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Bennett's Bastards #2
This Time Around
2nd Place in the 2020 Koru Award of Excellence for Short Romance
Finalist in the 2020 Stiletto contest for Contemporary Romance
What would you do for a second chance at love?
Jane Melville has done some very stupid things in her life. Having an open sexual relationship with someone who turned out to be a thieving con man and left her standing at the altar—pregnant and penniless—was one of the worst.
With her dreams of owning her own catering business down the drain, and the prospect of working at her family's patisserie for the rest of her life looking more and more likely, Jane is determined to make the most of her misfortunes. After all, things could be worse. Her baby daddy might have turned out to be the con man instead of the tall, brooding lawyer, Rafael Bennett. But just because she's willing to have a baby with the man doesn't mean she has to like him.
Rafe Bennett's life has been one of responsibility and heartache. A long time ago, he was forced to give up the girl of his dreams, then made to bear the brunt of her anger for his trouble. In the years since, he has shared his bed with Jane Melville more times than he can count, snatching moments of erotic bliss whenever he can, but when she chose to marry someone else, Rafe walked away for good. Or so he thought.
When fate thrusts Jane back into his life—complete with baby on board—Rafe seizes the opportunity with both hands. He lost her once and never truly got her back, but he's determined to change their fate. He knows in his heart that with a little persuasion and a whole lot of cake, everything will be different this time around!
Finalist in the 2020 Stiletto contest for Contemporary Romance
What would you do for a second chance at love?
Jane Melville has done some very stupid things in her life. Having an open sexual relationship with someone who turned out to be a thieving con man and left her standing at the altar—pregnant and penniless—was one of the worst.
With her dreams of owning her own catering business down the drain, and the prospect of working at her family's patisserie for the rest of her life looking more and more likely, Jane is determined to make the most of her misfortunes. After all, things could be worse. Her baby daddy might have turned out to be the con man instead of the tall, brooding lawyer, Rafael Bennett. But just because she's willing to have a baby with the man doesn't mean she has to like him.
Rafe Bennett's life has been one of responsibility and heartache. A long time ago, he was forced to give up the girl of his dreams, then made to bear the brunt of her anger for his trouble. In the years since, he has shared his bed with Jane Melville more times than he can count, snatching moments of erotic bliss whenever he can, but when she chose to marry someone else, Rafe walked away for good. Or so he thought.
When fate thrusts Jane back into his life—complete with baby on board—Rafe seizes the opportunity with both hands. He lost her once and never truly got her back, but he's determined to change their fate. He knows in his heart that with a little persuasion and a whole lot of cake, everything will be different this time around!
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2019
356 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Kew
33 books100 followersFiction with hea(r)t
Jennie Kew is an award winning author who writes contemporary Australian slice-of-life erotic romance novels, and contemporary and paranormal short erotic stories.
When not sitting in front of her computer, Jennie can be found reading a book, watching a movie or building Lego.
She lives in regional New South Wales with her husband, her husband’s magnificent beard, and their menagerie.
Enter the Kewniverse www.jenniekew.com
Buy books direct from the author www.payhip.com/TheKewniverse
Want something with a little more heat? Check out The Bennett’s Bastards Series.
www.jenniekew.com/bennetts-bastards
What something sexy yet sweet? Check out The Brisbane Bachelors Series.
www.jenniekew.com/brisbane-bachelors
Want something short and not-so-sweet? Check out The Q Collection.
www.jenniekew.com/100-percent-smut
Stay up to date with book releases and special events by signing up for Jennie's monthly newsletter www.jenniekew.com/newsletter
Jennie Kew is an award winning author who writes contemporary Australian slice-of-life erotic romance novels, and contemporary and paranormal short erotic stories.
When not sitting in front of her computer, Jennie can be found reading a book, watching a movie or building Lego.
She lives in regional New South Wales with her husband, her husband’s magnificent beard, and their menagerie.
Enter the Kewniverse www.jenniekew.com
Buy books direct from the author www.payhip.com/TheKewniverse
Want something with a little more heat? Check out The Bennett’s Bastards Series.
www.jenniekew.com/bennetts-bastards
What something sexy yet sweet? Check out The Brisbane Bachelors Series.
www.jenniekew.com/brisbane-bachelors
Want something short and not-so-sweet? Check out The Q Collection.
www.jenniekew.com/100-percent-smut
Stay up to date with book releases and special events by signing up for Jennie's monthly newsletter www.jenniekew.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
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April 4, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (4/4/2020)! 🎁
March 14, 2020
Soulmates need to be together. I liked this book very much as it reveals such a lot of deep-rooted emotion. Our heroes spend 16 years being close friends, soulmates with occasional ''benefits'' and aching hearts because of a promise that allows the distance between them to become commonplace. Jane and Rafe love each other deeply and their physical attraction is explosive, as their latest encounter proves, in Jane's pregnancy. The girl is coping with a lot being on her plate but 16 years of mutually walking away from each other, determined not to get hurt again, making one wonder how two intelligent people have no talent for a bit of honest communication. One person's error in judgment results in 16 years of uncertainty and unhappiness. Their toing-and-froing at times is frustrating but it adds to the heightened sense of tension in the book. The characters are very well developed and described with appropriate, often witty dialogue. For a lawyer, Rafe is incredibly foul-mouthed which interestingly fits in well with the book. The novel has an easy to read style and the author managed to hold my interest from beginning to end. The storyline also incorporates a suspense thriller section, showing the author’s ability to handle both the crime and romance genres with equal competence. When the chips are down, walls also follow and we are rewarded, after a lot of hospital drama, with a HEA which I was rooting for from the beginning of the book. This is a very good romantic story that I can recommend without reservation. Good editing enhanced the experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2020
The second book in the Bennett's Bastards series brings a second chance romance between Jane and Rafe. The author brings strong characters and does a great job developing the story and pulls you in with all the humor,drama and sizzling hot romance. I loved watching them navigate through their relationship on the way to finding love. It's well written,moves at a steady pace and is an entertaining read. I loved and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
April 16, 2020
Years
I can't say one way or the other . Some of the book I like d and some of it was just okay. I can say I really didn't care for Jane .
I can't say one way or the other . Some of the book I like d and some of it was just okay. I can say I really didn't care for Jane .
June 7, 2024
2nd Place in the 2020 Koru Award of Excellence for Short Romance
Finalist in the 2020 Stiletto contest for Contemporary Romance
Finalist in the 2020 Stiletto contest for Contemporary Romance
November 12, 2020
Childhood friends/sweethearts(?) with a history and baggage that comes with? Stormy plot. Janie’s insecurities rather affected me too.
4 stars.
4 stars.
April 25, 2020
A very promising book that gave me everything. Even at the beginning, I can tell it wasn't just another 'friends with benefits' as well as a 'second-chance' romance. The layers here are amazing.
An engaging romance novel that also tugged at my heartstrings. It's been a while since I had anything that made me grin from ear to ear and I'm excited to read more of the author's other books.
The tug of war does happen but it doesn't get dragged out. The leads have their burdens to bear, things that needed resolution - all of these on top of their shared history makes it a very good read for me.
I relate to the heroine about her feeling of inadequacy and the hero, to a point, also realises that he's been going in the wrong direction about his attempts which he quickly course-corrected. I am very happy about that.
The ensemble of characters made up mostly of the hero's family is fun to be around (will Oliver have a book!?!?) - though can be a bit overwhelming at first (LOL).
An engaging romance novel that also tugged at my heartstrings. It's been a while since I had anything that made me grin from ear to ear and I'm excited to read more of the author's other books.
The tug of war does happen but it doesn't get dragged out. The leads have their burdens to bear, things that needed resolution - all of these on top of their shared history makes it a very good read for me.
I relate to the heroine about her feeling of inadequacy and the hero, to a point, also realises that he's been going in the wrong direction about his attempts which he quickly course-corrected. I am very happy about that.
The ensemble of characters made up mostly of the hero's family is fun to be around (will Oliver have a book!?!?) - though can be a bit overwhelming at first (LOL).
March 29, 2019
Will things be different "This Time Around"? This novel was so romantic! I'm in love, love, love with Rafe! If only Jane's father had not interfered, and delved more into the relationship between his daughter Jane and her beau, Rafe. After years apart, can these two re-kindle what may have been. It is easy to see they were meant to be together; but can they make it happen? Suspense, romance, steaminess, love, sweetness, sexy alpha, needs reinforcement heroine. I will read this book again it was so good!
April 9, 2020
Well thought out
Rafe and Jane are the epitome of a match made somewhere! They are a great couple despite the rough road they hoed to get where they needed to go. Lots of love, plenty of sexy times, humor, mystery and a touch of suspense make this well worth 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟Stars. Recommend you read it and decide your rating.
Rafe and Jane are the epitome of a match made somewhere! They are a great couple despite the rough road they hoed to get where they needed to go. Lots of love, plenty of sexy times, humor, mystery and a touch of suspense make this well worth 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟Stars. Recommend you read it and decide your rating.
April 14, 2020
This Time Around.
I fell in love with Rafe and Jane. Jennie hit this one out the ball park. I would recommend this book.
I fell in love with Rafe and Jane. Jennie hit this one out the ball park. I would recommend this book.
April 17, 2020
Sweet and saucy
Not a fan of contemporary romances, although I did enjoy this one. Interesting storyline, beginning was too sticky sweet. HEA.
Not a fan of contemporary romances, although I did enjoy this one. Interesting storyline, beginning was too sticky sweet. HEA.
April 17, 2020
Great book!
I really enjoyed reading Raef & Janie's love journey. Laughing at times, frustrated at others & at the end felt like crying! So happy they got their HEA!
I really enjoyed reading Raef & Janie's love journey. Laughing at times, frustrated at others & at the end felt like crying! So happy they got their HEA!
April 21, 2020
A charming story, well written
April 22, 2020
This a great read, amazing characters
April 23, 2020
This was an easy read with plenty of heat and tension between the two main characters, some suspense and a happily ever after. I really enjoyed it!
June 5, 2020
I just finished this book. I did really enjoy it very much. The one that was after Jane was not who I thought it was though.
April 10, 2020
This time
Found the story / plot did not draw me in.
😐 😑
🐥 🐰 Easter reading 🐰 🐥 🐣 🐣
Found the story / plot did not draw me in.
😐 😑
🐥 🐰 Easter reading 🐰 🐥 🐣 🐣
December 1, 2021
(3.5)
Nice read!
Nice read!
January 28, 2024
Incredible series!
I am thoroughly enjoying this series of books on the “Bennett’s Bastards”. The first story of Abby & Wolf and now Rafe and Jane have been immensely entertaining. I love the poignancy and the comedy. The writing is well done and easy to read - meaning I don’t have to work too hard to follow the storyline. Definitely another favorite.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series of books on the “Bennett’s Bastards”. The first story of Abby & Wolf and now Rafe and Jane have been immensely entertaining. I love the poignancy and the comedy. The writing is well done and easy to read - meaning I don’t have to work too hard to follow the storyline. Definitely another favorite.
August 10, 2023
Unlikable female lead in an implausible story
Yes, I'm making a sandwich here, so forgive me.
Jennie Kew has all the good tools and she knows how to use them. The dialogue, pacing, character development are all the reflection of a skilled writer.
Despite these skills, she created a female lead who is supposedly 30 but is actually a stunningly self-centered16 on a bad day. Jane, a successful businesswoman, spends her life falling in and out of bed with inappropriate partners because her stodgy father kept her away from the love of her life when she was 16. Rafe, her long suffering on again off again boy toy has waited around for Jane's emotional growth to no avail. Cue the surprise pregnancy, a terrible device that writers sometimes use in lieu of a real story or relationship. The rest of the story is just padding around the pregnancy, additional poor judgment on Jane's part, and a totally ridiculous "mystery" that's laugh-out-loud nonsensical, and you've got your story.
I feel like I should stop reading romance. This is like the 20th book I've read this year that squanders anything remotely lovely and hopeful in romance. Instead, it's yet another example of a truly good writer who builds a fairly reprehensible female lead who shows no emotional growth but is instead rescued by a decent man. Most disappointing is the pregnancy trope. This has to be the worst one in romance. To continue to cycle that damaging fantasy that a baby will fix everything is just wrong. Ask any woman in real life about the validity of that happening!
I can see this series could be really fun with such an interesting cast of siblings set in Australia. And yes, it's just a book! Maybe subsequent books will be better, but i won't be reading them. But I feel great disappointment that a solid writer relies on bad tropes and juvenile characterizations instead of building better romances. And that is also true of so many romances available today.
Yes, I'm making a sandwich here, so forgive me.
Jennie Kew has all the good tools and she knows how to use them. The dialogue, pacing, character development are all the reflection of a skilled writer.
Despite these skills, she created a female lead who is supposedly 30 but is actually a stunningly self-centered16 on a bad day. Jane, a successful businesswoman, spends her life falling in and out of bed with inappropriate partners because her stodgy father kept her away from the love of her life when she was 16. Rafe, her long suffering on again off again boy toy has waited around for Jane's emotional growth to no avail. Cue the surprise pregnancy, a terrible device that writers sometimes use in lieu of a real story or relationship. The rest of the story is just padding around the pregnancy, additional poor judgment on Jane's part, and a totally ridiculous "mystery" that's laugh-out-loud nonsensical, and you've got your story.
I feel like I should stop reading romance. This is like the 20th book I've read this year that squanders anything remotely lovely and hopeful in romance. Instead, it's yet another example of a truly good writer who builds a fairly reprehensible female lead who shows no emotional growth but is instead rescued by a decent man. Most disappointing is the pregnancy trope. This has to be the worst one in romance. To continue to cycle that damaging fantasy that a baby will fix everything is just wrong. Ask any woman in real life about the validity of that happening!
I can see this series could be really fun with such an interesting cast of siblings set in Australia. And yes, it's just a book! Maybe subsequent books will be better, but i won't be reading them. But I feel great disappointment that a solid writer relies on bad tropes and juvenile characterizations instead of building better romances. And that is also true of so many romances available today.
April 22, 2020
Second chance stories are the best when it has a real story to unfold. This one does for sure and so much more. I will admit at times I thought, “Should I have read the first one because I feel like I’m missing something.” I think not.
Although, I would have had a better handle on all the family members and their partners. Not to mention maybe some backstory, maybe only a little. I must say, the author does a rather good job of catching you up. At just about the time you start to question what you missed from the past.
When it opens Rafe and Janie are in a tryst, Janie not knowing it is to be their last because they had been each other’s crutch for sixteen years, but now she was getting married. A line Rafe chooses not to cross. Both, madly in love with each other, but too stubborn to be the first to admit it or say it.
She finds out she’s pregnant a few days before. Not a problem, because the wedding is days away but she needs to talk to Rafe, to no response. So, on the day of her wedding before walking to her groom, not Rafe.
She is sitting at the church dressed, only to find out not her fiancé not coming. He’s running off with another woman, and he cleaned out her large bank account.
Such a good story of family, faith in their love, their family gives in backing their play, small-minded craziness, a mystery, laughter of angst amongst their siblings, and more. I give this; 5+++ stars. Free on Amazon. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Although, I would have had a better handle on all the family members and their partners. Not to mention maybe some backstory, maybe only a little. I must say, the author does a rather good job of catching you up. At just about the time you start to question what you missed from the past.
When it opens Rafe and Janie are in a tryst, Janie not knowing it is to be their last because they had been each other’s crutch for sixteen years, but now she was getting married. A line Rafe chooses not to cross. Both, madly in love with each other, but too stubborn to be the first to admit it or say it.
She finds out she’s pregnant a few days before. Not a problem, because the wedding is days away but she needs to talk to Rafe, to no response. So, on the day of her wedding before walking to her groom, not Rafe.
She is sitting at the church dressed, only to find out not her fiancé not coming. He’s running off with another woman, and he cleaned out her large bank account.
Such a good story of family, faith in their love, their family gives in backing their play, small-minded craziness, a mystery, laughter of angst amongst their siblings, and more. I give this; 5+++ stars. Free on Amazon. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
March 29, 2020
ME a few days ago: Let me start this book tonight. I'll read up to about 20% and then go to bed. Bad, bad move. I stop reading at about 53%, at 2 a.m. This book grabbed me immediately, and never let go.
Jane and Rafe have been friends and sometimes lovers for years. She loved him, but he left and broke her heart, so she doesn't trust him with it any longer. Her fiance takes off with her life savings and another woman on their wedding day. She's pregnant, but the baby isn't Sam's. It's Rafe's. Probably. He has a solution: "Marry me." He won't let her touch him until she says yes. She won't let him kiss her on the mouth until he stops asking. Who's gonna win this standoff?
Jane is so smart and strong, but doubts herself because of how much she trusted the wrong man (first Rafe, then Sam). Rafe is strong and just wants to fix things for Jane, but he quickly learns that he has to follow her lead to do that. She loves his potty-mouth, and what he does with it. Her father needs to be smacked for destroying their chance for happiness years ago. There's some suspense near the end with someone trying to hurt Jane, but all works out and the perpetrator is caught. I just love this book. It's a first read for me from this author, and I'm looking forward to more.
Jane and Rafe have been friends and sometimes lovers for years. She loved him, but he left and broke her heart, so she doesn't trust him with it any longer. Her fiance takes off with her life savings and another woman on their wedding day. She's pregnant, but the baby isn't Sam's. It's Rafe's. Probably. He has a solution: "Marry me." He won't let her touch him until she says yes. She won't let him kiss her on the mouth until he stops asking. Who's gonna win this standoff?
Jane is so smart and strong, but doubts herself because of how much she trusted the wrong man (first Rafe, then Sam). Rafe is strong and just wants to fix things for Jane, but he quickly learns that he has to follow her lead to do that. She loves his potty-mouth, and what he does with it. Her father needs to be smacked for destroying their chance for happiness years ago. There's some suspense near the end with someone trying to hurt Jane, but all works out and the perpetrator is caught. I just love this book. It's a first read for me from this author, and I'm looking forward to more.
December 28, 2020
Will they or won’t they?
Rafe and Jane have been in love with each other forever, but something from their past keeps them apart. We start the book when Jane tells Rafe she’s getting married, to someone else. Just to move to Jane being left at the alter and pregnant. Only the child’s not her ex-fiancé’s. It’s Rafe’s baby.
But practical Rafe wants confirmation that the baby is his, only to best protect them if it’s not. But someone doesn’t want these two to get a happy ending and tries to kill them.
Rafe and Jane get their happy ending in this stand-alone book in a series.
I loved that even though there are hurt feelings on both sides, Jane is still really close to Rafe’s family and feels right at home at his home. I also loved that they were able to work through their past hurt to be happy in the present.
Rafe and Jane have been in love with each other forever, but something from their past keeps them apart. We start the book when Jane tells Rafe she’s getting married, to someone else. Just to move to Jane being left at the alter and pregnant. Only the child’s not her ex-fiancé’s. It’s Rafe’s baby.
But practical Rafe wants confirmation that the baby is his, only to best protect them if it’s not. But someone doesn’t want these two to get a happy ending and tries to kill them.
Rafe and Jane get their happy ending in this stand-alone book in a series.
I loved that even though there are hurt feelings on both sides, Jane is still really close to Rafe’s family and feels right at home at his home. I also loved that they were able to work through their past hurt to be happy in the present.
April 16, 2020
Takes place in Australia so different words for things - not a problem. But it was a weird story.
May 21, 2020
A wonderfully sweet novel about Rafe and Jane. They have known each other all their lives and 16 years ago they declared their love to each other. And then Rafe disappeared. Jane's heart is broken. When Rafe returns, they both pick up their lives. For Jane, Rafe is the man she goes to when she comes out of a relationship but he is tired of being her rebound. When she's pregnant, abandoned in front of the altar, and possibly the father of her baby, he decides to win her back and keep her forever. But is that what Jane wants? A nice 2nd chance love story with a dangerous element in it; who carries out attacks against Jane or is it intended against Rafe?
Recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
What a fabulous book. A book of second chance at love. Rafe is a caring, loving person who just happens to adore Jane. Jane was taken for the literal ride by her waster of a fiancé who not only jilted her on their wedding day but also conned her. She finds herself pregnant and Rafe is determined to make Jane his own, especially when it’s clear the baby is his. At the same time this is going, it appears that someone is doing the best to derail Jane at every turn. There’s a few twists and turns in this book which are an integral part of the story, loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2022
Heartwarming
This was a great read. Reading Rafe and Jane's past created an undeniable soft spot for both characters. This was well paced, well written, and heartwarming with a little spice thrown in. A very good read.
This was a great read. Reading Rafe and Jane's past created an undeniable soft spot for both characters. This was well paced, well written, and heartwarming with a little spice thrown in. A very good read.
March 13, 2020
Jane and Rafe on again off again as lovers. For 16 years he has loved her but he is only a booty call for Jane she always leaves, she does not trust him.
Can these two overcome the past and move to the future?
I loved the way this story flowed, the way the characters interacted and the family loved that was evident in all the interactions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can these two overcome the past and move to the future?
I loved the way this story flowed, the way the characters interacted and the family loved that was evident in all the interactions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2020
Jane and Rafe dated until her father broke them up and then she gets engaged to another. When Jane is left standing at the alter Rafe knows it is his time and he is determined to make it work this time. Jane a Rafe have been sleeping together so when he finds out she is pregnant with his child he wants things to be better this time around. Of course someone is trying to cause trouble. Great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews