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Something Far Away and Happy
Can you ever truly get over your first love?
Julia Evans has never had anything handed to her: She's worked hard to get where she is — just one high-profile interior design client away from landing her dream job of designing a brand new boutique hotel.
Remington Van der Meer is getting revenge: After a failed marriage, the only thing she has her sights set on right now is taking over her father's company, slowly but surely.
Ten years ago, feisty Julia and arrogant Remi were McManus College’s most unlikely couple — the two couldn’t have had less in common. Their passionate romance burned brightly for a season, but it was painfully over just as quickly and abruptly as it began — neither one understanding exactly why.
Now, a 100-year storm, a meddling assistant, and a lucky blue velvet blazer join forces to throw Julia and Remi back in each other’s lives for a second chance. But soon they find that there are certain perks to being stuck together, even with a deep loathing of one another…
This friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers (whew, that's a mouthful) second chance romance is a little angsty, a lot funny, and completely swoon-worthy.
Julia Evans has never had anything handed to her: She's worked hard to get where she is — just one high-profile interior design client away from landing her dream job of designing a brand new boutique hotel.
Remington Van der Meer is getting revenge: After a failed marriage, the only thing she has her sights set on right now is taking over her father's company, slowly but surely.
Ten years ago, feisty Julia and arrogant Remi were McManus College’s most unlikely couple — the two couldn’t have had less in common. Their passionate romance burned brightly for a season, but it was painfully over just as quickly and abruptly as it began — neither one understanding exactly why.
Now, a 100-year storm, a meddling assistant, and a lucky blue velvet blazer join forces to throw Julia and Remi back in each other’s lives for a second chance. But soon they find that there are certain perks to being stuck together, even with a deep loathing of one another…
This friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers (whew, that's a mouthful) second chance romance is a little angsty, a lot funny, and completely swoon-worthy.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2020
150 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Bryce Oakley
25 books264 followersBryce grew up in the mountains of Colorado with a taste for adventure and a head full of clouds. She never grew out of either. She lives in Denver with her partner, two adorable rescue dogs, and a very opinionated cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 17, 2021
**'Books have most of the time been my great teachers, but i don't learn from them directly.It's more that the dialogues and the sentences excite me...'
3.5stars!
A nicely written story. Recommended!
3.5stars!
A nicely written story. Recommended!
September 5, 2020
I like Bryce Oakley's writing style a lot. The characters are usually intriguing and endearing and with good humour. That was definitely true for this book.
However this novels main drama was a bit tedious for me. Simply because I hate miscommunication and assumptions.
Not to mention the seemingly villainous plot that keeps the love interests apart and in the dark for years until the reveal, that took wayyy too long once they finally were in the same room.
It amazes me that a couple can reconnect after heartbreak for days and have multiple conversations only to never actually talk about the breakup. It screams of a contriving plot device.
The same with the circumstances behind the breakup and their thinking the worst of eachother and being easily set-up and manipulated at the time. Then never speaking or confronting the other person. I just struggle to accept that trope.
But I did love the neighbour character, Flossie. The 70 year old confident sassy woman who has worked in a circus and wasn't afraid to help her neighbour and give advice. I want a book on her. She's epic. MORE FLOSSIE!!!
However this novels main drama was a bit tedious for me. Simply because I hate miscommunication and assumptions.
Not to mention the seemingly villainous plot that keeps the love interests apart and in the dark for years until the reveal, that took wayyy too long once they finally were in the same room.
It amazes me that a couple can reconnect after heartbreak for days and have multiple conversations only to never actually talk about the breakup. It screams of a contriving plot device.
The same with the circumstances behind the breakup and their thinking the worst of eachother and being easily set-up and manipulated at the time. Then never speaking or confronting the other person. I just struggle to accept that trope.
But I did love the neighbour character, Flossie. The 70 year old confident sassy woman who has worked in a circus and wasn't afraid to help her neighbour and give advice. I want a book on her. She's epic. MORE FLOSSIE!!!
June 29, 2021
So I really like Oakley’s writing style, but if you are reading a lot of her writing close together (like I’m doing now) it all just seems to blend together.
Like all of Oakley’s characters the ones in this book are strong and fun again. And they are all different. There is one that is an absolute standout and it’s a secondary character; Remi’s neighbour Flossie. I mean, that namen alone is enough to have a book dedicated to her. While on the subject of names, Remington, what kind of name is that? I much prefer the shortened Remi.
The story is a bit baffling in ways. How can you reconnect in a couple of days if you’ve been holding a massive grudge for a decade? The main drama comes from lack of communication on several fronts, in the present and in the past. It’s sort of better, and towards the end of the book I feel like there are no communication issues to speak of, so that’s a plus. I also feel like Oakley is pulling at threads, for instance with Cam trying to “convince” Julia that Remi just isn’t right for her, or never really cared and all that is happening now is orchestrated by her. They sort of make sense, but maybe there are a bit too much of these threads that don’t need pulling…
This book, and it’s character are enjoyable, but you shouldn’t read too many Oakley books close together. At least I shouldn’t, for me they are just too similar, even though the stories and characters are all very different, they “feel” the same.
I’d give this 3.5 stars if I’d had the option, as it stands I give it 3
Like all of Oakley’s characters the ones in this book are strong and fun again. And they are all different. There is one that is an absolute standout and it’s a secondary character; Remi’s neighbour Flossie. I mean, that namen alone is enough to have a book dedicated to her. While on the subject of names, Remington, what kind of name is that? I much prefer the shortened Remi.
The story is a bit baffling in ways. How can you reconnect in a couple of days if you’ve been holding a massive grudge for a decade? The main drama comes from lack of communication on several fronts, in the present and in the past. It’s sort of better, and towards the end of the book I feel like there are no communication issues to speak of, so that’s a plus. I also feel like Oakley is pulling at threads, for instance with Cam trying to “convince” Julia that Remi just isn’t right for her, or never really cared and all that is happening now is orchestrated by her. They sort of make sense, but maybe there are a bit too much of these threads that don’t need pulling…
This book, and it’s character are enjoyable, but you shouldn’t read too many Oakley books close together. At least I shouldn’t, for me they are just too similar, even though the stories and characters are all very different, they “feel” the same.
I’d give this 3.5 stars if I’d had the option, as it stands I give it 3
October 9, 2020
I’m a big fan of Oakley’s so I’m really glad I managed to finally carve out the time to read this new one. It was exactly what I needed and comes in at a solid 4.5 stars. The story starts with an epilogue where we meet Remi and Julia at college in Colorado. Their relationship is passionate and they have the belief they’re going to be together forever. Disaster strikes and their relationship is over just as quickly as it began.
We cut to ten years later, Remi is now an executive for an airline and Julia an interior designer. They’re again thrown together unexpectedly, giving them the opportunity to re-evaluate everything they thought they knew.
I loved the premise of this book. I was sceptical at first when it started with an epilogue if I’m honest, but it sets the scene really well and you start with presumptions of how you’re going to feel about the MCs that are then challenged along the way.
The intrigue that cuts through the story is done well. It sits there in the background for quite a while, making you want answers, and then provides interesting twists at just the right moments in the narrative.
The romance between Julia and Remi is believable - and whilst this does go a little bit from lovers to enemies and then instant lovers again, you can understand why. Once they move back into lovers territory the communication between them is strong and I like how they are written so as to not be making the same mistakes of the past all over again.
I enjoyed the secondary characters in the storyline and it would be nice if some of these were revisited in future instalments if this was to be made into a series. The most important secondary character for me was Stormy the dog and I enjoyed the way she was woven into the narrative.
I also really liked that this was another book I’ve read recently that didn’t throw in a major relationship blow up at about the 80% mark. The angst and intrigue in this storyline is provided by others and it focusses on how Remi and Julia deal with this as a couple rather than breaking them up again.
I’d definitely recommend this as a nice read for any romance fans - it’s currently available on KU.
We cut to ten years later, Remi is now an executive for an airline and Julia an interior designer. They’re again thrown together unexpectedly, giving them the opportunity to re-evaluate everything they thought they knew.
I loved the premise of this book. I was sceptical at first when it started with an epilogue if I’m honest, but it sets the scene really well and you start with presumptions of how you’re going to feel about the MCs that are then challenged along the way.
The intrigue that cuts through the story is done well. It sits there in the background for quite a while, making you want answers, and then provides interesting twists at just the right moments in the narrative.
The romance between Julia and Remi is believable - and whilst this does go a little bit from lovers to enemies and then instant lovers again, you can understand why. Once they move back into lovers territory the communication between them is strong and I like how they are written so as to not be making the same mistakes of the past all over again.
I enjoyed the secondary characters in the storyline and it would be nice if some of these were revisited in future instalments if this was to be made into a series. The most important secondary character for me was Stormy the dog and I enjoyed the way she was woven into the narrative.
I also really liked that this was another book I’ve read recently that didn’t throw in a major relationship blow up at about the 80% mark. The angst and intrigue in this storyline is provided by others and it focusses on how Remi and Julia deal with this as a couple rather than breaking them up again.
I’d definitely recommend this as a nice read for any romance fans - it’s currently available on KU.
September 30, 2022
This book was interesting. Even I think the premise was kind of weak to be believable it might happen, right?
Okay, so this book follows Julia Evans and Remington Van Der Meer. They were a couple 10 years ago but out of nowhere they go differently ways. 10 years later they meet again and at the beginning there's a lot of anger, melancholy, confusion, sadness but love? Yep. That too.
The book is not angsty per se but is full of dreading and uncertainty and you feel it. Even when the plot is already on it's peak and somewhat resolved I was feeling something wrong was going to happen but nothing happened.
As I said, I found a bit difficult to understand the premise, that both MCs just believed some stuff throw at them as a reality and didn't check anything, I understand that they were young, but the inconsistency of the “proofs” were so doubtful, even that after all that I really enjoyed how they reacted to their present, that was good.
If you want to enjoy a nice, short story, you should give this one a try.
Okay, so this book follows Julia Evans and Remington Van Der Meer. They were a couple 10 years ago but out of nowhere they go differently ways. 10 years later they meet again and at the beginning there's a lot of anger, melancholy, confusion, sadness but love? Yep. That too.
The book is not angsty per se but is full of dreading and uncertainty and you feel it. Even when the plot is already on it's peak and somewhat resolved I was feeling something wrong was going to happen but nothing happened.
As I said, I found a bit difficult to understand the premise, that both MCs just believed some stuff throw at them as a reality and didn't check anything, I understand that they were young, but the inconsistency of the “proofs” were so doubtful, even that after all that I really enjoyed how they reacted to their present, that was good.
If you want to enjoy a nice, short story, you should give this one a try.
October 11, 2020
This was fine… but I wanted a little bit more from a story that was being sold as a “friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers” romance between two women. I think one problem that I generally have with second chance romances is that I don’t see enough of them getting together originally to feel like I fully know their history. And especially in this book I felt cheated out of getting the initial “friends-to-lovers” story that was mentioned in the synopsis.
Julia and Remi were both unique characters and I enjoyed how they both had ambitions and storylines outside of the romance. There definitely were some nice steamy moments and chemistry between the two of them. But I also never felt particularly invested in how their romance would play out. I think maybe my biggest complaint about the book is that the reason for why they broke up in the first place was just so mustache-twirly and over the top.
Julia and Remi were both unique characters and I enjoyed how they both had ambitions and storylines outside of the romance. There definitely were some nice steamy moments and chemistry between the two of them. But I also never felt particularly invested in how their romance would play out. I think maybe my biggest complaint about the book is that the reason for why they broke up in the first place was just so mustache-twirly and over the top.
March 23, 2021
Bryce Oakley is a really good story teller and now one if my few go-to author's. I really enjoyed this one, living the curve balls and excitement that were strewn along the way. 5* recommendation.
December 11, 2020
4.5 stars. This is the first book of Bryce Oakley's that I've read. I don't know why I've been sleeping on this great author, probably because I've beeb skeptical of alternating POVs. The 'old lovers reunite a decade after they're torn apart' is a trope that's been done in several books. But what sets this one apart and prevents it from becoming cliche is the way the characters are fleshed out, not to mention the beauty of the writing. Remington van der Meere (I have to say I love this name) and Julia Evans are college sweethearts separated by certain circumstances and reunite a decade later due to some meddling and inclement weather. It's a romcom style novel so things progress fast with a few ups and downs and with introduction to a few quirky secondary characters including a cute dog. The chapters alternate in the POVs of the main leads which actually gave a better characterization of the leads and helped us understand what each was going through. Let me again mention the eloquence of the writing. This one really stuck with me "I'm afraid of the fragility of happiness".... There are several such passages marked in the popular highlights in the kindle version so I'm assuming quite a few readers noted these verses. Now that I've enjoyed this book, I'll be going back to read Oakley's earlier books and look forward to her future ones.
P.S. I read this with Taylor Swift in the background so it felt serendipitous when one of the main leads mentioned her love for Swift.
P.S. I read this with Taylor Swift in the background so it felt serendipitous when one of the main leads mentioned her love for Swift.
October 1, 2020
Second chance + dastardly deeds! 4*s
I enjoyed the characters of Julia, an interior designer who was unknowingly thrown together with her ex, ten years later, at Remi's, an airline executive, mansion in the woods. These two were a couple in college, but despicable actions from people close to them, tore them apart. When they each discover the other was not to blame for the breakup, old feelings begin to surface.
I did like the reference to Tonya Harding/ Nancy Kerrigan, but I don't think young people will get it. I think Julia's mishaps and Remy coming to the rescue helped repair their relationship, but I waited for a little more depth to their characters.
The negative characters were really heinous, but the rest of the supporting cast added some fun and laughs, especially Flossie. She is just a gem of a character!
I enjoyed the characters of Julia, an interior designer who was unknowingly thrown together with her ex, ten years later, at Remi's, an airline executive, mansion in the woods. These two were a couple in college, but despicable actions from people close to them, tore them apart. When they each discover the other was not to blame for the breakup, old feelings begin to surface.
I did like the reference to Tonya Harding/ Nancy Kerrigan, but I don't think young people will get it. I think Julia's mishaps and Remy coming to the rescue helped repair their relationship, but I waited for a little more depth to their characters.
The negative characters were really heinous, but the rest of the supporting cast added some fun and laughs, especially Flossie. She is just a gem of a character!
August 28, 2020
True love lives in your heart always
This is a brilliant second chance love story. Julia and Remington meet in college. They are deeply in love, about to finish college and Remington convinces Julia to start the next step in their journey together. Spring break brings the collapse of their relationship and Julia never knows what happens it is just over.
This is a brilliant second chance love story. Julia and Remington meet in college. They are deeply in love, about to finish college and Remington convinces Julia to start the next step in their journey together. Spring break brings the collapse of their relationship and Julia never knows what happens it is just over.
August 30, 2020
Bryce Oakley is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I had the chance to read the prologue of this book before it was release and I was hooked from the beginning! I was so excited for the official release and once I picked this one up, I couldn’t put it down until I was done.
This is a second chance romance and I’m a huge fan of these types of stories. There’s just something about the “one that got away” that I can’t stay away from! Oakley does not disappoint and you end up falling in love with these characters! There’s lots of rest humor in the book as well and I found it very entertaining, sexy and fun! Do not miss out! This is a great story!
This is a second chance romance and I’m a huge fan of these types of stories. There’s just something about the “one that got away” that I can’t stay away from! Oakley does not disappoint and you end up falling in love with these characters! There’s lots of rest humor in the book as well and I found it very entertaining, sexy and fun! Do not miss out! This is a great story!
May 1, 2021
Fun second chance romance; interesting story, great characters
March 28, 2025
obsessed with this author.
September 12, 2020
Not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn't it.
I enjoyed this immensely. Aside from the misunderstanding it was a breath of fresh air to have characters that said how they felt and went for what they wanted. Even when things between them weren't perfect, their moments were human. They belonged together, and I didn't doubt that the moment Remi opened her front door. I hesitated at the prologue, but I'm glad my initial reaction was wrong.
Flossie was a great character, as were all of the supporting characters. It was a great blend of different personalities, and most importantly, it worked.
Remi and Julia were awesome, as were their taste in music, and I wouldn't mind revisiting this book again in the future. Five-out-of-Five, would recommend.
I enjoyed this immensely. Aside from the misunderstanding it was a breath of fresh air to have characters that said how they felt and went for what they wanted. Even when things between them weren't perfect, their moments were human. They belonged together, and I didn't doubt that the moment Remi opened her front door. I hesitated at the prologue, but I'm glad my initial reaction was wrong.
Flossie was a great character, as were all of the supporting characters. It was a great blend of different personalities, and most importantly, it worked.
Remi and Julia were awesome, as were their taste in music, and I wouldn't mind revisiting this book again in the future. Five-out-of-Five, would recommend.
September 5, 2020
Loved It!
This was a great book. Well written and exciting with a share of heartbreak. I loved the coupling of Remington and Julia. The instant connection from their first dalliance was so so cute. To believe in someone from the onset, is so refreshing. Once again a rich girls parents get involved in a relationship they do not want for their own personal reasons and two very happy loving people are affected by their devious attitude for the rest of their lives. I loved how the the supporting cast added to the further dimension of the story. This is just typical writing by Bryce Oakley.
This was a great book. Well written and exciting with a share of heartbreak. I loved the coupling of Remington and Julia. The instant connection from their first dalliance was so so cute. To believe in someone from the onset, is so refreshing. Once again a rich girls parents get involved in a relationship they do not want for their own personal reasons and two very happy loving people are affected by their devious attitude for the rest of their lives. I loved how the the supporting cast added to the further dimension of the story. This is just typical writing by Bryce Oakley.
November 25, 2020
Very good story!
Really like the story. The two main characters Remi and Julia were very likable and funny at times. The two had been sweethearts in college and their relationship was selfishly destroyed by someone unbeknownst to them. Yet, the opportunity was presented to reconnect and we go from there. The supporting characters were adorable and Stormy the dog was totally adorable! Overall, a well developed book!
Really like the story. The two main characters Remi and Julia were very likable and funny at times. The two had been sweethearts in college and their relationship was selfishly destroyed by someone unbeknownst to them. Yet, the opportunity was presented to reconnect and we go from there. The supporting characters were adorable and Stormy the dog was totally adorable! Overall, a well developed book!
January 28, 2021
College romance; heartbreak; a decade thence.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
September 2, 2021
Plot: The book starts with a brief look into the Remi and Julia's college romance. They met and immediately slept together. Julia had just gotten out of a relationship and was looking for a rebound with the campus heartbreaker, Remi. The flash back then jumps a couple months in the future to them being happy and in love with each other. Remi asks Julia to move with her after she graduates so that they can start a life together. Julia is heartbroken when she is emailed an article about Remi getting engaged with another woman and Remi won't talk to her.
The book then jumps about a decade into the future. Julia is an interior designed and is meeting a rich client at their secluded mountain home. It turns out the client is Remi. Neither knew that they were about to meet again and both struggle with how to respond. Remi is mad but still wants to have sex with Julia. While Julia tries to stick to business before being overwhelmed by her feelings and running out the door. She ends up totaling her car in an intense rainstorm/flash flood and being trapped at the house with Remi.
They both waffle between hurt feelings and intense attraction before having sex again. After circling talking about the past for a while mixed in with enjoying each others company they finally address what happened between them years ago. They figure out that they were both lied to in order to make Remi believe that Julia had cheated on her. This "twist" was rather obvious from the start of the book. Why else would Remi have felt so betrayed by someone she was absolutely head over heals for?
Remi instantly wants to pretend like the last decade hasn't happened and to pick up where they left off. Julia is afraid of getting her heart broken again but agrees to start a fledgling relationship just before they are split up by work circumstances. While split up Remi's assistant and probably her closest friend reveals that Remi's mother is the one who framed Julia years ago in order to manipulate Remi into marrying a woman of her choosing. Remi cuts off contact with her toxic parents and starts her HEA with Julia.
The plot of this book didn't make much sense. Remi's mother didn't really have a reason for breaking up her college relationship so the whole set up for the book was just contrived and forced. The main characters were also ridiculous in how obsessive they were about each other. It was like they had the mindset of teenagers who have no concept of the real world. I was also disappointed that we never get to see how their relationship develops. Remi was a party girl who only slept with a person once so what made her pick Julia? How did their relationship develop from a one night stand? The lack of character development made this book weaker.
Characterization: Remi is a bit manic. She is overly focused on sex and showing everyone that she is successful and therefor better than them.
Julia is loony in a fun way. She talks out loud to herself and is prone to creating funny, imaginative scenarios.
Writing: This book was written in first person perspective. I still enjoyed the authors clear and easy flowing writing style but I was not nearly as fond of this plot as I was of "The Adventurers". I've also noted the pattern that this author is fond of "maximalism" decorating and often mentions it in her books.
The book then jumps about a decade into the future. Julia is an interior designed and is meeting a rich client at their secluded mountain home. It turns out the client is Remi. Neither knew that they were about to meet again and both struggle with how to respond. Remi is mad but still wants to have sex with Julia. While Julia tries to stick to business before being overwhelmed by her feelings and running out the door. She ends up totaling her car in an intense rainstorm/flash flood and being trapped at the house with Remi.
They both waffle between hurt feelings and intense attraction before having sex again. After circling talking about the past for a while mixed in with enjoying each others company they finally address what happened between them years ago. They figure out that they were both lied to in order to make Remi believe that Julia had cheated on her. This "twist" was rather obvious from the start of the book. Why else would Remi have felt so betrayed by someone she was absolutely head over heals for?
Remi instantly wants to pretend like the last decade hasn't happened and to pick up where they left off. Julia is afraid of getting her heart broken again but agrees to start a fledgling relationship just before they are split up by work circumstances. While split up Remi's assistant and probably her closest friend reveals that Remi's mother is the one who framed Julia years ago in order to manipulate Remi into marrying a woman of her choosing. Remi cuts off contact with her toxic parents and starts her HEA with Julia.
The plot of this book didn't make much sense. Remi's mother didn't really have a reason for breaking up her college relationship so the whole set up for the book was just contrived and forced. The main characters were also ridiculous in how obsessive they were about each other. It was like they had the mindset of teenagers who have no concept of the real world. I was also disappointed that we never get to see how their relationship develops. Remi was a party girl who only slept with a person once so what made her pick Julia? How did their relationship develop from a one night stand? The lack of character development made this book weaker.
Characterization: Remi is a bit manic. She is overly focused on sex and showing everyone that she is successful and therefor better than them.
Julia is loony in a fun way. She talks out loud to herself and is prone to creating funny, imaginative scenarios.
Writing: This book was written in first person perspective. I still enjoyed the authors clear and easy flowing writing style but I was not nearly as fond of this plot as I was of "The Adventurers". I've also noted the pattern that this author is fond of "maximalism" decorating and often mentions it in her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2021
Julia is an interior designer looking to move up to larger projects. She is contacted by the assistant of a client asking her to re-do a large mountain cabin in rural Colorado to help the client heal from a divorce. Hoping this will be a big break that will land even larger projects, she heads out there to meet the client and comes face to face with Remi, her college girlfriend who broke her heart when she became engaged to someone else. Remi is just as shocked to see Julia who broke her heart when she cheated on her.
The two are confined to the house after a massive rainstorm washes out a bridge and takes Julia's car with it. Despite their feelings about the past, the chemistry is still there.
I really liked this second chance romance, even though I'm never thrilled with weather-related plot points that force people together. Both MCs were well drawn and they had definite chemistry. The family-related plot twists were interesting. Overall I recommend this one.
The two are confined to the house after a massive rainstorm washes out a bridge and takes Julia's car with it. Despite their feelings about the past, the chemistry is still there.
I really liked this second chance romance, even though I'm never thrilled with weather-related plot points that force people together. Both MCs were well drawn and they had definite chemistry. The family-related plot twists were interesting. Overall I recommend this one.
July 22, 2021
Julia Evans re-meets her college love when she shows up to do an interior design for a new client at a McMansion in Breckenridge, CO. Remington (Remi) Van Der Meer has just gotten divorced. She is VP in the family airlines business and is ready to take on more. She never expected to see Julia on her doorstep.
I like second change stories and this was good but not my favorite. The realization that they were manipulated into breaking up takes a long time to get resolved. This is a full length novel but the pacing was off for me. There is drama, reconecting, only to add more drama and intrigue. And Allison's story was odd to me. I'm new to the author and will give her another try.
I like second change stories and this was good but not my favorite. The realization that they were manipulated into breaking up takes a long time to get resolved. This is a full length novel but the pacing was off for me. There is drama, reconecting, only to add more drama and intrigue. And Allison's story was odd to me. I'm new to the author and will give her another try.
November 8, 2020
Liked this story of love that never dies and how Destiny always finds of way of putting things back the way they were supposed to be. It fascinates me how one (Rem) allows her parents to influence her so much and yet I found it interesting to finally realize how the betrayer in her family was... to be honest both were and although I initially the thought of her mom crossed my mind, I held onto her father because it fit the storyline better. I really loved that in the mist of all heartbreak and dispare, Julia found her true passion allowing her to find love in everything around her. What can I say about "Stormy" loved everything about this and more
I enjoyed the other characters in this book, not really what I had expected from the book but overall... I really liked/enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the other characters in this book, not really what I had expected from the book but overall... I really liked/enjoyed it.
November 24, 2020
Great Book Awesome Story and Ŕèad
What a blast this was to read. Main characters Julie an interior designer whose offered a house renovation in the Boonies. Then we have Remington Van De Meer whose just recently got divorced she now CEO of a aeroplane company which she has shares as her mother also owns twenty percent also Cameron Is Julie's best friend and helped her when her girlfriend split from her. and finally Stormy the dog. Not forgetting Flossie the neighbour there are more minor characters also.This is a bittersweet, funny and more story.
Bryce Oakley did a brilliant job writing this Book and Story looking forward to reading more by her.
Top Mark's plus for this one 5****** Highly Recommend ----Yes
What a blast this was to read. Main characters Julie an interior designer whose offered a house renovation in the Boonies. Then we have Remington Van De Meer whose just recently got divorced she now CEO of a aeroplane company which she has shares as her mother also owns twenty percent also Cameron Is Julie's best friend and helped her when her girlfriend split from her. and finally Stormy the dog. Not forgetting Flossie the neighbour there are more minor characters also.This is a bittersweet, funny and more story.
Bryce Oakley did a brilliant job writing this Book and Story looking forward to reading more by her.
Top Mark's plus for this one 5****** Highly Recommend ----Yes
October 18, 2020
Simply amazing
I cannot describe how much I love Bryce Oakley. Every book she’s written has impressed me, even if the synopsis didn’t draw me in as well as it typically would. Any book that she writes, I’ll enthusiastically read. This book was no different. It was well paced and unpredictable at the best times in the best way. I didn’t feel like I could guess the outcome nor did I feel like the twists were unrealistic. The book was an appropriate length and the “steamy” scenes were hot but not necessarily erotic. Basically, it was a well written well balanced book and I HIGHLY recommend it!
I cannot describe how much I love Bryce Oakley. Every book she’s written has impressed me, even if the synopsis didn’t draw me in as well as it typically would. Any book that she writes, I’ll enthusiastically read. This book was no different. It was well paced and unpredictable at the best times in the best way. I didn’t feel like I could guess the outcome nor did I feel like the twists were unrealistic. The book was an appropriate length and the “steamy” scenes were hot but not necessarily erotic. Basically, it was a well written well balanced book and I HIGHLY recommend it!
August 7, 2021
Something Far Away and Happy is one of those ex-es to lovers rekindling their romance once more but after 10 years. Yeah, you heard me - ten years. I honestly don't think it's realistic for me but if it's in a fiction book, I don't really mind that much. Things were definitely hot and heavy right off the bat but by the end of the first chapter, I felt like a bucket of ice got poured on top of me. It quickly escalated and deescalated at the same time. There were some unreliable parents in this book, some scandalous rich things drama and family affairs, good side-characters and in the end, I was left feeling like it'll be great to have an interior design partner somehow.
September 21, 2021
Technically this is a second-chance romance. However since both the original breakup and the ultimate reunion were both orchestrated this is a rather disingenuous description. There are also a few places where the plot does not quite seem to hold together and the details of the familial skulduggery are never entirely clear.
That said, it is easy to root for the main characters as their personalities work well together. In addition there is a wonderful supporting cast including one eccentric neighbor and a very determined adopted dog. A good tale with the expected HEA and many scenes that are fun to read.
That said, it is easy to root for the main characters as their personalities work well together. In addition there is a wonderful supporting cast including one eccentric neighbor and a very determined adopted dog. A good tale with the expected HEA and many scenes that are fun to read.
January 6, 2022
Oh my Goddess … I love Bryce Oakley’s works!!!
Beautifully written journey of Remi and Julia who were lovers in college with big plans for their future. But Remi’s family interfered and ten years pass with broken hearts and shattered dreams. They reunite serendipitously and their love burned brighter than ever. I especially loved their banter and concern for each other. Their characters were strong and relatable. The secondary characters were also strong and necessary!
A very good read. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this and and any other works by this author. Thank you Peace
Beautifully written journey of Remi and Julia who were lovers in college with big plans for their future. But Remi’s family interfered and ten years pass with broken hearts and shattered dreams. They reunite serendipitously and their love burned brighter than ever. I especially loved their banter and concern for each other. Their characters were strong and relatable. The secondary characters were also strong and necessary!
A very good read. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this and and any other works by this author. Thank you Peace
October 11, 2020
3.5
Rep: w|w, lesbian mc, bi mc, bi side characters
This is definitely one of the steamiest sapphic books I’ve ever read, I just wish those scenes had been a little bit longer, they were quite frequent but never more than a page long *sigh*.
My main complain about this book is that it was a bit too dramatic, the main characters would go from crying to laughing in half a second and that made me question their mental health stability a few times, moreover it took away of from their characterization.
Rep: w|w, lesbian mc, bi mc, bi side characters
This is definitely one of the steamiest sapphic books I’ve ever read, I just wish those scenes had been a little bit longer, they were quite frequent but never more than a page long *sigh*.
My main complain about this book is that it was a bit too dramatic, the main characters would go from crying to laughing in half a second and that made me question their mental health stability a few times, moreover it took away of from their characterization.
September 18, 2020
Lovely sweet story but awful controlling ppsrents
Your parents decided to break you up from a woman they didn't like is just s little over the top. Lots of implausible parts of the story that works not including a flood a dead car and a good over reaching assistant! It's definitely a different love story that was fun and not typical. If you're looking for a garden variety romance this isn't it,if you want to read an interesting quirky fun romance this is the book for you!
Your parents decided to break you up from a woman they didn't like is just s little over the top. Lots of implausible parts of the story that works not including a flood a dead car and a good over reaching assistant! It's definitely a different love story that was fun and not typical. If you're looking for a garden variety romance this isn't it,if you want to read an interesting quirky fun romance this is the book for you!
October 17, 2020
I didn't think about giving this book 5 stars, I just did it. For me, if a book moves me - to feel deeply, to laugh, to cry, to smile, to cringe - to feeeeel - then it's a really good book and gets 5 stars from me. So now it should be obvious to you that I loved this book!! And ok, as far as I can tell, it is technically sound as far as writing rules go 🤷♀️.
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