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Waiting for Her
Our relationship was such a cliché.Friends to lovers. High school sweethearts.Then... driven by insecurities, I broke Grady Ryan’s heart.I was weak, afraid to love, and even more afraid to be loved.There are secrets I’ve kept buried but I can’t forget what we once shared.I’ve been given a second chance and this time, I’m prepared to fight for him.After six long years of silence, Bri Jameson is back in my life.I never expected to see her again, especially not to share in the biggest opportunity of my career.When she walks toward me across my football field, I can’t stop my heart from racing.But time hasn’t stopped me from knowing her – and I know she’s hiding something.I can only hope whatever it is doesn’t ruin me.I’ve finally moved on and I won’t fall into her trap again. I wish I could tell my heart the same thing – it’s just been waiting for her. Waiting for Her is an emotional standalone second chance romance.
301 pages, Paperback
Published August 11, 2018
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892 people want to read
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July 31, 2018
4.5 stars!
A gorgeously emotional second-chance-romance that is sweet, functional and full of swoon!
Grady and Bri were childhood best friends who fell in love as teenagers and (eventually) made the leap from friends-to-lovers, becoming each other’s whole worlds and knowing that they were going to be together forever. But Bri’s life got shaken up and she reacted badly, running in order to ‘protect’ herself and triggering a downward spiral that she found it impossible to pull herself out of.
It’s been six long years since Grady and Bri have seen each other, but Grady has just been appointed the youngest coach of a division 1 college football team, and Bri is the sports reporter assigned to write an in-depth article about him – forcing the former lovers together and giving them the chance to finally face up to what happened all those years ago, and to address the feelings for each other that have never gone away.
I love second-chance-romances, and this one is full of feels from the very beginning. Despite their separation, Grady and Bri still love each other deeply, and they are both fully aware of that fact. The chemistry zings from the first moment they lay eyes on each other, neither of them deny it, and they don’t hide the pain they’ve been in since they parted. But they have a lot to work through, starting with the secrets of their past and all that they have missed.
Jennifer Van Wyk writes the most amazingly irresistible heroes and OMG, I absolutely adore Grady! He is SUCH a sweetheart! He’s been through hell in the time they’ve been apart, but he’s also made a good life for himself, with great friends and family, and now his new amazing career opportunity. He’s a genuinely good guy who is open, honest and very in touch with his feelings. He never moved on from his first love, and he is not afraid to pour his heart out to Bri, putting it all out there and holding nothing back, and I love that!
Oh swoon!
I admit, I had some issues with Bri early on. Grady is so amazing that I was mad at her for hurting him the way she did, and I found it difficult to sympathise with her. But seeing her so willing to own her mistakes and make things right helped warm me to her. There is a bit of back and forth as she and Grady sort things out, but I loved the honesty between them, and when her full story is finally revealed I could understand how she became as lost as she did. And though I was still pissed at her, I loved that she was willing to put herself out there for Grady, determined to do whatever he needed to make things right.
And Grady’s unwavering love for her made it impossible not to love her too.
*dreamy sigh*
It’s a beautifully written love story, with lots of feels, and I was completely swept up in the reunion between these two who were so clearly meant to be. It’s not all serious, with moments of fun, flirting, teasing and banter, and I loved that their families were both so involved in everything that was going on between them. This is a fantastic bunch of characters who are so closely intertwined, and the dynamics add something special to the story.
Although this book can be read as a standalone, I loved having all of the background details about Grady and Bri, and their families, before diving into this one. Even knowing most of the characters, I needed to reread over some of the details in the book to remember who they were and make sure I had all of the relationships straight in my head. Plus, I had an added build up to Grady and Bri’s story which began in Van Wyk’s first book, From the Ground Up (featuring Grady’s parents and introducing a teenage Grady), and Bri’s downfall which began in the last book, Feels Like Home (the story of Bri’s mother and now-stepfather). And in the six years since the last book ended, there have been some really interesting developments that I really appreciated and loved seeing.
Like Van Wyk’s other books, this one completely captured my heart and had me in a world of swoon as Grady and Bri fought hard for their happy ever after. Beautifully written and absolutely captivating, I loved it!
4.5 swoony stars.
An Advanced Review Copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A gorgeously emotional second-chance-romance that is sweet, functional and full of swoon!
Grady and Bri were childhood best friends who fell in love as teenagers and (eventually) made the leap from friends-to-lovers, becoming each other’s whole worlds and knowing that they were going to be together forever. But Bri’s life got shaken up and she reacted badly, running in order to ‘protect’ herself and triggering a downward spiral that she found it impossible to pull herself out of.
It’s been six long years since Grady and Bri have seen each other, but Grady has just been appointed the youngest coach of a division 1 college football team, and Bri is the sports reporter assigned to write an in-depth article about him – forcing the former lovers together and giving them the chance to finally face up to what happened all those years ago, and to address the feelings for each other that have never gone away.
“I went through some of the best and worst moments of my life, and you weren’t there. It was always supposed to be you by my side. Me by yours.”
I love second-chance-romances, and this one is full of feels from the very beginning. Despite their separation, Grady and Bri still love each other deeply, and they are both fully aware of that fact. The chemistry zings from the first moment they lay eyes on each other, neither of them deny it, and they don’t hide the pain they’ve been in since they parted. But they have a lot to work through, starting with the secrets of their past and all that they have missed.
“I need to understand, and yet, I’m not sure I ever will. I can’t fall back into you again. It hurt too much to lose you the first time. Not just as my girlfriend, but as my best friend.
Jennifer Van Wyk writes the most amazingly irresistible heroes and OMG, I absolutely adore Grady! He is SUCH a sweetheart! He’s been through hell in the time they’ve been apart, but he’s also made a good life for himself, with great friends and family, and now his new amazing career opportunity. He’s a genuinely good guy who is open, honest and very in touch with his feelings. He never moved on from his first love, and he is not afraid to pour his heart out to Bri, putting it all out there and holding nothing back, and I love that!
I shift, framing her face in the palms of my hands, and lean down, letting my forehead rest against hers.
“Don’t you get it, yet, Bri?”
“Get what?”
“It doesn’t matter what happened in your past. What mistakes you made. My love for you, it doesn’t have a beginning or an end, I would have waited for you forever.”
Oh swoon!
I admit, I had some issues with Bri early on. Grady is so amazing that I was mad at her for hurting him the way she did, and I found it difficult to sympathise with her. But seeing her so willing to own her mistakes and make things right helped warm me to her. There is a bit of back and forth as she and Grady sort things out, but I loved the honesty between them, and when her full story is finally revealed I could understand how she became as lost as she did. And though I was still pissed at her, I loved that she was willing to put herself out there for Grady, determined to do whatever he needed to make things right.
“I don’t need any more chances, Grady. No more time. I’m here. With you. Yours, for as long as you’ll have me.”
And Grady’s unwavering love for her made it impossible not to love her too.
“I don’t deserve your forgiveness and yet here I am, receiving it.”
“Who am I to say you don’t deserve forgiveness? My love for you isn’t conditional, Bri. I fell in love with you, my heart never allowed me to fall out.”
*dreamy sigh*
It’s a beautifully written love story, with lots of feels, and I was completely swept up in the reunion between these two who were so clearly meant to be. It’s not all serious, with moments of fun, flirting, teasing and banter, and I loved that their families were both so involved in everything that was going on between them. This is a fantastic bunch of characters who are so closely intertwined, and the dynamics add something special to the story.
Although this book can be read as a standalone, I loved having all of the background details about Grady and Bri, and their families, before diving into this one. Even knowing most of the characters, I needed to reread over some of the details in the book to remember who they were and make sure I had all of the relationships straight in my head. Plus, I had an added build up to Grady and Bri’s story which began in Van Wyk’s first book, From the Ground Up (featuring Grady’s parents and introducing a teenage Grady), and Bri’s downfall which began in the last book, Feels Like Home (the story of Bri’s mother and now-stepfather). And in the six years since the last book ended, there have been some really interesting developments that I really appreciated and loved seeing.
Like Van Wyk’s other books, this one completely captured my heart and had me in a world of swoon as Grady and Bri fought hard for their happy ever after. Beautifully written and absolutely captivating, I loved it!
“I love you … Time didn’t change that, and it never will.”
4.5 swoony stars.
An Advanced Review Copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2018
I just loved Waiting For Her!! It is a friends to lovers, super swoony and romantic second chance story.
“I was always waiting.
Waiting for her to come back.
Waiting for her to come to her senses.
Waiting for her to love me enough to fight.”
Waiting For Her is the first book I’ve read by this author, but will definitely not be the last.
-5 Stars!-
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
“I was always waiting.
Waiting for her to come back.
Waiting for her to come to her senses.
Waiting for her to love me enough to fight.”
Waiting For Her is the first book I’ve read by this author, but will definitely not be the last.
-5 Stars!-
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read
August 8, 2018I absolutely adore reading second chance romances. They are one of my favorite tropes to read and though I have only recently found Jennifer Van Wyk, her second chance romances are a top favorite of mine already. Waiting for Her was a beautiful story of two people so in love, time and distance had nothing over what they felt for each other.
Grady Ryan and Bri Jameson were high school sweethearts. Best friends who fell in love, or may have always been in love. They had their future all planned out. But when a secret is revealed, Bri’s entire existence is turned upside down. So she runs and leaves behind a brokenhearted Grady. Even so, every day Grady hoped and wished today would be the day Bri would return.
Six years have passed and finally, Bri is back. But what does it mean? Just when Grady is offered the chance of a lifetime to become the youngest college football coach in history for a division 1 school, Bri is assigned the story of her career. Bri knows she made a mistake, but can she win the heart of the man she has always love back or is it too late already? What will happen when he discovers all her secrets?
Bri knew she had made a mistake, but had no idea how to make it right. Her decision to run left her spiraling down a path she almost did not come back from. Even when you could see her vulnerabilities and insecurities, we could see how strong and determined she’d become. And Grady. Grady was nearly perfect. He was sweet, caring and patient. There really was no other woman for him.
I devoured Waiting for Her by Jennifer Van Wyk. Grady and Bri’s love was so strong, but with so many hurts and mistakes in their pasts, their journey was not an easy one. But through every page we could feel the strength of their love. Absolutely loved this second chance romance with all the feels.
4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Grady Ryan and Bri Jameson were high school sweethearts. Best friends who fell in love, or may have always been in love. They had their future all planned out. But when a secret is revealed, Bri’s entire existence is turned upside down. So she runs and leaves behind a brokenhearted Grady. Even so, every day Grady hoped and wished today would be the day Bri would return.
Six years have passed and finally, Bri is back. But what does it mean? Just when Grady is offered the chance of a lifetime to become the youngest college football coach in history for a division 1 school, Bri is assigned the story of her career. Bri knows she made a mistake, but can she win the heart of the man she has always love back or is it too late already? What will happen when he discovers all her secrets?
Bri knew she had made a mistake, but had no idea how to make it right. Her decision to run left her spiraling down a path she almost did not come back from. Even when you could see her vulnerabilities and insecurities, we could see how strong and determined she’d become. And Grady. Grady was nearly perfect. He was sweet, caring and patient. There really was no other woman for him.
I devoured Waiting for Her by Jennifer Van Wyk. Grady and Bri’s love was so strong, but with so many hurts and mistakes in their pasts, their journey was not an easy one. But through every page we could feel the strength of their love. Absolutely loved this second chance romance with all the feels.
4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
August 7, 2018
Oh my goodness! Waiting for Her by Jennifer Van Wyk was so much more than your average second chance romance. Bri and Grady broke and healed my heart in one fell swoop.
Sometimes you open a book and you think you know the story that you're going to read, that's what I though going into Waiting for Her, and boy was I mistaken! Bri and Grady's story packed a punch. The emotions overwhelmed me, it dealt with an issue that I can't say that I have ever read before and I'm sure many women have battled or are currently battling.
Although Bri made it through an extreme low point in her life before re-entering Grady's it was hard to watch her re-live everything Grady. It was touching to watch Grady to lift her up even though he his heart was also being torn apart.
Waiting for Her will always stand out in my mind because of the issues that were discussed, but I think my favorite part of the story was Grady's ex and his friends accurate assesment of her crazy eyes. Talk about foreshadowing, because this woman was insane and I loved every minute of drama that her craziness brought to the story.
GAH! I LOOOVE me some dramatics! If you are looking for an angsty, stirring second chance romance Waiting for Her is a MUST READ!
Sometimes you open a book and you think you know the story that you're going to read, that's what I though going into Waiting for Her, and boy was I mistaken! Bri and Grady's story packed a punch. The emotions overwhelmed me, it dealt with an issue that I can't say that I have ever read before and I'm sure many women have battled or are currently battling.
Although Bri made it through an extreme low point in her life before re-entering Grady's it was hard to watch her re-live everything Grady. It was touching to watch Grady to lift her up even though he his heart was also being torn apart.
Waiting for Her will always stand out in my mind because of the issues that were discussed, but I think my favorite part of the story was Grady's ex and his friends accurate assesment of her crazy eyes. Talk about foreshadowing, because this woman was insane and I loved every minute of drama that her craziness brought to the story.
GAH! I LOOOVE me some dramatics! If you are looking for an angsty, stirring second chance romance Waiting for Her is a MUST READ!
August 25, 2018
I've been following this series from the beginning and couldn't wait for Grady and Bri's story. Not only didn't it disappoint, it's my favorite book of hers and one of the best I've read this year. Knowing them from the beginning, the hurt I felt from them both was visceral. And although you start out wanting to dismiss Bri for how she ran all those years ago, you not only forgive her, you completely understand her.
Beautifully written awesome story that I'm already rereading parts of. 5+ stars.
Beautifully written awesome story that I'm already rereading parts of. 5+ stars.
August 6, 2018
I just loved Waiting For Her!! It is a friends to lovers, super swoony and romantic second chance story.
Grady and Bri were best friends then high school sweethearts until Bri disappeared.
Bri got scared. She went through SO much and felt like she was going to break. She just didn’t trust that love alone could be strong enough to get them through the difficulties.
“I was always waiting.
Waiting for her to come back.
Waiting for her to come to her senses.
Waiting for her to love me enough to fight.”
Grady is such a strong character. He not only survives all the tough that life can throw at him, he uses all of it to make himself a better person.
These main characters are introduced in previous books, but the story is a complete standalone. Waiting For Her is the first book I’ve read by this author, but will definitely not be the last.
-5 Stars!-
-Diane-
Grady and Bri were best friends then high school sweethearts until Bri disappeared.
Bri got scared. She went through SO much and felt like she was going to break. She just didn’t trust that love alone could be strong enough to get them through the difficulties.
“I was always waiting.
Waiting for her to come back.
Waiting for her to come to her senses.
Waiting for her to love me enough to fight.”
Grady is such a strong character. He not only survives all the tough that life can throw at him, he uses all of it to make himself a better person.
These main characters are introduced in previous books, but the story is a complete standalone. Waiting For Her is the first book I’ve read by this author, but will definitely not be the last.
-5 Stars!-
-Diane-
August 20, 2018
English review below :)
PL:
Już na samym wstępie rozpoczynając od krótkiego streszczenia książki mamy do czynienia z łamaniem schematów. Bowiem nasza główna bohaterka Bri nie radząc sobie z emocjami i podkopanym zaufaniem do drugiego człowieka zrywa ze swoim chłopakiem i jednocześnie najlepszym przyjacielem, Grady'm. Oboje wychodzą z tego ze złamanym sercem i starają się stawić czoła przyszłości. Gdy sześć lat później ich drogi ponownie się przecinają, Bri postanawia odzyskać zaufanie ukochanego i odbudować dawną relację.
Gdy czytałam krótki oryginalny opis książki od razu przemówił do mnie fakt, iż to dziewczyna zakończyła związek, łamiąc serce chłopakowi. Zazwyczaj w romansach spotykam się z odwrotną sytuacją. Z tego względu byłam szczególnie zainteresowana tym tytułem. Następnie, gdy już zaczęłam lekturę "uderzyły" mnie następujące kwestie: autorka w sposób bardzo dosadny podkreśla ważną rolę rodziny w życiu obojga bohaterów - i uwierzcie mi, czyni to w niesamowity sposób, bowiem obie rodziny są tak świetne, przesympatyczne, kochające i wspierające, że czytanie o nich to czysta przyjemność; stopniowo budowane napięcie jest tylko małą częścią całości, ponieważ historia jest znakomicie wyważona, akcja nie jest zbyt szybka, ale też nie jest zbyt wolna i nie zanudza czytelnika.
Warto napomnieć, że pojawia się dosłownie kilka wstawek wspomnień z przeszłości i są one naprawdę dobrze wpasowane tematycznie w konkretne rozdziały, a przy okazji niosą krótkie wyjaśnienie. W końcu między bohaterami zawisła bolesna przeszłość, na którą składało się sześć lat długiej i pełnej wydarzeń rozłąki.
"So she's perfect."
"Nah, I didn't say that. But she is perfect for me."
Nie mogę również nie wspomnieć, że w książce odnajdziemy również humorystyczne sceny. I to z tych naprawdę zabawnych. Podczas ich lektury śmiałam się na głos, a rzadko mi się to zdarza. Świadczy to o tym, że styl autorki jest bardzo dobry i że potrafi ona wywoływać reakcje w czytelniku (parę łez też się zdarzyło...). W ten sposób dochodzimy do krótkiej konkluzji - z niezwykłą przyjemnością zobaczyłabym ten tytuł w Polsce! Trzymam mocno kciuki, żeby któreś wydawnictwo zainteresowało się tym tytułem.
Gdybym miała w skrócie powiedzieć o czym jest "Waiting for her" to musiałabym rzec, że o prawdziwej, jedynej miłości, która nie przemija. Ale to by tylko skrzywdziło tą książkę, ponieważ niesie ona o wiele więcej niż tylko to. To opowieść o stawianiu czoła przeciwnościom losu, radzeniu sobie, gdy nic nie idzie po naszej myśli, o walce o miłość, przyjaźń, o sile rodziny, bólu, radości oraz wybaczaniu. To wszystko składa się na to jedno dzieło i czyni je niezapomnianym. No, dodajmy do tego jeszcze wręcz znakomite pióro i otrzymamy przepis na sukces. Ja z mojej strony mogę wam jedynie serdecznie polecić "Waiting for her" i życzyć udanej lektury! :)
ENG:
At the very beginning, starting from a shot summary of the book, we are dealing with breaking patterns. Because our main character Bri does not cope with emotions and have a problem to trust somebody else, breaks up with her boyfriend and at the same time her best friend, Grady. They both go out of it with a broken heart and try to face the future. When six years later their paths cross again, Bri decides to regain her beloved's trust and rebuild the old relationship.
When I read a short original description of the book, I was immediately fascinated by the fact that it was the girl who ended the relationship, breaking the heart of the boy. Usually in romances I encounter the opposite situation. For this reason, I was particularly interested in this title. Then, when I started reading, I was hit by the following issues: the author emphasizes the important role of the family in the lives of both heroes - and trust me, she does it in an amazing way, because both families are so great, friendly, loving and supporting, that reading about them is pure pleasure; gradually built up tension is only a small part of the whole, because the story is perfectly balanced, the action is not too fast, but also is not too slow and does not bother the reader.
It is worth mentioning that there are literally a few pieces of memories from the past and they are really well-fitted in particular chapters, and by the way they bring a short explanation. In the end, a painful past hung between the heroes, which consisted of six years of long and full of events separation.
"So she's perfect."
"Nah, I did not say that. But she is perfect for me."
I can not fail to mention that the book also features humorous scenes. And it's really funny. During reading, I laughed out loud and that rarely happens to me. This proves that the author's style is very good and that she can evoke reactions in the reader (a few tears also happened ...). In this way, we come to a short conclusion - with great pleasure I would see this title in Poland! I keep my fingers crossed so that one of the publishers gets interested in this title.
If I was to briefly say what "Waiting for her" is about, then I would have to say - one true love that does not pass away. But that would only hurt this book because it carries a lot more than just that. This is a story about facing adversities, dealing with things when nothing goes the way we wanted it to, about fighting for love, friendship, family power, pain, joy and forgiveness. It all contributes to this one work and makes it unforgettable. Well, let's add a great pen to this and we will get a recipe for success. I am only able to recommend "Waiting for her" and wish you a pleasant reading!
PL:
Już na samym wstępie rozpoczynając od krótkiego streszczenia książki mamy do czynienia z łamaniem schematów. Bowiem nasza główna bohaterka Bri nie radząc sobie z emocjami i podkopanym zaufaniem do drugiego człowieka zrywa ze swoim chłopakiem i jednocześnie najlepszym przyjacielem, Grady'm. Oboje wychodzą z tego ze złamanym sercem i starają się stawić czoła przyszłości. Gdy sześć lat później ich drogi ponownie się przecinają, Bri postanawia odzyskać zaufanie ukochanego i odbudować dawną relację.
Gdy czytałam krótki oryginalny opis książki od razu przemówił do mnie fakt, iż to dziewczyna zakończyła związek, łamiąc serce chłopakowi. Zazwyczaj w romansach spotykam się z odwrotną sytuacją. Z tego względu byłam szczególnie zainteresowana tym tytułem. Następnie, gdy już zaczęłam lekturę "uderzyły" mnie następujące kwestie: autorka w sposób bardzo dosadny podkreśla ważną rolę rodziny w życiu obojga bohaterów - i uwierzcie mi, czyni to w niesamowity sposób, bowiem obie rodziny są tak świetne, przesympatyczne, kochające i wspierające, że czytanie o nich to czysta przyjemność; stopniowo budowane napięcie jest tylko małą częścią całości, ponieważ historia jest znakomicie wyważona, akcja nie jest zbyt szybka, ale też nie jest zbyt wolna i nie zanudza czytelnika.
Warto napomnieć, że pojawia się dosłownie kilka wstawek wspomnień z przeszłości i są one naprawdę dobrze wpasowane tematycznie w konkretne rozdziały, a przy okazji niosą krótkie wyjaśnienie. W końcu między bohaterami zawisła bolesna przeszłość, na którą składało się sześć lat długiej i pełnej wydarzeń rozłąki.
"So she's perfect."
"Nah, I didn't say that. But she is perfect for me."
Nie mogę również nie wspomnieć, że w książce odnajdziemy również humorystyczne sceny. I to z tych naprawdę zabawnych. Podczas ich lektury śmiałam się na głos, a rzadko mi się to zdarza. Świadczy to o tym, że styl autorki jest bardzo dobry i że potrafi ona wywoływać reakcje w czytelniku (parę łez też się zdarzyło...). W ten sposób dochodzimy do krótkiej konkluzji - z niezwykłą przyjemnością zobaczyłabym ten tytuł w Polsce! Trzymam mocno kciuki, żeby któreś wydawnictwo zainteresowało się tym tytułem.
Gdybym miała w skrócie powiedzieć o czym jest "Waiting for her" to musiałabym rzec, że o prawdziwej, jedynej miłości, która nie przemija. Ale to by tylko skrzywdziło tą książkę, ponieważ niesie ona o wiele więcej niż tylko to. To opowieść o stawianiu czoła przeciwnościom losu, radzeniu sobie, gdy nic nie idzie po naszej myśli, o walce o miłość, przyjaźń, o sile rodziny, bólu, radości oraz wybaczaniu. To wszystko składa się na to jedno dzieło i czyni je niezapomnianym. No, dodajmy do tego jeszcze wręcz znakomite pióro i otrzymamy przepis na sukces. Ja z mojej strony mogę wam jedynie serdecznie polecić "Waiting for her" i życzyć udanej lektury! :)
ENG:
At the very beginning, starting from a shot summary of the book, we are dealing with breaking patterns. Because our main character Bri does not cope with emotions and have a problem to trust somebody else, breaks up with her boyfriend and at the same time her best friend, Grady. They both go out of it with a broken heart and try to face the future. When six years later their paths cross again, Bri decides to regain her beloved's trust and rebuild the old relationship.
When I read a short original description of the book, I was immediately fascinated by the fact that it was the girl who ended the relationship, breaking the heart of the boy. Usually in romances I encounter the opposite situation. For this reason, I was particularly interested in this title. Then, when I started reading, I was hit by the following issues: the author emphasizes the important role of the family in the lives of both heroes - and trust me, she does it in an amazing way, because both families are so great, friendly, loving and supporting, that reading about them is pure pleasure; gradually built up tension is only a small part of the whole, because the story is perfectly balanced, the action is not too fast, but also is not too slow and does not bother the reader.
It is worth mentioning that there are literally a few pieces of memories from the past and they are really well-fitted in particular chapters, and by the way they bring a short explanation. In the end, a painful past hung between the heroes, which consisted of six years of long and full of events separation.
"So she's perfect."
"Nah, I did not say that. But she is perfect for me."
I can not fail to mention that the book also features humorous scenes. And it's really funny. During reading, I laughed out loud and that rarely happens to me. This proves that the author's style is very good and that she can evoke reactions in the reader (a few tears also happened ...). In this way, we come to a short conclusion - with great pleasure I would see this title in Poland! I keep my fingers crossed so that one of the publishers gets interested in this title.
If I was to briefly say what "Waiting for her" is about, then I would have to say - one true love that does not pass away. But that would only hurt this book because it carries a lot more than just that. This is a story about facing adversities, dealing with things when nothing goes the way we wanted it to, about fighting for love, friendship, family power, pain, joy and forgiveness. It all contributes to this one work and makes it unforgettable. Well, let's add a great pen to this and we will get a recipe for success. I am only able to recommend "Waiting for her" and wish you a pleasant reading!
July 28, 2018
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
4.5 Stars
Waiting for Her is a second chance romance filled with an abundance of emotion. It's about two friends that are teetering on the fence of something more. Scared of taking that next step because of what might happen to their friendship if in the end the relationship doesn't work out. But what if in taking a chance, is worth it?
Grady's been through a lot. From thinking he had everything on the tip of his fingers only to have it slip right through. He had the girl and was on his way to play college football at his dream school. Everything was looking up for Grady until everything changed. The one person who was supposed to be by his side and take this new journey with him slipped the rug from under him. And then, to top it all off, one night changed all of Grady's hardwork and his playing career was over. He became a shell of the person he used to be. Though slowly but surely the darkness Grady was living in subsided little by little. A new opportunity arose, and the old Grady was returning. That is, until a ghost from his past appeared leaving Grady to relive hurtful memories. He only hoped he could face the one person who was responsible for shattering his heart and finally get the answers he desperately needs and the closure he wants.
Six years. It's been six years since Bri left her heart and soul behind. She knows she made the biggest mistake of her life. Insecurities plagued her and ultimately led her in breaking the heart of Grady, her best friend and lover. There are things that Bri's been through, but that's only made her fight harder and try to get back some of the person she once was. Though, the only thing that Bri wants for certain, is Grady. An opportunity that has her getting close to him arises, and she's going to do everything in her power to get him back.
Grady and Bri tugged at my heartstrings. I felt everything they were going through. My heart broke for the both of them. So much hurt occurred, when in could've been avoidable. But nonetheless, in a way both Bri and Grady needed to go what they went through. It showed how they had to fight, and in the end it made them realize that they could truly survive without the other, although their lives were better with the other in it.
Waiting for Her brought all the emotions. This second chance/friends to lovers romance delivered in every way. Filled with both likable main and secondary characters. I couldn't get enough of this sweet and heartfelt story. Definitely recommend.
4.5 Stars
Waiting for Her is a second chance romance filled with an abundance of emotion. It's about two friends that are teetering on the fence of something more. Scared of taking that next step because of what might happen to their friendship if in the end the relationship doesn't work out. But what if in taking a chance, is worth it?
Grady's been through a lot. From thinking he had everything on the tip of his fingers only to have it slip right through. He had the girl and was on his way to play college football at his dream school. Everything was looking up for Grady until everything changed. The one person who was supposed to be by his side and take this new journey with him slipped the rug from under him. And then, to top it all off, one night changed all of Grady's hardwork and his playing career was over. He became a shell of the person he used to be. Though slowly but surely the darkness Grady was living in subsided little by little. A new opportunity arose, and the old Grady was returning. That is, until a ghost from his past appeared leaving Grady to relive hurtful memories. He only hoped he could face the one person who was responsible for shattering his heart and finally get the answers he desperately needs and the closure he wants.
Six years. It's been six years since Bri left her heart and soul behind. She knows she made the biggest mistake of her life. Insecurities plagued her and ultimately led her in breaking the heart of Grady, her best friend and lover. There are things that Bri's been through, but that's only made her fight harder and try to get back some of the person she once was. Though, the only thing that Bri wants for certain, is Grady. An opportunity that has her getting close to him arises, and she's going to do everything in her power to get him back.
Grady and Bri tugged at my heartstrings. I felt everything they were going through. My heart broke for the both of them. So much hurt occurred, when in could've been avoidable. But nonetheless, in a way both Bri and Grady needed to go what they went through. It showed how they had to fight, and in the end it made them realize that they could truly survive without the other, although their lives were better with the other in it.
Waiting for Her brought all the emotions. This second chance/friends to lovers romance delivered in every way. Filled with both likable main and secondary characters. I couldn't get enough of this sweet and heartfelt story. Definitely recommend.
July 29, 2018
Bri Jameson had it all, a man who adored her, she was attending the college of her dreams, and had the promise of a very exciting future... but then in the blink of an eye she lost it all, and lost her self in the process. Watching her parents marriage implode years before left her with a lot of self doubt and skepticism about the staying power of love, and it caused her to begin to have doubts about her own love life, and what she really wanted. Those doubts then pushed her to make decision that ultimately changed the course of her entire life, and cost her a real chance at the forever kind of love, and she has paid dearly for it for the last six years. She has avoided a trip home for the last six years, but the story of a lifetime is waiting there to be told, and she is the reporter who has been offered the job, but doing so will also mean that she will have to come to terms with the disaster she left behind.
For the last six years Grady Ryan has only been living half a life, he knows he needs to open himself up to love again, and move on from what he once had, but every time he tries old memories and feelings resurface, and he can't bring himself to cheat on a memory. For so many years his life revolved around the life he had with Bri, and then he lost it all when she walked away, and it broken him and his heart into a million pieces. Now he is slowly rebuilding himself, creating a life without her in it, and finally feeling like he can breath a little again, but then he receives a call that could change everything, Bri is coming home.
Waiting For Her is a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, second chances, and finding love again; one that is certain to leave a mark on the hearts of readers! From the very first page of this one you could feel that there was a powerful emotional punch waiting in the wings, ready to wreck you, the words were thick with an unwavering tension ready to swallow you up at any given moment. These two had endured a lot of torment in the last six years, and it was obvious that their reunion would bring a lot of emotion to the surface, but I don't think anything could have prepared me for what I found, this one was a killer on the feelers, but SO good for the heart! I highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it's a reunion story full of surprises, ones that will leave you thoroughly satisfied!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
For the last six years Grady Ryan has only been living half a life, he knows he needs to open himself up to love again, and move on from what he once had, but every time he tries old memories and feelings resurface, and he can't bring himself to cheat on a memory. For so many years his life revolved around the life he had with Bri, and then he lost it all when she walked away, and it broken him and his heart into a million pieces. Now he is slowly rebuilding himself, creating a life without her in it, and finally feeling like he can breath a little again, but then he receives a call that could change everything, Bri is coming home.
Waiting For Her is a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, second chances, and finding love again; one that is certain to leave a mark on the hearts of readers! From the very first page of this one you could feel that there was a powerful emotional punch waiting in the wings, ready to wreck you, the words were thick with an unwavering tension ready to swallow you up at any given moment. These two had endured a lot of torment in the last six years, and it was obvious that their reunion would bring a lot of emotion to the surface, but I don't think anything could have prepared me for what I found, this one was a killer on the feelers, but SO good for the heart! I highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it's a reunion story full of surprises, ones that will leave you thoroughly satisfied!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
August 2, 2018
"Your love story with Bri Jameson isn't finished. I'm not sure it will ever be."
I finished this book about 1 AM last night and did not want it to finish. It was one of those books that as soon as I read the first chapter I knew that I wasn't going to be getting any sleep that night. Waiting for Her picks up where Feels like Home left off, but this time it is Bri and Grady's story. You do not have to read Feels like Home in order to read Waiting for Her, but I would of course recommend it!
Bri and Grady are young loves- my most favorite kind of love to read about. They both made mistakes and end up going separate ways. Years later, they are faced with an opportunity that both of them deserve and ultimately leads them to be working together. While they both think that they can keep it on a professional level, you will quickly see that there is way more to this story than you could have imagined.
Bri made mistakes, that is for certain. But her mistakes didn't make me dislike her. They made me feel her pain, understand her more, and ultimately realize that we all do things sometimes that are out of our control. Grady's love runs deep, but I think his pain ran deeper. It felt so real that each time something was revealed, I could feel my heart breaking again. I was so happy with the beginning, middle and end of this book. The story was told beautifully, even though it was heart breaking at times.
Waiting for Her is the perfect book that my angst loving heart desired. I couldn't stop turning the pages until I got to that PERFECT moment- you know the one all of us HEA seekers enjoy the most. The moments of pain made the beautiful moments so much more real. I would highly recommend this book if you love old love like I do. It had the perfect amount of angst that kept me on my toes and kept me reading until I was completely finished. It was a highly anticipated book for me, and I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read it! Definitely 5 stars from me!
I finished this book about 1 AM last night and did not want it to finish. It was one of those books that as soon as I read the first chapter I knew that I wasn't going to be getting any sleep that night. Waiting for Her picks up where Feels like Home left off, but this time it is Bri and Grady's story. You do not have to read Feels like Home in order to read Waiting for Her, but I would of course recommend it!
Bri and Grady are young loves- my most favorite kind of love to read about. They both made mistakes and end up going separate ways. Years later, they are faced with an opportunity that both of them deserve and ultimately leads them to be working together. While they both think that they can keep it on a professional level, you will quickly see that there is way more to this story than you could have imagined.
Bri made mistakes, that is for certain. But her mistakes didn't make me dislike her. They made me feel her pain, understand her more, and ultimately realize that we all do things sometimes that are out of our control. Grady's love runs deep, but I think his pain ran deeper. It felt so real that each time something was revealed, I could feel my heart breaking again. I was so happy with the beginning, middle and end of this book. The story was told beautifully, even though it was heart breaking at times.
Waiting for Her is the perfect book that my angst loving heart desired. I couldn't stop turning the pages until I got to that PERFECT moment- you know the one all of us HEA seekers enjoy the most. The moments of pain made the beautiful moments so much more real. I would highly recommend this book if you love old love like I do. It had the perfect amount of angst that kept me on my toes and kept me reading until I was completely finished. It was a highly anticipated book for me, and I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read it! Definitely 5 stars from me!
August 7, 2018
I should give a couple of content cautions here. 2 female assaults (not graphic) and discussions about eating disorders. Both of these are really well dealt with.
This was a really enjoyable, beautifully written, second chance romance. After a sad start, I thoroughly enjoyed Bri and Grady's second chance story.
Bri and Grady grew up together and were best friends who began a relationship in their teens but were torn apart by Bri's mistrust after discovering her fathers infidelity, while still grieving for him after his death.
I did initially find myself frustrated with Bri, but she did really grow on me as the story progressed and her personality, history and willingness to take responsibility for her actions became apparent.
I liked Grady from the start even though I wanted to give him a talking to at some points. Mostly Grady was totally swoon-worthy. He was sexy and said some beautiful things. I would have actually swooned if someone said some of that to me. (Husband- take note!) I did consider sharing some quotes but this book deserves to be read without me giving any of that beauty away!
Sexy wise- there is not a great deal of steaminess but what there is was really was really well written.
A particularly enjoyable aspect of the book is that the relationship is not solely focused on Bri and Grady. When Bri broke Grady's heart it wasn't only him that she hurt and turned her back on.
Apart from the romance, I liked the sense of family and different types of love exhibited through the book. Bri's family made me laugh out loud and Grady's family were just wonderful. The friends were fabulous people. There were such well considered other characters who all had a part to play.
Thanks to Jennifer Van Wyk and Social Butterfly PR for granting me an ARC copy of Waiting For Her This is my honest review.
This was a really enjoyable, beautifully written, second chance romance. After a sad start, I thoroughly enjoyed Bri and Grady's second chance story.
Bri and Grady grew up together and were best friends who began a relationship in their teens but were torn apart by Bri's mistrust after discovering her fathers infidelity, while still grieving for him after his death.
I did initially find myself frustrated with Bri, but she did really grow on me as the story progressed and her personality, history and willingness to take responsibility for her actions became apparent.
I liked Grady from the start even though I wanted to give him a talking to at some points. Mostly Grady was totally swoon-worthy. He was sexy and said some beautiful things. I would have actually swooned if someone said some of that to me. (Husband- take note!) I did consider sharing some quotes but this book deserves to be read without me giving any of that beauty away!
Sexy wise- there is not a great deal of steaminess but what there is was really was really well written.
A particularly enjoyable aspect of the book is that the relationship is not solely focused on Bri and Grady. When Bri broke Grady's heart it wasn't only him that she hurt and turned her back on.
Apart from the romance, I liked the sense of family and different types of love exhibited through the book. Bri's family made me laugh out loud and Grady's family were just wonderful. The friends were fabulous people. There were such well considered other characters who all had a part to play.
Thanks to Jennifer Van Wyk and Social Butterfly PR for granting me an ARC copy of Waiting For Her This is my honest review.
August 7, 2018
“I never imagined love just might not be enough.”
Bri and Grady were best friends. Until they overcame their fear of becoming something else. But not all fears can easily be overcome.
When Bri discovers that her dead father, in the last stages of cancer betrayed her mother, her whole world collapses. She begins to question her relationship with her boyfriend, and a series of bad decisions and tragedies have led her down a dark path.
Grady also had to face his share of suffering. After being abandoned for the love of his life, he suffers an accident that prematurely ends his promising career in American football. And has to find a new purpose in life.
Six years will separate the couple that is reunited by a plan of the destiny. He is the youngest coach in the team's history. She, the reporter who will write his story. All the love that exists and the chemistry they both feel is mingled in a web of misunderstanding, anger, and resentment.
Although the author tries to create an emotionally dramatic mood, the book is light. There are strong and controversial themes, but they are little explored, only mentioned as past events. The plot twist is not surprising, but it does its job.
The beginning of the work is credible, but a little slow. The closure of the narrative is a bit rushed. A book with an interesting plot but poorly explored, which could have been better developed. Indicated for those who enjoy cliché novels with the theme of second chances.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com
Bri and Grady were best friends. Until they overcame their fear of becoming something else. But not all fears can easily be overcome.
When Bri discovers that her dead father, in the last stages of cancer betrayed her mother, her whole world collapses. She begins to question her relationship with her boyfriend, and a series of bad decisions and tragedies have led her down a dark path.
Grady also had to face his share of suffering. After being abandoned for the love of his life, he suffers an accident that prematurely ends his promising career in American football. And has to find a new purpose in life.
Six years will separate the couple that is reunited by a plan of the destiny. He is the youngest coach in the team's history. She, the reporter who will write his story. All the love that exists and the chemistry they both feel is mingled in a web of misunderstanding, anger, and resentment.
Although the author tries to create an emotionally dramatic mood, the book is light. There are strong and controversial themes, but they are little explored, only mentioned as past events. The plot twist is not surprising, but it does its job.
The beginning of the work is credible, but a little slow. The closure of the narrative is a bit rushed. A book with an interesting plot but poorly explored, which could have been better developed. Indicated for those who enjoy cliché novels with the theme of second chances.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com
August 5, 2018
Waiting for Her is Jennifer Van Wyk's newest romance. I’m a huge fan of Jennifer's and her books. I know that when I pick up one of her stories I'm going to get all the feels! Her writing it fantastic, her characters lovable and the families are the greatest. I love every one of her characters. If you've read Jennifer's other books, you know Grady (Barrett and Tess's son) and Bri (Christine's daughter). This is their story! They have been friends since they were kids. The best of friends as teenagers until they started to notice things about the other that were way more than friendly. It took time for Grady to get up his courage and admit that he wanted more from Bri. They were eighteen with their life ahead of them. In love, best friends, college bound. Until they weren't. Bri did something Grady never thought she would. She ran. Broke his heart and changed his life forever. He went down a path he never thought of and it lead him to the greatest job. But he never stopped loving Bri. It's been six long years and he's still so angry. Then she shows up. Not just in town, but she's the reporter doing the story on him. What are the chances. Bri had her reasons for leaving. They made sense at the time, but now she wants her life back. She is given the opportunity to make amends and see Grady again. She knows what she did was wrong, but she wants to apologize and get her man back. What happens when Grady isn't as welcoming as she wants? Will Grady fight what his heart wants? I loved this story. Grady and Bri have so much history, but they have so much future. I loved watching them hash it out and fall in love again! Grady is so sexy, funny and loves his job. Bri is fun, talented and still so beautiful to Grady. I can't wait to see more from these amazing characters and their friends and family!
“Sexy is a disservice to the word that should be used for you.”
The level of desire I have for this woman didn’t evaporate over time, or even dull. It only bloomed and flourished.
“Sexy is a disservice to the word that should be used for you.”
The level of desire I have for this woman didn’t evaporate over time, or even dull. It only bloomed and flourished.
August 7, 2018
Second chances romances are my favorites for stories like THIS ONE!!!
Waiting for Her by Jennifer Van Wyk is a beautiful second chance romance, Bri and Grady have met each other since they were kids and they started a relationship in highschool but not everything was perfect, Bri discovered a secret that makes her changes her ideas and doubt about love so he breaks her relationship with Grady.. Grady is a sweet guy who cant understand why the love of his live left him, and after difficult moments he start to live his life again.... Fastfoward in the future He is starting something really important in his job and what he doesnt expect is to see Bri again after so many years, will be there still love between these two or everything is finish and they just need a closure??? If you want to know what happen you NEED to read this book!!!
This book is amazing it has a lot or romance, drama and why not a bit of funny moments, if you have read like me the other books by Jennifer you know these characters already and you will be so happy to see her other couples!!!
I really like Jenn's writing and this book wasnt the exception!! cant wait to read more of her words!!
Waiting for Her by Jennifer Van Wyk is a beautiful second chance romance, Bri and Grady have met each other since they were kids and they started a relationship in highschool but not everything was perfect, Bri discovered a secret that makes her changes her ideas and doubt about love so he breaks her relationship with Grady.. Grady is a sweet guy who cant understand why the love of his live left him, and after difficult moments he start to live his life again.... Fastfoward in the future He is starting something really important in his job and what he doesnt expect is to see Bri again after so many years, will be there still love between these two or everything is finish and they just need a closure??? If you want to know what happen you NEED to read this book!!!
This book is amazing it has a lot or romance, drama and why not a bit of funny moments, if you have read like me the other books by Jennifer you know these characters already and you will be so happy to see her other couples!!!
I really like Jenn's writing and this book wasnt the exception!! cant wait to read more of her words!!
July 28, 2018
Jennifer Van Wyk has done it again! Waiting for Her follows Bri and Grady has they come back together after a gut wrenching nightmare of a break up. This is a sweet second chance romance that will make you believe in fate.
The love story is amazing, catching up with our favorite characters from the past feels like coming home, and Bri and Grady’s story makes you swoon!
The love story is amazing, catching up with our favorite characters from the past feels like coming home, and Bri and Grady’s story makes you swoon!
August 5, 2018
I am a lover of second chance romance and Waiting for Her gave me my fix.
Bri and Grady have a history.....their past was never resolved because a heart beak that Bri allowed to come between them. Fast forward to adulthood when they see each other again.
Waiting for Her was a beautiful story of love lost, love found, life and more. I recommend this for any lover of second chance romance.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
Bri and Grady have a history.....their past was never resolved because a heart beak that Bri allowed to come between them. Fast forward to adulthood when they see each other again.
Waiting for Her was a beautiful story of love lost, love found, life and more. I recommend this for any lover of second chance romance.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
August 13, 2018
I have enjoyed this series, and really loved seeing Bri and Grady all grown up and learning their story.
Definitely not fluff. Lots of real life issues that were dealt with, but so well done!
Enjoyed knowing them as teens first falling in love during the series, and reading about their split and then reconnecting after they have both gone through so much and seeing if love really is enough! The characters have grown so much since high school. Grown up Bri & Grady were just as wonderful as the teens. Even more so!
Definitely not fluff. Lots of real life issues that were dealt with, but so well done!
Enjoyed knowing them as teens first falling in love during the series, and reading about their split and then reconnecting after they have both gone through so much and seeing if love really is enough! The characters have grown so much since high school. Grown up Bri & Grady were just as wonderful as the teens. Even more so!
October 29, 2018
3.0 stars
I liked the hero but the heroine was stupid and annoying and the author included too many overused cliche's. It wasn't bad though just not great.
I liked the hero but the heroine was stupid and annoying and the author included too many overused cliche's. It wasn't bad though just not great.
August 14, 2018
Waiting for her, really?
This book had absolutely no chemistry between the main characters, I get the friends to lovers and then to nothing. I really don't understand how Nyone can rate this book more than three stars.
Boy is best friends with girl for years, then in high school or should we say towards the end of high school they finally accept their feelings. Great right!! Wrong, then the heroin decides she can't wait for her love interest to one day abandon her and she skips town. OMG!!! They talk about telling him the truth and moving on. Dear lord!!! There is no truth just a bunch of nonsense to the point where nothing remantic ever happends with these two thorough the entire book . What a waste of time on this book, don't expect feelings, connections, tears, laughs nothing nada..
I really was hoping for heartache or at least a bombshell. Well that never happend and the whole book was just about how beautiful he thought she was and how he hated her but then he didn't.
Okay, my review is as boring as this book. Sorry to the Author but this story was just a no go for me..
This book had absolutely no chemistry between the main characters, I get the friends to lovers and then to nothing. I really don't understand how Nyone can rate this book more than three stars.
Boy is best friends with girl for years, then in high school or should we say towards the end of high school they finally accept their feelings. Great right!! Wrong, then the heroin decides she can't wait for her love interest to one day abandon her and she skips town. OMG!!! They talk about telling him the truth and moving on. Dear lord!!! There is no truth just a bunch of nonsense to the point where nothing remantic ever happends with these two thorough the entire book . What a waste of time on this book, don't expect feelings, connections, tears, laughs nothing nada..
I really was hoping for heartache or at least a bombshell. Well that never happend and the whole book was just about how beautiful he thought she was and how he hated her but then he didn't.
Okay, my review is as boring as this book. Sorry to the Author but this story was just a no go for me..
February 27, 2019
I don't like 2nd chances in general, but this one was ok. It had many cliches, but the main one was avoided fortunately - he didn't become a manwhore!
He was with 1 OW during 6 years separation, she was celibate.
If not for silly OW drama, which was about his supposed female friend, I would have given it 3.5 instead of 2.75.
For me 3 stars for a 2nd chance like a 5 for an average genre.
Wanna read the book about her mom and step-dad.
He was with 1 OW during 6 years separation, she was celibate.
If not for silly OW drama, which was about his supposed female friend, I would have given it 3.5 instead of 2.75.
For me 3 stars for a 2nd chance like a 5 for an average genre.
Wanna read the book about her mom and step-dad.
August 7, 2018
*I was provided an ARC by HEA Novel Thoughts and Happily Ever Insta for an honest review. All thoughts, statements and opinions are my own.*
After learning her father wasn't the hero she thought he was, Bri made the decision to no longer trust that love was enough for anything and broke things off with her high school sweetheart. However, 6 years later, Fate still had a plan for her and Grady and threw them back together. But things weren't that simple and a past filled with hurt and regret kept Grady from trusting her again.
This was such a sweet story about loss, forgiveness and most of all love. Love can conquer anything if you allow it to, and you need to have faith in it despite all else that is going on. I am a very strong believer in that things always happen for a reason. And although we may not see that at the time for the blessings that they are, we do look back once we reach points in our lives and realize that they indeed were blessings. Had Bri not broken things off with Grady (though sucky and my heart grieves for him), she wouldn't be alive and he would be worse off without her living.
Sometimes, though our first loves may be our last, we need time apart to grow and learn to live and survive without each other. Speaking from personal experience, my love story is very similar to Bri's and Grady's in that I had called things off for selfish reasons and 5 years later, sparks went flying and we realized we never fell OUT of love with each other. But those 5 years apart were important because yes we were young and needed to still mature, but also to learn who we were as individuals versus who we were together. Just like Bri and Grady, you will always find your way back to each other if it's truly meant to be despite ANY time apart. But then you also learn to appreciate that time apart because you learn that your love is true and overcame those obstacles and that NOTHING can ever come in the way of that passion.
I really enjoyed this book not only because of how relatable it was to my personal experiences, but because how relatable it is to many of us out there who don't believe love can ever be enough for anything. These characters show you that you can either live in the past thats covered with hurt and suffering OR let those memories give you the kickstart you need to make changes in your life so that you can move on from bad mistakes and learn to forgive others AND yourself.
I gave this a 4/5 because it ended too soon for me. There were certain parts in which it could have delved deeper and make the story even more intense, but I still felt the pain Grady was going through and connected with both characters on a great level.
After learning her father wasn't the hero she thought he was, Bri made the decision to no longer trust that love was enough for anything and broke things off with her high school sweetheart. However, 6 years later, Fate still had a plan for her and Grady and threw them back together. But things weren't that simple and a past filled with hurt and regret kept Grady from trusting her again.
This was such a sweet story about loss, forgiveness and most of all love. Love can conquer anything if you allow it to, and you need to have faith in it despite all else that is going on. I am a very strong believer in that things always happen for a reason. And although we may not see that at the time for the blessings that they are, we do look back once we reach points in our lives and realize that they indeed were blessings. Had Bri not broken things off with Grady (though sucky and my heart grieves for him), she wouldn't be alive and he would be worse off without her living.
Sometimes, though our first loves may be our last, we need time apart to grow and learn to live and survive without each other. Speaking from personal experience, my love story is very similar to Bri's and Grady's in that I had called things off for selfish reasons and 5 years later, sparks went flying and we realized we never fell OUT of love with each other. But those 5 years apart were important because yes we were young and needed to still mature, but also to learn who we were as individuals versus who we were together. Just like Bri and Grady, you will always find your way back to each other if it's truly meant to be despite ANY time apart. But then you also learn to appreciate that time apart because you learn that your love is true and overcame those obstacles and that NOTHING can ever come in the way of that passion.
I really enjoyed this book not only because of how relatable it was to my personal experiences, but because how relatable it is to many of us out there who don't believe love can ever be enough for anything. These characters show you that you can either live in the past thats covered with hurt and suffering OR let those memories give you the kickstart you need to make changes in your life so that you can move on from bad mistakes and learn to forgive others AND yourself.
I gave this a 4/5 because it ended too soon for me. There were certain parts in which it could have delved deeper and make the story even more intense, but I still felt the pain Grady was going through and connected with both characters on a great level.
August 8, 2018
4.5 stars
I love the one who got away and second chance feel stories and Waiting for Her was just that. The sports theme an friends to lovers aspect also appealed to me also I wanted to try out a new to me author. I must admit I didn't know what to expect but it was pretty sweet and swoony, Bri and Grady were best friends before they became more. They knew each other so well but then Bri decided she didn't trust love anymore and pushed Grady away. Years later they meet again when Bri covers Grady's new coaching job a big deal for someone so young. The hurt and anger is there and though Bri regrets her decision forgiveness is gonna be hard to earn.
This had the right amount of flashbacks to get a better picture of Bri and Grady before. I can feel the longing Bri had for what she gave up and missed. You really don't know what you've got till it's gone vibe is much alive. I like the way the author makes you feel along with the characters and the pacing was just right. Grady was such a dedicated coach and leader, all in whatever her does. He turned bad experiences he turned it around to make it better.
While there was light angst and tension it propelled the story along. It's obvious they still have feelings for the other but need to get through the bitterness caused from the years and decisions of a young love. The years apart did help them grow which was better for them. Holding on to anger just makes it harder on Grady which he's entitled to but still. The close friends played a big role in this whole story unfolding which was a nice touch. The plot itself grabbed my attention from the start and I like the writing.
This story will make you feel, heartbreak and happiness. Will definitely back track for the other characters stories but this worked great as a standalone. I look forward to more books from the author.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
I love the one who got away and second chance feel stories and Waiting for Her was just that. The sports theme an friends to lovers aspect also appealed to me also I wanted to try out a new to me author. I must admit I didn't know what to expect but it was pretty sweet and swoony, Bri and Grady were best friends before they became more. They knew each other so well but then Bri decided she didn't trust love anymore and pushed Grady away. Years later they meet again when Bri covers Grady's new coaching job a big deal for someone so young. The hurt and anger is there and though Bri regrets her decision forgiveness is gonna be hard to earn.
This had the right amount of flashbacks to get a better picture of Bri and Grady before. I can feel the longing Bri had for what she gave up and missed. You really don't know what you've got till it's gone vibe is much alive. I like the way the author makes you feel along with the characters and the pacing was just right. Grady was such a dedicated coach and leader, all in whatever her does. He turned bad experiences he turned it around to make it better.
While there was light angst and tension it propelled the story along. It's obvious they still have feelings for the other but need to get through the bitterness caused from the years and decisions of a young love. The years apart did help them grow which was better for them. Holding on to anger just makes it harder on Grady which he's entitled to but still. The close friends played a big role in this whole story unfolding which was a nice touch. The plot itself grabbed my attention from the start and I like the writing.
This story will make you feel, heartbreak and happiness. Will definitely back track for the other characters stories but this worked great as a standalone. I look forward to more books from the author.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
August 8, 2018
4.5 Stars
There’s a reason second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes. The opportunity to correct a wrong done, either to you or by you, is so appealing. It’s being given a do-over, in a way; not necessarily forgetting the why it’s needed, but forgiving the reason you need it, no matter how much time has gone by. Waiting For Her is all this and so much more. This emotional romance will keep you glued to your seat, waiting to see how it’s all resolved.
“I fell in love with you, my heart never allowed me to fall out.”
Bri Jameson had been lucky finding and falling in love with her best friend, and planning a beautiful future with him. But when Bri’s father died she discovered something he did that shattered her trust in men and turned her world upside down. Still hurt, she made a decision that she’d come to regret, years later. Now, she’s been given an opportunity to see if there’s a chance for forgiveness.
“She’s my other half. The missing part to my soul.”
Grady Ryan loved Bri and had made plans for a bright future with her by his side; when Bri changed those plans and left, that wasn’t the only thing he lost. Six long years have gone by and even though he’s scored a major victory, he’s still misses his best friend and the love of his life, he’s never been able to move on and fill the void she left. He’s still angry with Bri, for the decision she made, and that he couldn’t convince her she was making a huge mistake. When she suddenly reappears in his life, after so many years, Grady thinks this might be the chance he’s been waiting for; to permanently close the hole she left in her wake so many years ago.
“I went through some of the best and worst moments of my life, and you weren’t there. It was always supposed to be you by my side. Me by yours.”
There’s a reason second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes. The opportunity to correct a wrong done, either to you or by you, is so appealing. It’s being given a do-over, in a way; not necessarily forgetting the why it’s needed, but forgiving the reason you need it, no matter how much time has gone by. Waiting For Her is all this and so much more. This emotional romance will keep you glued to your seat, waiting to see how it’s all resolved.
“I fell in love with you, my heart never allowed me to fall out.”
Bri Jameson had been lucky finding and falling in love with her best friend, and planning a beautiful future with him. But when Bri’s father died she discovered something he did that shattered her trust in men and turned her world upside down. Still hurt, she made a decision that she’d come to regret, years later. Now, she’s been given an opportunity to see if there’s a chance for forgiveness.
“She’s my other half. The missing part to my soul.”
Grady Ryan loved Bri and had made plans for a bright future with her by his side; when Bri changed those plans and left, that wasn’t the only thing he lost. Six long years have gone by and even though he’s scored a major victory, he’s still misses his best friend and the love of his life, he’s never been able to move on and fill the void she left. He’s still angry with Bri, for the decision she made, and that he couldn’t convince her she was making a huge mistake. When she suddenly reappears in his life, after so many years, Grady thinks this might be the chance he’s been waiting for; to permanently close the hole she left in her wake so many years ago.
“I went through some of the best and worst moments of my life, and you weren’t there. It was always supposed to be you by my side. Me by yours.”
August 14, 2018
A beautiful second chance romance that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings and be more in touch with your family and friends. Waiting For Her relates very well to most people because the characters in the book are realistic and likeable. I know some people could relate to Bri Jameson and Grady Ryan’s story, and I can’t help but gush over them.
Bri broke her high-school boyfriend’s heart when she decided to walk away from him and her hometown, following the devastating truth about her own father’s death. Grady was so hurt and emotional about their breakup and couldn’t bring himself to accept how it all unfolded.
Six years after no communication, Bri was back to cover the newest and youngest coach for Warrior’s football team, and that’s no one else but Grady Ryan, her high school sweetheart, her true love, her first and most painful breakup.
I cried a lot of moments in the book, mostly happy tears, because the scenes here also involved families – close-knit, protective families who would stand side-by-side each other and bring out the best in them. I love Grady’s parents, brother Cole and sisters Maggie and Harper. They’re all so adorable. And I also love their extended family, Mia, Brandon and the latest cutest addition to the brood, Jarrett Anderson..
Then there’s Bri.. I wish I could say I understood her decision about breaking up with Grady in the first place, but I couldn’t really empathize with her. What I love about her though, was her resilience and resolve to make things right with Grady.
Waiting For Her is a wonderful story about love, commitment, devotion and forgiveness. Every hour and minute I spent with this book is definitely worth the wait. Cheers to Jennifer Van Wyk for a lovely, engaging and heart-warming story!
Bri broke her high-school boyfriend’s heart when she decided to walk away from him and her hometown, following the devastating truth about her own father’s death. Grady was so hurt and emotional about their breakup and couldn’t bring himself to accept how it all unfolded.
Six years after no communication, Bri was back to cover the newest and youngest coach for Warrior’s football team, and that’s no one else but Grady Ryan, her high school sweetheart, her true love, her first and most painful breakup.
I cried a lot of moments in the book, mostly happy tears, because the scenes here also involved families – close-knit, protective families who would stand side-by-side each other and bring out the best in them. I love Grady’s parents, brother Cole and sisters Maggie and Harper. They’re all so adorable. And I also love their extended family, Mia, Brandon and the latest cutest addition to the brood, Jarrett Anderson..
Then there’s Bri.. I wish I could say I understood her decision about breaking up with Grady in the first place, but I couldn’t really empathize with her. What I love about her though, was her resilience and resolve to make things right with Grady.
Waiting For Her is a wonderful story about love, commitment, devotion and forgiveness. Every hour and minute I spent with this book is definitely worth the wait. Cheers to Jennifer Van Wyk for a lovely, engaging and heart-warming story!
August 5, 2018
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
I loved every second of Grady and Bri's story. I love a good second chance story, and this one is one of the best I have read in a long time. These two...I wanted them together so much. There were parts of this story that made my heart hurt. There were parts when I fell in love with these characters so much that I felt like they were my friends and I was rooting for them the whole time. This story made me smile, but more than that it made me believe that there is true love. I already believed that, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded.
Grady's character is just an amazing man. He's now the youngest college football coach. I love college football, so this story touched home for me. I loved see Grady go from the player mindset to the coach. I also loved watching him fall all over again. Grady's Character was just a good man. Sometimes you just need a man that is good.
Bri, there is so much to this amazing woman. Her past messed her up and in turn it caused her to miss out on being with the love of her life. I loved how far Bri had come in her career. When she was given the story she could have said no, but she didn't. She wanted to prove to everyone that she could move on from her past and be professional. And god love her, she tried.
I can't put into words how much I loved this story. I'm so excited to see what Jennifer Van Wyk has for us in the future. This is one of the best stories I have read this year. Please check it out.
I loved every second of Grady and Bri's story. I love a good second chance story, and this one is one of the best I have read in a long time. These two...I wanted them together so much. There were parts of this story that made my heart hurt. There were parts when I fell in love with these characters so much that I felt like they were my friends and I was rooting for them the whole time. This story made me smile, but more than that it made me believe that there is true love. I already believed that, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded.
Grady's character is just an amazing man. He's now the youngest college football coach. I love college football, so this story touched home for me. I loved see Grady go from the player mindset to the coach. I also loved watching him fall all over again. Grady's Character was just a good man. Sometimes you just need a man that is good.
Bri, there is so much to this amazing woman. Her past messed her up and in turn it caused her to miss out on being with the love of her life. I loved how far Bri had come in her career. When she was given the story she could have said no, but she didn't. She wanted to prove to everyone that she could move on from her past and be professional. And god love her, she tried.
I can't put into words how much I loved this story. I'm so excited to see what Jennifer Van Wyk has for us in the future. This is one of the best stories I have read this year. Please check it out.
August 6, 2018
If I could give this book 10 stars I would! This book touched me deeply.
I fell in love with Grady and Bri in Feels Like Home. My heart broke with how that book ended. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen between them and how long it would take for them to come together again.
When you start this book you learn it’s been six years since Bri broke Grady’s heart and her own. While we don’t understand exactly why she did what she did you will soon learn. My heart broke for her. She loved her dad and thought of him as her hero so the news of his betrayal was hard on her. Made her question everything. But I’m her journey to find herself you will cry with her and your heart will break 💔
Grady is the perfect guy. Yeah, I’m sure he has some flaws but I didn’t see any (blinded by love😍)! I love how loyal he is. He doesn’t let anyone hurt the people he loves. He has been handed so many curve balls that most people wouldn’t have come back from. He learned that life can’t always be planned how we want it.
This book is definitely on the top of my list for best read books this year! Not many books have grabbed me this year and held me where I couldn’t do anything all day but read.
I hope and pray that my kids can find a love as strong as Grady and Bri’s! I want them to find that person who means the world to them and they know that they’ll make it through anything good or bad!
Jennifer Van Wyk knows how to write emotional reads that draw you in and make you feel like you’re right there in the book with the characters! She is fastly becoming one of my go to authors!!
I fell in love with Grady and Bri in Feels Like Home. My heart broke with how that book ended. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen between them and how long it would take for them to come together again.
When you start this book you learn it’s been six years since Bri broke Grady’s heart and her own. While we don’t understand exactly why she did what she did you will soon learn. My heart broke for her. She loved her dad and thought of him as her hero so the news of his betrayal was hard on her. Made her question everything. But I’m her journey to find herself you will cry with her and your heart will break 💔
Grady is the perfect guy. Yeah, I’m sure he has some flaws but I didn’t see any (blinded by love😍)! I love how loyal he is. He doesn’t let anyone hurt the people he loves. He has been handed so many curve balls that most people wouldn’t have come back from. He learned that life can’t always be planned how we want it.
This book is definitely on the top of my list for best read books this year! Not many books have grabbed me this year and held me where I couldn’t do anything all day but read.
I hope and pray that my kids can find a love as strong as Grady and Bri’s! I want them to find that person who means the world to them and they know that they’ll make it through anything good or bad!
Jennifer Van Wyk knows how to write emotional reads that draw you in and make you feel like you’re right there in the book with the characters! She is fastly becoming one of my go to authors!!
August 7, 2018
After reading Feels Like Home (the story of Bri's mother), I couldn't wait to read this book. While I knew that it would be very emotional, I guess I didn't see just how emotional it was going to be for me, and trust me, my eyes leaked a time or two. I've loved Grady for some time, but during this story, I had moments of extreme rage towards him, and yeah, I knew he got hurt when his Bri left him, but I never ever thought he would get to be quite be so unlike him. See, Bri lost herself when the shock of her life hit her, and she left her person, Grady, behind. It almost destroyed him, and her as well, so this story takes place 6 years later when they come face to face for the first time since she left him. And what transpired in those years definitely set my emotions to high. I LOVE these two together, but seriously could feel both of their pain through my kindle. And even better, their chemistry never died down, so the sparks were flying immediately. However, the twists that were the events of those 6 years, had me dropping my f-bombs right and left. Thankfully, through all the angst & drama, there were secondaries that brought enough crazy humor to shine through all the pain, to make me laugh as well. Jennifer Van Wyk, with her talented writing style knows how to pull the feels out. I can't wait to read more by her, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
May 13, 2019
I fell in love with this crazy group of characters in From the Ground Up by Jennifer Van Wyk, and keep falling in love with them even more with every book in this series of interconnected standalones.
Waiting for Her follows the next generation, specifically Grady (Tess and Barrett's son) and Bri, Grady's best friend. At the end of the first book, these two had realized that they had feelings beyond friendship (while in high school). A few years later, they break up after Bri feels that they won't survive because they haven't explored other relationships. Grady was not on board with this. Six years later, Grady is living his revised dream of coaching, and Bri ends up writing a feature story for a magazine about him. Their feelings are still there, and Bri comes to terms with the mistakes of her past.
From the beginning with these two, I wanted to see them succeed (all the way beack in From the Ground Up), and it was heartbreaking that they hadn't. But Jennifer Van Wyk did a wonderful job of bringing Grady and Bri back together. It was great catching up with previous characters through out the book (especially Cole and Mia!!).
I highly recommend Waiting for Her!
Waiting for Her follows the next generation, specifically Grady (Tess and Barrett's son) and Bri, Grady's best friend. At the end of the first book, these two had realized that they had feelings beyond friendship (while in high school). A few years later, they break up after Bri feels that they won't survive because they haven't explored other relationships. Grady was not on board with this. Six years later, Grady is living his revised dream of coaching, and Bri ends up writing a feature story for a magazine about him. Their feelings are still there, and Bri comes to terms with the mistakes of her past.
From the beginning with these two, I wanted to see them succeed (all the way beack in From the Ground Up), and it was heartbreaking that they hadn't. But Jennifer Van Wyk did a wonderful job of bringing Grady and Bri back together. It was great catching up with previous characters through out the book (especially Cole and Mia!!).
I highly recommend Waiting for Her!
August 6, 2018
I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t know about Ms. Van Wyk’s work until a friend of mine told me about her. It was her second book and I fell in love! And I caught right up and devoured her last two books as they’ve come out. (Well this one included in the devouring but whatever.) That being said, Ms. Van Wyk’s work gets better and better every time! And I fall more and more in love with her characters! And Grady and Bri certainly were no different!!
So we already know a little about Bri and Grady because we’ve seen them grow up alongside their parents. But let me tell you, getting to know them on a more personal level was nothing short of amazing. The love o have for these two is endless and knows no bounds. I’d claim these two as best friends if I knew them in the real world! I just, I have endless love for them and their story!!
And their story, man it wasn’t easy at times but life isn’t easy. And it’s not always the right time. But guess what? Life has a way of finding the right time! And sometimes that’s all we really need. Gah! I’m rambling but seriously you guys need Bri and Grady in your life like yesterday!!
Not to mention the other characters we know and love making appearances! I always love getting a check in and it’s no different now. My heart is full and happy and loving so much in Bri and Grady and the rest of their big old extended family! My heart is in the state of Michigan with an amazing group of characters! Ms. Van Wyk certainly outdid herself and made a fictional town I’d love to call my home!
So we already know a little about Bri and Grady because we’ve seen them grow up alongside their parents. But let me tell you, getting to know them on a more personal level was nothing short of amazing. The love o have for these two is endless and knows no bounds. I’d claim these two as best friends if I knew them in the real world! I just, I have endless love for them and their story!!
And their story, man it wasn’t easy at times but life isn’t easy. And it’s not always the right time. But guess what? Life has a way of finding the right time! And sometimes that’s all we really need. Gah! I’m rambling but seriously you guys need Bri and Grady in your life like yesterday!!
Not to mention the other characters we know and love making appearances! I always love getting a check in and it’s no different now. My heart is full and happy and loving so much in Bri and Grady and the rest of their big old extended family! My heart is in the state of Michigan with an amazing group of characters! Ms. Van Wyk certainly outdid herself and made a fictional town I’d love to call my home!
August 6, 2018
I’m in love with Second Chance romances. It’s like a huge do-over, where the couple can get their fresh start.
Waiting for Her is the perfect second chance romance book. Plus the added bonus of being a sports book? It’s like my favorite world colliding.
Bri and Grady were best friends turned lovers. Then, because Bri was scared and didn’t believe love was enough, she broken both their hearts when she left Grady.
Grady is everything anyone could want in a man. He’s smart, dedicated and so determined. He had a tragedy happen but managed to keep on going and now he’s accomplished something no one his age has. The way he loves is amazing! I loved his relationship with his family. So close knit, and they all have each other’s backs.
Bri had a little more trouble after her break-up. She grew too though. She went through a lot during they years apart. I loved how she owned up to everything. No excuses made. Bri also had an awesome relationship with her mom and step-dad. I loved the way they all interacted.
Waiting For Her is one of my favorite second chance romances this year! Defiantly a five star must read!!
Arc received for an honest review
Waiting for Her is the perfect second chance romance book. Plus the added bonus of being a sports book? It’s like my favorite world colliding.
Bri and Grady were best friends turned lovers. Then, because Bri was scared and didn’t believe love was enough, she broken both their hearts when she left Grady.
Grady is everything anyone could want in a man. He’s smart, dedicated and so determined. He had a tragedy happen but managed to keep on going and now he’s accomplished something no one his age has. The way he loves is amazing! I loved his relationship with his family. So close knit, and they all have each other’s backs.
Bri had a little more trouble after her break-up. She grew too though. She went through a lot during they years apart. I loved how she owned up to everything. No excuses made. Bri also had an awesome relationship with her mom and step-dad. I loved the way they all interacted.
Waiting For Her is one of my favorite second chance romances this year! Defiantly a five star must read!!
Arc received for an honest review
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