What do you think?
Rate this book
Following Chance
A whirlwind romance...and only the rest of your life to get over it.
When Kate and Lauren meet in college it's love at first sight. Unfortunately, the fact that school is almost over is the least of their problems. Friends to lovers isn't in the cards, but how long can they deny their destiny? A roller coaster of emotions and uncertainty causes Kate to leave town and a heartbroken Lauren behind.
Fifteen years later, with her ten-year-old daughter in tow, Kate returns to Renfrew hoping to recapture some of the inner peace she found during her college days. She's stunned when she discovers Lauren has purchased the local coffee shop and has her own ten-year-old surprise.
The star-crossed lovers attempt to avoid one another at all costs, but the incessant pull from the budding friendship between their daughters has them on a collision course for navigating sleepovers, camping trips, and dealing with their past demons to take a second shot at love.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Ann Roberts
Cover Designer: Sandy Knowles
When Kate and Lauren meet in college it's love at first sight. Unfortunately, the fact that school is almost over is the least of their problems. Friends to lovers isn't in the cards, but how long can they deny their destiny? A roller coaster of emotions and uncertainty causes Kate to leave town and a heartbroken Lauren behind.
Fifteen years later, with her ten-year-old daughter in tow, Kate returns to Renfrew hoping to recapture some of the inner peace she found during her college days. She's stunned when she discovers Lauren has purchased the local coffee shop and has her own ten-year-old surprise.
The star-crossed lovers attempt to avoid one another at all costs, but the incessant pull from the budding friendship between their daughters has them on a collision course for navigating sleepovers, camping trips, and dealing with their past demons to take a second shot at love.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Ann Roberts
Cover Designer: Sandy Knowles
254 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2020
10 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Baxter Brown
12 books18 followersGood afternoon, good evening or good night. I personally don’t read romance first thing in the morning. I need the light of the moon to enjoy it, but I do like to write it at the crack of dawn as the morning light dances. Much of this book was written in the wee hours and I think that’s important, it’s the small things in life that matter.
When I’m not trying to think up creative ways of getting to the ‘kiss’ and dragging it out as long as possible… I’m usually lost in a vineyard, hunting for rare beach glass or at the bottom of a coffee cup with a record playing softly in the background.
When I’m not trying to think up creative ways of getting to the ‘kiss’ and dragging it out as long as possible… I’m usually lost in a vineyard, hunting for rare beach glass or at the bottom of a coffee cup with a record playing softly in the background.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 16, 2020
3.75 Stars. This was a very dramatic, second chance romance. While I read Brown’s debut, and thought it was well written, I wasn’t a fan of her story choices. I’m happy to say that this second book was so much better for me. This time Brown’s good writing was combined with a good storyline, equaling a well-rounded dramatic romance.
After 15 years away, Kate has returned home to take a break from the stress of lawyering to work at the University library. It will also give her ten year-old daughter the opportunity to have more freedom outside of city life. When her daughter’s new best friend just happens to be the daughter of the woman that broke her heart, Kate will do everything possible to not let herself get hurt again.
It’s funny but this book has two things I am not a fan of, second chance romances and flashbacks. I like to see the meet cute and all the build-up of the characters falling in love that are not in most second chance romances. What Brown did to fix this was the flashbacks. And here is the big shocker…they actually worked! Both the flashbacks and the second chance romantic storyline were well done. The flashbacks were actually important and included the romance that I needed to see to believe in a love that could crush someone so badly when it failed. This was a real second chance romance and Brown did it by using flashbacks the correct way.
One thing I didn’t expect was all the drama this book had. I think I would put the drama tag even before the romance. There was a lot of drama, angst, conflict, anger; it was a lot of it all but because it was all so intense, I believed it. Too many times when someone stomps on someone’s heart they are forgiven easily, not this book. This book was all about that anger and hurt of a broken heart and we don’t see that too often in WLW romances.
I also really liked that this book was in first person. You are in the head of the person who was heartbroken and it makes the story much more powerful because of that. And not being in the other main’s headspace, not always knowing what the other character’s motives were, was again unique and put an interesting spin on this book. You are together with the main character wanting to guard your heart not knowing if it will be smashed again.
As much as I loved all the drama and angst, I did think there was a tad bit more than needed. I would have ended things earlier and switched things up. The anger started to drag at the end and because of that the ending was too rushed for a proper HEA of HFN in my opinion. It’s a shame too since I think I would have given this an extra half star, maybe more, for my rating had it not started to drag at the end.
I would recommend this romance to people who like a lot of drama and angst. If you are not a big angst fan, this book probably will not be for you. I thought it was one of the better second chance romances I have read in a while and I thought it was well written. It didn’t feel like the same ole romance we normally read and I’m always a fan of different. I’m excited to see what Brown comes out with next.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
After 15 years away, Kate has returned home to take a break from the stress of lawyering to work at the University library. It will also give her ten year-old daughter the opportunity to have more freedom outside of city life. When her daughter’s new best friend just happens to be the daughter of the woman that broke her heart, Kate will do everything possible to not let herself get hurt again.
It’s funny but this book has two things I am not a fan of, second chance romances and flashbacks. I like to see the meet cute and all the build-up of the characters falling in love that are not in most second chance romances. What Brown did to fix this was the flashbacks. And here is the big shocker…they actually worked! Both the flashbacks and the second chance romantic storyline were well done. The flashbacks were actually important and included the romance that I needed to see to believe in a love that could crush someone so badly when it failed. This was a real second chance romance and Brown did it by using flashbacks the correct way.
One thing I didn’t expect was all the drama this book had. I think I would put the drama tag even before the romance. There was a lot of drama, angst, conflict, anger; it was a lot of it all but because it was all so intense, I believed it. Too many times when someone stomps on someone’s heart they are forgiven easily, not this book. This book was all about that anger and hurt of a broken heart and we don’t see that too often in WLW romances.
I also really liked that this book was in first person. You are in the head of the person who was heartbroken and it makes the story much more powerful because of that. And not being in the other main’s headspace, not always knowing what the other character’s motives were, was again unique and put an interesting spin on this book. You are together with the main character wanting to guard your heart not knowing if it will be smashed again.
As much as I loved all the drama and angst, I did think there was a tad bit more than needed. I would have ended things earlier and switched things up. The anger started to drag at the end and because of that the ending was too rushed for a proper HEA of HFN in my opinion. It’s a shame too since I think I would have given this an extra half star, maybe more, for my rating had it not started to drag at the end.
I would recommend this romance to people who like a lot of drama and angst. If you are not a big angst fan, this book probably will not be for you. I thought it was one of the better second chance romances I have read in a while and I thought it was well written. It didn’t feel like the same ole romance we normally read and I’m always a fan of different. I’m excited to see what Brown comes out with next.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
August 12, 2020
This is the second novel I have read by Baxter Brown (the other being her debut Cameron's Rules), and I found them quite different. Both angsty and well-written, but unlike the debut this one was right up my alley. It is a very nicely done character-driven romance of second chances with believable and likable main characters as well as equally well-done secondary child characters.
The story is told in such a way that in most of the book the chapters alternate between now and then (then being fifteen years earlier). I am not a fan of flashbacks, but I have nothing against them if they are reasonable and well-executed, like here. The plot is interesting and really holds one's interest all through. Once I started, I just could not put the book down.
I sincerely recommend this book for all romance lovers (especially to those who love elevated levels of angst), and am looking forward to Baxter's next novel, hoping that she will continue writing stories like this one.
4.25 stars
August 12, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
The story is told in such a way that in most of the book the chapters alternate between now and then (then being fifteen years earlier). I am not a fan of flashbacks, but I have nothing against them if they are reasonable and well-executed, like here. The plot is interesting and really holds one's interest all through. Once I started, I just could not put the book down.
I sincerely recommend this book for all romance lovers (especially to those who love elevated levels of angst), and am looking forward to Baxter's next novel, hoping that she will continue writing stories like this one.
4.25 stars
August 12, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
February 10, 2021
This is a fantastic, well written second chance romance. I loved every page of it and was quite upset when I had to stop reading to sleep and work.
It's a second chance romance about Kate and Lauren who meet in the last year of college. They are drawn to each other from the start but there are big issues standing in the way of them being together and ultimately they are separated for fifteen years. When Kate moves back to her college town the first person she runs in is, unfortunately for her, Lauren.
I'm not always sold on second chance romances because I find that they usually lack my favorite parts of reading a romance. However, Brown sidestepped all of those issues by including their past relationship with flashback chapters. It reminded me of "Then and Now" by Monica McCallan in that we got to watch them meet and fall in love twice in one story. Plus you get to see their daughters (who are 10) meet and get crushes on each other, which was adorable.
Following Chance is full of angst, which I love, so be prepared to go through all of your emotions. I highly recommend this for anyone who is a lover of stories that are character driven, well written, and full of emotion.
It's a second chance romance about Kate and Lauren who meet in the last year of college. They are drawn to each other from the start but there are big issues standing in the way of them being together and ultimately they are separated for fifteen years. When Kate moves back to her college town the first person she runs in is, unfortunately for her, Lauren.
I'm not always sold on second chance romances because I find that they usually lack my favorite parts of reading a romance. However, Brown sidestepped all of those issues by including their past relationship with flashback chapters. It reminded me of "Then and Now" by Monica McCallan in that we got to watch them meet and fall in love twice in one story. Plus you get to see their daughters (who are 10) meet and get crushes on each other, which was adorable.
Following Chance is full of angst, which I love, so be prepared to go through all of your emotions. I highly recommend this for anyone who is a lover of stories that are character driven, well written, and full of emotion.
September 10, 2020
Sometimes you read or watch something that reminds you that you are alive. This book did it for me. I laughed, I got mad and it all hurt so good.
August 14, 2020
First time I’ve read anything by Ms Brown and hopefully it won’t be my last book I get to enjoy from this author.
Kate Conners never expected to move back to the small town where she went to college but when she found herself working overtime, all the time to keep food and a roof over her and her daughter, Jack’s heads. Now after finding a job at the local college library she felt she’d made the right choice. Her college life was typical but for the relationship she had with another student. As time passed the friendship turned into much more. She was in love and while that itself was wonderful she couldn’t forget the fact that her lover was a married woman.
Lauren Dawson also attended the same college as Kate, and having a friendship with Kate was quickly becoming more and more important to her. She was drawn to Kate and seeked her out every time she could. Lauren found herself falling in love with Kate but being a married woman she was torn. She had never been with another woman but after meeting Kate it was all she could think of. But when she had the chance to choose Kate over her husband Drew she chose Drew, leaving Kate devastated. Now Kate was living here with Jack, who quickly became best friends with her own daughter Abbie. But hard as she tries she can’t reach past Kate's anger. All she could do was apologize for the pain she’d caused Kate and hope there was still a little bit of the love they’d once shared.
I almost passed on this book mainly because it is written from the viewpoint of one of the main characters. I normally don’t bother too much with these books but after a few pages I found myself going back for more. Very glad I did take the time, even though the story got bogged down a couple of times, I still couldn’t put it down. Ms Brown has given a very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
Kate Conners never expected to move back to the small town where she went to college but when she found herself working overtime, all the time to keep food and a roof over her and her daughter, Jack’s heads. Now after finding a job at the local college library she felt she’d made the right choice. Her college life was typical but for the relationship she had with another student. As time passed the friendship turned into much more. She was in love and while that itself was wonderful she couldn’t forget the fact that her lover was a married woman.
Lauren Dawson also attended the same college as Kate, and having a friendship with Kate was quickly becoming more and more important to her. She was drawn to Kate and seeked her out every time she could. Lauren found herself falling in love with Kate but being a married woman she was torn. She had never been with another woman but after meeting Kate it was all she could think of. But when she had the chance to choose Kate over her husband Drew she chose Drew, leaving Kate devastated. Now Kate was living here with Jack, who quickly became best friends with her own daughter Abbie. But hard as she tries she can’t reach past Kate's anger. All she could do was apologize for the pain she’d caused Kate and hope there was still a little bit of the love they’d once shared.
I almost passed on this book mainly because it is written from the viewpoint of one of the main characters. I normally don’t bother too much with these books but after a few pages I found myself going back for more. Very glad I did take the time, even though the story got bogged down a couple of times, I still couldn’t put it down. Ms Brown has given a very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
August 14, 2020
This was my first time reading Brown and I pleasantly surprised. Following Chance tells the story of Kate and Lauren and how they come together after 15 years apart. I found the story to be well written, with an interesting plot that made me want to continue reading even when I had other things to do. I'll definitely be searching out Brown again in the future.
I didn't enjoy the structure of the book at first - it's written in alternating chapters between the past and the present for the majority of the book. However, this is very much a me thing - I found myself uncomfortable in the past chapters knowing that we were working towards the breakup of two people that in the present chapters are obviously meant to be together despite protestations. By the time we actually got to the breakup though I'd become much more comfortable with the structure and was actually beginning to enjoy it.
Kate in the present frustrated me for at least half of the book - her feelings for Lauren were clear and in typical me fashion I just wanted to shake this fictional character out of her own head. I did however love her sarcasm, her attitude towards parenting and her character in general. I loved the secondary characters of both daughters. Their sweet relationship and meddling in their mothers lives ended up making the story for me much more believable for me.
Whilst fairly predictable in its outcome, this is an enjoyable book that I would recommend reading when you're looking for a well written, well paced romance with some attitude on the side.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't enjoy the structure of the book at first - it's written in alternating chapters between the past and the present for the majority of the book. However, this is very much a me thing - I found myself uncomfortable in the past chapters knowing that we were working towards the breakup of two people that in the present chapters are obviously meant to be together despite protestations. By the time we actually got to the breakup though I'd become much more comfortable with the structure and was actually beginning to enjoy it.
Kate in the present frustrated me for at least half of the book - her feelings for Lauren were clear and in typical me fashion I just wanted to shake this fictional character out of her own head. I did however love her sarcasm, her attitude towards parenting and her character in general. I loved the secondary characters of both daughters. Their sweet relationship and meddling in their mothers lives ended up making the story for me much more believable for me.
Whilst fairly predictable in its outcome, this is an enjoyable book that I would recommend reading when you're looking for a well written, well paced romance with some attitude on the side.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2020
The tagline of this book is what pulled me in and I am very happy it did.
After being away for 15 years, Kate returns to her college town to take a less demanding job. She not only needs to get away from the stress but she wants to give her 10-year-old daughter a break from city life. Her daughter befriends a girl who happens to be the daughter of the woman who broke Kate's heart 15 years ago. A whirlwind romance in college with Lauren has ruined Kate for all other prospects in her life. When Kate sees Lauren again she does everything she can to not let herself get swept away again. Lauren keeps trying to get Kate out of her self imposed prison of hurt, but Kate is really afraid of getting hurt again.
I always like books written in the first person, a lot of the time with these types of books you get first person from the 2 mains in alternating chapters, for this one it isn't the case. For at least the first half of the book the chapters alternate from the present to 15 years ago. I usually have issues with flashbacks in a story, but for this one, it works out really well, I think it is because of how the book is set up. The flashbacks are an important part of the story, separate chapters, instead of just part of a chapter. I did find Kate a little annoying, but I could also see some humour in her character. This book is qualified as a romance but I'd say it is more of a drama, I absolutely don't mind. I do feel the solution to the story is a bit too much, even if you see it coming. Overall I liked the story, the flashbacks really added that something special.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
After being away for 15 years, Kate returns to her college town to take a less demanding job. She not only needs to get away from the stress but she wants to give her 10-year-old daughter a break from city life. Her daughter befriends a girl who happens to be the daughter of the woman who broke Kate's heart 15 years ago. A whirlwind romance in college with Lauren has ruined Kate for all other prospects in her life. When Kate sees Lauren again she does everything she can to not let herself get swept away again. Lauren keeps trying to get Kate out of her self imposed prison of hurt, but Kate is really afraid of getting hurt again.
I always like books written in the first person, a lot of the time with these types of books you get first person from the 2 mains in alternating chapters, for this one it isn't the case. For at least the first half of the book the chapters alternate from the present to 15 years ago. I usually have issues with flashbacks in a story, but for this one, it works out really well, I think it is because of how the book is set up. The flashbacks are an important part of the story, separate chapters, instead of just part of a chapter. I did find Kate a little annoying, but I could also see some humour in her character. This book is qualified as a romance but I'd say it is more of a drama, I absolutely don't mind. I do feel the solution to the story is a bit too much, even if you see it coming. Overall I liked the story, the flashbacks really added that something special.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
October 4, 2020
Lovely read!
Falling in love with the woman who's supposed to be off-limits, just gives you heartbreak. These two women destined to be apart but are drawn together like magnets. One of them has to take destiny into her own hands but it isn't an easy task. Especially if the other can't let the past rest. Either way, they have to find a way to be with the one they could not live without. The pace of Following Chance is a little slow. The characters just keep skirting around each other. This is only a small minus. Overall it was a very pleasant read. I really liked the characters. Especially the kids. They were so cute together. This is my first book by Baxter Brown and certainly not the last.
Falling in love with the woman who's supposed to be off-limits, just gives you heartbreak. These two women destined to be apart but are drawn together like magnets. One of them has to take destiny into her own hands but it isn't an easy task. Especially if the other can't let the past rest. Either way, they have to find a way to be with the one they could not live without. The pace of Following Chance is a little slow. The characters just keep skirting around each other. This is only a small minus. Overall it was a very pleasant read. I really liked the characters. Especially the kids. They were so cute together. This is my first book by Baxter Brown and certainly not the last.
August 10, 2020
15 years ago Kate and Lauren met at college party and their were instant attraction but it’s seems Lauren is off limits and maybe straight.
Lauren and Kate both had grown and now are mothers two daughters Jack and Abbie. They are reluctant reunited when Kate’s moves back to town and their daughters becomes instant friends. They have a second chance at romance as the story goes from the past to the present and what happen that had them separate in the first place.
Cute Read.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Lauren and Kate both had grown and now are mothers two daughters Jack and Abbie. They are reluctant reunited when Kate’s moves back to town and their daughters becomes instant friends. They have a second chance at romance as the story goes from the past to the present and what happen that had them separate in the first place.
Cute Read.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
August 10, 2020
I've just found my newest favorite author.
I'm a slow reader. It's not unusual for me to take a week or more to read a book. I finished this book in 24 hours because it was JUST. THAT. GOOD.
Kate and Lauren meet during college at a party that Kate is unexpectedly invited to by one of her male classmates, Drew. Kate learns immediately that Lauren has a connection to Drew and while there's instant attraction, Lauren's straight and off limits - right?
Jump ahead 15 years later, Kate moves back to town and is immediately reunited, albeit unwillingly, with Lauren. Both Kate and Lauren are single and each has a 3rd grade daughter (an adorable addition to the story are the two daughters Jack and Abbie, who become instant best friends). The story progresses as it fluctuates between present day and what happened fifteen years ago between the two women.
This book was impossible to put down. There was humor, heartache, lots of sarcasm, and hot chemistry - all the right ingredients for a romance novel. I quickly ran to get the author's previous work, and look forward to reading more from her.
I'm a slow reader. It's not unusual for me to take a week or more to read a book. I finished this book in 24 hours because it was JUST. THAT. GOOD.
Kate and Lauren meet during college at a party that Kate is unexpectedly invited to by one of her male classmates, Drew. Kate learns immediately that Lauren has a connection to Drew and while there's instant attraction, Lauren's straight and off limits - right?
Jump ahead 15 years later, Kate moves back to town and is immediately reunited, albeit unwillingly, with Lauren. Both Kate and Lauren are single and each has a 3rd grade daughter (an adorable addition to the story are the two daughters Jack and Abbie, who become instant best friends). The story progresses as it fluctuates between present day and what happened fifteen years ago between the two women.
This book was impossible to put down. There was humor, heartache, lots of sarcasm, and hot chemistry - all the right ingredients for a romance novel. I quickly ran to get the author's previous work, and look forward to reading more from her.
September 13, 2020
Very good story!
First book I’ve read by This author. I read it in one afternoon. That’s how good it was . Could not put it down!
Kate and Lauren, star crossed lovers. They would have been perfect when they met on their last year of college. Minor problem, Lauren is married to Drew. Kate tried to not fall in love. And believed Lauren when she said she would leave Drew. In the end, that did not happen breaking Kate’s heart.
Fast forward fifteen years. Kate returns to her old college town with her 10 year old daughter Jack. Jack makes friends with another 10 year old girl from the neighborhood named Abbie who happens to be Lauren’s daughter.
The back and forth explains what happened in the past and how they evolved from friends to Lauren falling in love with Kate and how the breakup occurred.
There is some humor in the present and the two girls are adorable and unintentionally they bring the two women closer together.
Ultimately there is a good ending to a well done book!
First book I’ve read by This author. I read it in one afternoon. That’s how good it was . Could not put it down!
Kate and Lauren, star crossed lovers. They would have been perfect when they met on their last year of college. Minor problem, Lauren is married to Drew. Kate tried to not fall in love. And believed Lauren when she said she would leave Drew. In the end, that did not happen breaking Kate’s heart.
Fast forward fifteen years. Kate returns to her old college town with her 10 year old daughter Jack. Jack makes friends with another 10 year old girl from the neighborhood named Abbie who happens to be Lauren’s daughter.
The back and forth explains what happened in the past and how they evolved from friends to Lauren falling in love with Kate and how the breakup occurred.
There is some humor in the present and the two girls are adorable and unintentionally they bring the two women closer together.
Ultimately there is a good ending to a well done book!
August 30, 2020
Good….Not Great
Kate and Lauren met in college. After a whirlwind affair, Lauren broke Kate’s heart and she moved away. Fifteen years later she is back with her daughter only to find that Lauren is not only still there and the owner of “their” coffee shop, she has a daughter of her own. Kate is still feeling the pain of losing Lauren and wants nothing more than to forget everything but life is never that simple, especially when Lauren still wants her….
I liked this story but didn’t love it. It was sweet but there was so much pain involved for both women. I felt so sorry for poor Kate… Try as she might she couldn’t stay away from Lauren. They had such a pull on the other. Other than the pity, I didn’t really have much of an emotional connection to anyone. That was a disappointment. The tale went back and forth in time and was usually pretty well marked when it was taking you back but I got confused a few times wondering what time frame we were in. I would have liked to have seen them talk more about what life was like for each of them in the time they were apart, why Kate adopted her daughter, what made Lauren buy the coffee shop things like that. It just seemed to focus so much on Kate’s inability to trust and her pain and sorrow. I did like how the kids were involved, of course without them there would be no reason for Kate and Lauren to talk at all. I would like to have known how they changed in the epilogue but that’s just me. While not my favourite story, Im glad I had the chance to read this book.
Kate and Lauren met in college. After a whirlwind affair, Lauren broke Kate’s heart and she moved away. Fifteen years later she is back with her daughter only to find that Lauren is not only still there and the owner of “their” coffee shop, she has a daughter of her own. Kate is still feeling the pain of losing Lauren and wants nothing more than to forget everything but life is never that simple, especially when Lauren still wants her….
I liked this story but didn’t love it. It was sweet but there was so much pain involved for both women. I felt so sorry for poor Kate… Try as she might she couldn’t stay away from Lauren. They had such a pull on the other. Other than the pity, I didn’t really have much of an emotional connection to anyone. That was a disappointment. The tale went back and forth in time and was usually pretty well marked when it was taking you back but I got confused a few times wondering what time frame we were in. I would have liked to have seen them talk more about what life was like for each of them in the time they were apart, why Kate adopted her daughter, what made Lauren buy the coffee shop things like that. It just seemed to focus so much on Kate’s inability to trust and her pain and sorrow. I did like how the kids were involved, of course without them there would be no reason for Kate and Lauren to talk at all. I would like to have known how they changed in the epilogue but that’s just me. While not my favourite story, Im glad I had the chance to read this book.
August 11, 2020
“Do you believe in soul mates?” “I don’t know. What’s a soul?”
She didn’t say anything for the longest time and then, “A part of you that you can’t escape.”
I enjoyed the book so much I couldn’t read fast enough to find out more about their story.
Kate and Lauren did not start their story right. As much as they both wanted to keep the relationship, everything spiralled out of control. When they parted ways, it took 15 years for their paths to cross again. In the decade and a half apart many things changed but no matter how long it took, as Lauren hinted all those years ago, they were parts of each other with no means of escape.
When Kate came back to town with her daughter, fate came knocking again when their daughters became best friends. I experienced a myriad of emotions following Kate through her memories.
Lauren is the epitome of tenacity, when Kate came around again, the woman was everywhere. When the push came, secrets were revealed about what drove them apart.
This is top notch writing with a depth to draw readers into the story. I was totally absorbed and still have lingering sentiments days after reading the book. A clear winner for me.
I just reviewed Following Chance by Baxter Brown. #FollowingChance #NetGalley
She didn’t say anything for the longest time and then, “A part of you that you can’t escape.”
I enjoyed the book so much I couldn’t read fast enough to find out more about their story.
Kate and Lauren did not start their story right. As much as they both wanted to keep the relationship, everything spiralled out of control. When they parted ways, it took 15 years for their paths to cross again. In the decade and a half apart many things changed but no matter how long it took, as Lauren hinted all those years ago, they were parts of each other with no means of escape.
When Kate came back to town with her daughter, fate came knocking again when their daughters became best friends. I experienced a myriad of emotions following Kate through her memories.
Lauren is the epitome of tenacity, when Kate came around again, the woman was everywhere. When the push came, secrets were revealed about what drove them apart.
This is top notch writing with a depth to draw readers into the story. I was totally absorbed and still have lingering sentiments days after reading the book. A clear winner for me.
I just reviewed Following Chance by Baxter Brown. #FollowingChance #NetGalley
March 6, 2021
4.5* SO FREAKING ADORABLE AND ANGSTY OH MY GOD
December 19, 2022
This has been the best romance I have read this year, hands down.
And this is where my frustration begins because I will not be able to put into words everything I would like to say about it.So I am not going to begin to put topic after topic related to how I was moved by, filled with sadness, how it has made me angry and then happy in the different situations that the two main characters go through throughout the story.
Within my limitations in the knowledge of the art of writing, I have found that the way this book is written has been perfect to expose the nuances of the relationship between the two women, both in the first and second stages. It is not new for romances that are about second chances, that the past is explained with flashbacks. In this case it has been so, but the nuances that are being discovered have been exposed in an extremely sensitive way. And I’ll stop rambling right now.
The only thing that I have not understood is the description they make in the synopsis, it does not have much to do with the real story. But almost better this way because entering into the story without much knowledge of what is going to happen gives greater satisfaction. At least that's how it was for me.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bella Books through Netgalley for my honest review
And this is where my frustration begins because I will not be able to put into words everything I would like to say about it.So I am not going to begin to put topic after topic related to how I was moved by, filled with sadness, how it has made me angry and then happy in the different situations that the two main characters go through throughout the story.
Within my limitations in the knowledge of the art of writing, I have found that the way this book is written has been perfect to expose the nuances of the relationship between the two women, both in the first and second stages. It is not new for romances that are about second chances, that the past is explained with flashbacks. In this case it has been so, but the nuances that are being discovered have been exposed in an extremely sensitive way. And I’ll stop rambling right now.
The only thing that I have not understood is the description they make in the synopsis, it does not have much to do with the real story. But almost better this way because entering into the story without much knowledge of what is going to happen gives greater satisfaction. At least that's how it was for me.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bella Books through Netgalley for my honest review
August 16, 2020
When I read the Bella Books August new release summary from Baxter Brown I learned that she was about half way through this book when she developed a terrible case of writer's block that lasted over a year. She was uncertain if she was going to finish this book, but I'm certainly glad that she did. Because even though this is the first book that I've read by Baxter Brown, it's my favorite book of the summer.
While the premise of the book seems simple......Kate and Lauren meet toward the end of college and fall for one, with circumstances forcing Kate to leave town, and leaving Lauren heartbroken.......the story and the writing is hardly simple. The story is told from Kate's point of view and the writing weaves a present and past narrative that explains what happened to both of these women to get them to where they are today.
Kate has returned to Renfrew after fifteen years with her adopted ten-year old daughter, Jack (aka Jaqueline Connors) in tow. Jack is a tomboy and takes after her mother in many ways even though they are not biologically related. Lauren is still in Renfrew and has bought the coffee shop that she and Kate used to frequent in their college days. She is the mother to ten-year old Abbie. Abbie and Jack become quick friends that facilitates the reacquaintance of their mothers.
There are so many things to love about this book including the magnificent story, the skilled writing, the witty banter between Kate and Lauren not to mention their sizzling chemistry, and the sweet, innocent relationship between Jack and Abbie. These two devised a wonderful plan with Jack forgetting to pack Kate's tent for a camping trip, forcing Kate to bunk with Lauren. The book had me laughing, crying, and so absorbed in the story that I'll likely be thinking about this one for many days after I've finished the book. Cleary 5 stars with high recommendations to other readers.
I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While the premise of the book seems simple......Kate and Lauren meet toward the end of college and fall for one, with circumstances forcing Kate to leave town, and leaving Lauren heartbroken.......the story and the writing is hardly simple. The story is told from Kate's point of view and the writing weaves a present and past narrative that explains what happened to both of these women to get them to where they are today.
Kate has returned to Renfrew after fifteen years with her adopted ten-year old daughter, Jack (aka Jaqueline Connors) in tow. Jack is a tomboy and takes after her mother in many ways even though they are not biologically related. Lauren is still in Renfrew and has bought the coffee shop that she and Kate used to frequent in their college days. She is the mother to ten-year old Abbie. Abbie and Jack become quick friends that facilitates the reacquaintance of their mothers.
There are so many things to love about this book including the magnificent story, the skilled writing, the witty banter between Kate and Lauren not to mention their sizzling chemistry, and the sweet, innocent relationship between Jack and Abbie. These two devised a wonderful plan with Jack forgetting to pack Kate's tent for a camping trip, forcing Kate to bunk with Lauren. The book had me laughing, crying, and so absorbed in the story that I'll likely be thinking about this one for many days after I've finished the book. Cleary 5 stars with high recommendations to other readers.
I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2020
Every reader has likes and dislikes in what they read. For example, I don't enjoy flashbacks much; first-person narratives from only one person's pov put me off; and I'm never convinced that people can stay in love even without laying eyes on each other for decades.
But this book convinced me. I was willing to suspend disbelief and overlook all my usual reservations. That's what good storytelling is all about. It draws the reader in with the sheer mastery the storyteller has over her craft.
Thank you, Baxter Brown, for being a good storyteller.
But this book convinced me. I was willing to suspend disbelief and overlook all my usual reservations. That's what good storytelling is all about. It draws the reader in with the sheer mastery the storyteller has over her craft.
Thank you, Baxter Brown, for being a good storyteller.
September 12, 2020
I enjoy second chance romances especially when the setting and characters are on point. And, I thought this was the case with this read. One stayed and the other moved on. Fifteen is the magic number of how much time passed before the other came back. I thought the bitterness was spot on considering what they had and how they fell apart.
Kate returns with a ten-year-old daughter. She wanted to get away from the city, spend more time with her daughter Jack, and just slow down. Lauren stayed and also has a 10 year old daughter, Abbie. Both girls are likeable, adorable, and add so much to the story. I have not read that may books with the chapters going back and forth between the present and past. After reading, I thought it was a good way to tell the story. There was much to be processed and workout for Lauren and Kate to even talk and interact with each other; especially for Kate who is bitterly angry.
ARC provided by Bella Books, via NetGalley
Kate returns with a ten-year-old daughter. She wanted to get away from the city, spend more time with her daughter Jack, and just slow down. Lauren stayed and also has a 10 year old daughter, Abbie. Both girls are likeable, adorable, and add so much to the story. I have not read that may books with the chapters going back and forth between the present and past. After reading, I thought it was a good way to tell the story. There was much to be processed and workout for Lauren and Kate to even talk and interact with each other; especially for Kate who is bitterly angry.
ARC provided by Bella Books, via NetGalley
March 22, 2022
Enjoyable read - 4 Stars.
June 27, 2022
Tears. (EXES TO LOVERS TROPE I LOVE YOU)
July 13, 2022
Angst and pining.
Second chance romance.
Meant to be.
Never to be forgotten.
Second chance romance.
Meant to be.
Never to be forgotten.
January 13, 2025
I loved this so much. Exactly what I needed and ahh just makes me wish I could read it for the first time again.
January 18, 2025
3.75⭐
August 18, 2020
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of the story.
O.M.G.
Suspenseful throughout the book - will they, won't they?
An affair with no future started and ended in college.
And then, Kate and her daughter, Jack, move back to town. And find Lauren is still there.
The story is told at two levels - 15 years ago when Kate and Lauren broke each other's hearts and the present.
This is a tense, emotional, realistically told story - I loved it!
I look forward to reading more from this author.
O.M.G.
Suspenseful throughout the book - will they, won't they?
An affair with no future started and ended in college.
And then, Kate and her daughter, Jack, move back to town. And find Lauren is still there.
The story is told at two levels - 15 years ago when Kate and Lauren broke each other's hearts and the present.
This is a tense, emotional, realistically told story - I loved it!
I look forward to reading more from this author.
August 15, 2020
This is a great second chance romance, full of humor. Baxter Brown brings a well written story, but I know not everybody enjoys books that alternate past and present narratives. The two women fit well together and are credible.
January 28, 2021
As college students, Kate Connors, a law student in a college in small town Renfrew met Lauren Dawson, a sociology student and wife of Kate’s classmate, Drew. Despite the fact Lauren was married, Kate and Lauren had an intense passionate affair. Which ended badly. Gathering pieces of her broken heart Kate left Renfrew for the city.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
January 11, 2025
one of the best second chance romance book there is
fucking beautiful
fucking beautiful
December 11, 2020
Fifteen years ago, Kate and Lauren met in their college library where a budding friendship slowly turned into something deeper. Ending in heartbreak, Kate left town to pursue law school and the two women went on with their lives, never forgetting the other. Now Kate has moved back to Renfrew with her ten year old daughter to start a career that gives her more time at home. Kate wasn’t expecting to find Lauren still in town but after running into Lauren’s own little girl, she quickly realizes that Lauren will be hard to avoid. Forced together by their daughters’ friendship, Kate and Lauren must resolve past heartache in order to rekindle the love that still beats between them.
Something that I thought worked really well was the use of flashbacks in regards to this being a “second chance” story. We switch from past to present in alternating chapters to obtain the full picture of what happened. I liked experiencing the relationship as it happened and then coming back to the present to deal with the aftermath. For most of the book there’s a strong sense of mystery. We don’t know why things didn’t work out until the end. As other factors unfolded, they gave way for reasoning to current behavior. I felt like I could understand and feel Kate’s pain relating to the breakup and that her behavior was justified in the present. I would have been pretty angry and bitter too if I was in her shoes. Even so, Kate bordered on the line between rightful anger and self-destruction, sometimes dipping more into the latter, which only made her more relatable to me.
I may be one of the few readers out there who enjoys a bit of infidelity in their fiction. I know we all like to create these morally sound worlds where everyone obeys the “rules,” but I commend any novel that breaks the mold, especially this one. Lauren is married when she meets Kate. Her husband, Drew, is mostly clueless and there is some sneaking around involved. We don’t hate Drew, and he’s not a villain by any means, but it’s clear he’s checked out and doesn’t appreciate Lauren. Does that give justification to her actions? Well, who are we to judge? It’s clear that Kate and Lauren are happiest together. Life is short. Mistakes are made. Love finds a way to win regardless.
If you’re looking for a slow burn that isn’t afraid to mirror the real pain of heartache, and if you like your stories to include the creative discussions one can only entertain with children, then Following Chance might be for you.
Something that I thought worked really well was the use of flashbacks in regards to this being a “second chance” story. We switch from past to present in alternating chapters to obtain the full picture of what happened. I liked experiencing the relationship as it happened and then coming back to the present to deal with the aftermath. For most of the book there’s a strong sense of mystery. We don’t know why things didn’t work out until the end. As other factors unfolded, they gave way for reasoning to current behavior. I felt like I could understand and feel Kate’s pain relating to the breakup and that her behavior was justified in the present. I would have been pretty angry and bitter too if I was in her shoes. Even so, Kate bordered on the line between rightful anger and self-destruction, sometimes dipping more into the latter, which only made her more relatable to me.
I may be one of the few readers out there who enjoys a bit of infidelity in their fiction. I know we all like to create these morally sound worlds where everyone obeys the “rules,” but I commend any novel that breaks the mold, especially this one. Lauren is married when she meets Kate. Her husband, Drew, is mostly clueless and there is some sneaking around involved. We don’t hate Drew, and he’s not a villain by any means, but it’s clear he’s checked out and doesn’t appreciate Lauren. Does that give justification to her actions? Well, who are we to judge? It’s clear that Kate and Lauren are happiest together. Life is short. Mistakes are made. Love finds a way to win regardless.
If you’re looking for a slow burn that isn’t afraid to mirror the real pain of heartache, and if you like your stories to include the creative discussions one can only entertain with children, then Following Chance might be for you.
September 20, 2020
This book gave me all the right feels. I never liked book with flashbacks but this one is well written with the present and past alternating between chapters. The dialogs were witty, found myself laughing at some of the dialogs and scenes. Some part of the dialogs were profound and beautifully written that I had to reread and pause to absorb it's depth and commit it to memory. Some was so laced with pain that I couldn't help but shed some tears. I can't help but fall deeply in adoration with Lauren. I can't really imagine how she looks, but her persona, wittiness, mannerism, heart and the manner of which she was written and portrayed really tugged on my heartstring. She is so attractive (and it has nothing to do with her looks) and it's beautiful when an author could make you experience that with just words. The other main character was also well written, abit rough around the edges, but her vulnerability, strength, and inner beauty made her attractive all the same. This is a beautiful roller coaster of a book, a lot of ups and downs, but in my opinion, a journey totally worth taking
January 10, 2025
There is quite a substantial violation of consent in this novel, to the point I had to skip ahead. One woman asks the other to leave her house. Instead of leaving, she fakes closing the front door, goes up to the homeowners bedroom, and starts undressing. The homeowner asks her to leave again, to stop, and finally closes her eyes and asks her to stop. She refuses to listen, saying the homeowner needs to look at her naked body and say no before she'll leave. This is rape culture. It does not matter if it's two women or a man and a woman, it's unacceptable behavior.
There's also this entire storyline of one of them not telling the other about what split them up in order to protect that other woman. That's such patronizing BS. It's unhealthy and toxic to make decisions for another person. Also, the reason was incredibly obvious and it was a chore to wait for the big reveal.
Lastly, I wasn't at all sold on why she moved back. And the whole plot between their kids was unsettling. This is a definite pass.
There's also this entire storyline of one of them not telling the other about what split them up in order to protect that other woman. That's such patronizing BS. It's unhealthy and toxic to make decisions for another person. Also, the reason was incredibly obvious and it was a chore to wait for the big reveal.
Lastly, I wasn't at all sold on why she moved back. And the whole plot between their kids was unsettling. This is a definite pass.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews