A chance encounter in rural Texas leads two strangers to a love over thirty years in the making. Blake Her trip across the country led her to me, my town—my booth on my lunch break and I never forgot her. I never forgot our conversation or her… taste when I’d been fortunate enough to have it.She had me in a world where she was mine and, even though the experience of her had only been for a short while, I took that memory into the rest of my life, Anita… the girl who spoke of dreams.She reminded me of my dreams and that it was okay to have them. I made those desires into reality years later, after a fallen marriage and a lifetime of hesitance, but never once did Ann leave me.I never thought I needed anyone when the girl with talks of dreaming finally made it back into my life over three decades later, my family and the strong boys I raised into men all I needed. Anita sure proved me wrong, because not only did I need that woman, I lived for her once I had her back in my life.My sudden heart attack may have brought us back to each other, but our history…It gave us both a second chance.Blake by Victoria H. Smith is a 20,000-word BWWM story created just for those who demanded to see and read more about Griffin’s pop, the head of the Chandler brood who has a love story all of his own. Set in the 1980s with flashes to the present, this contemporary romance will steam up your eReader and possibly make you shed a few tears along the way! An origin story between Blake and Griffin’s stepmom Ann, this short read acts as book six in the Found by You series and is best enjoyed after reading the full-length novel Brody.
Victoria H. Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She puts it to good use writing romance all day. She resides in the Midwest with her Macbook on her lap and a cornfield to her right. She often draws inspiration for her stories from her own life experiences, and the characters she writes give her an earful about it.
In her free time, she enjoys extreme couponing, reading, watching Scandal, and general geekery in the form of Sherlock and DC Comics. She’s a bestselling author and the 2014 Swirl Award winner for Best New Adult Romance, as well as the recipient of the 2015 AMB Ovation Award for her new adult romance FOUND BY YOU. She writes both new adult and adult fiction in many genres, but mainly focuses in contemporary interracial and multicultural romances.
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This book is the definition of Right person, wrong time. 💟💟💟
This was a novella about Blake who is the dad of all of the Hero's in this series. The family Patriarch. This is his story and the story of when he met Anita, who was basically his soulmate. But they obviously parted ways and met so late in life. 😭😭😭 I loved it for the nostalgia but hated it because of all the time wasted. 🥺🥺🥺 I feel like Anita deffo deserved the world and if only they were both strong enough to find eachother sooner.
I loved reading the backstory of Blake before he became a father to Hayden, Brody, Griffin and Colton. This is a beautifully told story of Blake and the only woman he has ever truly loved. Victoria wrote this book specifically for the many readers that wanted to know more about Blake and Ann's Love Story. She delivered! Thank you. Highly Recommended: Read It.
Blake and Ann's love story is about a second chance to right a wrong. These two didn't get it right the first time around, but made sure, that when the opportunity came, that they didn't make the same mistake twice. This is a fated love story about how even with the passing of time, true love can and will not be denied. Great job Ms Smith!
A short love story that will leave a lasting impression
**mild spoilers** . . . . . . . "I made the short-term moment, the longest of memories." This quote perfectly captures a beautiful short love story between two unlikely lovers, Anita and Blake. Victoria Smith's innate ability to create a vivid and realistic world is almost unparalleled. She deftly weaves Ann and Blake's points of views--two completely different individuals that fate allowed their paths to cross and leave a lasting mark for years to come--into a tale with such vivid imagery that it will leave you breathless and have you feeling as if you are watching the events unfold.
This is a story I will definitely return to, again and again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm very excited that Blake's story has come out. Blake was always a favorite of mine. I liked his silent yet sexy sex appeal in this series and to actually get to see him in action was amazing. This is Blake and Anita's short story. The story is short but it really didn't need to be long as the two met, fell in feelings (beginning of love) and went their separate ways. This story starts when Blake was in the hospital after his heart attack and Anita is there to be his "nurse angel" then it takes off from there. I liked how they meet and at first I thought Anita was flirting when she asked to sit with the big shy Blake but it wasn't a flirtatious act just one that fate put in place for them to meet. I was sad that after the meeting and the getting to know each that they did not end up together the first go around, but fate has a way of putting people together that belong together no matter the timeframe. There love was short but honest and if they had taken the time they would've seen that they actually belong together. That's why after 30 plus years the two were destined to meet again and this time nothing would stand in there way of being together. This was a short story but it gave you the background that you needed so that you can put Blake and Anita's relationship in prospective. Victoria Smith you did Blake good in the telling of his story, I'm sad that it ended but I know that we will see more of him and Anita in the other series.
Although the events for Blake and Ann was thirty years in the making, it was still an epic love story nonetheless. It was really great to find out how Blake for his happy ending and the history behind it. Although we all knew Blake was a big teddy bear it was fun finding how much of one he truly was. I'm really glad their paths led them down the ones they took away from each other which ultimately led them back to one another, because without those separate paths we wouldn't have the loveable Chandler boys we now. Like I mean who doesn't love Griffin, Brody and soon to be Colton, I didn't include Hayden simply because he was long taken when we first met the brothers in Griffin's book. I really love that Blake's and Ann's love for another seemed timeless, like it took a break and started right back up with no awkwardness left. Really looking forward to reading Colton's book after that lovely teaser we got at the end of this book. Thank you Victoria for giving us this special glimpse of Blake's happy ending. Highly recommend this book!!!
I loved the first two books in the series. I had no choice in the matter as I TOTALLY fell in love with Roxie and Griffin Chandler!!! So much so that I've read them over and over. I was surprised, pleasantly so, discovering that Victoria H. Smith had added to the series not only enjoying more of a story I'd loved for years, but also giving a much bigger picture of the 'Chandlers ' quite literally. I enjoyed experiencing getting to know Griff's brothers. My heart melted though, when I came to Blake! Giving a far greater appreciation for the Patriarch of these big beautiful men. All we'd known this far had been the very quiet & gruff exterior of Blake. Reading this book had me falling all over again! Blake's having reconnected with his SOUL MATE made Blake as Ann's love story almost as good as Roxie and Griffin's. ALMOST!!! Thank you Victoria H. Smith!!!! Thanks indeed!!!
This is the story of Blake, the father to all those sexy Chandler boys. I always knew Blake was a good man, but after reading how he originally met Ann, I almost swooned. The fact that they went so long without each other is sad, but in the grand scheme of things it is what needed to happen for their lives to be complete.
Their love story is one for the record books. It teaches the lessons of always live your dreams and never give up on love! Fate once again will never be denied. If you are meant to be with someone, I am positive love will find a way.
This was a feel good story. I enjoyed the journey and look forward to reading it again and again.
For some reason I was not prepared for the sheer love that dominated the story. I knew from the way their love shone through, there was much more to their story. It was magical the way Anita could see his future, even when he could not fathom the events as she called them.I knew from the previous stories Blake married the Chandler boys mother prior to marrying Anita. She was his blessing. She was Much more than just love. Blake was a big teddy bear I loved from the start. Now I know why. Bravo Mrs. V.
Blake tells the story of Blake Chandler and his wife Ann. Blake is the patriarch of the Chandler clan and his sons, Griffin and Brody, have had their stories told as part of the Found By You series.
This was a seriously sweet story. If it were any sweeter, you’d develop cavities. Blake and Ann met by chance and spent a life changing weekend together. Circumstances made it such that Blake and Ann could not stay together beyond that weekend. However, fate intervenes many years later.
Blake is a quick read let leaves you wanting more.
I loved this story. I wanted more from this mature couple. It was great to read a second chance romance involving an older couple whose love had not diminished over time. Even after doing things that was expected of them from others and marrying other people, their love for each other endured. It was their destiny for Anita and Blake to be brought back together for their sunset years and their HEA for however long that would be. This was a heartbreakingly sweet love story.
This Novella had me in my feelings. The chemistry just leapt off the pages. Blake and Ann’a story was so beautiful. Two strangers who meet and are attracted to each other but both a little shy to really voice and express it. Young Blake Chandler was shy, sweet, sexy and romantic. He was so shy he didn’t understand that Ann was checking him out and like what she saw.
Found By You," Blake and Ann's story was sweet, hopeful, passionate, sad and finally ecstatic! I loved this story! Blake was shy, Ann was conflicted due to family pressures. They met purely by chance but the attraction was immediate. They loved each other and although they were apart for decades, that love never waned! I wished it was longer!
Ok, one of the best novellas ever! Just in those few chapters, you could feel the deep connection between Ann(Anita) and Blake. That scene at the train station broke my heart....I felt the anguish. So, glad fate seem fit to bring the back together....so sweet! Can't wait for Colton's story.....those Chandler men are achingly sweet
This was short and sweet. It was good getting the background on Blake and Anita. They had a strong connection for over thirty years that made it even stronger after reconnecting. The small time that they shared was enough to last a lifetime, making reuniting that much more enjoyable.
What a beautiful story for Ann and Blake. I do wish we could've delved a bit deeper into his relationship he had with the boys mother. I would've loved to understand what happened in that relationship. It's such a beautiful love story. But that little excerpt from Colton's book...I'm on the edge of my seat in anticipation. That book is going to be gooooddddd.
I loved this story, it does explain so much about their relationship. The best moment for me was when the reporter ask them how long they had been together and Blake said "thirty years", my heart exploded. This man loved her from the moment he met her and never let her go. That's the kind of love that we all aspire to have. This story is truly inspiring.
I love how this story is about re-finding that special someone that life separated. I love the development of both hero and heroine . This story challenges the reader in realizing that true love will stand the test of time.
This was the sweetest love story! Of all of Victoria H. Smith’s books I’ve read, this is the best; even though it’s a novella! She has breathed life into Blake and Anita and bared their souls! You can feel their love and can’t help but fall in love with them!
I truly wanted to cry at the end. This story touched my heart. I really love these characters and the great stories that have come from them. Can't wait for Colton's story
It was nice to get Blake and Anita's story. Seeing daddy Blake explains why his son's are so yummy. Blake and Anita found love a first sight. A love so deep that it lasted thru decades. Sweet story.
Blake and Ann meet while she's waiting for a train to take her to her unwanted future. They live their lives and reconnect, only to find they never stopped loving each other.
Sweet love story that spans over 30+ years. Love discovered, released, found, and finally reunited. Loved the characters. I haven't read the rest of the series, but now I will.
Blake and Ann's story was so romantic. They were destined, not in 1985. Their love grew even though they apart for 30 years. Great story and storytelling.!😊 Can't wait for Colton and Cami's story. Thank you Victoria.
This novella is a sweet change of pace. I enjoyed the reminiscent sorry of how Blake and Ann meet. Great chemistry also explains a lot of how Blake treated his sons and raised them to be gentlemen. The story did get choppy at times however, overall a good read.
This was a really sweet story of a romance to have a second chance. I really appreciated Blake's thoughtfulness. I wished this was a bit longer, but it still was a good story.
Amazing story lines. Great pace. Wonderful characters. Fantastic love stories. The Chandler men...just yummy! They love so much and so hard...it's awesome!