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Second Chance Flower Shop #1
The Return
Ria Phillips has a plan. Stay strong. Stay busy. Stay focused on what's important. And don't start daydreaming again about a certain pair of soulful brown eyes.
No, it won't be easy. Jacob Worth was her first love. Her first time. Her first everything. Until he left town one day without explanation. He broke her heart back then, but she's not a teenager with a crush anymore. She's an adult--with a plan.
In the past eight years, Ria has built a good life for herself in her small hometown. She and her friends have used their creativity and business savvy to turn the little florist shop she inherited into an astonishing success. She's got more than enough in her life to be proud of, and she's going to make sure Jacob sees that.
She's not going to let him rattle her. She's not going to watch him from afar, even if he's even hotter than before. And she's definitely not going to fall into bed with him. Or, if she accidentally slips up, it will only be once.
She learned her lesson a long time ago, and she's not going to fall for Jacob again.
No, it won't be easy. Jacob Worth was her first love. Her first time. Her first everything. Until he left town one day without explanation. He broke her heart back then, but she's not a teenager with a crush anymore. She's an adult--with a plan.
In the past eight years, Ria has built a good life for herself in her small hometown. She and her friends have used their creativity and business savvy to turn the little florist shop she inherited into an astonishing success. She's got more than enough in her life to be proud of, and she's going to make sure Jacob sees that.
She's not going to let him rattle her. She's not going to watch him from afar, even if he's even hotter than before. And she's definitely not going to fall into bed with him. Or, if she accidentally slips up, it will only be once.
She learned her lesson a long time ago, and she's not going to fall for Jacob again.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
948 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
140 books2,670 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 14, 2021
Second chance romance after an eight year separation.
Issues, Jacob’s grandfather betrayed him, throwing him out to toughen him, the night after Ria and Jacob were together for their first time. He cowardly abandons her sans a letter of explanation and slinks away.
He didn’t have to leave her, but unconscionably he did, feeling bitter and hurt. In turn he hurt Ria, hoping that distance would make the pain less hurtful. It had been a boy’s move. A coward’s move. Pain wasn’t something you could run away and avoid. But he’d tried. He’d left Ria behind with everything else, and he never looked back.
She feels pitied by everyone. The first time they have sex in eight years (she did not resist him for long) after his return, she admits that she hasn’t been with anyone in a year and isn’t on birth control. He says nothing about his health, although he’s been with other women.
This formula of chaste women pining for unrequited lust is old as he enjoys copious amounts of indiscriminate bed partners - lacks a realistic foundation. Move on and forget about the cad.
I did not sense their connection, the secondary characters were far more interesting.
Issues, Jacob’s grandfather betrayed him, throwing him out to toughen him, the night after Ria and Jacob were together for their first time. He cowardly abandons her sans a letter of explanation and slinks away.
He didn’t have to leave her, but unconscionably he did, feeling bitter and hurt. In turn he hurt Ria, hoping that distance would make the pain less hurtful. It had been a boy’s move. A coward’s move. Pain wasn’t something you could run away and avoid. But he’d tried. He’d left Ria behind with everything else, and he never looked back.
She feels pitied by everyone. The first time they have sex in eight years (she did not resist him for long) after his return, she admits that she hasn’t been with anyone in a year and isn’t on birth control. He says nothing about his health, although he’s been with other women.
This formula of chaste women pining for unrequited lust is old as he enjoys copious amounts of indiscriminate bed partners - lacks a realistic foundation. Move on and forget about the cad.
I did not sense their connection, the secondary characters were far more interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2021
Updated: I originally read this while I was sick so I did a quick reread and realized that I wasn't as foggy brained as I thought. I still enjoyed Ria and Jacob and their struggle back together. I did want to smack Jacob just a bit, but overall this was a very nice read.
Original Review:
What an especially sweet, heartfelt second chance romance!
This couple were absolutely made for each other although life threw a wrench into their pathway when they graduated high school. Eight years later, Jacob has returned and Ria is determined to resist everything about him. Of course, that offers its own problems but the way she confronted her mixed emotions was very adult and unique in today’s contemporary romances.
I adored Jacob and was especially pleased to have his point of view! Knowing what he was thinking, feeling and the way he processed life around him made me fall completely in love with him. He was a man’s man and yet broken and vulnerable inside. When it came to dealing with Ria and his feelings, he didn’t hesitate to speak his emotions.
This is a fast read with a great pace to it moving the reader quickly from one point to the next and never bogging it down with unnecessary angst or drama. The conflict this couple faces was genuine and once more unique in the way they deal with it. Add in the promise of even more in this series as well as a wonderful epilogue and this one was perfect to take me out of the brain fog I’ve been living in lately.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Original Review:
What an especially sweet, heartfelt second chance romance!
This couple were absolutely made for each other although life threw a wrench into their pathway when they graduated high school. Eight years later, Jacob has returned and Ria is determined to resist everything about him. Of course, that offers its own problems but the way she confronted her mixed emotions was very adult and unique in today’s contemporary romances.
I adored Jacob and was especially pleased to have his point of view! Knowing what he was thinking, feeling and the way he processed life around him made me fall completely in love with him. He was a man’s man and yet broken and vulnerable inside. When it came to dealing with Ria and his feelings, he didn’t hesitate to speak his emotions.
This is a fast read with a great pace to it moving the reader quickly from one point to the next and never bogging it down with unnecessary angst or drama. The conflict this couple faces was genuine and once more unique in the way they deal with it. Add in the promise of even more in this series as well as a wonderful epilogue and this one was perfect to take me out of the brain fog I’ve been living in lately.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
May 29, 2020
This is a second chance romance. I really liked both main characters, Ria and Jacob, and I honestly think they make sense as a couple. My only issue with this story is that I felt that they went from barely speaking to each other to being really in love. It was way too fast, and I felt that there was something missing regarding the plot. And I would have liked it better if it had a few more pages.
June 14, 2021
Content Notes:
This is not a "this book is problematic/offensive" one-star. This is a "I didn't emotionally connect to the writing/characters/plot and didn't give a damn about the romance in the end" one-star.
The only reason I finished is because of insomnia and a desire to finish something. I should've DNFed. I've read Adams before and this is far from her best.
As usual, your mileage may vary and I encourage you to check out the sample and other reviews. Sometimes books just don't click, and this might be someone else's favorite read.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a "this book is problematic/offensive" one-star. This is a "I didn't emotionally connect to the writing/characters/plot and didn't give a damn about the romance in the end" one-star.
The only reason I finished is because of insomnia and a desire to finish something. I should've DNFed. I've read Adams before and this is far from her best.
As usual, your mileage may vary and I encourage you to check out the sample and other reviews. Sometimes books just don't click, and this might be someone else's favorite read.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2020
2,5 (= mit wenigen negativen Aspekten, vergessenswert)
Gleiche Geschichte schon 100x gelesen. Ich mag Noelle Adams' Geschichten lieber, wenn sie nur aus einer Perspektive erzählt werden.
Gleiche Geschichte schon 100x gelesen. Ich mag Noelle Adams' Geschichten lieber, wenn sie nur aus einer Perspektive erzählt werden.
May 29, 2020
It's on sale for .99 cents. I wouldn't pay more, but for the price, it works. The problem I have with this author is the lack of depth to her characters. It's all tell, no show. Which is weird, bc writing as Zannie Adams, she doesn't have this issue. As Noelle Adams, she's very prolific, Zannie Adams not so much. Maybe that accounts for it? I don't know, but if the premise sounds like something you'd want to read, .99 isn't bad, but in the world we live in now I'm hesitant to even say that. If you can spare it and it sounds interesting, go for it. Just don't expect to remember next week.
July 1, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
It was very short and sweet and I liked it.
But it was angst-free and they got together a tad too fast.
But I will read other books from the series.
It was very short and sweet and I liked it.
But it was angst-free and they got together a tad too fast.
But I will read other books from the series.
September 23, 2024
Unfortunately, this wasn't a hit for me. Not sure if I'm interested enough in the side characters to pick up the rest of this series.
February 28, 2021
קראתי שני ספרים של הסופרת הזו שאהבתי (Carpool, Part-Time Husband), אז כשראיתי שהספר הזה בחינם לקינדל, החלטתי לקרוא גם אותו.
ריה וג'ייקוב היו נאהבים בתיכון, ותכננו ללכת לקולג' ביחד. אך יום לאחר סיום התיכון, ג'ייקוב עוזב את העיירה ללא שום הסבר. בשמונה השנים שעברו מאז, ריה מנסה להתגבר על ליבה השבור ומקימה עסק מצליח לשזירת פרחים עם שתי חברותיה. יום אחד, כאמור לאחר שמונה שנים, ג'ייקוב חוזר לעיירה להיות לצד סבו שנוטה למות, והמשיכה בינו לבין ריה נדלקת שוב.
ספר ממש חמוד. אני מאוד אוהבת את הכתיבה של הסופרת הזו, שמצליחה לקחת קו עלילה די בנאלי ולכתוב אותו בצורה רגישה ונוגעת ללב. הדמויות נהדרות ותיאורי המחשבות שלהם כתובים מצוין. אהבתי ואקרא עוד ספרים של הסופרת הזו.
ריה וג'ייקוב היו נאהבים בתיכון, ותכננו ללכת לקולג' ביחד. אך יום לאחר סיום התיכון, ג'ייקוב עוזב את העיירה ללא שום הסבר. בשמונה השנים שעברו מאז, ריה מנסה להתגבר על ליבה השבור ומקימה עסק מצליח לשזירת פרחים עם שתי חברותיה. יום אחד, כאמור לאחר שמונה שנים, ג'ייקוב חוזר לעיירה להיות לצד סבו שנוטה למות, והמשיכה בינו לבין ריה נדלקת שוב.
ספר ממש חמוד. אני מאוד אוהבת את הכתיבה של הסופרת הזו, שמצליחה לקחת קו עלילה די בנאלי ולכתוב אותו בצורה רגישה ונוגעת ללב. הדמויות נהדרות ותיאורי המחשבות שלהם כתובים מצוין. אהבתי ואקרא עוד ספרים של הסופרת הזו.
December 15, 2024
3.5.
Hero - heroine not celibate during separation. Heroine’s didn’t bother me but hero’s bloody did! Especially as he claimed ‘it’s always been you’.
Otherwise a good story.
Hero - heroine not celibate during separation. Heroine’s didn’t bother me but hero’s bloody did! Especially as he claimed ‘it’s always been you’.
Otherwise a good story.
June 22, 2020
Not the book for me.
Barely got through it and the only reason I did is because I hate DNFing.
It didn't hold my attention and I couldn't connect with the characters at all.
Barely got through it and the only reason I did is because I hate DNFing.
It didn't hold my attention and I couldn't connect with the characters at all.
February 22, 2021
Glad this was free. Sorry to say this wasn't my kind of book, though I could imagine people loving the romance side.
January 5, 2021
It was nice to start the reading year with a quiet book, with flawed, believable characters, and still get a satisfying HEA. That’s Noelle Adams’s The Return. In a way, it reminded me of another recent read, Lacy Williams’s Small-Town Girl. Adams and Williams manage to convey a certain grit to their heroes and heroines and yet still imbue them with vulnerability and kindness. It’s nice to read, refreshing. My reading world didn’t rock, but it had a nice gentle swing, leisurely and hopeful, for the few days I spent in The Return‘s company. It helped that The Return is a second-chance romance for two good people: florist Ria Phillips and the boy who loved her and left her just when they were new lovers at eighteen, Jacob Worth. The novel opens with more humour and light-heartedness than it ends, despite its HEA. At its opening, Ria is trying to convince her town that, after eight years, she’s NOT holding a torch aloft for Jacob Worth. Until he “returns” to Azalea, Virginia, as his grandfather lies dying (turns out grandfather had a lot to do with why Jacob abandoned Ria and none of it good on gramps’s part). It’s obvious from their first reunited meeting that these two love each other and belong together, but there’s plenty of hurt and years and change to integrate into a new relationship. No matter how difficult and valid Jacob’s reasons were for leaving, he still left without explanation and never again contacted Ria. He was young, proud, hurt, and stupid. But he’s an awfully nice guy and gets softer and more vulnerable as the novel progresses.
I like what Adams does with the genre: her combination of flawed, “broken” she calls them on her website, characters, their raw, blunt sexuality, their vulnerabilities and errors, their integrity about the way they feel, how they open to each other … it’s unique and compelling. On the other hand, I thought The Return‘s first half stronger than its second. Ria and Jacob’s tension, how they must navigate finding trust on Ria’s part and making amends on Jacob’s, is immersive. The second half? Well, Ria and Jacob faded, their personalities, so strong in the first half, become one-dimensional. Ria did too much giggling (this truly was peculiar, the number of times she giggles) and Jacob was sad all the time. I thought the grandfather’s death sequence inspired and unusually realistic and honest for a genre built on wish-fulfillment fantasy. To add critique to that weak second half, I think Adams is a better writer than her prolific output allows her to be. There were some great turns of phrase on rare occasions, but overall Adams sacrifices elegance to serviceable. Still, she’s unique in the genre and I quite enjoyed this category-length journey to an HEA. With Miss Austen, Noelle Adams’s The Return offers “real comfort,” Emma.
Noelle Adams’s The Return is self-published. It was released in May of 2020 and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-galley, from the author, via Netgalley.
I like what Adams does with the genre: her combination of flawed, “broken” she calls them on her website, characters, their raw, blunt sexuality, their vulnerabilities and errors, their integrity about the way they feel, how they open to each other … it’s unique and compelling. On the other hand, I thought The Return‘s first half stronger than its second. Ria and Jacob’s tension, how they must navigate finding trust on Ria’s part and making amends on Jacob’s, is immersive. The second half? Well, Ria and Jacob faded, their personalities, so strong in the first half, become one-dimensional. Ria did too much giggling (this truly was peculiar, the number of times she giggles) and Jacob was sad all the time. I thought the grandfather’s death sequence inspired and unusually realistic and honest for a genre built on wish-fulfillment fantasy. To add critique to that weak second half, I think Adams is a better writer than her prolific output allows her to be. There were some great turns of phrase on rare occasions, but overall Adams sacrifices elegance to serviceable. Still, she’s unique in the genre and I quite enjoyed this category-length journey to an HEA. With Miss Austen, Noelle Adams’s The Return offers “real comfort,” Emma.
Noelle Adams’s The Return is self-published. It was released in May of 2020 and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received an e-galley, from the author, via Netgalley.
May 19, 2020
Ria Philips has taken her parent's small floral shop and turned it into a very successful business. If she could have that same success in her personal life everything for her would be grand. But that is not the case. The person she loved and still loves, though she tells everyone she has moved on from Jacob Worth the truth is he still has a piece of her for the last eight years. Now she has found out from her best friend that he is coming home because his grandfather is dying, but she is telling everyone she is fine.
Jacob Worth was and still is in love with Ria. Graduating from high school and the two of them showing their love together that night, both thought their plans of going to the same college was sent. She helped him with all of the paperwork and they were looking forward to leaving their small town together. It changes though when his grandfather kicked him out and was not going to pay for anything, he was not able to explain it to Ria at the time for he was angry not at her but at everything and just being young. He has spent the last eight years in Alaska working on a fishing boat. Coming home to see his grandfather he is wanting to get into town and leave quickly.
When they finally see each other, each is surprised how the other one has changed now being an adult, but what is still there is the attraction that has always been. Slowly they find themselves back together and she finds out what happens from the grandfather. The kicker for him is when she tells him to go back to Alaska and see if he wants to come back. This is a very good book with good characters. I actually liked the story. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Jacob Worth was and still is in love with Ria. Graduating from high school and the two of them showing their love together that night, both thought their plans of going to the same college was sent. She helped him with all of the paperwork and they were looking forward to leaving their small town together. It changes though when his grandfather kicked him out and was not going to pay for anything, he was not able to explain it to Ria at the time for he was angry not at her but at everything and just being young. He has spent the last eight years in Alaska working on a fishing boat. Coming home to see his grandfather he is wanting to get into town and leave quickly.
When they finally see each other, each is surprised how the other one has changed now being an adult, but what is still there is the attraction that has always been. Slowly they find themselves back together and she finds out what happens from the grandfather. The kicker for him is when she tells him to go back to Alaska and see if he wants to come back. This is a very good book with good characters. I actually liked the story. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
January 31, 2021
What a great start to this new series. I loved Ria and Jacob. There was so much chemistry between them in the scenes they had together. This is their second chance at romance, and I loved everything about it. You could see how much they still loved each other but there was so much hurt and so much time had pasted that it looked like there might not be a way to get back to each other. This story shows us that no matter what happens in the past there is always a way to fix it. You honestly must want it. Ria and Jacob did. Pick up this book because I highly recommend it. It is a really incredible second chance at romance story.
May 16, 2020
3 stars
I love a good second chance romance. Jacob is back home after nearly a decade. His grandfather is sick and after being on a fishing boat out at sea, he is back.
Jacob and Ria had a beautiful love story once upon a time, until Jacob upped and left without even a goodbye. Now he is back and Ria doesn't know what will happen. He was her great love and heartbreak. The whole town knows their story. Can she let him back in??
I love a good second chance romance. Jacob is back home after nearly a decade. His grandfather is sick and after being on a fishing boat out at sea, he is back.
Jacob and Ria had a beautiful love story once upon a time, until Jacob upped and left without even a goodbye. Now he is back and Ria doesn't know what will happen. He was her great love and heartbreak. The whole town knows their story. Can she let him back in??
July 23, 2020
Mal aus einer anderen Perspektive als bei dem Milford College, hat für mich aber ebenso gut funktioniert.
Irgendwie schafft es die Autorin, das ich mit den Figuren mitfiebern kann.
Auch mag ich das Setting einer Kleinstadt. Speziell wenn es noch um ein bestimmtes Geschäft geht. Damit hat man mich meistens.
Die Figuren fand ich auch interessant.
Alles in allem ein schöner weiterer Liebesroman von Noelle Adams. Die Serie werde ich auf jeden Fall weiter verfolgen.
Irgendwie schafft es die Autorin, das ich mit den Figuren mitfiebern kann.
Auch mag ich das Setting einer Kleinstadt. Speziell wenn es noch um ein bestimmtes Geschäft geht. Damit hat man mich meistens.
Die Figuren fand ich auch interessant.
Alles in allem ein schöner weiterer Liebesroman von Noelle Adams. Die Serie werde ich auf jeden Fall weiter verfolgen.
May 25, 2020
Cute second chance romance, nothing too hard, light easy read and a touch predictable but nice enough. It makes you smile and is a fun distraction
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
added-it
January 21, 2021🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (1/21/2021)!🎁
October 13, 2020
3.5 stars. I always enjoy this author's books. This is a second chance romance set in a small town, with a little steam, beautifully written and a very real story.
January 26, 2021
I've read several books from this author but this one wasn't my favorite. It was fine - there were no big angsty parts, the two main characters just kind of pick up where they left off several years before and there was no real drama. I'll keep reading the series as I want to see what happens with the other characters, but probably would not re-read this one.
January 24, 2021
Ria can't believe Jacob is back. He left her heartbroken many years ago and looks like she never get over him.
Jacob doesn't want to go back home, but his grandfather needs him.
Seeing Ria brings back a lot of memories.
So happy to read this story.
I did enjoy it every chapter of this book.
Jacob doesn't want to go back home, but his grandfather needs him.
Seeing Ria brings back a lot of memories.
So happy to read this story.
I did enjoy it every chapter of this book.
April 29, 2021
Meh. Não teve muita química e fiquei levemente irritada com os constantes “um mês depois”. Se a autora achava que os personagens precisaram de um tempo, então os leitores precisavam também, né??? Me mostra o mês passando, poxa. Não precisa me enrolar por 500 páginas, mas me dê um capítulo que seja, mostrando como os personagens estão lidando com a separação. Aiai. Enfim.
June 22, 2020
I feel strange and awkward if I don't rate any Noelle Adams book I read anything but a 4.5 to 5-rating. But here, I'm sorry, the "man-up" reason for the Hero leaving and never returning to the hometown was flimsy, at best.
At worst, try to make the Grand'pa character a little less caustic/abrasive as he slowly dies before everyone's eyes. He never said a kind word to his grandson, but gives a little leeway and hopefulness to Ria. It was a bit too lopsided. Did he see his backward ways? yeah, but what did he think calling his grandson a "coward" was going to do? Certainly never endear him to his side, forevermore.
Look, I understood where the Hero, Jacob, was coming from but, wow...I get a little twitchy when, at that young of an age, he took it upon himself to be an Adult and do a very Adult thing with Ria, but then he fulfilled his only parent's wish and became the "coward" he was loosely termed. A teenage girl feels everything on the surface and she has gotten nothing from Jacob but severe old-school ghosting & became invisible with no explanation. And it feels like it earmarked her life a bit more bitterly, not bittersweetly because she was stuck in their hometown. This is where everyone had seen or had heard through gossips that Jacob had "ruined" her and it was, somehow, her greatest and possibly Ria's ONLY love story.
I wish, for just a year or so, Ria had left to feel a bit more powerful and comfortable in her sexuality, instead of tied to this town, tied to this Flower Shop, even. A woman deserves to find her own worth...her self-worth without the trappings or the drag of a man's worship. Does he want me? Does he still want me? Did he even want me back then?
Let me say this, though, even a low rating like this for Noelle Adams is so much better than another writer's attempt. Something about her flair for writing these novellas, packing such a spectacular punch in such a small package. I am forever in awe of her style and panache. No one can do it and do it right like Noelle Adams. I will keep continuing this series, like I always do for her book sets, because I am THAT much of a fan, and forever will be.
And yes, I am willing to "die" in this hill, always.
At worst, try to make the Grand'pa character a little less caustic/abrasive as he slowly dies before everyone's eyes. He never said a kind word to his grandson, but gives a little leeway and hopefulness to Ria. It was a bit too lopsided. Did he see his backward ways? yeah, but what did he think calling his grandson a "coward" was going to do? Certainly never endear him to his side, forevermore.
Look, I understood where the Hero, Jacob, was coming from but, wow...I get a little twitchy when, at that young of an age, he took it upon himself to be an Adult and do a very Adult thing with Ria, but then he fulfilled his only parent's wish and became the "coward" he was loosely termed. A teenage girl feels everything on the surface and she has gotten nothing from Jacob but severe old-school ghosting & became invisible with no explanation. And it feels like it earmarked her life a bit more bitterly, not bittersweetly because she was stuck in their hometown. This is where everyone had seen or had heard through gossips that Jacob had "ruined" her and it was, somehow, her greatest and possibly Ria's ONLY love story.
I wish, for just a year or so, Ria had left to feel a bit more powerful and comfortable in her sexuality, instead of tied to this town, tied to this Flower Shop, even. A woman deserves to find her own worth...her self-worth without the trappings or the drag of a man's worship. Does he want me? Does he still want me? Did he even want me back then?
Let me say this, though, even a low rating like this for Noelle Adams is so much better than another writer's attempt. Something about her flair for writing these novellas, packing such a spectacular punch in such a small package. I am forever in awe of her style and panache. No one can do it and do it right like Noelle Adams. I will keep continuing this series, like I always do for her book sets, because I am THAT much of a fan, and forever will be.
And yes, I am willing to "die" in this hill, always.
May 29, 2020
The Return, A Second Chance Flower Shop Novel, Noelle Adams
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
For me this book was a well written story but just lacked any drama to make it what I enjoy reading. Most romances hit a spot about three quarters through where there's a hiccup, things go wrong etc and then get resolved. This book though didn't do that, there was a faint possibility that things might go wrong but it didn't.
Ria and Jacob were both pleasant characters, but though there were some sensual scenes TBH I just didn't feel that strong romance between them, certainly not a passion thats lasted all these years. I had a hard time believing Mia could just put all those years of hurt aside so easily, ignore how broken hearted she was just because Jacob is back now. Its as if he says “this is why....” and she's all “oh, OK then” kiss kiss. I just wanted more, more drama, more tension, and a bigger reason for him leaving in the first place. I just didn't see why he wouldn't have told Ria why he was going.
Stars: Two and a half, I didn't hate it, it just wasn't a book I could really engage with. I'm a drama fan, essential for me in a romance. Not everyone loves it though, many like this kind of sweet, easy read better. Horses for courses.
Arc via netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
For me this book was a well written story but just lacked any drama to make it what I enjoy reading. Most romances hit a spot about three quarters through where there's a hiccup, things go wrong etc and then get resolved. This book though didn't do that, there was a faint possibility that things might go wrong but it didn't.
Ria and Jacob were both pleasant characters, but though there were some sensual scenes TBH I just didn't feel that strong romance between them, certainly not a passion thats lasted all these years. I had a hard time believing Mia could just put all those years of hurt aside so easily, ignore how broken hearted she was just because Jacob is back now. Its as if he says “this is why....” and she's all “oh, OK then” kiss kiss. I just wanted more, more drama, more tension, and a bigger reason for him leaving in the first place. I just didn't see why he wouldn't have told Ria why he was going.
Stars: Two and a half, I didn't hate it, it just wasn't a book I could really engage with. I'm a drama fan, essential for me in a romance. Not everyone loves it though, many like this kind of sweet, easy read better. Horses for courses.
Arc via netgalley and publishers
August 10, 2020
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This didn't completely work for me. It was set in one of those small towns where everyone went to school together and is in each other's business all the time. Ria's boyfriend Jacob broke up with her abruptly and left town eight years ago, but now his grandfather is dying so he is back. I didn't really understand a) why, if they had been together for two years at the point, Jacob didn't explain to Ria why he felt he had to leave; b) why indeed he felt he had to leave; c) why he didn't contact her at any point during the ensuing eight years; and d) why on his return he didn't grovel a huge amount more than he did. Some of these questions were explained in the book, but didn't really ring true for me.
On the plus side, the various characters clearly being set up for the next few instalments in this series seem like they might be more interesting than Jacob and Ria. I'm particularly hoping for Fitz and Belinda...
This didn't completely work for me. It was set in one of those small towns where everyone went to school together and is in each other's business all the time. Ria's boyfriend Jacob broke up with her abruptly and left town eight years ago, but now his grandfather is dying so he is back. I didn't really understand a) why, if they had been together for two years at the point, Jacob didn't explain to Ria why he felt he had to leave; b) why indeed he felt he had to leave; c) why he didn't contact her at any point during the ensuing eight years; and d) why on his return he didn't grovel a huge amount more than he did. Some of these questions were explained in the book, but didn't really ring true for me.
On the plus side, the various characters clearly being set up for the next few instalments in this series seem like they might be more interesting than Jacob and Ria. I'm particularly hoping for Fitz and Belinda...
June 14, 2021
2.75 "meh" stars
October 6, 2024
3.75 stars
She's 26 and he's 27. She was his High School girlfriend for junior and senior year. He's known her since he was three years old and didn't have the courage to ask her out until h.s.
The H's grandpa, ". . . man who had raised him ever since he’d been orphaned at three years old" kicked him out right after he graduated h.s. to "make a man out of him."
"Jacob Worth had broken her heart eight years ago, packing up and leaving town the morning after the first time they’d had sex. She’d been eighteen, and they’d been dating for two years. It had been her first time. She’d thought it was love. She’d believed he’d felt the way she had."
"He’d left town at eighteen after his grandfather kicked him out, finding odd jobs and gradually moving north until he finally reached Alaska. For several years now, he’d worked as a commercial fisherman, taking on seasonal work as it was available. Salmon. Tuna. King crab. Anything that was high risk, good money, and physically demanding enough to let him sleep at night."
"After all, the reason he’d done so was because Jacob was too “soft.” Too weak. Not man enough. That was what his grandfather had said. He’d had it too easy, relying on his grandfather to support him, so he needed to learn to make it on his own and toughen up. He’d also kept his feelings too much on the surface, letting the whole world know what he was feeling, and he needed to change that too."
"Ria probably thought he was a world-class jerk. She’d been so hurt the morning he left when he stopped by to tell her he was leaving. She hadn’t understood why, and he’d been like a wounded animal, too pained and stunned to open up enough to tell her the whole truth.
He’d just told her he had to go. That his grandfather thought it was best.
She’d cried."
Overall, the story was good. A pretty quick read and good enough to read once. I won't continue on with this series. Likeable main and side characters.
She's 26 and he's 27. She was his High School girlfriend for junior and senior year. He's known her since he was three years old and didn't have the courage to ask her out until h.s.
The H's grandpa, ". . . man who had raised him ever since he’d been orphaned at three years old" kicked him out right after he graduated h.s. to "make a man out of him."
"Jacob Worth had broken her heart eight years ago, packing up and leaving town the morning after the first time they’d had sex. She’d been eighteen, and they’d been dating for two years. It had been her first time. She’d thought it was love. She’d believed he’d felt the way she had."
"He’d left town at eighteen after his grandfather kicked him out, finding odd jobs and gradually moving north until he finally reached Alaska. For several years now, he’d worked as a commercial fisherman, taking on seasonal work as it was available. Salmon. Tuna. King crab. Anything that was high risk, good money, and physically demanding enough to let him sleep at night."
"After all, the reason he’d done so was because Jacob was too “soft.” Too weak. Not man enough. That was what his grandfather had said. He’d had it too easy, relying on his grandfather to support him, so he needed to learn to make it on his own and toughen up. He’d also kept his feelings too much on the surface, letting the whole world know what he was feeling, and he needed to change that too."
"Ria probably thought he was a world-class jerk. She’d been so hurt the morning he left when he stopped by to tell her he was leaving. She hadn’t understood why, and he’d been like a wounded animal, too pained and stunned to open up enough to tell her the whole truth.
He’d just told her he had to go. That his grandfather thought it was best.
She’d cried."
Overall, the story was good. A pretty quick read and good enough to read once. I won't continue on with this series. Likeable main and side characters.
September 14, 2024
This book should have had a cheerleading pompon on the cover. They all acted like teens. You’d have thought no time had passed since they graduated. But it’s been eight years.
The dialogue was stilted and unnatural. The heroine waffled back and forth between not wanting to talk to him and having unprotected sex and let’s just be friends and more sex and it’s too fast and crawling into his lap and too fast and….
I’m at 78% and I just don’t care.
The hero, after being tossed out by his grandfather the day after he graduates high school - also after making plans to go to college which makes his property owning grandfather a major dick - goes to Alaska and becomes a fisherman. You’d think he would have grown the accompanying pair to go with that dangerous job. “You don’t like me anymore?” But this is a character who needs to go back to the editing table.
As does everything about this book.
They live in a small town but it supports her three owner (that’s a lot of profit for a small business) flower shop that makes deliveries daily. Eyeroll. The power of social media. Except flower shops in other places aren’t goin to fill your orders. They’re going to fill their own.
Her left her once he’ll do it again isn’t enough to stretch this out four hundred pages. Especially when she hears the truth about his grandfather, accepts it, and then for another few hundred pages acts like an 18 year old to whom it just happened, instead of a 28 year old business owner who has genuinely moved on.
This book would have benefitted from an editor with a spine, and an author who realized that pruning makes it stronger.
The dialogue was stilted and unnatural. The heroine waffled back and forth between not wanting to talk to him and having unprotected sex and let’s just be friends and more sex and it’s too fast and crawling into his lap and too fast and….
I’m at 78% and I just don’t care.
The hero, after being tossed out by his grandfather the day after he graduates high school - also after making plans to go to college which makes his property owning grandfather a major dick - goes to Alaska and becomes a fisherman. You’d think he would have grown the accompanying pair to go with that dangerous job. “You don’t like me anymore?” But this is a character who needs to go back to the editing table.
As does everything about this book.
They live in a small town but it supports her three owner (that’s a lot of profit for a small business) flower shop that makes deliveries daily. Eyeroll. The power of social media. Except flower shops in other places aren’t goin to fill your orders. They’re going to fill their own.
Her left her once he’ll do it again isn’t enough to stretch this out four hundred pages. Especially when she hears the truth about his grandfather, accepts it, and then for another few hundred pages acts like an 18 year old to whom it just happened, instead of a 28 year old business owner who has genuinely moved on.
This book would have benefitted from an editor with a spine, and an author who realized that pruning makes it stronger.
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