The Path to Us

by Jennifer Van Wyk

Our story started the day I saved her from a playground bully when we were only four years old.
She thought I was her hero, but I was just Beau Aikin, small-town boy.
Eventually, we became more than classmates. We were best friends.

When tragedy strikes, I don’t think twice about stepping in to help.
To once again be Addy’s hero.
Not just hers, her five-year-old daughter’s, too.

Only now, I want her. More than anything.
Friendship isn’t enough anymore.
But she's off limits for so many reasons.

Love.
Lust.
Guilt.

It all haunts me and it feels like everything is against us.
But I’ll do anything to make her mine.
This is our story of the path to us.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Second Chance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Drama

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2020

Reviews

[ad✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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4.5 stars

I usually don't really like to read friends-to-lovers romance for some reason but HOLY BATMAN we're talking about Jennifer's book here! She's my go-to author when it comes to small town, single parent and second-chance romance. Jennifer is the main reason why I started to love this trope years back.   
  
This is such a beautiful, sweet with a little bit of emotional rollercoaster small town, friends-to-lovers story! I devoured this book and felt everything with these characters. I loved Beau and Addy's story!  
  
Beau and Addy has been friends since they were kids and throughout their childhood they become the kind of best friend that will always be by your side. In early teen age, Addy fell in love with Beau but she just keep it to herself. Beau didn't realise his feelings towards Addy until it was too late and their relationship become complicated— she become pregnant after a drunken night with someone that is related to Beau. Years later, they're still friends even after what happened and again, tragedy collide with both of their worlds. Beau become more caring than he was and always being there for Addy and Zoey, her 5 years old daughter.  
 
 

"My body never did seem to get the memo that Addy is off limits."

This is such a beautiful and emotional story! All the feels are just so realistic! I cried, sympathetic towards the characters especially with what they're all facing. Addy and Beau is real and so is their feelings towards each other😭  

" I can't think of a moment in my life that I haven't wanted her. Sure, I was an idiot for a lot of years but now my eyes are wide open and I'm not sure I can settle for anything less and all of her."

 
I really love their banter and add Zoey into it! Eek!! What a cute and fantastic story! And the way Beau treat Zoey like his own *le sigh* I can't get enough of them 😭💕 
 

"What have I gotten myself into?"
"A lifetime."
She sucks in a breath and tears instantly flood her eyes.
"You like that."
Her hair slips over her shoulders when she shakes her head. "No. I love that."
"Not as much as I do."

  
It’s sweet, funny and emotional, and once they go there, holy hell it’s freaking hot! And the way it all plays out is gorgeous - functional and unnecessary drama-free, just how I love my romance to be.  

an arc was genuinely provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is such a gorgeous read! A sweet and emotional small-town, friends-to-lovers story with a bit of a twist and a whole lot of heart. I laughed and a I cried, and I felt everything with these characters, and I loved their story.

Beau and Addy met as children and throughout their childhood they became the best of friends. As a teenager, Addy fell in love with Beau, but was too shy to do anything about it. Beau didn’t realise his feelings for his best friend until years later when it was way too late, and their situation had become horribly complicated – she became pregnant after a drunken and emotional night spent with Beau’s younger brother. Eek! Years later, and the two of them are still the best of friends, but then tragedy rocks both of their worlds. Beau and Addy will need to lean on each other like never before, while being there for Addy’s five year old daughter, Zoey.

Their new situation brings a change to their dynamic, with all of their feelings coming to the surface. But with so much history and complicating factors, there is so much standing in their way. Especially with their fears that taking a chance could mean losing it all.

She was his. Never mine. Not in that way. I may have loved her first, but in the end, she was and always would be my brother’s.

This is such a gorgeous story! It’s heartbreaking in places, and so damn emotional. I was in tears at one point, only to be grinning hugely a few pages later. And it’s so realistic! Beau and Addy are real, their reactions and their feelings are real, and I could understand and empathise with everything that they were going through.

I can’t think of a moment in my life that I haven’t wanted her. Sure, I was an idiot for a lot of years but now my eyes are wide open and I’m not sure I can settle for anything less than all of her.

Their relationship is just wonderful. True best friends, they are loving and supportive with each other, but they also tease and joke, and there’s a great sense of fun between them. Add in little Zoey, who is such a big part of their lives and who brings so much to the story, and the family dynamic is fantastic!

There’s this sense of so much just simmering below the surface with these two, and the slow burn as the book builds up to the inevitable is full of anticipation as the reader (and seemingly everybody in town) waits for these two best friends to finally act on their all-too-obvious love for each other.

“It might seem like we’re skipping steps here, but we aren’t. Not really. Because the way I feel for you isn’t new or out of nowhere. It’s been there all along. I was just too scared to do something about it. If you didn’t feel the same way, or if it didn’t work out… fuck, Addy. I can’t lose you.”
“I know what you mean.”
He nods. “But I can’t put those feelings aside any longer. You and me? Nothing else makes sense to me like being with you does.”

It’s sweet, funny and emotional, and once they go there, holy hell it’s freaking hot! And the way it all plays out is gorgeous - functional and angst-free, just how I love my romance to be.

“What have I gotten myself into?”
“A lifetime.”
She sucks in a breath and tears instantly flood her eyes.
“You like that.”
Her hair slips over her shoulders when she shakes her head. “No. I love that.”
“Not as much as I do.”

Jennifer Van Wyk writes wonderful small-town-romance, and she’s delivered a beautiful story for Beau and Addy. I was right there with them from start to finish and I felt it all. Absolutely gorgeous.

4.5 stars!

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say it every time and I believe it’s once again worth saying. Ms. Van Wyk’s books keep getting better and better. I find my new favorite and the next one I read is my new favorite and so on. I love the genre of Beau and Addy though, second chance. It’s one of my favorites. And this story, man! I cried some big old ugly tears but I also loved and laughed just as much. Little Zoey stole my heart and the entire show and just my heart is so happy and whole after reading! And we get a visit to The Flying Goat and I can’t help but smile when I see old friends, even the restaurant pop up in new books! Ms. Van Wyk has done it again!

[Jill S (Love Affair With Fiction) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ Small town romance
⭐️ Friends to lovers
⭐️ Single parent
⭐️ Summer romance
⭐️ Blue collar romance

[Favourite Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* Soulmate Stars

I won an ARC of The Path to Us and this was my first introduction to Jennifer’s wonderful storytelling.

This is a slow burn friends to lovers romance set in a small town. Beau and Addy met when they were both 4 years old and were inseparable best friends. As they matured Addy began to have feelings for Beau but did not act upon them because she thought the feelings were not reciprocated. When Beau finally realises that he indeed has strong feelings for Addy life gets in the way and becomes very complicated. Addy unexpectedly falls pregnant after spending a drunken night with Beau’s younger brother Chris and this makes her out of bounds and back on the friends list. When tragedy strikes Addy and Beau are reunited and together, they learn to lean on each other and navigate the path ahead with Addy’s adorable 5 year old Zoey. Their feelings get real and truths are shared.

This was an emotional book filled with wonderful characters, the chemistry between Beau and Addy undeniable and sizzling! I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance at love story.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Addy and Beau were best friends growing up. As they got older, they developed romantic feelings for one another, but neither of them acted on their feelings. After high school, they remained friends. After a drunken one night stand with Beau’s little brother, Chris, she ends up pregnant with her daughter Zoey. Although she doesn’t regret having Zoey, she deep down wishes it could’ve been with Beau. And now Beau feels like Addy is forever off limits, because she was Chris’s first.

When Chris unexpectedly dies in his sleep, Addy and Beau are there to keep each other afloat because above all, they’re family. But both of them still harbor feelings of love for one another, and even though they know the timing is all wrong, they can’t help but act on it. Addy may have fallen into Chris’s arms first, but she was meant to be with Beau all along.

The Path to Us is a friends to lovers romance by Jennifer Van Wyk. I’ve read one other small town, friends to lovers romance from JVW and I really enjoyed it. I liked this one, but definitely not as much. I wanted more angst—more push and pull. While I can appreciate a low-drama book, this story needed something extra. The past was being told to me, but I didn’t feel like I was there. For two people who waited so long to get together and express their feelings for one another, their coming together was way too easy/convenient. This had a lot of potential, especially with the taboo element, I just wanted more from it. 3/5 stars.

[Jess L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

È la prima volta che leggo un libro di Jennifer Van Wyk e devo ammettere che finché non ho letto una recensione, ero tentennante se iniziarlo, ma le parole di un’altra blogger mi hanno convinta e oggi sono qui a parlarvi con un sorriso di The path to us. Voglio specificare che al momento in cui ho sentito: friends to lover e mamma single, io non ci ho capito più niente. La storia è scritta abbastanza bene, ed è anche piuttosto semplice, c’è sicuramente molta dolcezza in queste pagine, ma soprattutto si vive il lutto, la perdita, l’andare avanti e la concezione di famiglia. E non parliamo di quanto sia Beau che Addy ci vadano piano, perché non vogliono rovinare un’amicizia, perché ci sono meccanismi che pensano possano rovinare tutto e quanto in parte sia irrispettoso. La storia in sé mi è piaciuta, forse perché i drammi ci sono ma sono chiari fin dal principio, forse perché la dolcezza e l’amore di questi due protagonisti è sempre lì, palese e nell’aria. Mi è anche piaciuto quanto una volta sia tutto chiaro, non ci si perdi in chiacchiere. C’è sicuramente tanta passione, e anche una presa di coscienza che per altri potrebbe essere affrettata, ma vi dirò… a me il tutto non è dispiaciuto. L’autrice ha scritto non solo una bella storia, ma ha portato alla luce vicende normali, mischiando sentimenti e fantasia, che portano il lettore ad andare avanti e concludere la lettura con un sorriso.

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this friends to lovers romance between Beau and Addy. I loved how they were such close friends all through their years growing up. And sometimes it can be scary to one day look at your best friend and feel something more. It can be even scarier if you voiced those feelings and they didn't feel the same way. Which is why I can understand their reasons for keeping it inside. Even though every one else around them could see how they each felt about the other. Part of me hates that Addy turned to Beau's brother, Chris, during a low point in her life. I almost wish it had been someone else because I could feel the pain that Beau felt when he found out she was pregnant with his brother's child. He knew then that Addy was who he wanted forever with and then to find out that she couldn't be his hurt him so deeply.

I was glad when Beau and Addy finally found their way to each other. These two were obviously meant to be together.

[Patty Montoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer's words are perfection in this book. Beau and Addy have been in love since high school. Their past is very complicated. Now tragedy has made their relationship more complex. They are meant for each other they need to find their way back. Addy feels perfect in Beau's arms. Beau gives Addy's daughter Zoey confidence and makes her feel loved. Beau is a perfect hero. This book touches on all your emotions in a lyrical way.

[Monica Sorrenti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voto 3,5

Recensione in anteprima per il blog: https://www.opinionilibrose.it/2022/0...

[Love is in the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buongiorno lettori, oggi vi parlo di The path to us di Jennifer Van Wyk che è arrivato in Italia grazie alla casa editrice Triskell Edizioni.

Beau e Addy sono amici fin dall’asilo, la loro amicizia nasce quando lui la salva da un bulletto e da quel giorno non si sono più separati. Quando, anni dopo, una tragedia si abbatte sulle loro vite si ritrovano vicini come non lo sono mai stati, ma in ballo non c’è solo la loro vita ma anche quella di Zoey, la figlia di Addy. Lei per lui è off limits per tanti motivi, ma l’amore che prova per lei e per la sua bambina gli darà la forza per combattere per loro perché lui ha fatto la sua scelta e la sua scelta è proprio Addy.

La copertina e la trama di questo libro sono due cose che mi hanno colpito subito e mi hanno fatto venir voglia di leggerlo. Devo dire che tutto sommato il libro mi è piaciuto però ci sono state alcune dinamiche della storia che non mi hanno rapito al 100%.

Non c’è niente o nessuno che mi ecciti quanto Addy. Tutto di lei riesce a eccitarmi. E non è solo perché mi è entrata sottopelle o nel cuore. Addy è fatta per me. È il motivo per cui non sono andato avanti con la mia vita né sto con qualcuno da oltre quattro anni.

Beau è uno di quei personaggi maschili di cui ti innamori già dalla prima pagina, con il suo animo gentile, la sua pazienza, il suo romanticismo, il suo lato sexy e la sua battuta sempre pronta. Lui e Addy sono migliori amici fin dall’infanzia, ma andando avanti con gli anni i sentimenti mutano, ma quando sei giovane non ti rendi conto di quello che hai davanti quindi Beau non si è mai reso conto dei sentimenti che Abby provava per lui. Arriverà un momento in cui anche lui aprirà gli occhi, ma ormai sarà troppo tardi e si ritroverà a vivere una vita monotona pensando a quello che sarebbe potuto essere. Quando una tragedia si abbatterà sulle loro esistenze, loro si riavvicineranno e tutti i sentimenti nascosti fino a quel tempo torneranno a galla prorompenti.

Anche il personaggio di Addy mi è piaciuto tantissimo, una ragazza che se l’è sempre cavata da sola e ora che è una mamma single non vuole pesare sulle spalle degli altri e essere indipendente. E’ una donna intelligente, altruista, responsabile e matura, ama da sempre Beau anche se sono migliori amici e per non rovinare tutto ha sempre tenuto questi sentimenti per sé. Il suo unico problema è lo sbaglio di una notte da cui però è nata Zoey e questo imprevisto ha fatto allontanare i nostri due protagonisti.

«Per quanto volessi prenderti contro la porta, prima, e in un migliaio di altre occasioni prima di oggi, non potevo farti mia finché non ero certo dei miei sentimenti. E ora che sono certo di amarti, spero con tutto il cuore di aver interpretato bene i segnali tra noi e che anche tu sia innamorata di me.»

Il problema più grande dei nostri personaggi è la paura di rovinare la loro amicizia e di rovinare il loro rapporto, ma la cosa bella è che si supportano a vicenda e nonostante tutto quello che è successo hanno un legame indissolubile. Ho trovato Zoey il collante tra Beau e Addy; sarà colei che li farà riavvicinare ed è una parte importante delle loro vite, è una bambina matura per la sua età, dolce e sensibile. Ma soprattutto ho amato il rapporto che ha con Beau, la loro connessione e il loro legame ti fa stringere il cuore. 

La prima parte della storia mi ha devastato perché la tragedia che si abbatte sulle loro vite è cosi potente che soffri insieme ai protagonisti. Il problema che ho riscontrato in questa lettura è che la relazione tra Addy e Beau non mi ha coinvolto e non ho percepito il loro amore a pieno. I personaggi visti singolarmente li ho amati, invece insieme non mi hanno emozionato, nonostante la loro storia d’amore sia dolcissima. 

Apro una piccola parentesi, non mi sono sbilanciata tanto sui personaggi e sulla loro storia perché tutto potrebbe essere spoiler, ma posso dirvi che ci saranno dei piccoli colpi di scena che vi lasceranno a bocca aperta e quindi non voglio rovinarvi la sorpresa.

«Io ti amo e tu mi ami, e questo è significativo per me, tesoro. Perché il nostro non è più il semplice affetto che abbiamo condiviso fin dal giorno in cui ho pestato quel teppistello per averti rubato la merenda all’asilo. Questo è un amore ch e un uomo e la sua donna condividono per l’eternità.»

La lettura scorre veloce e non ho mai trovato punti morti, una scrittura lineare che ti coinvolge; l’autrice attraverso le sue parole riesce a emozionarti tantissimo, soprattutto nella prima parte della lettura ho pianto un bel po' di lacrime. Il libro si alterna tra i punti di vista dei due protagonisti quindi riesci a capire le loro paure e le loro emozioni; la parte sensuale tra loro all’inizio non è molto presente ma quando i nostri protagonisti si riavvicinano diventa molto hot, la storia. 

La scrittrice ci racconta una storia fatta di amicizia, amore, famiglia e perdita; ci ritroviamo coinvolti in un vortice di emozioni che ci scombussoleranno e, anche se questo libro non mi ha convinto a pieno, darò sicuramente un’altra possibilità a quest'autrice perché la sua storia in alcuni punti mi è piaciuta tantissimo ed è riuscita a toccare le corde del mio cuore.

[Vanitiromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Perché le emozioni che provo standoti accanto non son niente di nuovo, né sono sbucate fuori dal nulla. Sono sempre state lì”

Addy e Beau si conoscono sin dall’infanzia, sono cresciuti insieme, sono sempre stati amici fin da piccoli e, quando nell’adolescenza hanno cominciato a guardarsi con occhi diversi, più vicino all’attrazione fisica, hanno basato il loro rapporto sull’essere migliori amici senza rendersi conto che quel sentimento si stava trasformando in qualcosa di più grande e più intenso.

Il significato del titolo del libro in lingua originale “the path to us” è “la strada per noi” “il sentiero che porta a noi”. Mi ha coinvolto in maniera particolare questo percorso che i protagonisti fanno in diversi anni, che viene esplicitato e condiviso quando si ritrovano trentenni a seguito di un tragico avvenimento che li riunisce e gli fa finalmente aprire gli occhi su un sentimento che era già lì da molto tempo; un “NOI” che avevano nel profondo del cuore, negli occhi, nell’anima e sulla punta delle dita ma che non avevano mai avuto il coraggio di riconoscere.

“Il bisogno di starle vicino è un istinto che nasce dal profondo di me. È primordiale”

Beau è un gran lavoratore, molto attaccato alla famiglia. Un uomo fisicamente imponente, che suscita affidabilità nelle persone che lo conoscono. I POV raccontati da lui sono profondi e intimisti, riesce a leggersi dentro e, quando rivede Addy e la sua bImba Zoey, capisce che ha perso troppo tempo lontano da loro, che la sua esistenza fino ad allora non è mai stata completa. Nasce in lui così il desiderio di avere molto di più di quello che ha avuto finora.

“Il bisogno di unirmi a lei e di diventare un’unica cosa è più forte di quanto io possa sopportare.

Addy è tutto quello che ho sempre voluto e, per la prima volta in vita mia, mi sento come se fosse a portata di mano. Come se fosse finalmente arrivato il nostro momento”

Addy vive per la sua bambina Zoey ed ha molti rimpianti, uno su tutti, il non aver mai confessato a Beau il suo amore, i sentimenti che ha sempre provato per lui e quando crede che non riuscirà più a vivere una storia d’amore con lui, il destino, l’universo, il karma, si intromettono e scombinano tutto di nuovo.

Questo romanzo mi ha fatto molto riflettere sulle amicizie nella mia vita. Sono figlia unica e ho sempre avuto amiche che sono diventate e sono “sorelle” acquisite: donne molto diverse tra loro che non si fanno problemi se ci sentiamo poco in alcuni periodi perché occupate con la quotidianità ma quando ci possiamo incontrare, raramente o più spesso, è sempre una festa, una condivisione intensa di argomenti più leggeri o impegnativi, un essere noi stesse senza provare disagio. Sono sicura che mi accolgono così come sono in quel preciso momento: allegra, triste, stanca, polemica, entusiasta…

Quando ho riflettuto su un migliore amico maschio il mio pensiero è andato subito a mio marito e ho capito perché questo libro mi ha coinvolto particolarmente. Il nostro essere amici oltre che amanti, compagni, genitori, non è nato da piccoli come Addy e Beau, è nato piano piano in questi anni insieme. Lui è la persona che io chiamo appena succede qualcosa di bello, di brutto, di divertente, di triste. È mio complice, abbiamo un linguaggio tutto nostro, con uno scambio di sguardi che dicono mille cose. Sappiamo che quando torniamo a casa dopo alcuni eventi, ci scambieremo le opinioni spettegolando, criticando, ridendo o piangendo per questo o quel commento.
Continua su: https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...

[Opinioni Librose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione in anteprima a cura di Monica S.
- Voto 3,5 -

Buongiorno a tutti, ho avuto il piacere di leggere in anteprima: The path to us, di Jennifer Van Wyk, edito dalla Triskell edizioni che ringrazio per la copia ARC ricevuta con largo anticipo sulla data di uscita.
.
Addy e Beau si conoscono da sempre e il loro rapporto si è fatto via via più forte fino a quando l'arrivo della pubertà non li mette di fronte ai cambiamenti fisici e ormonali, questo è l'inizio del loro dramma esistenziale: restare amici e continuare a viversi o provare a far evolvere il rapporto con il rischio di rovinare la loro amicizia?

"Però mi riesce facile immaginare come sarebbe una relazione con lei. È il mio futuro. Tuttavia, mi blocca il non sapere se anche lei la pensi allo stesso modo, nonostante la palese tensione sessuale tra di noi."

Credo che sia il quesito del secolo e non esista una risposta omologata che vada bene per tutti. Mille dubbi, tanti pensieri, enorme il desiderio, ma la paura domina tutto. Questo li porta, in un certo senso, ad allontanarsi e prendere decisioni avventate, restano uno nel mirino dell'altra, ma osservandosi da lontano.

"Non riesco a spiccicare parola. E non perché sono rimasta a corto di pensieri a causa della sua vicinanza e del fatto che siamo entrambi mezzi nudi. No. È perché sto avendo una reazione allergica"

Considerazioni

Sono stata attratta subito da questo libro perché mi aspettavo grandi emozioni e contrasti. È stato così per la prima parte della storia dove un avvenimento sconvolge la vita dei protagonisti e di tutti i personaggi che ruotano loro intorno. La tensione però va via via scemando e così l'ambientazione si fa più rilassata. Oserei dire che dopo una partenza entusiasmante mi sono trovata in una normale love stories con qualche alto e basso, ma senza più scossoni paragonabili a quelli iniziali. Amicizia, amore, tradimenti, affetto e odio sono tutti elementi più che presenti in the path to us.

"Ma come faccio a mettere in gioco e rischiare di perdere tutto quello che abbiamo?"

Dei protagonisti si scopre il passato attraverso dei deja-vu che aiutano il lettore a entrare nell'ottica di ciò che provano Addy e Beau. Che sembrano essere gli unici a non capire i sentimenti reciproci che li lega.
I pov sono di entrambi e questo mette in luce le personalità e tutti i dubbi che hanno. Corposa la parte introspettiva e i risvolti psicologici su cui si poggiano le basi della storia. Interessanti i personaggi secondari che subentrano nelle scelte e ne modificano il corso. Ho trovato lunghe le scene sessuali che, per me, sono diventate snervanti, per fortuna sono state spezzate da situazioni esilaranti.
Nell'insieme la lettura è stata gradevole.

Lo consiglio a chi piacciono i contemporanei e le storie introspettive e combattute.

Buona lettura!
Monica S.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addy and Beau have been best friends since they were children however through the years Addy’s feelings evolved into a romantic love. With the realization that he would never see her as more than a friend she spends one night with a person who is in both their lives which results in her daughter Zoey.

Although Beau accepted that the feelings he had for Addy were those of lovers rather than friends he also accepted that due to the past they could never be more than friends. He was content to be in her life anyway he could but when their lives are turned upside down by a painful loss, they may just become the family they were always meant to be.

This is an emotional story that is at times heartbreaking and at times inspiring. Although their journey definitely had its obstacles there is no doubting that they belong together and that they are so much stronger together than apart.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau and Addy have been best friends since they were really little, when Beau helped Addy with a bully. Addy knew from her teenage years that she was in live with Beau. However Beau took a little longer to figure out that he was in love with Addy.
I absolutely adored Beau and Addy. Although their story does start out with something tragic happening in their lives it all ends well. I loved that their book although full of a lot of emotions didn’t have that typical angst breakup. There were definitely sexy scenes in there and so much love. There was also the adorable Zoey who you immediately fall in love with the the lovable pops. It was so well written and had all the feels you couldn’t help but to get lost in their world. I highly recommend The Path to Us, you will not be sorry you read it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is Jennifer Van Wyk's best book yet! I love a good friends-to-lovers storyline, but it's even better when there's a child involved!

Beau and Addy had been friends since childhood, and have always been close. Addy had secretly had a crush on him, but Beau never realized it. That is, until Addy ended up pregnant by another man. But that was a complication of another proportion! Tragedy eventually brought them together- along with an adorable little girl named Zoey- and Beau and Addy decide to take a chance, as long as they can move past some of those complications.

I absolutely loved The Path to Us! Beau and Addy were perfect together, and Zoey was the icing on the cake! The plot was well-developed, the writing was spon-on, and the characters felt so real to me. I loved this story, and highly recommend!!

[Gió Giò · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non mi ha fatto impazzire. A parte qualche capitolo iniziale, è piatto. È solo una storia d'amore. Carina ma un po' noiosa. Niente colpi di scena che ti invoglino ad arrivare alla fine.
2⭐e ½

[zen_s · Rating 2 out of 5]

[1.5 star] the hero and heroine don't particularly feel connected to me, neither do i feel connected to the book. also, the pace of the book felt off. the epilogue came a little sudden.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to fall in love with this story and with Beau and Addy! Emotional, sweet, hot and funny...your heart will be invested.

A path that feels forbidden and unrequited is definitely a bumpy road to take. This friends to lovers story was definitely one where it seemed that all the odds were stacked against them. That made me cheer for them all the more!

Beau and Addy were best friends, had always been there for each other as long as they could remember, but when each of their feelings became stronger, it always seemed like the timing was off for one reason or another. Keeping how they felt a secret, they wasted many years, but wow, when they finally make up for lost time, things heat up to downright flames!

Jennifer Van Wyk writes small town romance like no one else...a must read!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my top 2020 reads!!! The Path to Us just really impacted me! Jennifer Van Wyk is such a great writer and her books get better and better!!

I loved Addy and Beau from the beginning. I love the set up of the story. I love how the story unfolds and important Addy and Beau are to each other as friends and family.
When tragedy hits them, Beau comes to be there for his family and Addy and her sweet daughter Zoey!

This book isn’t rushed, it shows the true feelings of Addy and Beau and how to get to truly admit how they feel for each other.

It’s sweet and real and steamy and truly why I read romance. It makes me feel and want to love those in my life, take care of them, be honest with them and be grateful for them!!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

These two could have had a conversation years ago and saved us this book. They could have had a conversation in the beginning of this book and saved us 70% of the book (literally I tracked it).

[Getting Another Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me square in the feels! I love the friends to lovers trope, but this book took it up a notch with a twist thrown in that I thought was totally brilliant. I'm going to try to be vague as...because I truly don't want to spoil the surprise that JVW has in store for her readers with this one. IT'S SO GOOD!

Timing is everything when it comes to finding your true love. Sometimes the stars all align at just the right moment, and you just know you've met the one. All you need to do is take the leap. For Beau Aikin, his true love has been a part of his life as far back as he can remember. Addy would say the same about Beau. The problem? They're all grown up now and have never told each other how they've always felt. It's high time that changes when an unforeseen event turns both of their worlds upside down, causing them to crash back into one another's lives after a decade apart.

This book was downright DREAMY! Beau Aikin is the stuff girls dream of...literally. He's sexy, smart, loyal, kind, and flat out MANLY. I loved his take charge side and his sweet side in equal measure. When he made up his mind to make a move on his best friend, he took the reins with both hands and went for it. " I have no will power left to stop myself so you have to do it for us. And if you don't, I'm going to lay you out beneath me and I'm going to spend the next several hours discovering every inch of your body that I've missed out on the last decade that I've wanted you with every cell of my being."
GAH....Can you imagine hearing those words falling from the lips of the man you've spent the better part of your life fantasizing about?! Holy.....that'd put me straight into heart attack mode!

Addy was a great heroine. She was selfless, smart, responsible, mature, loving, and everyone loved her. Watching as she and Beau found their way back to each other through friendship, and ultimately love and an inferno of lusty times made me one excited woman!! These two did not let me down when they had the place all to themselves. Bravo you two!!! Beau and Addy had terrific chemistry for two people who had remained tight lips all these years about how deep their desire for one another went. It was awesome to see them jump in and embrace being lovers. Insane passion that you could feel as you read those scenes. I know I was fanning my face! 🔥❤️

In every JVW book, there is a wonderful sense of family and that proved true in this story as well. Beau has a lovable, caring family and Addy was one of them even before she and Beau finally got their heads on straight. Addy also had a family of her own that was woven into the storyline in a heart-warming way. Great secondary character in Pops!
I honestly thought this was such a great feel good book. While there was some heartache in the book, it was handled in a way that felt inspirational. I laughed, and swooned my way through another fabulous read and I thank JVW for giving us a story that truly took my mind off of other worldly events and allowed my heart to heal and my mind to rest. Loved this one! Highly recommend!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

recensione a cura del blog “Libri Magnetici" by Meghan

Debutto italiano per Jennifer Van Wyk con la storia dei migliori amici Beau e Addy e della loro lunga strada verso l'amore. Si sono incontrati nel parco giochi da bambini, quando Beau ha salvato Addy da un bullo e da allora sono stati inseparabili. Per Addy, quell'amicizia si è trasformata presto in amore; per Beau, invece è sempre stata la sua amica, senza vedere davvero cosa significasse per lui.Ma la vita e il destino sono imprevedibili, e molte cose accadono nei quasi vent’anni successivi; sarà proprio un evento doloroso che riporterà Beau a casa e permetterà ad entrambi di riavvicinarsi, stavolta in modo diverso.Per Beau sarà il momento di capire finalmente che la sua vita è stata una serie di occasioni mancate con Abby, di errori dovuti anche al suo non voler ammettere ciò che aveva davanti e alle sue paure.

«Ma è così che funziona la vita. Non otteniamo quello che vogliamo se non siamo disposti a lottare e a metterci in gioco per conquistarlo. Non ci meritiamo niente, se non siamo disposti a tutto pur di ottenerlo.»

Il dolore li riavvicina poco alla volta e, soprattutto, li mette di fronte ai loro veri sentimenti; poco alla volta capiscono che, dopo più di dieci anni, è finalmente il momento di vivere il loro amore e questa volta definitivamente, attraverso il non-detto di tutti quegli anni.
Il POV alternato permette di capire bene l’evoluzione della storia, che presenta diversi inserti temporali, che, in qualche caso, risultano poco in linea con la trama, così come per alcuni personaggi secondari, che ritornano in una forzatura narrativa poco fluida.
Il lessico è molto semplice, senza particolari esagerazioni, anche nella parte hot, mentre alcuni passaggi narrativi risultano inseriti quasi per forza (e penso ad Outlander).
Più che una storia di seconde occasioni, a mio personalissimo parere, è la storia di due vite che si riscoprono, attraverso soprattutto gli errori fatti da ragazzi, quando ancora non sappiamo davvero cosa vogliamo dal nostro futuro.Nel complesso una lettura gradevole, che non richiede particolare impegno e che può risultare una buona compagnia per un pomeriggio d’estate.

Quattro petali

[Ashley Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Path To Us lead me down a very expecting path. I went in blind. No blurb, not anything but the love I have of this author. This Second Chance Romance / Best Friends to Lovers is one to write home about. The Path To Us had a somewhat unusual story- line that was created by great world building. The angst and the unrequited love showcased the depth of this story, and that had me all up in my feels. The development was done in a timely manner. The dialogue was relevant and heartfelt considering the circumstances. There was room for witty banter that showcased the familiarity between each character. The chemistry and connection was long awaited. Slow-burn, but in the best of way, that testify's to the nature of this authors skill. It felt real and authentic.

Beau is one in a million. He was raised by the best parents, and has a wonderful relationship with his siblings. He is kind, and patient, and the best dang friend you could ask for. A leader, not a follower.

Addy. When it comes to her, there is so much I want to say. But when I think on it, I feel like her story relies so much on what she has been through and how she is as a person. So I would rather not speak on her.

Overall, The Path To Us was a wonderful story. I look forward to more of this authors future work.

*I recommend this book.

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer always knows how to pull on my heart strings, and this book was no exception. Full of heart, love, and second chances, this is a book that you don't want to miss out on.

Addy and Beau have been the best of friends for years, and Addy has been in love with him for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately with Beau dating her close friend and her being too shy to really put herself out there, she tries her best to deny it. Then their will-they-won't-they dynamic becomes even more complicated when an emotional-fueled night spent with Beau's younger brother results in a pregnancy.

Beau is content with life just passing by him; he didn't realize that the one girl he's always loved, loved him back, and now he lives with the regrets of what could have been. When an unexpecting and heartbreaking twists happens, Beau is again faced with the possibility of having everything he wants -- but will time forever be against these destined lovers?

I spead through this book like you would not believe -- I had to know what happened with our characters!! I went through all the emotions: the butterflies of first love, deep anguish, heartbreak, regret, love, hope, happiness-- I felt it all. This book is definitely one of a kind that deserves to be read!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night with Books Blog

Jennifer Van Wyk has delivered yet another amazing book with Path To Us. I have yet to come across a Jennifer Van Wyk book I did not like and that is saying something.

Beau and Addy have been friends forever it seems and has always danced around their feelings for one another. Addy does something one time that causes them to kinda drift apart I guess you could say. However, all that comes crashing down when something they least expected to happen happens.

Heed this warning, have your tissues handy!! I cried like a big ‘ol baby the first few chapters and throughout the book. Beau and Addy are perfectly made for one another and it shows tremendously but as always, heads are stuck up butts at times. Path To Us is a slow burn so do not jump in expecting them to be ripping clothes off right away because that is not going to happen.

Beau and Addy will make your hearts melt with their sweetness. I cannot wait to read with Jennifer has in store for us next. I would love more of an insight to Beau and Addy that’s for sure.

Path To Us is most definitely worth the one click!!

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The story of childhood friends, not wanting to acknowledge when feelings change from friendship to love in case it ruins the relationship. When everyone around you knows, but you can't see it. Then one afternoon, your world falls apart, everything changes and you realize you have to take charge of your own destiny. Addy and Beau have been friends since Kindergarten, but Beau can't see what he's got, until it's no longer his. As he works through betrayal by friends and the death of his brother, Addie is there for him but even as his feelings towards her change, he's afraid to act incase it irrevocably changes things between them. In addition, Addie has the adorable Zoey, her daughter who is smart and sassy like her mom, to take into consideration.

This story just grabbed me from first page. I felt all the emotions, hurt, sadness, frustration, friendship, love and passion and I was definitely rooting for both of them to make it work. Ms Van Wyk made the characters come alive, made them likable and more importantly, made me invested in their outcome. The star of the show? Zoey - just too cute and adorable for words. ❤️🥰

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jennifer Van Wyk’s stories. She writes with a unique blend of sappy, angsty, funny, and heartfelt to her stories. And her stories are original. Romance books can sometimes feel like you’re reading the same story - written only slightly differently - over and over again. I’ve yet to feel that way about any of this author’s books. Which is just one of the reasons I keep coming back to her written words over and over.

NICUnurse’s Rating: Friends to lovers? Check! Small-town romance? Check! Single parent romance? Check! Swoony hero? Check! Yep…The Path to Us has it all. And best of all (at least for me) was the fact that the tragedy isn’t one I’ve actually read before. So big kudos for Jennifer Van Wyk for that. Honestly, something about her writing has just resonated with me since I read her very first book, From the Ground Up and it hasn’t gone away yet. To date, when I say you can’t go wrong with any Jennifer Van Wyk book, it’s not just a line and it’s not a lie. I reread her books frequently. So do yourself a favor. If you haven’t checked out any of her books, grab this one and start today!

I give The Path to Us by Jennifer Van Wyk 5 out of 5 stars!

[Sunny Shelly Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Van Wyk always writes a great, emotional romance. Addy and Beau's journey is a rough one, but these two love each other so much. That came through so clearly with the author's words as she described the guilt both of them felt in the face of their current predicament.

The flashbacks are fantastic, placed at the perfect moment to propel the story. I got such a feel for what Addy and Beau felt for each other even back then, back when they both thought the other didn't feel the same way. And the guilt that Addy felt about being pregnant with another man's baby -- and Beau's reaction to not being the father and realizing just how in love he really was with his best friend -- was so well-written.

It's a messy, messy situation, but Addy and Beau are one of those meant-to-be couples. Her daughter Zoey is adorable, and I loved the way she had Beau wrapped around her little finger. The Path To Us is heartfelt, and swoony and all of that good stuff!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

[Sabahat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a simple sweet light-hearted book. Although I will say I had tears streaming down my face for a character we literally meet once, like this author knows how to portray grief I'll give her that. This book was well paced, the couple don't get together until a little over half way through the book but I never felt like it was dragging on. Also appreciate that the hero wasn't a manho and that he hasn't been with anyone in a while because he was in love with the heroine. Normally authors have their heroes sleep with anything to "cover the pain of not having the one that they want" or some shit. I will say that one thing I didn't like was that a big reason that the hero and heroine weren't getting together is because the heroine had a child with the hero's brother and even though it was a one night stand and they were never actually together, they thought it might be disrespectful because she was his first. But the heroine isn't a toy or a car, she's a grown woman and can't be claimed. Other than that I though this was a good book.