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Miles Family #5
Gaining Miles
“Now there was nothing holding me back. I kissed her deeply, passionately. Kissed her for every time I’d wanted to and couldn’t. For every time I’d stared at her with longing in my heart, wishing we could be where we were now.”
It’s never too late.
Loving a woman you can’t have isn’t easy. Ben Gaines knows this all too well. He endured the slow torture of watching Shannon Miles live a life with another man—a man who didn’t deserve her—but he doesn’t regret a minute of it. And he has his reasons.
Now, she’s free. No longer shackled to a loveless marriage, bound to someone who was unfaithful and heartless.
But Shannon thinks her time has passed. That she won’t get another chance at love, especially with Ben. The man who’s been there to see it all. Her mistakes. Her hurt. Her heartache.
If only she knew. Ben loves her with everything he is, and he wants nothing more in life than to spend every moment with her. After all, he’s waited a long time for his chance.
It’s time for their happily ever after.
Author’s note: A sexy silver fox who’s waited half his life for the woman he loves. A peek into the past. And the happily ever after you’ve been waiting for. Finally.
The Miles Family is best enjoyed in order.
It’s never too late.
Loving a woman you can’t have isn’t easy. Ben Gaines knows this all too well. He endured the slow torture of watching Shannon Miles live a life with another man—a man who didn’t deserve her—but he doesn’t regret a minute of it. And he has his reasons.
Now, she’s free. No longer shackled to a loveless marriage, bound to someone who was unfaithful and heartless.
But Shannon thinks her time has passed. That she won’t get another chance at love, especially with Ben. The man who’s been there to see it all. Her mistakes. Her hurt. Her heartache.
If only she knew. Ben loves her with everything he is, and he wants nothing more in life than to spend every moment with her. After all, he’s waited a long time for his chance.
It’s time for their happily ever after.
Author’s note: A sexy silver fox who’s waited half his life for the woman he loves. A peek into the past. And the happily ever after you’ve been waiting for. Finally.
The Miles Family is best enjoyed in order.
140 pages, ebook
First published April 5, 2019
4540 people are currently reading
3327 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kingsley
81 books12.3k followersClaire Kingsley is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and small-town romantic suspense. She writes sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, romantic happily ever afters, and all the big feels.
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April 5, 2019
Gaining Miles is book five in the Miles Family series by Claire Kingsley. Even though I felt like I had enough closure when I finished book four, Leo’s book, Hidden Miles, I didn’t realize that I needed more until I had it. This book is Shannon, the matriarch of the Mile’s Family’s story, and Ben, the man who has spent a lifetime loving her from afar. This book wrapped up this series perfectly and also set up the spin off series Claire is working on.
Shannon Miles is Fifty seven years old and spent most of her life in an awful marriage. But she wouldn’t change a thing because she has four wonderful, now grown children from that marriage. Not to mention all of their significant others. Now that her divorce is final and her ex-husband is in prison, she has truly let go of the past and found peace with her family. Shannon is content to live the rest of her days working at her winery with her family. She feels like she’s too old, too broken, for anything more. Even if she has secretly harbored some feelings that might be more than the friend variety for her long time manager and friend, Ben.
Benjamin Gaines came to work for Shannon twenty six years ago as a broken man. He was drifting from place to place trying to escape his pain. He knew this job would be no different, just temporary, until he met Shannon and her children. In an instant, everything changed and he’d been there ever since, watching Shannon from afar, knowing her husband was worthless. Ben was more of a father to the kids than their biological father ever was.
Now, Shannon is legally free. Now is his chance to let her know how he feels, because he can’t hold it in any longer. But, he soon realizes that this is easier said than done. That Shannon has given up on love. So somehow Ben must find a way to convince her that she is still a beautiful, sexy woman. And that they can finally have the future he always dreamed could be possible for the two of them.
“Fifty eight years old, and this woman made me feel like a shy kid again.”
Let me tell you, this silver haired fox still has all the moves! I couldn’t imagine how he was going to woo Shannon and woo her he did. I heard myself sigh out loud while I was reading this.
As I said, this was the perfect ending to this series. We get glimpses into the futures of all of the siblings’ lives. When I set the book down last night after the final page, I couldn’t help but smile. I loved the way Claire set up the new series. I’m already so intrigued. We are going to meet Grace Miles in the brand new series, The Bailey Brothers. I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Shannon Miles is Fifty seven years old and spent most of her life in an awful marriage. But she wouldn’t change a thing because she has four wonderful, now grown children from that marriage. Not to mention all of their significant others. Now that her divorce is final and her ex-husband is in prison, she has truly let go of the past and found peace with her family. Shannon is content to live the rest of her days working at her winery with her family. She feels like she’s too old, too broken, for anything more. Even if she has secretly harbored some feelings that might be more than the friend variety for her long time manager and friend, Ben.
Benjamin Gaines came to work for Shannon twenty six years ago as a broken man. He was drifting from place to place trying to escape his pain. He knew this job would be no different, just temporary, until he met Shannon and her children. In an instant, everything changed and he’d been there ever since, watching Shannon from afar, knowing her husband was worthless. Ben was more of a father to the kids than their biological father ever was.
Now, Shannon is legally free. Now is his chance to let her know how he feels, because he can’t hold it in any longer. But, he soon realizes that this is easier said than done. That Shannon has given up on love. So somehow Ben must find a way to convince her that she is still a beautiful, sexy woman. And that they can finally have the future he always dreamed could be possible for the two of them.
“Fifty eight years old, and this woman made me feel like a shy kid again.”
Let me tell you, this silver haired fox still has all the moves! I couldn’t imagine how he was going to woo Shannon and woo her he did. I heard myself sigh out loud while I was reading this.
As I said, this was the perfect ending to this series. We get glimpses into the futures of all of the siblings’ lives. When I set the book down last night after the final page, I couldn’t help but smile. I loved the way Claire set up the new series. I’m already so intrigued. We are going to meet Grace Miles in the brand new series, The Bailey Brothers. I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
March 31, 2019
Ben and Shannon together at last!!! I love that the opening chapter was their first meeting. And I have 2 words...TODDLER COOPER!!! In true Cooper style, he plays a pivotal roll in the start of a their beautiful friendship.
After 25+ years Benjamin Gaines decides that the time is right to claim his family. He begins with the typical Miles way of declaring his intentions. After a few false starts, he launches a gentle assault on Shannon to show her that she is worthy of a second chance at love.
This was such a beautiful story of love, second chances and enduring friendship and an absolutely wonderful way to end the Miles Family Series.
After 25+ years Benjamin Gaines decides that the time is right to claim his family. He begins with the typical Miles way of declaring his intentions. After a few false starts, he launches a gentle assault on Shannon to show her that she is worthy of a second chance at love.
This was such a beautiful story of love, second chances and enduring friendship and an absolutely wonderful way to end the Miles Family Series.
January 15, 2023
3.75✨
a cute conclusion to the series
a cute conclusion to the series
April 28, 2020
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5-4 stars
Finally Ben and Shannon's story! This little novella was the perfect way to close the Miles Family series. I have been waiting for these two to get their HEA from the start and John Lane and Donna Postel were fantastically cast. John Lane was especially wonderful and his deep gravelly voice was so perfect as steadfast and loyal Ben. This is my first time hearing Donna Postel, but I was very pleasantly surprised. There isn't a whole lot of angst or drama in this one and I was grateful for that. These two have waited long enough, so I was happy that things moved steadily (and quickly) along. The bonus epilogue from Grace's POV was the cherry on top and I loved getting the updates on all the Miles siblings. Cooper's cameos are always memorable (double LOL) and I was excited to meet the Bailey brothers, which is Claire Kingsley's upcoming new series. What a beautiful end to a wonderful series!
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5-4 stars
Finally Ben and Shannon's story! This little novella was the perfect way to close the Miles Family series. I have been waiting for these two to get their HEA from the start and John Lane and Donna Postel were fantastically cast. John Lane was especially wonderful and his deep gravelly voice was so perfect as steadfast and loyal Ben. This is my first time hearing Donna Postel, but I was very pleasantly surprised. There isn't a whole lot of angst or drama in this one and I was grateful for that. These two have waited long enough, so I was happy that things moved steadily (and quickly) along. The bonus epilogue from Grace's POV was the cherry on top and I loved getting the updates on all the Miles siblings. Cooper's cameos are always memorable (double LOL) and I was excited to meet the Bailey brothers, which is Claire Kingsley's upcoming new series. What a beautiful end to a wonderful series!
March 31, 2019
This is the perfect ending of a series that stole my heart. It took 26 years to finally gain the love of Shannon but Benjamin was patient enough to wait because deep inside he was sure that she would be his forever. This novella is a combination of an anticipation that will lead to the fulfillment of a dream that has been denied for so long. Indeed the author has demonstrated that perseverance soon or later will bear its fruits. I am such in awe with these two characters firstly because I admire Ben’s patience and his way of dealing with time while Shannon still remains that sweet woman although having a heavy baggage on her shoulder. This book is a message of hope and therefore a way of never giving up even if the peak is difficult to reach. I simply loved it.
April 15, 2020
5 stars audio.
5 stars too short story. I wish I could find more romances with both MCs in their 40s and 50s.
5 stars too short story. I wish I could find more romances with both MCs in their 40s and 50s.
January 23, 2023
Representation: Scarred supporting character with agoraphobia and severe PTSD
Overall: 3.25-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Overall: 3.25-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
December 14, 2020
What a perfect end to a wonderful series.
Finally Shannon and Ben get their HEA! and it was so beautiful.
Ben is an incredibly patient man, and no one deserved his love more than Shannon after all she went through, and Ben’s back story, broke my heart but when he and Shannon come together you know these two are perfect and made for each other.
By the end of the last epilogue my heart was so full. Loved this series so much!
Finally Shannon and Ben get their HEA! and it was so beautiful.
Ben is an incredibly patient man, and no one deserved his love more than Shannon after all she went through, and Ben’s back story, broke my heart but when he and Shannon come together you know these two are perfect and made for each other.
By the end of the last epilogue my heart was so full. Loved this series so much!
April 7, 2019
Kind of boring? They were supposed to be olds, but apart from saying "I'm too old to date", nothing about these characters read any different than the other books in the series. In fact, I almost felt like I'd read their story, as the characters repeated what they had already said in the other books and there was almost no tension to be resolved.
March 10, 2020
Let's be honest, we've been watching this from the sidelines for four books now. And we've been waiting to see Ben and Shannon get their turn at happiness and love.
Claire Kingsley most definitely delivers with this story. It won't be one you forget.
Claire Kingsley most definitely delivers with this story. It won't be one you forget.
April 5, 2019
I have loved the Miles family from the very beginning which made this book equally dreaded and anticipated. If ever two characters deserved a happy ending, it was Ben and Shannon. We've come to know and love them throughout this series, and Claire gave them the ending they absolutely deserved.
I absolutely loved the way everything came together in this book. The flashback glimpses of the Miles kids were the icing on the cake. Not only did Claire send this series off in style, the epilogue has me so excited for her next family series as well.
I absolutely loved the way everything came together in this book. The flashback glimpses of the Miles kids were the icing on the cake. Not only did Claire send this series off in style, the epilogue has me so excited for her next family series as well.
November 11, 2021
SERIES COMPLETE!!!! BINGE READERS REJOICE!!!
GAH!!! This series is EVERYTHING!
August 10, 2019
Cute novella and a nice capper to the series. Features two ever 50 protagonists which is a nice change.
April 5, 2019
What can I say - Claire has managed to capture the end of this series perfectly. This is a novella, but oh my goodness it finishes off the series on a high!
The love a man has for a woman over so many years is truly touching. Ben has watched Shannon raise a family with a man who doesn’t appreciate her or really love her. Ben has secrets which no one is aware of, until he finally lets Shannon in!
Shannon is a mother of 4 grown children, she has been cheated on and betrayed over and over again. In Ben, she has a real friend, but she wonders what would happen if it became more!
There is no messing about, they both know what they want and go for it! It’s also nice to see an older couple fall in love.
The love a man has for a woman over so many years is truly touching. Ben has watched Shannon raise a family with a man who doesn’t appreciate her or really love her. Ben has secrets which no one is aware of, until he finally lets Shannon in!
Shannon is a mother of 4 grown children, she has been cheated on and betrayed over and over again. In Ben, she has a real friend, but she wonders what would happen if it became more!
There is no messing about, they both know what they want and go for it! It’s also nice to see an older couple fall in love.
May 4, 2023
Esta es la historia de Ben y Shannon
Después de casi 30 años de esperarla al fin tienen su oportunidad de ser feliz y que nunca es tarde a pesar de la edad.
Después de casi 30 años de esperarla al fin tienen su oportunidad de ser feliz y que nunca es tarde a pesar de la edad.
May 13, 2024
I love how this series came full circle.. Benjamin has worked with Shannon the entire time the kids were growing up... and Ben has always had feelings for the mother of the clan. You can't help loving both of them.
**Second chance romance
**Slow burn 🔥
**Sweetheart H
Online audiobook 🎶
**Second chance romance
**Slow burn 🔥
**Sweetheart H
Online audiobook 🎶
February 24, 2023
10 freaking ⭐️
This book was amazing. Ben and Shannon deserve all the happiness and this was the perfect way to end this serie. I’ll miss this family. Can’t wait to read more in the Baileys serie
This book was amazing. Ben and Shannon deserve all the happiness and this was the perfect way to end this serie. I’ll miss this family. Can’t wait to read more in the Baileys serie
June 25, 2021
I have so many words I want to say about this book, but the best one to describe how I feel is, PERFECTION!!! Ben is everything that I hoped he would be and so much more. I ugly cried my way through most of this book and I don’t regret a single second of it.
Shannon is a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman moving forward after years in an unhappy marriage. Her children and grandchildren are her life now and watching them blossom has fulfilled her, but is that really all she has left to look forward to? Enter Benjamin, the best friend who has spent years quietly loving and supporting her from the sidelines, he knows now is the time and he’s not stopping until she is his forever.
He is patient, romantic, quietly dominant, and sexy with his salt and pepper beard and he now owns a huge piece of my heart!
This was the ultimate conclusion to the Miles Family series and nothing could be better than everyone getting the happily ever after they deserved. Thank you Claire for creating these beautiful characters ❤️
“If you were ever wondering what it looks like when all a man’s dreams come true, it looks like this” - Benjamin Gaines
Shannon is a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman moving forward after years in an unhappy marriage. Her children and grandchildren are her life now and watching them blossom has fulfilled her, but is that really all she has left to look forward to? Enter Benjamin, the best friend who has spent years quietly loving and supporting her from the sidelines, he knows now is the time and he’s not stopping until she is his forever.
He is patient, romantic, quietly dominant, and sexy with his salt and pepper beard and he now owns a huge piece of my heart!
This was the ultimate conclusion to the Miles Family series and nothing could be better than everyone getting the happily ever after they deserved. Thank you Claire for creating these beautiful characters ❤️
“If you were ever wondering what it looks like when all a man’s dreams come true, it looks like this” - Benjamin Gaines
February 27, 2022
Having met Ben way back in book one I am so happy to get to the end of this series to find he was given his own novella. I was rooting for him and Shannon right from the very start and this book made my heart oh so happy.
Shannon Miles loved all her children so fiercely and dedicated her life to them, it was so good to see her get the happy ending she deserved.
Shannon Miles loved all her children so fiercely and dedicated her life to them, it was so good to see her get the happy ending she deserved.
February 25, 2020
I love that Ben finally gets his HEA. He was so patient and loving to the whole family and deserved to be part of this family more than almost anyone. This was such a great way to cap off the Miles Family.
March 30, 2019
I knew from the first page that I was going to love Gaining Miles. Having read the previous four books, and getting to know on an intimate level the entire Miles family and the loves of their lives, book 5 in this series ends beautifully. So heartwarming. No stone was left unturned.
Everything came full-circle as the book begins with Benjamin Gaines meeting a two-year old Cooper in the family’s vineyard. If you read the series, and you MUST start at the beginning, you will laugh out loud and know exactly who the baby is before his name is ever spoken.
There wasn’t one paragraph in the entire series that I wasn’t impressed with or would change. Sure there were times that were emotional and filled with angst, and/or you wanted to smack someone on the side of the head, but if that didn’t happen, it wouldn’t feel real. It wouldn’t be a real family. This book, just like the others, were all character driven, emotional, and honest.
This series is about the Miles family who owns Salishan Cellars Winery in beautiful central Washington. Each sibling is featured in their own unique story: Broken Miles (book 1), Forbidden Miles (book 2), Reckless Miles (book 3), and Hidden Miles (book 4). I love the clever book titles and cover art as each one perfectly reflects the characters in each story. And I am not sure if Ben’s last name was mentioned before, but I get it now…Gaining Miles, play on words. Again, very clever Claire!
Gaining Miles features Shannon, the mother of the four children, and Ben who has admired her from afar since they first met 26 years ago when he joined the staff at the winery. Shannon’s unhappy marriage and ultimate divorce is featured in this series so when the reader finally gets to book 5, you are totally invested in their happiness and well-deserved HEA.
Ben is amazing. He is so patient and wise and witty. He understands each of the children and is there for them in no uncertain terms. His support is also unwavering for Shannon and I love how they were friends first and how he respected her marriage and that their love blossomed later.
They always trusted each other and were there for one another with no judgments. It was also wonderful to read how supportive her children were of their union and of their attempts to get them together. These two just weren’t at the right time in their lives to commit to one another until now, and when they do, oh, la, la! It’s magical.
Claire hooks you from the first page and is a masterful storyteller. I read for two straight hours until I finished this book and truly loved every word. I went through every emotion with this series, and loved how Shannon and Ben both interacted with her children, from when they were little through adulthood, and how they handled all of life’s hardships and embraced the good.
In Gaining Miles, Ben is a real smooth, sexy, swoony, gentleman who knows what he wants and pursues Shannon so romantically! I was smiling the entire time and even though in my head I know she is a fictional character, in my heart I was so happy for her! I loved the build-up because the family physically lives so close to each other, plus they work together, so someone is always popping in. Reading how Ben’s efforts were thwarted each time he tried to ask Shannon on a date was really funny! When they finally had their alone time, it was everything I had hoped.
The two leads in this book are in their 50s and it’s refreshing as most books today feature people in their 20s or 30s. I related to her so well as she struggled with feeling desired and the awkwardness of having only been with one other man before, her husband. I loved how at ease he made her feel and how he built up her confidence. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but Ben and Shannon’s first date made my year! I loved that chapter and even re-read it to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
The epilogue is nothing short of perfect as you get a glimpse into the future as to what all the Miles children are up to, who got married, who has children or more children. It had me sighing and crying and not wanting it to end.
But fans of this series should not fear, because the bonus epilogue which takes place in the future features Grace Miles, their half-sister (the Miles dad had an affair), and a bit of a mystery regarding her finance, Asher Bailey. Her finance just so happens to have four brothers whom, as we are told in the Afterword, will be featured in a spin-off series.
Thank you Claire for gifting us with your talented words and vision. I am a fan forever!
Everything came full-circle as the book begins with Benjamin Gaines meeting a two-year old Cooper in the family’s vineyard. If you read the series, and you MUST start at the beginning, you will laugh out loud and know exactly who the baby is before his name is ever spoken.
There wasn’t one paragraph in the entire series that I wasn’t impressed with or would change. Sure there were times that were emotional and filled with angst, and/or you wanted to smack someone on the side of the head, but if that didn’t happen, it wouldn’t feel real. It wouldn’t be a real family. This book, just like the others, were all character driven, emotional, and honest.
This series is about the Miles family who owns Salishan Cellars Winery in beautiful central Washington. Each sibling is featured in their own unique story: Broken Miles (book 1), Forbidden Miles (book 2), Reckless Miles (book 3), and Hidden Miles (book 4). I love the clever book titles and cover art as each one perfectly reflects the characters in each story. And I am not sure if Ben’s last name was mentioned before, but I get it now…Gaining Miles, play on words. Again, very clever Claire!
Gaining Miles features Shannon, the mother of the four children, and Ben who has admired her from afar since they first met 26 years ago when he joined the staff at the winery. Shannon’s unhappy marriage and ultimate divorce is featured in this series so when the reader finally gets to book 5, you are totally invested in their happiness and well-deserved HEA.
Ben is amazing. He is so patient and wise and witty. He understands each of the children and is there for them in no uncertain terms. His support is also unwavering for Shannon and I love how they were friends first and how he respected her marriage and that their love blossomed later.
They always trusted each other and were there for one another with no judgments. It was also wonderful to read how supportive her children were of their union and of their attempts to get them together. These two just weren’t at the right time in their lives to commit to one another until now, and when they do, oh, la, la! It’s magical.
Claire hooks you from the first page and is a masterful storyteller. I read for two straight hours until I finished this book and truly loved every word. I went through every emotion with this series, and loved how Shannon and Ben both interacted with her children, from when they were little through adulthood, and how they handled all of life’s hardships and embraced the good.
In Gaining Miles, Ben is a real smooth, sexy, swoony, gentleman who knows what he wants and pursues Shannon so romantically! I was smiling the entire time and even though in my head I know she is a fictional character, in my heart I was so happy for her! I loved the build-up because the family physically lives so close to each other, plus they work together, so someone is always popping in. Reading how Ben’s efforts were thwarted each time he tried to ask Shannon on a date was really funny! When they finally had their alone time, it was everything I had hoped.
The two leads in this book are in their 50s and it’s refreshing as most books today feature people in their 20s or 30s. I related to her so well as she struggled with feeling desired and the awkwardness of having only been with one other man before, her husband. I loved how at ease he made her feel and how he built up her confidence. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but Ben and Shannon’s first date made my year! I loved that chapter and even re-read it to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
The epilogue is nothing short of perfect as you get a glimpse into the future as to what all the Miles children are up to, who got married, who has children or more children. It had me sighing and crying and not wanting it to end.
But fans of this series should not fear, because the bonus epilogue which takes place in the future features Grace Miles, their half-sister (the Miles dad had an affair), and a bit of a mystery regarding her finance, Asher Bailey. Her finance just so happens to have four brothers whom, as we are told in the Afterword, will be featured in a spin-off series.
Thank you Claire for gifting us with your talented words and vision. I am a fan forever!
April 5, 2019
Through all the Miles Family books we have been watching the relationship develop between Ben and Shannon. Luck for us readers, Ms. Kingsley had mercy on us and gave us an epic end to the Miles family saga with a happily ever after for Ben and Shannon.
Shannon Miles is a loving mother to four grown children and an astute business woman. She was a dedicated wife. Unfortunately, her dedication as a spouse was not returned. Throughout the previous books we have learned that Lawrence, Shannon’s husband of over 25 years, cheated on her for most of their marriage, including having other children. He ran their business into the ground and blackmailed their son into letting him grow drugs on their property. Despite all the chaos and devastation that Lawrence rained down on their family Shannon honored their marriage vows. She was committed to their family, but came to the realization that divorce was the only option left. She is now free, but Shannon feels her chance for happily ever after has passed her by. She is content with her life, and plans to just focus on her business and family. Ben has other plans.
Ben was wondering aimlessly through life trying to escape the pain of his past when he came to Salishan Cellars over 20 years ago. Even at two years old Cooper was directing people’s lives and convinced Ben to stay for cookies. Ben stayed. Over the years, Ben fell in love with the Miles children. He helped guide them and raise them. Ben then fell in love Shannon. Her commitment to her family, her intelligence, her beauty, and her grace in dealing with marriage. Ben respected Shannon’s marriage and never made his feelings toward her known. But she is legally divorced now and he isn’t waiting any longer. He is going to do everything in his power to show her that she was worth every minute of the wait.
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about reading this book. Shannon and Ben are both in their late 50’s. I’m 41, but mainly I read about people who are in their late 20s to mid 30s. There is just something about reading books involving people who are almost old enough to be my parents that just doesn’t do it for me. Despite my concerns, I was going to be brave. After all my time with the Miles family I couldn’t faulter at the end. And of course, Ms. Kingsley didn’t disappoint. This book does contain hot, sexy scenes between Ben and Shannon, but they are more a reflection of the depth of feelings between these two characters than a down and dirty retelling of the event. Respect, devotion, soul deep love shine out from this work of art called Gaining Miles. Ms. Kingsley uses words as her brush strokes and the pages of her book as a canvas to paint a breathtaking picture of a woman grabbing with both hands the love she has discovered on her new path and the man who has been patiently waiting on that path to give to that woman all the support and love that she needs to be confident in herself and their new life together.
This book is not about a number. It’s not about the age of the heroine or the age of the hero. With this book Ms. Kingsley has created the opportunity for readers to engage in an emotional journey between a hero and heroine who aren’t defined by a number, by their age. This book is about a second chance at love; not with someone you loved before, but with love itself. It’s about letting go of all the negative experiences you have associated with love, and taking hold of the chance to be with the person who you have to come to know as your best friend, your soul mate, and the person you were meant to find all along. It’s a book that brings the Miles family saga to a perfect end and on the happiest of notes. Well done, Ms. Kingsley , and thank you for all the happiness, laughter, hope, despair, and all the other emotions I got to experience while reading your work. For me their is no higher compliment that I can give an author that saying “you made me feel everything.” And Ms. Kingsley you did just that.
Shannon Miles is a loving mother to four grown children and an astute business woman. She was a dedicated wife. Unfortunately, her dedication as a spouse was not returned. Throughout the previous books we have learned that Lawrence, Shannon’s husband of over 25 years, cheated on her for most of their marriage, including having other children. He ran their business into the ground and blackmailed their son into letting him grow drugs on their property. Despite all the chaos and devastation that Lawrence rained down on their family Shannon honored their marriage vows. She was committed to their family, but came to the realization that divorce was the only option left. She is now free, but Shannon feels her chance for happily ever after has passed her by. She is content with her life, and plans to just focus on her business and family. Ben has other plans.
Ben was wondering aimlessly through life trying to escape the pain of his past when he came to Salishan Cellars over 20 years ago. Even at two years old Cooper was directing people’s lives and convinced Ben to stay for cookies. Ben stayed. Over the years, Ben fell in love with the Miles children. He helped guide them and raise them. Ben then fell in love Shannon. Her commitment to her family, her intelligence, her beauty, and her grace in dealing with marriage. Ben respected Shannon’s marriage and never made his feelings toward her known. But she is legally divorced now and he isn’t waiting any longer. He is going to do everything in his power to show her that she was worth every minute of the wait.
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about reading this book. Shannon and Ben are both in their late 50’s. I’m 41, but mainly I read about people who are in their late 20s to mid 30s. There is just something about reading books involving people who are almost old enough to be my parents that just doesn’t do it for me. Despite my concerns, I was going to be brave. After all my time with the Miles family I couldn’t faulter at the end. And of course, Ms. Kingsley didn’t disappoint. This book does contain hot, sexy scenes between Ben and Shannon, but they are more a reflection of the depth of feelings between these two characters than a down and dirty retelling of the event. Respect, devotion, soul deep love shine out from this work of art called Gaining Miles. Ms. Kingsley uses words as her brush strokes and the pages of her book as a canvas to paint a breathtaking picture of a woman grabbing with both hands the love she has discovered on her new path and the man who has been patiently waiting on that path to give to that woman all the support and love that she needs to be confident in herself and their new life together.
This book is not about a number. It’s not about the age of the heroine or the age of the hero. With this book Ms. Kingsley has created the opportunity for readers to engage in an emotional journey between a hero and heroine who aren’t defined by a number, by their age. This book is about a second chance at love; not with someone you loved before, but with love itself. It’s about letting go of all the negative experiences you have associated with love, and taking hold of the chance to be with the person who you have to come to know as your best friend, your soul mate, and the person you were meant to find all along. It’s a book that brings the Miles family saga to a perfect end and on the happiest of notes. Well done, Ms. Kingsley , and thank you for all the happiness, laughter, hope, despair, and all the other emotions I got to experience while reading your work. For me their is no higher compliment that I can give an author that saying “you made me feel everything.” And Ms. Kingsley you did just that.
March 30, 2019
This was a fantastic end to the Miles Family series. Shannon and Ben are terrific characters. Throughout the series readers have watched their growing attraction to each other but it was never quite right; their clocks weren't in sync. Claire Kingsley did a wonderful job of creating two characters who have been through a lot in their lives - loss, betrayal, divorce and loneliness. Shannon is a mother of four whose husband cheated on her and betrayed her with respect to the family winery. She believes that her chance and love and romance has passed and she is content with her children and grandchildren. Ben has loved Shannon from afar and now that they are both ready he is not going to let the chance slip away. I loved watching Shannon's journey of awakening and the realization that she didn't have to "settle" but could find love again. I also loved Ben. Here is a man who basically raised the Miles children and through his actions showed the Miles boys how to be responsible, respectful, successful and to love. He treated these children as his own. I loved how all of the Miles children celebrated when Ben and Shannon finally stopped dancing around and acknowledged what they felt for each other.
At it's heart, Gaining Miles is a beautiful love story about second chances and never giving up or giving in. Shannon and Ben may be been bent but they weren't broken and in they end they found healing and love.
I loved the double epilogue and can't wait to see what is in store for Grace.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the author.
At it's heart, Gaining Miles is a beautiful love story about second chances and never giving up or giving in. Shannon and Ben may be been bent but they weren't broken and in they end they found healing and love.
I loved the double epilogue and can't wait to see what is in store for Grace.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the author.
October 14, 2021
This is kind of a wrap up novella and tells the story of the matriarch of the Miles family Shannon and the man who has loved her from afar for years, Ben. Ben has worked on the vineyard for years and although they started out as simply friends, his feelings have deepened over the years. He kept them to himself though as she was married. But now that she kicked the loser she was married to out, and is divorcing him, Ben decides it’s time he makes his move and see if Shannon shares his feelings.
I found this book ok and by far the least favourite of all the Claire Kingsley books I’ve read. I’m just supposing here, but I get the feeling the author wrote this more because her readers wanted the story of Shannon and Ben more than the fact she really had a story for them. I’m just glad I got this one on KU. I would be kind of upset if I had paid money for this rather disappointing final entry.
I found this book ok and by far the least favourite of all the Claire Kingsley books I’ve read. I’m just supposing here, but I get the feeling the author wrote this more because her readers wanted the story of Shannon and Ben more than the fact she really had a story for them. I’m just glad I got this one on KU. I would be kind of upset if I had paid money for this rather disappointing final entry.
June 7, 2020
I’d lost a family once, and it had nearly destroyed me. But the family I was gaining filled my heart and soul. I loved these people. Had for years. They were my life.
And what a life it was.
3.75
This novella was adorable and I loved being able to read about Ben and Shannon finally being together after watching him be in love with her for so long. It was a great closure to this series and, even though I first met them through the Bailey Brothers series, it ended up being even better than I expected.
Family series are definitely my thing and this one was just super sweet!
And what a life it was.
3.75
This novella was adorable and I loved being able to read about Ben and Shannon finally being together after watching him be in love with her for so long. It was a great closure to this series and, even though I first met them through the Bailey Brothers series, it ended up being even better than I expected.
Family series are definitely my thing and this one was just super sweet!
October 12, 2022
*4 Stars*
This was a sweet little novella to round off this series - and finally get Ben and Shannon, who I think anyone who's read the rest of the books has been rooting for, for quite some time. This was a fun and fast read, and I nice way to finish off the whole Miles Family series.
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This was a sweet little novella to round off this series - and finally get Ben and Shannon, who I think anyone who's read the rest of the books has been rooting for, for quite some time. This was a fun and fast read, and I nice way to finish off the whole Miles Family series.
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August 27, 2024
Rounding out this series was this Novella - and yes it was too short!! But as the author said you get the story of Ben and Shannon slowly coming together throughout the whole series - so OK I'll take the whole family HEA. I do love family series and this one was nice and sweet and perfect length without having to invest a lot of time to get through each book, it was perfect for the end of summer. This was not the swooniest set, nor anything sad or complex. Just nice HEA for everyone! someday I will pick up the spinoff of the next family of brothers that was featured at the end - the Baileys.
April 1, 2019
Finally we get Ben and Shannon's story!! This was a perfect ending to a series that has set Claire Kingsley apart form other authors. Every book has had characters we all have fallen in love with, storylines that had us wiping tears from our eyes as well as laughing out loud. But this book was the icing on the cake. Ben has loved Shannon from afar for numerous years, only to watch her fall apart over and over at the hands of her ex-husband. Now that the divorce is final, all of the kids help Ben win over a woman who thinks her love life is over. I am so sad there will not be anymore in the series. Perfect in every single way!!
April 1, 2019
I loved it. I loved that this book has finished the series, and that Shannon who went through a lot of hell in this series....got her HEA. We also got to have a sneaky peek at what Roland, Brynn, Cooper and Leo are up to a wee bit into the future.
Dating when your a bit older is complicated and a bit messy and also hard because you have emotional baggage that needs to be set aside....and i loved how this book dealt with that. Benjamin is the truest gentleman and EXACTLY what Shannon needed.
PLUS we got a sneak peek at whats coming next from Claire Kinglsey. Can't wait!!!
Dating when your a bit older is complicated and a bit messy and also hard because you have emotional baggage that needs to be set aside....and i loved how this book dealt with that. Benjamin is the truest gentleman and EXACTLY what Shannon needed.
PLUS we got a sneak peek at whats coming next from Claire Kinglsey. Can't wait!!!
June 11, 2021
A lovely and funny feel good short story. I'm so happy that Benjamin and Shannon got their own story. They deserve their HEA after everything that they have been through.
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