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Then, Now, Always
She needs him. But does he want her?
Maya Rao has made her own dreams come she’s the owner of a bustling café and bakery in New York and the mother of a beautiful teenage daughter, Samantha. But when Samantha lands in legal trouble over a misdemeanor she didn’t commit, Maya is desperate. Desperate enough to call Samantha’s dad, Sam Hutcherson, whom Maya left abruptly many years ago, and who is now a successful lawyer. The problem? Sam doesn’t know he has a daughter.
Sam has put Maya firmly in his past, despite how shattered he was when she broke his heart. So he’s both dumbfounded and furious to find Maya outside his office asking for his help—with a picture of a girl who looks just like him. But as Sam reconnects with Maya, those old sparks begin to fly. Can he even picture a future with the woman who wrecked his past?
Maya Rao has made her own dreams come she’s the owner of a bustling café and bakery in New York and the mother of a beautiful teenage daughter, Samantha. But when Samantha lands in legal trouble over a misdemeanor she didn’t commit, Maya is desperate. Desperate enough to call Samantha’s dad, Sam Hutcherson, whom Maya left abruptly many years ago, and who is now a successful lawyer. The problem? Sam doesn’t know he has a daughter.
Sam has put Maya firmly in his past, despite how shattered he was when she broke his heart. So he’s both dumbfounded and furious to find Maya outside his office asking for his help—with a picture of a girl who looks just like him. But as Sam reconnects with Maya, those old sparks begin to fly. Can he even picture a future with the woman who wrecked his past?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2020
67 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
August 16, 2023
Then, Now, Always by Mona Shroff
Contemporary own voice multicultural romance. Dual time line. Second chance and secret baby troupes.
Maya Rao is a single mother and owner of a successful cafe and bakery in New York. When her sixteen year old daughter gets in more trouble than can be easily fixed, Mayo knows it’s time to ask for help from a lawyer, who also happens to be her daughter’s father. Problem is that Sam has no idea there was a child or even why Mayo left him, so he’s not too happy about this change in his life. But he’s soon more than thrilled to spend time with his daughter and make some changes in his own life.
I’ve never been a fan of manipulative parents or lies and unfortunately this story has both. Both get resolved as Samantha gets to know her father and Sam and Maya reconnect and truly start talking. The time line goes from present to when Maya and Sam were dating in college. There are several cultural influences as part of the story, some for cause, some for enrichment of environment. The romance blooms again for a lovely second chance for the family.
Endearing.
Contemporary own voice multicultural romance. Dual time line. Second chance and secret baby troupes.
Maya Rao is a single mother and owner of a successful cafe and bakery in New York. When her sixteen year old daughter gets in more trouble than can be easily fixed, Mayo knows it’s time to ask for help from a lawyer, who also happens to be her daughter’s father. Problem is that Sam has no idea there was a child or even why Mayo left him, so he’s not too happy about this change in his life. But he’s soon more than thrilled to spend time with his daughter and make some changes in his own life.
I’ve never been a fan of manipulative parents or lies and unfortunately this story has both. Both get resolved as Samantha gets to know her father and Sam and Maya reconnect and truly start talking. The time line goes from present to when Maya and Sam were dating in college. There are several cultural influences as part of the story, some for cause, some for enrichment of environment. The romance blooms again for a lovely second chance for the family.
Endearing.
January 23, 2020
Warm, sweet, and engaging!
Then, Now, Always is an emotive, second-chance romance between the driven, successful Sam and the spirited, hardworking Maya as they discover that beneath all the past heartbreak, miscommunication, and secrets is an unconditional love that is still smouldering and definitely worth fighting for.
The prose is fluid and smooth. The characters are caring, hesitant, and endearing. And the plot is a push-pull tale of relationship dynamics, familial expectations, introspection, parenthood, acceptance, forgiveness, friendship, love, romance, and new beginnings.
Overall, Then, Now, Always is a charming, tender, contemporary tale by Shroff that has characters you can’t help but root for, a storyline with a nice mix of passion and drama, and a happy-ever-after ending that leaves you with a smile.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Then, Now, Always is an emotive, second-chance romance between the driven, successful Sam and the spirited, hardworking Maya as they discover that beneath all the past heartbreak, miscommunication, and secrets is an unconditional love that is still smouldering and definitely worth fighting for.
The prose is fluid and smooth. The characters are caring, hesitant, and endearing. And the plot is a push-pull tale of relationship dynamics, familial expectations, introspection, parenthood, acceptance, forgiveness, friendship, love, romance, and new beginnings.
Overall, Then, Now, Always is a charming, tender, contemporary tale by Shroff that has characters you can’t help but root for, a storyline with a nice mix of passion and drama, and a happy-ever-after ending that leaves you with a smile.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2019
I couldn't wait to start this book when I received the ARC--I mean, with this tagline, I was hooked! "Indian girls don't have babies out of wedlock. Maya did. Now she has to tell Sam his daughter is 15 and is in trouble with the law."
The story is told with two blended timelines, and I feel like I've lived and breathed with these characters. I couldn't put it down. I know Maya and Sam will stick with me for a long time. This is a second-chances story--emotionally satisfying, adorable, and romantic. I can't wait to read whatever she has in store next!
The story is told with two blended timelines, and I feel like I've lived and breathed with these characters. I couldn't put it down. I know Maya and Sam will stick with me for a long time. This is a second-chances story--emotionally satisfying, adorable, and romantic. I can't wait to read whatever she has in store next!
January 10, 2020
I loved the premise of this one, I do enjoy a second chance romance and was excited to get to it.
I liked Maya and Sam well enough. They’re both good people, still desperately in love with each other, and nearly too stubborn to do anything about it. I really liked Samantha and she was a brightness in every scene.
Plot wise, it was meh. The chapters are in a past/present format and while I normally love that way of telling the back story, it fell flat for me. I was surprised to see that the “past” characters had just graduated college as they seemed so much younger than that. Additionally, 16 years was way too long for them to be apart, in my opinion.
Overall, I was curious to see how it unfolded because I expected a reveal and did get it, but I just couldn’t connect to these characters.
**Huge thanks to HQN for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Maya and Sam well enough. They’re both good people, still desperately in love with each other, and nearly too stubborn to do anything about it. I really liked Samantha and she was a brightness in every scene.
Plot wise, it was meh. The chapters are in a past/present format and while I normally love that way of telling the back story, it fell flat for me. I was surprised to see that the “past” characters had just graduated college as they seemed so much younger than that. Additionally, 16 years was way too long for them to be apart, in my opinion.
Overall, I was curious to see how it unfolded because I expected a reveal and did get it, but I just couldn’t connect to these characters.
**Huge thanks to HQN for providing the arc free of charge**
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June 9, 2020As much as I wanted to like this book, I just couldn't make it work for me. I love the single mother trope, and I can get on board with the secret baby situation plus I loved the representation! But the flashback scenes and all the lying just weren't what I needed in a book right now and I decided I couldn't finish. I would love to read a different book from this author!
October 19, 2019
In THEN, NOW, ALWAYS, Mona Shroff weaves a sweet and heartwarming romance of forgiveness and second chances, and the lies we tell in the name of love. Sam and Maya are utterly unforgettable.
August 24, 2022
I really do enjoy a good second chance romance but sadly, this book kind of fell flat for me. I didn’t see the connection between the MCs, hence, I wasn’t able to connect to the characters. The story is written in a past/present format and I usually love glimpsing to the past of the characters, this aspect is not well executed in this book.
dnf
June 14, 2021Content Notes:
The secret baby plot line and the repetitive lying/deception by all characters (everyone, and well into the second half of the book even after the main secret is revealed) is not working for me. DNF.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The secret baby plot line and the repetitive lying/deception by all characters (everyone, and well into the second half of the book even after the main secret is revealed) is not working for me. DNF.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2022
So, I secretly (or not so secretly) love secret baby, so I have always been curious about this book. But while I can see the bones of something that might have worked, this one just didn't deliver on a reason for the secret baby that didn't ultimately come across as cruel to the other party. I also never quite believed in the couple in their original form OR in the present. But the daughter was very well drawn and so was the evil mom, frankly. Would try the author again even if this didn't really work.
February 22, 2020
This is an #ownvoices second chance love story that is perfect for romance lovers. The characters were interesting and I love a second chance love story. I also enjoyed learning more about the Indian culture! The teenage daughter in the book is definitely a lot of fun and keeps the adults on their toes. Overall a great read.
January 22, 2020
2 stars for the first 75%, 3 for the last 25% where the romance part actually happened. 4⭐️ for the cover.
After this book, I’m never accepting a contemporary ARC with a secret-baby trope ever again. Never ever.
Content advisory: cancer, underage drinking, lots of lying, BIG Misunderstanding à la Judith McNaught but not as successful.
After this book, I’m never accepting a contemporary ARC with a secret-baby trope ever again. Never ever.
Content advisory: cancer, underage drinking, lots of lying, BIG Misunderstanding à la Judith McNaught but not as successful.
February 8, 2024
I liked this but wished there was less Other Woman/Other Man drama
Also Maya is nicer than me because I wouldn't forgive that shit (spoiler character) did, family or not
If you're not into secret/hidden baby trope, this book isn't for you tbh.
Content warning: past death of a sibling, parental abandonment
Also Maya is nicer than me because I wouldn't forgive that shit (spoiler character) did, family or not
If you're not into secret/hidden baby trope, this book isn't for you tbh.
Content warning: past death of a sibling, parental abandonment
October 31, 2019
This does not read like a debut. Shroff deftly weaves together two timelines with the hero/heroine, pulling readers through the past and present simultaneously. The effect is a slow burn romance interwoven with parental disapproval, cultural differences, and the simple difficulties of first loves. It's a gorgeous second-chance story, cleverly crafted, and a fun twist on the secret baby trope. It's not a sprint, so if you can't handle character building outside of snarky banter, this isn't the book for you... but for me? It was great!
December 28, 2019
Then...
They were young and in love, but she suddenly broke it off, and he was left wondering why.
Now...
Her daughter was in trouble, and Maya was left with no one to turn to, but the man she had left behind, so many years ago.
Always...
Maya and Sam's lives will forever be linked via their daughter, Samantha, but could their relationship move beyond co-parenting to something more like what they had once shared?
It no big secret that I love contemporary romances, but this one managed to evoke a much stronger emotional response from me, than I had anticipated. Shroff combined so many of my favorite romance elements in a way, that produced a bona fide hit for me.
Forbidden love, secret baby, meddling, secrets, lies, and second chance romance is nothing new, but I was still utterly invested in and captivated by Sam and Maya's story.
I instantly fell in love with the idea of these two being reunited after 16 years apart. Both had been leading separate lives, but when push came to shove, Maya went to Sam for help, and it was because, in her heart, she knew he was a very honorable man, and that he would do anything he could for their daughter. Their first meeting was strained, but I could sense the crackle of those sparks underneath it all. That was enough for me to want these two to rekindle their romance.
But, I also really enjoyed seeing how they got where they were. Via flashbacks, Shroff showed how they met and fell in love, as well as how it all fell apart. These looks into the past were woven into the current timeline, and were placed in a way, that the whole truth was slowly revealed. Was it shocking? No, but it was emotional, and I had such an attachment to the characters, that seeing their journey to the end was all that mattered to me.
This was simply a beautiful second chance romance. There were secrets and lies, but there was also forgiveness and love. It touched my heart, and that epilogue was the kind of perfect, that had me doing the crying-smiling-laughing thing. I was so delighted by it, and hope to ride this giddy high for the rest of the weekend.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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They were young and in love, but she suddenly broke it off, and he was left wondering why.
Now...
Her daughter was in trouble, and Maya was left with no one to turn to, but the man she had left behind, so many years ago.
Always...
Maya and Sam's lives will forever be linked via their daughter, Samantha, but could their relationship move beyond co-parenting to something more like what they had once shared?
It no big secret that I love contemporary romances, but this one managed to evoke a much stronger emotional response from me, than I had anticipated. Shroff combined so many of my favorite romance elements in a way, that produced a bona fide hit for me.
Forbidden love, secret baby, meddling, secrets, lies, and second chance romance is nothing new, but I was still utterly invested in and captivated by Sam and Maya's story.
I instantly fell in love with the idea of these two being reunited after 16 years apart. Both had been leading separate lives, but when push came to shove, Maya went to Sam for help, and it was because, in her heart, she knew he was a very honorable man, and that he would do anything he could for their daughter. Their first meeting was strained, but I could sense the crackle of those sparks underneath it all. That was enough for me to want these two to rekindle their romance.
But, I also really enjoyed seeing how they got where they were. Via flashbacks, Shroff showed how they met and fell in love, as well as how it all fell apart. These looks into the past were woven into the current timeline, and were placed in a way, that the whole truth was slowly revealed. Was it shocking? No, but it was emotional, and I had such an attachment to the characters, that seeing their journey to the end was all that mattered to me.
This was simply a beautiful second chance romance. There were secrets and lies, but there was also forgiveness and love. It touched my heart, and that epilogue was the kind of perfect, that had me doing the crying-smiling-laughing thing. I was so delighted by it, and hope to ride this giddy high for the rest of the weekend.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
January 4, 2020
THEN, NOW, ALWAYS is a solid second-chance romance that follows Maya and Sam in both the then (1996) and now (2012/2013). Maya and Sam fell in love one summer when they were very young and she was a nanny for his much younger cousins. However, just as they were about to take a step further, their relationship ended.
Now, Maya is seeking out Sam for his help with her daughter, Samantha, who is being targeted by a mean girl who also has a lot of money and thus power. Sam is a lawyer- and Samantha's father. After he finds out, everything changes. However, one thing that remains the same is their feelings for each other- if they can get past the issues and trust problems that destroyed their relationship the first time around.
This was a strong second-chance romance with a much more mature couple (in age, being in their upper-30s, and experience). The flow of the book was good with the back and forth through time to fill in the questions about what led to where they are in the present. The path is not always clear, but this book felt really genuine to me. I also really love that they are Indian American (meaning their parents were from India), and it was great to see how their heritage influences their present in some ways.
As a couple, it was easy to believe in them. The book is very clean (steamy kisses only), and it really builds the emotional side of each individually and together. I really enjoyed this heartfelt book about taking another chance and the importance of trust.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Now, Maya is seeking out Sam for his help with her daughter, Samantha, who is being targeted by a mean girl who also has a lot of money and thus power. Sam is a lawyer- and Samantha's father. After he finds out, everything changes. However, one thing that remains the same is their feelings for each other- if they can get past the issues and trust problems that destroyed their relationship the first time around.
This was a strong second-chance romance with a much more mature couple (in age, being in their upper-30s, and experience). The flow of the book was good with the back and forth through time to fill in the questions about what led to where they are in the present. The path is not always clear, but this book felt really genuine to me. I also really love that they are Indian American (meaning their parents were from India), and it was great to see how their heritage influences their present in some ways.
As a couple, it was easy to believe in them. The book is very clean (steamy kisses only), and it really builds the emotional side of each individually and together. I really enjoyed this heartfelt book about taking another chance and the importance of trust.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 28, 2020
❤~🌟~❤ 5 CAPTIVATING STARS ❤~🌟~❤
I love falling in love with a new author. And that is exactly what happened when I read “Then, Now, Always” by Mona Shroff.
This is a beautiful story about Maya & Sam that is told over a span of 15 years. You truly feel like a part of there love story. I absolutely loved watching the characters grow & mature from the past to the present. It’s a slow burn that makes you remember your first love. It will leave you with a warmth that will continue to linger well after you read the last page.
This was a phenomenal read for a debut author!
#ERRNA
I love falling in love with a new author. And that is exactly what happened when I read “Then, Now, Always” by Mona Shroff.
This is a beautiful story about Maya & Sam that is told over a span of 15 years. You truly feel like a part of there love story. I absolutely loved watching the characters grow & mature from the past to the present. It’s a slow burn that makes you remember your first love. It will leave you with a warmth that will continue to linger well after you read the last page.
This was a phenomenal read for a debut author!
#ERRNA
October 18, 2019
Then, Now, Always is a sweet romance about Maya and Sam: two young lovers ripped apart by their insecurities, the hurts of their pasts, and the challenges of their present and future. When these two are forced together over a decade later, lies and secrets will be revealed. Mona Shroff weaves an intricate tale of love, loss, and the beauty that emerges from forgiveness.
October 22, 2019
An absolutely deligjtful book, every last bit of it. I haven't been able to put it down...literally have been ignoring my children!! A beautiful, complicated, emotional, happy, and everything in between, romantic story. It left me wanting more, but feeling full. The best kind of story!!!!
February 6, 2020
Picked this book up because it looked like a fun read! I couldn't put it down. Loved that Maya and Sam were able to reconnect. It was a quick, fun read.
Maya's daughter Samantha is in trouble at school, they found drugs in her locker and she hit another child. Samantha's father is an attorney and Maya reaches out to him for help with "her"daughter. Things turn quickly when Sam realizes that Samantha is his daughter, things get really messy when San's fiancee finds out about Maya.
Maya's daughter Samantha is in trouble at school, they found drugs in her locker and she hit another child. Samantha's father is an attorney and Maya reaches out to him for help with "her"daughter. Things turn quickly when Sam realizes that Samantha is his daughter, things get really messy when San's fiancee finds out about Maya.
January 18, 2020
Darn, that was hard to swallow. I really didn’t expect to dislike these characters so much. The spiel is exactly like the blurb indicated, so I expected there to be some sort of (white?) lie/secret involved, but when shirking from telling the truth was catching from one character to another, on top either obnoxious or judgmental or combo of the two?? I was so done!!
I actually love second chance trope, but the delivery of this one just didn’t sit well with me. And then there was the back and forth present/flashback between the two voices, Sam and Maya, that frankly put both MCs in (more) unflattering way for me (such as Sam hadn’t exactly been faithful in younger years than when he was older). And the death knell was the lack of what I consider “likable” supporting characters here. Well, to be fair there was one - their daughter’s “friend” - and Sam’s dad was sliiightly okay, but for the rest ...boy, they were just extra annoying!!
Other (readers) might fare better but THEN, NOW, ALWAYS is barely okay for me. As it was, all I felt was relief to finish reading but couldn’t really care for either Sam or Maya and their HEA. Worry not, they found their happy beginning in the end. Hurrah for that.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.
I actually love second chance trope, but the delivery of this one just didn’t sit well with me. And then there was the back and forth present/flashback between the two voices, Sam and Maya, that frankly put both MCs in (more) unflattering way for me (such as Sam hadn’t exactly been faithful in younger years than when he was older). And the death knell was the lack of what I consider “likable” supporting characters here. Well, to be fair there was one - their daughter’s “friend” - and Sam’s dad was sliiightly okay, but for the rest ...boy, they were just extra annoying!!
Other (readers) might fare better but THEN, NOW, ALWAYS is barely okay for me. As it was, all I felt was relief to finish reading but couldn’t really care for either Sam or Maya and their HEA. Worry not, they found their happy beginning in the end. Hurrah for that.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.
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November 10, 2020DNF at 50%. I loved so much about this book other than the completely insane plot between Maya and Sam. They fall in love, she gets pregnant, then they break up and he never knows she was even pregnant let alone had his child. When the daughter, Samantha, is fifteen, she gets in trouble at school and Maya panics and asks Sam for his help. She kept his daughter hidden for fifteen years but then just randomly tells him immediately. No. I got to the part where the reader discovers why exactly she left him and...no. I just can’t. I’m done.
August 20, 2019
This was so cute, one of those everlasting love types and I loved it. Sam and Maya are both headstrong and stubborn and it makes such a wonderful story.
January 14, 2020
Many thanks to Harlequin for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. With an emphasis on incorporating the Indian culture in this modern romance, the book does a great job at educating the reader without losing sight of the romance being at the heart of the novel. The characters of Sam and Maya are shown through dual timelines at the beginning of their romance in their early 20's and then reconnecting 15 years later.
While I disagree with Maya regarding never telling Sam about their daughter, the book relies on the cultural undertones as part of the explanation for this as well as the distrust in men that was embedded in Maya from a young age. I love that she was able to become such an independent woman and strong mother, with her own mother by her side. Sam is also very career minded but starts the book in a successful and happy relationship, even if it is quite predictable as the book goes on. There were some strange editing and plot moves regarding Sam that were confusing, such as a random run for Congress that was mentioned but never explained really and also the fact that his role as an attorney and work on a large case disintegrates too. These holes may just be because of the book being an ARC but left me a little confused.
I really liked the turns this book takes, incorporating Sam's mother in ways I didn't expect as well as his cousins that Maya is shown with in the earlier timeline. For a debut novel, I think this book is a great accomplishment and makes me wish for more diverse titles in romance in relation to race and culture. I hope they make themselves apparent and handle educating the reader as well as this book does.
While I disagree with Maya regarding never telling Sam about their daughter, the book relies on the cultural undertones as part of the explanation for this as well as the distrust in men that was embedded in Maya from a young age. I love that she was able to become such an independent woman and strong mother, with her own mother by her side. Sam is also very career minded but starts the book in a successful and happy relationship, even if it is quite predictable as the book goes on. There were some strange editing and plot moves regarding Sam that were confusing, such as a random run for Congress that was mentioned but never explained really and also the fact that his role as an attorney and work on a large case disintegrates too. These holes may just be because of the book being an ARC but left me a little confused.
I really liked the turns this book takes, incorporating Sam's mother in ways I didn't expect as well as his cousins that Maya is shown with in the earlier timeline. For a debut novel, I think this book is a great accomplishment and makes me wish for more diverse titles in romance in relation to race and culture. I hope they make themselves apparent and handle educating the reader as well as this book does.
January 28, 2020
This was such a sweet romance and I was completely captivated by this book. Even though it's full of deception and lies, the redemption and love at the end will leave you smiling.
What I loved about this book:
1. I had a hard time putting this one down because both Sam and Maya are such amazing characters and I needed to know how their story ended. Great characters that are likeable and relatable always keep my attention while reading a book. These two will stick with me long after I've finished.
2. This second chance romance is full of second chances and shows the reader how important forgiveness is to move on. You don't have to forget, but it's best for your mental health to forgive.
3. This book highlights how a parent's insecurities can be passed down to the next generation. As a parents it's important to remember your issues are not your child's issues.
4. The epilogue was everything and left me in tears.
Overall I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it to romance readers everywhere.
What I loved about this book:
1. I had a hard time putting this one down because both Sam and Maya are such amazing characters and I needed to know how their story ended. Great characters that are likeable and relatable always keep my attention while reading a book. These two will stick with me long after I've finished.
2. This second chance romance is full of second chances and shows the reader how important forgiveness is to move on. You don't have to forget, but it's best for your mental health to forgive.
3. This book highlights how a parent's insecurities can be passed down to the next generation. As a parents it's important to remember your issues are not your child's issues.
4. The epilogue was everything and left me in tears.
Overall I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it to romance readers everywhere.
November 25, 2019
***I received an e-ARC from NetGalley
I loved this book! I guess this book made me realize that I kinda like the secret baby trope? But I guess that's because I love the second chance romance trope which goes hand in hand with the secret baby trope.
I loved how in this book, I got to learn a lot about the Indian culture since I like learning about cultures in general. This book is also told in two timelines, the past and the present. Usually, this would bother me but I saw how it was necessary for this book. The timelines often ended in cliffhangers so you were often annoyed when a chapter would end but then you would forget you were annoyed because you learn more things about the "before".
The main characters were great and Samantha is such an outgoing teenager. Sure, she has those teenage tantrums but who doesn't? It was fun seeing her interact with her father's side of the family as if she has always been a part of it. Can I also say that Sam's dad is just a sweetheart? He's basically grandpa and father-in-law goals. You just got to meet his character. Maya grew a lot from when she was younger and it was fun seeing her interact with her daughter. Then there's Sam. I just want to hug that man. He's just so kind and he deserves everything.
But anyway, I loved the story, the writing, and the way it was told. I'm looking forward for this author's upcoming books.
I loved this book! I guess this book made me realize that I kinda like the secret baby trope? But I guess that's because I love the second chance romance trope which goes hand in hand with the secret baby trope.
I loved how in this book, I got to learn a lot about the Indian culture since I like learning about cultures in general. This book is also told in two timelines, the past and the present. Usually, this would bother me but I saw how it was necessary for this book. The timelines often ended in cliffhangers so you were often annoyed when a chapter would end but then you would forget you were annoyed because you learn more things about the "before".
The main characters were great and Samantha is such an outgoing teenager. Sure, she has those teenage tantrums but who doesn't? It was fun seeing her interact with her father's side of the family as if she has always been a part of it. Can I also say that Sam's dad is just a sweetheart? He's basically grandpa and father-in-law goals. You just got to meet his character. Maya grew a lot from when she was younger and it was fun seeing her interact with her daughter. Then there's Sam. I just want to hug that man. He's just so kind and he deserves everything.
But anyway, I loved the story, the writing, and the way it was told. I'm looking forward for this author's upcoming books.
February 6, 2021
I first want to thank BookClubbish for sending me this book! I received it as a prize for winning a giveaway on Instagram!
Whenever I read romance novels, I never quite know what to expect. Most of them tend to have sex scenes, many times very graphic, which is something I can not stand to read.
I was thankfully surprised with this book! There wasn't a single scene at all and it made the book so enjoyable because of it!
This story is about a couple who broke apart 16 years ago because of misunderstandings and wrong assumptions. (Communications really is key in relationships!) Finally, they come back into contact with each other when some trouble arises with their daughter, who Sam has no idea about.
The story really is great! Definitely a romance I'd recommend for any romance fans! It also wasn't super cheesy, although it does follow the typical romance novel ending.
As for my favorite character, that would be Sam's dad! He is so happy and cheerful all the time and he loves his wife so unconditionally, which is sadly lacking in a lot of media and books today. He is also there for his son and trusts hom to make the right decisions.
Definitely a book worth giving a chance!
Whenever I read romance novels, I never quite know what to expect. Most of them tend to have sex scenes, many times very graphic, which is something I can not stand to read.
I was thankfully surprised with this book! There wasn't a single scene at all and it made the book so enjoyable because of it!
This story is about a couple who broke apart 16 years ago because of misunderstandings and wrong assumptions. (Communications really is key in relationships!) Finally, they come back into contact with each other when some trouble arises with their daughter, who Sam has no idea about.
The story really is great! Definitely a romance I'd recommend for any romance fans! It also wasn't super cheesy, although it does follow the typical romance novel ending.
As for my favorite character, that would be Sam's dad! He is so happy and cheerful all the time and he loves his wife so unconditionally, which is sadly lacking in a lot of media and books today. He is also there for his son and trusts hom to make the right decisions.
Definitely a book worth giving a chance!
August 3, 2021
4.1⭐️!
I loved the storyline of then,now,Always; some people may dislike the switching the point of views and from the past to the present, but I loved it! The switches helped tell the story in a way that made sense and kept me interested!
I loved how Sam’s family starts a relationship with Samantha right away! I can not say I was shocked when I found out that Nani had done something to warn or scare Maya away.
I understand that Sam didn’t fight for Maya that much after she broke his heart for the storyline, but it would’ve made the story that much more romantic!
Samantha and Will seem so cute! I loved that they ended up together and that Maya and Sam got a second chance to raise a child together for the whole time with Arjun! Reading Arjun was such a bittersweet moment that brought tears to my eyes!
My complaint would be that there was a lot of problems, turmoil, and angst explaining their relationship, but the part where Sam and Maya finally end up together is only like 25 pages!! I feel like their relationship needed a little more buildup before they went from coparents to engaged!
Overall I loved the characters and this book was sweet!
I loved the storyline of then,now,Always; some people may dislike the switching the point of views and from the past to the present, but I loved it! The switches helped tell the story in a way that made sense and kept me interested!
I loved how Sam’s family starts a relationship with Samantha right away! I can not say I was shocked when I found out that Nani had done something to warn or scare Maya away.
I understand that Sam didn’t fight for Maya that much after she broke his heart for the storyline, but it would’ve made the story that much more romantic!
Samantha and Will seem so cute! I loved that they ended up together and that Maya and Sam got a second chance to raise a child together for the whole time with Arjun! Reading Arjun was such a bittersweet moment that brought tears to my eyes!
My complaint would be that there was a lot of problems, turmoil, and angst explaining their relationship, but the part where Sam and Maya finally end up together is only like 25 pages!! I feel like their relationship needed a little more buildup before they went from coparents to engaged!
Overall I loved the characters and this book was sweet!
dnf
April 10, 2020I cannot do a secret baby trope, it's official. Also, these people are the worst. The heroine uses the hero to get their teenaged daughter out of trouble and then expects that he'll just go away forever after he learns he has a kid? The hero is spineless and inconsiderate. I noped out at the point where he casually said in front of his daughter who's he already sure is his that he'd probably need a paternity test for his run for Congress.
April 13, 2021
LOVED. THIS.
Why did I read it only today? How have I never come across this book before recently? A huge disservice to myself, honestly.
I loved reading a secret baby romance with desi characters. I loved seeing a chai and chutney recipe at the end. I loved seeing families and parents play a huge role because that's how they are in reality. And I especially loved the chemistry between the main characters and how they just seemed to fit.
Why did I read it only today? How have I never come across this book before recently? A huge disservice to myself, honestly.
I loved reading a secret baby romance with desi characters. I loved seeing a chai and chutney recipe at the end. I loved seeing families and parents play a huge role because that's how they are in reality. And I especially loved the chemistry between the main characters and how they just seemed to fit.
January 20, 2020
A dual time line, dual view point novel that's a second chance romance and a secret? Sign me up. Maya and Sam have not seen each other for 16 years. They've both made good lives- she owns a bakery and he's an attorney- but only she knows what he's been missing. Samantha, their daughter has gotten herself into trouble and Maya sees no recourse but to confess to Sam and get his help. Big surprise not only to Sam but also to his family. One of the great charms of this- what sets it apart from others in the genre - is the inclusion of Indian culture. It's always great to learn something (which I did) and to have an extra angle to a theme that's so familiar. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. A nice debut and a good read.
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