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Time #1
Twice Upon A Time
Kari Adelberg is happy. She has her friends, family, and a dog. What else could she need? At least that’s what she keeps telling herself, unwilling to think about what she lost until it ends up next door to her.
Kacey Caldwell was the one that got away. They were college sweethearts and had plans for the future until Kacey ripped those plans apart with no explanation. Now she and her young daughter own the house next door to Kari’s, and Kari is not sure how to act.
Should she keep herself closed off like she has the past ten years or open up her heart at the risk of being hurt all over again? Kari has so many questions that only Kacey has the answers to, but she’s not sure if she’s ready to get them, afraid of the pain and heartbreak that could come along with it. She has to decide the answer to the age-old question: is love worth the risk?
A second chance romance filled with love, angst, and one big HEA.
Kacey Caldwell was the one that got away. They were college sweethearts and had plans for the future until Kacey ripped those plans apart with no explanation. Now she and her young daughter own the house next door to Kari’s, and Kari is not sure how to act.
Should she keep herself closed off like she has the past ten years or open up her heart at the risk of being hurt all over again? Kari has so many questions that only Kacey has the answers to, but she’s not sure if she’s ready to get them, afraid of the pain and heartbreak that could come along with it. She has to decide the answer to the age-old question: is love worth the risk?
A second chance romance filled with love, angst, and one big HEA.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2020
271 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Erica Lee
48 books916 followersErica Lee finished writing her first book, Dear Santa: I’m Gay, in December 2016. Erica currently lives in Pennsylvania with her wife, dog, chinchilla, and bunny. She spends her days working as an optometrist and her nights snuggled up on the couch with her furry family, binging on netflix or youtube.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 9, 2020
Kari and Kacey are meant to be. They met in college, fell in love immediately, were really good together until the day Kacey left out of the blue, with no more explanation than some obscure family problem she needed to deal with, and never came back.
Ten years later, she moves in the house next door to Kari, with her nine-year-old daughter. The attraction is still as strong as it was when they were twenty, but Kari is terrified of being hurt again.
This is not an easy review to write but not for the usual reasons. I loved what I read. I liked the characters a lot (despite Kari needing to chill a little, especially when it comes to her sister’s love life), I liked the story, I liked the amount of angst, I liked the writing. The problem is what I didn’t read. What’s there is really good and makes me regret what’s missing even more. The narrative is too thin, it lacks consistency, needs a little more fat here and there.
I don’t want to make it look as if it wasn’t good. It was, I’m giving it 4*. But I wish there was more. Not more to the story, more in the story. So a frustrated 4*.
Ten years later, she moves in the house next door to Kari, with her nine-year-old daughter. The attraction is still as strong as it was when they were twenty, but Kari is terrified of being hurt again.
This is not an easy review to write but not for the usual reasons. I loved what I read. I liked the characters a lot (despite Kari needing to chill a little, especially when it comes to her sister’s love life), I liked the story, I liked the amount of angst, I liked the writing. The problem is what I didn’t read. What’s there is really good and makes me regret what’s missing even more. The narrative is too thin, it lacks consistency, needs a little more fat here and there.
I don’t want to make it look as if it wasn’t good. It was, I’m giving it 4*. But I wish there was more. Not more to the story, more in the story. So a frustrated 4*.
March 8, 2020
My rating 3.75 stars
Erica Lee is a new author for me, she published eleven books until now.
Twice Upon a Time is a classic, sweet, second chance romance. Kari Adelberg and Kacey Caldwell met at college ten years ago. There was an instant connection they felt and it didn’t take long and they were sweethearts for three years, until that one day when Kacey announced she had to go back to her family.
Ten years later, Kari is shocked to find Kacey moving in as her neighbor. She never thought she would see her first love again, and now fate brought them back into each other's life. Kari is very reluctant to let Kacey into her life again, she knows, she would not survive a second time losing her. But Bailey, Kacey’s daughter has other plans. She captured Kari’s heart in an instant, she couldn’t bring up the walls around her heart that fast. Maybe she could just be friends with Kacey?
There is a lot of push and pull. The chemistry is great, but Kari is too afraid to give in. She knows she’s still in love with the girl from ten years ago, but who is this girl as a grown-up woman, as a mother? The more time they spend together the stronger the pull gets. With some flashbacks, we get to know their sweet story from college. I’m not a big fan of flashbacks, but in this case, it helps to understand their story.
It’s written in Kari’s POV. The MCs are good women, although Kari's behavior was sometimes a bit annoying. I understood her reluctance to give in to the attraction Kacey still has on her. To the woman who went back to her family without explanation at the time. We get to know Kacey as a sweetheart and a loving mother. We learn that she is a trustworthy and responsible person, but it takes time for Kari, to see and believe it too. There are also some great secondary characters involved, especially Bo, Kari’s best friend, and a great ally. And then there was Bailey, the ten years old cute little squirt of a kid who knows too many big words, she stole my heart in an instant.
My main complaint was Kari's behavior when interacting with her sister and her attitude towards Kacey during the difficult times she and her family had to endure, after about 80% of the story.
The story is a nice second chance romance with some drama and angst involved. It’s mainly about trust, family, friends, forgiveness and the first love you’ll never forget.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Erica Lee is a new author for me, she published eleven books until now.
Twice Upon a Time is a classic, sweet, second chance romance. Kari Adelberg and Kacey Caldwell met at college ten years ago. There was an instant connection they felt and it didn’t take long and they were sweethearts for three years, until that one day when Kacey announced she had to go back to her family.
Ten years later, Kari is shocked to find Kacey moving in as her neighbor. She never thought she would see her first love again, and now fate brought them back into each other's life. Kari is very reluctant to let Kacey into her life again, she knows, she would not survive a second time losing her. But Bailey, Kacey’s daughter has other plans. She captured Kari’s heart in an instant, she couldn’t bring up the walls around her heart that fast. Maybe she could just be friends with Kacey?
There is a lot of push and pull. The chemistry is great, but Kari is too afraid to give in. She knows she’s still in love with the girl from ten years ago, but who is this girl as a grown-up woman, as a mother? The more time they spend together the stronger the pull gets. With some flashbacks, we get to know their sweet story from college. I’m not a big fan of flashbacks, but in this case, it helps to understand their story.
It’s written in Kari’s POV. The MCs are good women, although Kari's behavior was sometimes a bit annoying. I understood her reluctance to give in to the attraction Kacey still has on her. To the woman who went back to her family without explanation at the time. We get to know Kacey as a sweetheart and a loving mother. We learn that she is a trustworthy and responsible person, but it takes time for Kari, to see and believe it too. There are also some great secondary characters involved, especially Bo, Kari’s best friend, and a great ally. And then there was Bailey, the ten years old cute little squirt of a kid who knows too many big words, she stole my heart in an instant.
My main complaint was Kari's behavior when interacting with her sister and her attitude towards Kacey during the difficult times she and her family had to endure, after about 80% of the story.
The story is a nice second chance romance with some drama and angst involved. It’s mainly about trust, family, friends, forgiveness and the first love you’ll never forget.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
January 29, 2020
Pretty nice
So overall this was a pretty good read. However, I did get kind of annoyed Kari got a bit on my nerves amd there was a point where it felt a bit slow. Despite all that I did enjoy it. It was a nice romance with a pretty cute kid. Easy 3.5 stars for me l, plus bonus it's a kU book!
So overall this was a pretty good read. However, I did get kind of annoyed Kari got a bit on my nerves amd there was a point where it felt a bit slow. Despite all that I did enjoy it. It was a nice romance with a pretty cute kid. Easy 3.5 stars for me l, plus bonus it's a kU book!
unfinished
February 4, 2022I'm bailing at almost precisely a third in. But not for any reason that would make any sense for anyone not me. But I'll do my best to explain.
Mostly, it's because Lee is pushing hard on the dramatic beats. Each downbeat goes on for exactly as long as tolerable without breaking my sense of the possible. So Kari misunderstands Kacey's reason for the breakup and makes assumptions and refuses to listen to Kacey's explanation. I had built up a probable story that turned out to be true and I don't think that's because I'm really good at guessing twists (I'm not bad, but not the best). So Kari's obstinacy in remaining ignorant was emotional and a little irrational but not unreasonable. And it went on exactly long enough to remain reasonable until we get the twist reveal.
And I was worried that Kari was going to remain in emotional space once it was all revealed and miss the problem I had with their breakup—that it was Kacey making a unilateral relationship decision and not giving Kari a chance to choose for herself. Only Kari totally nailed that one just fine. And in a very emotionally resonant scene.
I think it's the flashbacks that finally decided me against continuing, though. But not for the usual reason! Flashbacks usually break the pace of a story by jerking you back and forth in the timeline. But Lee uses these flashbacks expertly, each supporting the emotional beat very well and stitching seamlessly into the flow of the narrative. The opening flashback was the only one actually needed to impart the importance of their previous relationship, so all the rest are technically gratuitous. But they work so well that I can see why Lee chose to include them. Even as the emphasis on the drama beat irritated me.
So I'm cutting out, but I'm not going to rate this. I don't like the emphasis on the emotionally dramatic, but I recognize that as a personal taste issue. Plus, I can't deny how deftly written it is and how resonant the characters are. I like both protagonists very much and would love to see them overcome the obstacles in the way of reconciliation. But that emphasis is making me cringe enough I don't care to continue to that resolution.
Mostly, it's because Lee is pushing hard on the dramatic beats. Each downbeat goes on for exactly as long as tolerable without breaking my sense of the possible. So Kari misunderstands Kacey's reason for the breakup and makes assumptions and refuses to listen to Kacey's explanation. I had built up a probable story that turned out to be true and I don't think that's because I'm really good at guessing twists (I'm not bad, but not the best). So Kari's obstinacy in remaining ignorant was emotional and a little irrational but not unreasonable. And it went on exactly long enough to remain reasonable until we get the twist reveal.
And I was worried that Kari was going to remain in emotional space once it was all revealed and miss the problem I had with their breakup—that it was Kacey making a unilateral relationship decision and not giving Kari a chance to choose for herself. Only Kari totally nailed that one just fine. And in a very emotionally resonant scene.
I think it's the flashbacks that finally decided me against continuing, though. But not for the usual reason! Flashbacks usually break the pace of a story by jerking you back and forth in the timeline. But Lee uses these flashbacks expertly, each supporting the emotional beat very well and stitching seamlessly into the flow of the narrative. The opening flashback was the only one actually needed to impart the importance of their previous relationship, so all the rest are technically gratuitous. But they work so well that I can see why Lee chose to include them. Even as the emphasis on the drama beat irritated me.
So I'm cutting out, but I'm not going to rate this. I don't like the emphasis on the emotionally dramatic, but I recognize that as a personal taste issue. Plus, I can't deny how deftly written it is and how resonant the characters are. I like both protagonists very much and would love to see them overcome the obstacles in the way of reconciliation. But that emphasis is making me cringe enough I don't care to continue to that resolution.
January 27, 2020
This is a moving story about trust, honesty, and forgiveness. It’s an emotional journey told from Kari’s POV in first person, also featuring a series of flashbacks that are perfectly timed and reveal so much about the characters in just a small space.
The writing is tight and packs a punch right to the heart. We follow Kari and Kacey through several years and many life changes. I don’t want to give away too much, there are a number of twists in the story that are heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal amounts.
The supporting cast is great, too. They add richness to the storyline, particularly Kari’s male best friend who is a solid ally and turns out to be a great guy, Kari’s sister who comes with her own story arc, and a young lady named Bailey who knows entirely too many big words and stole my heart. Kari’s dog, Duke, completes the cast and has his share of moments, but doesn’t hog the spotlight.
Get ready for big feels and a book that keeps the tension on until the very end.
My rating: five stars
I was given a copy of this book by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The writing is tight and packs a punch right to the heart. We follow Kari and Kacey through several years and many life changes. I don’t want to give away too much, there are a number of twists in the story that are heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal amounts.
The supporting cast is great, too. They add richness to the storyline, particularly Kari’s male best friend who is a solid ally and turns out to be a great guy, Kari’s sister who comes with her own story arc, and a young lady named Bailey who knows entirely too many big words and stole my heart. Kari’s dog, Duke, completes the cast and has his share of moments, but doesn’t hog the spotlight.
Get ready for big feels and a book that keeps the tension on until the very end.
My rating: five stars
I was given a copy of this book by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 5, 2020
A second chances book. This one a lot more drawn out and centred around one decision made by our main characters love interest, which left her alone and in the dark until the whole truth was revealed 10 years later after meeting again.
I struggle with those kinds of "I didn't tell you because I didn't want to hurt you" storylines, where decisions are made by one party alone, then miscommunication and assumptions are made and as a reader they leave me frustrated, so overall it wasn't a fun read. For me.
I personally loathed Kari's friend, Bo. He screamed creeper douche to me. I really didn't see how the MC would put up with such a dude, especially when she was so insistent her own sister never date him. Like what the? It's cool for him to be a pervert with you and any other lady, but you draw the line at your sister? It didn't give her a good look, imho.
A bit of a messy book and not great characters in my opinion.
I struggle with those kinds of "I didn't tell you because I didn't want to hurt you" storylines, where decisions are made by one party alone, then miscommunication and assumptions are made and as a reader they leave me frustrated, so overall it wasn't a fun read. For me.
I personally loathed Kari's friend, Bo. He screamed creeper douche to me. I really didn't see how the MC would put up with such a dude, especially when she was so insistent her own sister never date him. Like what the? It's cool for him to be a pervert with you and any other lady, but you draw the line at your sister? It didn't give her a good look, imho.
A bit of a messy book and not great characters in my opinion.
March 20, 2023
On this bookfest-day, this was a special read. Loved the story, excellent background characters living in the believable and wonderful world of Erica Lee. Thank you!
October 16, 2021
I enjoy a good second chance romance, and this is a good one.
It starts with a prologue that had me hoping it would be the last of these flashbacks, sadly it wasn’t. I find that I usually don’t enjoy books with flashbacks, but for this one I suppose it was alright. At times they were a bit much though.
Let me tell what I did find extremely confusing, and I am sure it’s just me, but still. So our mains are Kari and Kacey, we are always in Kari’s POV. Kari’s sister is called Kylie. Are you getting where I am going? There are too many K names here that are way to similar for me to tell them apart, thus end up confusing me.
It’s obvious our mains are destined to be together, up to a point that might be a tad unbelievable but utterly sweet. I enjoyed plenty, but there are some things that could definitely be better. I feel like there is not enough communication about the past, aside from acknowledging what happened and some reference there. They don’t work through the pain, it’s just too easy. And the kid, while adorable, is a bit too grown for her age. I’d say read this when your looking for a sweet romance.
It starts with a prologue that had me hoping it would be the last of these flashbacks, sadly it wasn’t. I find that I usually don’t enjoy books with flashbacks, but for this one I suppose it was alright. At times they were a bit much though.
Let me tell what I did find extremely confusing, and I am sure it’s just me, but still. So our mains are Kari and Kacey, we are always in Kari’s POV. Kari’s sister is called Kylie. Are you getting where I am going? There are too many K names here that are way to similar for me to tell them apart, thus end up confusing me.
It’s obvious our mains are destined to be together, up to a point that might be a tad unbelievable but utterly sweet. I enjoyed plenty, but there are some things that could definitely be better. I feel like there is not enough communication about the past, aside from acknowledging what happened and some reference there. They don’t work through the pain, it’s just too easy. And the kid, while adorable, is a bit too grown for her age. I’d say read this when your looking for a sweet romance.
July 16, 2024
3.7 stars rounds up to 4. I liked this second chance story. It was a nice romantic and light read. I quite liked the humour and Bailey was cute. Recommend
January 31, 2020
Brilliant!
Kari and Kacey were destined for each other, until family messed things up. A decade later, fate brings them back together. The push and pull between Kari and Kacey was sometimes heartbreaking. There were quite a few tense moments. At those times I was happy with my box of tissues. I loved the flashbacks. These flashbacks take us to where it all began. This story has everything; a beautiful romance, great characters, humor, anger, devastation, sexual tension and the chemistry is off the charts. I loved every word and felt every emotion. A well written, heart-wrenching second chance love story. The end filled my heart with happiness. I highly recommend Twice Upon A Time.
Kari and Kacey were destined for each other, until family messed things up. A decade later, fate brings them back together. The push and pull between Kari and Kacey was sometimes heartbreaking. There were quite a few tense moments. At those times I was happy with my box of tissues. I loved the flashbacks. These flashbacks take us to where it all began. This story has everything; a beautiful romance, great characters, humor, anger, devastation, sexual tension and the chemistry is off the charts. I loved every word and felt every emotion. A well written, heart-wrenching second chance love story. The end filled my heart with happiness. I highly recommend Twice Upon A Time.
October 21, 2020
So cute!!!
Kari had her heart broken in college by the love of her life. Since then she has been trying her best to have happy life with her friends, and Duke, her dog. When her new neighbour arrives, Kari is more than surprised to find it is her ex Kacey with her daughter. Heartbroken all over again Kari has to try and get on and get along with Kacey, until fate just keeps pushing them together and Kari finally learns the truth about what happened years ago, but now that she knows, can she fall in love with Kacey and get there happily ever after.
I adored this! Erica’s books just go from strength to strength and Twice Upon A Time took place as my new favourite from Erica. It was just so lovely, heart-warming and a little bit heart-breaking all at the same time. Most of all it was cute, fluffy and just pure perfection. It had all the drama expected of a romance with loads of warm, fluffy moments that just melted my heart, but also some surprises.
The whole story took me by surprise, especially when the events of the past started coming out, but what I adored most was the contrast between past and present. With all the snippets Erica gave of Kari and Kacey’s life you really got to know them. I loved their relationship, both past and present and adored how perfect they were for one another. It was all the conflict of Kari’s heart that made this exciting. There were moments when I was on edge wondering if she was going to listen to her heart but she was wary of getting hurt. It was very emotional in those moments and I felt for Kari, she was in a truly unique position.
Kari and Kacey really did have amazing chemistry but it was Kacey’s daughter who stole the show for me. Such a cute kid, and she really was vital in helping Kari to get over her fears and realise she needed to give Kacey a chance to explain her actions. Together, the three of them had such cute moments and I just loved them all together.
I really enjoyed Twice Upon a Time, and I can’t wait for Erica’s next release and hopefully we will see Kari and Kacey again in future. I highly recommend this romance for all romance lovers. You will get such a cute and lovely story.
Kari had her heart broken in college by the love of her life. Since then she has been trying her best to have happy life with her friends, and Duke, her dog. When her new neighbour arrives, Kari is more than surprised to find it is her ex Kacey with her daughter. Heartbroken all over again Kari has to try and get on and get along with Kacey, until fate just keeps pushing them together and Kari finally learns the truth about what happened years ago, but now that she knows, can she fall in love with Kacey and get there happily ever after.
I adored this! Erica’s books just go from strength to strength and Twice Upon A Time took place as my new favourite from Erica. It was just so lovely, heart-warming and a little bit heart-breaking all at the same time. Most of all it was cute, fluffy and just pure perfection. It had all the drama expected of a romance with loads of warm, fluffy moments that just melted my heart, but also some surprises.
The whole story took me by surprise, especially when the events of the past started coming out, but what I adored most was the contrast between past and present. With all the snippets Erica gave of Kari and Kacey’s life you really got to know them. I loved their relationship, both past and present and adored how perfect they were for one another. It was all the conflict of Kari’s heart that made this exciting. There were moments when I was on edge wondering if she was going to listen to her heart but she was wary of getting hurt. It was very emotional in those moments and I felt for Kari, she was in a truly unique position.
Kari and Kacey really did have amazing chemistry but it was Kacey’s daughter who stole the show for me. Such a cute kid, and she really was vital in helping Kari to get over her fears and realise she needed to give Kacey a chance to explain her actions. Together, the three of them had such cute moments and I just loved them all together.
I really enjoyed Twice Upon a Time, and I can’t wait for Erica’s next release and hopefully we will see Kari and Kacey again in future. I highly recommend this romance for all romance lovers. You will get such a cute and lovely story.
February 16, 2020
This gave me the feels real good. What a sweet story. ☺️
August 2, 2021
A very sweet story. I read "the second one" in the series first so it was nice to see Bailey as a kid in this one. I would describe it as a slow burn (veeeeery slow burn) second chance romance. Loved it!
March 14, 2020
3.5 stars
I must say this was definitely sweet and messy all rolled into one. I couldn't get behind the flashbacks for the first 36% of the book. I already knew how their relationship ended, so I was bit disinterested in their past.
Not bad for a first-person POV. All in all I think the word I'd use to describe this book is "quaint".
I must say this was definitely sweet and messy all rolled into one. I couldn't get behind the flashbacks for the first 36% of the book. I already knew how their relationship ended, so I was bit disinterested in their past.
Not bad for a first-person POV. All in all I think the word I'd use to describe this book is "quaint".
October 8, 2020
4.5*
I love second chance romances and this was a really good one. The chemistry was great between the two leads. My only complaint is that there was a lot of drama packed into the last 15% that probably could have happened earlier or been cut down a bit.
I love second chance romances and this was a really good one. The chemistry was great between the two leads. My only complaint is that there was a lot of drama packed into the last 15% that probably could have happened earlier or been cut down a bit.
April 17, 2020
The MC is so selfish, while her LI is too perfect. And it's not in the way where you only see the MC's pov, so of course, you only see her defaults and how she is so in love with her LI. No, it's real, objectively, her actions are selfish while her LI does everything perfectly in their relationship. The LI made 1 mistake 10 years ago, and objectively, that was not the breakup itself, but simply not communicating because "it's what's best for the MC", and it seems this gives the MC all the rights in the world to treat her like shit and be an asshole to her on so many levels than anything unsubtle that would allow the LI to just drop her like she should. Also, the whole was obvious from the moment the thought even enters the MC's subconscious, and so it felt useless and unecessary and only there to lengthen the plot, and basically made the MC look bad.
Additionally, the writing is not good, the dialogues are super stilted, and the child is completely unrealistic in both her actions and her voice. Also the whole het side-romance is icky to me (11yo age gap with the redeeming of the skeevy bro type).
Additionally, the writing is not good, the dialogues are super stilted, and the child is completely unrealistic in both her actions and her voice. Also the whole het side-romance is icky to me (11yo age gap with the redeeming of the skeevy bro type).
February 1, 2021
Anybody who has lost their first love forever fantasizes about how it will be if they’d meet again; about how it could all have played out in an alternate reality; about ‘what ifs’. This one is a second chance romance and Erica Lee is certainly getting more and more compelling in the lesfic chick-lit space.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
February 23, 2020
This was an amazing book, a book I enjoyed from the first time I picked it up and all the way until the end. The characters were relatable and I loved the pase of the story.
This is the first book I read from Erica Lee and I'll make sure to read more from her.
This is the first book I read from Erica Lee and I'll make sure to read more from her.
August 20, 2024
Very adorable story about a second chance at love. I did want more in the end and it felt a little rushed but overall this is a feel good book. Erica Lee is good at writing those kinds of books and I’m always reading her books so fast! I liked that there were flashbacks but it felt like a perfect amount. We got to see the important moments and it made sense when there were flashbacks.
Bailey was adorable with her little precocious self!
Bailey was adorable with her little precocious self!
January 28, 2020
WOW
I can say that my heart was pounding in my chest a few times during this story. I went through some tissues as well. Kari and Kacey were always destined to be together. I really liked the flashbacks into their college years. I found Bo to be quite funny and an amazing friend. This is one of those books you just want to read from start to finish. I Loved it 💜
I can say that my heart was pounding in my chest a few times during this story. I went through some tissues as well. Kari and Kacey were always destined to be together. I really liked the flashbacks into their college years. I found Bo to be quite funny and an amazing friend. This is one of those books you just want to read from start to finish. I Loved it 💜
February 8, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did, but there were a few reasons it didn’t fully click for me. Personally, I struggled to relate to the back-and-forth of wanting to stay friends while clearly both characters were infatuated, that was the first hurdle. The ending also felt a bit uneven; it seemed drawn out at times, then suddenly rushed, which made it feel almost abrupt. On the plus side, I liked the single POV and the use of flashbacks. The characters were vividly portrayed, and the author is definitely someone I plan to keep following.
July 28, 2020
So, I enjoyed this book, for the most part, or so I thought, because at the end I wasn't so sure anymore.
First, there was a 10 year-old girl, that was (according to the book) really smart, but I kept forgetting she was 10, because she acted like my 6 year-old nieces and nephews. At first it was ok, because as I said, I forgot she was 10, but the author kept bringin her brigtness and her smarts and her age, so it was at the front of my mind the whole time.
Then it was the conflict, or lack of, but with a subtle whiplash when they hug, hold hands and act like girlfriends but I can't trust you, so we can't date, but I'm actually dating you, we’re just not having sex, and I play mom since the first time I saw your daughter, but no, we can't and shan't be. So it got old before they actually got together for real.
The flashbacks of their relationship where good, I liked them, because explained, to some degree, their "I can't think when I'm around you, I love you and I'm in lust so much", but I would have liked a little more of that getting to know you because it was 10 years later!
The characters actually said so at some point, they should have been different people and getting to know each other, or at least attempt it would have been nice.
So, to close this up, I enjoyed it, then I got annoyed, so it's a 3.5.
First, there was a 10 year-old girl, that was (according to the book) really smart, but I kept forgetting she was 10, because she acted like my 6 year-old nieces and nephews. At first it was ok, because as I said, I forgot she was 10, but the author kept bringin her brigtness and her smarts and her age, so it was at the front of my mind the whole time.
Then it was the conflict, or lack of, but with a subtle whiplash when they hug, hold hands and act like girlfriends but I can't trust you, so we can't date, but I'm actually dating you, we’re just not having sex, and I play mom since the first time I saw your daughter, but no, we can't and shan't be. So it got old before they actually got together for real.
The flashbacks of their relationship where good, I liked them, because explained, to some degree, their "I can't think when I'm around you, I love you and I'm in lust so much", but I would have liked a little more of that getting to know you because it was 10 years later!
The characters actually said so at some point, they should have been different people and getting to know each other, or at least attempt it would have been nice.
So, to close this up, I enjoyed it, then I got annoyed, so it's a 3.5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2021
I have a much higher tolerance for angst in a Sapphic romance than a hetero one, because in the latter I go from zero to DTMFA in about 10 seconds, but in the former, it's like "Look at us lesbians and our unnecessary drama, we're so silly and yet it's so sweet!"
This was indeed a very sweet book, a second-chance romance (kinda obvious from the title) about two women, Kari and Kacey, who were college sweethearts but one got her heart broken by the other and never knew why. Then nearly a decade later, the heartbreaker shows up as the heartbroken's new next door neighbor. Quelle surprise! Plus she has a kid, and she's still hot, a fact we are told many, many times. Over the course of the book, we find out why the break-up happened, the backstory to the child (which I thought was an interesting one), and we get to laugh at these two when they insist they're going to be just friends. Yeah sure, just gal pals, right, wink wink.
The angst does get a little overdone at times, and there were a couple small side plots that I thought were unnecessary. I didn't love how Kari treated her younger sister like she was still a kid and had this weird insistence on deciding who she was allowed to date. There was also a very late-stage bit of drama because Kari makes an Olympic-sized leap to a false conclusion about something and weirdly kind of blames Kacey for it.
But I did appreciate seeing them work out their feelings for each other, and sort of try to learn the difference between being together in college and having a relationship when they're much older. It's a cute and quick read, a good one to pick up if you need a mood-booster. Just wish the dog had a bigger role.
This was indeed a very sweet book, a second-chance romance (kinda obvious from the title) about two women, Kari and Kacey, who were college sweethearts but one got her heart broken by the other and never knew why. Then nearly a decade later, the heartbreaker shows up as the heartbroken's new next door neighbor. Quelle surprise! Plus she has a kid, and she's still hot, a fact we are told many, many times. Over the course of the book, we find out why the break-up happened, the backstory to the child (which I thought was an interesting one), and we get to laugh at these two when they insist they're going to be just friends. Yeah sure, just gal pals, right, wink wink.
The angst does get a little overdone at times, and there were a couple small side plots that I thought were unnecessary. I didn't love how Kari treated her younger sister like she was still a kid and had this weird insistence on deciding who she was allowed to date. There was also a very late-stage bit of drama because Kari makes an Olympic-sized leap to a false conclusion about something and weirdly kind of blames Kacey for it.
But I did appreciate seeing them work out their feelings for each other, and sort of try to learn the difference between being together in college and having a relationship when they're much older. It's a cute and quick read, a good one to pick up if you need a mood-booster. Just wish the dog had a bigger role.
April 20, 2020
Unexpectedly good, because I've read similar plot over dozens of time. What worked is the chemistry, the final angst plot was a bit much but for 95% I was invested in their second chance. I'd have loved if this was a 2 pov, but the author was really good at describing subtly Kacey's feelings. A likable but not overbearing child character is always bonus. Reminds me of a shorter version of the feel I get reading Tricky Wisdom because of the character's personalities and chemistry. Definitely rereading this one and going to dive into other books by Ms. Lee.
July 2, 2021
Kari Adelberg and Kacey Caldwell meet and are together in college. Kari believes they are soul mates. Kacey leaves school and eventually breaks up with Kari. Surprisingly 10 years later Kacey move in next door to Kari bringing up old feelings and resentments.
I am new to the author and I enjoyed the read. The story is told only from Kari's POV but conversations let you know Kacey's feelings. The main characters were both good and interesting. Bailey was a bit too precocious for me but side characters Bo and Kylie were great. I'm happy to have a new author for LGBTQ romance.
I am new to the author and I enjoyed the read. The story is told only from Kari's POV but conversations let you know Kacey's feelings. The main characters were both good and interesting. Bailey was a bit too precocious for me but side characters Bo and Kylie were great. I'm happy to have a new author for LGBTQ romance.
March 1, 2025
This one was disappointing. The tension just wasn’t there and the conflicts just didn’t hit the mark. I think the character of Kari was a bit more flushed out than that of Kacey. All of the two syllable names starting with K was just too much to keep each character separate in my head. I was also disappointed with the spice, since I know good and well that Erica Lee can write some dang spice. The best part of the story was Bailey, the kid. I don’t particularly enjoy precocious kid characters, but she saved the book for me.
January 28, 2020
This book promised angst and boy did it deliver! It’s a slow burn. I love the two main characters and you can totally relate to each POV. This story was so compelling I read it too fast and finished it too soon. Will definitely read it again which is the highest compliment I can give.
March 9, 2020
so a second chance book. Well written and great characters and soooo sweet and gooey. Just a feel good book for the most part. Of course there is problems but would it be any good without them. And there is a kid..AND I even liked the kid. 4 plus stars from me and I look forward to more from another of my go to Authors
February 14, 2022
I'm a bit disappointed I didn't love this more than I did. Especially since this is my first Erica Lee book. If you've read any of my reviews, you know I love second-chance romances, so I was really hyped to read this novel in particular, and while I didn't hate it, I definitely didn't love it.
The story deals with emotional extremes I just find uncomfortable. For example, neither Kari nor Kacey have ever moved past their relationship, even if 11 years have passed. I'm all for the idea of a One True Love, but I also fully believe that you can't live for a love that no longer exists. Kari is a shell of herself, unwilling to make any romantic relationship work because that person isn't Kacey. Kacey's convenient excuse here is her daughter, Bailey, so I can understand why she's been less able to move on, but this type of trope assumes that there's that *one* person out there who can complete you. And, I'm sorry, I don't buy that. No other person can complete you, so I don't like it when romances go this route.
Then you add the miscommunication element and I'm even more annoyed. We first have Kacey's unwillingness to explain what's happening 11 years ago. And while I rolled my eyes at this, I have some sympathy based on Kacey's circumstances. But Kari's willful ignorance once Kacey returns really bothered me.
I also hated Kari's best friend, Bo. He got better further into the novel, but he was obnoxious and not really a good friend.
But all was not lost here, despite all my complaints, I thought Bailey was adorable, and I liked watching Kari with Bailey. And, despite my previously-stated opinions, I did like Kari and Kacey together.
The story deals with emotional extremes I just find uncomfortable. For example, neither Kari nor Kacey have ever moved past their relationship, even if 11 years have passed. I'm all for the idea of a One True Love, but I also fully believe that you can't live for a love that no longer exists. Kari is a shell of herself, unwilling to make any romantic relationship work because that person isn't Kacey. Kacey's convenient excuse here is her daughter, Bailey, so I can understand why she's been less able to move on, but this type of trope assumes that there's that *one* person out there who can complete you. And, I'm sorry, I don't buy that. No other person can complete you, so I don't like it when romances go this route.
Then you add the miscommunication element and I'm even more annoyed. We first have Kacey's unwillingness to explain what's happening 11 years ago. And while I rolled my eyes at this, I have some sympathy based on Kacey's circumstances. But Kari's willful ignorance once Kacey returns really bothered me.
I also hated Kari's best friend, Bo. He got better further into the novel, but he was obnoxious and not really a good friend.
But all was not lost here, despite all my complaints, I thought Bailey was adorable, and I liked watching Kari with Bailey. And, despite my previously-stated opinions, I did like Kari and Kacey together.
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