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Always a Love Song
When golden girl pop star Bridget Callahan’s broken engagement comes out, she heads back to her hometown for the first time in five years to write songs for her next album. And maybe while she’s there, she’ll finally be able to face the woman she left behind who she never let go.
Bar owner Alex Marlow has spent the past five years mending her broken heart by pretending she doesn’t have one. But Bridget’s return disrupts her ordered life and brings all those chaotic, buried feelings back to the surface. Can they forgive each other and themselves for mistakes made when they were younger?
A lesbian romance about music, accepting the past, and embracing second chances to write a new future.
Themes: music · pop star · second-chance lesbian romance
60,000 words
Bar owner Alex Marlow has spent the past five years mending her broken heart by pretending she doesn’t have one. But Bridget’s return disrupts her ordered life and brings all those chaotic, buried feelings back to the surface. Can they forgive each other and themselves for mistakes made when they were younger?
A lesbian romance about music, accepting the past, and embracing second chances to write a new future.
Themes: music · pop star · second-chance lesbian romance
60,000 words
Paperback
Published June 15, 2019
37 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Charley Clarke
7 books58 followersCharley Clarke writers romance, both contemporary and speculative fiction. Her first novel, ALWAYS A LOVE SONG, was released by Ylva Publishing in summer 2019. She loves baked goods, long walks, and relaxing with a good book and a cup of tea. You can find her at www.charleyclarkewriter.com and on Twitter @CharleyCWriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
May 28, 2019
'ARC provided by Ylva-Publishing in exchange for an honest review'
**'Stories are for eternity, when memory is erased, when there is nothing to remember but the story..The most important thing or part of the story is the insight..'
Brimming with little lyrical musings, forever Love and offering uniquely imaginative cherished affections,'ALWAYS A LOVE SONG' is delightfully romantic,deep,heartwarming at times and emotional.
The nice part of Ms.Clarke's story is that both Alex & Bridget seems equally realistic. To Bridget, Alex is the most beautiful, strong minded and amazing person in the world but what readers see is a person with many hidden flaws while Bridget on the other hand is not portrayed as this raging beauty or selfish person but has a nice heart, genuine feelings and is desirable, which only made her fondness towards Alex even more touching.
Another thing is Ms.Clarke sets up Alex's attitude so that readers will get frustrated with and annoyed by her as even her close friends were. It is when she sat back and analyze her part in their relationship demise plus admitted to having some of the blame that she finally began to change her stance. With both her cluelessness and stubbornness that sometimes appear grating especially when it came to her angered reactions towards Bridget, but then to readers it is real and completely believable. Also readers are given enough insight and back stories about each of them along with everyone else who makes them appear as long time friends. It is with extensive details like this that makes this story come alive.
Furthermore, the storyline is also equally balanced between the two leads and the secondary characters who added crucial perspectives on their (Alex & Bridget) past interactions.
That said, this storyline is all about overcoming anger and forging forward at second chances at everlasting Love -- which I think readers will come away quite satisfied because it's a well told and written book!
**'Stories are for eternity, when memory is erased, when there is nothing to remember but the story..The most important thing or part of the story is the insight..'
Brimming with little lyrical musings, forever Love and offering uniquely imaginative cherished affections,'ALWAYS A LOVE SONG' is delightfully romantic,deep,heartwarming at times and emotional.
The nice part of Ms.Clarke's story is that both Alex & Bridget seems equally realistic. To Bridget, Alex is the most beautiful, strong minded and amazing person in the world but what readers see is a person with many hidden flaws while Bridget on the other hand is not portrayed as this raging beauty or selfish person but has a nice heart, genuine feelings and is desirable, which only made her fondness towards Alex even more touching.
Another thing is Ms.Clarke sets up Alex's attitude so that readers will get frustrated with and annoyed by her as even her close friends were. It is when she sat back and analyze her part in their relationship demise plus admitted to having some of the blame that she finally began to change her stance. With both her cluelessness and stubbornness that sometimes appear grating especially when it came to her angered reactions towards Bridget, but then to readers it is real and completely believable. Also readers are given enough insight and back stories about each of them along with everyone else who makes them appear as long time friends. It is with extensive details like this that makes this story come alive.
Furthermore, the storyline is also equally balanced between the two leads and the secondary characters who added crucial perspectives on their (Alex & Bridget) past interactions.
That said, this storyline is all about overcoming anger and forging forward at second chances at everlasting Love -- which I think readers will come away quite satisfied because it's a well told and written book!
June 6, 2019
4.25 Stars. This was a really good read. I believe this is Clarke’s full length debut and that’s makes this book even more impressive. I have actually read one of Clarke’s fantasy short stories before called The Flamebringers. I thought it was really sweet with my only main complaint was wishing it was longer, so when I heard YLVA picked her up as an author, I could not wait to sink my teeth into this book. I had pretty high expectations and I’m happy to say that I really enjoyed this read.
As I’ve mentioned before I’m a fan of celebrity romances so this book already had a check in the win column for me. But what surprised me and what made this book so good is that it was a second chance romance. It’s not just that it was a second chance romance, but that it is one of the most realistic second chance romances I have ever read. This book was pretty emotional at times and not only did I find it gripping but it really affected me too. The anger and betrayal of a break-up, the hurt that both parties cause, it was just really believable and well written.
I do have to mention the dreaded word flashbacks. I am not a fan. However, I’m happy to say they did not bother me in the least. The flashbacks were important and told the story in a way that was effective. If I have to read flashbacks, this is how it should be done, so props to Clarke for overcoming their pitfalls. I also wanted to mention here that while one of the mains is a singer, there are no annoying fake music lyrics, so Clarke actually managed to dodge two pet peeves of mine.
I only had two slight complaints that stopped this from being a 5 star read for me. I did have a little trouble with the character of Alex. She is really stubborn and a character that closes down instead of communicates. Personally, I am the complete opposite so her character did drive me a bit nuts. However, I still cared about her even when wanting to shake her, so it’s not too big of a complaint. The last little complaint is there was a few times I thought the inner thoughts of the characters became a little repetitive. I just felt some of that could have been cleaned up a tad. Again it’s a small complaint in such a good read and I’m sure this is something Clarke will improve upon with the more books that she writes.
I normally do mention in my romance reviews what I thought about the sex scenes. In this case this book doesn’t have any explicit ones. And while I am a fan of steamy sex scenes, I must admit I did not mind it in this case. The two characters are so connected, they have this love you can see even though they are apart, that sex scenes were not needed to make their connection stronger. You read this book and you will have no doubts about if they should be together or not.
I would definitely recommend this book to people looking for a good emotional romance. This really is one of the better second chance romances I have read. Add in the fact that this is Clarke’s full length debut, makes me really excited to read her, hopefully, many future stories. I think Clarke is an author to watch.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
As I’ve mentioned before I’m a fan of celebrity romances so this book already had a check in the win column for me. But what surprised me and what made this book so good is that it was a second chance romance. It’s not just that it was a second chance romance, but that it is one of the most realistic second chance romances I have ever read. This book was pretty emotional at times and not only did I find it gripping but it really affected me too. The anger and betrayal of a break-up, the hurt that both parties cause, it was just really believable and well written.
I do have to mention the dreaded word flashbacks. I am not a fan. However, I’m happy to say they did not bother me in the least. The flashbacks were important and told the story in a way that was effective. If I have to read flashbacks, this is how it should be done, so props to Clarke for overcoming their pitfalls. I also wanted to mention here that while one of the mains is a singer, there are no annoying fake music lyrics, so Clarke actually managed to dodge two pet peeves of mine.
I only had two slight complaints that stopped this from being a 5 star read for me. I did have a little trouble with the character of Alex. She is really stubborn and a character that closes down instead of communicates. Personally, I am the complete opposite so her character did drive me a bit nuts. However, I still cared about her even when wanting to shake her, so it’s not too big of a complaint. The last little complaint is there was a few times I thought the inner thoughts of the characters became a little repetitive. I just felt some of that could have been cleaned up a tad. Again it’s a small complaint in such a good read and I’m sure this is something Clarke will improve upon with the more books that she writes.
I normally do mention in my romance reviews what I thought about the sex scenes. In this case this book doesn’t have any explicit ones. And while I am a fan of steamy sex scenes, I must admit I did not mind it in this case. The two characters are so connected, they have this love you can see even though they are apart, that sex scenes were not needed to make their connection stronger. You read this book and you will have no doubts about if they should be together or not.
I would definitely recommend this book to people looking for a good emotional romance. This really is one of the better second chance romances I have read. Add in the fact that this is Clarke’s full length debut, makes me really excited to read her, hopefully, many future stories. I think Clarke is an author to watch.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
March 29, 2020
For most of the book Bridget and Alex were just dancing around their past issues. The moment they got close to talking Alex ran away. It happened every damn time and was so annoying. I just wanted to lock them up together.
The best thing about this book was unlike so many second chance romances, here the reason for their break up was realistic. This book reminded me of Melissa Brayden's Strawberry Summer which is one of my favourite books ever yet this didn't make me feel half of what I felt reading Strawberry Summer. Still it was a well written book.
The best thing about this book was unlike so many second chance romances, here the reason for their break up was realistic. This book reminded me of Melissa Brayden's Strawberry Summer which is one of my favourite books ever yet this didn't make me feel half of what I felt reading Strawberry Summer. Still it was a well written book.
May 31, 2019
Oh Ms. Charley Clarke hello there :) welcome to my list of “who are you and why didn’t I discover the brilliance of you earlier?”.
Now that was a wonderful read! The nice thing about it was there was no expectations whatsoever! I highly recommend this one to everyone who wants entertainment, wants to feel good, and wants to feel happy :)
Both characters are very likable, although I was a little bit more into Bridget.. at certain points I wanted to strangle them both, but at the same time was rooting for them both, and then after a couple of pages I wanted to hit one of them on the head with a heavy book 😂
If you’re not into angst or can’t tolerate it then you might suffer a bit but it’s such a sweet romantic book that it’s so worth all the angst :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review”.
Now that was a wonderful read! The nice thing about it was there was no expectations whatsoever! I highly recommend this one to everyone who wants entertainment, wants to feel good, and wants to feel happy :)
Both characters are very likable, although I was a little bit more into Bridget.. at certain points I wanted to strangle them both, but at the same time was rooting for them both, and then after a couple of pages I wanted to hit one of them on the head with a heavy book 😂
If you’re not into angst or can’t tolerate it then you might suffer a bit but it’s such a sweet romantic book that it’s so worth all the angst :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review”.
May 30, 2019
An emotional journey of trying to recapture a lost love.
Bridgette left her girlfriend, Alex, 5 years ago to move to New York and pursue her musical aspirations. Time has been good to both of them. Bridgette found the success she was looking for and is now a major pop star and Alex is the owner of a cafe and a bar in their home town. Bridgette has never stopped loving Alex and returns for a second chance at love.
This was engaging from beginning to end. Told in 3rd person, we can sit back and enjoy the story of Bridgette and Alex. The book alternates between now and then. I don't mind flashbacks, but I know there are many who do. I have a feeling that this style will not bother those readers. It was done very well, and everything that happened then really impacted the now. It was all very relevant and added so much more engrossment. It felt like a mystery unfolding as to what caused the demise of their relationship.
The author did a great job at creating moments between the characters that made you believe they were truly in love and meant to be. That helped balance the book because a lot of what happens in the now is very charged in heartbreak and betrayal. Like Bridgette and Alex, you spend most of the book wondering how possible it is to move beyond their past.
This story went deeper than most second chance stories I've read. I had chest tingles throughout most of it.
There were a few places that I felt some thoughts or dialogue were redundant. And I really wanted to have some meddling occur from either the friends or mom. But other than that, this was nearly perfect.
I should also mention to those who do not like cheesy song lyrics in books, you can rest assured that doesn't occur here. Which was a nice surprise since it is very much centered around a musician and love songs.
I recommend to those who like to read about romance, second chances, best friends who become more, musicians, and true love.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review
Bridgette left her girlfriend, Alex, 5 years ago to move to New York and pursue her musical aspirations. Time has been good to both of them. Bridgette found the success she was looking for and is now a major pop star and Alex is the owner of a cafe and a bar in their home town. Bridgette has never stopped loving Alex and returns for a second chance at love.
This was engaging from beginning to end. Told in 3rd person, we can sit back and enjoy the story of Bridgette and Alex. The book alternates between now and then. I don't mind flashbacks, but I know there are many who do. I have a feeling that this style will not bother those readers. It was done very well, and everything that happened then really impacted the now. It was all very relevant and added so much more engrossment. It felt like a mystery unfolding as to what caused the demise of their relationship.
The author did a great job at creating moments between the characters that made you believe they were truly in love and meant to be. That helped balance the book because a lot of what happens in the now is very charged in heartbreak and betrayal. Like Bridgette and Alex, you spend most of the book wondering how possible it is to move beyond their past.
This story went deeper than most second chance stories I've read. I had chest tingles throughout most of it.
There were a few places that I felt some thoughts or dialogue were redundant. And I really wanted to have some meddling occur from either the friends or mom. But other than that, this was nearly perfect.
I should also mention to those who do not like cheesy song lyrics in books, you can rest assured that doesn't occur here. Which was a nice surprise since it is very much centered around a musician and love songs.
I recommend to those who like to read about romance, second chances, best friends who become more, musicians, and true love.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review
June 28, 2019
5 stars for Bridget Callahan - Ms.Jekyll, but since she's not the only character starring in this book, then 3 is more than generous and a lackluster recommendation. Bridget and the 'Then' parts, are the winning factors for
Always A Love Song.
A Malay proverb - "Sudah jatuh, ditimpa tangga" (after falling off the ladder, the ladder fell on you) That happened to Bridget in this one woman show of a relationship. Her genuineness/love was visible from the start, she was always communicating, supportive, being the best as possible for herself and for her bestie - girlfriend aka Alex. (Ms.Hyde + the bane of my existence) Bridget wore her hearts on her sleeves and other pieces of clothing and what did Alex do in return? Picked each heart up, and did all sorts of inhumane experiments to them. Note to self - reread Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde and Frankenstein, asap.
Alex, your digits chanting, bottled up emotions and the highest level of unfairness boarded my SS Nerve - hijacked it, changed the destination from The Serenity Island to Bermuda Triangle too many times. You were the one who pushed Bridget away and you had the guts to use the victim card shamelessly. I've never said this out aloud to anyone in fiction world but F You, Alex! -
https://twitter.com/i/status/11287886...
To the 'besties' - Owen, Jordan and Lu, get off the bloody stage, I didn't get this to read about you and your lame ass advices. Max, you're good - Bridget was lucky to have you in her corner.
If you're interested to read this, remember Princess and The Pea?
" The Queen decides to test their unexpected, unwitting guest by placing a pea in the bed she is offered for the night, covered by huge mattresses and 20 feather-beds "
Maybe copy the Queen's act and remove the book from your to read pile when you're feeling murderous.
Always A Love Song.
A Malay proverb - "Sudah jatuh, ditimpa tangga" (after falling off the ladder, the ladder fell on you) That happened to Bridget in this one woman show of a relationship. Her genuineness/love was visible from the start, she was always communicating, supportive, being the best as possible for herself and for her bestie - girlfriend aka Alex. (Ms.Hyde + the bane of my existence) Bridget wore her hearts on her sleeves and other pieces of clothing and what did Alex do in return? Picked each heart up, and did all sorts of inhumane experiments to them. Note to self - reread Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde and Frankenstein, asap.
Alex, your digits chanting, bottled up emotions and the highest level of unfairness boarded my SS Nerve - hijacked it, changed the destination from The Serenity Island to Bermuda Triangle too many times. You were the one who pushed Bridget away and you had the guts to use the victim card shamelessly. I've never said this out aloud to anyone in fiction world but F You, Alex! -
https://twitter.com/i/status/11287886...
To the 'besties' - Owen, Jordan and Lu, get off the bloody stage, I didn't get this to read about you and your lame ass advices. Max, you're good - Bridget was lucky to have you in her corner.
If you're interested to read this, remember Princess and The Pea?
" The Queen decides to test their unexpected, unwitting guest by placing a pea in the bed she is offered for the night, covered by huge mattresses and 20 feather-beds "
Maybe copy the Queen's act and remove the book from your to read pile when you're feeling murderous.
June 6, 2019
I don’t know why, but I’m a fan of second chance romances in fiction whereas, in real life, I have my doubts about their success. This one is a good one and, it seems, Clarke’s first full length novel. Bridget Callahan has made a name for herself as a singer but she’s missing home and, more specifically, Alex, the girlfriend she left behind five years before. Their parting was filled with confusion and sadness so returning to her home town for a visit is going to be difficult. Bridget didn’t anticipate how difficult until she sees Alex again for the first time in five years.
This story is loaded with tension, angst and sadness. However, their love for each other and the passion they share is palpable, so much so that I hadn’t even realized that there are no explicit sex scenes in the novel. I think creating that kind of connection between characters takes quite some talent. Imagine the explosiveness if she actually wrote in a sex scene.
Bridget and Alex are portrayed as people who are not perfect and they’ve both made mistakes which gives them a good depth and realism. It also meant that my allegiance kept swaying and I liked that it wasn’t predictable. I don’t mind flashbacks in a story although I did wish they had stopped a little sooner than they did. I haven’t read anything by Clarke before but she is definitely on my radar now.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
This story is loaded with tension, angst and sadness. However, their love for each other and the passion they share is palpable, so much so that I hadn’t even realized that there are no explicit sex scenes in the novel. I think creating that kind of connection between characters takes quite some talent. Imagine the explosiveness if she actually wrote in a sex scene.
Bridget and Alex are portrayed as people who are not perfect and they’ve both made mistakes which gives them a good depth and realism. It also meant that my allegiance kept swaying and I liked that it wasn’t predictable. I don’t mind flashbacks in a story although I did wish they had stopped a little sooner than they did. I haven’t read anything by Clarke before but she is definitely on my radar now.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
June 4, 2019
This novel is a wonderful love story, and I’m really impressed by Charley Clarke because it’s her first novel. Just Wow!
Bridged and Alex were sweethearts for a couple of years until life happened and they struggled to keep their relationship alive - and failed. Now five years after the heartbreak for both of them, Bridged, the successful singer and songwriter, returns home to visit her family and to create songs for her new album. And maybe, just maybe she can reconnect with Alex her first and only love. Alex, now a café and bar owner, still lives in her hometown and nurtures her broken heart. She has never forgiven Bridget for leaving her. Will they ever are able to reconnect in any way or will they hurt each other again?
The story is told in third person, alternating between Bridged and Alex. And there are two strands that lead through the book, Then and Now, and I must say I really liked this style. It gave you insight in the relationship they shared as teenagers and young adults. Charley Clarke has a wonderful ability to bring emotions and feelings alife. You can understand and feel with them, why they acted and reacted the way they did back then.
Both women are very loveable and realistic person. Bridged being a little bit closer to me because I’m more like her than Alex. It’s nice to see how they have grown into adult women. Sometimes I could have smacked them when they didn’t listen to each other or the stubbornness got in the way to give in. But a few seconds later I was rooting for them. I know it’s not that easy to forgive when you for five years cherished your pain. When you’ve put the whole blame on the other person, and now for the first time you’re pressured into hearing the other side, to notice that you have to take some of the blame by yourself.
There is no steamy sex scene in this story and it’s totally OK, it doesn’t need it. But there a lot of emotions going straight to your heart. And the two women have great chemistry. Also, all the secondary characters are well intertwined and helped the story with more insight and depth. And as always I loved Benny, the sweet dog.
A wonderful love story recommended for any romance fans.
My rating 5 stars
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
Bridged and Alex were sweethearts for a couple of years until life happened and they struggled to keep their relationship alive - and failed. Now five years after the heartbreak for both of them, Bridged, the successful singer and songwriter, returns home to visit her family and to create songs for her new album. And maybe, just maybe she can reconnect with Alex her first and only love. Alex, now a café and bar owner, still lives in her hometown and nurtures her broken heart. She has never forgiven Bridget for leaving her. Will they ever are able to reconnect in any way or will they hurt each other again?
The story is told in third person, alternating between Bridged and Alex. And there are two strands that lead through the book, Then and Now, and I must say I really liked this style. It gave you insight in the relationship they shared as teenagers and young adults. Charley Clarke has a wonderful ability to bring emotions and feelings alife. You can understand and feel with them, why they acted and reacted the way they did back then.
Both women are very loveable and realistic person. Bridged being a little bit closer to me because I’m more like her than Alex. It’s nice to see how they have grown into adult women. Sometimes I could have smacked them when they didn’t listen to each other or the stubbornness got in the way to give in. But a few seconds later I was rooting for them. I know it’s not that easy to forgive when you for five years cherished your pain. When you’ve put the whole blame on the other person, and now for the first time you’re pressured into hearing the other side, to notice that you have to take some of the blame by yourself.
There is no steamy sex scene in this story and it’s totally OK, it doesn’t need it. But there a lot of emotions going straight to your heart. And the two women have great chemistry. Also, all the secondary characters are well intertwined and helped the story with more insight and depth. And as always I loved Benny, the sweet dog.
A wonderful love story recommended for any romance fans.
My rating 5 stars
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
June 28, 2019
This book is one that will make your heart hurt. The angst is so rich and realistic that I felt actual pain. You can literally feel your heartbreak right along with the two leading ladies. A fantastic book that is full of emotion.
Bridget Callahan and Alex Marlow a childhood best friends. There has always been a special connection between them. As they grew into women, they became everything to each other. They spend their 20's wrapped up in school absolutely in love with each other. When college ends and both are forced to find any work they can. The stress of not enough money or time begins to slowly make cracks in their relationship. When Alex's father suddenly passes, the cracks become craters and their love is cast aside for reason's neither of them has ever fully recovered from.
A handful of years later Bridget, a pop music sensation decides to return to her small hometown. The same location in which Alex owns and runs a cafe and brewery. Bridget thought she could handle being back but the emotions and loss of her relationship with Alex are beyond overwhelming. Everywhere she goes brings back a flood of memories of better times. The book flashes back between Bridget's and Alex's romance to the present day. This one is full of tension, angst, and romance. I'm not kidding when I say this book pulls at your emotions. I felt my heartbreak with them, I felt their joy as well as their pain.
Bridget Callahan and Alex Marlow a childhood best friends. There has always been a special connection between them. As they grew into women, they became everything to each other. They spend their 20's wrapped up in school absolutely in love with each other. When college ends and both are forced to find any work they can. The stress of not enough money or time begins to slowly make cracks in their relationship. When Alex's father suddenly passes, the cracks become craters and their love is cast aside for reason's neither of them has ever fully recovered from.
A handful of years later Bridget, a pop music sensation decides to return to her small hometown. The same location in which Alex owns and runs a cafe and brewery. Bridget thought she could handle being back but the emotions and loss of her relationship with Alex are beyond overwhelming. Everywhere she goes brings back a flood of memories of better times. The book flashes back between Bridget's and Alex's romance to the present day. This one is full of tension, angst, and romance. I'm not kidding when I say this book pulls at your emotions. I felt my heartbreak with them, I felt their joy as well as their pain.
August 17, 2019
I tell my wife she’s my sun. Every time she enters a room, everything is warmer, lighter and the colors are brighter. So of course I could relate from the beginning to how Alex loved Bridget. She said exactly that on page one.
This is a friends-to-lovers / celebrity / small-town but mostly second-chance romance. Alex and Bridget were childhood friends then, growing up, became lovers. They were the perfect couple under they weren’t and Bridget left. Five years later, she’s a Grammy Award winner but fame and success are no substitute for the love she left behind. Alex still lives in their hometown, where she’s found her own success, as the beloved owner of a café, a bar and a brewery. Try as they might, neither is over the break up or each other.
By definition, second chance romances are full of angst. Will she win her back? Will they be able to get over past hurts, to find happiness together again? Always a Love Song is no exception. It’s full of regrets and what ifs, of hopes and longing.
Maybe I’m emotional at the moment (though previous reviews tell me I’m not the only one) but I have to admit there were more than a few tears shed in the reading process.
I was a little worried about the then / now structure, it’s so easy to get lost in time with flashbacks and such but it worked. The flashbacks served a purpose and were done in a very organic way, so no complaints.
The secondary characters were excellent too, from both women’s friends or Bridget’s mother to the smaller parts such as the head-whacking doctor. There’s a tenderness in pretty much all the interactions that I loved.
The only reason I’m not giving this 5 stars is that somehow it lost me a bit at the end. I finished rather late in the night, so that might not have helped.
Always a Love Song is pretty amazing for a debut novel and I hope we won’t have to wait too long for Charley Clarke’s next book (no pressure!).
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a friends-to-lovers / celebrity / small-town but mostly second-chance romance. Alex and Bridget were childhood friends then, growing up, became lovers. They were the perfect couple under they weren’t and Bridget left. Five years later, she’s a Grammy Award winner but fame and success are no substitute for the love she left behind. Alex still lives in their hometown, where she’s found her own success, as the beloved owner of a café, a bar and a brewery. Try as they might, neither is over the break up or each other.
By definition, second chance romances are full of angst. Will she win her back? Will they be able to get over past hurts, to find happiness together again? Always a Love Song is no exception. It’s full of regrets and what ifs, of hopes and longing.
Maybe I’m emotional at the moment (though previous reviews tell me I’m not the only one) but I have to admit there were more than a few tears shed in the reading process.
I was a little worried about the then / now structure, it’s so easy to get lost in time with flashbacks and such but it worked. The flashbacks served a purpose and were done in a very organic way, so no complaints.
The secondary characters were excellent too, from both women’s friends or Bridget’s mother to the smaller parts such as the head-whacking doctor. There’s a tenderness in pretty much all the interactions that I loved.
The only reason I’m not giving this 5 stars is that somehow it lost me a bit at the end. I finished rather late in the night, so that might not have helped.
Always a Love Song is pretty amazing for a debut novel and I hope we won’t have to wait too long for Charley Clarke’s next book (no pressure!).
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2020
So-so. Well written... but kinda boring.
March 21, 2020
A second chance romance with all the boxes ticked. BFFs become lovers. Tragedy strikes. One leaves the small home town and returns years later. Now a wild success.
I’m not a big fan of second chance story lines. But I like music a lot. And as this features a musician I thought I’d give a go. But the tune was a little one note and flat for me. The whole story stayed on the surface when I wanted it to walk underneath and see all the wonders to behold. As it was, there was no hook, uplifting bridge, or sing along chorus to be found. And the end chapters were more notes of a HEA than an actual reeling of a story.
I guess I’m still not a fan of second chance romances.
I’m not a big fan of second chance story lines. But I like music a lot. And as this features a musician I thought I’d give a go. But the tune was a little one note and flat for me. The whole story stayed on the surface when I wanted it to walk underneath and see all the wonders to behold. As it was, there was no hook, uplifting bridge, or sing along chorus to be found. And the end chapters were more notes of a HEA than an actual reeling of a story.
I guess I’m still not a fan of second chance romances.
June 11, 2019
Always a Love Song by Charley Clarke is one second chance romance that I am so glad I was able to read. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed such a beautiful love story.
This is the tale of Bridget Callahan and Alexandra (Alex) Marlow. At the beginning of the book, Bridget is a popular pop singer who has just broken up with her fianceé, a famous actor. She decides to go to her home town for a little time away, and to work on writing songs with her fellow songwriter for her new album. This will be the first visit in five years though. The reason she has been avoiding going home is her first love, who owns a bar in the small town. There are still hard feelings between Bridget and Alex, and their first encounters are very strained, but can they both overcome their broken hearts and hurt feelings to reconnect in some way?
I am delighted at how well this story is written. The depth of the characters, the strength of the plot and its progression, the way the author uses flashbacks in the perfect spots to compliment the tale, and the emotions she creates with this story is just excellent. I believe this is the author’s debut full length novel. If it is, I can’t wait to read more of her work. If you love a great, well-written second chance romance, then this is the book for you.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
This is the tale of Bridget Callahan and Alexandra (Alex) Marlow. At the beginning of the book, Bridget is a popular pop singer who has just broken up with her fianceé, a famous actor. She decides to go to her home town for a little time away, and to work on writing songs with her fellow songwriter for her new album. This will be the first visit in five years though. The reason she has been avoiding going home is her first love, who owns a bar in the small town. There are still hard feelings between Bridget and Alex, and their first encounters are very strained, but can they both overcome their broken hearts and hurt feelings to reconnect in some way?
I am delighted at how well this story is written. The depth of the characters, the strength of the plot and its progression, the way the author uses flashbacks in the perfect spots to compliment the tale, and the emotions she creates with this story is just excellent. I believe this is the author’s debut full length novel. If it is, I can’t wait to read more of her work. If you love a great, well-written second chance romance, then this is the book for you.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
January 16, 2020
Thanks to the lovely people on this site I discovered Scribd and have been slowly perusing their lesfic audiobook collection and this one caught my eye. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a big fan of stories involving celebrities so it already had that going for it and I’m a sucker for a small town setting.
This is a second chance for love kind of story, Alex and Bridget were best friends who turned into lovers and dated throughout high school and college but then heartbreak happens yada yada, Bridget leaves and becomes a music sensation and leaves Alex bitter back in her home town but now Bridget is back half a decade later and desperate to mend things between them.
I liked the girls for the most part, Bridget is a huge star but seems really down to earth and generous but her break up with Alex has impacted her greatly and she feels stuck emotionally. The same thing can be said about Alex who hasn’t dated much since Bridget and feels deeply betrayed by Alex for what she feels was abandoning her at a difficult time in her life.
As the story goes on we realize that Alex’s version of things should perhaps not be completely trusted and things might not have been as black and white as Alex and her friends believe it was. I’m a very stubborn person who has a hard time admitting when I might partly be in the wrong as well so I could relate to Alex’s frustrations and anger, sometimes it’s just easier to hold a grudge.
I didn’t like the flashbacks, very rarely do I feel like they add much to the story. I believe there could have been a compromise and we could have just had one or two flashbacks that showed the actual breakup and perhaps the immediate build up to it. I think the readers could have picked up most of the stuff in the flashbacks from context and the actual interaction of the characters in the present.
I would have liked more explicit sex scenes, I just finished Unexpected and Someone to Love by Jenny Frame back to back so maybe she's spoiled me but I did miss some steamy love scenes.
The narration was excellent from Melissa Moran, audiobooks are my jam but I’m very picky when it comes to narrators and the wrong narrator can ruin the experience but bravo to Ms. Moran.
Excellent full length debut novel from Charley Clarke, looking forward to seeing more from her in the future.
4.00 / 5.00
This is a second chance for love kind of story, Alex and Bridget were best friends who turned into lovers and dated throughout high school and college but then heartbreak happens yada yada, Bridget leaves and becomes a music sensation and leaves Alex bitter back in her home town but now Bridget is back half a decade later and desperate to mend things between them.
I liked the girls for the most part, Bridget is a huge star but seems really down to earth and generous but her break up with Alex has impacted her greatly and she feels stuck emotionally. The same thing can be said about Alex who hasn’t dated much since Bridget and feels deeply betrayed by Alex for what she feels was abandoning her at a difficult time in her life.
As the story goes on we realize that Alex’s version of things should perhaps not be completely trusted and things might not have been as black and white as Alex and her friends believe it was. I’m a very stubborn person who has a hard time admitting when I might partly be in the wrong as well so I could relate to Alex’s frustrations and anger, sometimes it’s just easier to hold a grudge.
I didn’t like the flashbacks, very rarely do I feel like they add much to the story. I believe there could have been a compromise and we could have just had one or two flashbacks that showed the actual breakup and perhaps the immediate build up to it. I think the readers could have picked up most of the stuff in the flashbacks from context and the actual interaction of the characters in the present.
I would have liked more explicit sex scenes, I just finished Unexpected and Someone to Love by Jenny Frame back to back so maybe she's spoiled me but I did miss some steamy love scenes.
The narration was excellent from Melissa Moran, audiobooks are my jam but I’m very picky when it comes to narrators and the wrong narrator can ruin the experience but bravo to Ms. Moran.
Excellent full length debut novel from Charley Clarke, looking forward to seeing more from her in the future.
4.00 / 5.00
November 8, 2021
First foray into a world of audiobooks while out on my weekend walks… Verdict? Did I like it? Jury is still out on that…
Back to Always a love song. It is a second-chance romance between 2 lovers, Alex and Bridget, who met when they were in school, stayed together right through college until Bridget called it quits, packed her bag and left town when Alex was not in the right space, having lost her dad. They met again 5 years later when Bridget came home after breaking off an engagement to face her ghost, given that she can’t move forward having left her heart behind and to compose/write new songs. Both are now successful in their rights, with Bridget a pop star and Alex a business owner, unlike 5 years back when things weren’t great between them, both financially and emotionally. So what happened next was how both Alex and Bridget tried to make amends for past mistakes.
Plenty of flashbacks tell us their back story, what happened to the love birds then which leads to their subsequent separation.
Ratings: 4 ⭐️
Back to Always a love song. It is a second-chance romance between 2 lovers, Alex and Bridget, who met when they were in school, stayed together right through college until Bridget called it quits, packed her bag and left town when Alex was not in the right space, having lost her dad. They met again 5 years later when Bridget came home after breaking off an engagement to face her ghost, given that she can’t move forward having left her heart behind and to compose/write new songs. Both are now successful in their rights, with Bridget a pop star and Alex a business owner, unlike 5 years back when things weren’t great between them, both financially and emotionally. So what happened next was how both Alex and Bridget tried to make amends for past mistakes.
Plenty of flashbacks tell us their back story, what happened to the love birds then which leads to their subsequent separation.
Ratings: 4 ⭐️
August 9, 2024
This is a sweet second chance romance that I really liked. I must admit that sometimes I wanted to knock some MC heads together just to get them to stop being stubborn and just see what love was in front of them and let go of the past. I do like the way Charley Clarke tells a story and I will be checking out some of her other books. Ahhhh sweet, so stinking sweet :)
June 6, 2019
Always a Love Song is a story which follows Alex and Bridget from adolescent love into adulthood. Their whole town was a witness to the love story and the break up of Alex and Bridget. Bridget leaves to chase the call of stardom while Alex remains in their hometown growing the family business.
After five years of making a big name for herself in the music industry Bridget returns home to recharge and perhaps right old wrongs with Alex.
Charley Clarke slowly unravels the details of the relationship between Alex and Bridget by deftly jumping back and forth in time. It is a fine balancing act between deconstructing their relationship while trying to build a new one. I found this to be the wow factor of Ms Clarke’s writing. She brought a freshness to a much written about romantic theme.
Both characters are very different from each other yet you can see why they work as a couple. I found that I liked them both equally. You cannot help rooting for a happy ending.
4.5 stars
After five years of making a big name for herself in the music industry Bridget returns home to recharge and perhaps right old wrongs with Alex.
Charley Clarke slowly unravels the details of the relationship between Alex and Bridget by deftly jumping back and forth in time. It is a fine balancing act between deconstructing their relationship while trying to build a new one. I found this to be the wow factor of Ms Clarke’s writing. She brought a freshness to a much written about romantic theme.
Both characters are very different from each other yet you can see why they work as a couple. I found that I liked them both equally. You cannot help rooting for a happy ending.
4.5 stars
July 29, 2019
This was my first read by Clarke. I am always nervous to read a new author, but this was such a great first novel. I enjoyed it from start to finish and this one will go on my reread list for sure. I enjoy books where the chemistry between the two mains is solid. You can really feel the pain from the lost time, and the hurt between the two characters. This book is full of angst. The entire time I was rooting for them to find their way back to one another. I would never claim second chance romances as a favorite of mine, but this one was so good. This book has a lot of feels to it, but it makes the romance so much better. Love angst this is the book for you. Love second chance romances, you will love this one. Love a good romance, and hate angst... still think you will enjoy this one.
February 3, 2021
The most brilliant thing about this book is the consistency of characterisation of both the MCs and their relationship. With the story straddling across a decade, from end of high school through love, loss, split, careers and return, both the MCs grow while retaining their core characteristics – much like it happens in real life.
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
January 2, 2020
This was such a cute 2nd chance romance story. I listened to the audio version and really liked the narrator for this one. As I listened, I found myself thinking how cute both MCs are. Normally I don't care for romances where there is only a reference to sex, but I still enjoyed this one. I think I might have scored it higher if there was at least one.
4 stars.
4 stars.
July 14, 2021
4 - 4.5 stars
This is a very well written book. Even though I sympathize with her, Alex is a complete dumbf**k and made me want to shake her by the shoulders to stop her from being so stubborn. All other characters are delightful and I loved Bridget, who was thoughtful and sensitive throughout, and also matured well over the years. The writing style which alternated between then and now while covering relavent issues during both periods of time was easy to read and relate to.
Good one time read!
This is a very well written book. Even though I sympathize with her, Alex is a complete dumbf**k and made me want to shake her by the shoulders to stop her from being so stubborn. All other characters are delightful and I loved Bridget, who was thoughtful and sensitive throughout, and also matured well over the years. The writing style which alternated between then and now while covering relavent issues during both periods of time was easy to read and relate to.
Good one time read!
November 26, 2021
Had me worried, first up, one of those books that kept bouncing from "Now" to "Then" - they always disorientate me especially as, right from the start, you know where the "then" will end up. But worth keeping on and though the MC frustrate, tears are sown, and that's just from me! Recommended.
June 6, 2019
When a couple splits up, it’s a common fantasy for the bereft person that the leaver will realise their mistake and return. Most often though, the split isn’t a mistake and the broken-hearted person gets over it and moves on.
In my experience, it’s often harder for lesbian couples. Frequently love and affection remains even after the relationship has died a natural death. It’s why so many of us are still friends with our exes.
Very occasionally, the split really is a mistake. Circumstances are such that instead of working through the issues, a decision is made to end the relationship, leaving the issues unresolved. That’s the case in this story. After five years though, is there any possibility that Bridget and Alex can resolve their differences and pick up where they left off?
There are many things to like in Clarke’s debut novel. The issues are real and relatable — much lesser problems have been the cause of relationships ending. The characters are sympathetic while the supporting characters are likeable and add to the story.
Both Bridget and Alex have the support of their family and friends, and the town seems like the most accepting, least homophobic and least star-struck community in the USA. Bridget is now a famous pop star but that seems to factor very little in the events of the story – about as much as Alex’s ownership of the café and bar.
I like books that tell two stories at the same time. The book alternates between ‘now’ and ‘then’, showing events as they are unfolding today while informing those events with the story of Bridget and Alex’s previous relationship and its eventual demise. This aspect of the book works well, and Clarke weaves the two stories together skilfully.
Initially, it seems that the break-up was all the fault of one of the main protagonists. I liked how it becomes clearer that there was fault on both sides as the story develops. Break-ups of long term relationships are rarely down to only one person.
I have a couple of minor gripes. Some of the book felt repetitive, and we are told the same thing about how the characters are feeling several times. This could have been fixed with some tighter editing.
I didn’t really feel Bridget’s stress of being a pop star. It felt more like a device to get her to return home. For most of the book she just seems like a normal person. Which she is, of course, but pop stars are normal people with abnormal stressors. This didn’t really come across for me.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of Clarke’s work.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In my experience, it’s often harder for lesbian couples. Frequently love and affection remains even after the relationship has died a natural death. It’s why so many of us are still friends with our exes.
Very occasionally, the split really is a mistake. Circumstances are such that instead of working through the issues, a decision is made to end the relationship, leaving the issues unresolved. That’s the case in this story. After five years though, is there any possibility that Bridget and Alex can resolve their differences and pick up where they left off?
There are many things to like in Clarke’s debut novel. The issues are real and relatable — much lesser problems have been the cause of relationships ending. The characters are sympathetic while the supporting characters are likeable and add to the story.
Both Bridget and Alex have the support of their family and friends, and the town seems like the most accepting, least homophobic and least star-struck community in the USA. Bridget is now a famous pop star but that seems to factor very little in the events of the story – about as much as Alex’s ownership of the café and bar.
I like books that tell two stories at the same time. The book alternates between ‘now’ and ‘then’, showing events as they are unfolding today while informing those events with the story of Bridget and Alex’s previous relationship and its eventual demise. This aspect of the book works well, and Clarke weaves the two stories together skilfully.
Initially, it seems that the break-up was all the fault of one of the main protagonists. I liked how it becomes clearer that there was fault on both sides as the story develops. Break-ups of long term relationships are rarely down to only one person.
I have a couple of minor gripes. Some of the book felt repetitive, and we are told the same thing about how the characters are feeling several times. This could have been fixed with some tighter editing.
I didn’t really feel Bridget’s stress of being a pop star. It felt more like a device to get her to return home. For most of the book she just seems like a normal person. Which she is, of course, but pop stars are normal people with abnormal stressors. This didn’t really come across for me.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of Clarke’s work.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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August 17, 2024This is a second chance/ coming home novel.
Each chapter begins with the “then” timeline, this timeline is mostly short and left me questioning a lot.
The “now” timeline kinda spoils the “then” line for me, I guess I would have made Forrest storytelling choices.
One of our mains is holding so much anger, grief, pain and a whole bunch of other negative emotions I find it difficult when she changes her mind from one day to the next. Also, pretty unbelievable within the rest of the story.
Our other main is some kind of popstar. How this character isn’t hounded by press and fans is baffling to me. And her persistence/ determination to preserve to get what she wants is simultaneously admirable and annoying.
For me this book felt a little forced and a bit repetitive. I would have made other storytelling choices, for instance not spoiling what happens in the then timeline in the now timeline.
Each chapter begins with the “then” timeline, this timeline is mostly short and left me questioning a lot.
The “now” timeline kinda spoils the “then” line for me, I guess I would have made Forrest storytelling choices.
One of our mains is holding so much anger, grief, pain and a whole bunch of other negative emotions I find it difficult when she changes her mind from one day to the next. Also, pretty unbelievable within the rest of the story.
Our other main is some kind of popstar. How this character isn’t hounded by press and fans is baffling to me. And her persistence/ determination to preserve to get what she wants is simultaneously admirable and annoying.
For me this book felt a little forced and a bit repetitive. I would have made other storytelling choices, for instance not spoiling what happens in the then timeline in the now timeline.
May 31, 2019
What a nice read!
The book was romantic in so many ways. I liked how this second chance story weaved past and present and the way it gets you to slowly understand why Bridget left.
I started out taking Alex's side and wanting Bridget to "suffer" for abandoning her but somehow I ended up rooting for Bridget and wishing that someone would knock some sense into stubborn Alex's head.
The declaration from Bridget made me tear up - so touching and heartfelt that scene was.
A feel-good romantic love story :) I really enjoyed this book.
The book was romantic in so many ways. I liked how this second chance story weaved past and present and the way it gets you to slowly understand why Bridget left.
I started out taking Alex's side and wanting Bridget to "suffer" for abandoning her but somehow I ended up rooting for Bridget and wishing that someone would knock some sense into stubborn Alex's head.
The declaration from Bridget made me tear up - so touching and heartfelt that scene was.
A feel-good romantic love story :) I really enjoyed this book.
July 2, 2019
This book can be frustrating but damn it's so good, sometimes I felt like I was going to strangle Alex but since she got back to reason I'll forgive her.
I love the intensity of feelings in this book and the way that in the end they talked about what was wrong and worked on it, communication is the key in all relationships and this book just proved it further.
Even with all the angst I loved this book and I'll recommend this to anyone who wants to read an incredibly well written book.
I love the intensity of feelings in this book and the way that in the end they talked about what was wrong and worked on it, communication is the key in all relationships and this book just proved it further.
Even with all the angst I loved this book and I'll recommend this to anyone who wants to read an incredibly well written book.
February 6, 2025
Musical superstar returns to her hometown to fight for her first and only true love. This is a delicious tropetastic small town, second chance, friends to lovers, celeb romance.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bridget and Alex are inseparable all through their youth in a small town. From best friends to being each other’s first love all through college. Then things change and Bridget makes the decision to chase her musical career and leave. Cut to five years later. Bridget is music’s IT-girl and even through all her success she hasn’t been truly happy for years. Between stadiums full of screaming fans and dating a Hollywood star, her heart still belongs to Alex. Alex who stayed in their home town to continue and expand her dad’s business after he died. Alex who must still hate Bridget for breaking her heart all those years ago. For Bridget there is no other option then to return to Alex and see if the future is where it all began in the first place.
This story has everything you would expect in this genre. All the key ingredients are there: the being inseparable before, the heartbreaking, the grudge holding and the undeniable love. But just in case you are looking for spice specifically, you’re not going to find it in this story. There is some fiery kissing and loads of longing from afar though.
Alex’s grudge towards Bridget is something big. I thought her journey through examining that grudge and being honest about her own part in the breakup was necessary and brave. Alex keeps her feelings close to her chest but has some amazing friends who coax her out of her shell. The magic spell Bridget has over her has never really broken and for me Bridget’s approach and patience are put on the page very well. She respects the time Alex needs but stays firm in communicating her own wants and needs. That’s some serious grownup communication skills that a lot of fictional (and real life) characters could learn from 😉.
Always A Love Song is sweet without becoming overly sappy. I had a good time reading it!
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bridget and Alex are inseparable all through their youth in a small town. From best friends to being each other’s first love all through college. Then things change and Bridget makes the decision to chase her musical career and leave. Cut to five years later. Bridget is music’s IT-girl and even through all her success she hasn’t been truly happy for years. Between stadiums full of screaming fans and dating a Hollywood star, her heart still belongs to Alex. Alex who stayed in their home town to continue and expand her dad’s business after he died. Alex who must still hate Bridget for breaking her heart all those years ago. For Bridget there is no other option then to return to Alex and see if the future is where it all began in the first place.
This story has everything you would expect in this genre. All the key ingredients are there: the being inseparable before, the heartbreaking, the grudge holding and the undeniable love. But just in case you are looking for spice specifically, you’re not going to find it in this story. There is some fiery kissing and loads of longing from afar though.
Alex’s grudge towards Bridget is something big. I thought her journey through examining that grudge and being honest about her own part in the breakup was necessary and brave. Alex keeps her feelings close to her chest but has some amazing friends who coax her out of her shell. The magic spell Bridget has over her has never really broken and for me Bridget’s approach and patience are put on the page very well. She respects the time Alex needs but stays firm in communicating her own wants and needs. That’s some serious grownup communication skills that a lot of fictional (and real life) characters could learn from 😉.
Always A Love Song is sweet without becoming overly sappy. I had a good time reading it!
September 29, 2019
ARC received from YLVA in return for an honest review.
This is a pretty impressive doubt novel. I didn’t pick this up when it first came out because second chance romances aren’t my favourite genre, but this had such good reviews I wanted to give it a try.
This features Alex and Bridget, who fell in love in high-school, were together through all sorts of things and are reunited after having broken up five years earlier. During that time Bridget became a famous singer, while Alex has remained in their home town running a cafe and bar. Bridget has just broken up with her fiancé after realising she’s still not over Alex and goes home to see if she can win her back.
Now, the way the story is written, Bridget is made out to be the bad guy in the relationship, at least early on, but she was much more likeable (to me anyway) than the emotionally repressed Alex. And once we eventually got to the ‘why’ of the breakup, also the more sympathetic of the two.
I’m not a fan of flashbacks because generally what’s contained in them could be revealed in a few conversations (which is still true here) but they didn’t bother me as much here, although I did chafe a bit at how slowly everything was revealed.
There are plenty of supporting characters, though none of them are terribly well fleshed out, mostly they’re just there to give support to whichever lead requires it at the time. This story is about Alex and Bridget though, and I enjoyed watching them navigate their way back to each other, though I did want to smack Alex for being so closed off!
This is a nice sweet romance, though readers should not that it also features no sex scenes to speak of, so if you’re after sexy times, you won’t find that here, but I didn’t feel this lacked anything due to that. As I said before, it’s an impressive debut, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is a pretty impressive doubt novel. I didn’t pick this up when it first came out because second chance romances aren’t my favourite genre, but this had such good reviews I wanted to give it a try.
This features Alex and Bridget, who fell in love in high-school, were together through all sorts of things and are reunited after having broken up five years earlier. During that time Bridget became a famous singer, while Alex has remained in their home town running a cafe and bar. Bridget has just broken up with her fiancé after realising she’s still not over Alex and goes home to see if she can win her back.
Now, the way the story is written, Bridget is made out to be the bad guy in the relationship, at least early on, but she was much more likeable (to me anyway) than the emotionally repressed Alex. And once we eventually got to the ‘why’ of the breakup, also the more sympathetic of the two.
I’m not a fan of flashbacks because generally what’s contained in them could be revealed in a few conversations (which is still true here) but they didn’t bother me as much here, although I did chafe a bit at how slowly everything was revealed.
There are plenty of supporting characters, though none of them are terribly well fleshed out, mostly they’re just there to give support to whichever lead requires it at the time. This story is about Alex and Bridget though, and I enjoyed watching them navigate their way back to each other, though I did want to smack Alex for being so closed off!
This is a nice sweet romance, though readers should not that it also features no sex scenes to speak of, so if you’re after sexy times, you won’t find that here, but I didn’t feel this lacked anything due to that. As I said before, it’s an impressive debut, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
August 21, 2024
A light and sweet second chance romance. Not much else to say about it except that it was sweet and a good quick read.
April 28, 2022
I listened to this one. For the life of me, I don’t get why some fellow reviewers thought so highly of it. I’m not against flashbacks but the now vs then alternating snapshots were a bit much and short, so the story was continuously interrupted. The mains, Alex in particular, has to grow up and start communicating vs running away. I actually wanted Bridget to move on and find someone else. Not good for a romance. The premise was fine and I’m all for the celebrity and common town folk but it was unnecessarily convoluted. I can see way more difficult issues coming in between these characters than just not wanting to talk.
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