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Because of You #2
After You
This is not a standalone, this is book two of a same-couple duet. Because of You should be read first so you can follow the story.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2018
317 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Sam Mariano
49 books4,843 followersFollow Sam Mariano on Facebook, Instagram (@sammarianobooks), or check out her Blog! If you need to email her, she can be reached at sammarianoauthor@gmail.com (but she is sometimes tardy about checking email. Mateo is very demanding).
Sign up for Sam's mailing list (to stay up to date on current projects--she won't spam you! Only for notification of new releases or book sales.)
All of Sam's books are available on Amazon! (And don't forget to follow Sam's Amazon Author page to get notified about the newest releases.)
Sam Mariano has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Ohio and has a sweet and wonderful daughter.
Because of You was her first finished story (she started writing it when she was 18) and due to a full-time work and college schedule, it took her years to finish. She has also been telling people for years that there would never be a sequel (sorry, guys!)…which turned out to be a lie.
Sam Mariano is currently working on Dante’s book (if you’re a Morelli reader) and some other WIP.
Feel free to find her on Facebook, Goodreads, or her blog—she loves hearing from readers!
Sign up for Sam's mailing list (to stay up to date on current projects--she won't spam you! Only for notification of new releases or book sales.)
All of Sam's books are available on Amazon! (And don't forget to follow Sam's Amazon Author page to get notified about the newest releases.)
Sam Mariano has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Ohio and has a sweet and wonderful daughter.
Because of You was her first finished story (she started writing it when she was 18) and due to a full-time work and college schedule, it took her years to finish. She has also been telling people for years that there would never be a sequel (sorry, guys!)…which turned out to be a lie.
Sam Mariano is currently working on Dante’s book (if you’re a Morelli reader) and some other WIP.
Feel free to find her on Facebook, Goodreads, or her blog—she loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
September 12, 2021
4.5 stars.This guy will look in another's man eyes, shake his hand amiably, make a small talk and then fuck his girlfriend. 🥰🤩😘
He made me break up with the last boyfriend I cheated on with him. This time he doesn’t have any ammunition to use against me, so he had to get creative.”
“He sounds hot.”
“He sounds like a sociopath,” I reply.
As if he cannot be both. 💅🏻😤
I'm deeply, genuinely sorry for anyone who hasn't read this book yet, because you'll never know how to ruin your crush's date
As more people take their seats, I do my best to look unfriendly in hopes of keeping them all away. It’s working so well until someone drops into the seat next to me.
in the most horrifying,
obnoxious,
ourageous,
shameless,
chuckly,
cunning,
fashionable 💅🏻
way
I jerk backward as a paper bag full of popcorn is thrust at me from my left hand side—not the side Henry is on, but the side where the body just dropped into the seat.
“Don’t worry, I brought extra napkins,” Derek states, handing me a stack of them.Derek?
My jaw drops open and stays there.
“Got you a Diet Coke, too,” he says nonchalantly, tapping the plastic lid on the drink he put in my cup holder when I wasn’t paying attention. “The suit is really bad at taking you out. Doesn’t even know to get you snacks when you pretend you don’t want them. Can’t believe you’re wasting your time with this guy,” he says, shaking his head in disbelief. (ME NEITHER🤡🤡🤡)
and make their partner's eyes come out of their sockets once and for good, because, indeed, who follows lovely dovelies to the cinema in order to feed their ex a popcorn? 👁️👁️🤡
“Taking care of your needs, since Prince Charming over here clearly isn’t. Eat your popcorn,” he says, casually turning his gaze toward the big screen. “What are we watching? Gotta be honest, I wasn’t paying attention. Pull out your phone, let me see a trailer.”
The grown up Derek does. My boy has matured tremendously during those 6 years that separate Because of You from this book. Momma is so proud she might have shed a tear or two. 🤧
The whole scene and its outcome deserves a Noble Prize and I'm willing to make a sacrifice of handing over the prize to the laureate personally. 👉🏻👈🏻🥺
And if you ever heard someone saying that children can become an obstacle to having a healthy, satisfying and eventful personal life?? Derek begs to differ.
“Cassidy, what did your dad offer you to call me mom?”
“Five dollars,” she calls back.
“Motherfucker,” I whisper to myself, spinning around and glaring daggers at Derek.
Amazing, faithful (to each other🤡) couple!! Pure joy 🥰
P. S. Nikki's father is still DA BEST✨
He made me break up with the last boyfriend I cheated on with him. This time he doesn’t have any ammunition to use against me, so he had to get creative.”
“He sounds hot.”
“He sounds like a sociopath,” I reply.
As if he cannot be both. 💅🏻😤
I'm deeply, genuinely sorry for anyone who hasn't read this book yet, because you'll never know how to ruin your crush's date
As more people take their seats, I do my best to look unfriendly in hopes of keeping them all away. It’s working so well until someone drops into the seat next to me.
in the most horrifying,
obnoxious,
ourageous,
shameless,
chuckly,
cunning,
fashionable 💅🏻
way
I jerk backward as a paper bag full of popcorn is thrust at me from my left hand side—not the side Henry is on, but the side where the body just dropped into the seat.
“Don’t worry, I brought extra napkins,” Derek states, handing me a stack of them.Derek?
My jaw drops open and stays there.
“Got you a Diet Coke, too,” he says nonchalantly, tapping the plastic lid on the drink he put in my cup holder when I wasn’t paying attention. “The suit is really bad at taking you out. Doesn’t even know to get you snacks when you pretend you don’t want them. Can’t believe you’re wasting your time with this guy,” he says, shaking his head in disbelief. (ME NEITHER🤡🤡🤡)
and make their partner's eyes come out of their sockets once and for good, because, indeed, who follows lovely dovelies to the cinema in order to feed their ex a popcorn? 👁️👁️🤡
“Taking care of your needs, since Prince Charming over here clearly isn’t. Eat your popcorn,” he says, casually turning his gaze toward the big screen. “What are we watching? Gotta be honest, I wasn’t paying attention. Pull out your phone, let me see a trailer.”
The grown up Derek does. My boy has matured tremendously during those 6 years that separate Because of You from this book. Momma is so proud she might have shed a tear or two. 🤧
The whole scene and its outcome deserves a Noble Prize and I'm willing to make a sacrifice of handing over the prize to the laureate personally. 👉🏻👈🏻🥺
And if you ever heard someone saying that children can become an obstacle to having a healthy, satisfying and eventful personal life?? Derek begs to differ.
“Cassidy, what did your dad offer you to call me mom?”
“Five dollars,” she calls back.
“Motherfucker,” I whisper to myself, spinning around and glaring daggers at Derek.
Amazing, faithful (to each other🤡) couple!! Pure joy 🥰
P. S. Nikki's father is still DA BEST✨
February 3, 2021
God I hate this book it's made me so frustrated that I started to cry it's a loop the same thing happening again and again. DEREK DIDN'T LEAVE KAYLA. SHE LEFT HIM. It's like if she would not leave he would not be looking for NICOLE. Nicole should have ended up with anyone else except Derek . This book was a complete disappointment and it didn't reach up to what I expected it to be.👎👎👎
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2021
Derek Noble is ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE... so, in other words, ✨ABSOLUTELY PERFECT✨
Surprise, surprise. I loved this book.
It includes all the shit that Sam Mariano is famous (infamous?? 😬) for. And all that shit? I could Eat it With a Spoon.
“You know I don’t ask permission,”
So, in book 1 Derek demands entry into Nikki's life and her bed by taking her v-card while she was drunk, then blackmailing her with a sex tape. 👀 💕What a sweetie.💕 🤡 He then, forces her to break up with her boyfriend, because he was a jealous, and all is fine and good until HIS ex turns up preggers. Whoops. He panics, as would be expected of a 17-year old kid, and mucks it all up. He loves Nikki but is completely overwhelmed by teenage dad stuff and his manipulative vengeful crazy ex-girlfriend, Kayla. So, he destroys poor Nikki's heart. Nikki skips town without telling him where she’s going. This 2nd book starts 6 years later.
What I loved:
- One of the (many) things I typically despise about 2nd chance romances is that the H and h only get back together by chance. 🤨 That's not very alpha, to me. But in this case, we find out that Nikki's disappearing act left Derek searching for her. When he stumbles on the news that her father is getting married, he sees it at his chance to *finally* see her. So, he drives 3 hours to the venue and crashes the wedding. As a good hero should. 👍🏻👍🏻
Glaring at his hand on my arm, I tell him, “Let me go.” “No,” he says seriously, holding my gaze. “The only reason it took me six years to come after you is because I couldn’t find you, Nikki. Trust me, I’ve looked. You made yourself a fucking ghost.”
- I know people have very strong feelings about this story line, and I guess I'm probably one of them, but my opinion isn't all that popular. 😬 So.... Nikki didn't have sex with anyone else over the past 6 years. 🙈 There are legit reasons for this. It isn't just thrown out there, it's explained, and I could totally empathize with her. She has dated, and is currently in a relationship with a fantastic guy when the book starts. She went to college and has a thriving business. She's not just hanging out pining... but she was celibate... 👀 And I liked it. So there. 🤷🏼♀️ Don’t burn me at the stake.
- Derek has BALLLLLZZZZ. Friends, he is completely ruthless. 🖤 He is both infuriating and HILARIOUS. 🖤 He is not messing around and is totally shameless. 🖤 Case in point? After being rejected by Nikki, after he sexxes her up, he crashes her date with her boyfriend. 😈 This asshole comes and sits down next to her in a movie theater and hands her SNACKS. 🤡 I kid you not. Cool as a cucumber. And this is only one of several times he bulldozes. Gawd I love a shameless bulldozer. 🖤🖤🖤
“Don’t worry, I brought extra napkins,” Derek states, handing me a stack of them.
- there is a scene in Chapter 7 that is probably in my top 5 favorite romance scenes of all time. 💕 {And NO, you hussies, it is NOT a sex scene. 👀 I mean, sure, it LEADS to a sex scene, OBVIOUSLY, but the part I love is not the sex scene. 👀 Although that's hot too. 😏} No, this scene is *inventive*. It's hilarious, but also squeezes your heart. It reveals so much... It makes me laugh while also tearing up for our h. 🥺 And Derek? He's just so perfect in it. He knoooooowwwss... GAH. Just read the dang thing. It's so good. 💕💕💕💕
- Nikki doesn't just give in. She gives him hell. Derek has scarred her heart and left her with PTSD. She doesn't trust anyone, with him at the very top of the list. And Derek just keeps coming at her. ✨Sigh.✨ I love a relentless hero. He knows he made the biggest mistake of his life, and he's here for the clean up. He doesn't make excuses, he just digs in.
- So, typically Sam's heros have money and power. Derek does not. He was poor in the first book, and he's doing better in this one. He has a good job and is supporting his daughter, but he's not rich or powerful at all. He can't just waive a magic rich-guy wand and make things happen. It's not typically my cuppa, but I found it kinda refreshing that he had to do everything the hard way. And he's not whiney or resentful about it at all.
- You can really see my boo Carter from Untouchable taking shape here. What I loved is that Derek ISN'T Carter. The differences are in their power, their ages, and their experiences. He is a more mature and humble. He isn't as reckless. He's still an asshole, but Derek has a conscience. Mostly. 😏 But we still get lines like this (and the follow through):
“You are not getting laid,” I inform him, as he puts his hands on my hips and walks me back toward his bed. “I’m getting whatever I want,” he murmurs, leaning in to brush his lips across mine.
- Derek was not a manwhore during their time apart. In fact we get very little details about his sex life. I guess we can assume that he had sex with Kayla while she was still around, but it's never mentioned, and he says repeatedly he never loved her and they were miserable for the 2 years they were trying to raise their daughter together. There is a jealous gal at a party, but apparently he only made out with her... I appreciate that since the h was celibate, that Derek wasn't whoring around.
- Derek is on a not super subtle mission to lock Nikki down by getting her pregnant. 👀😬😍😍😍😍
- in typical Mariano style, this book is entirely in Nikki's POV. I love that. She is taking a HUGE risk and it's scary. I love that we get to be nervous and unsure right along with her 💕
- medium angst?
List of questions:
- Nikki and Derek never actually talk about the fact that Nikki was celibate. This is one of my favorite scenes in 2nd chance romance... when he realizes she hasn't been with anyone else... but it doesn't happen here. He never asks, and she never tells him.
- Was Derek ever married to Kayla? Dunno. It's never mentioned. I searched. If someone sees it, let me know.
- What was the state of Derek's sex life while away from Nikki? Because the way it's written, there could be a very good chance he was also celibate. He didn't like Kayla, and he was left with a 2-year old child to raise on his own.... it really wouldn't be THAT big of a stretch...
- Also, he immediately has unprotected sex with Nikki. Nikki has no question about where that peen has been. 🤔
- So, Kayla abandons Derek and their baby after 2 years. Nikki is rightfully concerned about the fact that Derek never made the choice to leave Kayla on his own. Would he have just stayed with her, miserable for all his days, if she hadn't left? I had this question as well. I don't feel like we ever got a completely satisfying resolution to that. And maybe that was on purpose? Maybe it wasn't. But, it would have been nice to confirm that he always intended to kick her to the curb. We know that he basically despised her, but like Nikki, I wanted MORE.
Bottom Line? I loved this book. I particularly loved the contrast in writing from the 1st book to the 2nd. You can really see how much Sam had grown as a writer from her first book to 4 years later. I loved Derek. Really Really. And I even liked Nikki more in this book. She was much more palatable as a jaded 24 year old. I liked their HEA. We even get a sweet epilogue. But I had questions that were unanswered, and I think they are significant questions, and it's unlike Sam to leave me hanging. So, I'm going with 4.5 stars.
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- some OW drama - Nikki is still fighting the ghost of Kayla, mostly in her own head, as Kayla doesn't actually appear in this book at all. Also, there's a scene where another girl tries to start problems with Nikki and Derek at a party. Derek isn't interested and tells her off brutally and publicly. He hadn't slept with her. She was just a delusional weirdo.
- dubcon lite - Derek isn't the kind to listen to "no" from the girl he loves, but Nikki's into it...so...
Surprise, surprise. I loved this book.
It includes all the shit that Sam Mariano is famous (infamous?? 😬) for. And all that shit? I could Eat it With a Spoon.
“You know I don’t ask permission,”
So, in book 1 Derek demands entry into Nikki's life and her bed by taking her v-card while she was drunk, then blackmailing her with a sex tape. 👀 💕What a sweetie.💕 🤡 He then, forces her to break up with her boyfriend, because he was a jealous, and all is fine and good until HIS ex turns up preggers. Whoops. He panics, as would be expected of a 17-year old kid, and mucks it all up. He loves Nikki but is completely overwhelmed by teenage dad stuff and his manipulative vengeful crazy ex-girlfriend, Kayla. So, he destroys poor Nikki's heart. Nikki skips town without telling him where she’s going. This 2nd book starts 6 years later.
What I loved:
- One of the (many) things I typically despise about 2nd chance romances is that the H and h only get back together by chance. 🤨 That's not very alpha, to me. But in this case, we find out that Nikki's disappearing act left Derek searching for her. When he stumbles on the news that her father is getting married, he sees it at his chance to *finally* see her. So, he drives 3 hours to the venue and crashes the wedding. As a good hero should. 👍🏻👍🏻
Glaring at his hand on my arm, I tell him, “Let me go.” “No,” he says seriously, holding my gaze. “The only reason it took me six years to come after you is because I couldn’t find you, Nikki. Trust me, I’ve looked. You made yourself a fucking ghost.”
- I know people have very strong feelings about this story line, and I guess I'm probably one of them, but my opinion isn't all that popular. 😬 So.... Nikki didn't have sex with anyone else over the past 6 years. 🙈 There are legit reasons for this. It isn't just thrown out there, it's explained, and I could totally empathize with her. She has dated, and is currently in a relationship with a fantastic guy when the book starts. She went to college and has a thriving business. She's not just hanging out pining... but she was celibate... 👀 And I liked it. So there. 🤷🏼♀️ Don’t burn me at the stake.
- Derek has BALLLLLZZZZ. Friends, he is completely ruthless. 🖤 He is both infuriating and HILARIOUS. 🖤 He is not messing around and is totally shameless. 🖤 Case in point? After being rejected by Nikki, after he sexxes her up, he crashes her date with her boyfriend. 😈 This asshole comes and sits down next to her in a movie theater and hands her SNACKS. 🤡 I kid you not. Cool as a cucumber. And this is only one of several times he bulldozes. Gawd I love a shameless bulldozer. 🖤🖤🖤
“Don’t worry, I brought extra napkins,” Derek states, handing me a stack of them.
- there is a scene in Chapter 7 that is probably in my top 5 favorite romance scenes of all time. 💕 {And NO, you hussies, it is NOT a sex scene. 👀 I mean, sure, it LEADS to a sex scene, OBVIOUSLY, but the part I love is not the sex scene. 👀 Although that's hot too. 😏} No, this scene is *inventive*. It's hilarious, but also squeezes your heart. It reveals so much... It makes me laugh while also tearing up for our h. 🥺 And Derek? He's just so perfect in it. He knoooooowwwss... GAH. Just read the dang thing. It's so good. 💕💕💕💕
- Nikki doesn't just give in. She gives him hell. Derek has scarred her heart and left her with PTSD. She doesn't trust anyone, with him at the very top of the list. And Derek just keeps coming at her. ✨Sigh.✨ I love a relentless hero. He knows he made the biggest mistake of his life, and he's here for the clean up. He doesn't make excuses, he just digs in.
- So, typically Sam's heros have money and power. Derek does not. He was poor in the first book, and he's doing better in this one. He has a good job and is supporting his daughter, but he's not rich or powerful at all. He can't just waive a magic rich-guy wand and make things happen. It's not typically my cuppa, but I found it kinda refreshing that he had to do everything the hard way. And he's not whiney or resentful about it at all.
- You can really see my boo Carter from Untouchable taking shape here. What I loved is that Derek ISN'T Carter. The differences are in their power, their ages, and their experiences. He is a more mature and humble. He isn't as reckless. He's still an asshole, but Derek has a conscience. Mostly. 😏 But we still get lines like this (and the follow through):
“You are not getting laid,” I inform him, as he puts his hands on my hips and walks me back toward his bed. “I’m getting whatever I want,” he murmurs, leaning in to brush his lips across mine.
- Derek was not a manwhore during their time apart. In fact we get very little details about his sex life. I guess we can assume that he had sex with Kayla while she was still around, but it's never mentioned, and he says repeatedly he never loved her and they were miserable for the 2 years they were trying to raise their daughter together. There is a jealous gal at a party, but apparently he only made out with her... I appreciate that since the h was celibate, that Derek wasn't whoring around.
- Derek is on a not super subtle mission to lock Nikki down by getting her pregnant. 👀😬😍😍😍😍
- in typical Mariano style, this book is entirely in Nikki's POV. I love that. She is taking a HUGE risk and it's scary. I love that we get to be nervous and unsure right along with her 💕
- medium angst?
List of questions:
- Nikki and Derek never actually talk about the fact that Nikki was celibate. This is one of my favorite scenes in 2nd chance romance... when he realizes she hasn't been with anyone else... but it doesn't happen here. He never asks, and she never tells him.
- Was Derek ever married to Kayla? Dunno. It's never mentioned. I searched. If someone sees it, let me know.
- What was the state of Derek's sex life while away from Nikki? Because the way it's written, there could be a very good chance he was also celibate. He didn't like Kayla, and he was left with a 2-year old child to raise on his own.... it really wouldn't be THAT big of a stretch...
- Also, he immediately has unprotected sex with Nikki. Nikki has no question about where that peen has been. 🤔
- So, Kayla abandons Derek and their baby after 2 years. Nikki is rightfully concerned about the fact that Derek never made the choice to leave Kayla on his own. Would he have just stayed with her, miserable for all his days, if she hadn't left? I had this question as well. I don't feel like we ever got a completely satisfying resolution to that. And maybe that was on purpose? Maybe it wasn't. But, it would have been nice to confirm that he always intended to kick her to the curb. We know that he basically despised her, but like Nikki, I wanted MORE.
Bottom Line? I loved this book. I particularly loved the contrast in writing from the 1st book to the 2nd. You can really see how much Sam had grown as a writer from her first book to 4 years later. I loved Derek. Really Really. And I even liked Nikki more in this book. She was much more palatable as a jaded 24 year old. I liked their HEA. We even get a sweet epilogue. But I had questions that were unanswered, and I think they are significant questions, and it's unlike Sam to leave me hanging. So, I'm going with 4.5 stars.
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- some OW drama - Nikki is still fighting the ghost of Kayla, mostly in her own head, as Kayla doesn't actually appear in this book at all. Also, there's a scene where another girl tries to start problems with Nikki and Derek at a party. Derek isn't interested and tells her off brutally and publicly. He hadn't slept with her. She was just a delusional weirdo.
- dubcon lite - Derek isn't the kind to listen to "no" from the girl he loves, but Nikki's into it...so...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
avoid
July 18, 2022Self note avoid (author rewrote the book, in the original version, they were apart for 20 yrs and she was celibate the whole time)
Rewritten version:
In book 2, MCs broke up because H got ex preg. He chose the ow over the h.
So H has a baby with ow and is supporting her.
He’s not rich, so the h will also end up supporting his daughter.(this is a real life situation).
6yrs separation.
H not celibate - slept with his baby momma and maybe others.
h is a celibate doormat the whole time.🙄
The ow left the H 2 yrs later. So if the Ow hadn’t left him, there would be no HEA for the MCs? And he only went looking for the h, because the ow dumped him.
So he gets a warm doormat in his bed and a free nanny for his daughter he had with another woman.
Lovely.
Rewritten version:
In book 2, MCs broke up because H got ex preg. He chose the ow over the h.
So H has a baby with ow and is supporting her.
He’s not rich, so the h will also end up supporting his daughter.(this is a real life situation).
6yrs separation.
H not celibate - slept with his baby momma and maybe others.
h is a celibate doormat the whole time.🙄
The ow left the H 2 yrs later. So if the Ow hadn’t left him, there would be no HEA for the MCs? And he only went looking for the h, because the ow dumped him.
So he gets a warm doormat in his bed and a free nanny for his daughter he had with another woman.
Lovely.
July 15, 2019
LMAOOO
the only reason he came crawling back was because Kayla left his ass. If Kayla has stayed he would’ve been content with being miserable with her just to see his daughter. If Kayla had stayed he never wouldve gone back to her lmaoooo.
He even said he stayed with her and was unhappy and lived with her... and he chose that other her. I really don’t understand why writers make their characters so hateable and weak minded. All he ever talks about is how dominant he is and yet he didn’t have the balls to fight for the girl he loves.
Honestly, she should have stuck with the lawyer. He was funny and just as dominant and was 100% better than the other weak pos.
the only reason he came crawling back was because Kayla left his ass. If Kayla has stayed he would’ve been content with being miserable with her just to see his daughter. If Kayla had stayed he never wouldve gone back to her lmaoooo.
He even said he stayed with her and was unhappy and lived with her... and he chose that other her. I really don’t understand why writers make their characters so hateable and weak minded. All he ever talks about is how dominant he is and yet he didn’t have the balls to fight for the girl he loves.
Honestly, she should have stuck with the lawyer. He was funny and just as dominant and was 100% better than the other weak pos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️ I literally couldn’t stop thinking about Derek and Nikki’s story after reading the first book. I’m so glad they finally got their HEA!
While I still enjoyed the book, I had a few issues with it that I couldn’t overlook. Like the fact that Kayla (ow) was the one that left Derek and not the other way around. It just makes me wonder if she would have never left him, would he have even gone after Nikki??? It just didn’t sit right with me.
I also found Nikki to be really selfish and annoying. She was just not a likable character. She cheated on her boyfriend AGAIN (he was actually a pretty good guy too.) I overlooked it in the first book because she was just a teenager but it just felt like she didn’t learn from her mistakes at all. There was no character growth on her part.
I did feel like Derek matured though. And his pursuit of Nikki was really entertaining. He was literally not taking no for an answer. He was determined to get Nikki back no matter what. I loved how relentless he was!! That’s my favorite type of hero 🥰.
Overall, I still enjoyed this book but not as much as the first one.
While I still enjoyed the book, I had a few issues with it that I couldn’t overlook. Like the fact that Kayla (ow) was the one that left Derek and not the other way around. It just makes me wonder if she would have never left him, would he have even gone after Nikki??? It just didn’t sit right with me.
I also found Nikki to be really selfish and annoying. She was just not a likable character. She cheated on her boyfriend AGAIN (he was actually a pretty good guy too.) I overlooked it in the first book because she was just a teenager but it just felt like she didn’t learn from her mistakes at all. There was no character growth on her part.
I did feel like Derek matured though. And his pursuit of Nikki was really entertaining. He was literally not taking no for an answer. He was determined to get Nikki back no matter what. I loved how relentless he was!! That’s my favorite type of hero 🥰.
Overall, I still enjoyed this book but not as much as the first one.
Read
July 30, 2018 LIVE!!
Because of You
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Gt1qh6
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GGJZYZU
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After You (NEW RELEASE!)
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(Both books available in #KindleUnlimited.)
Because of You
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Gt1qh6
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GGJZYZU
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00GGJZYZU
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00GGJZYZU
After You (NEW RELEASE!)
Amazon ⇢ https://amzn.to/2tBtlqa
Amazon UK ⇢ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07F37ZBN9
Amazon CA ⇢ https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07F37ZBN9
Amazon AU ⇢ https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07F37ZBN9
(Both books available in #KindleUnlimited.)
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January 23, 2023
⤅ Stop the press, people, I've discovered a Sam Mariano heroine with a backbone.
Caveat: this is the second book in a duology, and I very much did not read the first one. If I had, I might still think the hero deserves to be catapulted into the sun. (I slightly still do...) You don't need to have read the first book: it's clear that basically, the hero/heroine had a relationship, his ex came up pregnant, and he broke things off with the heroine, who left town and never looked back.
This book is set six years later, with 24-year-old Nikki a published author who's forced to go home for her father's wedding. She brings her boyfriend, but of course she runs back into Derek Noble, her ex who got the OW pregnant. He makes it clear that he wants her back... by bringing her drunk self back to his house and, when she wakes up, pretending he's her husband and his five-year-old Cassidy is their shared daughter. Nikki totally laps it up.
I admit, I cringed super hard at this scene (getting blackout drunk and forgetting things is one thing, but who erases their entire actual life and convinces themself they have a kid and husband after one night of drinking?!) Even though it made me fear for the integrity of the heroine's spine, things actually do pick up. Derek forcibly reasserts himself in Nikki's life, bringing Cassidy along for the ride.
Weirdly, I do actually feel like the heroine honestly made the hero work for her forgiveness. Not physically - yeah, they're back in bed together pretty quick - but emotionally. Even at like the 80% mark, she's running from him and telling him she can't do this anymore. Most importantly: he's the one who frequently rearranges his schedule so he can drive three hours to her house, even after she's basically dumped him. I don't think I've ever encountered a Mariano heroine with so much self-respect (granted, this is a low bar) so my jaw was basically on the floor as I read this.
There are definitely niggling issues I still have. For instance, it's the OW who leaves Derek, he doesn't leave her. If she'd never left, they would presumably have still been together. Luckily, Nikki does acknowledge this, and it's part of why she doesn't cave too stupidly early. She also ruminates over the existence of Cassidy and what it means that Derek has a child with someone else, who might one day re-enter her life. Perhaps most frustratingly of all, Nikki remains celibate for the entire six-year separation, despite having a boyfriend. Luckily Derek doesn't know this - neither character actually addresses celibacy with each other, though I think it's mildly implied that Derek might have slept with the OW. That made it more bearable for me.
⤅ Overall
In Derek we can see the seeds of antiheroism that eventually germinate and grow into Carter (from Untouchable). Derek isn't really an antihero in comparison, just determined and mildly manipulative, which is probably why I actually enjoyed the balance with Nikki - it felt more even than the author's usual pairings of 'super-naive-moronic heroine with ultra-streetwise manwhore hero'.
Caveat: this is the second book in a duology, and I very much did not read the first one. If I had, I might still think the hero deserves to be catapulted into the sun. (I slightly still do...) You don't need to have read the first book: it's clear that basically, the hero/heroine had a relationship, his ex came up pregnant, and he broke things off with the heroine, who left town and never looked back.
This book is set six years later, with 24-year-old Nikki a published author who's forced to go home for her father's wedding. She brings her boyfriend, but of course she runs back into Derek Noble, her ex who got the OW pregnant. He makes it clear that he wants her back... by bringing her drunk self back to his house and, when she wakes up, pretending he's her husband and his five-year-old Cassidy is their shared daughter. Nikki totally laps it up.
I admit, I cringed super hard at this scene (getting blackout drunk and forgetting things is one thing, but who erases their entire actual life and convinces themself they have a kid and husband after one night of drinking?!) Even though it made me fear for the integrity of the heroine's spine, things actually do pick up. Derek forcibly reasserts himself in Nikki's life, bringing Cassidy along for the ride.
Weirdly, I do actually feel like the heroine honestly made the hero work for her forgiveness. Not physically - yeah, they're back in bed together pretty quick - but emotionally. Even at like the 80% mark, she's running from him and telling him she can't do this anymore. Most importantly: he's the one who frequently rearranges his schedule so he can drive three hours to her house, even after she's basically dumped him. I don't think I've ever encountered a Mariano heroine with so much self-respect (granted, this is a low bar) so my jaw was basically on the floor as I read this.
There are definitely niggling issues I still have. For instance, it's the OW who leaves Derek, he doesn't leave her. If she'd never left, they would presumably have still been together. Luckily, Nikki does acknowledge this, and it's part of why she doesn't cave too stupidly early. She also ruminates over the existence of Cassidy and what it means that Derek has a child with someone else, who might one day re-enter her life. Perhaps most frustratingly of all, Nikki remains celibate for the entire six-year separation, despite having a boyfriend. Luckily Derek doesn't know this - neither character actually addresses celibacy with each other, though I think it's mildly implied that Derek might have slept with the OW. That made it more bearable for me.
⤅ Overall
In Derek we can see the seeds of antiheroism that eventually germinate and grow into Carter (from Untouchable). Derek isn't really an antihero in comparison, just determined and mildly manipulative, which is probably why I actually enjoyed the balance with Nikki - it felt more even than the author's usual pairings of 'super-naive-moronic heroine with ultra-streetwise manwhore hero'.
October 25, 2021
I always prided myself for reading any genre with open mind and not cloud my review about any book because of my frustration but this book had proved me wrong. It made me question the morality of the female lead. Craving sex from someone who broke your heart is one thing but being unfair to thr person who stood by you is new low for me.
Derek chose Kayla over Nikki. Okay, I understand and digested that point of view.
Kayla left Derek and now Derek invade Nikki's life in which Henry was patiently trying to break her ice and at the end Nikki, who is still hesitant to kiss her supposed boyfriend but doesnt mind sleeping with a guy who chose other woman over her. Wowwww. I mean just wow.
This book actually riled me up so much. I read untouchable and was expecting something like that or atleast a reasoning for why characters are doing what they are doing. But this book. ..I dont even know what to say.
He chose another woman over the female lead thinking she will wait..greaaaaat!
The woman he chose left him and thats when he set out to find Nikki and why not he would get free bed warmer and a nanny for his daughter...super great.
He takes her away from her father's wedding and that entire dream scenario was stupid as fuck.
Henry, who patiently stood with her, considerate to her, gave her space yet she didnt give him the attention or time and here she dont mind delaying her work just for the booty call?! I mean is she for real?!.
Nikki was the worst and stupidest female lead I ever read in any genre. The guy can fucked up, toss her aside and she is running back to the same guy and please dont even name that emotion as love. Gawd!! I need to read a good book to get the frustration out caused by this series.
Derek chose Kayla over Nikki. Okay, I understand and digested that point of view.
Kayla left Derek and now Derek invade Nikki's life in which Henry was patiently trying to break her ice and at the end Nikki, who is still hesitant to kiss her supposed boyfriend but doesnt mind sleeping with a guy who chose other woman over her. Wowwww. I mean just wow.
This book actually riled me up so much. I read untouchable and was expecting something like that or atleast a reasoning for why characters are doing what they are doing. But this book. ..I dont even know what to say.
He chose another woman over the female lead thinking she will wait..greaaaaat!
The woman he chose left him and thats when he set out to find Nikki and why not he would get free bed warmer and a nanny for his daughter...super great.
He takes her away from her father's wedding and that entire dream scenario was stupid as fuck.
Henry, who patiently stood with her, considerate to her, gave her space yet she didnt give him the attention or time and here she dont mind delaying her work just for the booty call?! I mean is she for real?!.
Nikki was the worst and stupidest female lead I ever read in any genre. The guy can fucked up, toss her aside and she is running back to the same guy and please dont even name that emotion as love. Gawd!! I need to read a good book to get the frustration out caused by this series.
June 30, 2018
Probably in the minority here but at the conclusion of Because of You I was satisfied with Nikki's choice. I wasn't too sure if I could forgive Derek for being the biggest JERK and unbelievably STUPID in his actions. Before starting this book I was really hoping Nikki moved on with a great new love and a wonderful life so she could rub it in Derek's face. What I got was an emotional journey with a character who had grown up from an immature boy to a man who had learned from his mistakes while taking hold of his chance at happiness with both hands.Derek was Nikki's once in a lifetime love so she really hadn't moved on. Derek had to do a lot of convincing for Nikki and I to forgive him Lol. It was a feel good romantic read which I thoroughly enjoyed!
July 24, 2018
Now that I have finished both of these books I will admit I really liked them. The first is full of innocence and pain. The next one is about rediscovery and releasing your fears.
September 21, 2021
This provided fabulous snack food for my internal angsty drama llama.
The previous book had the h leaving heartbroken and we pick up 6 years in the future where she is still protecting her heart.
Enter the H, determined to show that he’s grown up, recognises her for his soul mate and will never stop fighting for her.
I did start skimming towards the end but up to the 80% mark, I enjoyed the journey of a realistically cautious h and a determined H.
The previous book had the h leaving heartbroken and we pick up 6 years in the future where she is still protecting her heart.
Enter the H, determined to show that he’s grown up, recognises her for his soul mate and will never stop fighting for her.
I did start skimming towards the end but up to the 80% mark, I enjoyed the journey of a realistically cautious h and a determined H.
September 13, 2021
The other man is an asshole. Trust me, he did not send them as a nice gesture. After he fucks with me, he likes to scare off any other man who might paw at me. He made me break up with the last boyfriend I cheated on with him. This time he doesn’t have any ammunition to use against me, so he had to get creative.”
“He sounds hot.”
“He sounds like a sociopath,” I reply
that's summaries it
January 26, 2019
Writing was definitely better. But omg. It was a constant loop. The same drama over and over over what if’s. Over I don’t think I can trust you and I can’t be with you anymore until eventual hea.
I thought the book started out really strong. I really liked the banter between Henry and Nikki
I thought the book started out really strong. I really liked the banter between Henry and Nikki
December 5, 2020
I really wanted to like this book especially after she finally found some guts in the first. But she sees him after 6 years and goes straight to bed with him yeah no. Sorry but she was weak!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2021
I reviewed all of this in Because of You.
I wanted to give 4⭐️ Or even 3⭐️
But I just couldn’t.
I wanted to give 4⭐️ Or even 3⭐️
But I just couldn’t.
December 15, 2022
This was somehow better AND worse than the first book 🤷
The writing got undeniably better, the story was easy to read, there was a certain flow to it.
Derek's appearance and following actions were hilarious, intriguing and right up your alley, if you love Sam Mariano's typical heroes. He was a bulldozer in a best sense of the word.
Everything after the ~30% mark was frustrating and repetitive. They had the same argument over and over and over and over and over....And over. The results were always the same and I kind of could see where each of them was coming from, but it doesn't mean I need it in a book.
I really hated the fact, that Derek didn't leave Kayla, but rather was left by her. This is never addressed properly, but I have a feeling that if she didn't leave him, Derek would also never leave. And consequently never would've chased after Nikki. Plus right AFTER Kayla left, Derek got a book mailed by Nikki, where she poured her soul out. So it was like ... Derek got reminded that he still has pull over her and started looking for her 🤡
Overall this book messes with your head, but not in a good way. There was no over the top psychos or bullies or even mafiosos like in her other books, but rather two people who suffer and fight and fuck. And repeat. It wasn't cute or romantic or anything that I'd like to read about, because what was written here happens irl too often.
The writing got undeniably better, the story was easy to read, there was a certain flow to it.
Derek's appearance and following actions were hilarious, intriguing and right up your alley, if you love Sam Mariano's typical heroes. He was a bulldozer in a best sense of the word.
Everything after the ~30% mark was frustrating and repetitive. They had the same argument over and over and over and over and over....And over. The results were always the same and I kind of could see where each of them was coming from, but it doesn't mean I need it in a book.
I really hated the fact, that Derek didn't leave Kayla, but rather was left by her. This is never addressed properly, but I have a feeling that if she didn't leave him, Derek would also never leave. And consequently never would've chased after Nikki. Plus right AFTER Kayla left, Derek got a book mailed by Nikki, where she poured her soul out. So it was like ... Derek got reminded that he still has pull over her and started looking for her 🤡
Overall this book messes with your head, but not in a good way. There was no over the top psychos or bullies or even mafiosos like in her other books, but rather two people who suffer and fight and fuck. And repeat. It wasn't cute or romantic or anything that I'd like to read about, because what was written here happens irl too often.
July 22, 2021
3 stars for Cassidy and Cassidy only
August 17, 2021
I LOVVVVVED this duet! Especially book 2!!! Mainly because H goes after h and doesn’t let anything stand in his way 👀 even a boyfriend 😈 I laughed. I cried. & I was riveted from beginning to end.
February 25, 2019
Disappointing boring finish
What a disappointing finish as the finish to the story between Nikki and Derek. Nikki was a complete mess all around. There was ni redeeming qualities to her. She cheated TWICE on 2 great guys. The fault was completely hers as Derek owed them nothing. She owed way more than what she gave. Then all the reasons she couldn't be with others she ignored completely with Derek. And her point about the fact that Derek didn't even leave Kayla, but Kayla left him was a perfect point and then she just ignored it. Her back and forth and hot and cold to every situation gave me whiplash. The only reason I bothered to finish these books was because I paid for them. I just found nothing to relate to Nikki in any way. Also the Mallory thing was never really resolved as to why she seemed to have more involvement than Derek led her to believe. I just felt this was an unnecessarily excessively long story with characters that were never going to be connected to. What a waste
What a disappointing finish as the finish to the story between Nikki and Derek. Nikki was a complete mess all around. There was ni redeeming qualities to her. She cheated TWICE on 2 great guys. The fault was completely hers as Derek owed them nothing. She owed way more than what she gave. Then all the reasons she couldn't be with others she ignored completely with Derek. And her point about the fact that Derek didn't even leave Kayla, but Kayla left him was a perfect point and then she just ignored it. Her back and forth and hot and cold to every situation gave me whiplash. The only reason I bothered to finish these books was because I paid for them. I just found nothing to relate to Nikki in any way. Also the Mallory thing was never really resolved as to why she seemed to have more involvement than Derek led her to believe. I just felt this was an unnecessarily excessively long story with characters that were never going to be connected to. What a waste
January 12, 2019
I cannot recommend
I cannot recommend this book in the guise that we might different tastes.
The h is back and forth so much I almost gave up at 80%. But since this was bk 2 & I wasn't getting those several hours back, I figured I could struggle through for less than 1 more.
I cannot recommend this book in the guise that we might different tastes.
The h is back and forth so much I almost gave up at 80%. But since this was bk 2 & I wasn't getting those several hours back, I figured I could struggle through for less than 1 more.
June 15, 2024
NO.
NAH.
NOPE.
NAH.
NOPE.
June 29, 2018
Worth the wait!!!!
This book was amazing. I don’t know how Sam does it but she makes us love a character more and more with each book. Nikki and Derek their dynamics are off the charts. Two characters that understand each other and take ownership of their flaws. Add a beautiful daughter and you have an amazing story.... I will say it again this author never fails!!!!!!!
This book was amazing. I don’t know how Sam does it but she makes us love a character more and more with each book. Nikki and Derek their dynamics are off the charts. Two characters that understand each other and take ownership of their flaws. Add a beautiful daughter and you have an amazing story.... I will say it again this author never fails!!!!!!!
September 14, 2022
Because of you had a bittersweet perfect ending. After you did not meet the expectations. I was hoping for more love, understanding and something magic. We meet Nicole after six years, having a great career, a hot boyfriend, and some issues from her previous relationships. Although she had grown in so many ways, although we figure out Derek had grown in so many ways, the plot was too non-progressive.
Even in book1, she was cynical about love because of her mother's failure in love. Understandable and relatable for an 18-year-old. In the six years, she had further developed emotional detachment to not let herself be hurt. That's logical too. She has a boyfriend, who she sees as convenience and not someone to have a future with. And the boyfriend knows that too? Ugh! That was way too convenient.
And then Derek comes into the picture, with whom she has body-betraying syndrome. And while we are supposed to see that Derek somehow wins over her, all we ended up seeing was her becoming determined to never love again. Every moment was written in a way that made Nicole to feel she was in the right to not open up her heart. In fact, this book should have ended with Nicole leaving Derek, and finding a closure to her romantic life. That much dull it was.
And I don't know why Henry stuck around. Like, he knows she isn't serious with him, and had slept with her ex-bf, and he still tries for her? It felt unrealistic and there for drama.
Major gripe was, though, the fact that Nicole asked Derek to choose between her and his little daughter Cassidy. It didn't sit well with me.
The ending was fine, but I didn't enjoy this book that much.
Even in book1, she was cynical about love because of her mother's failure in love. Understandable and relatable for an 18-year-old. In the six years, she had further developed emotional detachment to not let herself be hurt. That's logical too. She has a boyfriend, who she sees as convenience and not someone to have a future with. And the boyfriend knows that too? Ugh! That was way too convenient.
And then Derek comes into the picture, with whom she has body-betraying syndrome. And while we are supposed to see that Derek somehow wins over her, all we ended up seeing was her becoming determined to never love again. Every moment was written in a way that made Nicole to feel she was in the right to not open up her heart. In fact, this book should have ended with Nicole leaving Derek, and finding a closure to her romantic life. That much dull it was.
And I don't know why Henry stuck around. Like, he knows she isn't serious with him, and had slept with her ex-bf, and he still tries for her? It felt unrealistic and there for drama.
Major gripe was, though, the fact that Nicole asked Derek to choose between her and his little daughter Cassidy. It didn't sit well with me.
The ending was fine, but I didn't enjoy this book that much.
October 17, 2018
I was happy they got their HEA but Nicole was still annoying as ever and Derek was still an asshole sometimes (well what did you expect, did you forget he raped and blackmailed her in the 1st book?). Plus, to me, this was kind of lacking because inevitably I read the 1st book's epilogue before the author made announcement about skipping ro read that part because she was going to write the 2nd book. I had to forget the epilogue ever existed. I did hope at first this book would take place after that epilogue, story about adult Nicole and Derek, adult like people in fourties finding each other again, that would be heartwarming, but no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2018
I Seriously Wanted to
Beat Nikki/Nicole. She was driving me nuts.
What a fabulous, sweet, emotional ride. This duet was exactly what I needed after reading too much dark stuff, and too much poorly written fluff.
Sam Mariano always pulls through with a good story.
Beat Nikki/Nicole. She was driving me nuts.
What a fabulous, sweet, emotional ride. This duet was exactly what I needed after reading too much dark stuff, and too much poorly written fluff.
Sam Mariano always pulls through with a good story.
November 26, 2023
2/5 stars
the jump in quality from the first book is crazy but i still didn’t really click with this story
the jump in quality from the first book is crazy but i still didn’t really click with this story
May 19, 2019
Once bitten twice shy
This was a great sequel to the first book. I stayed mad at Derek through the first half of the book, and I was aggravated with Nicole for allowing him to get close to her again. I wanted her to protect herself and boy did she. Loved that about her.
But, really, if you love someone you have to be willing to open your heart even if they’ve hurt you before. And he was young when it all went down plus he was trying to be a good parent. Life is hard. We don’t get redos. To love and be loved...well, you know.
This was a great sequel to the first book. I stayed mad at Derek through the first half of the book, and I was aggravated with Nicole for allowing him to get close to her again. I wanted her to protect herself and boy did she. Loved that about her.
But, really, if you love someone you have to be willing to open your heart even if they’ve hurt you before. And he was young when it all went down plus he was trying to be a good parent. Life is hard. We don’t get redos. To love and be loved...well, you know.
September 20, 2020
I absolutely love Sam's writing style, I love her heroines and the strength she gives them even if they are broken souls. I love the banter and the connections in her stories and I'm yet to find one I could put down. Another easy 5 stars for this book.
February 1, 2019
Four Stars
Four Stars easy.
A good ending. I enjoyed both books and I even loved Henry. But Cassidy made the book.
Four Stars easy.
A good ending. I enjoyed both books and I even loved Henry. But Cassidy made the book.
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