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Long Lost
Brand new stand alone from NYT and USA Bestselling Author Cora Brent. Forbidden friendships and small town secrets. Enemies-to-lovers and tragic legacies.
"Why are you trying to make me hate you?"
"Because you should."
We should have been enemies from the beginning.
But we were children when we met and children tend to ignore such rules.
Even if the rules exist for a reason.
Because Jonathan came from a family of savage killers.
While I was born into the broken aftermath of their victims.
For one short season we were inseparable.
All it took was one terrible day to turn us into strangers.
For years I refused to even think about him.
Until he shows up here, far away from where we started.
The gentle boy I remember has grown into a volatile man with a steely glare and a different name.
He won't admit to who he is.
Or where he comes form.
Or who we are to each other.
And I knew I shouldn't have provoked him.
I knew I shouldn't have touched him.
Most of all I knew I shouldn't have given him my heart.
Yes, Jonathan and I were born to be enemies.
And maybe that's how our story will end after all...
"Why are you trying to make me hate you?"
"Because you should."
We should have been enemies from the beginning.
But we were children when we met and children tend to ignore such rules.
Even if the rules exist for a reason.
Because Jonathan came from a family of savage killers.
While I was born into the broken aftermath of their victims.
For one short season we were inseparable.
All it took was one terrible day to turn us into strangers.
For years I refused to even think about him.
Until he shows up here, far away from where we started.
The gentle boy I remember has grown into a volatile man with a steely glare and a different name.
He won't admit to who he is.
Or where he comes form.
Or who we are to each other.
And I knew I shouldn't have provoked him.
I knew I shouldn't have touched him.
Most of all I knew I shouldn't have given him my heart.
Yes, Jonathan and I were born to be enemies.
And maybe that's how our story will end after all...
255 pages, ebook
Published March 9, 2020
578 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
About the author
Cora Brent
64 books3,767 followersI'm a huge fan of insta-love , grunge era flannel, my vintage Kenmore sewing machine, embroidered dishcloths and absolutely everything that has to do with 1980s pop culture (i.e. leg warmers, scrunchies, big hair, early Madonna, boom boxes, wood paneled walls, stonewash jeans, etc).
If you believe in Happily Ever After and improbable love stories, chances are I'll love you too!!
Email: corabrentwrites@yahoo.com
If you believe in Happily Ever After and improbable love stories, chances are I'll love you too!!
Email: corabrentwrites@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 11, 2020
Awesome!!
Caris and Jonathan met when she moved for the summer to stay with her Aunt and became friends. Their families share a past that comes between them and they become estranged. Fast forward nine years, and Jonathan, now known as Jay, returns to Texas to help his friend in his time of need. Jay was shocked to come in contact with Caris and despite his attempts to stay off of her radar, he felt himself being pulled to her. Their struggle to overcome their past was not easy but they persevered and were able to find the balance to become exactly what each other needed. I loved how the story was written in both the present and the past giving the reader insight as to the history of the families. Cora Brent has written another wonderful story filled with heartache and redemption. This is definitely a journey that you will want to be a part of.
Caris and Jonathan met when she moved for the summer to stay with her Aunt and became friends. Their families share a past that comes between them and they become estranged. Fast forward nine years, and Jonathan, now known as Jay, returns to Texas to help his friend in his time of need. Jay was shocked to come in contact with Caris and despite his attempts to stay off of her radar, he felt himself being pulled to her. Their struggle to overcome their past was not easy but they persevered and were able to find the balance to become exactly what each other needed. I loved how the story was written in both the present and the past giving the reader insight as to the history of the families. Cora Brent has written another wonderful story filled with heartache and redemption. This is definitely a journey that you will want to be a part of.
August 11, 2022
4.5 estrellitas
Me encantó!!
Jonathan/Jay fue una ternurita, ese niño me robó el corazón a pesar de todo lo que vivía con su familia tenía un corazón muy noble!! Me encantó el hombre en que se convirtió porque dentro de toda esa dureza exterior todavía estaba ese niño que solo quería ser amado y tener aunque sea un amigo!!
Me dio mucha cosita con Shane, todo lo que le hicieron a ese pobre muchacho! Me alegro que haya conseguido alguien que lo ame con todo y sus problemas y el que tuviera el apoyo y la amistad de Jay fue algo importante para salir de ese hoyo!!
Uff me gustó mucho esta historia... fue algo trágico para las familias de Caris y Johnny pero donde nada de eso impidió que estos dos niños pudieran ver más allá del odio entre sus familias y se hicieran amigos y más adelante algo más que amigos!!
Me encantó!!
Jonathan/Jay fue una ternurita, ese niño me robó el corazón a pesar de todo lo que vivía con su familia tenía un corazón muy noble!! Me encantó el hombre en que se convirtió porque dentro de toda esa dureza exterior todavía estaba ese niño que solo quería ser amado y tener aunque sea un amigo!!
Me dio mucha cosita con Shane, todo lo que le hicieron a ese pobre muchacho! Me alegro que haya conseguido alguien que lo ame con todo y sus problemas y el que tuviera el apoyo y la amistad de Jay fue algo importante para salir de ese hoyo!!
Uff me gustó mucho esta historia... fue algo trágico para las familias de Caris y Johnny pero donde nada de eso impidió que estos dos niños pudieran ver más allá del odio entre sus familias y se hicieran amigos y más adelante algo más que amigos!!
August 15, 2021
Se lee rápido y es entretenida, pero le faltó un montón de desarrollo a la relación y a la historia de trasfondo (los crímenes). Me da risa porque lo terminé y me quedé pensando en que al final nunca tuvieron una conversación seria sobre el pasado de él, que era lit sobre lo que se quejaba la mina.
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January 27, 2021★Sale Alert !★ ⌛
On sale on Amazon today (1/27/2021)! for $0.99 on Amazon (regular price $3.99 )💞
On sale on Amazon today (1/27/2021)! for $0.99 on Amazon (regular price $3.99 )💞
March 8, 2020
Jonathan “Jay” Hempstead wasn’t raised in what you would call a normal family. They were Evil...but you can’t change your heritage. His grandparents were notorious in town for what they did to one family. Her Family...Caris Marano. As an adult, Jay might try to start a new life and leave to past behind but can you really ever leave it truly behind? When Jay goes to help a friend out with a bakery he finds more than he bargained for with a familiar faced girl...Caris. She was a childhood friend until the truth of his past came to light. They might be from different kinds of families but these too are destined to be connected. Friends to Strangers...Enemies. Can they find what they once had while forced to work together? This is told from when they met at 13 going back and forth from past/present. Caris and Jay is a unique story that I enjoyed. Not everything is at it seems. Told in dual POV
March 14, 2020
I really enjoyed both main characters in this book. It’s kind of a mix between enemies to lovers (which isn’t my favorite trope generally) and old friends. I’m also not usually a big fan of past times thrown in but it really worked here and there weren’t too many flashbacks to be annoying, just enough. Overall, interesting story and great characters. Not my favorite Cora Brent book but a good read.
March 8, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn in from the beginning and read the whole book in one sitting. Throughout the book you go from 9 years ago and back to the present, following two different characters Jay and Caris.
I enjoyed being able to see both sides of the story, both in the past and in the current time of the story. You get to go through their struggles as well as them overcoming their pasts. Because of their families and their histories, they shouldn't even speak, but they go from fast friends to angsty frenemies to love interests. I enjoyed their journey and hope you will too.
I was drawn in from the beginning and read the whole book in one sitting. Throughout the book you go from 9 years ago and back to the present, following two different characters Jay and Caris.
I enjoyed being able to see both sides of the story, both in the past and in the current time of the story. You get to go through their struggles as well as them overcoming their pasts. Because of their families and their histories, they shouldn't even speak, but they go from fast friends to angsty frenemies to love interests. I enjoyed their journey and hope you will too.
October 24, 2020
Long Lost has been on my Kindle for a while. This week I finally got around to reading it, and Jay and Caris’s story was one of heartache, secrets and second chances, and one I enjoyed reading.
Caris and Jay first meet when they are 13 when Caris is visiting her aunt in Arcana, Texas for the summer. It’s a typical small town, with secrets, but the worst is the murder of Caris’s grandparents over 40 years ago. Caris quickly strikes up a friendship with Jay, and they spend the summer together, going against all the judgement as, it turns out, Jay’s grandfather was their killer. But tragedy strikes at the end of the summer, and they end on bad terms, and their lives take them on completely different paths, until they are suddenly reunited 9 years later, when Jay moves back to Texas to help his friend Shane, who inherited a bakery. By pure coincidence, Caris and her friend Lana are Shane’s tenants, and history repeats itself with Caris and Jay under the same roof for one summer. But Jay isn’t the shy, skinny boy that Caris knew anymore, he’s changed, he’s hardened from his difficult life over the past decade and knows how easily he could fall into relying on Caris, so pushes her away. But Caris keeps pushing, and as they spend more time in each other’s company, secrets begin are revealed, and so are feelings. Will they go against a curse that’s lasted generations and get their HEA?
Jay and Caris’s story was hard, but I wouldn’t say they had any of their own relationship problems keeping them apart, it was just fighting against their families’ histories of being enemies, and I really liked that there wasn’t any unnecessary couple drama added in. Jay had experienced difficult things, and had not had an easy life at all, but he made what he could of it. He kept Caris out for as long as he could but once he crossed that boundary, the man was all in! Caris was fairly naïve to the family history, even when they reunited, but never let it impair her judgement of Jay. They were star-crossed lovers in some way and meant to be from the start, not letting their families’ entwined pasts define their future as a couple.
Caris and Jay first meet when they are 13 when Caris is visiting her aunt in Arcana, Texas for the summer. It’s a typical small town, with secrets, but the worst is the murder of Caris’s grandparents over 40 years ago. Caris quickly strikes up a friendship with Jay, and they spend the summer together, going against all the judgement as, it turns out, Jay’s grandfather was their killer. But tragedy strikes at the end of the summer, and they end on bad terms, and their lives take them on completely different paths, until they are suddenly reunited 9 years later, when Jay moves back to Texas to help his friend Shane, who inherited a bakery. By pure coincidence, Caris and her friend Lana are Shane’s tenants, and history repeats itself with Caris and Jay under the same roof for one summer. But Jay isn’t the shy, skinny boy that Caris knew anymore, he’s changed, he’s hardened from his difficult life over the past decade and knows how easily he could fall into relying on Caris, so pushes her away. But Caris keeps pushing, and as they spend more time in each other’s company, secrets begin are revealed, and so are feelings. Will they go against a curse that’s lasted generations and get their HEA?
Jay and Caris’s story was hard, but I wouldn’t say they had any of their own relationship problems keeping them apart, it was just fighting against their families’ histories of being enemies, and I really liked that there wasn’t any unnecessary couple drama added in. Jay had experienced difficult things, and had not had an easy life at all, but he made what he could of it. He kept Caris out for as long as he could but once he crossed that boundary, the man was all in! Caris was fairly naïve to the family history, even when they reunited, but never let it impair her judgement of Jay. They were star-crossed lovers in some way and meant to be from the start, not letting their families’ entwined pasts define their future as a couple.
March 11, 2020
For me Cora Brent always writes books that hold a deeper meaning if you look hard enough and 'Long Lost' is no different. The moral of this story 'don't let your past define your future'.
Throughout the book the story flashes back to Caris and Johnny at 13 - which I feel you need to truly understand this remarkable story.
The Hempsteads and The Chapels have been tragically intertwined for over 50 years when a Hempstead was convicted of the brutal murder of Caris's grandmother.
But when a 13 year Caris Chapelis sent to spend the summer with her Aunt in Arcana she has now idea of the brutal past. The shy Caris makes friends with shy Johnny Hempstead also 13 who spends his time as far away from the trailer park and his brother with the mean right hook as much as possible. The two are in separable until another tragic event between the Hempsteads and The Chapels causes Johnny to do the one thing he didn't want to do - make Caris hate him!
9 years later and Johnny is now Jay and is on his way back to Texas to help his best friend Shane who has become owner of a house and bakery - what it wasn't expecting to see Caris who with her best friend are tenants at the house owned by Shane.
Jay plans to do everything he can to stay away from Caris and avoid her at all costs but that isn't easy when the feelings of a young boy resurface again. Caris has never forgotten the boy she loved as a young girl and although she too tries to stay away the two are drawn together again.
Jay will do everything he can to keep Caris by his side forever, can the curse of the Hempsteads and the Chapels finally be broken for these two to have their second chance.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review which I always strive to do!
Throughout the book the story flashes back to Caris and Johnny at 13 - which I feel you need to truly understand this remarkable story.
The Hempsteads and The Chapels have been tragically intertwined for over 50 years when a Hempstead was convicted of the brutal murder of Caris's grandmother.
But when a 13 year Caris Chapelis sent to spend the summer with her Aunt in Arcana she has now idea of the brutal past. The shy Caris makes friends with shy Johnny Hempstead also 13 who spends his time as far away from the trailer park and his brother with the mean right hook as much as possible. The two are in separable until another tragic event between the Hempsteads and The Chapels causes Johnny to do the one thing he didn't want to do - make Caris hate him!
9 years later and Johnny is now Jay and is on his way back to Texas to help his best friend Shane who has become owner of a house and bakery - what it wasn't expecting to see Caris who with her best friend are tenants at the house owned by Shane.
Jay plans to do everything he can to stay away from Caris and avoid her at all costs but that isn't easy when the feelings of a young boy resurface again. Caris has never forgotten the boy she loved as a young girl and although she too tries to stay away the two are drawn together again.
Jay will do everything he can to keep Caris by his side forever, can the curse of the Hempsteads and the Chapels finally be broken for these two to have their second chance.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review which I always strive to do!
March 10, 2020
This story is a friends to enemies to lovers romance. And I really enjoyed it. There is a lot of flash backs from past to present and some mystery to the story line which Cora nailed.
Johnny and Caris met one summer when they were teenagers. The unlikely pair quickly became friends. Both were battling separate issues with their own families that ultimately came between them and ripped them apart.
Johnny has grown to be a bitter man, but under all that tough exterior and anger he's a natural care giver, no matter how hard he tries to be indifferent. He's a loyal friend even though he didn't grow up with great role models. He's spent the last several years trying to forget his past.
Caris has a heart of gold. She's loyal to a fault and tries to see the best in everyone. Growing up the way she did, it's a miracle that she has any optimism left, and after so many low points she keeps forging on.
After many years fate has Johnny and Caris crossing paths again in the most unlikely way. Johnny's spiteful and hell bent on keeping distance from Caris. Can she break down his walls and rekindle their once strong friendship or are they destined to end up as casualties from their families history.
Johnny and Caris met one summer when they were teenagers. The unlikely pair quickly became friends. Both were battling separate issues with their own families that ultimately came between them and ripped them apart.
Johnny has grown to be a bitter man, but under all that tough exterior and anger he's a natural care giver, no matter how hard he tries to be indifferent. He's a loyal friend even though he didn't grow up with great role models. He's spent the last several years trying to forget his past.
Caris has a heart of gold. She's loyal to a fault and tries to see the best in everyone. Growing up the way she did, it's a miracle that she has any optimism left, and after so many low points she keeps forging on.
After many years fate has Johnny and Caris crossing paths again in the most unlikely way. Johnny's spiteful and hell bent on keeping distance from Caris. Can she break down his walls and rekindle their once strong friendship or are they destined to end up as casualties from their families history.
March 9, 2020
Another beautifully written and intricately woven story from Cora Brent. As always her writing style was flawless, it's one of the reasons she never fails to draw me in with her words.
Long Lost is a story of friendship and an unforgettable bond that two teenagers shared over one summer.
Jonathon and Caris became friends at a young age, both their families were shrouded with secrets but they didn't care, until one awful day they parted ways becoming strangers.
Years later they meet again but the secrets are still looming between them, they're supposed be enemies but they can't forget what they once meant to one another.
I loved the way this story went back and forth giving us glimpses into the past from both Jonathon and Caris. It helped give me a better understanding of not only them but their families too.
This story was emotional and raw at times, but it was also a story about survival, strength and second chances and I loved every minute.
I'm really hoping Cora has future plans to write stories for some of the characters in this book. There's a couple of them that I'd love to catch up with.
Long Lost is a story of friendship and an unforgettable bond that two teenagers shared over one summer.
Jonathon and Caris became friends at a young age, both their families were shrouded with secrets but they didn't care, until one awful day they parted ways becoming strangers.
Years later they meet again but the secrets are still looming between them, they're supposed be enemies but they can't forget what they once meant to one another.
I loved the way this story went back and forth giving us glimpses into the past from both Jonathon and Caris. It helped give me a better understanding of not only them but their families too.
This story was emotional and raw at times, but it was also a story about survival, strength and second chances and I loved every minute.
I'm really hoping Cora has future plans to write stories for some of the characters in this book. There's a couple of them that I'd love to catch up with.
March 11, 2020
Cora Brent is one of my favorite authors, and I was so excited to read this one!! This is a fated, friends to lovers that has all the feels!!!
Jonathan and Caris form such an incredible and strong bond when they were just teenagers, but with both of their families immersed in a life full of lies and deciet, and the young friends are torn apart only to reconnect years later by pure fate. But Jonathan is no longer that sweet boy he once was; he is hardened by all he's done and seen, and the cruel hand life has dealt him. Can he find the happiness with the only woman he's ever wanted? Or is his past too tainted for the one he loves to truly accept him?
This story was so amazing!!! All of Cora's books are so damn good, but this one is above and beyond anything she has written! It's so emotional, and the love our two characters have for one another just leaps off the page! I definitely recommend this book!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Jonathan and Caris form such an incredible and strong bond when they were just teenagers, but with both of their families immersed in a life full of lies and deciet, and the young friends are torn apart only to reconnect years later by pure fate. But Jonathan is no longer that sweet boy he once was; he is hardened by all he's done and seen, and the cruel hand life has dealt him. Can he find the happiness with the only woman he's ever wanted? Or is his past too tainted for the one he loves to truly accept him?
This story was so amazing!!! All of Cora's books are so damn good, but this one is above and beyond anything she has written! It's so emotional, and the love our two characters have for one another just leaps off the page! I definitely recommend this book!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
March 9, 2020
Prepare yourself to go on an epic journey of family, friendship, fate, anger, hatred and love. Emotions are very much the fuel for this romance. Caris and Jay are complex characters that are easy to feel for. The intense attraction, powerful connection and simmering chemistry between these two when paired with the tragic and complicated history they share gave off a very "star-crossed" Romeo and Juliet feeling. I admit that I am not always a huge fan of a lot of back and forth in timelines of the books I'm reading but when you take into consideration the story being told and everything there was to learn and discover, I felt it was necessary and done very well. It never seemed intrusive or to impede the flow of the book. If you like a book that delivers plenty of feels while keeping you on the edge of your seat, you really must read this book. I am electing to post a candid review.
March 9, 2020
Sigh...Cora Brent you did it again. Taken my heart and emotions and twisted them all up. This book was different from Brent's usual works in some ways, but very much as deeply moving and exciting as her other family dramas like the Gentry family. Caris and Jay had a volatile past filled with sadness and evil deeds and shame. Two people could not have been so different in how they were raised and yet both of them suffered in their own right at the hands of their families.
This is a second chance romance of epic proportions. Going back and forth from their teenage meeting to present day and the unexpected reunion that happens (it was just fated)...it was both exciting and heartbreaking but with a satisfying conclusion. This author writes from the heart and she breaks mine with every book I read...until she doesn't. Loved it.
***** 5 ***** "at last their love has come to town" stars
This is a second chance romance of epic proportions. Going back and forth from their teenage meeting to present day and the unexpected reunion that happens (it was just fated)...it was both exciting and heartbreaking but with a satisfying conclusion. This author writes from the heart and she breaks mine with every book I read...until she doesn't. Loved it.
***** 5 ***** "at last their love has come to town" stars
March 10, 2020
Caris and Jonathan were briefly young friends. Family and circumstance separate the unlikely pair and years later, fate brings them together again. Jonathan's life hasn't been pretty. In fact, its been raw and gritty. He has struggled and managed to rise above his past. If anyone deserves a happily ever after, he does. But before that can happen he needs to realize his self worth. Caris has also overcome obstacles on her path to adulthood. Life for her hasn't always been easy yet her determination has helped her through. When they meet again, they struggle to find their place in each others life. And while Caris she has always been unwavering in her acceptance of Jonathan, there are still secrets. Her determination may not be enough this time. This is an emotional story, intense at times and beautifully written.
March 11, 2020
Cora always writes these stories that hit my heart and Long Lost is no different. I loved every minute of it and could not put it down. Right from the first page you are invested in Joanthan's and Caris story.
Caris goes to stay with her aunt one summer and she meets this shy boy Jonathan. The soon become fast friends are inseparable. They do everything together and have this wonderful summer until Jonathan does something to mess it up.
Fast forward to nine years and the Jonathan is in town helping out his friend when he sees Caris and all those old feelings come back with a vengeance. He tries so hard to stay away from her but he can't and when he does approach her she is cautious because of how they left things off.
Can Caris and Jonathan be together or will they forever be doomed.......
Caris goes to stay with her aunt one summer and she meets this shy boy Jonathan. The soon become fast friends are inseparable. They do everything together and have this wonderful summer until Jonathan does something to mess it up.
Fast forward to nine years and the Jonathan is in town helping out his friend when he sees Caris and all those old feelings come back with a vengeance. He tries so hard to stay away from her but he can't and when he does approach her she is cautious because of how they left things off.
Can Caris and Jonathan be together or will they forever be doomed.......
March 8, 2020
**I volunteered to review this on behalf of the author and thank them and their team by leaving this unbiased review**
When this appeared on my kindle very very early this morning, I couldn't wait to crack it open. I have loved a whole of this authors previous work and this is no different. The grit, the rawness and the characters were exactly what I've come to expect and admire in Cora Brent's work.
This is a really great friends to frenemies to lovers small town romance with family drama to the max. I found this to be a very quick read even though it was full length and that's because I inhale a Cora Brent novel so fast because each one is precious.
I cannot wait for whatever she brings out next.
When this appeared on my kindle very very early this morning, I couldn't wait to crack it open. I have loved a whole of this authors previous work and this is no different. The grit, the rawness and the characters were exactly what I've come to expect and admire in Cora Brent's work.
This is a really great friends to frenemies to lovers small town romance with family drama to the max. I found this to be a very quick read even though it was full length and that's because I inhale a Cora Brent novel so fast because each one is precious.
I cannot wait for whatever she brings out next.
July 15, 2021
It was a quick and very nice read.
I really enjoyed reading those scenes of children, so innocent, enjoying their summer, not knowing what fate would have in store for them.
Although it is a friends to lovers story I liked Caris' attitude, her strength and personality.
I understood where Jay was coming from though, he was never a jerk to her.
With trouble, turmoil and many bumps they managed to get what they always deserved.
I really liked that Lana and Shane's storyline developed alongside.
I really enjoyed reading those scenes of children, so innocent, enjoying their summer, not knowing what fate would have in store for them.
Although it is a friends to lovers story I liked Caris' attitude, her strength and personality.
I understood where Jay was coming from though, he was never a jerk to her.
With trouble, turmoil and many bumps they managed to get what they always deserved.
I really liked that Lana and Shane's storyline developed alongside.
March 10, 2020
Jonathan and Caris new each other when they were younger but when they meet again Jonathan has become Jay. These two did not have the best ending and Jonathan was definitely not nice the last time they saw each other. Years later when they end up living together is it cruel or is it fate can they get past the past or will it haunt them. Can these two over come it all and make a fresh start. These two got alot going for them!
March 11, 2020
Loved Jay and Caris' story! I really enjoyed being able to see their story from the past to present.
Jay and Caris both have a crazy family history and because of that they shouldn't even speak to each other but are drawn to each other both as kids and adults. You see their struggles both separate and together. 2 people who thought they would never see each other again but are destined to find one another. Great story, could not put this down!!
Jay and Caris both have a crazy family history and because of that they shouldn't even speak to each other but are drawn to each other both as kids and adults. You see their struggles both separate and together. 2 people who thought they would never see each other again but are destined to find one another. Great story, could not put this down!!
March 14, 2020
Good read
This was a good story, I really enjoyed the connection between jay and Caris. I liked that the flashbacks were well timed and didn’t make the story confusing.
This was a good story, I really enjoyed the connection between jay and Caris. I liked that the flashbacks were well timed and didn’t make the story confusing.
March 30, 2020
All the feels
I didn’t think I would like anyone better the Gentry’s, but I think Jay just stole my heart (and panties)!!!! Excellent story and excellent writing. Read it today!!!!
I didn’t think I would like anyone better the Gentry’s, but I think Jay just stole my heart (and panties)!!!! Excellent story and excellent writing. Read it today!!!!
March 14, 2020
Another great story! Johnny and Caris meet one summer at the age of 13 and make an instant connection of friendship, one summer is all they had never expecting to see one another again. Until nine years later fate brings them back together, but so much has happened and too many family tragedies and secrets lay between them. That connection is still there along with heated attraction. Can Caris get through Jay’s walls?
Cute story of young love with twists and turns of both their families intertwined tragic history. But not all is always what it seems!
Cute story of young love with twists and turns of both their families intertwined tragic history. But not all is always what it seems!
September 29, 2021
Bueno puedo decir que me gusto por que me tubo entretenida hace mucho que no lei nada de esta autora y me encanto todo el drama y la historia detras y creo que alavez es hermoso por que por generaciones se gustaron las dos familias y al final los bisnietos quedaron juntos ...
No es de esos inolvidables pero fue bonito me hizo creer en el amor de nuevo y las segundas oportunidades ♥♥
No es de esos inolvidables pero fue bonito me hizo creer en el amor de nuevo y las segundas oportunidades ♥♥
April 29, 2020
So...this book sounded better than it actually ended up being.
This was the classic friends to enemies to lovers trope. And, don't get me wrong, it had a lot of potential to be a fantastic book. But, there was a lot of disconnect that left me just saying...ho-hum.
This story follows Jonathan and Caris who met when they were 13 years old. They both have tough upbringings and have dealt with some form of tragedy. Unbeknownst to them when they first meet, they're actually more connected than they realize. Anyhoo...the story moves forward in the future when Caris and Jonathan meet again. Jonathan, now know as Jay, has tried to reinvent himself and move past his less than wonderful childhood. Caris doesn't recognize him at first, but once she realizes who he is, she tries to rekindle their friendship and move to something more. There was also a bit of a thriller aspect as there's violence and murder in their past.
So, for me, I thought the author could have done more with developing their relationship. It seemed unbalanced and didn't really fit together. There was potential, but I felt there should have been more development. I often felt like the author was heading in an awesome direction and then there was an abrupt stop and shift to the story.
I also was thinking there could have been more done with the murder of Caris' grandparents and solving of other crimes. I don't want to give too much away spoiler wise, but that had potential to be more and would have really added some great elements to the story.
But still, 2 stars for effort.
This was the classic friends to enemies to lovers trope. And, don't get me wrong, it had a lot of potential to be a fantastic book. But, there was a lot of disconnect that left me just saying...ho-hum.
This story follows Jonathan and Caris who met when they were 13 years old. They both have tough upbringings and have dealt with some form of tragedy. Unbeknownst to them when they first meet, they're actually more connected than they realize. Anyhoo...the story moves forward in the future when Caris and Jonathan meet again. Jonathan, now know as Jay, has tried to reinvent himself and move past his less than wonderful childhood. Caris doesn't recognize him at first, but once she realizes who he is, she tries to rekindle their friendship and move to something more. There was also a bit of a thriller aspect as there's violence and murder in their past.
So, for me, I thought the author could have done more with developing their relationship. It seemed unbalanced and didn't really fit together. There was potential, but I felt there should have been more development. I often felt like the author was heading in an awesome direction and then there was an abrupt stop and shift to the story.
I also was thinking there could have been more done with the murder of Caris' grandparents and solving of other crimes. I don't want to give too much away spoiler wise, but that had potential to be more and would have really added some great elements to the story.
But still, 2 stars for effort.
March 20, 2021
What an lovely story even though it is filled with secrets and family feuds. Caris is a sweet girl with a hear of gold and Jay is a broken man in need of love and he gets it from Caris. Sad to finish this book but aren't we always sad to finish a good read.
April 18, 2020
This book had nothing that kept my interest. This story should be rewritten.
March 20, 2020
When Caris Marano and Jonathan Hempstead first met they were two young kids with seemingly nothing in common. But when a summer spent together changes their lives inexplicably, the connection they once shared will continue on... even though their paths may be destined to never cross again...
Jonathan Hempstead lived through a hard childhood, and meeting Caris was one of it's only lights... until their friendship was snuffed out way too soon. Reinventing himself as Jay Phoenix and leaving his old life completely behind, the last person he ever expected to see again turns up as his brand new roommate...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Long Lost was a sweetly emotional read about a love that was never meant to be, but finds it's way after being incinerated in the ashes of their families tangled pasts. Caris and Johnny have everything going against them and future together, but with a reunion they never saw coming, the budding love they shared all those years ago will finally have a chance to flourish... or die out forever...
Caris was a sweet and trusting girl who has her heart broken by Johnny as a young girl, after he had come to mean so much to her. Seeing him again all those years later, she is happy to be around her old friend again, but Jay is less than welcoming, to say the least.
Johnny/Jay has come a long way since his childhood, and seeing Caris again brings all of his bad memories back again. But the friendship they shared all those years ago was built to last, and whether they realize it or not, Johnny and Caris are made for each other.
This was a sexy, intriguing read, with a interesting plot. From the storied past of the Hempstead and Chapel family, to the connection between Caris and Johnny, this heart wrenching story delivered on all the feels, and entertained throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
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Jonathan Hempstead lived through a hard childhood, and meeting Caris was one of it's only lights... until their friendship was snuffed out way too soon. Reinventing himself as Jay Phoenix and leaving his old life completely behind, the last person he ever expected to see again turns up as his brand new roommate...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Long Lost was a sweetly emotional read about a love that was never meant to be, but finds it's way after being incinerated in the ashes of their families tangled pasts. Caris and Johnny have everything going against them and future together, but with a reunion they never saw coming, the budding love they shared all those years ago will finally have a chance to flourish... or die out forever...
Caris was a sweet and trusting girl who has her heart broken by Johnny as a young girl, after he had come to mean so much to her. Seeing him again all those years later, she is happy to be around her old friend again, but Jay is less than welcoming, to say the least.
Johnny/Jay has come a long way since his childhood, and seeing Caris again brings all of his bad memories back again. But the friendship they shared all those years ago was built to last, and whether they realize it or not, Johnny and Caris are made for each other.
This was a sexy, intriguing read, with a interesting plot. From the storied past of the Hempstead and Chapel family, to the connection between Caris and Johnny, this heart wrenching story delivered on all the feels, and entertained throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Check out the Blog!
http://nightbirdnovels.com/2020/03/17...
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
March 21, 2020
Caris Marano was 13 when her mom was in the hospital and she was staying with her Aunt Vay in Arcana and she met a boy named Johnny Hempstead whom she spent her summer with until her dad came to get her. She knew there was a history between her family and Johnny’s but she chose to focus on the friendship that the two of them had.
Jay Phoenix has always tried to distance himself from his past but when he comes to Texas to help his best friend Shane with opening a bakery he has no idea that his past will find him.
When Caris thinks she knows who Jay is she tries to question him on it but he denies everything. Yet there is another side of Jay that is extremely protective of Caris no matter how much he hates her.
As Caris and Jay discover more secrets about the past will they be able to put everything behind them or will the hatred between them only grow?
This was a great book that I really enjoyed from start to finish.
I liked Caris and how easy going she was and how she truly didn’t judge people for their families but for themselves, knowing they weren’t responsible for the actions of others. I liked that she was true to herself and I loved her loyalty to her best friend and roommate Lana. Caris was smart and figured things out pretty quick.
Jay was a much more complex character as you could tell things had happened in his life that had made him very jaded. As the book went on you learned more and more and it was no wonder why Jay had so many “scars” over everything that had happened to him. It really broke my heart to realize everything he had suffered since a young child and he was an innocent victim in so many circumstances.
I was glad when things changed between Caris and Jay but the lack of communication from Jay really jeopardized everything.
I was very happy when certain events from the past were cleared up and both Caris and Jay were able to put things to rest!
The end was great and I really do hope we get to see these characters again!
By Rebecca
Jay Phoenix has always tried to distance himself from his past but when he comes to Texas to help his best friend Shane with opening a bakery he has no idea that his past will find him.
When Caris thinks she knows who Jay is she tries to question him on it but he denies everything. Yet there is another side of Jay that is extremely protective of Caris no matter how much he hates her.
As Caris and Jay discover more secrets about the past will they be able to put everything behind them or will the hatred between them only grow?
This was a great book that I really enjoyed from start to finish.
I liked Caris and how easy going she was and how she truly didn’t judge people for their families but for themselves, knowing they weren’t responsible for the actions of others. I liked that she was true to herself and I loved her loyalty to her best friend and roommate Lana. Caris was smart and figured things out pretty quick.
Jay was a much more complex character as you could tell things had happened in his life that had made him very jaded. As the book went on you learned more and more and it was no wonder why Jay had so many “scars” over everything that had happened to him. It really broke my heart to realize everything he had suffered since a young child and he was an innocent victim in so many circumstances.
I was glad when things changed between Caris and Jay but the lack of communication from Jay really jeopardized everything.
I was very happy when certain events from the past were cleared up and both Caris and Jay were able to put things to rest!
The end was great and I really do hope we get to see these characters again!
By Rebecca
March 12, 2020
This story is so heart warming i've gone all girl gushing!
I love the whole childhood friends reunited trope and this one was top notch!
Jay and Caris meet as teenagers. Both of them alone at that time, they form a friendship which stays in their hearts throughout their lives. Together for a short time only they go their seperate ways.
Life and fate throws them back together but its not a happy reunion as Jay struggles with his family's past. Caris never has seen it as a problem and struggles understanding why Jay feels this way.
The past threatens to destroy their future but can old ghosts be exorcised by the living?
I loved the style of this book. The flashbacks to the past were amazing. I loved seeing them as children and it really helped build up their connection.
Jay had a crappy life but i loved how he just came alive as soon as Caris and he reconnected.
Caris is sweet and forgiving and i think this is what draws you to her. She's not hot headed but thoughtful and level headed. She seems to have a calming aura which is great for Jay.
The two of them had such a connection you feel like you fall in love along with them. From their youth where its sweet and innocent to the present where its hot and electric! I just loved them!
The story as usual for this author is well written and thought out. Its a steady pace that keeps you in the build of their love. By the end my smile was big and happy and i got all the warm fuzzies!
I 100% need more from these characters. Hopefully badboy brother Rafe gets to show us he's not all bad at some point!! Come on Cora you know you wanna write it!!
Highly recommend! Especially if you're in the mood for warm fuzzies and a happily ever after!
I love the whole childhood friends reunited trope and this one was top notch!
Jay and Caris meet as teenagers. Both of them alone at that time, they form a friendship which stays in their hearts throughout their lives. Together for a short time only they go their seperate ways.
Life and fate throws them back together but its not a happy reunion as Jay struggles with his family's past. Caris never has seen it as a problem and struggles understanding why Jay feels this way.
The past threatens to destroy their future but can old ghosts be exorcised by the living?
I loved the style of this book. The flashbacks to the past were amazing. I loved seeing them as children and it really helped build up their connection.
Jay had a crappy life but i loved how he just came alive as soon as Caris and he reconnected.
Caris is sweet and forgiving and i think this is what draws you to her. She's not hot headed but thoughtful and level headed. She seems to have a calming aura which is great for Jay.
The two of them had such a connection you feel like you fall in love along with them. From their youth where its sweet and innocent to the present where its hot and electric! I just loved them!
The story as usual for this author is well written and thought out. Its a steady pace that keeps you in the build of their love. By the end my smile was big and happy and i got all the warm fuzzies!
I 100% need more from these characters. Hopefully badboy brother Rafe gets to show us he's not all bad at some point!! Come on Cora you know you wanna write it!!
Highly recommend! Especially if you're in the mood for warm fuzzies and a happily ever after!
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