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Sandy Heights #2
Relapse
I broke his heart. Now I hope he doesn’t break mine back.
Darren Gracen looks even sexier than the day I left him. Oh, and let’s not forget that panty-dropping British accent. Just being around him again is bringing back all the sweet and sinful memories we shared together. Smelling his masculine scent in the same vicinity gets me high and makes my heart flutter.
But he’s not the same man I left behind. There’s a sad, mysterious gleam in his eye. Sure, it could be that he doesn’t trust me anymore. That’s understandable, considering the circumstances of our breakup. But I can’t help but feel that it’s more than that. Like he’s hiding something behind those brooding blue eyes of his.
No matter what it is, I can’t deny it…I still want him.
Darren Gracen looks even sexier than the day I left him. Oh, and let’s not forget that panty-dropping British accent. Just being around him again is bringing back all the sweet and sinful memories we shared together. Smelling his masculine scent in the same vicinity gets me high and makes my heart flutter.
But he’s not the same man I left behind. There’s a sad, mysterious gleam in his eye. Sure, it could be that he doesn’t trust me anymore. That’s understandable, considering the circumstances of our breakup. But I can’t help but feel that it’s more than that. Like he’s hiding something behind those brooding blue eyes of his.
No matter what it is, I can’t deny it…I still want him.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2018
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Nicholas
6 books25 followersAuthor J.P. Nicholas writes contemporary romance brimming with passion, heart, whimsy, and often times, family. His stories are known for their chest-squeezing plotlines, sexy, heartwarming moments, and hilarious heroes that will both melt your heart and make you swoon. His characters are known for their sizzling chemistry that J.P. enjoys capturing on the page. When J.P. isn’t tapping away at his laptop, he can be found in his home state of Florida, binge-watching TV shows, or devouring tons of Italian food with his family. Get in touch with the author via Twitter, Instagram, or his website.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 25, 2018
This is the first book I have read by J.P. and it will not be the last. Lord he knows how to write a story like no one's business. He takes you right from page one and keeps you going to the end. Plus all I could hear when I was reading was Darren's british accent. When it comes out on Audible I am going to buy it just to hear that lucious British accent and swoon some more.
Darren and Aly are together in college and they have everything mapped out for them. They are going to graduate and travel the world before settling down. But something happens and Aly breaks it off and moves away. She travels the world but her heart is still back home with Darren and she can't seem to get over him. Then as circumstances happen Aly returns home to find that Darren is still there and she still loves him. Time has not healed old wounds and when they talk to resolve their issues Aly and Darren know they are meant for each other.
But can they get over the hurt? Can they trust each other? Can Darren let Aly back into his heart fully? This is such an emotional second chance romance that will have you swooning in your chair!
Darren and Aly are together in college and they have everything mapped out for them. They are going to graduate and travel the world before settling down. But something happens and Aly breaks it off and moves away. She travels the world but her heart is still back home with Darren and she can't seem to get over him. Then as circumstances happen Aly returns home to find that Darren is still there and she still loves him. Time has not healed old wounds and when they talk to resolve their issues Aly and Darren know they are meant for each other.
But can they get over the hurt? Can they trust each other? Can Darren let Aly back into his heart fully? This is such an emotional second chance romance that will have you swooning in your chair!
November 19, 2018
Relapse is a second-chance sweet romance set in Sandy Heights, a fictive dreamy little town. Its warm weather, majestic palm trees and magnificent beach will doubtlessly make you wish you were living there, despite its whacky mayor whose place should rather be in Panem.
Aly and Darren had their happy ending already written. College lovers, their destiny was drawn, until Aly broke things up before their graduation. Unable to recognize the man she fell in love with, she decided to leave him and her hometown behind, in order to pursue what was supposed to be their common dream - traveling all around the world.
Five years later, circumstances made that Aly is back in Sandy Heights with her dream still unfulfilled and her heart still unfilled. When applying for a history teaching job in the local university, she discovers in a rather embarrassing situation that Darren, the man she's never been able to forget, her first and last everything, is still in town and has settled quite well as he is now an English teacher at the college.
Because handsome men are like good wine - they only get better with age, this is obviously the case for the British gem Darren. Interpreting his ex-girlfriend’s return as a sign, Darren will leave no stone unturned in his quest for a second chance with Aly, the only woman he's ever cherished and thought about, the woman responsible for both his pain and bliss.
Read along as two lovers who have been out of sight but never out of mind, get reacquainted in all levels and unfold to one another to unveil misunderstandings and hopefully get their happily-ever-after. When two souls are meant to be together, they always find their way to one another, like magnets, regardless of time, distance or fears.
You will laugh at loud at Aly's clumsiness, swoon at Darren's charm, smile at his relationship with his furry best-friend Wyatt, have a tear in your eye at this touching story, fan yourself at some torrid moments and last but not least, travel all around the world, without getting out of you preferably comfortable reading spot with some sweets and hot beverage nearby.
In a nutshell, if you fancy funny, sweet, sexy, swoon romances with knicker-dropping British heroes and strong-headed heroines you could relate to, then this book is made for you, just like Darren and Aly were made for each other.
Written in an elegant style, J.P. Nicholas proves once again that men certainly have their place in the romance genre.
Aly and Darren had their happy ending already written. College lovers, their destiny was drawn, until Aly broke things up before their graduation. Unable to recognize the man she fell in love with, she decided to leave him and her hometown behind, in order to pursue what was supposed to be their common dream - traveling all around the world.
Five years later, circumstances made that Aly is back in Sandy Heights with her dream still unfulfilled and her heart still unfilled. When applying for a history teaching job in the local university, she discovers in a rather embarrassing situation that Darren, the man she's never been able to forget, her first and last everything, is still in town and has settled quite well as he is now an English teacher at the college.
Because handsome men are like good wine - they only get better with age, this is obviously the case for the British gem Darren. Interpreting his ex-girlfriend’s return as a sign, Darren will leave no stone unturned in his quest for a second chance with Aly, the only woman he's ever cherished and thought about, the woman responsible for both his pain and bliss.
Read along as two lovers who have been out of sight but never out of mind, get reacquainted in all levels and unfold to one another to unveil misunderstandings and hopefully get their happily-ever-after. When two souls are meant to be together, they always find their way to one another, like magnets, regardless of time, distance or fears.
You will laugh at loud at Aly's clumsiness, swoon at Darren's charm, smile at his relationship with his furry best-friend Wyatt, have a tear in your eye at this touching story, fan yourself at some torrid moments and last but not least, travel all around the world, without getting out of you preferably comfortable reading spot with some sweets and hot beverage nearby.
In a nutshell, if you fancy funny, sweet, sexy, swoon romances with knicker-dropping British heroes and strong-headed heroines you could relate to, then this book is made for you, just like Darren and Aly were made for each other.
Written in an elegant style, J.P. Nicholas proves once again that men certainly have their place in the romance genre.
November 19, 2018
Must read from new up and coming author!!!
Awesome read and perfect for a feel good read. Great story and I always love a British protagonist!!! The side characters are full of personalities and there is no cliffhanger!
Awesome read and perfect for a feel good read. Great story and I always love a British protagonist!!! The side characters are full of personalities and there is no cliffhanger!
December 5, 2018
***Received an Advanced Readers Copy during a blog tour with InkSlingerPR in exchange for an honest review***
Well shits on a stick - this man is giving me hope in second chance romance like no ones business, I swear he has me wrapped around his creatively delicious fingers. I will still admit that Pretend has my heart, and getting glimpses of Hannah and Logan even still made me swoon, but Darren and Aly were definitely something else!
First let me start by saying I was throw for a doozy, Relapse was definitely not what I was expecting. It took a smidge to get use to, not in a bad way to say the least, but something felt off. I mostly blame Alyssa for this. Right off the bat, Aly breaking things with Darren never settled with me. Not that I should pick sides, but hell who am I kidding, I always swoon for the fictional book boyfriends more anyways. But seriously, the entire chapter one situation left me feeling slightly uneasy, little shifty and quite frankly, the need to beat Aly.
Alright, with that being said, it took a bit to like Aly. There I said, I admit it now. She isn't the easiest character to adore nor feel sympathy for, as a matter of fact, she deserved that jelly fish incident. But alas, she is an interesting character and slowly but surely I did warm up to her character especially as pieces to the missing puzzle start to really come together about Darren and Aly's past. She had this fierce fire that I couldn't help but admire. I enjoyed her drive, even though it ultimately crushed my sweet Darren. And speaking of my sweetness, oh Darren. He really was the bees knees of book boyfriends - I loved his charm. He had this smooth personality that honestly, one that made me drool.
On top of all of this, their chemistry, oh sweet baby jesus did they have it. Talk about rumple in the sheets, they have this all encompassing, passionate romance that just burned the flame, and quite possibly my loins. And the cue the cuteness levels, seriously could their sexiness get any more adorable? Ugh, and that scene at Logan and Hannah's wedding - swoon me more please. Darren and Aly are my Sixteen Candles, the Samantha and Jake of Sandy Heights, I swear to you it was perfection.
Basically, in a nutshell, I really enjoyed this read. I have really become a huge fan of Nicholas's writing style, I will probably follow him to the depths of any writing rabbit hole. Relapse definitely had some pet peeves for me, but nothing that could possibly overthrow my enjoyment. I enjoyed the romance build, the intensity of the passion, the drama was believable and I cannot get enough of Aly and Darren.
For someone who has never been a huge fan of this particular trope, this one is definitely a keeper. Just sign me up for the J.P. Nicholas fan group please and thank you!
Well shits on a stick - this man is giving me hope in second chance romance like no ones business, I swear he has me wrapped around his creatively delicious fingers. I will still admit that Pretend has my heart, and getting glimpses of Hannah and Logan even still made me swoon, but Darren and Aly were definitely something else!
First let me start by saying I was throw for a doozy, Relapse was definitely not what I was expecting. It took a smidge to get use to, not in a bad way to say the least, but something felt off. I mostly blame Alyssa for this. Right off the bat, Aly breaking things with Darren never settled with me. Not that I should pick sides, but hell who am I kidding, I always swoon for the fictional book boyfriends more anyways. But seriously, the entire chapter one situation left me feeling slightly uneasy, little shifty and quite frankly, the need to beat Aly.
Alright, with that being said, it took a bit to like Aly. There I said, I admit it now. She isn't the easiest character to adore nor feel sympathy for, as a matter of fact, she deserved that jelly fish incident. But alas, she is an interesting character and slowly but surely I did warm up to her character especially as pieces to the missing puzzle start to really come together about Darren and Aly's past. She had this fierce fire that I couldn't help but admire. I enjoyed her drive, even though it ultimately crushed my sweet Darren. And speaking of my sweetness, oh Darren. He really was the bees knees of book boyfriends - I loved his charm. He had this smooth personality that honestly, one that made me drool.
On top of all of this, their chemistry, oh sweet baby jesus did they have it. Talk about rumple in the sheets, they have this all encompassing, passionate romance that just burned the flame, and quite possibly my loins. And the cue the cuteness levels, seriously could their sexiness get any more adorable? Ugh, and that scene at Logan and Hannah's wedding - swoon me more please. Darren and Aly are my Sixteen Candles, the Samantha and Jake of Sandy Heights, I swear to you it was perfection.
Basically, in a nutshell, I really enjoyed this read. I have really become a huge fan of Nicholas's writing style, I will probably follow him to the depths of any writing rabbit hole. Relapse definitely had some pet peeves for me, but nothing that could possibly overthrow my enjoyment. I enjoyed the romance build, the intensity of the passion, the drama was believable and I cannot get enough of Aly and Darren.
For someone who has never been a huge fan of this particular trope, this one is definitely a keeper. Just sign me up for the J.P. Nicholas fan group please and thank you!
November 17, 2018
Relapse is book 2 of the Sandy Heights series and I read this one as a standalone, this was my first Nicholas book and I could not put it down. A second chance at love story that takes you on the up’s and downs of life.
Aly had found it, the perfect love until it wasn’t; the dreams they shared started to fade away and he wasn’t the man she fell in love with anymore, after walking away she decided to start fresh and make her own dreams come true. 5 years on and zero dreams accomplished Aly is back in her home town, running straight into her ex Darren. As much as Aly tries to stay away, they are pulled back together at every chance. Will they make the same mistakes again or will Darren finally open up to why he changed all those years ago?
I really enjoyed these two characters; Darren is caring and wears his emotions on his sleeve and with that yummy accent the dog loving man is truly a catch. Aly was determined to make her stamp on the world going after her dreams, walking away from only man she has ever loved would have been hard but walking back into his life without breaking either of their hearts again will be hardest.
I personally loved this book, reading the whole thing in one sitting not being able to put it down. Nicholas had me hook line and sinker from page 1. Darren and Aly’s story wasn’t perfect in the beginning but they come back into each other life finding their HEA, I can’t wait to read more from Nicholas in the future.
**Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews**
Ratings;
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Aly had found it, the perfect love until it wasn’t; the dreams they shared started to fade away and he wasn’t the man she fell in love with anymore, after walking away she decided to start fresh and make her own dreams come true. 5 years on and zero dreams accomplished Aly is back in her home town, running straight into her ex Darren. As much as Aly tries to stay away, they are pulled back together at every chance. Will they make the same mistakes again or will Darren finally open up to why he changed all those years ago?
I really enjoyed these two characters; Darren is caring and wears his emotions on his sleeve and with that yummy accent the dog loving man is truly a catch. Aly was determined to make her stamp on the world going after her dreams, walking away from only man she has ever loved would have been hard but walking back into his life without breaking either of their hearts again will be hardest.
I personally loved this book, reading the whole thing in one sitting not being able to put it down. Nicholas had me hook line and sinker from page 1. Darren and Aly’s story wasn’t perfect in the beginning but they come back into each other life finding their HEA, I can’t wait to read more from Nicholas in the future.
**Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews**
Ratings;
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
November 18, 2018
Aly and Darren were on the cusp of something beautiful, and she thought it was a long lasting kind of love. but somewhere along the way things started to go astray. The man she had chosen as her one, suddenly started to change, he was no longer the charming man who swept her off of her feet, in his place stood a man with a small fraction of the Darren she knew.
It was then that she decided the dreams they had for their life weren't possible, so she decided to look out for herself and chose to walk away. Leaving him to start a new life was excruciating, her heart had been broken beyond repair. But she was determined to make her dreams happen, but after five years of giving it all she had, she has nothing to show for it. So she reluctantly returns home, and to the man that she left behind...
Relapse is a steamy and touching second chance romance story that should not be missed; it's pages hold a love story that will do a number on your heart! Being new to this author's work, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I have to say I was quite pleased with what I found, the consuming story line pulled me in and wouldn't let go. Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it's wonderfully crafted characters will take you on an unforgettable literary journey!
I requested an advanced copy of this title, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
It was then that she decided the dreams they had for their life weren't possible, so she decided to look out for herself and chose to walk away. Leaving him to start a new life was excruciating, her heart had been broken beyond repair. But she was determined to make her dreams happen, but after five years of giving it all she had, she has nothing to show for it. So she reluctantly returns home, and to the man that she left behind...
Relapse is a steamy and touching second chance romance story that should not be missed; it's pages hold a love story that will do a number on your heart! Being new to this author's work, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I have to say I was quite pleased with what I found, the consuming story line pulled me in and wouldn't let go. Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it's wonderfully crafted characters will take you on an unforgettable literary journey!
I requested an advanced copy of this title, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
February 11, 2021
It takes a lot for me to be all about the hero while not having the heroine's back, but in Relapse, that's exactly what happened to be honest. Darren & Aly were together planning their future together after college when she broke up with him & left. I wasn't quite down with the reasoning for it but that's just me. Fast forward 5 years later, and she hasn't reached those dreams so she ends up back home where Darren is. Neither has gotten over the other, but there are still many wounds that must be dealt with even if it's just for closure. They actually talk like adults & remember that they're meant for each other but hurt may or may be that easy to get past, not to mention that whole trust issue. I have to be honest, I finally warmed up to Aly at the end of the day which I attribute to the talent of this author because it's hard to change my mind these days. Anyway, I hope y'all hit those one click buttons as I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 6, 2021
Aly and Darren fell in love and were planning their future after they finished college until she chose to end their relationship rather than work through their problems. She left town to pursue the future they planned alone until she returns home years later never having found what she was looking for.
Darren stayed in their hometown and created a new life for himself until not only is Aly back in town but they find themselves working together. Neither time nor distance has diminished the chemistry and connection between them but is it enough to overcome the past so that they can have a future together?
Darren and Aly have always belonged together and with maturity and understanding they may finally have the life they were destined to have.
Darren stayed in their hometown and created a new life for himself until not only is Aly back in town but they find themselves working together. Neither time nor distance has diminished the chemistry and connection between them but is it enough to overcome the past so that they can have a future together?
Darren and Aly have always belonged together and with maturity and understanding they may finally have the life they were destined to have.
August 17, 2020
Sweet second chance
I loved this super sweet second chance romance! Darren and Alyssa's connection is so strong even after 5 years apart. Neither of them have been with anyone else in that time, it's like they were waiting for each other. 😍😍
I loved this super sweet second chance romance! Darren and Alyssa's connection is so strong even after 5 years apart. Neither of them have been with anyone else in that time, it's like they were waiting for each other. 😍😍
February 21, 2021
"Relapse" by J.P. Nicholas featured endearing characters, an adorably quirky small town setting, and a sweet, well-crafted second chance romance between former college sweethearts Darren Gracen and Alyssa (Aly) Lance. Darren was book boyfriend perfection with his British accent and genuinely kind, caring personality. (As if that weren't enough, he developed an addiction to romance novels, specifically Lauren Blakely's Big Rock series, partway through the story. SWOON!) I loved that Darren wasn't afraid to tell Aly how he felt about her and fight for their second chance, culminating in a magnificent grand gesture at the end of the story.
Aly was also a great lead character: intelligent, creative, and a gifted teacher, but unfortunately clumsy and accident-prone too. Her clumsiness seemed to manifest itself at the worst times, many of which were in front of Darren, but it also led to some of the funniest moments in the story. Darren and Aly's bad lip reading jokes at the town meeting also made me laugh, as did several of the story's fun, quirky side characters. My favorites were Ms. Abney, the mayor/town gossip who fancied herself to be a matchmaker, and sweet Southern gentleman Mr. Jones, who owned the local coffee shop.
Overall, I adored "Relapse" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I will definitely be going back to read the first book of the series as soon as I find the time, and can't wait to see what J.P. Nicholas comes up with next.
*Review copy provided by the author via Candi Kane PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
Aly was also a great lead character: intelligent, creative, and a gifted teacher, but unfortunately clumsy and accident-prone too. Her clumsiness seemed to manifest itself at the worst times, many of which were in front of Darren, but it also led to some of the funniest moments in the story. Darren and Aly's bad lip reading jokes at the town meeting also made me laugh, as did several of the story's fun, quirky side characters. My favorites were Ms. Abney, the mayor/town gossip who fancied herself to be a matchmaker, and sweet Southern gentleman Mr. Jones, who owned the local coffee shop.
Overall, I adored "Relapse" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I will definitely be going back to read the first book of the series as soon as I find the time, and can't wait to see what J.P. Nicholas comes up with next.
*Review copy provided by the author via Candi Kane PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 4, 2021
This is a first read for me by this author. I very much enjoyed this story. Highly recommend
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November 18, 2018A second chance romance that will melt your hearts!
RELAPSE is available on Amazon now!
✦ Kindle ➜ https://amzn.to/2RZcuYg
RELAPSE is available on Amazon now!
✦ Kindle ➜ https://amzn.to/2RZcuYg
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews