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Hope Valley #8
Waiting for Forever
After a bitter divorce had left him jaded and cynical, Leo Drake thought he was done. To him, love and happiness were myths. Then the shy, sweet, coffee shop owner looked up at him with those big gray eyes and beautiful smile, and he was done for.
Danika Parrish had been the nerdy girl growing up. The girl who sat in her window, watching the boy across the street, and secretly longing for the day when he might notice her. When that day finally came, she was convinced all her dreams had come true. But after giving her everything she’d ever hoped for, he’d ripped it all away with a handful of words.
Leo’s made a lot of mistakes in his life, but the one he regrets most is hurting Danika. For the first time in his life, he knows what it feels like to love someone, to truly be happy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win her back. He’s determined to prove to her that he’s worth a second chance. That he’s the forever she’s been waiting all her life for.
Danika Parrish had been the nerdy girl growing up. The girl who sat in her window, watching the boy across the street, and secretly longing for the day when he might notice her. When that day finally came, she was convinced all her dreams had come true. But after giving her everything she’d ever hoped for, he’d ripped it all away with a handful of words.
Leo’s made a lot of mistakes in his life, but the one he regrets most is hurting Danika. For the first time in his life, he knows what it feels like to love someone, to truly be happy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win her back. He’s determined to prove to her that he’s worth a second chance. That he’s the forever she’s been waiting all her life for.
282 pages, ebook
First published July 6, 2020
776 people are currently reading
837 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Prince
104 books2,538 followersBorn and raised around Houston, Jessica is a self proclaimed caffeine addict, connoisseur of inexpensive wine, and the worst driver in the state of Texas. In addition to being all of these things, she’s first and foremost a wife and mom.
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
July 8, 2020
Spoilers ahead
My thoughts at the end of the previous book in this series
********As is typical of this author she sets up a pairing for the next book that's guaranteed to show TRUE love, you see Leo wanted to pursue this h( meaning the h of the previous book) while Danika gazed after him in longing and he never even cast his eyes to her UNTIL Tessa mentioned that Danika would be interested, I mean NOTHING screams match made in heaven as when the woman you wanted points you in the direction of a woman who ACTUALLY wants you! I'm just THRILLED at the Danika and Leo pairing, this author is really FANTASTIC at true love stories.
“Not gonna say I wasn’t bummed when I first heard. I’d been wantin’ to ask you out since we first met. But Bryce is a good guy. He deserves a good woman.” --------- Leo to the h of the previous book
As he started to turn, I spoke up. “You know, if you’re on the market, I know a certain gorgeous coffee shop owner who might be interested.”
He followed my gaze toward the funnel cake booth where Danika was standing, chatting with Sage. When his attention returned to me, he had one brow lifted in question.
“A woman who looks like that, bakes littles pieces of heaven, and can brew the best cup of coffee you’ll ever taste? She’s our town’s own personal unicorn. Bet men are lined up for a chance with her.” I lifted a single shoulder in a shrug. “Maybe that’s something you should think on.”
He shook his head on a chuckle. “Maybe I will.” --------- the h of the previous book to Leo
First chapter of the prologue
Leo Drake had been the object of all my fantasies since he and his parents moved into the house across the street. I was seven and he was nine, but that didn’t stop an almost-immediate infatuation from forming.
My review
Danika has had a crush on Leo from the moment he moved in across the street from her childhood home, he never seemed to notice her though and although they had one moment as teens where she thought he'd finally notice her he didn't. He was popular and she wasn't, he was gorgeous and she struggled with her weight and looks, hid girlfriend actually bullied her throughout high school. Time passed and life went on, Leo married his girl and they moved away, Danika continued wth her life always trying to push down the hope that he'd finally notice her......until he did!
*************
I continuously buy this author's books because she's the closest I've come to another KA, however she's enamored of the Alpha MANWHORES vs. Shy sweet virgin or close to it h and it's really frustrating
1) Leo NEVER noticed Danika despite knowing her for YEARS! As a matter of fact he was interested in her friend....right in front of her!!!
2) Danika was sweet and shy and obviously into Leo, there was a brief moment where she mentioned that he'd been interested in her friend and not her and I thought FINALLY..... she's going to make him work for it! Nope she caved as soon as he showed some interest. She never even asked or brought up the topic of her friend
3)Leo was divorced with two kids, it's known after his divorce he went out of town to be with OW until he wanted the previous h who pointed him in Danika's direction .....had this not happened would he have EVER made a move???
*side note- I saw an Amazon review that said this was one of the most romantic books that person had ever read and I choked on my drink. How do we 5 star books like these? I think back to my 15 year old self and the way romance books shaped my belief in true love and I wonder what this would've done to my psyche?? I'm one year older than Danika and I can guarantee you that any man who'd shown interest in my friend without seeing me despite knowing me for years would've NEVER stood a chance because the fact remains that if the friend hadn't found her person then Leo STILL wouldn't know Danika existed!
4) Anyways he "pursues" her, she gives in and they start seeing each other secretly because he wants to work up to telling his kids( never mimd that sis has been waiting on this moment for YEARS)
Meanwhile his ex is a bitch on wheels who wants him back
5) The shit hit the fan when Leo's son found out and had a blow up at his dad, Leo in his rage accused Danika of spilling the deets and said some really hurtful things to her, when he should've really taken that rage out on his ex
6) Eventually he's made to realize he was wrong and sets out to win his girl back and this time she makes him work just a teeny tiny bit for redemption
7) There were some cute moments with the kids, some sweet and sexy moments with the mcs interspersed with random acts of crazy by his ex who refused to quit
In a nutshell another manwhore gets a woman he didn't deserve and who was NOT his first or really even 10th choice. I'm looking for this author's email address to send her a pic of a woman's spine......maybe she'll find inspiration for her next h.
I've got a lot of quotes but this book just made me sad and mad, I cannot for the life of me figure out why this author keeps sticking to tropes like these.... I mean the next H is a known manwhore!!! What gives? Is it sexy knowing your man has had his body parts all up in random females??
I've seen quite a bit of 5 star reviews so please take this review with a grain of salt
No cheating
Once the mcs get together there was no one else
Short separation but no one else
OW drama from beginning to end
My thoughts at the end of the previous book in this series
********As is typical of this author she sets up a pairing for the next book that's guaranteed to show TRUE love, you see Leo wanted to pursue this h( meaning the h of the previous book) while Danika gazed after him in longing and he never even cast his eyes to her UNTIL Tessa mentioned that Danika would be interested, I mean NOTHING screams match made in heaven as when the woman you wanted points you in the direction of a woman who ACTUALLY wants you! I'm just THRILLED at the Danika and Leo pairing, this author is really FANTASTIC at true love stories.
“Not gonna say I wasn’t bummed when I first heard. I’d been wantin’ to ask you out since we first met. But Bryce is a good guy. He deserves a good woman.” --------- Leo to the h of the previous book
As he started to turn, I spoke up. “You know, if you’re on the market, I know a certain gorgeous coffee shop owner who might be interested.”
He followed my gaze toward the funnel cake booth where Danika was standing, chatting with Sage. When his attention returned to me, he had one brow lifted in question.
“A woman who looks like that, bakes littles pieces of heaven, and can brew the best cup of coffee you’ll ever taste? She’s our town’s own personal unicorn. Bet men are lined up for a chance with her.” I lifted a single shoulder in a shrug. “Maybe that’s something you should think on.”
He shook his head on a chuckle. “Maybe I will.” --------- the h of the previous book to Leo
First chapter of the prologue
Leo Drake had been the object of all my fantasies since he and his parents moved into the house across the street. I was seven and he was nine, but that didn’t stop an almost-immediate infatuation from forming.
My review
Danika has had a crush on Leo from the moment he moved in across the street from her childhood home, he never seemed to notice her though and although they had one moment as teens where she thought he'd finally notice her he didn't. He was popular and she wasn't, he was gorgeous and she struggled with her weight and looks, hid girlfriend actually bullied her throughout high school. Time passed and life went on, Leo married his girl and they moved away, Danika continued wth her life always trying to push down the hope that he'd finally notice her......until he did!
*************
I continuously buy this author's books because she's the closest I've come to another KA, however she's enamored of the Alpha MANWHORES vs. Shy sweet virgin or close to it h and it's really frustrating
1) Leo NEVER noticed Danika despite knowing her for YEARS! As a matter of fact he was interested in her friend....right in front of her!!!
2) Danika was sweet and shy and obviously into Leo, there was a brief moment where she mentioned that he'd been interested in her friend and not her and I thought FINALLY..... she's going to make him work for it! Nope she caved as soon as he showed some interest. She never even asked or brought up the topic of her friend
3)Leo was divorced with two kids, it's known after his divorce he went out of town to be with OW until he wanted the previous h who pointed him in Danika's direction .....had this not happened would he have EVER made a move???
*side note- I saw an Amazon review that said this was one of the most romantic books that person had ever read and I choked on my drink. How do we 5 star books like these? I think back to my 15 year old self and the way romance books shaped my belief in true love and I wonder what this would've done to my psyche?? I'm one year older than Danika and I can guarantee you that any man who'd shown interest in my friend without seeing me despite knowing me for years would've NEVER stood a chance because the fact remains that if the friend hadn't found her person then Leo STILL wouldn't know Danika existed!
4) Anyways he "pursues" her, she gives in and they start seeing each other secretly because he wants to work up to telling his kids( never mimd that sis has been waiting on this moment for YEARS)
Meanwhile his ex is a bitch on wheels who wants him back
5) The shit hit the fan when Leo's son found out and had a blow up at his dad, Leo in his rage accused Danika of spilling the deets and said some really hurtful things to her, when he should've really taken that rage out on his ex
6) Eventually he's made to realize he was wrong and sets out to win his girl back and this time she makes him work just a teeny tiny bit for redemption
7) There were some cute moments with the kids, some sweet and sexy moments with the mcs interspersed with random acts of crazy by his ex who refused to quit
In a nutshell another manwhore gets a woman he didn't deserve and who was NOT his first or really even 10th choice. I'm looking for this author's email address to send her a pic of a woman's spine......maybe she'll find inspiration for her next h.
I've got a lot of quotes but this book just made me sad and mad, I cannot for the life of me figure out why this author keeps sticking to tropes like these.... I mean the next H is a known manwhore!!! What gives? Is it sexy knowing your man has had his body parts all up in random females??
I've seen quite a bit of 5 star reviews so please take this review with a grain of salt
No cheating
Once the mcs get together there was no one else
Short separation but no one else
OW drama from beginning to end
nope-nope-nope
November 19, 2020Let me guess, heroine has loved him forever and he finally notices her when she gets "pretty" and other guys are into her. His ex is horrid and throws sexual details into the heorines face somewhere in the book. Same formula with this author every time. Her heorines are pathetic and have no life till the magical hero notices them 🙄 I'll pass.
Someone feel free to let me know I am right 😂
Someone feel free to let me know I am right 😂
July 8, 2020
Good story.
Well written.
Huge ex drama.
Hero is divorced and has two kids.
Hero grew up in same street as heroine , he was star qb and dated the queen cheerleader.
I think he's a couple of years older than the heroine.
The heroine was a shy, nerdy, slightly over weight, puppy fat, spotty kid that ran in different circles to the Hero and the Hero's girlfriend was her bully.
The Hero was oblivious to his girlfriend's not so sweet side and also never noticed the heroine.
He marries his girlfriend and later they divorce.
I'm not a fan of the heroine pinning for the Hero, not being noticed until she's slimmer and beautiful.
The heroine does move on from it for a time but when he moved back to town then got divorced she is all hopeful again.
One thing I did think was that the heroine feels she's been in love with him since she was 7, I think it is but she doesn't really know him. She watched him from her window, they weren't friends, in fact he doesn't remember her at all, so to base a whole child/adult infatuation on how he looks isn't really a foundation for true love.
Yet it basically rules her while life, she forgets about him for a bit but never really forgets. (?)
There was an incident mentioned from the previous book where the Hero apparently hit on the heroine from that book but was knocked back and she told him the heroine of this book was interested, I don't remember but it is never brought up between the Hero and heroine or resolved. But it's not exactly flattering that he didn't notice the heroine even at that point.
This would be a huge no go for me... He couldnt get my friend so takes me as a consolation prize after she shoves him in my direction. No way.
What I would say is the Hero is a cop and as such should be pretty people savvy but he doesn't see what an all out b**** his ex-wife was even though half the town do.
He doesn't strike me as too bright, he makes the excuse he was in high school and she put out but he continued to date her, they were on/off so obviously there were issues.
Apparently she got pregnant, he says on purpose so he proposed not wanting his kids to have the life he had as a kid.
There were strong resemblances to KA book Complicated.
The ex is an absolute dream for angst if OTT for real life.
Also the son and daughter have active parts and there was a definite Kristen Ashley vibe.
It's similar but different enough.
When the Hero does mess up, the heroine doesn't say that's fine and become a doormat, she stands her ground and he works for it.
For the safety gang.
The Hero is divorced.
He mentions he had been with a few girls before his marriage and women after.
The heroine has dated but nothing really worked out to be too serious.
There is no mention of her being a virgin but there is also no sexual detail of any other partners.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Once the Hero and heroine connect even though their relationship has issues there is no looking elsewhere, no flirting, no touching others.
The heroine does get drunk and chat with another man but it's innocent enough.
HEA.
Epilogue three months on.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series, next book is the Hero's partner from work.
There is an unsolved crime thread that runs through the series.
Well written.
Huge ex drama.
Hero is divorced and has two kids.
Hero grew up in same street as heroine , he was star qb and dated the queen cheerleader.
I think he's a couple of years older than the heroine.
The heroine was a shy, nerdy, slightly over weight, puppy fat, spotty kid that ran in different circles to the Hero and the Hero's girlfriend was her bully.
The Hero was oblivious to his girlfriend's not so sweet side and also never noticed the heroine.
He marries his girlfriend and later they divorce.
I'm not a fan of the heroine pinning for the Hero, not being noticed until she's slimmer and beautiful.
The heroine does move on from it for a time but when he moved back to town then got divorced she is all hopeful again.
One thing I did think was that the heroine feels she's been in love with him since she was 7, I think it is but she doesn't really know him. She watched him from her window, they weren't friends, in fact he doesn't remember her at all, so to base a whole child/adult infatuation on how he looks isn't really a foundation for true love.
Yet it basically rules her while life, she forgets about him for a bit but never really forgets. (?)
There was an incident mentioned from the previous book where the Hero apparently hit on the heroine from that book but was knocked back and she told him the heroine of this book was interested, I don't remember but it is never brought up between the Hero and heroine or resolved. But it's not exactly flattering that he didn't notice the heroine even at that point.
This would be a huge no go for me... He couldnt get my friend so takes me as a consolation prize after she shoves him in my direction. No way.
What I would say is the Hero is a cop and as such should be pretty people savvy but he doesn't see what an all out b**** his ex-wife was even though half the town do.
He doesn't strike me as too bright, he makes the excuse he was in high school and she put out but he continued to date her, they were on/off so obviously there were issues.
Apparently she got pregnant, he says on purpose so he proposed not wanting his kids to have the life he had as a kid.
There were strong resemblances to KA book Complicated.
The ex is an absolute dream for angst if OTT for real life.
Also the son and daughter have active parts and there was a definite Kristen Ashley vibe.
It's similar but different enough.
When the Hero does mess up, the heroine doesn't say that's fine and become a doormat, she stands her ground and he works for it.
For the safety gang.
The Hero is divorced.
He mentions he had been with a few girls before his marriage and women after.
The heroine has dated but nothing really worked out to be too serious.
There is no mention of her being a virgin but there is also no sexual detail of any other partners.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Once the Hero and heroine connect even though their relationship has issues there is no looking elsewhere, no flirting, no touching others.
The heroine does get drunk and chat with another man but it's innocent enough.
HEA.
Epilogue three months on.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series, next book is the Hero's partner from work.
There is an unsolved crime thread that runs through the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
Ok I give up. It’s me and not the book.
I can’t understand how someone can be in love with a person that never even noticed them and even married the girl who bullied her relentlessly for years.
I just can’t understand unrequited love.
For me it ended the day of my 12th birthday because it was always such a waste of my time.
It’s my favorite quote: he who doesn’t love me doesn’t deserve me.
It’s not love if it’s not reciprocated, between partners.
You can’t say you’re in love with someone you barely know and only see from a distance.
You love someone because he or she makes you feel good, because he makes your life better sharing everything with you. The thing about this books is that they confuse teenage crush with true love.
This heroine is one of the worst loser of all.
She was a nerd, she lived near the hero but he never saw her because she was plain and overweight.
He married her bully.
So how can you love someone like that? He stayed married with such woman 15 years and had two children with her. The woman is an horrible human being.
Do you respect a man that can be married to such a woman? Do you admire him?
Do you think he’s a good man or do you think he’s worthless, vain, shallow because he has chosen as his partner for life such a bitch?
I don’t understand how adult people can appreciate a heroine who stays faithful to such a loser for basically 20 years while he never sees her and he sees her only when her bff, that he was lusting over, tells him that the heroine, the girl he never noticed, would be perfect for him.
Jesus ain’t it pathetic.
And she’s like aaaawww really? You into me??? I can’t believe it! Finally! Yehy!
Really?
Second hand embarrassment like a few other time.
I was cringing and hiding myself under the chair because she has no self esteem, nope, zero!
Oh, the zero asks her not to tell anybody that they are dating because he’s afraid of his ex wife, the bitch.
Sorry, who’s the bitch here? Him or his ex? Both?
When accidentally the news of them dating is out he blames the heroine and tells her awful things.
At that point I would have told him how much of a loser he his and that he’s no prize at all, a divorced loser with baggage, children and a bitch of a ex wife, and I would have sent him packing and thanked my good luck that he’s gone for good.
But nope, she takes him back after a few words of apology.
Why people live this kind of books? Thank god people in real life don’t act this way.
FYI, it’s not healthy to be in love with someone who doesn’t even know you exist. Never ever. Not for a month, and surely not for decades. It reeks of desperation. Move on, look around and you will be amazed at how many wonderful people there are that you can love and that can love you.
I can’t understand how someone can be in love with a person that never even noticed them and even married the girl who bullied her relentlessly for years.
I just can’t understand unrequited love.
For me it ended the day of my 12th birthday because it was always such a waste of my time.
It’s my favorite quote: he who doesn’t love me doesn’t deserve me.
It’s not love if it’s not reciprocated, between partners.
You can’t say you’re in love with someone you barely know and only see from a distance.
You love someone because he or she makes you feel good, because he makes your life better sharing everything with you. The thing about this books is that they confuse teenage crush with true love.
This heroine is one of the worst loser of all.
She was a nerd, she lived near the hero but he never saw her because she was plain and overweight.
He married her bully.
So how can you love someone like that? He stayed married with such woman 15 years and had two children with her. The woman is an horrible human being.
Do you respect a man that can be married to such a woman? Do you admire him?
Do you think he’s a good man or do you think he’s worthless, vain, shallow because he has chosen as his partner for life such a bitch?
I don’t understand how adult people can appreciate a heroine who stays faithful to such a loser for basically 20 years while he never sees her and he sees her only when her bff, that he was lusting over, tells him that the heroine, the girl he never noticed, would be perfect for him.
Jesus ain’t it pathetic.
And she’s like aaaawww really? You into me??? I can’t believe it! Finally! Yehy!
Really?
Second hand embarrassment like a few other time.
I was cringing and hiding myself under the chair because she has no self esteem, nope, zero!
Oh, the zero asks her not to tell anybody that they are dating because he’s afraid of his ex wife, the bitch.
Sorry, who’s the bitch here? Him or his ex? Both?
When accidentally the news of them dating is out he blames the heroine and tells her awful things.
At that point I would have told him how much of a loser he his and that he’s no prize at all, a divorced loser with baggage, children and a bitch of a ex wife, and I would have sent him packing and thanked my good luck that he’s gone for good.
But nope, she takes him back after a few words of apology.
Why people live this kind of books? Thank god people in real life don’t act this way.
FYI, it’s not healthy to be in love with someone who doesn’t even know you exist. Never ever. Not for a month, and surely not for decades. It reeks of desperation. Move on, look around and you will be amazed at how many wonderful people there are that you can love and that can love you.
March 1, 2025
3 Just OK for Me Stars
Dani and Leo grew up next door to each other. She fell in love at first sight with him at age 7 😐... but she was a chubby nerd, and he never noticed her. The book opens many years later, Leo has returned home with two kids and divorced his wife (the town mean-girl) a year earlier. Apparently, he was interested in the previous h, and she pointed him towards Dani… who is now no longer chubby and super-hot.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone… but like many series, there’s a lot of secondary character filler. So, it takes a while for things to get going. (the first 20% is mostly filler)
I’ve only read one other book from this author, but to me, I feel like she channels KA’s style. HARD. In fact, this read (to me) like a watered-down version of Complicated. There’s the dynamic of the snooty ex-wife that uses the kids and her bitchy friends to cause issues. The oldest is a look-alike son that sees his mother for who she is. The youngest is a daughter that’s very kindhearted and loves dancing and cooking… and acts a smidge young for her age. The H is a cop AND they even have the same last name - Drake. The h is super sweet/town loved. There’s even a miscommunication/jumping to conclusion breakup (initiated by the OW talking to the kids) where the H gets mean. The main difference is this h (Dani) is naive/silly at times and KA’s are usually more confident/ better at adulting.
Like you’d never get this from a KA h….
“I’ve been tryin’ to get your attention for months darlin’ and you haven’t given me anything. I gotta tell you. That really messes with a man’s ego.” He had? “You have?”
“Every time I came into Muffin Top and tried to start up a conversation.” Well wasn’t I just the world’s biggest idiot? “I-I didn’t know, Leo. I’m sorry.”
“You’re into me.” “Yeah.” “And I’m into you.” “Thank fuck,” he grunted in response. “And . . . this is a date.”
Bottom Line- The tone was very KA but soapier… and less adulting.
Dani and Leo grew up next door to each other. She fell in love at first sight with him at age 7 😐... but she was a chubby nerd, and he never noticed her. The book opens many years later, Leo has returned home with two kids and divorced his wife (the town mean-girl) a year earlier. Apparently, he was interested in the previous h, and she pointed him towards Dani… who is now no longer chubby and super-hot.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone… but like many series, there’s a lot of secondary character filler. So, it takes a while for things to get going. (the first 20% is mostly filler)
I’ve only read one other book from this author, but to me, I feel like she channels KA’s style. HARD. In fact, this read (to me) like a watered-down version of Complicated. There’s the dynamic of the snooty ex-wife that uses the kids and her bitchy friends to cause issues. The oldest is a look-alike son that sees his mother for who she is. The youngest is a daughter that’s very kindhearted and loves dancing and cooking… and acts a smidge young for her age. The H is a cop AND they even have the same last name - Drake. The h is super sweet/town loved. There’s even a miscommunication/jumping to conclusion breakup (initiated by the OW talking to the kids) where the H gets mean. The main difference is this h (Dani) is naive/silly at times and KA’s are usually more confident/ better at adulting.
Like you’d never get this from a KA h….
“I’ve been tryin’ to get your attention for months darlin’ and you haven’t given me anything. I gotta tell you. That really messes with a man’s ego.” He had? “You have?”
“Every time I came into Muffin Top and tried to start up a conversation.” Well wasn’t I just the world’s biggest idiot? “I-I didn’t know, Leo. I’m sorry.”
“You’re into me.” “Yeah.” “And I’m into you.” “Thank fuck,” he grunted in response. “And . . . this is a date.”
Bottom Line- The tone was very KA but soapier… and less adulting.
October 19, 2020
DNF at 60%
So I instituted a policy a few years ago to give a new-to-me author more than one chance if by chance their first book is a dud. There have been many times in the past where if I had come across the one or two books of an author that I liked that were duds, I would have missed out on some really good reads by those authors that I came to like.
I thought the previous book by this author was just ok with some problems. So I decided to try one more to see if that was an outlier.
I started this one and it actually started promisingly. But then as it got further in some of the same issues from the previous book reared. The story and plot hit on a lot of my personal peeves. The voice of the author feels absent. Many of the tropes of the last book are recycled right in this one. Terrible exes, Stepford kids, juvenile public confrontations by the terrible exes etc.
And in the two books I've read the town is glaring in its homogeneity. Everyone was white, cis, abled, and sexy. Even background characters. The closest this comes to any hint of anything else is when the couple discuss liking Chinese food.
So yeah this author just isn't for me.
So I instituted a policy a few years ago to give a new-to-me author more than one chance if by chance their first book is a dud. There have been many times in the past where if I had come across the one or two books of an author that I liked that were duds, I would have missed out on some really good reads by those authors that I came to like.
I thought the previous book by this author was just ok with some problems. So I decided to try one more to see if that was an outlier.
I started this one and it actually started promisingly. But then as it got further in some of the same issues from the previous book reared. The story and plot hit on a lot of my personal peeves. The voice of the author feels absent. Many of the tropes of the last book are recycled right in this one. Terrible exes, Stepford kids, juvenile public confrontations by the terrible exes etc.
And in the two books I've read the town is glaring in its homogeneity. Everyone was white, cis, abled, and sexy. Even background characters. The closest this comes to any hint of anything else is when the couple discuss liking Chinese food.
So yeah this author just isn't for me.
August 5, 2025
Danika had crushed on Leo Drake since she was a kid, he never really looked her way because he was involved with the popular girl in school and Danika was the gawky nerdy girl who was a target for bullying by said popular girl. Years later Danika is the proud owner of muffin top bakery and has found herself and has caught the eye of Leo Drake.
After a disastrous marriage, Leo is done with his ex. The only good thing out of his marriage is his two kids who he loves to pieces. He has been trying to ask Danika out for awhile but for reasons unknown to him she doesn't seem interested. However once he realizes she had no clue he makes his interest known, but he wants to keep their new found relationship quiet until he figures out where they are heading. An ex who wont give up is determined to ruin what they are building, the question is will Leo let it?
This was fantastic. It is one of those books you finish and then want to restart because you were so swept away. I loved the characters in this one and wanted more. Leo is pure alpha male and I loved the way he was with Danika. Danika is that girl you can relate to from high school, it made me reminisce. Excellent read.
After a disastrous marriage, Leo is done with his ex. The only good thing out of his marriage is his two kids who he loves to pieces. He has been trying to ask Danika out for awhile but for reasons unknown to him she doesn't seem interested. However once he realizes she had no clue he makes his interest known, but he wants to keep their new found relationship quiet until he figures out where they are heading. An ex who wont give up is determined to ruin what they are building, the question is will Leo let it?
This was fantastic. It is one of those books you finish and then want to restart because you were so swept away. I loved the characters in this one and wanted more. Leo is pure alpha male and I loved the way he was with Danika. Danika is that girl you can relate to from high school, it made me reminisce. Excellent read.
November 9, 2021
Dani is sugar sweet
I love this book and this series! I really should hate that Dani has loved Leo since she was seven years old and he didn't notice her until her friend Tessa mentioned she was sweet and single. Then, of course, Leo had hit on Tessa and asked her out right in front of Dani.
Leo was sweet, but there were times when he was also a big raging jerk and other times when he was totally clueless. Through some of those times I cried for Dani. I know there are times when the female characters come off like too much of a pushover and you just want to slap some backbone into her. I didn't feel that way with Dani. I really just felt like she was a very genuine sweet woman. They is a fine line between being a doormat and being sweet and shy because of being bullied by mean girls back in high school (the main mean girl being Leo's ex-wife). I think the author did a great job of showing Dani's insecurities without making her seem pathetic.
Next up is Micah's book. He's Leo's partner on the police force. It should be out I the next few weeks and I can't wait! I'm still hoping that Hunter will get his story soon!
I love this book and this series! I really should hate that Dani has loved Leo since she was seven years old and he didn't notice her until her friend Tessa mentioned she was sweet and single. Then, of course, Leo had hit on Tessa and asked her out right in front of Dani.
Leo was sweet, but there were times when he was also a big raging jerk and other times when he was totally clueless. Through some of those times I cried for Dani. I know there are times when the female characters come off like too much of a pushover and you just want to slap some backbone into her. I didn't feel that way with Dani. I really just felt like she was a very genuine sweet woman. They is a fine line between being a doormat and being sweet and shy because of being bullied by mean girls back in high school (the main mean girl being Leo's ex-wife). I think the author did a great job of showing Dani's insecurities without making her seem pathetic.
Next up is Micah's book. He's Leo's partner on the police force. It should be out I the next few weeks and I can't wait! I'm still hoping that Hunter will get his story soon!
August 1, 2020
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads
=======================
heroine = loser
hero = dumbass
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heroine = loser
hero = dumbass
The rumor was, up until just a few months ago, he’d gone outside of town to get him a little somethin’, somethin’, and it became clear to everyone when his attention shifted from one-night stands to something more, because the first woman he turned his attention to was my friend.
I’d been standing right there when he first made his move on Tessa, and I hadn’t even been a blip on his radar.
Why hadn’t Danika and I been friends? If I was being honest with myself, my memories of her from back then were hazy at best. I knew for certain she didn’t look like the woman sitting in front of me now,
Are your deep-seeded issues about being a nerd in high school so damn bad, you had to go tell everyone you finally hooked up with the quarterback of the football team?”
His cruel words bounced around inside my skull until they were all I could hear.
Read
July 6, 2020AVAILABLE NOW
June 27, 2020
I can't say that enough: this is one of my favorite series EVER!
I loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot, the chemistry between the main characters, the mistakes, the redemption. There was just so much to love.
Leo has finally gotten out of a toxic marriage that lasted more than enough. His kids (Macie and Hardin), even though are both wonderful, are in the middle of a turmoil built by their evil mother (Leo's ex). The personification of the devil only cares about herself and doesn't mind hurting their children as she spews her venom everywhere.
But it's in the middle of that havoc that Leo finally sees the marvelous, shy, pure sweet woman that had lived across from him and crushed him from afar for so many years. And once he gets a taste, he can't get enough.
Dani is so amazing. She is nurturing, caring, always so willing to help and adorably shy. She is always the nerdy girl who had to watch her dreams crumble when the guy she wanted married the devil himself.
Leo is sexy, protective, a wonderful father who loves his kids more than anything, but that couldn't keep living that miserable life. He has such a heavy baggage (aka, his ex-wife and the scars she left), but all he needed was the sweet balm only his Danika could provide.
They were so hot and adorable together. They matched beautifully and the way they dealed with Leo's kids was a sight to behold.
I loved Dani's interactions with Macie and Hardin almost as much as I loved Dani and Leo together.
It was so wonderful watching everything the four of them were building together: their trust, their respect for each other, the loyalty they all earned, the love that bloomed despite all odds. It wasn't and easy nor a straight path in any way.
It was full of curves, rocks, what looked like dead ends. But at every turn, every obstacle, they seemed to find a way to overcome and go to where they all belonged - together.
Their love was powerful and they cherished each other so beautifully. Leo, Macie and Hardin finally learned what is like to be loved by a woman (a lover and a mother figure). And even if they didn't know they were wainting for it, with Danika, the four of the them finally found the forever the were waiting for.
I loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot, the chemistry between the main characters, the mistakes, the redemption. There was just so much to love.
Leo has finally gotten out of a toxic marriage that lasted more than enough. His kids (Macie and Hardin), even though are both wonderful, are in the middle of a turmoil built by their evil mother (Leo's ex). The personification of the devil only cares about herself and doesn't mind hurting their children as she spews her venom everywhere.
But it's in the middle of that havoc that Leo finally sees the marvelous, shy, pure sweet woman that had lived across from him and crushed him from afar for so many years. And once he gets a taste, he can't get enough.
Dani is so amazing. She is nurturing, caring, always so willing to help and adorably shy. She is always the nerdy girl who had to watch her dreams crumble when the guy she wanted married the devil himself.
Leo is sexy, protective, a wonderful father who loves his kids more than anything, but that couldn't keep living that miserable life. He has such a heavy baggage (aka, his ex-wife and the scars she left), but all he needed was the sweet balm only his Danika could provide.
They were so hot and adorable together. They matched beautifully and the way they dealed with Leo's kids was a sight to behold.
I loved Dani's interactions with Macie and Hardin almost as much as I loved Dani and Leo together.
It was so wonderful watching everything the four of them were building together: their trust, their respect for each other, the loyalty they all earned, the love that bloomed despite all odds. It wasn't and easy nor a straight path in any way.
It was full of curves, rocks, what looked like dead ends. But at every turn, every obstacle, they seemed to find a way to overcome and go to where they all belonged - together.
Their love was powerful and they cherished each other so beautifully. Leo, Macie and Hardin finally learned what is like to be loved by a woman (a lover and a mother figure). And even if they didn't know they were wainting for it, with Danika, the four of the them finally found the forever the were waiting for.
July 8, 2020
SPOILERS...
I realize that books by Jessica Prince are a hit or miss for me, and I found this one closer to a ‘do not re-read’ pile. What irritated me here:
1. Hero hit on the heroine from the previous book and NEVER NOTICED THE CURRENT BOOK’S HEROINE EVEN WHEN SHE WAS STANDING RIGHT THERE. He only noticed the heroine when the previous book’s heroine points her out to him and asks him to give her a chance. Wow, what a f**king winner this guy is!
2. Heroine was in love / deep crush on the hero since childhood but of course he was the jock and she was the mousy nerd who never got attention. His girlfriend at the time bullied her and he didn’t even notice or say anything despite the fact that the heroine was his neighbor. Again, what a f**king champion this chap is!
3. Of course heroine is now gorgeous all over and bakes like a dream, so the hero deigns to notice her AFTER someone points her out as someone who likes him. Hero seems more like an arsehole by the minute.
4. Heroine apparently hardly dates, because yeah, semi virgin is the way to go here whereas the hero gets to hit on other heroines and have sex whenever he wants. Wonderful. Let’s put her in a small box by having her in love with the arsehole hero her whole life.
5. Hero asks heroine to keep their initial relationship a secret. Hero’s ex and their son find out about the relationship. He then says terribly mean things to her and breaks up with her when he thinks she talked about their relationship with others. There’s some grovel and apology only AFTER one of her friends tells him off. Amazing that this mature man and father to boot, couldn’t realize ON HIS OWN that his words were mean and unfair. This fella is an absolute keeper!
What I liked:
The good sex scenes.
I realize that books by Jessica Prince are a hit or miss for me, and I found this one closer to a ‘do not re-read’ pile. What irritated me here:
1. Hero hit on the heroine from the previous book and NEVER NOTICED THE CURRENT BOOK’S HEROINE EVEN WHEN SHE WAS STANDING RIGHT THERE. He only noticed the heroine when the previous book’s heroine points her out to him and asks him to give her a chance. Wow, what a f**king winner this guy is!
2. Heroine was in love / deep crush on the hero since childhood but of course he was the jock and she was the mousy nerd who never got attention. His girlfriend at the time bullied her and he didn’t even notice or say anything despite the fact that the heroine was his neighbor. Again, what a f**king champion this chap is!
3. Of course heroine is now gorgeous all over and bakes like a dream, so the hero deigns to notice her AFTER someone points her out as someone who likes him. Hero seems more like an arsehole by the minute.
4. Heroine apparently hardly dates, because yeah, semi virgin is the way to go here whereas the hero gets to hit on other heroines and have sex whenever he wants. Wonderful. Let’s put her in a small box by having her in love with the arsehole hero her whole life.
5. Hero asks heroine to keep their initial relationship a secret. Hero’s ex and their son find out about the relationship. He then says terribly mean things to her and breaks up with her when he thinks she talked about their relationship with others. There’s some grovel and apology only AFTER one of her friends tells him off. Amazing that this mature man and father to boot, couldn’t realize ON HIS OWN that his words were mean and unfair. This fella is an absolute keeper!
What I liked:
The good sex scenes.
December 12, 2024
3.5 stars
I actually did it! I finished a JP book! Because, full confession, I started this book years before but did not finish it because there was that one element that displeased me. The same happened for many other books of hers that I tried, where it started out fab and then that one glitch that turned me away. Now, years later, with my bigger girls pants on, I thought it was high time to revisit the story and see if I felt the same. Verdict? Pretty much felt the same - the story had many good parts but again there was that one pernicky plot point that tanked my enjoyment a bit. But, on the positive side, I finished it and I have a review.
What I enjoyed
🍰 JP's storytelling style was ideal for the universe she built. She got the small town atmosphere, the characters' interactions, the characters' feelings etc pat down perfectly.
🍰 JP's take on the Unrequited Love trope was sweet and angsty. It had all the feels.
🍰 The betrayal was wow. Hit real hard and good.
🍰 I loved how Dani stood up to Leo and gave him cash how he fucked up.
🍰 The OW drama was nasty but well done.
What I pissed me off
🚨 Leo as an H far, far from impressed me. His pushy ways to inveigle himself into a date with Dani already set a bad tone (He didn't even ask her first! And within a hot minute of her agreeing to be in a relationship, he immediately tells her it should be a secret one!). And when his betrayal hit (), his grovel was totally sub-par. Consisted mainly of saying that he was wrong (a few times - without ever stating on what precisely), that he regretted throwing their happy away and giving her time to forgive him ('time'... for me this translates as him being a lazy coward). Not even a proper apology to Dani for callously using her words against her 😠🤬!! Hence, I am absolutely not convinced he won't ever do it again should the circumstances be gathered.
🚨 Still worse, Dani gave him a chance too easily. After she put up a good fight for a while, he just had to whine a bit about his regrets and give a half-assed promise to do better ('do better', not an absolute vow to never use her words against her 😬! Like next time, instead of using cruel words, he could just dial it down a few degrees, and that would be his better 🙄😖) and she just said yes to give him a second chance.
🚨 And what pisses me off royally, is that JP proved that she could actually come up with a decent apology. Glaring example: Hardin's apology to Dani was so well done and meaningful compared to his dad's. So why?? Why couldn't she have Leo manned up to grovel hard?
*sigh* Save for the points that pissed me off, this story was actually really good. I really fail to understand how editors did not pick out these rage-inducing imperfections because otherwise, this could have been the ultimate, angsty small town CR book. With my views confirmed so far as this story is concerned, I don't think I will dive into another JP book in the near future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 21, 2020Nope. Nope. Nope.
DNF @ 35%.
I should have known, after I remembered that I was leery of this writer.
It started out interesting and was actually pretty good. But then the gaggle of annoying girlfriends with no respect for boundaries showed up. And then at around 30% the writer took the low road with things I don't need to know about. If I never read another sex scene loaded with juvenile slang, locker-room filth and descriptions of bodily secretions I am perfectly fine with that. But I resent the persistent depiction of women as helpless slaves to their bodies, reduced to begging a man to get them off.
You want to impress me? STOP depicting heroes as fucking gods with magical charisma. Make the fucking man beg the woman for goddamn once.
But guess what? Never. Gonna. Happen - unless it's in some weird kink/fetish/BDSM effluvia where the h is a dominatrix.
Another thing that's never gonna happen is me reading that kind of shite.
The heroine will turn out to be a giant doormat, mark my words, but I'm not sticking round to find out. Life can manage to be aggravating and stressful enough without my reading time being corrupted by yet another writer with no class, who thinks women are spineless creatures to be objectified by arseholes who get away with being arseholes because they are attractive.
Another writer for the blacklist.
DNF @ 35%.
I should have known, after I remembered that I was leery of this writer.
It started out interesting and was actually pretty good. But then the gaggle of annoying girlfriends with no respect for boundaries showed up. And then at around 30% the writer took the low road with things I don't need to know about. If I never read another sex scene loaded with juvenile slang, locker-room filth and descriptions of bodily secretions I am perfectly fine with that. But I resent the persistent depiction of women as helpless slaves to their bodies, reduced to begging a man to get them off.
You want to impress me? STOP depicting heroes as fucking gods with magical charisma. Make the fucking man beg the woman for goddamn once.
But guess what? Never. Gonna. Happen - unless it's in some weird kink/fetish/BDSM effluvia where the h is a dominatrix.
Another thing that's never gonna happen is me reading that kind of shite.
The heroine will turn out to be a giant doormat, mark my words, but I'm not sticking round to find out. Life can manage to be aggravating and stressful enough without my reading time being corrupted by yet another writer with no class, who thinks women are spineless creatures to be objectified by arseholes who get away with being arseholes because they are attractive.
Another writer for the blacklist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
I really, really, really want to move to Hope Valley! They have the sexiest men in that town and every woman that I meet I want to be friends with!
Jessica delivered another winner with Waiting for Forever! I loved everything about this story. From watching Leo finally notice that girl next door that crushed on him FOREVER! To watching sweet, shy Danika really come into her own.
And the relationship that both had with Leo's kids... SIGH! The quickest way to my heart is if you are good with kids — and these two have dug themselves deep into my heart!
If you are a fan of small-town romances, you don't want to miss this!
Waiting for Forever is the eighth book in Jessica's Hope Valley series but can be read as a true standalone book.
Jessica delivered another winner with Waiting for Forever! I loved everything about this story. From watching Leo finally notice that girl next door that crushed on him FOREVER! To watching sweet, shy Danika really come into her own.
And the relationship that both had with Leo's kids... SIGH! The quickest way to my heart is if you are good with kids — and these two have dug themselves deep into my heart!
If you are a fan of small-town romances, you don't want to miss this!
Waiting for Forever is the eighth book in Jessica's Hope Valley series but can be read as a true standalone book.
July 8, 2020
5 Stars!
Hope Valley is back on the map and I couldn't be more excited. This series is a top favorite of mine (fans of ARR and KA really need to experience all this brilliance!) and y'all, Leo and Dani were EVERYTHING in the VERY best ways.
Waiting for Forever is the eighth standalone in this series and shew, my heart still beats fast when I think of this town, this group of friends, their beautiful, emotional, unforgettable stories, and in particular THIS couple. This book hooked me hard and fast, pretty quickly into the first few pages and I didn't put it down until long after the pages quit turning.
Leo and Dani stole my heart and while their journey to forever was bumpy and a wee bit complicated but I honestly wouldn't change one single moment. Emotional. Intense. Suspenseful. Deep. Unputdownable on every single page.
I can't wait for the next book in this addicting series.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Hope Valley is back on the map and I couldn't be more excited. This series is a top favorite of mine (fans of ARR and KA really need to experience all this brilliance!) and y'all, Leo and Dani were EVERYTHING in the VERY best ways.
Waiting for Forever is the eighth standalone in this series and shew, my heart still beats fast when I think of this town, this group of friends, their beautiful, emotional, unforgettable stories, and in particular THIS couple. This book hooked me hard and fast, pretty quickly into the first few pages and I didn't put it down until long after the pages quit turning.
Leo and Dani stole my heart and while their journey to forever was bumpy and a wee bit complicated but I honestly wouldn't change one single moment. Emotional. Intense. Suspenseful. Deep. Unputdownable on every single page.
I can't wait for the next book in this addicting series.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
December 4, 2022
The ending was abrupt. Within a couple of chapters Leo is head over heels in love, his kids love Dani, ex-wife is a b*tch and there's a happy ending. Meh🙄
July 7, 2020
Had I never read a KA book, this probably would have been 4.5 stars but the similarities prevent me from rating it higher. Also the epilogue could have been longer and some more ends tied up.
July 2, 2020
I am a HUGE fan of Jessica Prince and even more of the Hope Valley series, which makes my next statement pretty big. Waiting for Forever is my new FAVORITE in this series. All of the books have something special in them, but this book is absolutely AMAZING. Leo and Dani are not perfect, not in the least, but man I love them!
Dani has been crushing on Leo for YEARS and since she is so shy and used to be pretty geeky, it was easy for her to fade into the background. But, Leo is older now and he is seeing the special person in front of him that went unnoticed for so many years. This book is not easy, there are many obstacles in their way *COUGH Bitter Ex COUGH*, but it is all a part of the journey!
All in all this book is extremely heartfelt and the characters will resonate strongly with you. They were so relatable, where I could see myself in certain situations that Dani found herself in. She might be super sweet, but she was not a pushover and I LOVED seeing that. And let me tell you that there are some SUPER steamy scenes added in as well! I cannot recommend this book enough, it is one that you absolutely need in your life and I give it 5 HUGE stars! Though it is a standalone, you should also check out the rest of the series too!
PS: Thank you to Jessica Prince and Love Affair with Fiction for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review.
Dani has been crushing on Leo for YEARS and since she is so shy and used to be pretty geeky, it was easy for her to fade into the background. But, Leo is older now and he is seeing the special person in front of him that went unnoticed for so many years. This book is not easy, there are many obstacles in their way *COUGH Bitter Ex COUGH*, but it is all a part of the journey!
All in all this book is extremely heartfelt and the characters will resonate strongly with you. They were so relatable, where I could see myself in certain situations that Dani found herself in. She might be super sweet, but she was not a pushover and I LOVED seeing that. And let me tell you that there are some SUPER steamy scenes added in as well! I cannot recommend this book enough, it is one that you absolutely need in your life and I give it 5 HUGE stars! Though it is a standalone, you should also check out the rest of the series too!
PS: Thank you to Jessica Prince and Love Affair with Fiction for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review.
July 4, 2020
Okay. I have read and LOVED every JP book to date, this one had me nervous for a hot minute. I was NOT sold on Leo at all. He did not attach to my heart right away, in fact it took quite awhile and if I am being honest I ended up falling for him due to Danika's love for him. I have adored Dani through stories and wanted her happily ever after so much. Her love, loyalty, kindness and willingness to forgive was so strong that I too found myself caving. Leo did win me over BUT I was hesitant for a good portion of the story. But what was the usual was Ms. Prince's ability to grab me, capture my heart, and keep me sated from beginning to end. I can't explain how easily I fall into a Jessica Prince story, it's like peanut butter and jelly. They just go together. Nuff said. Another 5 star read from one of my favs...thank you for writing flawed characters that at the end of the day win me over 100% xo
July 13, 2020
I have loved every book in the Hope Valley series (along with the spin off, Redemption series) and I have to say that Waiting For Forever, book 8, has to be one of my favorites. This book has three of my favorite themes/tropes, a single father, unrequited love and small town romance.
Dani has been in love with Leo since she was a child and to witness the heartbreak she goes through while watching Leo dating, then marrying and having children with the ultimate mean girl, broke my heart. But it is now over a decade later, the love she felt began to fade and she was moving on and she has done well for herself. She now owns the highly popular coffee/bakery shop in Hope Valley and is well loved by everyone. As for Leo, he has been back for about a year and he has finally figured out who he had married. His divorce was definitely bitter, but he is an amazing father, he does not let his feelings for his ex show in front of his kids (even though that is not the case with the ex). He finally realizes that he needs to find his happy and Dani may just be the person to show him the way.
I loved watching Leo pursuing Dani, especially with how much she had loved him from afar for so long. Dani was amazing with Leo’s two kids, Hardin and Macie. They did cause some trouble along the way and the way Leo reacted really ticked me off, but the resolution made it all worth it. I loved everything about this book and I can not wait for the next in this series (or even the Redemption series)!! Another 5-star read and I highly recommend it.
Dani has been in love with Leo since she was a child and to witness the heartbreak she goes through while watching Leo dating, then marrying and having children with the ultimate mean girl, broke my heart. But it is now over a decade later, the love she felt began to fade and she was moving on and she has done well for herself. She now owns the highly popular coffee/bakery shop in Hope Valley and is well loved by everyone. As for Leo, he has been back for about a year and he has finally figured out who he had married. His divorce was definitely bitter, but he is an amazing father, he does not let his feelings for his ex show in front of his kids (even though that is not the case with the ex). He finally realizes that he needs to find his happy and Dani may just be the person to show him the way.
I loved watching Leo pursuing Dani, especially with how much she had loved him from afar for so long. Dani was amazing with Leo’s two kids, Hardin and Macie. They did cause some trouble along the way and the way Leo reacted really ticked me off, but the resolution made it all worth it. I loved everything about this book and I can not wait for the next in this series (or even the Redemption series)!! Another 5-star read and I highly recommend it.
July 6, 2020
As a teenager Leo was part of the popular crowd who then went on to marry his high school sweetheart who may have been beautiful on the outside but that wasn’t enough to make his marriage work. Now he is focused on trying to co-parent his two children with the woman who is doing everything she can to make it difficult.
Danika is a loyal friend with a huge heart who has loved Leo since they were children. She has left her painful high school days in her past and now that Leo is back in town he truly sees her for the first time. He still bears the emotional scars of his past so they definitely had their setbacks but the relationship she has with him and his children will melt your heart.
This story finds the perfect balance between humor and heart. The characters draw you in and have you invested in their happy ever after.
Danika is a loyal friend with a huge heart who has loved Leo since they were children. She has left her painful high school days in her past and now that Leo is back in town he truly sees her for the first time. He still bears the emotional scars of his past so they definitely had their setbacks but the relationship she has with him and his children will melt your heart.
This story finds the perfect balance between humor and heart. The characters draw you in and have you invested in their happy ever after.
July 7, 2020
3.5 stars
First of all I really enjoy this series small town interesting cast of characters. Some suspense, some drama and plot. We had some info on Leo and Danika in the previous book so this continues it. They had a history we know as much. While like this unrequited crush Danika had on Leo since she was young and unnoticed. To fast forward years later Leo missed out on his chance cause well he was a typical guy back then. He had an ugly divorce which made things in persuing Danika complicated. While Danika isn't a pushover when it comes to Leo he does her wrong a few times and it's nice she knows what she wants. This plot is more family drama and instafamily. Danika does handle all that well. Even with it's fair share of drama it's not dragged out. Not feeling Leo much cause he's got a lot to learn but he tries. I guess I was looking for the mystery action part of this there is some but not quite relevant to the plot just part of Leo's job. Still interested in this series.
First of all I really enjoy this series small town interesting cast of characters. Some suspense, some drama and plot. We had some info on Leo and Danika in the previous book so this continues it. They had a history we know as much. While like this unrequited crush Danika had on Leo since she was young and unnoticed. To fast forward years later Leo missed out on his chance cause well he was a typical guy back then. He had an ugly divorce which made things in persuing Danika complicated. While Danika isn't a pushover when it comes to Leo he does her wrong a few times and it's nice she knows what she wants. This plot is more family drama and instafamily. Danika does handle all that well. Even with it's fair share of drama it's not dragged out. Not feeling Leo much cause he's got a lot to learn but he tries. I guess I was looking for the mystery action part of this there is some but not quite relevant to the plot just part of Leo's job. Still interested in this series.
April 17, 2024
3.5-3.75?? I really enjoyed several aspects of this book. It’s got great Evil Cackling Whore OW drama and the H takes out his own trash. 🙌🏻 🙌🏻. I liked the whole long-term unrequited crush thing. I liked the angsty bits. Loads of things made this a pretty satisfying read for me. I enjoyed the writing style, inject me reading til the end, and the h isn’t even a virgin. 🤡🤣
My main complaint is that it’s just missing *something*. It’s lacking an element of intensity and intimacy. I didn’t feel a build up to their first time. It was just like “well, I guess it’s time. Let’s do it” 🤷🏼♀️ So I was a little uncomfortable when they started all the sexual stuff. (I have never felt this way when reading a 5-star read) And the actual sex is very dry. Like it’s just reading off a laundry list of things that should happen in a sex scene, rather than it feeling organic and passionate.
And I felt like the grovel was missing an element too. It’s never really discussed - the actual vile things the H said… like it didn’t matter, since he’d been mad at the time…. But it left me feeling unsatisfied — like those derisive contemptuous words could easily fall out of his mouth during their next argument since it was never addressed. I dunno it just felt like a little off the mark.
Anyway, I enjoyed this more than I expected to. So, it’s a not-quite-4-star.
My main complaint is that it’s just missing *something*. It’s lacking an element of intensity and intimacy. I didn’t feel a build up to their first time. It was just like “well, I guess it’s time. Let’s do it” 🤷🏼♀️ So I was a little uncomfortable when they started all the sexual stuff. (I have never felt this way when reading a 5-star read) And the actual sex is very dry. Like it’s just reading off a laundry list of things that should happen in a sex scene, rather than it feeling organic and passionate.
And I felt like the grovel was missing an element too. It’s never really discussed - the actual vile things the H said… like it didn’t matter, since he’d been mad at the time…. But it left me feeling unsatisfied — like those derisive contemptuous words could easily fall out of his mouth during their next argument since it was never addressed. I dunno it just felt like a little off the mark.
Anyway, I enjoyed this more than I expected to. So, it’s a not-quite-4-star.
October 24, 2020
Not bad, but I should probably just re-read a KA book.
Read
October 4, 2023DNF @ 13% because the MMC was a dick who has a “crazy ex” (🚩) and likes the FMC now that she’s skinny and can make him food.
I know men be really that shallow, but I don’t want to read about it.
I know men be really that shallow, but I don’t want to read about it.
July 4, 2020
Amazon US | Amazon Worldwide
Danika (Dani) has held unrequited feelings for her once neighbor, Leo, since they were children. She stood by and watched as he glanced over her without stopping, and ended up marrying her nemesis the original mean girl who made many a people's lives miserable in high school and beyond, including poor Leo's. But the time is now for Leo and Dani to come together, as Leo's divorced and has FINALLY noticed the sweet baker. And once he notices her, he's done for. Now he only has to get Dani on board and on the same page as he is.
Leo never really noticed the girl who lived next door. She was just a shy, nerdy girl that didn't hold a candle to the more blatantly obvious charms of women like the one he ends up marrying, and who subsequently proceed to make his life hell. But when he finally sees Dani, it's as if a lightbulb goes off, the fog clears, and his alpha side comes out to play. And once it did, WHEW!!
The Hope Valley series is one of my favorites for its small town charm and because the alpha males who fall in love with amazing women. I think Dani and Leo's story in particular, touched my heart and is my favorite of this series because Dani is just so sweet, so loyal, and has to wait so long for her man to finally notice her. And then when he does notice her? She has no idea that hurricane Leo is about to descend upon her life and claim her in the sweetest, swooniest way ever. Gah I love these two!
ARC via Love Affair With Fiction for an honest review.
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June 29, 2020
***5 Team Danika’ Stars***
And we have another winner!
I swear, every book in this series and it’s spinoff Redemption, just hit all my small town romance buttons in the best way every time, and this baby truly brings the small town of Hope Valley to life in a big way with a cast of amazing characters I love spending time with.
I ADORED Danika. She’s sweet, shy, sassy and owns all that she is. She has a golden heart, and though she is nice to everyone, she doesn’t let anyone walk all over her. Leo. It was hard not to love the guy. He is a good man who wants to do right by everyone that matters in his life, including himself.
I loved Danika and Leo together. They had a flow that made me want to spend more time with them and see them get their HEA because they both deserved it. Their bantering was funny and sweet and their chemistry was intense...and then that big ‘ole roadblock happened. Hands down, I was team Danika, though I could understand why Leo went where he did ~ not like it, but understand it. Thankfully, the grovelling ended up being on point, and I loved how Danika stood her ground until she was truly ready to let Leo back in and my heart did a happy dance at how things were with them when I read the words ‘The End’
This book was a great addition to the series. I loved catching up with the rest of the HV gang and seeing how all of their relationships are evolving and I absolutely adored Jed, Hardin and Macie and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book to see who will fall next!
~ Copy provided by LAwF & voluntarily reviewed ~
And we have another winner!
I swear, every book in this series and it’s spinoff Redemption, just hit all my small town romance buttons in the best way every time, and this baby truly brings the small town of Hope Valley to life in a big way with a cast of amazing characters I love spending time with.
I ADORED Danika. She’s sweet, shy, sassy and owns all that she is. She has a golden heart, and though she is nice to everyone, she doesn’t let anyone walk all over her. Leo. It was hard not to love the guy. He is a good man who wants to do right by everyone that matters in his life, including himself.
I loved Danika and Leo together. They had a flow that made me want to spend more time with them and see them get their HEA because they both deserved it. Their bantering was funny and sweet and their chemistry was intense...and then that big ‘ole roadblock happened. Hands down, I was team Danika, though I could understand why Leo went where he did ~ not like it, but understand it. Thankfully, the grovelling ended up being on point, and I loved how Danika stood her ground until she was truly ready to let Leo back in and my heart did a happy dance at how things were with them when I read the words ‘The End’
This book was a great addition to the series. I loved catching up with the rest of the HV gang and seeing how all of their relationships are evolving and I absolutely adored Jed, Hardin and Macie and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book to see who will fall next!
~ Copy provided by LAwF & voluntarily reviewed ~
July 2, 2020
Jessica Prince never fail to pull me in. This series is my fav out of everything I've read from her so far and it just keeps on getting better.
Waiting for Forever is what I'm calling a bit of an underdog love story and I live for those. The once nerdy girl that was shy and hoped that the boy would notice her. So relatable for a nerdy girl such as myself. I loved living vicariously through the female lead in this.
Of course it was made even better by the delicious Leo Drake. All around good guy with a devil of an ex-wife which makes for a bit of a suspenseful read. My heart literally went out to Leo.
I got so caught up in the feels, the ups and downs of this story.
With an HEA that is just beyond perfect, Waiting for Forever is the perfect Summer read.
Now to wait for more from Prince. And while I wait I'll be rereading this entire series and the rest of her backlist. That's how much I love her writing.
Waiting for Forever is what I'm calling a bit of an underdog love story and I live for those. The once nerdy girl that was shy and hoped that the boy would notice her. So relatable for a nerdy girl such as myself. I loved living vicariously through the female lead in this.
Of course it was made even better by the delicious Leo Drake. All around good guy with a devil of an ex-wife which makes for a bit of a suspenseful read. My heart literally went out to Leo.
I got so caught up in the feels, the ups and downs of this story.
With an HEA that is just beyond perfect, Waiting for Forever is the perfect Summer read.
Now to wait for more from Prince. And while I wait I'll be rereading this entire series and the rest of her backlist. That's how much I love her writing.
July 18, 2020
Second Chance
Prepare your heart to be broken and stomped on when our male lead destroys what he had with the sexy baker from Muffin Top. Danika has been secretly in love with Leo ever since she was a young girl. Shy, nerdy and not part of the popular crowd it was unrequited love.
Leo had no idea, a few years older than her he was a star athlete and thought more with his hormones. He’s divorce is behind him and he just wants the best for his kids. A nightmare of an ex wife who’s vicious and petty and just won’t go away. Whitney’s a nightmare and staying with her for as long as he did he deserves an award.
Leo though has moved on and trying to get the cute bakers attention is his goal. She’s adorable and her smile does him
In. She’s perfect for him and his kids. They want to take it slow see where it goes before they come out in the open. But when their secret threatens his relationship with his son he jumps to the wrong conclusion.
When Leo’s anger gets the better of him he lashes out at her. I doubt I’d have been as forgiving but Danika does take him back.
The ex is the issue a nasty vindictive person she won’t be happy until she destroys any happiness they have.
It’s predictable but it’s easy to read and it delivers a guaranteed happily ever.
Prepare your heart to be broken and stomped on when our male lead destroys what he had with the sexy baker from Muffin Top. Danika has been secretly in love with Leo ever since she was a young girl. Shy, nerdy and not part of the popular crowd it was unrequited love.
Leo had no idea, a few years older than her he was a star athlete and thought more with his hormones. He’s divorce is behind him and he just wants the best for his kids. A nightmare of an ex wife who’s vicious and petty and just won’t go away. Whitney’s a nightmare and staying with her for as long as he did he deserves an award.
Leo though has moved on and trying to get the cute bakers attention is his goal. She’s adorable and her smile does him
In. She’s perfect for him and his kids. They want to take it slow see where it goes before they come out in the open. But when their secret threatens his relationship with his son he jumps to the wrong conclusion.
When Leo’s anger gets the better of him he lashes out at her. I doubt I’d have been as forgiving but Danika does take him back.
The ex is the issue a nasty vindictive person she won’t be happy until she destroys any happiness they have.
It’s predictable but it’s easy to read and it delivers a guaranteed happily ever.
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