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The Beginning of the End
Ambrey
My last name was royalty in New Orleans, at least, I guess to those who mattered. But to me…my last name was a curse.
High society. Expectations. Old money. Politics. Everything I despised.
If only they could see what happened behind those high-society closed doors. The same doors my daddy paid a lot of money to keep closed.
Deceit. Destruction. Bribery. You name it, my family was guilty of it.
My father’s throne was built on lies. Our family was the epitome of faux royalty.
Then, I fell in love and oh what a fool I was. I was just a pawn in my father’s game. And to use the man who claimed to love me...
Five years ago, I walked away, and left my father to his riches.
And that man who left me in broken, jagged pieces?
Well, what goes around, comes around.
Grey
Four years in a prison cell changes a man.
I spent those four years fighting to survive.
When I emerged, I was nothing like the man who had walked through those cell doors all those years ago.
I overcame things that I never imagined I’d be faced with..
The one person who promised to never leave, did.
The life I thought I knew, gone.
The future I once thought I had, up in smoke.
Like so many things in my life, my story and my future were stolen from me.
Sure, it’s made up of the usual parts…a beginning and an end. But just like every story, there’s a hero, there’s the villain…and then there’s me.
And this is the beginning of the end.
My last name was royalty in New Orleans, at least, I guess to those who mattered. But to me…my last name was a curse.
High society. Expectations. Old money. Politics. Everything I despised.
If only they could see what happened behind those high-society closed doors. The same doors my daddy paid a lot of money to keep closed.
Deceit. Destruction. Bribery. You name it, my family was guilty of it.
My father’s throne was built on lies. Our family was the epitome of faux royalty.
Then, I fell in love and oh what a fool I was. I was just a pawn in my father’s game. And to use the man who claimed to love me...
Five years ago, I walked away, and left my father to his riches.
And that man who left me in broken, jagged pieces?
Well, what goes around, comes around.
Grey
Four years in a prison cell changes a man.
I spent those four years fighting to survive.
When I emerged, I was nothing like the man who had walked through those cell doors all those years ago.
I overcame things that I never imagined I’d be faced with..
The one person who promised to never leave, did.
The life I thought I knew, gone.
The future I once thought I had, up in smoke.
Like so many things in my life, my story and my future were stolen from me.
Sure, it’s made up of the usual parts…a beginning and an end. But just like every story, there’s a hero, there’s the villain…and then there’s me.
And this is the beginning of the end.
279 pages, ebook
First published May 22, 2020
46 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
R. Holmes
24 books1,155 followersR. Holmes is from a small town in southern Louisiana where she lives on a farm, with her husband and two little boys. Whenever she's not chasing around the goats and her boys on the farm, she spends her time watching ridiculous amounts of Netflix and is almost always stuck with her nose in a book. She thrives on horror films, sarcasm, and reruns of Harry Potter. A perpetual night owl, you'll find her in her office locked away until the wee hours of the morning. She loves to meet her readers and discuss her latest favorite books and her upcoming projects!
Connect with her via Facebook, Instagram (@RHolmesAuthor) and twitter!
Connect with her via Facebook, Instagram (@RHolmesAuthor) and twitter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 22, 2020
Hated the hero throughout the book. He ran hot and cold and was very rude to the heroine. Heroine wasn’t better either. Sometimes she would get a backbone and sometimes was so pathetic.
He was not celibate during the separation. The first thing he did after getting out of prison was to have sex with someone and get her pregnant. He was an asshole to his ex’s parents who did nothing wrong but to helped their daughter get help and what did he do? He denied their rights to see their grandkid. He only let them see her one time and he later finds out they were in communication with their daughter he banned them from seeing his daughter.
There’s so much I could write about this book but I just don’t want to..
He was not celibate during the separation. The first thing he did after getting out of prison was to have sex with someone and get her pregnant. He was an asshole to his ex’s parents who did nothing wrong but to helped their daughter get help and what did he do? He denied their rights to see their grandkid. He only let them see her one time and he later finds out they were in communication with their daughter he banned them from seeing his daughter.
There’s so much I could write about this book but I just don’t want to..
May 23, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAgfP76AgbV/
4 ‘ My Moon, My Stars, Everything In Between’ Stars
Ahhhhh, who can resist the sweetest of single dad’s stories?! As angsty and emotional charged as expected from a second chance, The Beginning of The End really brought us all the feels in the combo of heart squeezing and steamy hot moments! A true page turner that once again made me wish I lived right there on NOLA!
Well, talk about books that have us so involved we want to jump into the pages and have words with the characters! That’s just how involved I was into Grey and Ambrey’s story.
If there ever were two halves of one soul, he’d be the other half of mine.
With the blurb announcing the heart wrenching separation, and the complicated past, I thought I had an idea going in about these two’s past and their heartbreak, but I really didn’t have a notion of just how tortured Grey was, and how much heart break Ambrey had to endure. And the fact that none of them was to blame for their separation, when they had felt they were each other’s rock and their forever, that about ruined me. I was heartbroken right there with them….
He broke my heart. He left me in pieces to pick up on my own, knowing he was the only person in the world who had ever helped me feel not so broken.
I’ve done nothing but love her with everything inside me.
And that love just destroyed me.
“Loving you cost me everything.”
Sooooo much pain, such a complicated past, it is no wonder things don’t go right back to how they were before their separation. Seeing each other now, after eight years, just brought back to light all that hurt and desperation. As much as they fought their feelings though – and I did wish Grey hadn’t taken so very long with his back and forth, hot and cold, that gave me a bit of whiplash, as did to Ambrey, lol, though I did understand his hesitation, because it did steal on the thing I missed the most in the book, more couple time – we could all see it was a fruitless battle. I did wish there was more true real couple time, or perhaps it’s the fact that we did have a lot of long moments between Grey and his baby girl, by themselves, that yes showed their connection, therefore important for the trope, I just craved just as many – in this case or romance, more, lol – one on one moments between the couple, specially after their reunion. I wanted more happy moments between them, because their connection was undeniable, I just wanted witness even more. They were just too deeply connected, we could practically FEEL every time they were in each other’s presence, their souls begging to be reunited, as well as their bodies, of course. Their attraction was so raw and evident, that I was almost screaming into my kindle, for they to just get together. Yep, Grey could be pretty maddening in his resistance, but oh boy, in those moments he let go, and gave in, and in the end when he finally opened up his heart: Oh my…. Swoon worthy!
We were like two storms, constantly crashing into each other, leaving behind a wake of destruction and carnage.
I don’t know if this time I’m strong enough to survive.
The Beginning of the End marks not only the return of R. Holmes’s writing that I enjoy so very much, but an incredible and intense ‘second chance’/’single dad’ romance combo that had me on the edge of my seat and mentally cheering for Grey and Ambrey. These two – and his adorable little girl – left me with a huge smile on my face, specially considering that PERFECT epilogue! Emotionally packed, intensely sexy and endearingly adorable, this was the perfect comeback tale. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Holmes will do with Bishop and Madi, I’m both scared and curious, lol! <3 <3 <3 <3
“You were always my moon and stars, and everything in between, chère. Just like stars do, I knew you’d always guide me home. Where I was supposed to be.”
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
For full review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
May 9, 2020
If you love second chance romances with a swoony single dad, a ton of sexual tension and a dash of feels, Grey and Ambrey have it covered!
The Beginning of the End tells the story of Grey Benoit and Ambrey Landry. What started off as an epic high school romance between the tatted up bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the privileged good girl, led to two broken hearts and years of separation. Eight years later, Amb is back in her hometown in New Orleans, and Grey has been released from prison and has a little girl. When they met again for the first time in years, I felt their chemistry sizzle through the pages. Their severed connection rebuilding through the words. And the push and pull sexual tension between them had me on my toes.
I loved the writing style, the character growth, the secondary characters... This book is my first read of R. Holmes', but it most definitely won't be my last!
The Beginning of the End tells the story of Grey Benoit and Ambrey Landry. What started off as an epic high school romance between the tatted up bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the privileged good girl, led to two broken hearts and years of separation. Eight years later, Amb is back in her hometown in New Orleans, and Grey has been released from prison and has a little girl. When they met again for the first time in years, I felt their chemistry sizzle through the pages. Their severed connection rebuilding through the words. And the push and pull sexual tension between them had me on my toes.
I loved the writing style, the character growth, the secondary characters... This book is my first read of R. Holmes', but it most definitely won't be my last!
May 23, 2020
The Beginning of the End by R. Holmes
5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#bookreview #arc2020 #marydbo
The Beginning of the End was my first read from author R. Holmes. It is written in dual POV and tells the story of Ambery & Grey.
I was very surprised that I loved every word of the story, the plot, the main character and the secondary characters as well, which made the story even more beautiful.
I don't usually enjoy second chance romance, but this story was very good.
New Orleans fascinates me. I really wish that maybe one day I can visit it.
Amber's family name was royalty in New Orleans. Her father was an important judge. He was the law, he made the law, but not the perfect husband or father. He was perfect only in public. He was awful in reality, but he liked to save the appearance.
One day, Amberley discovered what kind of man her father realy was. She knew he was bad, but not that bad. Only, he was a monster. He destroyed her life & her happiness, and she didn't even knew about it, until years later.
Grey had to pay the price. Now, he is not the stupid young boy who was years ago. Now he is an important business man, he has money, he has a beautiful daughter, but he isn't happy. His daughter is his life, his everything, and he is willing to do everything in his power to keep her safe.
Now, a spark came back in to his life. Is he willing to forgive, to open his heart?
For me, this book was perfect. It was an easy read, a perfect weekend read.
I highly recommend it ❤️
5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#bookreview #arc2020 #marydbo
The Beginning of the End was my first read from author R. Holmes. It is written in dual POV and tells the story of Ambery & Grey.
I was very surprised that I loved every word of the story, the plot, the main character and the secondary characters as well, which made the story even more beautiful.
I don't usually enjoy second chance romance, but this story was very good.
New Orleans fascinates me. I really wish that maybe one day I can visit it.
Amber's family name was royalty in New Orleans. Her father was an important judge. He was the law, he made the law, but not the perfect husband or father. He was perfect only in public. He was awful in reality, but he liked to save the appearance.
One day, Amberley discovered what kind of man her father realy was. She knew he was bad, but not that bad. Only, he was a monster. He destroyed her life & her happiness, and she didn't even knew about it, until years later.
Grey had to pay the price. Now, he is not the stupid young boy who was years ago. Now he is an important business man, he has money, he has a beautiful daughter, but he isn't happy. His daughter is his life, his everything, and he is willing to do everything in his power to keep her safe.
Now, a spark came back in to his life. Is he willing to forgive, to open his heart?
For me, this book was perfect. It was an easy read, a perfect weekend read.
I highly recommend it ❤️
May 21, 2020
The Beginning of the End is a second chance romance from author R. Holmes. It focuses on the characters Ambrey and Grey who from page one, you know that they have a history. Ambrey is moving back to New Orleans after many years away making her mark and staying away from her influential parents. But everything has changed and now she has to come face to face with the man who she thought had left her behind, but sometimes the truth hurts more than the lies.
Ambrey and Grey’s relationship is intense from the get go and both their lives have changed through circumstances that were out of their control. Ambrey, although a strong character was downtrodden by her parents and definitely came to be manipulated by them on various levels. Even though she is back in NOLA doing good things, it isn’t until her and Grey communicate that you actually find out how bad her parents were (no spoilers!). Her connection to Grey’s little girl is so overwhelming, especially when she is trying hard to overcome both her own issues and those that also seem to plague Grey.
Grey is such a uniquely strong male character, in the sense that he has endured so much in his life, but has come back out trying to make a life for him and his daughter. We see through his eyes that there is nothing that he won’t do for his little girl and we experience how hard it is for him to be in Ambrey’s presence throughout the book, yet he can’t stay away.
The book has a definite push and pull between the two main characters and it is heart-breaking to read certain scenes between them, especially when things that come out have been so influenced by other people. The scenes where they both talk it out are heart-breaking due to the history and drama that has ensued. But, overall, this book is about that deep-seated love that people will fight for if given the chance.
The author does so well in you being invested in these characters, that you want them to have their happily ever after. This story is beautifully written and one I think many will enjoy!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Ambrey and Grey’s relationship is intense from the get go and both their lives have changed through circumstances that were out of their control. Ambrey, although a strong character was downtrodden by her parents and definitely came to be manipulated by them on various levels. Even though she is back in NOLA doing good things, it isn’t until her and Grey communicate that you actually find out how bad her parents were (no spoilers!). Her connection to Grey’s little girl is so overwhelming, especially when she is trying hard to overcome both her own issues and those that also seem to plague Grey.
Grey is such a uniquely strong male character, in the sense that he has endured so much in his life, but has come back out trying to make a life for him and his daughter. We see through his eyes that there is nothing that he won’t do for his little girl and we experience how hard it is for him to be in Ambrey’s presence throughout the book, yet he can’t stay away.
The book has a definite push and pull between the two main characters and it is heart-breaking to read certain scenes between them, especially when things that come out have been so influenced by other people. The scenes where they both talk it out are heart-breaking due to the history and drama that has ensued. But, overall, this book is about that deep-seated love that people will fight for if given the chance.
The author does so well in you being invested in these characters, that you want them to have their happily ever after. This story is beautifully written and one I think many will enjoy!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
May 19, 2020
I enjoyed this story so much. I mean it is a second chance romance with a single dad involved, and who doesn't love those.
This book contains everything that is needed for a good romance: love, steam, heartbreak, second chance, humor, drama....
This is a story about Ambrey and Grey, teenagers who fall in love and actually plan a life after high school together. But they are torn apart in the middle of their making of plans, Ambrey leaves the town and Grey ends up in prison. Time passes by and after eight years they accidentally see each other. Ambrey is a child therapist and Grey, well he is a single dad with a three year old daughter who is the center of his world.
They try to stay away from each other but it is difficult when feelings are still there. Fate and little help of their best friends Bishop and Madi (whose story I am waiting for now :-) ) brings them close to each other in different situations.
What surprised me in this book are some situations in the end where a lot of drama happened. Will Ambrey and Grey eventually find their HEA, you will have to find out by yourselves.
This book is written with dual PoV and I really love that, the story flowed perfectly between present and the past. The characters are so well written. Little Emily Kate, Grey's daughter, is just so adorable. And Bishop and Madi, well they are a story for themselves.
"You're the moon, the stars, everything in between."
This is my first book by this author and it will definitely not be the last. R. Holmes thank you for providing me with the Arc :-)
This book contains everything that is needed for a good romance: love, steam, heartbreak, second chance, humor, drama....
This is a story about Ambrey and Grey, teenagers who fall in love and actually plan a life after high school together. But they are torn apart in the middle of their making of plans, Ambrey leaves the town and Grey ends up in prison. Time passes by and after eight years they accidentally see each other. Ambrey is a child therapist and Grey, well he is a single dad with a three year old daughter who is the center of his world.
They try to stay away from each other but it is difficult when feelings are still there. Fate and little help of their best friends Bishop and Madi (whose story I am waiting for now :-) ) brings them close to each other in different situations.
What surprised me in this book are some situations in the end where a lot of drama happened. Will Ambrey and Grey eventually find their HEA, you will have to find out by yourselves.
This book is written with dual PoV and I really love that, the story flowed perfectly between present and the past. The characters are so well written. Little Emily Kate, Grey's daughter, is just so adorable. And Bishop and Madi, well they are a story for themselves.
"You're the moon, the stars, everything in between."
This is my first book by this author and it will definitely not be the last. R. Holmes thank you for providing me with the Arc :-)
May 23, 2020
4 Second Chance Crowns
R. Holmes delivers a poignant tale of lost love and second chances. This book is so much more than just a romance it takes you on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that is sure to pull so many emotions from you. Ambrey and Grey come from different sides of the track and are trying to navigate through all the animosity that them being together has caused, it’s not an easy journey for them, but it’s theirs.
And when I did leave, I burned it down and didn’t look back to see the flames and the destruction I left in my wake.
I loved the star-crossed aspect to this story. Grey is on the poorer side being sent from foster home to foster home. But he has such a sweet side. He could have been hardened from the life that he had to live but he wasn’t. From the outside looking in that’s the front that he puts on, he has shielded his true nature with tattoos and a brooding appearance. But once Ambrey breaks through he is so much softer, and you could feel his love for Ambrey in everything that he does. Nothing could have stopped them from falling in love, they just had a soul deep connection that could not be broken.
Their sins might not be my sins to carry… but they are mine to repent for.
Grey is amazing, this man has been dealt one crappy hand after another but none of that has broken him. He works hard and has limitless determination that has helped him turn his life around. He has found an outlet to for his emotions in painting and has built a company from the ground up with his friend so that he can provide for himself and his daughter. His love for his daughter is the sweetest thing, you could feel it bleed from the pages. Every time they are together my heart would explode with the emotions it caused. This little girl has every guy wrapped around her adorable little finger and I can’t say I blame them, she is precious.
My lips find his and he takes them in the same way he usually does, like they’re his.
Ambrey hasn’t been dealt the best hands either. Even though she grew up with money and didn’t have to struggle that way. Her parents were utterly neglectful and treated her like a prop and not their child. Her father is disgusting and everything that he does and says makes me want to punch him. But when Ambrey had the chance to escape her parents and not look back she did. She took power away from them by making her own choices and carving her own path. Ambrey is full of determination and more strength than she gives herself credit for.
I felt her slip away with every exhale that left my body, and I knew in that moment she was taking the only good pieces of me with her.
R. Holmes has created a wonderful Second Chance Romance. Grey and Ambrey are amazing characters, you can feel the connection between them jump from the pages, every time they were together. But the one thing that I could not wrap my head around was the reasons why she didn’t trust Grey in the beginning. I could feel the connection, so it didn’t make sense to me how she handled the situation with him in high school which caused their separation. But, other than that the story is very well written and will definitely have you falling in love with Grey.
R. Holmes delivers a poignant tale of lost love and second chances. This book is so much more than just a romance it takes you on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that is sure to pull so many emotions from you. Ambrey and Grey come from different sides of the track and are trying to navigate through all the animosity that them being together has caused, it’s not an easy journey for them, but it’s theirs.
And when I did leave, I burned it down and didn’t look back to see the flames and the destruction I left in my wake.
I loved the star-crossed aspect to this story. Grey is on the poorer side being sent from foster home to foster home. But he has such a sweet side. He could have been hardened from the life that he had to live but he wasn’t. From the outside looking in that’s the front that he puts on, he has shielded his true nature with tattoos and a brooding appearance. But once Ambrey breaks through he is so much softer, and you could feel his love for Ambrey in everything that he does. Nothing could have stopped them from falling in love, they just had a soul deep connection that could not be broken.
Their sins might not be my sins to carry… but they are mine to repent for.
Grey is amazing, this man has been dealt one crappy hand after another but none of that has broken him. He works hard and has limitless determination that has helped him turn his life around. He has found an outlet to for his emotions in painting and has built a company from the ground up with his friend so that he can provide for himself and his daughter. His love for his daughter is the sweetest thing, you could feel it bleed from the pages. Every time they are together my heart would explode with the emotions it caused. This little girl has every guy wrapped around her adorable little finger and I can’t say I blame them, she is precious.
My lips find his and he takes them in the same way he usually does, like they’re his.
Ambrey hasn’t been dealt the best hands either. Even though she grew up with money and didn’t have to struggle that way. Her parents were utterly neglectful and treated her like a prop and not their child. Her father is disgusting and everything that he does and says makes me want to punch him. But when Ambrey had the chance to escape her parents and not look back she did. She took power away from them by making her own choices and carving her own path. Ambrey is full of determination and more strength than she gives herself credit for.
I felt her slip away with every exhale that left my body, and I knew in that moment she was taking the only good pieces of me with her.
R. Holmes has created a wonderful Second Chance Romance. Grey and Ambrey are amazing characters, you can feel the connection between them jump from the pages, every time they were together. But the one thing that I could not wrap my head around was the reasons why she didn’t trust Grey in the beginning. I could feel the connection, so it didn’t make sense to me how she handled the situation with him in high school which caused their separation. But, other than that the story is very well written and will definitely have you falling in love with Grey.
May 27, 2020
Full review can be found HERE --> https://beneaththecoversblog.com/2020...
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
May 31, 2020
My heart!!! It was hurting so bad for Grey and Ambrey. The angst, the feels, the pain, the craving... It was perfect! It's a second chance, romance with tattooed single father. 😏 I've been in the mood for single parent so I got this right on time.
Grey and Ambrey were dating in high school. Ambrey's family was rich, and Grey gets passed around in foster home. Her father disliked Grey so much. Grey ended up in prison for 4 years. They finally saw each other again after 8 years. The love was still there, but also pain. Yet they couldn't get rid of the feeling of wanting each other. His daughter Emily was so freaking cute and sweet. Loved her so much!! Can't wait for more books from this series... Bishop and Madison. My first time reading R. Holmes, and will definitely not be the last. If you love angsty, second chance romance, and single dad tropes, pick it up!!
Grey and Ambrey were dating in high school. Ambrey's family was rich, and Grey gets passed around in foster home. Her father disliked Grey so much. Grey ended up in prison for 4 years. They finally saw each other again after 8 years. The love was still there, but also pain. Yet they couldn't get rid of the feeling of wanting each other. His daughter Emily was so freaking cute and sweet. Loved her so much!! Can't wait for more books from this series... Bishop and Madison. My first time reading R. Holmes, and will definitely not be the last. If you love angsty, second chance romance, and single dad tropes, pick it up!!
May 24, 2020
Synopsis:
Dr Ambrey Landry wants to repent for her dead parents' sins. She is a child therapist who has returned to New Orleans, where she was born and spent her childhood, where she had vowed to never return again. But her best friend Madi misses her, as much as she herself misses Lulu - the mother figure in her life. She would have to face the demons of her past in order to move forward in her life.
Grey Benoit wants to run/expand his business and bring up his daughter Emily Kate in peace. With the help of his best friend, Bishop, he's got the business side going smoothly but can't seem to help his daughter who's suffering because of increasing nightmares. He needs to take her to a therapist as soon as he can.
Review:
By providing a Playlist and a Creole Dictionary right at the beginning of the book, the author makes reading the story a more enjoyable experience. The book starts with a brief prologue, where a man is hardened because of his time in prison but still can't seem to forget the love of his life who left him when he needed her to support him the most.
The story starts from twenty-five-year-old Ambrey's first-person perspective, on the day she's back in New Orleans. She's trying not to think about her past, about Grey. After all that he has endured, twenty-seven-year-old Grey's only shining light is his three-year-old daughter, Em. He loves her to bits and tries to be the best father, especially after the way Charlotte, Em's biological mother, is. Both Grey and Ambrey had painful pasts.
This is a second chance romance of a single father and the woman he has never grown out of love with. An eight-year-old romance that is as beautiful as it is full of sad memories for both of them. Emily is the star of the story and her equation with each and every character is adorable.
But, I was confused at a few points in the story. There's Aria, Lulu's niece, and the third member of the trio of girl-friends who is mentioned only twice. Then there's one Leighton who I almost thought was Bishop Sullivan's girl, but Madison Hebert and he are all over the place after that and the author also promised their own book in her Acknowledgement (that's a great thing, yay!). There's an assault scene and it remained unresolved, maybe it was meant to be that way, I don't know. At two places, I felt that the transition from the present to the past and back to the present in the narrative was also a little confusing.
It was still a good read, especially the way the author described the lovely city of New Orleans and the festival of Mardi Gras. And Ambrey is a girl after my own heart, her favourite dish being Lulu's red beans and rice, a New Orleans version of our Indian rajma chawal, which I'm a die-hard fan of. A simple, yet lip-smacking delicacy.
The storyline of the past events felt like a soap opera or a Bollywood movie from the 90s, which I thoroughly enjoyed. And the epilogue summed it up nicely.
Thank you to InkSlinger PR for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
Dr Ambrey Landry wants to repent for her dead parents' sins. She is a child therapist who has returned to New Orleans, where she was born and spent her childhood, where she had vowed to never return again. But her best friend Madi misses her, as much as she herself misses Lulu - the mother figure in her life. She would have to face the demons of her past in order to move forward in her life.
Grey Benoit wants to run/expand his business and bring up his daughter Emily Kate in peace. With the help of his best friend, Bishop, he's got the business side going smoothly but can't seem to help his daughter who's suffering because of increasing nightmares. He needs to take her to a therapist as soon as he can.
Review:
By providing a Playlist and a Creole Dictionary right at the beginning of the book, the author makes reading the story a more enjoyable experience. The book starts with a brief prologue, where a man is hardened because of his time in prison but still can't seem to forget the love of his life who left him when he needed her to support him the most.
The story starts from twenty-five-year-old Ambrey's first-person perspective, on the day she's back in New Orleans. She's trying not to think about her past, about Grey. After all that he has endured, twenty-seven-year-old Grey's only shining light is his three-year-old daughter, Em. He loves her to bits and tries to be the best father, especially after the way Charlotte, Em's biological mother, is. Both Grey and Ambrey had painful pasts.
This is a second chance romance of a single father and the woman he has never grown out of love with. An eight-year-old romance that is as beautiful as it is full of sad memories for both of them. Emily is the star of the story and her equation with each and every character is adorable.
Their sins might not be my sins to carry…but they are mine to repent for.
But, I was confused at a few points in the story. There's Aria, Lulu's niece, and the third member of the trio of girl-friends who is mentioned only twice. Then there's one Leighton who I almost thought was Bishop Sullivan's girl, but Madison Hebert and he are all over the place after that and the author also promised their own book in her Acknowledgement (that's a great thing, yay!). There's an assault scene and it remained unresolved, maybe it was meant to be that way, I don't know. At two places, I felt that the transition from the present to the past and back to the present in the narrative was also a little confusing.
It was still a good read, especially the way the author described the lovely city of New Orleans and the festival of Mardi Gras. And Ambrey is a girl after my own heart, her favourite dish being Lulu's red beans and rice, a New Orleans version of our Indian rajma chawal, which I'm a die-hard fan of. A simple, yet lip-smacking delicacy.
The storyline of the past events felt like a soap opera or a Bollywood movie from the 90s, which I thoroughly enjoyed. And the epilogue summed it up nicely.
Thank you to InkSlinger PR for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
May 23, 2020
3.5 stars!
The Beginning of the End is a second chance romance between Grey and Ambrey who were literally torn apart at 18 by secrets and betrayal.
Ambrey returns to New Orleans after eight years. She fled after her high school sweetheart Grey was sent to prison and has not looked back. Now her parents are dead, she must return to sort out their estate and finally move on from her past. What she doesn't expect is to be thrown back into Grey's life and see him everywhere. Grey is now a single dad and business owner. Having spent four years behind bars, he now lives for his daughter Emily and will do anything for her, even having to see the woman who broke his heart weekly. Ambrey and Grey have so much hate and anger but the tension and chemistry between them is still there and it's only a matter of time before they give in. When they do, will they be able to put the past behind them and give themselves another shot at happiness? Or is there too much bitterness there, especially when secrets start to be revealed?
Now, I really wanted to love this book but all the way through I felt like there was something missing. There was so much going on, too many subplots and side stories which I think detracted from the main story line. It also meant that I didn't feel that much depth into the story besides Grey and Ambrey's past eg. barely any explanation of Grey's job and how he got to where he was after prison, and I wanted more chats between Ambrey and Emily to see why this little girl needed to speak to a professional. I'm not sure how to explain it, I just didn't feel a connection to the story as a whole.
Grey and Ambrey had so much chemistry but I got so frustrated with how Grey treated her, he was hot and cold so many times, Ambrey didn't know what was happening half the time. I was happy they had found each other but I wish it hadn't been so stop start all along the way. It didn't make Grey very likable as a boyfriend, although he was a great father. Ambrey was great, I was so happy with the epilogue and what she managed to do for Grey. But, Emily was the winning character in this book, she was so sweet and funny and brought everyone together. The ending itself was kind of expected and I felt like everything was resolved fairly easily in the end.
Overall, this was a fairly easy second chance romance read, with a lot going on but a good set up if there are other books to come, which I hope there are after the hints of something going on between Madi and Bishop!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
The Beginning of the End is a second chance romance between Grey and Ambrey who were literally torn apart at 18 by secrets and betrayal.
Ambrey returns to New Orleans after eight years. She fled after her high school sweetheart Grey was sent to prison and has not looked back. Now her parents are dead, she must return to sort out their estate and finally move on from her past. What she doesn't expect is to be thrown back into Grey's life and see him everywhere. Grey is now a single dad and business owner. Having spent four years behind bars, he now lives for his daughter Emily and will do anything for her, even having to see the woman who broke his heart weekly. Ambrey and Grey have so much hate and anger but the tension and chemistry between them is still there and it's only a matter of time before they give in. When they do, will they be able to put the past behind them and give themselves another shot at happiness? Or is there too much bitterness there, especially when secrets start to be revealed?
Now, I really wanted to love this book but all the way through I felt like there was something missing. There was so much going on, too many subplots and side stories which I think detracted from the main story line. It also meant that I didn't feel that much depth into the story besides Grey and Ambrey's past eg. barely any explanation of Grey's job and how he got to where he was after prison, and I wanted more chats between Ambrey and Emily to see why this little girl needed to speak to a professional. I'm not sure how to explain it, I just didn't feel a connection to the story as a whole.
Grey and Ambrey had so much chemistry but I got so frustrated with how Grey treated her, he was hot and cold so many times, Ambrey didn't know what was happening half the time. I was happy they had found each other but I wish it hadn't been so stop start all along the way. It didn't make Grey very likable as a boyfriend, although he was a great father. Ambrey was great, I was so happy with the epilogue and what she managed to do for Grey. But, Emily was the winning character in this book, she was so sweet and funny and brought everyone together. The ending itself was kind of expected and I felt like everything was resolved fairly easily in the end.
Overall, this was a fairly easy second chance romance read, with a lot going on but a good set up if there are other books to come, which I hope there are after the hints of something going on between Madi and Bishop!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
May 20, 2020
R. Holmes delivered a heartrending and soul deep story of second chance, star crossed love and angsty emotions in Beginning of The End. Grey and Ambrey's story touched me so deeply!
Grey and Ambrey are from two sides of world. Ambrey belongs to rich and powerful part whereas Grey is from the poor and underprivileged part. He has always been judged and misunderstood for his foster family upbringing and tattoed appearance. But nothing stopped Ambrey and Grey becoming soulmates in high school. But by twist of fate Grey went to prison and their love got destroyed. Now Ambrey is back to NOLA hometown eight years later. And she meets Grey and his daughter Emily Kate.
I am so in love with Grey. This man is just incredible. He has been tortured and broken and beaten. But he has come out as stronger and didn't let his past dictate his future. He is financially stable and the most caring and responsible father to adorable Emily Kate! He still has darkness in his heart and scars on his soul but he is full of kindness and compassion. I cannot tell you how much I adore Ambrey. Despite her corrupt and evil father and neglectful mother, she has grown upto be an amazing woman. She still carries so much heartbreak inside but she is the most honest, loving and passionate person ever. She accepted Grey and Emily even if that means opening herself for pain. They have a magnetic chemistry that gave me all the swoon and goosebumps. It was an angsty ride with years of heartache exploding. Emily Kate was brightest of all the stars!
Beginning of the End by R. Holmes was a perfect combination of swoon, heat, heartache and happily ever after. It was my first read by the author but she has made me fall in love with her gritty writing immediately.
Received ARC for honest review
Grey and Ambrey are from two sides of world. Ambrey belongs to rich and powerful part whereas Grey is from the poor and underprivileged part. He has always been judged and misunderstood for his foster family upbringing and tattoed appearance. But nothing stopped Ambrey and Grey becoming soulmates in high school. But by twist of fate Grey went to prison and their love got destroyed. Now Ambrey is back to NOLA hometown eight years later. And she meets Grey and his daughter Emily Kate.
I am so in love with Grey. This man is just incredible. He has been tortured and broken and beaten. But he has come out as stronger and didn't let his past dictate his future. He is financially stable and the most caring and responsible father to adorable Emily Kate! He still has darkness in his heart and scars on his soul but he is full of kindness and compassion. I cannot tell you how much I adore Ambrey. Despite her corrupt and evil father and neglectful mother, she has grown upto be an amazing woman. She still carries so much heartbreak inside but she is the most honest, loving and passionate person ever. She accepted Grey and Emily even if that means opening herself for pain. They have a magnetic chemistry that gave me all the swoon and goosebumps. It was an angsty ride with years of heartache exploding. Emily Kate was brightest of all the stars!
Beginning of the End by R. Holmes was a perfect combination of swoon, heat, heartache and happily ever after. It was my first read by the author but she has made me fall in love with her gritty writing immediately.
Received ARC for honest review
May 22, 2020
New to me author, R. Holmes, has managed to captivate me with this swoony second chance, single dad romance novel. The setup for this story is New Orleans and I love stories that take place in this city, so I couldn't pass on the opportunity to read this book.
Ambrey and Gray make such an amazing couple. They are soulmates, two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly. Their love has endured even after being eight years apart. She's a strong, kind-hearted and resilient woman. And Gray, even after everything he had been through because of Ambrey's father, he managed to better himself, build a business and raise his little girl all by himself. Things between him and Ambrey ended badly in the past but now fate has brought them back together, and even when they try really hard to keep their distance and be just friends, the connection they shared those many years ago is still strong and the chemistry burns bright. Together they are electric.
The story is fast-paced, told from dual Pov, peppered with angsty moments, a bit o suspense and a lot of tension between the protagonists. The secondary characters are also well presented, both Madi and Bishop are relatable characters and their interactions made the plot that much more interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and I recommend it to all fans of the genre!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ambrey and Gray make such an amazing couple. They are soulmates, two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly. Their love has endured even after being eight years apart. She's a strong, kind-hearted and resilient woman. And Gray, even after everything he had been through because of Ambrey's father, he managed to better himself, build a business and raise his little girl all by himself. Things between him and Ambrey ended badly in the past but now fate has brought them back together, and even when they try really hard to keep their distance and be just friends, the connection they shared those many years ago is still strong and the chemistry burns bright. Together they are electric.
The story is fast-paced, told from dual Pov, peppered with angsty moments, a bit o suspense and a lot of tension between the protagonists. The secondary characters are also well presented, both Madi and Bishop are relatable characters and their interactions made the plot that much more interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and I recommend it to all fans of the genre!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2020
My first book by this author and it certainly wont be my last! I loved Ambrey and Grey SO much! But before I get into that let me just say that I absolutely loved this authors writing! It was so effortless and as soon as I started I was sucked in so much, before I knew it I had almost the entire book finished!
Lets start by saying Grey was absolute perfection. I love a hot tattooed ex bad boy but throw a child in the mix and make him a GREAT father that puts his daughter first and I am instantly sold. Nothing and nobody came before Emily Kate. I loved him for that. He was such a good daddy.
Ambrey was so strong! Coming back to the place she left all those years ago after her (HORRIBLE) parents deaths, THEN finding out you are the doctor to your exes child that you still harbor all these feelings for. She handled it like a champ.
The chemistry between these two were sparking my kindle. Hot. Steamy. Perfect. I loved every bit of this book! From the past chapters to the present. I was getting so hype and angry when I was reading Grey's past chapters and what Ambreys dad did. Grrrr. The ending had me on the edge of my seat!!!! I kind of had a feeling something would happen but nothing like that! Amazing book!!! 5 stars! ---ohhh and I am so happy to hear Bishop and Madi are getting a story!!! Yipppyyyy
Lets start by saying Grey was absolute perfection. I love a hot tattooed ex bad boy but throw a child in the mix and make him a GREAT father that puts his daughter first and I am instantly sold. Nothing and nobody came before Emily Kate. I loved him for that. He was such a good daddy.
Ambrey was so strong! Coming back to the place she left all those years ago after her (HORRIBLE) parents deaths, THEN finding out you are the doctor to your exes child that you still harbor all these feelings for. She handled it like a champ.
The chemistry between these two were sparking my kindle. Hot. Steamy. Perfect. I loved every bit of this book! From the past chapters to the present. I was getting so hype and angry when I was reading Grey's past chapters and what Ambreys dad did. Grrrr. The ending had me on the edge of my seat!!!! I kind of had a feeling something would happen but nothing like that! Amazing book!!! 5 stars! ---ohhh and I am so happy to hear Bishop and Madi are getting a story!!! Yipppyyyy
May 12, 2020
“He rises from the chair and pauses briefly, then extends his hand over my desk toward me. I reach out and place my hand in his and he squeezes lightly. Time slows. Everything fades except for us. This moment. Reconnecting. My breath quickens, and our eyes lock. His face is a mask, clear of all emotions…but his eyes. They tell all the stories he tries desperately to hide. Except Grey Benoit was burned into my soul at a young age, and no matter how far either of us ran, I’d always know him. I’d always see him. In a crowded room, my soul would seek his out. He may be a different man than the one I knew, but one thing is for certain. I was about to burn us both to the ground.”⠀
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A betrayed man putting his life back together, a heartbroken woman returning home by circumstance rather than choice and how love that’s written in the stars can pull you back in no matter the obstacles⠀
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Sigh...this book! I’ve been getting some really great books lately from new-to-me authors and this was my latest find. This book has a little bit of everything...angst, drama, heartbreak, first love, second chances, humor, steam. It’s like a grittier, current day version of The Notebook meets the magic of New Orleans and then it takes you down a whole new, rocky path you can’t help but love⠀
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Grey and Ambrey start out as teenagers in love, are torn apart in the worst kind of way and then reconnect as adults. Having been hurt by each other they both cautiously navigate each other’s lives, but sometimes you don’t have a choice in who you’re heart speaks to⠀
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R Holmes is a freaking awesome human and she kindly provided me with an ARC for my honest opinion. This book releases May 22nd and you seriously need the actual paperback. The formatting is beautiful and we gotta support our indie authors💜⠀
⠀
A betrayed man putting his life back together, a heartbroken woman returning home by circumstance rather than choice and how love that’s written in the stars can pull you back in no matter the obstacles⠀
⠀
Sigh...this book! I’ve been getting some really great books lately from new-to-me authors and this was my latest find. This book has a little bit of everything...angst, drama, heartbreak, first love, second chances, humor, steam. It’s like a grittier, current day version of The Notebook meets the magic of New Orleans and then it takes you down a whole new, rocky path you can’t help but love⠀
⠀
Grey and Ambrey start out as teenagers in love, are torn apart in the worst kind of way and then reconnect as adults. Having been hurt by each other they both cautiously navigate each other’s lives, but sometimes you don’t have a choice in who you’re heart speaks to⠀
⠀
R Holmes is a freaking awesome human and she kindly provided me with an ARC for my honest opinion. This book releases May 22nd and you seriously need the actual paperback. The formatting is beautiful and we gotta support our indie authors💜⠀
May 22, 2020
This was a great read from a new to me author.
Grey and Ambrey two complete opposites but that didn’t stop them from falling in love at high school. Sadly things don’t go as planned and both are left heartbroken. Eight years later Ambrey finds herself back in town. Things have changed for Grey as well as he’s now a single dad. The attraction is still there between them and the chemistry is hot. Will these two find their happy ever after? Well I was rooting for them. You gotta read it to find out.
Fantastic read. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Grey and Ambrey two complete opposites but that didn’t stop them from falling in love at high school. Sadly things don’t go as planned and both are left heartbroken. Eight years later Ambrey finds herself back in town. Things have changed for Grey as well as he’s now a single dad. The attraction is still there between them and the chemistry is hot. Will these two find their happy ever after? Well I was rooting for them. You gotta read it to find out.
Fantastic read. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
May 24, 2020
R.Holmes is back and even better with this second chance romance/single dad book with some sexy scenes , some angst and drama. Loved this story between Grey and Ambrey. Holmes words will captivate you and transport to nola and it made want to visit new orleans now . But the real star of this book is emily kate , she was so cute and to smart for her own age . Cant wait to see what R.Holmes brings next . 🙌🏻
May 22, 2020
First of all, I loved Grey's relationship with his daughter, Emily, so much! He's very sweet, caring, and swoony single dad. He would do anything for his little princess and would hurt if he saw her hurting. That's how they ended up at Ambrey's office, his first and only love. She's also the reason why he ended up in jail 8 years ago. The last thing he wanted is to be near her again.
Not just Grey who is sweet with his daughter. I fell in love with how Ambrey developed her own relationship with Emily. She's so sweet with her. It was my first read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Not just Grey who is sweet with his daughter. I fell in love with how Ambrey developed her own relationship with Emily. She's so sweet with her. It was my first read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
May 8, 2020
Wow! What a book! First of all, I have to say ANYTHING set in NOLA is for me. Seriously my favorite place❤️ It took me longer than I would have liked to get through because of life but I fell in love with Grey and Ambrey instantly! I mean who doesn’t fall in love with a single dad who loves his daughter with everything he has? Grey and Ambrey have a crazy history and a crazy amount of passion and love, although, it takes some time for them to come back together. When they finally talk to each other and understand the pain they have gone through it is pure, amazing love! This whole book was truly spectacular. The story lines flowed so easily and, seriously, so sexy! My God, the end though. KILLED ME! So much drama!! Definitely pick up this beauty! It’s a must read.
May 22, 2020
This book was everything I wanted and more!
It’s not secret that I’m a sucker for single dad romances. I absolutely loved this book so much and grey was just, UGHHHHH. He was such a sweet and caring father and I loved how his daughter always came first.
I loved the time jumps for Grey and Ambrey because it really allowed the reader to delve deeper into their relationship. I also loved Ambrey as a heroine. She was so sweet and caring especially with Emily.
Ramzi’s writing is something that really enabled me to connect with this story. I’m quite young but I felt as though I knew what it was like to be these characters because it was expressed so well.
I’m also very excited to see more Bishop because he is by far one of the best characters.
[ARC exchanged for an honest review]
It’s not secret that I’m a sucker for single dad romances. I absolutely loved this book so much and grey was just, UGHHHHH. He was such a sweet and caring father and I loved how his daughter always came first.
I loved the time jumps for Grey and Ambrey because it really allowed the reader to delve deeper into their relationship. I also loved Ambrey as a heroine. She was so sweet and caring especially with Emily.
Ramzi’s writing is something that really enabled me to connect with this story. I’m quite young but I felt as though I knew what it was like to be these characters because it was expressed so well.
I’m also very excited to see more Bishop because he is by far one of the best characters.
[ARC exchanged for an honest review]
February 16, 2021
A second chance romance that tugs the heart strings with little girl included. Amberly and Grey's relationship ended up collateral damage when Amberly's father decided that the boy was just not good enough for his daughter. Amberly finds out who her father really is, and leaves town without looking back.
Fast forward to the start of the book where we see just how far Amberly has come into her own, and continues to be her own person. After a lot of work she is finally doing what she has always wanted, and that is to help other people. Grey is a single father finally reaping the rewards of all his hard work in starting a business. They reconnect when Grey ends up at Amberly's office for his daughter. After that they can't seem to get away from each other as they try to keep things civil.
These two cannot deny their chemistry, and the love that pulls them together. They have to navigate a crazy one night stand, and sift through all the "truths" they thought they knew from so long ago.
This book was a great break from the bully romances that I have been reading lately. These two definilty have to fight for their relationship, but it is great to see two people who are willing to admit when they were wrong to get to the good stuff! Plus Grey's little girl is to cute not to love!
Fast forward to the start of the book where we see just how far Amberly has come into her own, and continues to be her own person. After a lot of work she is finally doing what she has always wanted, and that is to help other people. Grey is a single father finally reaping the rewards of all his hard work in starting a business. They reconnect when Grey ends up at Amberly's office for his daughter. After that they can't seem to get away from each other as they try to keep things civil.
These two cannot deny their chemistry, and the love that pulls them together. They have to navigate a crazy one night stand, and sift through all the "truths" they thought they knew from so long ago.
This book was a great break from the bully romances that I have been reading lately. These two definilty have to fight for their relationship, but it is great to see two people who are willing to admit when they were wrong to get to the good stuff! Plus Grey's little girl is to cute not to love!
March 9, 2022
3,5 ✨
I really enjoyed this book more than I was expecting. I liked the story (the plot is nothing new but I really liked it) and R’s writing is seriously sticking with me.
Ambrey and Grey’s story had it all and I just loved to see how perfect they were for each other even after 8 years apart. Emily was also an amazing add, I laugh my ass of with some of her interactions. It was so beautiful to see the three of them as a family, having exactly what they deserved.
My other favorite characters were without a doubt Bishop and Madi. What a ride these two were and I’m so excited that they’ll have a book.
Overall, this is a good read.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: second chance, single parent, friends to lovers, opposites attract
I really enjoyed this book more than I was expecting. I liked the story (the plot is nothing new but I really liked it) and R’s writing is seriously sticking with me.
Ambrey and Grey’s story had it all and I just loved to see how perfect they were for each other even after 8 years apart. Emily was also an amazing add, I laugh my ass of with some of her interactions. It was so beautiful to see the three of them as a family, having exactly what they deserved.
My other favorite characters were without a doubt Bishop and Madi. What a ride these two were and I’m so excited that they’ll have a book.
Overall, this is a good read.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: second chance, single parent, friends to lovers, opposites attract
Want to read
January 7, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/2/2020)! 🎁
January 29, 2021
Oh my- what a touching love story. Ambrey and Grey just stole my heart, while reminding me just how epic and circuitous the path to love can be. R Holmes brings such emotion to their story- while also bringing such amazing NOLA vibes that make my Southern heart so happy.
This is a second chance story with star-crossed themes- the poor badboy with the rich princess, connected by their soul but restrained by their backgrounds. But, true love can not be contained- and these two fall hard for each other, only for their obstacles to get in the way. Now older, and both free of the societal burdens that limited them in the past, can these two find a way back to each other? Their path isn’t easy- its full of angst and mistrust and heartbreak, but they have a love worth fighting for.
Grey is such a swoon-worthy hero- he’s survived so much and has every reason to grumble and be bitter, but he keeps fighting for a better life. His resilience and focus are admirable, and his inner strength makes him such a grounding and magnetic character. He’s certainly scarred by his adversity, but he’s not defined by it. And him with his daughter- UUUUUGH I can’t even with the adorableness. He melted my heart every time- R Holmes so beautifully uses these moments to articulate the depths of his character, the beauty of his heart.
And I sure felt for Ambrey- despite growing up in a life where she should have everything, despite having the family that Grey didn’t, she too has suffered. Her father is corrupt, truly horrible, and her mother is negligent. But, she, too, hasn’t let this define her- she’s a beautiful soul. She’s loving, and open, and authentic- even though she too bears the scars of her emotional neglect- which makes opening herself up to Grey so scary, her heart is so vulnerable. That causes her to mistrust in ways that I can empathize with, even if I didn't always fully understand her choices - choices in particular that hurt them in the past.
Their connection is so tender, so intimate and soulful. These two just fit- they belong, despite their emotional baggage. R Holmes is such a wonderful character writer- which results in such compelling chemistry. We slowly start to understand these two, but from the beginning we feel their nuances, the emotional complexities that the past, insecurities, and maturity have amplified. This is a couple you root for- a couple you adore.
What a sweet, angsty, and emotional love story- and a story of self-actualization. That’s the power of soul-mate love- its a love that helps you be more you. And that love is worth the journey- as long and challenging as it may be.
This is a second chance story with star-crossed themes- the poor badboy with the rich princess, connected by their soul but restrained by their backgrounds. But, true love can not be contained- and these two fall hard for each other, only for their obstacles to get in the way. Now older, and both free of the societal burdens that limited them in the past, can these two find a way back to each other? Their path isn’t easy- its full of angst and mistrust and heartbreak, but they have a love worth fighting for.
Grey is such a swoon-worthy hero- he’s survived so much and has every reason to grumble and be bitter, but he keeps fighting for a better life. His resilience and focus are admirable, and his inner strength makes him such a grounding and magnetic character. He’s certainly scarred by his adversity, but he’s not defined by it. And him with his daughter- UUUUUGH I can’t even with the adorableness. He melted my heart every time- R Holmes so beautifully uses these moments to articulate the depths of his character, the beauty of his heart.
And I sure felt for Ambrey- despite growing up in a life where she should have everything, despite having the family that Grey didn’t, she too has suffered. Her father is corrupt, truly horrible, and her mother is negligent. But, she, too, hasn’t let this define her- she’s a beautiful soul. She’s loving, and open, and authentic- even though she too bears the scars of her emotional neglect- which makes opening herself up to Grey so scary, her heart is so vulnerable. That causes her to mistrust in ways that I can empathize with, even if I didn't always fully understand her choices - choices in particular that hurt them in the past.
Their connection is so tender, so intimate and soulful. These two just fit- they belong, despite their emotional baggage. R Holmes is such a wonderful character writer- which results in such compelling chemistry. We slowly start to understand these two, but from the beginning we feel their nuances, the emotional complexities that the past, insecurities, and maturity have amplified. This is a couple you root for- a couple you adore.
What a sweet, angsty, and emotional love story- and a story of self-actualization. That’s the power of soul-mate love- its a love that helps you be more you. And that love is worth the journey- as long and challenging as it may be.
May 23, 2020
First of All I would Like to commend the Author for delivering such a very beautiful story about second chances. Second chance are hard to give when you were hurt badly. I understand that Grey took it upon Ambrey all his pain because he was young and fell inlove and gave it all that in the end he lost his own life. Ambrey on the other hand proves that when a person is worth it you gave it all and fight that you deserve it.
I love the touch of superstitious belief used on this book I can relate to that. If you grew up in the Philippines we have a lot of those thing and when you live with your grandparents you should follow it. 😅 Its fun to know that other countries have the same belief and its making us Filipinos less weird hahaha.
This book is fun, the chemistry of both characters are undeniable. The story telling was also great. ❤️
There are only few thing Id like to point out, I was a little bit confused on bother characters personality. It was not consistent and Maybe next time the author should cut the conversation when a character is retelling what happen earlier on this book. We dont need those information anymore since we already knew and to keep the readers from skipping those lines
Nevertheless I had fun, and that what important while, reading having fun.
ARC was sent by the author for an honest review
I love the touch of superstitious belief used on this book I can relate to that. If you grew up in the Philippines we have a lot of those thing and when you live with your grandparents you should follow it. 😅 Its fun to know that other countries have the same belief and its making us Filipinos less weird hahaha.
This book is fun, the chemistry of both characters are undeniable. The story telling was also great. ❤️
There are only few thing Id like to point out, I was a little bit confused on bother characters personality. It was not consistent and Maybe next time the author should cut the conversation when a character is retelling what happen earlier on this book. We dont need those information anymore since we already knew and to keep the readers from skipping those lines
Nevertheless I had fun, and that what important while, reading having fun.
ARC was sent by the author for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2020
Full review on thegraduatedbookworm.com
First I would like to thank R. Holmes for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was also a book that got better towards the end for me, which is why it ended up with a 4 star rating.
Personally I felt like the beginning was so slow, there were flashbacks that I don't think should have been in there because it just was WAY too much information and took away from the actual story itself.
However once you got past all of those layers, you get to the actual story and it was beautiful. Their relationship between one another was great! forbidden romance essentially but years later now where they're both adults facing society and trying to see if they can have that love once more.
The last few chapters in the book just got better, and I loved how it all turned out... I just wish the story had really started 10% in rather than like 50%.
Overall this was a pretty decent story. I feel like it could have been so much better, especially in the beginning, because it seemed to kind of go a bit back and forth for me. Once you got past that, it was way better! If you like second chance, single parent romances, then I definitely suggest checking it out!
First I would like to thank R. Holmes for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was also a book that got better towards the end for me, which is why it ended up with a 4 star rating.
Personally I felt like the beginning was so slow, there were flashbacks that I don't think should have been in there because it just was WAY too much information and took away from the actual story itself.
However once you got past all of those layers, you get to the actual story and it was beautiful. Their relationship between one another was great! forbidden romance essentially but years later now where they're both adults facing society and trying to see if they can have that love once more.
The last few chapters in the book just got better, and I loved how it all turned out... I just wish the story had really started 10% in rather than like 50%.
Overall this was a pretty decent story. I feel like it could have been so much better, especially in the beginning, because it seemed to kind of go a bit back and forth for me. Once you got past that, it was way better! If you like second chance, single parent romances, then I definitely suggest checking it out!
May 22, 2020
The Beginning of the End is a sweet second chance romance. Ambrey and Grey fell in love as teenagers only to have their happily ever after ripped away from them. They reconnect eight years later, under the most unlikely of circumstances, and struggle to come to terms with what really caused the demise of their relationship. This story is told through a mix of "present" and "past" events. I liked that you don't know exactly what caused their relationship to fail the first time and it definitely had me turning the pages to find out! One small complaint I would have with this story is Emily. Her dialogue didn't fit her age in my opinion. I actually wish she had played a smaller part in the book because after a while her scenes became too unbelievable and distracting.
May 23, 2020
Ambrey & Grey fell in love when they were teenagers, and not just that infatuation type, but the forever type, however, not everyone was down with that. Her father was a powerful man in NO, and he made sure they weren't together, which broke Ambrey's heart, and destroyed Grey's life. Fast forward some years, and Ambrey hasn't been home since that time, until her parents are killed so she has to come home, only she's an adult now, and just started out in her career. It just so happens that one of her first clients is Grey's adorable tiny human, but the moment he sees her again, he high tails it out of her office. Now the push & pull dance begins, and boy did it get me so irate, especially Grey, who could have tempered down his pain by one conversation which took place way past time to be honest. It's his tiny human though who gave me the break I needed from all the angst, as she almost stole the show, okay, she did steal the show. This story is fantastic, and to find out how it all plays out, you'll have to hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
May 16, 2020
"𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.
𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓"
Second chance romance ✔
Single loving dad ✔
Bad boy with tattoos, good heart ✔
Royal family drama ✔
Intense chemistry (steamy too) ✔
This was very sweet and deep flaming story! It was abit angtsy and some family drama involved. When you meet Grey you'll be swooned over ☺ and can we have a laugh over the dirtiness/profanity Bishop personality is 😂 you gotta love him though, both him and Madison have strong loyalty to eachother's friends. Which also I ship these two! (I'm sensing they might have a book of their own maybe? 😉🤞🏻)
The chemistry between Ambrey and Grey was undeniably strong, yet they kept trying to push eachother way...leave what they had in the past. Try to keep their distance and hands off eahcother, but it seems fate has a way of getting what it wants. The promises and future they both had was taken away from them but in a sense oblivious to why and how. The angtsy was heartaching, the cliche story where the villian (Grey but not really him) plays the role of doing his time in jail and becoming a better man...sexy and more loving than ever.
Are Ambrey and Grey willing to put what they went through behind them and give it another go? Or is one's pride & grudge gonna keep them apart for good?
Release Date: 5/22/2020
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓"
Second chance romance ✔
Single loving dad ✔
Bad boy with tattoos, good heart ✔
Royal family drama ✔
Intense chemistry (steamy too) ✔
This was very sweet and deep flaming story! It was abit angtsy and some family drama involved. When you meet Grey you'll be swooned over ☺ and can we have a laugh over the dirtiness/profanity Bishop personality is 😂 you gotta love him though, both him and Madison have strong loyalty to eachother's friends. Which also I ship these two! (I'm sensing they might have a book of their own maybe? 😉🤞🏻)
The chemistry between Ambrey and Grey was undeniably strong, yet they kept trying to push eachother way...leave what they had in the past. Try to keep their distance and hands off eahcother, but it seems fate has a way of getting what it wants. The promises and future they both had was taken away from them but in a sense oblivious to why and how. The angtsy was heartaching, the cliche story where the villian (Grey but not really him) plays the role of doing his time in jail and becoming a better man...sexy and more loving than ever.
Are Ambrey and Grey willing to put what they went through behind them and give it another go? Or is one's pride & grudge gonna keep them apart for good?
Release Date: 5/22/2020
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
May 14, 2020
A second chance romance involving a single dad? Is the sky blue? Hell yeah, was I excited to get my hands on this.
High school sweethearts, Ambrey and Grey from New Orleans, involved in a love so fated and genuine, separated by toxic family members and the powers that be. It's your usual rich girl who falls for the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. It just wasn't meant to be. Fast-forward eight years later, there are a lot of unresolved issues, when Ambrey moves back to her hometown and surprises Grey. But Grey has a surprise of his own. He's now a single dad to gorgeous three-year-old girl Emily Kate, and not only has he changed over the years but so have his priorities.
I would've liked for there to be a bit more depth, and at times, the writing felt jilted in certain areas, but the rest of the book, the development of the characters, and the complexity of the plot more than made up for it. This book made my heart so happy. I literally swooned from beginning to end (apart from the parts I raged and cried) and watching the dynamic between all the characters, had me dyingggggg. Especially between Grey and EK.
I also need a book for Bishop and Madi ASAP, the tension between them is off the charts hot. Imma need that pronto! This is my first read from this author, I don't know why, but I'm so glad I've found her. I'll definitely be reading more of her work. If you're looking for a lovely read about second chances, love and family battles, this is the book for you.
High school sweethearts, Ambrey and Grey from New Orleans, involved in a love so fated and genuine, separated by toxic family members and the powers that be. It's your usual rich girl who falls for the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. It just wasn't meant to be. Fast-forward eight years later, there are a lot of unresolved issues, when Ambrey moves back to her hometown and surprises Grey. But Grey has a surprise of his own. He's now a single dad to gorgeous three-year-old girl Emily Kate, and not only has he changed over the years but so have his priorities.
I would've liked for there to be a bit more depth, and at times, the writing felt jilted in certain areas, but the rest of the book, the development of the characters, and the complexity of the plot more than made up for it. This book made my heart so happy. I literally swooned from beginning to end (apart from the parts I raged and cried) and watching the dynamic between all the characters, had me dyingggggg. Especially between Grey and EK.
I also need a book for Bishop and Madi ASAP, the tension between them is off the charts hot. Imma need that pronto! This is my first read from this author, I don't know why, but I'm so glad I've found her. I'll definitely be reading more of her work. If you're looking for a lovely read about second chances, love and family battles, this is the book for you.
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