We were an unlikely couple: the cocky athlete and the preacher’s daughter. Once he finally won me over, he wasn’t supposed to break my heart.
Ten years later, he’s back in our hometown. Only now, he’s different. A cunning businessman, a big-city resident. ...and the father of someone else’s child.
When he left town, I stayed. Now I’m a teacher by day and aspiring artist by night. Dating the one man he hates more than anyone else: his brother.
I have no business falling for him again; he traded this life for one he thought was better. One that didn’t include me. But history has a way of repeating itself, and old flames? They don’t always go out.
Holly Hall survives on coffee and red wine, would love to travel for a living, thinks animals are often better than humans, can count on one hand the number of things she loves more than reading and Texas A&M football (that might be an exaggeration), and couldn’t handpick a better family than her enormous one. She resides with her husband, daughter, and German shepherd in Houston, Texas.
Somewhere Between Us, did not disappoint, after a year of waiting Holly manages to deliver this little beauty with the softer side of her writing style.
Cameron and Jeremy are an unlikely pair from the beginning. This story evolves with just the right amount of angst and builds up in all the right places. It flits between past and present.
Sometimes you can love someone, but it isn’t the right time. Honestly, I think this was the case with these two. Both Jeremy and Cam needed the ten years of separation to learn and to grow, to have a greater understanding of themselves and love.
The best thing to ever happen to Jeremy was his little boy, Asher. Although Jeremy might appear somewhat standoffish upon his return to his hometown. It soon becomes apparent it’s just a front to cover up something much deeper.
Cam ends up in an unlikely relationship during that time, and it takes her a while to learn her self-worth and to know she deserves more from life. She was always compelled to do the right thing, even if that meant holding back and hiding behind her fears.
I found this book to be an easy read and a page turner, with both feeling and a sense of honesty — just the kind of book I needed. Not too heavy, but still brings you the inner feels.
Holly’s back and has eased us in gently with this lovely gem, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
"When he cared, he cared hard, and memories of those days thaw the remaining ice around my heart."
What a sweet and heart-string tugging 2nd chance this was!! Filled to the brim with regret, missed chances, what-ifs, and settling for less than you deserve. Insecurities really debilitated the female character as she worked through, and 10 years later it felt so good to watch them fall!! The push/pull of old habits and changes as you grow up made me root for this couple with each page turned. At times the second guessing was tedious, but all in all felt real and I enjoyed immersing myself and swooning at how it all turned out!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
"Wherever, whenever, forever," I repeat. And, finally, our promise feels within reach. Forever feels within reach."
I enjoyed reading about Cameron and Jeremy getting their second chance at forever. Especially since we were given glimpses into their high school relationship through the "Then" chapters. I felt like their story did progress in the way that was meant to be, because they both had a lot of growing up to do after high school.
The addition of Asher to the story made my heart all warm and fuzzy. Holly Hall did an amazing job writing a realistic and completely adorable child character. I feel like some authors write child characters where they are WAY more mature or advanced than is realistic or plausible for their age. Hall wrote Asher realistically and even nailed all of the smaller details about a kid's behavior.
I did feel like Somewhere Between Us didn't hit me in the feels quite as much as All the Pieces You Left, but it did still pull on my heartstrings in a softer way and had me invested in Jeremy and Cameron's relationship and story so much that I finished the entire book in one day.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Somewhere Between Us" by Holly Hall showed me once again how talented she is as an author. I found this book to showcase a "softer" side of Hall's writing, and with that, came depth and authenticity while still maintaining the angst that I know and love from her. I was so impressed with her analogies (as I have been with every book of hers that I've read), but it was her connection to emotions that really connected me to this story. Hall is so in tune with weaving world-building in with story-telling that she's created this entire town you've probably never heard of, yet still feel like you know. These characters are people you can recall knowing of in passing from high school. Hall wrote a child character in this book as well: Asher. The most minute details that she uses in his speech or his actions made me feel like he was not only a unique character for a child, but also that she KNOWS children and their little differences. This is a story of love and loss on multiple levels, and it still amazes me how she was able to fit so much of both into one book. Cameron and Jeremy are friends-turned-lovers, and they not only battle their inner demons, but also the ones they allow to influence them. A very deep, multi-layered story that makes you ask "what if" and "are you happy", but also reminds you to appreciate what you have and not constantly look for greener pastures.
Cam & Jeremy...so perfect.Best friends turns into first love. Wherever, whenever, forever. I love you...totally swooning. Cam & Jermey met in HS and their friendship quickly grows into more. They both have the dream of leaving their small town but as we know one will go and one will stay. After 10 long years Jermey returns to his hometown and he isn’t alone. Cam begins to realize her heart still aches for Jermey and she wants answers to why Jermey would walk away from her. With all the time that has passed Cam is afraid to open her heart again but decides that she needs to take a chance and we where the pieces fall. “I want to find out what kind of man you’ve become.”
I loved this book! Even though I wanted to reach through the pages and smack Jermey a few times I was still swoon by him. It really is a sweet story and Asher is just a cutie.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
4 “Wherever, Whenever, Forever” Stars
This second chance romance was filled to the brim with all the emotions. Young love, first love, love lost, and a second chance at love.
Cameron and Jeremy’s story flits between past and present giving the reader insight as to what happened back then and how it effected their future.
From the beginning, Cameron and Jeremy are an unlikely pair. But as they get to know each other it’s apparent they’re more alike than they thought. They form a friendship that with time progresses to something more. As graduation approaches and futures begin to be outlined, Cameron decides to stay home for college and Jeremey’s path is getting out of the town that’s suffocating him. What Cameron thought was a once in a lifetime love, is anything but.
Ten years pass and Jeremy, now a single father, is back in the town that he couldn’t get out of fast enough. He’s developed a hardness, more so than before. There’s so much that’s happened in the ten years that he’s been away, none more than the changes Cameron has gone through.
Cam, no matter what, has always been compelled to do the right thing. Even if that means putting her happiness and wants last. She’s held back and instead of pursuing a promising talent, she’s hidden behind fear. The one bright side in her life is Jeremy, until its not. She’s moved on in the ten years he’s been gone, but deep down there’s that hole that something is missing. And it makes her question if she truly is happy.
Somewhere Between Us brought the feels. True to form that you can love someone, but it isn’t the right time. That maybe separation is the answer and it gives meaning to that second chance and finding your way back to mean much more.
Somewhere Between Us by Holly Hall is a standalone romance novel. Somewhere Between Us is the first book I read by this author and will be not my last. Meet Jeremy Evans. He left his small town 10 years ago and never looked back. He broke the heart of Cameron, his girlfriend. Cameron Tilburg is a young woman who never left the state. She's a good daughter, teaches in elementary school and has a steady boyfriend. That's about to change when Jeremy comes back and with him comes a big, big surprise. He still holds a grudge against the town and Cameron, why I don't know. Somewhere Between Us is a beautifully thought out, beautifully written and beautifully told story that gave me all the feels. I loved the slow burn, the characters and the writing and give 4,5 stars.
I love second chance romances, but I wasn't a fan of the hero in this one. He ran too hot and cold, almost stringing the heroine along, and despite him wanting the heroine again, he didn't really work that hard to make up for his mistakes or win her over. The author's writing is solid, but it was the characters I couldn't connect with. I really do wish I could've enjoyed it more!
I have to say for my very first book, I am extremely impressed with the writing style and just the words, how well they flow and how smooth they are written. The story line kind of threw me for a loop, only because I do not do well with conflict romance. Meaning, the heroine is involved with a brother, best friend and so forth. Doesn't mean it was bad for me it was just a bit harder for me to relate to the story.
The love Jeremy Evans and Cameron Tilburg was beautiful, i say was because the idiot breaks her heart in the worst way possible. Not only that but returns back home a father to someone else's child, not a child them two envisioned. When he comes back a new man the old grudge he holds against the hometown and his ex-girlfriend is still strong.
Cameron Tilburg was left behind, what's a girl to do. Somehow ends p with Jeremy's brother and continues dating him while Jeremy is back home. So much time has passed that everything crashes together, what comes out of it was a shock and surprise to me.
I rate this a high 4, I would definitely read another book by this author. H A P P Y - R E A D I N G
I was lucky enough to meet Holly Hall almost exactly a year ago before I even knew she was an author. Since that time I've come to enjoy occasionally chatting with her on social media and I just really like her as a person. Ironically, we grew up about 35 miles from one another and are the same age, but it took an author signing event in Dallas bringing us together a decade later. Funny how life works out! When I saw the chance to sign up to review for her upcoming release, I was all about it! Somewhere Between Us takes a few tropes I love and throws them into one book - Single Dad, Second Chance Romance, Small Town, Preacher's Daughter - yes, please! Just read this blurb and tell me it doesn't make you excited?
From the beginning, I really enjoyed this story and our main character, Cam. I liked the "stuck in a small town" theme of her life and enjoyed reading from her perspective. This story had a similar, classic feel as some of my favorite Indie books for this reason alone. As soon as Jeremy came back into the picture, I was hooked. I love an angsty romance and the character's denial as they try everything in their power to not feel precisely what they're feeling. Holly Hall did an amazing job of conveying this aspect of their relationship.
Unfortunately, as the story crept on, I felt as if I was waiting for a certain level of excitement. I needed a twist or something unexpected to happen. Instead, the story remained quite even-keeled and didn't deliver the feeling or the excitement I was hoping for, making the book as a whole just okay for me. I think this is partly due to the numerous Indie books I've read. I suppose I have become slightly jaded because many Indies feel like repeats of what I've already read before. I hate that this has happened and I wish I could go back to enjoying everything as I once did.
I hope Holly continues to pursue her writing career - she's a talent! I'm thankful I was given the chance to read an ARC Somewhere Between Us! If you'd like to check this one out, be sure to snag a copy with the link below or read for free with Kindle Unlimited.
Feels 0 Steam 3.5 Storyline 3.5 Overall Rating 3.5 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Ladyballs
I will be upfront and say that this book didn't blow me away. While the blurb is spunky and cute the book just didn't cut it for me. The storyline was about young lovers who broke up unexpectedly and left one person crushed that now come face to face with that love years later. Is the spark still there? Will they reconnect? Will the heartbreaker explain to the heartbroken why they left and was never in contact? We do get answers in this book. It's a past/present type of dialogue and to be honest, I just didn't feel the connection between these two characters when they were young and in love. And I felt it even less now that they are older and their paths have crossed again. There was no chemistry. The main male character was cold and aloof and rubbed me the wrong way. For me, there was no heat or sexy love scenes, no angst, no drama. Just not what I was expecting. But perhaps others will feel something a little deeper.
Single dad,with a second chance for love, Friends that become lovers. It is funny how as a teen fresh out of you want to leave and take on the world , achieve all your dreams. It is hard to believe that after 10 years your dreams & life lead you right back to where you started. I like how they story was told between then & now , the story flowed so well there was no details missing in the back & forth. Can't wait to read more by the author.
Somewhere Between Us is a friends to lovers, second chance romance book that will give you all the heartwarming feels. “Wherever, whenever, forever. I love you...”
I loved how the story was in Cameron or Cam’s POV and changed from “Now” to “Then”. So we got the story of how they went from friends to lovers and what happened ten years ago that changed both their lives forever. Jeremy had his reasons for leaving but I struggled with his reasoning and wanted answers just as much as Cam did. He was stubborn and hard headed and I swooned over him.
Cam’s story was heartbreaking and I felt for her. And then to throw in what happened when Jeremy left and how she had to pick up the pieces and move on. When Jeremy had to come back to town to take care of some family business, he brought back more than Cam thought. Enter Asher…sweet Asher. I did wish there were more moments of interaction with Cam and Asher but I did love the moments they had together.
I really enjoyed this story. This is a new to me author and I can’t wait to read her other books.
Oh...wow my first Holly Hall read and I dunno what to do with myself from here forward. Cameron and Jeremy found a place in my heart instantly.
Their story was soft and very wholesome that I had to take little breaks in between just to breathe. I am a sucker for a good 'stuck-in-small-town' story and this book made sure I get it. But it was also so much more than that; I already liked Cameron right at the beginning of the book and didn't find her to be a character with flaws but as the story evolved so did Cameron and I realized she has some issues she has to get past. I Loved I LOVED how gradually and unaware she changed into this strong woman. In the end, she was this beautiful butterfly, who learned to have a little more confidence and stand down for the things she wants.
The Romance between our two Character was beautiful. They didn't intimidate each other or tried to make the other one uncomfortable. No, they both knew what they want, especially Jeremy since he has a kid, and are not too proud to ask. They talked a lot, which fascinated me actually since it was very easy going and it didn't end up in sex. Something that also positively surprised me is, that Holly chose not to go in detail with the sex scene of Teenage Cameron and Jeremy. It was after reading that scene that I realized I prefer to not read about teenagers having sex. Thank you very much.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for a honest review*
Cameron Tillburg is a teacher and an artist and has been in a relationship with Eric Daniels for the past 7 years. Lately things haven’t been good but she’s content until her high school boyfriend is back in town. Jeremy Evans was an all-state athlete with a scholarship to get him out of town and he had no plans on ever coming back, and that meant breaking the heart of Cameron Tillburg. But when his step-father becomes ill he comes back in town and is shocked at what has gone on since he left. As Cameron begins to discover things that were meant to stay hidden will she choose herself and figure out what she needs before anyone else? Will Jeremy come to terms with what he left behind or is he content to leave to it all in the past? This was a great book about finding yourself in the midst of the past and present colliding. I thought Cameron was a great character and I was glad that she was able to learn the truth about what was going on around her. I was definitely surprised at what was happening. I liked learning about what she went through in the past with Jeremy and I was definitely mad at him for breaking her heart and abandoning her. I loved her relationship with her dad and one of the conversations he had with her was so important with him truly being there for her. Jeremy was such a complex character to a certain degree with everything that he had going on. I was happy he was trying to get a friendship back with Cameron after everything that had happened between them. I liked one of the twists with him and then how it developed into so much more with Cherise. There were definitely some twists and turns with all of the characters and how they all had connections to each other in some way. It gave some great drama and excitement! I was freaking out a little towards the end with everything that was happening and things got tense for sure! The very end was awesome and I was so happy with the way things turned out! - By Rebecca
This is a new author for me, and I'm really glad I took a chance on her. She's clearly a skilled writer and storyteller, and even the early copy I read was beautifully edited. I’ll definitely be reading more from her!
Somewhere Between Us is one of my favorite tropes, a second-chance romance, with the not-unexpected premise of high school sweethearts who break up when one of them, the hero in this case, can’t wait to get out of the small town. Years later, when his father is stricken with cancer, Jeremy returns home with his young son in tow. A lot has changed in ten years, most significantly is the fact that Cami is in a relationship with Jeremy's estranged brother.
The story is told in the present, with developments in the progression of Cami and Jeremy's relationship in high school told in flashback scenes. I appreciate the way the author presented the story, giving us snapshots of pivotal moments rather than recounting them in the narration. I liked the first person perspective which allowed me to really get to know Cami, to see into her heart and mind, and to connect and empathize with her. I would have liked to see some chapters from Jeremy's perspective because I didn’t feel the same connection with him as with Cami.
This one certainly covers a lot of ground -- love and loss, death and grief, abandoned dreams, betrayal, settling for, single parenting, and self-actualization and growth as new dreams are forged. There's no lack of heat, humor, angst and heart, and you’ll find yourself pulling for these two to finally get it right. With a quaint small-town setting, wonderful secondary characters and a lost love reignited, Somewhere Between Us has something for the romantic in all of us.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Who doesn’t love a single dad story let alone a second-chance romance story?! Add in a preacher’s daughter and at the time a cocky athlete when they were younger and let the heartbreak begin. Young love is sometimes just that, but at other times it is so much more than that. They may have spent years apart, but there is one thing that cannot be denied when they are brought back into town environment again and that is the feelings they try to fight are still there. Jeremy explored outside of the town whereas, Cameron stayed whether right or wrong as that can be portrayed differently between each reader as some may agree and others may not on her chosen path. It was heartbreaking reading their story, but they always say that things happen for a reason and I choose to believe that it was for his son, Asher to come into the mix. Somewhere Between Us is told from a “then” and “now” POV so that we get both the before story and the now story. Between them is many life lessons and if someone was a bad seed before, chances are they are probably still a bad seed. You will find out who this person is while reading the story and no it isn’t the main characters. Sometimes old flames are meant to be reignited flames and Jeremy is going to show Cameron that their flame is still burning behind all that happened and what is revealed in the now. This story is beautifully written and makes you ask questions about you and makes you appreciate what you have. Remember what is small is huge to others.
This book covers a number of tropes - friends to lovers, second chance romance, small town, sports. I enjoyed this read very much and for reasons that surprised me. I was also left quite frustrated by the main characters, Jeremy in particular. We have Jeremy and Cameron, an unlikely pair who becomes friends in high school. She's the preacher's daughter, he's the football star who needs some tutoring help. I really love that she's not an instant sucker for his charm. The foundation for their friendship is rock solid. It becomes more than friendship just before high school ends, and his choices tear them apart for a decade. Cameron is a tough chick who has been through some serious trials. Her efforts to take care of those around her sometimes leave her tank empty but nothing as much as the one person who fills her heart leaving 'for her own good'. It's not an easy journey back together for these two. There's a lot of time passed and issues that need to be addressed. I struggled hard with Jeremy and his reasoning. He doesn't ever really apologize which frustrated me to no end. He doesn't see that his intended outcome backfired or how badly he hurt Cameron. Similarly, I don't understand why she doesn't push a little harder to get this point across before they start down a similar path. Overall, a great read, very enjoyable mostly because of the angst and dual POV of past and present. Recommended if you like second chances!
Second chance romance from high school sweethearts are always adorable to read. This one was a bit ok. Cameron and Jeremy started out as friends in high school that later developed into much more. They were the complete opposites and had somethings in common but still made it work.
After high school graduation Jeremy had bigger plans and left Cameron behind. Fast forward couple years and he’s back but it wasn’t the best reunion. It didn’t even feel like Jeremy wanted to reconnect and Cameron of course had moved on. I think what hurt Jeremy even more was with whom she had moved on which was a bit wow. These two were still at different places in their lives and wanted different things which was prohibiting them from moving forward together. They had some emotional moments and then they were some tense moments.
After so many going around in circles these two finally settled together but it wasn’t easy. It seems like they weren’t on the same page until the end. I think if this story had Jeremy’s POV we would’ve gotten a better understanding of what happened in their past.
Somewhere Between Us is a second-chance romance full of angsty goodness! The story is told from Cameron's POV, and alternate back and forth between Then, when she and Jeremy were in high school, to Now, ten years later when he's reluctantly returned to town as his stepfather is dying. I really liked the flashbacks to how their relationship came to be, from reluctant acquaintances to Cam tutoring him and a genuine friendship forming to the developing of romantic feelings between them.
I did think that the story dragged a bit to get to the reasons why Jeremy broke up with her, and why he was so dang angry with her when he returned to town. I struggled with that for a while because he was the one who left her, but it did become a clearer picture once that flashback happened.
This book hits all the right notes between Jeremy and Cameron as he tries to woo her back, and sweet little Asher totally gives his dad a few more points in my book!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
4 Stars Review by Elizabeth Late Night Reviewer Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Somewhere Between Us by Holly Hall is a second chance romance filled with drama, angst, and smut. Holly’s style of writing drew me in from the beginning and had me entranced until the end. Grab a snack, a drink and get comfy.
Cameron and Jeremy were high school sweethearts before he left her and cut off all ties without so much a word. Now he is back in town with his son and has to face that his “sweetheart” is now dating his half brother, Eric. For that reason alone you would think there would be loads of drama but honestly, there really isn’t. I couldn’t stand Eric from the moment his character was introduced and I hoped like heck Holly would kill the SOB somewhere in the book but that didn’t happen.
Holly does an awesome job and leaves no stone unturned. I enjoyed it but it didn’t "WOW" me. I think the blurb describes the book to the T so you know just what you are getting. I would recommend it.
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
I love everything Holly Hall writes but Forever Grace has been my all time favorite but Somewhere Between Us gave it a run for it's money. It was so good. I couldn't put it down. I had a love hate relationship with both Jeremy and Cameron.
Cameron is a small town girl that has never ventured to far from her small town thanks to the many excuses she can come up with. Her heart was broken ten years ago by Jeremy but now he's back. Problem is she's dating someone else and it's even more complicated when her new boyfriend and ex boyfriend have history as well. However, Jeremy brings back old feelings and quickly Cameron is forced to fight an internal war with herself.
Jeremy left the small town of Waterview for the big city of Boston but he left a heartbroken Cameron behind. Now Jeremy is back but everything is different for him except for his feeling for Cameron. Can he convince her that she can trust him again?
This book was just amazing. I loved every minute of it.
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. My normal is dual POV books b/c I like to hear the other side as well. This one though kept my interest and I didn't so much mind not knowing what Jeremy thought. I really liked the then and now back and forth. It was also nice not having a lot of dramatics with the ex. I always look forward to that moment the couple is faced with troubles and seeing how they are put back together. Seeing which one will be the one to realize they don't want to live without the other. This book though didn't need that. The small tug of trouble was enough b/c their past together was still so raw. The love had never faded. My first by this author but not my last.
Somewhere Between Us was a beautifully written story about what happens when you fall in love with your first love, a second time. The writing was descriptive but not overly so and mixed evenly with enjoyable dialogue. The characters were wonderfully flawed and had to break through emotional walls in order to get their happy ending. I became completely consumed with Cam and Jeremy's story and couldn't put it down until it was finished. Here's five stars to another amazing Holly Hall book.
This was the first time that I ever read a book by this author and I know that after reading this one it will not be the last. I highly recommend that you read this book and see if you loved it just as much as I did.
I’m a huge Holly Hall fan and her new book is a hit! This is the story of Jeremy and Cameron high school seniors who are as opposite as could be but somehow they fit. When Jeremy leaves for college he breaks up with Cameron. 10 years later ... he’s back ! The story alternates between now and then and I couldn’t put it down ! Holly Hall has poured her heart into this book !
This story is about Cameron and Jeremy's teenage romance and their second chance at love.as adults. It's told from Cameron's POV and.jumps between past and present. The writing style is good and the jump between time is done well. I wish I had some of Jeremy's POV I enjoyed exploring the past through Cameron's eyes as she reminisces about her teenage years and her first love. Cameron and Jeremy are both really likeable characters and I was 100% invested in their romance. This is a really sweet second chance romance and all the obstacles felt real and believable. .
Somewhere Between Us is a good, warm and fuzzy read. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I even enjoyed the then chapters. Asher is just adorable and Jeremy is the perfect book boyfriend!