lift her spirits and make it better for her. But she hates him.
Picture Source: https://medium.com/@jeremylr/caught-i...
You have to read the book to get this! Source
Eventually Winnie and Holden find a way to co-exist in such close proximity. She even starts to question if she may have misjudged him. And, when they give in to their passion they never want to go back to the way things were before! But can a tiger really change its stripes? Will Holden’s reputation and Winnie’s lack of trust be their undoing?
“If you’re worried about some weird client-contractor rule you’re breaking, keep in mind I didn’t hire you. I didn’t want you here at all.”
His lip quirks up in the corner. “But now you love me.”
I smile back at him. “I’m pretty sure fucking your client is a bigger broken rule than just having them do manual labor for you.”
I have really enjoyed this series so far and this book was no different. I loved Holden! He definitely had a shitty childhood and this story just goes to show that you never know what someone is going through to make them act the way they do. I also was annoyed with how his sister treated him in this book. The poor guy could not catch a break when all he wanted to do was to right the mistakes he had made. And, I knew that one of those mistakes he was trying to fix was going to seriously mess things up for him and Winnie!
This book was mainly about Winnie and Holden, but don’t worry we got to see the other Braddock siblings as well. I absolutely love Jude and how relentlessly his sisters tease him! Although he does, his fair share of teasing them as well!
“Were you going to tell me you’re coming to visit?”
“Were you going to tell me you’re banging my contractor?”
“No. It’s none of your business,” I say firmly, trying not to sound shocked that he knows. I’m going to have to murder Sadie or Dixie later, whichever one told him. Maybe killing them both would be easiest. “Why are you coming?”
“Why are you banging the contractor?”
I grit my teeth. He’s in one of those snarky moods that he’s been perfecting since he was a preteen. Back then he used to parrot back everything I said on our twelve-hour drives to Maine from Toronto and it would get me so mad I would scream. If he wants to play, I’ll play to win. “Well, where can I start … he’s built like a tank and hung like a horse.”
“Winnie!”
“Not to mention that scruffy beard and the way it feels between my–”
This was another great read and I hope that the series isn’t over now that all of the Braddocks have significant others!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
January 14, 2019
This is Winnie Braddock's story, and I've been looking forward to it for a while. I was looking forward to seeing how she handled everything going on with her father's declining health, since we've gotten to see how her siblings have been handling it.
I enjoyed the story for the most part, but at times I found myself frustrated with Winnie. Her father's wish for her was to find happiness, but she struggles to do so. I understand she was grieving, but she also seemed unable to allow herself to try to move on. She tries to keep one of her sisters from moving on, as well, which was selfish. I also thought she was too hard on Holden at times. Yes, he bullied her when they were children, but he himself had been going through a hard time back then. He's no longer that person and wants to prove it to everyone, but Winnie tends not to trust him and struggles to accept that maybe he changed, all while trying to convince other people that he actually has.
I felt for Holden. He made mistakes when he was younger, but no one seems to want to let him move past it, including his sister. From how it was described, his sister wasn't really there for him emotionally when he needed her, so I thought her behavior towards him wasn't entirely warranted.
Readers get to see more of the Braddock siblings, especially Jude, who seems to be the only person who believes Holden is a good guy. But when something goes missing, he's also one of the first people to blame Holden which seems was contradictory to how he was defending his character earlier in the book.
While this is part of the San Francisco Thunder series, it has nothing to do with the hockey team. Instead, the book is entirely set in Maine. The only aspect relating to hockey is Holden taking a job as a youth hockey coach in order to spend time with his nephew. If you're looking for an actual hockey romance, this is not it.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't my favorite of the series. There was some chemistry between Holden and Winnie, but it was overshadowed by Winnie's distrust so it never felt like it was fully developed. Still, it was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone who's been following the series.
**A copy was provided via Netgalley for an honest review**
I enjoyed the story for the most part, but at times I found myself frustrated with Winnie. Her father's wish for her was to find happiness, but she struggles to do so. I understand she was grieving, but she also seemed unable to allow herself to try to move on. She tries to keep one of her sisters from moving on, as well, which was selfish. I also thought she was too hard on Holden at times. Yes, he bullied her when they were children, but he himself had been going through a hard time back then. He's no longer that person and wants to prove it to everyone, but Winnie tends not to trust him and struggles to accept that maybe he changed, all while trying to convince other people that he actually has.
I felt for Holden. He made mistakes when he was younger, but no one seems to want to let him move past it, including his sister. From how it was described, his sister wasn't really there for him emotionally when he needed her, so I thought her behavior towards him wasn't entirely warranted.
Readers get to see more of the Braddock siblings, especially Jude, who seems to be the only person who believes Holden is a good guy. But when something goes missing, he's also one of the first people to blame Holden which seems was contradictory to how he was defending his character earlier in the book.
While this is part of the San Francisco Thunder series, it has nothing to do with the hockey team. Instead, the book is entirely set in Maine. The only aspect relating to hockey is Holden taking a job as a youth hockey coach in order to spend time with his nephew. If you're looking for an actual hockey romance, this is not it.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't my favorite of the series. There was some chemistry between Holden and Winnie, but it was overshadowed by Winnie's distrust so it never felt like it was fully developed. Still, it was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone who's been following the series.
**A copy was provided via Netgalley for an honest review**
February 14, 2019
I've read a few of Denault's books but this is my first in this series ... and I'm SO upset at what I've been missing! (This one can stand on its own, btw.) These characters are complicated and such a joy to read.
Winnie has recently lost her dad and is reeling. She's hiding at her family's cottage and doing her best to ignore everything & everyone. Unfortunately she's not able to ignore Holden. She gives it a good try though, and is quite abrasive with him for a long time, but Denault does a wonderful job of gradually bringing things around - with Winnie warming to the changes in Holden as well as working her way through her grief with his help.
Holden has a terrible history in the town and Winnie isn't very receptive to the idea that he's changed. Realizing why he was so difficult as a child makes you just want to give him a huge hug and not let go for like a week. He was never a bad person but he worked hard to push buttons and even though he's outgrown that it's going to take a while to live down his reputation. He's a truly good guy though and that shines through, especially with his treatment of Winnie.
Things are difficult between the two but it was (happily) low on the melodrama. These are people with real issues they are working through and they handle it in a manner that resonated with me. There's quite a few 2 steps forward & 1 step back moments but it never got old (while it easily could have) and I found myself rooting for them to figure things out. But I finished Now or Never wishing for more pages because I didn't want their story to end.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
Winnie has recently lost her dad and is reeling. She's hiding at her family's cottage and doing her best to ignore everything & everyone. Unfortunately she's not able to ignore Holden. She gives it a good try though, and is quite abrasive with him for a long time, but Denault does a wonderful job of gradually bringing things around - with Winnie warming to the changes in Holden as well as working her way through her grief with his help.
Holden has a terrible history in the town and Winnie isn't very receptive to the idea that he's changed. Realizing why he was so difficult as a child makes you just want to give him a huge hug and not let go for like a week. He was never a bad person but he worked hard to push buttons and even though he's outgrown that it's going to take a while to live down his reputation. He's a truly good guy though and that shines through, especially with his treatment of Winnie.
Things are difficult between the two but it was (happily) low on the melodrama. These are people with real issues they are working through and they handle it in a manner that resonated with me. There's quite a few 2 steps forward & 1 step back moments but it never got old (while it easily could have) and I found myself rooting for them to figure things out. But I finished Now or Never wishing for more pages because I didn't want their story to end.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
January 7, 2019
Winnie Braddock just wants a place to hide and heal her broken heart, so she heads for family's summer cottage in hope of finding the remedy she needs. But upon her arrival she learns she isn't the only one in search of a little quiet time, her brother has hired her childhood nemesis Holden Hendricks to work on the cottage throughout the winter. Which means she either has to figure out a way to get rid of him or learn to live with him... she chooses the later, and winds up finding the perfect treatment for her battered heart!
Now or Never is wonderfully crafted tale of healing, personal growth and love. I thought these characters were perfectly suited for one another, they had sparks for days, and were the perfect support system for one another. Winnie was depressed after losing her father, and Holden was quite determined to find the once feisty girl he loved to tease way back when. He just had to dig deep to find her and bring her out of her shell. She certainly gave him a run for his money, constantly pushing his buttons and bucking at every turn, but you could tell that he thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I have to say that I am sad to see this series coming to end, but I think these two made the perfect couple for the last chapter, it was so great to see Winnie finally get her happily ever after. Her story was quite uplifting, and filled with many moments that tugged on the heartstrings, and put a blush on my face. Highly recommend this one, it has all the feels, and then some!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
Now or Never is wonderfully crafted tale of healing, personal growth and love. I thought these characters were perfectly suited for one another, they had sparks for days, and were the perfect support system for one another. Winnie was depressed after losing her father, and Holden was quite determined to find the once feisty girl he loved to tease way back when. He just had to dig deep to find her and bring her out of her shell. She certainly gave him a run for his money, constantly pushing his buttons and bucking at every turn, but you could tell that he thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I have to say that I am sad to see this series coming to end, but I think these two made the perfect couple for the last chapter, it was so great to see Winnie finally get her happily ever after. Her story was quite uplifting, and filled with many moments that tugged on the heartstrings, and put a blush on my face. Highly recommend this one, it has all the feels, and then some!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
January 24, 2019
A heartfelt story! With the next book in the San Francisco Thunder series, we get the final Braddock sibling's story. We met Winnie in her hockey playing brother Jude's story, then saw more of her in both of her sister's books as they hooked up with the men of the Thunder. This was a very emotion filled read, and flowed well, but there were a couple of aspects missing for me. Number one, it's really no longer a hockey romance ... and number two, considering the main plot of the story, I felt the family should have been brought in more so we could have shared the journey of healing with everyone that we got to know in the series instead of just Winnie. Overall a solid read, but it will resonate with the reader more if they have read the entire series and know the background.
Winnie Braddock just wants to be left alone to nurse her battered heart, but she doesn't seem to have that luxury. She has an overbearing family who insinuate themselves into everything, and just when she thinks she's pulled one over on them to have some alone time, she's stuck dealing with the guy who tormented her as a teen!
Holden Hendricks is grateful for the job Jude gave him renovating the Braddock's vacation home in Maine. He's done plenty of growing up over the years and wishes he could find a way to prove to people that he's no longer that snot nosed kid who wreaked havoc on everyone he encountered. Discovering he's going to be in close proximity to Winnie for a few weeks just might be a step in the right direction considering she holds a huge grudge ... but time and proximity seem to be heating up more than anger between the two of them!
Winnie Braddock just wants to be left alone to nurse her battered heart, but she doesn't seem to have that luxury. She has an overbearing family who insinuate themselves into everything, and just when she thinks she's pulled one over on them to have some alone time, she's stuck dealing with the guy who tormented her as a teen!
Holden Hendricks is grateful for the job Jude gave him renovating the Braddock's vacation home in Maine. He's done plenty of growing up over the years and wishes he could find a way to prove to people that he's no longer that snot nosed kid who wreaked havoc on everyone he encountered. Discovering he's going to be in close proximity to Winnie for a few weeks just might be a step in the right direction considering she holds a huge grudge ... but time and proximity seem to be heating up more than anger between the two of them!
January 3, 2019
I think that Winnie and Holden are my favorite out of the series. My heart is so full that Winnie finally has found the love that she was missing. And damn, I was crying through the first chapter!!
When Winnie ends up staying at the family cottage after two heart wrenching events, the last person she thought she would ever see is the boy who was her mortal enemy as a kid. What was he doing back in town? And now that the summer season was over in Maine, that meant an even bigger chance of him noticing that she was in town. So when she wakes up the next morning to commotion outside the cottage - Low and behold Holden Hendricks in there with her worst nightmare.... he was going to be a lot closer to her than she thought. He was the contractor that her brother hired to renovate the family cottage.
Holden knew that going home was going to be tough. But he had changed from the angry, hot tempered teen to a man who knew he had a lot of apologies to make. And when he finds out that Winnie Braddock is at the family cottage he was renovating, he couldn't deny that the girl was just as beautiful as she was a teen. Too bad he treated her like dirt and she doesn't want anything to do with him. Winnie is holding a secret and she wants Holden to help her keep it.
These two together... the sparks flew. But old insecurities with the both of them keep popping up. Can they get over the past, so they can have a future together?
So sad to see this series end. The Braddocks are some of my favorite hockey families. Hopefully we will get to see glimpse of them in the future.
When Winnie ends up staying at the family cottage after two heart wrenching events, the last person she thought she would ever see is the boy who was her mortal enemy as a kid. What was he doing back in town? And now that the summer season was over in Maine, that meant an even bigger chance of him noticing that she was in town. So when she wakes up the next morning to commotion outside the cottage - Low and behold Holden Hendricks in there with her worst nightmare.... he was going to be a lot closer to her than she thought. He was the contractor that her brother hired to renovate the family cottage.
Holden knew that going home was going to be tough. But he had changed from the angry, hot tempered teen to a man who knew he had a lot of apologies to make. And when he finds out that Winnie Braddock is at the family cottage he was renovating, he couldn't deny that the girl was just as beautiful as she was a teen. Too bad he treated her like dirt and she doesn't want anything to do with him. Winnie is holding a secret and she wants Holden to help her keep it.
These two together... the sparks flew. But old insecurities with the both of them keep popping up. Can they get over the past, so they can have a future together?
So sad to see this series end. The Braddocks are some of my favorite hockey families. Hopefully we will get to see glimpse of them in the future.
January 25, 2019
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Cocktails and Books and Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is the fourth book in Victoria Denault’s San Francisco Thunder series. I have enjoyed reading all the books in this series and I was happy to catch up with the entertaining, close knit Braddock family. This story is about second chances, grieving and making amends. It is an enchanting story about two people helping each other as they go through a difficult time.
When Winnie Braddock’s father dies, she decides to go to her family’s cottage to grieve and reevaluate her life. Unfortunately, Winnie has no idea her brother has asked Holden to renovate the cottage. Holden, is Winnie’s brothers friend and they have known each other all their lives. Winnie and Holden each had hopes of spending time by themselves and are not happy when they discover they have to share the cottage. They are both angry and going through a difficult time and take it out on each other.
Holden has returned to the small town in Maine to make amends to everyone he hurt in the past. I admired Holden’s honesty about his past mistakes. Unfortunately, Winnie is going through a rough time and she takes it out on Holden. She finds it difficult to believe Holden has changed from the bully he used to be and she has a hard time forgiving him. It is fun watching these two dance around each other and slowly fall in love. I enjoyed the story and the characters.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Cocktails and Books and Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is the fourth book in Victoria Denault’s San Francisco Thunder series. I have enjoyed reading all the books in this series and I was happy to catch up with the entertaining, close knit Braddock family. This story is about second chances, grieving and making amends. It is an enchanting story about two people helping each other as they go through a difficult time.
When Winnie Braddock’s father dies, she decides to go to her family’s cottage to grieve and reevaluate her life. Unfortunately, Winnie has no idea her brother has asked Holden to renovate the cottage. Holden, is Winnie’s brothers friend and they have known each other all their lives. Winnie and Holden each had hopes of spending time by themselves and are not happy when they discover they have to share the cottage. They are both angry and going through a difficult time and take it out on each other.
Holden has returned to the small town in Maine to make amends to everyone he hurt in the past. I admired Holden’s honesty about his past mistakes. Unfortunately, Winnie is going through a rough time and she takes it out on Holden. She finds it difficult to believe Holden has changed from the bully he used to be and she has a hard time forgiving him. It is fun watching these two dance around each other and slowly fall in love. I enjoyed the story and the characters.
December 21, 2018
I read this book in one sitting. The prologue pulled me right in when it showcased Winnie as a teenager I would have loved to be friends with. She encounters Holden Hendrix, who seems like a complete jerk, but what Winnie's father says to her after the "incident" is this:
“But the thing is, which I only know now because I’m older, kids your age are usually mean or aggressive for a reason. It’s rarely because they want to be that way. It’s usually a reaction, a defense mechanism or coping skill, for something they can’t handle themselves.”
This is the line that told me I was going to love this story. When people judge adults strictly on their teenage years, they are discounting a person's ability to grow, change, and be resilient. Also, this is the fiction rendering of a trauma-informed care lens. I love when fictional stories expose readers to such relevant topics!
This is a story of redemption and understanding the motivations behind one's actions. Winnie is experiencing so much loss, and Holden is battling his own demons, but they go through a journey together that you just know is going to take them to a better place. This book will give you all the feels, and also make you think about how you perceive the actions of others. Not to mention Winnie's family are just people you want to know--which means I will need to read books 1-3!
Special thank you to Forever Yours and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“But the thing is, which I only know now because I’m older, kids your age are usually mean or aggressive for a reason. It’s rarely because they want to be that way. It’s usually a reaction, a defense mechanism or coping skill, for something they can’t handle themselves.”
This is the line that told me I was going to love this story. When people judge adults strictly on their teenage years, they are discounting a person's ability to grow, change, and be resilient. Also, this is the fiction rendering of a trauma-informed care lens. I love when fictional stories expose readers to such relevant topics!
This is a story of redemption and understanding the motivations behind one's actions. Winnie is experiencing so much loss, and Holden is battling his own demons, but they go through a journey together that you just know is going to take them to a better place. This book will give you all the feels, and also make you think about how you perceive the actions of others. Not to mention Winnie's family are just people you want to know--which means I will need to read books 1-3!
Special thank you to Forever Yours and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 30, 2018
Victoria Denault has done it again. This was such an amazing book. For me it dealt with some really tough issues. I lost my mom last year and I know how that can really turn your world upside down so I really could relate to what Winnie was going through. She was a lost soul that really did not know where her life was going the only thing she was really sure of was that she was not going to keep going down the path her life was taking. So Winnie takes her dad last words to her to heart and she starts making drastic changes to her life. She breaks up with her boyfriend and decides to stay at her summer home instead of going back to Toronto. Holden was a really great guy. He lost his mom when he was young and that led him to do things that he most likely would not have. Now he is back in Maine trying really hard to make up for past mistakes and to show people that he has changed for the better. Some people are just not that forgiving. Holden has been hired by Judd (Winnie's brother) to renovate there summer home in Maine. This brings Holden and Winnie face to face again. Winnie really does not like Holden at all but Holden has a thing for Winnie. Will they be able to help each other and be able to become more? I really suggest you pick up this book and find out the answer to this question because this book was about a 10 star read and you will not be disappointed. Thanks Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
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