Our relationship was a dirty, dirty secret…It was a huge mistake. I fell in love with my brother’s best friend.Only to get pregnant, and then abandoned.I’ll never forgive Ben.He left me when I needed him the most.I’ve survived five years without him.But my heart still races when I see him again.His eyes pierce through my soul.His touch takes me back in time.I’m tempted to make the same mistake I did back then.But what happens when I tell him my secret?And can I move past everything that he’s put me through?
Annie J. Rose is an Amazon top 30 best seller contemporary romance author who loves to bring all of your fantasies to life. She writes steamy romance with a happily ever after.
Born and raised in New Zealand, she often spends most of her time writing stories by her balcony. Pharmacist by day, smut-writer by night.
As per usual virgin heroine who gave it to the hero, he left her, had his fun with other women and then came back for her while she had been celibate the whole time. I dont care if she had a reason to be. The fact is the author created that reason so she HAD to be celibate bc it's a sexist double standard female authors keep perpetuating as if her love would be less meaningful if she had sex and fun like he had. She actually says she couldnt stand another man touching her, too bad he was just fine letting other women touch him 🙄
Wow this is one emotionally raw and heartfelt love story about Ben and Winnie. Ben is best friends with Winnie’s brother Steven and over the summer after Winnie graduates high school her and Ben who is 20 years old agree to enjoy their summer together in secret. Ben treats Winnie with respect and never takes anything from her sexually until one night before she leaves for college and Ben is forced to go to Boston due to his father’s demands Winnie ask Ben to be her first. They have an amazing night on the beach and they move on when Winnie goes to college. Ben’s father is one mean and vengeful man who controls every decision around Ben and when Winnie and Steven reach out to Ben their calls go unanswered for years! Winnie goes through an extremely tough experience with the lost of the baby and Steven is the one there for her and still after 4 years she struggles with that fateful day. For Ben he can not believe his dad has passed and is relieved, he sells his dad’s business and leaves Boston with the chance to get back to Winnie and his art. Ben returns and has no idea what has occurred and goes to the one person who can give him answers, Winnie. These two have a bittersweet and heartbreaking conversation. With Ben around Winnie is able to heal and move forward with the answers she has needed to hear and these two have one amazing connection that drawls them together no matter what. I absolutely loved their tremendously moving love story and believe forgiveness helps heal their broken hearts! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great story and was very entertaining. Once I started I could not put it down. The chemistry between the hero and heroine is sizzling hot. I would recommend this to anyone that loves a great love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This sexy second chance romance pulls on the heartstrings in a big way. Just when I thought the story was headed in a direction I wasn’t looking forward to, the author pulled a twist and went with the unexpected. It’s an emotional and steamy love story that’s pretty heavy in the first half before slowly transitioning into the romance.
The story follows Ben, an artist whose overbearing father insisted that he work at the family business. When his father dies, Ben considers it an opportunity to make some changes in his life - including moving back to his hometown and pursuing the woman who stole his heart five years ago. Ben and Winnie (his best friend’s little sister) had a fling the summer before she left for college. They both knew it had to be temporary, but emotions ran deeper than either expected. Even though five years have passed, Ben hasn’t stopped thinking about Winnie. But their reunion isn’t anything like Ben expected, and Winnie has changed significantly in the years since they’ve seen each other.
I’ve enjoyed some of Annie J. Rose’s books in the past, but this one took a little while to grow on me. The first half is definitely heavy, with much more of the focus being on emotion than romance. Without giving any spoilers, this includes my least favorite trope but done in a way I didn’t expect. Both Winnie and Ben are likeable characters, so it was easy to root for them despite the obstacles in their path. Ultimately, I did enjoy the story and was happy to see these two find their way back together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Heart-tugging Second Chance Love Story WOW! What a journey this author takes the reader on. And I must say that before you get on board you must bring a box of tissues (and I don’t mean one of those little travel-size packets) with you. Now that that’s out of the way, this is a story of two people Winnie, just graduating from high school is ready to begin college and Ben being forced to go live and work for his father in Boston. They steal away for a night of passion then separate. Unbeknownst to Ben Winnie becomes pregnant but tragic strikes and she is thrown into such grief that last for years. Five years past and Ben’s father has died so Ben is moving back home to the west coast. He finds Winnie when he learns from his mom she never went off to college. He finds her and she tells him her very sad story, takes him and his mother to the cemetery. There is new grief, but also closure finally for Winnie. There is a possible second chance approached tenderly. This is not an easy storyline to read but it is beautifully written. I commend the author for taking on this subject with such compassion. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment. I received this ARC from “Bad Boy Update” for my honest review so I’m leaving this for your consideration. Peace.
ONE HOT ADVENTURE!!! Holy hotness! Annie blazes a new trail mixing it up and nailing it down with 100% realism that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. With all the tumultuous drama and unforseen events, you have one electrifying treat that fuse this baby together piece by piece. Throw in distress and turmoil and you have a recipe for disaster. A spinning throng of vexing circumstances and a slew of surprising events catapults this bad boy to life beautifully. Grab your tissue when you pick up your copy cause trust me, you're going to cry. No way around it. Hurdling the trials and tribulations abound with sharp twists, clean turns and thin lines propels this bad boy together sleek, shiny and tight. The characters were awe inspiring and full of life after having difficult issues and heartbreak. The characters are authentic, original and realistic with depth and qualities that's easy to relate. Their personalities bloom and blend together with smooth even grace. The scenes are graphically detailed to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly from each scenario without a hitch. Fantastic job Annie, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
This is a wonderful, emotional story. I really did fall in love with the main characters, Winnie and Ben. I could feel their pain as the author took me on a moving story through their first love for each other. And then the fallout of that love a few years later. Then to the beautiful ending. I think I went through a box of tissues. The angst was real and tear jerking. Even through all that the love was brightly shining. That blinding love showed through on each and every page. Even through the tears. The story line is strong and unique. The characters are real and emotional on a level I don’t see in every book I read. The main characters well thought out and very relatable. The supporting characters were of importance throughout the telling of the story and added an extra layer of depth. If I could I would give this book a definite 6 STAR rating.
“Be still my heart!” Kudos to Ms. Rose for another outstanding read that grabbed my attention in the very beginning and held onto it until the very last word! Winnie and Ben are wonderful characters that will draw you into their story of past separation and heartbreak caused by Ben’s autocratic father. When Ben is finally able to return to her after his father’s death, he finds that she is no longer the girl he left behind. Chances are you will find yourself unable to put this book aside until you’ve finished it! Super characters, story, and writing as is her norm! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We start off with the backstory and setting up the summer fling our characters had before going their own ways. Things get extremely complicated quickly and it's a bit of heavy reading. Readers should be prepared to feel in depth what's happening and connect with how the characters struggle. There's so much realism you're sure to cry while you experience with them.
The romance and second chance is beautifully written I 've we get to it and you'll be cheering for a happy ending.
I received an advanced copy of this story through BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
An enjoyable story about two people, Winnie and Ben – who were lovers when she was in high school but he was forced to move by his mentally abusive father, so he was never aware that she had become pregnant and lost a baby. After his father’s death, he moves back to the town permanently and gradually the relationship develops again. There are many problems that have to be dealt with, involving her family and other people, and a lot of emotion on both sides, but both Winnie and Ben are strong people who know what they want and are happy with each other, so they are able to deal with the problems. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was another awesome read from this author. I love her books and this one was no different. Let's just say, that Ben was just dreamy. He is Steve's best friend but the problem is, that Steve has a sister Winnie. The story starts five years ago, when she wants to become a lawyer and just before she goes off to college, she decides to give Ben her virginity. Five years later.... you are going to have to read the book to see how their story unfolds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Raw, emotional and bittersweetly romantic...this is a very realistic story of a young love between Winnie and Ben who have their whole lives ahead of them. A vengeful father, geography and misconceptions have a strong hold on the relationship that never fully blossoms until fate steps in and Ben returns to Winnie. Emotional healing, forgiveness and looking forward to the future are all expressed in this deeply moving romance. The book is well written and the characters are genuine and pure of heart. I was moved to tears throughout their story and waited for the happy ending that they so richly deserved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well Annie did it again with this rollercoaster second chance romance about Ben and Winnie , he's her brothers best friend so and is definitely off limits for him , but they spend a night together and then he leaves , when he comes back he wants a second chance but she is unsure and they both have secrets , a well written book with a fab storyline that grabs your attention from the beginning to the end , loved it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I voluntarily read an arc of this book for an honest review. I always love books by Annie J Rose and this book was amazing! It was emotional and gritty. There’s heartbreak and loss but also deep love. I was so glad they got a second chance at love and the raw emotion you feel from and for them was so deep. A definite must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A second chance romance that is well written it is a very emotional story about ben and winnie. They had a one night stand and then they parted ways. But when tragedy struck winnie was left feeling abandoned. 5 years later ben returns unknowing of the tragedy. Will they be able to get past it and make a future? Good storyline
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading this second chance romance. I thought it was emotional, heartfelt, and realistic. I truly enjoyed the characters and their story. It is a well written story. It has a good storyline.
I received an Advanced Copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.
wow .. what a tear-jerker .. I had that at least .. I certainly had to wipe them away regularly. I enjoyed that emotional and romantic story. from me 5 stars .. good chemistry, well-described characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked, is been a good story, a little hard to believe some parts, specially the ones about him not get in touch with anyone related to the heroine and the town from where she’s living. But like I said I liked and for sure will be reading more about this author.
Winnie and Ben are having a summer romance and that's all it can be. But, if her brother Steve finds out, there will be hell to pay. He and Ben are best friends, but touching his sister is just not on. Ben leaves for Boston and Winnie will be leaving for college after Ben leaves. Five years later, Ben returns to the little town hoping to see her again. But why is he getting the cold shoulder from everyone in town? What's going on? Fantastic read and I loved it.
Winnie was his life, his love, and his muse, but due to his father’s control and dominance, Ben left her for five years. He wasn’t aware of the tragedy and suffering she experienced by herself. Very interesting and engaging story with well defined characters. Excellent read!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
His Muse by Annie J. Rose is a wonderful read. emotional,intriguing and sexy second chance romance of Ben and Winnie that will tugged at your heartstring. i couldnt put it down,a must have and read! another beautiful book by the author,well done!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An emotional rollercoaster that is realistically written. A second chance at romance with Winnie and Ben. The characters are relatable. The twists that the author writes will pull at the heart strings. You will cry, laugh, be happy for the characters. Amazing book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an emotional and sexy second chance romance. This has an unseen twist that kept me interested and engaged. This is an emotionally raw read that tugs on thee heart strings. Winnie and Ben have a compelling story that is well written.
I am voluntarily leaving a honest, unbiased review.
This book is such a good read. It's both heartbreaking and heartwarming..... I felt so much for Winnie, Ben and their respective families. Despite the sadness in this story, it remains optimistic and uplifting. Fantastic characters, great story, beautiful read.
I really liked this steamy second chance romance. Winnie fell for her brother’s best friend and they share an amazing summer together. On one of their last nights together Winnie asks Ben to be her first. They go their separate way and when Winnie learns she is pregnant she tries to get in contact with Ben but his father keeps him in the dark. When Ben moves back to town years later can they work through the pain of the past? Fast-paced emotional read, the chemistry is steamy and the story really grabs at your heartstrings. I really liked it.
The stricture that warns that the sins of the father can carry forward to his children, even impacting the grandchildren is true, or at least it is true for Ben. Five years ago, Ben unwillingly left all that he loved to follow the dictates of his controlling, divorced father who demanded that his son leave his home, his mom, his friends, his dreams and his passion to paint on the West Coast and return to Boston to fulfill the father’s dream of a family company. For five years, Ben hated his life, living his father’s dream with only short trips back to visit his mom. He had little contact with friends back home—his father made sure of that. He heard for a while from his best friend Steve, but soon those calls stopped. Whom he never heard from was the love of his live, Winnie, Steve’s younger sister, who had begged Ben on their last night to make love with her, to initiate her into sex, to be her first. And, he did. But, with that final act of love, Ben left thinking that Winnie was off to college, to new dreams, to new friends, to new men. The silence from Winnie, his secret love, confirmed in the weeks that followed that she had followed his last words of advice to her—to explore, meet others, move on. So, the life back home really was gone.
When he returns home after 5 years free of his father and the business that had meant more to his dad than his son’s happiness, he quickly learns from his mom that Winnie is living and working at home, that she did not go to college. And so, he seeks her out. Of all the news he expected to hear—that she had moved on, that there was someone else in his place—what he did not expect to hear was that Winnie’s silence was not moving on but being frozen in place. Unknown to him—blocked by his father—were Winnie’s repeated attempts to tell him that she was pregnant with his child. And, after nine months of carrying that precious life, their perfect baby girl, Hope, had died as the result of horrific problems at the time labor and delivery. Ben is overwhelmed, crushed, furious—all the emotions of grief. Winnie’s story explains so much—her silence and the loss of contact with her brother Steve. How can he bear this tragedy of which he is a part, but not a part?
Annie J. Rose breaks her readers’ hearts in the opening chapters of this sweet story of second chance love--of learning to love again, to forgive and to hope. The love story of Winnie and Ben is a tender journey of letting the heart heal the soul. This is a novel well worth reading, providing vicariously a cathartic experience for the reader, reaffirming the healing powers of love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.