He ruined her life ten years ago. Fate brought them together again, at Christmas, no less. But this time, she’s determined to safeguard her heart.
Breona
Ten years ago, he stole everything from me.
We used to be friends. We could have even been more than that.
Until he left me behind for good, ruining my life in the process.
But backstabber or not, we’re both part of a wedding party. Together. At Christmas.
It might be a season of love, magic, and second chances, but not for us. We’ll be lucky if we make it through the wedding without killing each other or setting the place on fire.
Karsyn
Okay, there’s no denying it: Breona Smyth is the most obnoxious, beautiful, enchanting woman I’ve ever met.
She’s also clinging on to the notion that I ruined her life.
Ten years later, she’s just as obnoxious, beautiful, and enchanting. I don’t want to ruin my best bud’s wedding, but I’m determined to make her see reason.
I just don’t know if she’ll really listen. Or if I can keep myself from falling in love with her all over again.
**** This is a standalone Novella with a touch of steam and HEA. ****
I found the story of Breona and Karsyn to be very engaging, and I loved the second chance they were given to make things right between them.
Lately, I’ve been reading several books where there is a 10 year separation before the pair see each other again. I can’t quite wrap my head around people pining away for a lost love for that length of time. In this case, the couple were friends in high school, were in love but too scared to own it. Breona and Karsyn are now 28 years old. Is the 10 year gap of undeclared, unrequited love for each other realistic? I doubt it, but somehow a 10 year separation is the current trend in IR romance novels. 😟
At any rate, the story held my interest. There were a few minor editing issues. I look forward to reading Book 2 of the series.
I liked the writing style of this author (she writes very deep and emotional prose) but the characters were kind of annoying to be honest. He was too pushy and she was too rigid. Still, I am curious what book 2 might be about so I'll probably check it out.
There is nothing wrong with erotica but it should be labeled as such. Anyways, let me say that I believe the author has talent. She tells a coherent and somewhat entertaining story. However, the reason I hated this book was Karsyn. He's a sexual predator. That women authors continue to try and romanticize men who won't take no for an answer is mind boggling to me especially given the current social climate and the me too movement. Breona is repeatedly telling him that she's not interested but he has zero respect for her or what she wants. He starts by creeping outside the bathroom waiting for her shortly after they meet up for the 1st time in 10 years. When she comes out he kisses her in the hallway outside the bathroom without her permission. She has to bite his lip and shove him off of her. Later, he follows her to the beach. She tells him point blank that she has no room in her life for him. So he tackles her to the ground and forces himself on her. Yes, he physically tackles her after she rejects him. Shortly after she tries to get away from him again by running to the bathroom but again he stalks her and locks her in. He again shows his pension for physical abuse by grabbing her face and forcing her to look at him. They finally make it to the reception and before she can make it to her table he grabs her by the wrist and yanks her so hard and painfully that she almost falls to the ground. When she finally agrees to have sex with him he has to make sure that she strikes his ego over and over again before he'll do it. He is the embodiment of entitlement. He should be in jail. The fact the Breona lets him treat her as nothing more than a sexual conquest is so disappointing. The ending is cheesy and doesn't fit the tone of the rest of the book other than it stays true to Karsyn refusing to respect Breona's words or wants. STOP WRITING TRASH MEN AND PASSING THEM OFF AS ROMANTIC!
They were best friends, thick as thieves, and secretly crushing on each other. But they never took the next steps in high school to be more than friends and then he betrayed her in the worst way. Or so she thought. Now at their besties' wedding celebration, they have to get through a weekend standing up together for their mates. It's gonna be hard when he wants to kiss her anger away and she wants to scratch his eyes out. But love is so much stronger than hate, and Karsyn will lay his heart and soul bare to convince Bree of his love. He just hopes it's not too late.
A well thought out second chance romance set at the happiest time of the year. Great characters (except the dragon lady) and a good bit of steamy action. The editing could have been much better though.
There was lot going on and there were a lot of characters with their own stories that were not revealed. It was tragic that Breona and Karsyn wasted so much time apart over a misunderstanding that could have been easily cleared up with some communication. I wondered what was going on between Bryn and Cozzie throughout the book, I can only hope that their story is told at a later time so that we can learn what happened to a couple who have been together for over ten years that seemed as if their relationship was either on the rocks or was completely over. I also would like to know the story about Trell and why he seems to perpetually remain a bachelor.
I'm happy I decided to read this story. It's amazing how things can happen to make a friendship end so baldy and you feel someone has betrayed you to the point of no return. Then later when you're both thrown into a function you can't get out of just to come face to face with the person you never wanted to see again . And then later find out what the truth was and how all this time you didn't realize how wrong you had been all those years ago. And things just wasn't what the seemed back then. That is the case with Breona and Karsyn . I really enjoyed this book now on to the next one!
It was a huge mistake on both their parts. Not that love so innocent would have made it at the time. They loved each other but it wasn't the right time. The years later at their best friends wedding, the truth comes out. It happens to during their best friends wedding. Loved Karsyns' way of confessing his love. Glad that she let go and let her love shines through. No big errors just the irritation of her being so stubborn. Love is amazing and should be embraced. Fear is empty and love is fulfilling.
Karsyn and Breona were friends until she left town after high school thinking he betrayed her by getting a journalism scholarship. True is, she was high-strung, not listening too friends, family or anyone and missed the scholarship on her own. Coming home to her bff’s wedding brings back livid memories and the truth of what really happened those ten years ago. They can’t go back, but Karsyn’s determines they won’t leave as enemies!!!🦋
This was an interesting and amazing romance novel. I enjoyed reading about Karyn and Breona's romance story. I was happy that it ended with them finally getting together. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!!!! Another great book Isabella Brooks!!!!!!
Breona was fighting a losing battle - Karsyn is determined to change her mind at their friend's wedding. Browns is too stubborn to realize her true self.