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Caught Up In Love #3
The Second Chance Plan
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely comes a second chance romance that'll make your heart feel good!
I have a big plan for my career and it most certainly doesn’t involve my ex. AKA my first love. It definitely doesn’t entail working with him every day on a brand-new project for my jewelry line.
And it absolutely doesn’t include falling for the man all over again. But the trouble is, he’s kind, charming and so darn smart. Not to mention easy on the eyes. And thoughtful, too. Also, he wants to get to know me again. To take me out for coffee, to chat on the phone, to go to museums.
It’s a dizzying, delicious courtship, but I don’t know if my heart can handle this from the man who broke it to pieces once upon a time… Or am I willing to risk everything for a second chance at first love?
Author’s Note: Note: in 2013, I wrote CAUGHT UP IN US, and though it’s no longer available for sale, the characters of Kat and Bryan seemed to demand another chance in the spotlight. THE SECOND CHANCE PLAN is a reimagining of their second chance romance, with 70 percent brand-new material, vastly expanded characterizations, and his POV woven into the story, so you can come to know and love Kat and Bryan at their best, like I do. Enjoy!
I have a big plan for my career and it most certainly doesn’t involve my ex. AKA my first love. It definitely doesn’t entail working with him every day on a brand-new project for my jewelry line.
And it absolutely doesn’t include falling for the man all over again. But the trouble is, he’s kind, charming and so darn smart. Not to mention easy on the eyes. And thoughtful, too. Also, he wants to get to know me again. To take me out for coffee, to chat on the phone, to go to museums.
It’s a dizzying, delicious courtship, but I don’t know if my heart can handle this from the man who broke it to pieces once upon a time… Or am I willing to risk everything for a second chance at first love?
Author’s Note: Note: in 2013, I wrote CAUGHT UP IN US, and though it’s no longer available for sale, the characters of Kat and Bryan seemed to demand another chance in the spotlight. THE SECOND CHANCE PLAN is a reimagining of their second chance romance, with 70 percent brand-new material, vastly expanded characterizations, and his POV woven into the story, so you can come to know and love Kat and Bryan at their best, like I do. Enjoy!
275 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2020
128 people are currently reading
3415 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
245 books24.4k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
March 2, 2020
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5-4 stars
I am always a fan of second chance romances that involve childhood sweethearts. Kat and Bryan's story really pulled on my heartstrings and I enjoyed the slow burn between them as they reconnected. The story played out fairly predictably, but it didn't take away from the emotions and feelings it elicited. I wasn't a huge fan of the reason for the separation, but given that Kat was just 18 at the time, the 5 year absence made sense and helped each of them grow and mature. Bryan did some nice groveling at the end too, so that softened some of the hurt ;)
The narration by Emma Wilder and Zachary Webber was wonderful. Emma Wilder really shined as Kat and I found her male and female voices very believable and distinct. Though not a true duet narration, I loved that the text messages were done with Webber reading Bryan's texts and Wilder reading Kat's. I really enjoyed this updated version of Kat and Bryan's story!
Please Note: The Second Chance Plan is a re-imagining and expanded version of Lauren Blakely's Caught Up in Us.
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5-4 stars
I am always a fan of second chance romances that involve childhood sweethearts. Kat and Bryan's story really pulled on my heartstrings and I enjoyed the slow burn between them as they reconnected. The story played out fairly predictably, but it didn't take away from the emotions and feelings it elicited. I wasn't a huge fan of the reason for the separation, but given that Kat was just 18 at the time, the 5 year absence made sense and helped each of them grow and mature. Bryan did some nice groveling at the end too, so that softened some of the hurt ;)
The narration by Emma Wilder and Zachary Webber was wonderful. Emma Wilder really shined as Kat and I found her male and female voices very believable and distinct. Though not a true duet narration, I loved that the text messages were done with Webber reading Bryan's texts and Wilder reading Kat's. I really enjoyed this updated version of Kat and Bryan's story!
Please Note: The Second Chance Plan is a re-imagining and expanded version of Lauren Blakely's Caught Up in Us.
May 27, 2020
This is the third in the series and I downloaded it from audible. Which was a brilliant plan (if I do say so myself. LOL) The narration was perfect and allowed for the story to seem more real. As for a second chance romance...I kinda have to be in the mood for forgiving the couple before I can get into the romance. Luckily this one hit me just right.
A lovely story with wonderful characters!
A lovely story with wonderful characters!
May 8, 2023
The Second Chance Plan is a book 3 in the “Caught Up In Love” series by Lauren Blakely. It is told in 1st person from both POV with a HEA.
Tropes:
✔️ second chance
✔️ best friend’s sister
✔️ flashbacks to when they met and fell in love the 1st time
"The Second Chance Plan" by Lauren Blakely is a delightful romance novel that explores second chances. The story revolves around a Kat who is determined to focus on her career and avoid her ex Bryan, who also happens to be her first love. However, when they are forced to work together on a school project where he oversees her, they cannot ignore the chemistry between them, but they must.
Lauren Blakely's writing style is engaging and immersive, and the characters are charismatic and easy to love. One of the standout aspects of this novel is the travel aspect. The vivid descriptions of Paris locations they visit make the reader feel like they are right there with the characters.
The chemistry and banter between the two main characters are perfect, and their journey towards reconciliation is both a bit angsty and heartwarming. The way they handle their emotions and chemistry is commendable, and the hard choices they make are realistic and relatable.
Overall, "The Second Chance Plan" is a feel-good book that will leave you smiling and rooting for the characters. The narration is spot-on and perfectly captures the essence of the characters.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
Tropes:
✔️ second chance
✔️ best friend’s sister
✔️ flashbacks to when they met and fell in love the 1st time
"The Second Chance Plan" by Lauren Blakely is a delightful romance novel that explores second chances. The story revolves around a Kat who is determined to focus on her career and avoid her ex Bryan, who also happens to be her first love. However, when they are forced to work together on a school project where he oversees her, they cannot ignore the chemistry between them, but they must.
Lauren Blakely's writing style is engaging and immersive, and the characters are charismatic and easy to love. One of the standout aspects of this novel is the travel aspect. The vivid descriptions of Paris locations they visit make the reader feel like they are right there with the characters.
The chemistry and banter between the two main characters are perfect, and their journey towards reconciliation is both a bit angsty and heartwarming. The way they handle their emotions and chemistry is commendable, and the hard choices they make are realistic and relatable.
Overall, "The Second Chance Plan" is a feel-good book that will leave you smiling and rooting for the characters. The narration is spot-on and perfectly captures the essence of the characters.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
May 1, 2021
The Caught Up in Love series consists of older Lauren Blakely books, re-written and expanded. The first two, I loved, but this one, not so much. It's not bad, but it's predictable, and not overly exciting (except for the part in Paris, which made me want to go shopping at Parisian sidewalk markets). Jewelry designer Kat is in her last semester of the MBA program at NYU, when she's paired with mentor Bryan, whose company makes cufflinks and other accessories. This would seem like a great match, except five years ago he was her brother's best friend who had come home with her brother for the summer to help out at her parent's store. He was also her first love, and the man who broke her heart.
I'm glad for the characters that they got a second chance (especially with the reason for their breakup). I also like the inclusion of the ethical dilemma of dating a mentor. However, between the business stuff, the flashbacks, and the lawsuit plot line the book is somewhat disjointed. It's not bad, but it's not even close to Blakely's best work.
I'm glad for the characters that they got a second chance (especially with the reason for their breakup). I also like the inclusion of the ethical dilemma of dating a mentor. However, between the business stuff, the flashbacks, and the lawsuit plot line the book is somewhat disjointed. It's not bad, but it's not even close to Blakely's best work.
March 8, 2020
Yay for second chance at romance!
The Second Chance Plan was a delight to listen to. In it, we meet Kat and Bryan. I wasn't completely prepared for all these feelings to develop with them but I enjoyed it all. Yet, everything was completely predictable and I still like it. Of course something happens between these two and they leave each other.
Which means they reconnect later in life. I was all for the groveling that happened but wanted more. Maybe it's because I'm mean but ugh, I did. Not even sorry. Other than that, it was a nice read. Wished it was a smidge longer but that's because I just didn't want to plow through this series so quickly.
The Second Chance Plan was a delight to listen to. In it, we meet Kat and Bryan. I wasn't completely prepared for all these feelings to develop with them but I enjoyed it all. Yet, everything was completely predictable and I still like it. Of course something happens between these two and they leave each other.
Which means they reconnect later in life. I was all for the groveling that happened but wanted more. Maybe it's because I'm mean but ugh, I did. Not even sorry. Other than that, it was a nice read. Wished it was a smidge longer but that's because I just didn't want to plow through this series so quickly.
June 15, 2021
summary: brother's best friend, second chance romance. he's her mentor in a class.
(no angst)
(no angst)
March 10, 2020
This was something I grabbed from Audible Escape because of the narrators, Emma Wilder and Zachary Webber (who I suspect are the two on the front cover!). For some reason, it just didn't grab me. I DNF'd it at about 25%.
In addition, Emma Wilder's whispery narration drove me a little crazy. Just speak out loud already! There are already two other female narrators that I refuse to listen to because of this very thing: they back off their tones to a breathy whisper. That is not the way normal people speak. If you're going to be a voice actor, then act. Don't depend on tricks like whispering to convey emotion unless the characters are actually whispering!
In addition, Emma Wilder's whispery narration drove me a little crazy. Just speak out loud already! There are already two other female narrators that I refuse to listen to because of this very thing: they back off their tones to a breathy whisper. That is not the way normal people speak. If you're going to be a voice actor, then act. Don't depend on tricks like whispering to convey emotion unless the characters are actually whispering!
March 2, 2020
It's okay.
For me there wasn't enough redemption before she decided to try again with him or even, at first , let him in more.
She mentions dating during the separation, not much about him.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
No other woman or man drama.
HEA.
For me there wasn't enough redemption before she decided to try again with him or even, at first , let him in more.
She mentions dating during the separation, not much about him.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
No other woman or man drama.
HEA.
June 15, 2020
He broke her heart, left her feeling adrift and unloved. Now he's back and it's messing with her future and her heart. Can he win her back, does he want her back, does she want him back? Witty, angst filled and sweetly romantic this book is the perfect Rom Com to enjoy listening to with excellent performances from the 2 different readers that helps to really bring the story to life.
July 27, 2021
I listened to this book on Audible and a free listen 🎧
This is a sweet and romantic second chance romance. It’s a slow burn romance between Kat and Bryan. I love this author!
This is a sweet and romantic second chance romance. It’s a slow burn romance between Kat and Bryan. I love this author!
February 20, 2020
2.5
Another well written very generic contemporary romance. Nothing stands out as good OR bad.
Another well written very generic contemporary romance. Nothing stands out as good OR bad.
February 26, 2020
The title says it, its a second chance romance if you have ever read any of my reviews you know, you KNOW they are my favorite. I love that Lauren if revising these stories, because Kat and Bryan needed another chance to shine.
The way they come back into each others lives is nerve racking if that had been me I would have pooped my pants, Kat handled it with grace.
I liked how they don't really shy away from the past but they don't knowledge it right away either. They try and move on but when there is that much pain its kin of hard to just move on.
I think they both handled their emotions and chemistry really well and when faced with hard choices they both took the right road this time.
I just love feel good book they make listing fun and I loved the narration they were perfect for these characters.
The way they come back into each others lives is nerve racking if that had been me I would have pooped my pants, Kat handled it with grace.
I liked how they don't really shy away from the past but they don't knowledge it right away either. They try and move on but when there is that much pain its kin of hard to just move on.
I think they both handled their emotions and chemistry really well and when faced with hard choices they both took the right road this time.
I just love feel good book they make listing fun and I loved the narration they were perfect for these characters.
February 17, 2020
This book features a likable couple, and they have some hot scenes -- but it just seemed to me like Kat forgave Bryan for breaking her heart a little too easily. In all honesty, I don't think they would have been able to work together as well as they did. I also think she would have been much angrier with him than she was when she found out why he broke up with her 5 years earlier. No spoilers here, but he broke her heart for a really dumb reason -- and didn't discuss it with her first. I did like that they were both so lighthearted and open to having "fun" together, and they were often funny.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
December 18, 2020
***ARC Provided by the Author***
4.5 Stars
I love a good second chance romance. In fact, if you look at my favorites shelves, I am willing to bet a good number of them will be this trope. There's just something about the storyline, the depth, and the intensity of a second chance romance.
Kat and Bryan were together when she was young and it's not a least to think that they probably wouldn't have survived trying to stay together as she's started college. So they split, they went their own ways, and loved separate lives... Until they didn't.
I loved how they were still drawn to one another but found themselves in a situation where they were unable to act on it. It was a fun twist in the usual way a second chance romance tends to unfold.
Toss in a trip to the best city in the world, and you have a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Somehow I had never this one in it's original form (I KNOW) so I can't compare them... But I did enjoy it.
4.5 Stars
I love a good second chance romance. In fact, if you look at my favorites shelves, I am willing to bet a good number of them will be this trope. There's just something about the storyline, the depth, and the intensity of a second chance romance.
Kat and Bryan were together when she was young and it's not a least to think that they probably wouldn't have survived trying to stay together as she's started college. So they split, they went their own ways, and loved separate lives... Until they didn't.
I loved how they were still drawn to one another but found themselves in a situation where they were unable to act on it. It was a fun twist in the usual way a second chance romance tends to unfold.
Toss in a trip to the best city in the world, and you have a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Somehow I had never this one in it's original form (I KNOW) so I can't compare them... But I did enjoy it.
February 27, 2020
Life is all about second chances and finding your way back to exactly where you belong. This was not that book for me. In no world would anything in this be even slightly realistic. No one would keep him as mentor even if it meant dropping the class, no one would fall for his line of nonsense and no one would ever put up with Bryan. Kat is adorable, hard working, a great daughter and only wants to grow her business to help her parents, but also way too fogiving. Bryan is a selfish jerk and a bit of a hypocrite. So, this was not only incredibly formulaic, but trite. I love the author, but this one wasn't my favorite.
April 18, 2020
Second chance romances are one of my favourite troupes, and I was so excited to listen to this one.
Childhood sweethearts Kat and Bryan's are just swoonsome together.
After splitting up and leading separate lives for years, Kat bumps into Bryan again as he is assigned to be her mentor in one of her classes.
But as Bryan broke Kat's heart years before when they dated, can he bring back the magic of what was lost between them?
Narrated by Emma Wilder and Zachary Webber, this one will have you melting into a pile of sweet sweet goo!
Childhood sweethearts Kat and Bryan's are just swoonsome together.
After splitting up and leading separate lives for years, Kat bumps into Bryan again as he is assigned to be her mentor in one of her classes.
But as Bryan broke Kat's heart years before when they dated, can he bring back the magic of what was lost between them?
Narrated by Emma Wilder and Zachary Webber, this one will have you melting into a pile of sweet sweet goo!
November 14, 2020
The second chance plan is a heartwarming second chance romance.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of the others by this author, the characters didn't really do it for me or maybe it was because it was too much of a slow burn, not enough drama. That being said it wasn't without humor and hotness that I love in Lauren Blakely's books.
I listened to this book in audio from the box set Caught up in Love and although Kat and Bryan weren't my favourites from this set it really is a recommended box set. As soon I finished I eagerly jumped straight into the next one.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of the others by this author, the characters didn't really do it for me or maybe it was because it was too much of a slow burn, not enough drama. That being said it wasn't without humor and hotness that I love in Lauren Blakely's books.
I listened to this book in audio from the box set Caught up in Love and although Kat and Bryan weren't my favourites from this set it really is a recommended box set. As soon I finished I eagerly jumped straight into the next one.
February 19, 2020
4.5 star Review of The Second Chance Plan (Caught Up In Love #3) by Lauren Blakely
If you are looking for a fast, spicy hot read then The Second Chance Plan is the book for you. This is an extended and updated edition of Caught Up In Us.
This is Kat Harper and Bryan Leighton’s story and is an entertaining read that had me invested from the first to the last chapter. A second chance at love story and one that ticked the boxes for me. As I have come to expect from Ms. Blakely, the story was funny with characters you cannot help but fall for and who are easy to relate too..
The chemistry between Kat and Bryan sizzles and I was so invested with their story that I couldn’t put it down. There is history between them and as the intensity of their current feelings builds slowly it build until it almost bursts into flames which I found captivating.
Can they move on from the past and in turn find the happiness that has alluded them or will it all come crashing down again?
One click and find out.
If you are looking for a fast, spicy hot read then The Second Chance Plan is the book for you. This is an extended and updated edition of Caught Up In Us.
This is Kat Harper and Bryan Leighton’s story and is an entertaining read that had me invested from the first to the last chapter. A second chance at love story and one that ticked the boxes for me. As I have come to expect from Ms. Blakely, the story was funny with characters you cannot help but fall for and who are easy to relate too..
The chemistry between Kat and Bryan sizzles and I was so invested with their story that I couldn’t put it down. There is history between them and as the intensity of their current feelings builds slowly it build until it almost bursts into flames which I found captivating.
Can they move on from the past and in turn find the happiness that has alluded them or will it all come crashing down again?
One click and find out.
February 20, 2020
**4.5 stars**
The Second Chance Plan is a reboot of Lauren Blakely’s first romance novel, Caught Up in Us. If you originally read that story, this one does have 70% brand new material, and his POV is included. It’s a second chance trope. Kat and Bryan met and dated briefly during the summer before she went to college. He was her brother’s best friend, and 5 years older than her. However, he broke up with her for unknown reasons. Imagine Kat’s surprise when 5 years later Bryan walks into her graduate school class and as fate would have it, the two of them get paired together for a business mentorship. Both characters were smart, sweet, kind, and perfect for each other. Their romance was swoonworthy. Not to mention so many of your favorite romantic movies, books, and songs were all declared throughout. This was so sweet, and romantic. I really enjoyed this one and would highly recommend this!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Second Chance Plan is a reboot of Lauren Blakely’s first romance novel, Caught Up in Us. If you originally read that story, this one does have 70% brand new material, and his POV is included. It’s a second chance trope. Kat and Bryan met and dated briefly during the summer before she went to college. He was her brother’s best friend, and 5 years older than her. However, he broke up with her for unknown reasons. Imagine Kat’s surprise when 5 years later Bryan walks into her graduate school class and as fate would have it, the two of them get paired together for a business mentorship. Both characters were smart, sweet, kind, and perfect for each other. Their romance was swoonworthy. Not to mention so many of your favorite romantic movies, books, and songs were all declared throughout. This was so sweet, and romantic. I really enjoyed this one and would highly recommend this!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 24, 2020
Kat has one more class to complete until will have her degree and then she can focus on her jewelry business. As part of the class she is being matched with an advisor who has experience in business but finding out that the person who will be guiding her is the same man who broke her heart five years earlier has turned her excitement about the opportunity to dread.
Bryan has found success professionally, but he has always regretted ending their relationship even though it was with the best of intentions. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but will this be their second chance or are they destined to end in heartbreak once again?
Fun and flirty I enjoyed watching Kat and Bryan right the wrongs of the past.
Bryan has found success professionally, but he has always regretted ending their relationship even though it was with the best of intentions. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but will this be their second chance or are they destined to end in heartbreak once again?
Fun and flirty I enjoyed watching Kat and Bryan right the wrongs of the past.
November 7, 2025
I enjoy this series immensely, but Kat and Bryan didn't steal my heart. Somehow their chemistry didn't work for me; their banter felt a little forced. It was good enough, but my expectations are sky high when it comes to the author's work.
Bryan was Kat brother's best friend 5 years ago when he broke her heart. Now she's about to finish her master's program and is working to expand her jewellery business when she's paired with Bryan as her mentor. They are forced to work together, and it's bringing up memories and feelings Kat thought she had been long over.
Bryan knows he made a mistake in the past and has never forgotten about Kat. He's determined to earn a second chance, without sabotaging her degree, but that's easier said than done.
Bryan was Kat brother's best friend 5 years ago when he broke her heart. Now she's about to finish her master's program and is working to expand her jewellery business when she's paired with Bryan as her mentor. They are forced to work together, and it's bringing up memories and feelings Kat thought she had been long over.
Bryan knows he made a mistake in the past and has never forgotten about Kat. He's determined to earn a second chance, without sabotaging her degree, but that's easier said than done.
August 24, 2022
Pretty mehhhh. As is any Lauren Blakely book I’ve read. I think I may have chuckled a few times and a few mildly sweet lines here and there but it was pretty flat otherwise.
I’d only recommend reading this if you’ve just had your wisdom teeth out, are on painkillers, falling in and out of sleep, and don’t mind missing large chunks of a book. Too specific? Sorry, I can’t recommend under any other circumstances. 3.0 ⭐️
I’d only recommend reading this if you’ve just had your wisdom teeth out, are on painkillers, falling in and out of sleep, and don’t mind missing large chunks of a book. Too specific? Sorry, I can’t recommend under any other circumstances. 3.0 ⭐️
February 28, 2020
I enjoyed this second chance friends-to-lovers story.
May 19, 2021
Zachary Webber reeled me in, until I realized this was a book I'd read in the past and it was... Meh...
It's still is... Not bad, not great.
It's still is... Not bad, not great.
March 16, 2023
also meh and ew why was a 23 yr old dating an 18 yr old? vom! 2.5 stars.
that gave me the ick and the story was also just so so. idc if it’s a second chance romance… that age gap is so not for me.
this series is very very okay
that gave me the ick and the story was also just so so. idc if it’s a second chance romance… that age gap is so not for me.
this series is very very okay
September 15, 2021
It wasn't my favorite mistake... ha!
May 21, 2021
I am a Lauren Blakey fan. Her books are cute, and just easy to zip right through because you want to hear about the love story. I typically love both the female and the male leads in the story. But this one I couldn’t!
I couldn’t believe she forgave/let him off the hook soooo easy! He broke her heart (over the phone), and left without an explanation or care. And for five years she was broken hearted. I get that, but she just let all that pain for five years go so easy! I mean I understand second chance love (and root for it), I get that love can make you forgive easy and doing stupid things, heck we have all been there. But she made a whole company over her broken heart, and then it takes one conversation and she is sticking up for the BS he did to her? What!?! And Bryan! Of all the male character I’ve read he is the biggest jerk, because he is a hidden jerk! He is sweet caring, says the right things, does the right things; but breaks up with her “for her” without talking to her. Yeah right! It was for you, dude. If it wasn’t for you, you would have talked to her, if you really “loved” her like you said you would have made her college experience awesome instead of saying “I’ll stand in your way”. You broke up with her for yourself, own it. And your apology was not heart felt, and she forgave you too easy! I guarantee you still think breaking up with her “for her” was the right thing to do and if a situation were to come up again similarly you would do it again! (Yes I realize Bryan isn’t a real person, but if there is ever a guy out there that thinks like this-get your head out of your butt seriously).
The start of this love story was cute, and real. But gosh I couldn’t get past the huge fact that I just didn’t believe Bryan saw the error of his way and would truly treat her as his partner in life and not someone he had to “protect”.
Another big issue was, there was no steamy scenes until the very end! Look I’m reading these story’s for the cutesie love stories and the steamy encounters. And there just wasn’t between Kat and Bryan. I prefer stories with sexy scenes scattered throughout the book; not one at the very end! Ugh! But I could get past it if it was an exceptional scene but it wasn’t. Total Let Down.
I couldn’t believe she forgave/let him off the hook soooo easy! He broke her heart (over the phone), and left without an explanation or care. And for five years she was broken hearted. I get that, but she just let all that pain for five years go so easy! I mean I understand second chance love (and root for it), I get that love can make you forgive easy and doing stupid things, heck we have all been there. But she made a whole company over her broken heart, and then it takes one conversation and she is sticking up for the BS he did to her? What!?! And Bryan! Of all the male character I’ve read he is the biggest jerk, because he is a hidden jerk! He is sweet caring, says the right things, does the right things; but breaks up with her “for her” without talking to her. Yeah right! It was for you, dude. If it wasn’t for you, you would have talked to her, if you really “loved” her like you said you would have made her college experience awesome instead of saying “I’ll stand in your way”. You broke up with her for yourself, own it. And your apology was not heart felt, and she forgave you too easy! I guarantee you still think breaking up with her “for her” was the right thing to do and if a situation were to come up again similarly you would do it again! (Yes I realize Bryan isn’t a real person, but if there is ever a guy out there that thinks like this-get your head out of your butt seriously).
The start of this love story was cute, and real. But gosh I couldn’t get past the huge fact that I just didn’t believe Bryan saw the error of his way and would truly treat her as his partner in life and not someone he had to “protect”.
Another big issue was, there was no steamy scenes until the very end! Look I’m reading these story’s for the cutesie love stories and the steamy encounters. And there just wasn’t between Kat and Bryan. I prefer stories with sexy scenes scattered throughout the book; not one at the very end! Ugh! But I could get past it if it was an exceptional scene but it wasn’t. Total Let Down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2021
Really sweet second chance romance. Not exactly one of my favorites from LB but I didn't hate it. The story follows Kat and Bryan. Kat is the little sister of Bryan's best friend. They dated and fell in love when she was just about to graduate high school and he was about to finish college. He decides to break up with her when he gets a job in Paris and she goes to college in NY because he doesn't want her to spend her college time waiting around for him. Years later, Kat is in her final year of college and in order to graduate she had to have a professional mentor to help her with her business. Bryan is that mentor. So there's a push pull of not wanting to fall again for her ex, while he wants her back. Then there's the working element and the mysterious reason why he broke up with her. It was kind of a slow burn. Heart factor is about a two. It was ok.
December 19, 2025
Kat is a business student in her final semester. As an aspiring jewelry maker she is matched with a mentor and alum for her final field experience. She is unexpectedly matched together with Bryan, her first love from 5 years ago when she was 18 and he was her older brothers best friend. All the walls are up but it’s obvious from the start mutual feelings still remain. We learn why they drifted apart and why Bryan broke both their hearts when they broke up. Now all grown up, kat is 23 and up and coming in the business world and Bryan is 28 and running his own business.
I listened to the audiobook as I often do with Lauren Blakely. Her narrators are the best around. Never have I been disappointed.
I listened to the audiobook as I often do with Lauren Blakely. Her narrators are the best around. Never have I been disappointed.
January 3, 2022
Cute but very predictable. I liked it okay but was upset with how he handled leaving her 5 years ago, his reason for it and the back and forth with the chapters between 5 years and now. I would have preferred a prologue with their backstory instead of all the jumping around. My biggest issue was that they start something again without ever talking about the past and that is shown to us in between scenes from the present yet it's never addressed until after they start up again and I find that highly unlikely. I sure as heck wouldn't start talking and flirting with the man that broke my heart and never broach the subject of how he did it before I forgave him enough to move on with him.
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