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Just One... #3
Falling for a Former Flame
Will Hadley's old flame burn her again? Or could this be her second chance at love?
Headstrong Hadley Booth is on the verge of living her dream, running a delightful--and almost profitable--bookshop in the hometown she loves. But when her first love, Fletcher Gates, comes back on the scene, Hadley questions everything she ever thought she knew. Fletcher's alpha-male macho firefighter status should rub Hadley the wrong way. She does not need a man to take care of her, thank you very much. But even though her brain understands they aren't right for each other, she can't seem to explain that to her heart.
When Fletcher Gates returns home to care for his sick Mom, he doesn't expect his ex-girlfriend Hadley to ignite his world again. He's grown up; he's changed. Most importantly, he’s over her. Even if he wasn’t, they crashed and burned once before. Why risk a second inferno?
Caught between the push-and-pull of fiery emotions, will Hadley and Fletcher finally find the happily-ever-after they once believed would be theirs?
Don't miss this new second-chance romance from Brenna Jacobs!
Headstrong Hadley Booth is on the verge of living her dream, running a delightful--and almost profitable--bookshop in the hometown she loves. But when her first love, Fletcher Gates, comes back on the scene, Hadley questions everything she ever thought she knew. Fletcher's alpha-male macho firefighter status should rub Hadley the wrong way. She does not need a man to take care of her, thank you very much. But even though her brain understands they aren't right for each other, she can't seem to explain that to her heart.
When Fletcher Gates returns home to care for his sick Mom, he doesn't expect his ex-girlfriend Hadley to ignite his world again. He's grown up; he's changed. Most importantly, he’s over her. Even if he wasn’t, they crashed and burned once before. Why risk a second inferno?
Caught between the push-and-pull of fiery emotions, will Hadley and Fletcher finally find the happily-ever-after they once believed would be theirs?
Don't miss this new second-chance romance from Brenna Jacobs!
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2019
117 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 13, 2019
Whenever a couple breaks up there's a good chance the guy and the girl remember the breakup differently. This is certainly true for Hadley and Fletcher. Each thinks the other broke up with them.
Since his father has died, Fletcher moves back home to help take care of his mom who's going through dialysis. It's been seven years since the breakup and Fletcher's not prepared for his first run-in with Hadley, and it's perfectly clear she's NOT happy to see him at all.
I admit I didn't like Hadley or her friend Savanna for at least the first half of the book. Hadley was a little too headstrong for me--she didn't seem to want any help from anyone, and Savanna was downright mean to Fletcher, so Savanna's one eighty towards the end of the book came as a complete surprise. I did love that she's the one who got Hadley to see the light about her break up with Fletcher. By this point in the book I understood why Hadley was like she was--her parents lack of suport for her dream of owning a second-hand bookstore, and she had to do everything herself if she wanted it to succeed. I have to admit she's very creative and I'd love to see her bookstore.
On the other hand, I loved Fletcher. He was wonderful son for moving back home to help his mom. He probably could've been a little more tactful when pointing out the fire hazards in Hadleys' bookstore, but he didn't want her dream to go up in smoke. One of my favorite parts is this exchange between Fletcher and Hadley in one of the last chapters, “Can you?”she asked, and her raw need was clear in her eyes. “Can you try to love me again?” Tears clung to her lashes, and he gazed into her eyes. He shook his head. “Impossible,”he said, his voice a husky whisper. “Because I have never, not for one minute of one day, stopped loving you.” (Swoon) I'm enjoying this series. Each one is a standalone so you can jump in and start reading with any of the books.
I received a complimentary copy to review. All opinions shared in this review are my own.
Since his father has died, Fletcher moves back home to help take care of his mom who's going through dialysis. It's been seven years since the breakup and Fletcher's not prepared for his first run-in with Hadley, and it's perfectly clear she's NOT happy to see him at all.
I admit I didn't like Hadley or her friend Savanna for at least the first half of the book. Hadley was a little too headstrong for me--she didn't seem to want any help from anyone, and Savanna was downright mean to Fletcher, so Savanna's one eighty towards the end of the book came as a complete surprise. I did love that she's the one who got Hadley to see the light about her break up with Fletcher. By this point in the book I understood why Hadley was like she was--her parents lack of suport for her dream of owning a second-hand bookstore, and she had to do everything herself if she wanted it to succeed. I have to admit she's very creative and I'd love to see her bookstore.
On the other hand, I loved Fletcher. He was wonderful son for moving back home to help his mom. He probably could've been a little more tactful when pointing out the fire hazards in Hadleys' bookstore, but he didn't want her dream to go up in smoke. One of my favorite parts is this exchange between Fletcher and Hadley in one of the last chapters, “Can you?”she asked, and her raw need was clear in her eyes. “Can you try to love me again?” Tears clung to her lashes, and he gazed into her eyes. He shook his head. “Impossible,”he said, his voice a husky whisper. “Because I have never, not for one minute of one day, stopped loving you.” (Swoon) I'm enjoying this series. Each one is a standalone so you can jump in and start reading with any of the books.
I received a complimentary copy to review. All opinions shared in this review are my own.
August 31, 2022
I just love a bookstore setting in a contemporary romance! While I didn't relate to Hadley's strong personality and defensive reactions, I admired her resolve to be true to herself and seek a different lifestyle than her family's.The author does a good job of showing rather than telling, like when Hadley inviting her family over for Thanksgiving dinner shows how she still yearns for their approval and unconditional love, even though she no longer expects it from them. Fletcher has a compassionate heart and is the type of guy who needs to be needed. He's a fixer. It was pretty fun to watch he and Hadley up in arms and awkward with each other before softening and falling for each other all over again, but this time with maturity and communication on their side.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
January 1, 2020
Sweet
I love that Hadley is a bookshop owner! She has some fun ideas and I could just picture her shop as somewhere I'd love to hang out. Fletcher was my favorite - you gotta love a boy who is sweet to his mama. This is a light, easy reading, sweet second chance at love story.
I love that Hadley is a bookshop owner! She has some fun ideas and I could just picture her shop as somewhere I'd love to hang out. Fletcher was my favorite - you gotta love a boy who is sweet to his mama. This is a light, easy reading, sweet second chance at love story.
January 3, 2020
This is my very favorite type of book to read! It’s a contemporary romantic comedy. I don’t know why I love this kind of book so much. Maybe it’s the way I’m easily able to get lost in the plot. They are just a great escape for me.
This one features Fletcher and Hadley. There were so many great things about the two of them. One of my favorite things was that they had been a couple before. Now Fletcher is back in town, and Hadley is trying to avoid him. Everywhere she goes, he’s there though. That made the plot so much fun!
Fletcher is a firefighter. He’s returned to his hometown, and taken a job as a firefighter in the station where his dad had worked. I loved the way this was kind of a nostalgia thing for him. And it was neat that there were a few firefighters that had known his dad still there. My favorite thing about Fletcher was the way he wanted to take care of those around him. His mom, his friends, and Hadley. He’s just a great guy!
I really liked Hadley too. One of my favorite things about her was that she was just a bit clueless. She had no idea that most of the reason the two of them broke up was her fault. And it took her friend to point that out at the end.
This one had so many great extra characters. And it even had an extra romance in it. I loved it so much! Make sure to read it, and all of these by Brenna Jacobs.
I was sent an e-copy of Falling for a Former Flame as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
This one features Fletcher and Hadley. There were so many great things about the two of them. One of my favorite things was that they had been a couple before. Now Fletcher is back in town, and Hadley is trying to avoid him. Everywhere she goes, he’s there though. That made the plot so much fun!
Fletcher is a firefighter. He’s returned to his hometown, and taken a job as a firefighter in the station where his dad had worked. I loved the way this was kind of a nostalgia thing for him. And it was neat that there were a few firefighters that had known his dad still there. My favorite thing about Fletcher was the way he wanted to take care of those around him. His mom, his friends, and Hadley. He’s just a great guy!
I really liked Hadley too. One of my favorite things about her was that she was just a bit clueless. She had no idea that most of the reason the two of them broke up was her fault. And it took her friend to point that out at the end.
This one had so many great extra characters. And it even had an extra romance in it. I loved it so much! Make sure to read it, and all of these by Brenna Jacobs.
I was sent an e-copy of Falling for a Former Flame as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
December 10, 2019
Adorable! I would have liked some more kissing though. But that is just my hopeless romantic self! The story was fun, I loved the characters. These ABC books are the best!
January 1, 2020
Romance, clean; series but stand alone read
Fletcher and Hadley's story was a lovely, honest, sweet romance. The characters were hurting, heartfelt, and determined to be their best. Seeing the changes in themselves, each other, and in their relationship made for a beautiful read. Their quirks, passions, work, and dreams as they realize how much they are part of each other was a beautifully perfect honest heartfelt read for me. This is one of my favorites in this series, and why I keep coming back. Second chance romance at it's finest, most tender, honest, and raw with a bit of fun. The cover doesn't do this book justice. It looks like silly characters, but not how it is at all.
Fletcher and Hadley's story was a lovely, honest, sweet romance. The characters were hurting, heartfelt, and determined to be their best. Seeing the changes in themselves, each other, and in their relationship made for a beautiful read. Their quirks, passions, work, and dreams as they realize how much they are part of each other was a beautifully perfect honest heartfelt read for me. This is one of my favorites in this series, and why I keep coming back. Second chance romance at it's finest, most tender, honest, and raw with a bit of fun. The cover doesn't do this book justice. It looks like silly characters, but not how it is at all.
December 14, 2019
Review of Falling for a Former Flame
This was a great book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved in the from page one until the end.
This was a great book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved in the from page one until the end.
December 13, 2019
Second chances.
High school sweethearts who became estranged during college meet up again when he returns to his hometown. Lovely small town camaraderie. Wonderful characters. Witty banter.
High school sweethearts who became estranged during college meet up again when he returns to his hometown. Lovely small town camaraderie. Wonderful characters. Witty banter.
December 11, 2019
Love me a new Brenna Jacobs book! You simply can’t go wrong with a hot firefighter and an independent woman back in the same town after several years apart. Such a cute, fun read!
June 3, 2022
Not my favorite
I like these authors and kept waiting for the book to develop more depth but it never really " got there" for me. All the references to social expectations particularly the waiter references felt very stereotyped.
I like these authors and kept waiting for the book to develop more depth but it never really " got there" for me. All the references to social expectations particularly the waiter references felt very stereotyped.
July 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Completely unrelated to the story, I just wanted to say I loved the "Just One ..." version of the book cover over this one tbh. I fell in love with that version of the book cover and ended up reading this one!
This was a simple and good read. A refreshing storyline that I have so far found in fewer books, where there is a heroic MMC who loves to be the hero and an independent FMC who is confident to stand on her own feet by herself. The only thing that was missing compared to other similar books was the actual connection. I couldn't feel the emotional connect with the characters, I wish we not only got a dual POV instead of third person, but that we also get alternating timelines and actually digging deeper and connecting with the MCs. It just felt like for two people who happened to know each other for a long time and also have a fallout and a gap of few years where neither reached out, things didn't seem that bad when they started reconnecting or I just didn't feel that much pining or spark.
Completely unrelated to the story, I just wanted to say I loved the "Just One ..." version of the book cover over this one tbh. I fell in love with that version of the book cover and ended up reading this one!
This was a simple and good read. A refreshing storyline that I have so far found in fewer books, where there is a heroic MMC who loves to be the hero and an independent FMC who is confident to stand on her own feet by herself. The only thing that was missing compared to other similar books was the actual connection. I couldn't feel the emotional connect with the characters, I wish we not only got a dual POV instead of third person, but that we also get alternating timelines and actually digging deeper and connecting with the MCs. It just felt like for two people who happened to know each other for a long time and also have a fallout and a gap of few years where neither reached out, things didn't seem that bad when they started reconnecting or I just didn't feel that much pining or spark.
January 8, 2022
They were high school sweethearts but broke up. They meet again, and it takes most of the book for them to talk it out. Oil and water. She's a mild feminist but decides to reform and admit to needing him at the end. How kind of her, after being so snippy and rude. When he a fireman points out that her bookstore is basically kindling, she practically loses it. I thoughts each ring of
the firehouse alarm would be for her dumb store, a whimsical, used bookstore. She ought to have been grateful. He came back to town for his sick mom, not for Hadley. But one sight of her rare beauty, brings back all the fun of the good old days. Will she or not? There's not much conflict nor suspence.
the firehouse alarm would be for her dumb store, a whimsical, used bookstore. She ought to have been grateful. He came back to town for his sick mom, not for Hadley. But one sight of her rare beauty, brings back all the fun of the good old days. Will she or not? There's not much conflict nor suspence.
December 15, 2019
I appreciate Brenna Jacobs can write a romance doesn't feel cliche and it's clean. The characters are well rounded and dialogue is great. My only disappointment in her books is sometimes there seems to be p.c. moments. In this book it was that fireman have & alpha male complex. I wouldn't say these pc moments are a major theme or a big part of the story. When that topic is out of the way I find I enjoy getting immersed in the story. Both the h & H had good growth and the ending was sweet.
January 11, 2020
Sweet Rekindled Romance
Hadley and Fletcher were together a long time before they broke up. A long time passes and he goes back home to take care of his mom. It’s the classic mom still hangs out with ex-girlfriend plot. I was very excited about her bookstore not burning down! Phew! I was excited to be wrong about that thought! I loved the Savanna/Nick surprise! No swearing! I really liked the whole “need” issue!
Hadley and Fletcher were together a long time before they broke up. A long time passes and he goes back home to take care of his mom. It’s the classic mom still hangs out with ex-girlfriend plot. I was very excited about her bookstore not burning down! Phew! I was excited to be wrong about that thought! I loved the Savanna/Nick surprise! No swearing! I really liked the whole “need” issue!
January 12, 2020
Like the other books in this series I have read so far, I really enjoyed this story! I loved getting to know Hadley and Fletcher and their history, and it was fun to see them finding their way back together again.
Bonus points, as always in Brenna Jacobs's stories ;) , for a wonderful cast of supporting characters, including the friends and families (and, of course, Fletcher's whole firefighter team).
Bonus points, as always in Brenna Jacobs's stories ;) , for a wonderful cast of supporting characters, including the friends and families (and, of course, Fletcher's whole firefighter team).
December 30, 2019
Headstrong (almost too headstrong!) Hadley has my dream situation, owning her own bookstore. It sounds like a super cute one too. Everything is going great until her former best friend and boyfriend Fletcher comes back to town to take care of his mother. Will this former flame ignite again? You will have to read and see, but it's well worth the witty banter and swoons to find out!!!
January 17, 2020
Super sweet!
So sweet! I was frustrated for the first half trying to piece together all the anomosity and unexplained angst between Hadley and Fletcher, but when it finally became clear... oh man, it hit the heart. I love the theme, and the quote, "Need looks different on each of us." Perfect ending.
So sweet! I was frustrated for the first half trying to piece together all the anomosity and unexplained angst between Hadley and Fletcher, but when it finally became clear... oh man, it hit the heart. I love the theme, and the quote, "Need looks different on each of us." Perfect ending.
January 23, 2020
More in keeping with the spirit of the first two books of the series, this one was a fun read with some depth to it. Hadley frustrated me initially with her devotion to a one-sided concept, but she redeemed herself after the flaw in her thinking was revealed to her by actually changing her actions to fit her new mindset.
August 6, 2021
This was cute. Quick easy read with all the feels. I wish it would have gone on a little longer, because I really quite enjoyed it! Fletcher and Hadley were delightful characters, but I wish they would have delved a little bit further into savanna and Nicks relationship. They were kinda cute as well. Cute read, just not long enough!
September 23, 2021
Got a bit teary eyed in this one. Little more drama but still a lot of heart.
Also just realised that all the book in the series have some connection to like reading and books. Like one word was about authors, one look she delivered books to the school and this one Hadley owns a book shop. Thought that was cute.
Also just realised that all the book in the series have some connection to like reading and books. Like one word was about authors, one look she delivered books to the school and this one Hadley owns a book shop. Thought that was cute.
July 14, 2022
Fun, sweet, and clean. Perfect light summer read.
I liked the two mains, and they had unique personalities with a real relationship - and real problems. Refreshing.
I felt like there was a lot of background noise though- unnecessarily long sections describing a waiter or exactly how to cook a dinner.
That bookshop though? Sounds brilliant, I’d be a regular.
I liked the two mains, and they had unique personalities with a real relationship - and real problems. Refreshing.
I felt like there was a lot of background noise though- unnecessarily long sections describing a waiter or exactly how to cook a dinner.
That bookshop though? Sounds brilliant, I’d be a regular.
January 13, 2020
I've read all of Brenna Jacobs' books and I just loved this one. I enjoyed the character development, loved the details about the bookstore, and especially Hadley's final understanding about independence and interdependence. Sweet and I'm sure I'll read it again!
May 16, 2021
This is a pretty cute book. Second chance romance don’t always work for me because so much of the story happens in the past. I wished that the MCs talked about their issues rather than talking to other people who talked to them. Kisses only.
December 21, 2019
Nice easy Read
A nice easy read. I truly enjoyed this story and the way the plot was full of little twist and turns
A nice easy read. I truly enjoyed this story and the way the plot was full of little twist and turns
December 30, 2019
I enjoyed this story.
Content: clean
Content: clean
February 24, 2020
I liked this okay, though it is probably my least favorite in this series so far. I really didn't relate to Hadley. And I didn't like Savanna much, either.
Content: clean. No language or sex.
Content: clean. No language or sex.
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August 1, 2020I got bored, really...I finished to know what happen in the book, but I could not read the epilogue. Sorry! The book was well written, but nothing actually happened
May 31, 2021
Cute & adorable beach side read🏖.
July 3, 2021
also super cute, I liked it
August 12, 2021
Thank U, girls, another great story !
Good to finally find each other, and love together. So many years apart, but maybe it takes longer to learn it's better together than apart.
Good to finally find each other, and love together. So many years apart, but maybe it takes longer to learn it's better together than apart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews