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The Calvettis of New York #5
Bittersweet
My world exploded on my wedding day.
A dark-haired, gorgeous stranger objected as I stood at the altar in my long, white gown.
He told all of my friends, my family, and my fiancé that he was the man for me.
I had no idea who he was, but he offered me an escape I was craving, so I left the church with him.
He might have been a little drunk and horribly confused.
Luke Jones stumbled into the wrong church. He was trying to stop the woman he loved from marrying another man.
I took him to his apartment, got him into bed so he could sleep it off, and left a note.
Two days later, he showed up on my doorstep.
I should have sent him away, but I didn’t.
I couldn’t.
Luke was the hero I always needed. The calm, confident, sexy-as-sin fireman saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life.
I saved him from the unending pain of a broken heart.
But just when I start to think luck brought us together, fate’s bittersweet hand threatens to tear us apart forever.
A dark-haired, gorgeous stranger objected as I stood at the altar in my long, white gown.
He told all of my friends, my family, and my fiancé that he was the man for me.
I had no idea who he was, but he offered me an escape I was craving, so I left the church with him.
He might have been a little drunk and horribly confused.
Luke Jones stumbled into the wrong church. He was trying to stop the woman he loved from marrying another man.
I took him to his apartment, got him into bed so he could sleep it off, and left a note.
Two days later, he showed up on my doorstep.
I should have sent him away, but I didn’t.
I couldn’t.
Luke was the hero I always needed. The calm, confident, sexy-as-sin fireman saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life.
I saved him from the unending pain of a broken heart.
But just when I start to think luck brought us together, fate’s bittersweet hand threatens to tear us apart forever.
291 pages, Paperback
Published June 29, 2021
373 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Bladon
108 books2,338 followersDeborah Bladon had never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She was a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you could often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan was definitely her second home.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 6, 2021
Kinda long review since I had an emotional tie to this story for some reason, but here we go. This was more of a 3.5 for me after that b.s ending, but it was a 5 star until that point.
It starts off with Afton ready to marry her long-time bf. She doesn't really want to go through with it because she cares about him but doesn't love him like that anymore. Cut to the alter scene and just as it's vow time, drunk guy Luke runs in and objects. Only, it's the wrong wedding. She takes this as a sign and runs away with Luke. Not as cringey as I thought it sounded and luckily Afton is not one of those annoying women who overthinks and whines about her decision. She puts his drunk ass to bed and goes on with her life. Her parents are pissed and their maid is a c**t to her when she tries to explain what happened, but luckily she has her awesome big brother and his husband (who is also her best friend) to have her back and she moves on quickly. So does her ex, who admitted he was already falling for a co-worker, so you never hear from him again. Buh bye boring dude.
As for Luke, he wakes up the next day, horrified that he broke up the wrong wedding and sad that he missed breaking up his ex's wedding. It turns out that their relationship was very off/on and he thought he loved her enough to stop the wedding.
Anywho, Afton and Luke meet again and it turns out the they have a lot in common and she has even eaten at his family's restaurant in the past, very serendipitous. Their relationship is very cute in the beginning, sweet, fun and easy. You can see them slowly falling for each other. The flowers and ice cream are so beautiful.
Then here's the kicker.... about 5 years ago when Luke and his ex were on the outs, she slept with a stranger and had a son named August (Auggie). Luke has been on/off in the boy's life since he was a newborn. Then the story became all about that. Really sucked at that point since I still wanted the story to be about Afton and Luke.
When he is ready to say the big 3 words, Luke's ex pops up and says the typical "I want you back. We can be a family again." Blah blah. She didn't go through with the wedding and wants Luke back. Sounds like his ex needs a kick in the ass, especially because she has a kid that she is dragging through her bad life decisions. Poor kid. Unfortunately sweet Afton accidently hears this and assumes they are getting back together and leaves. Miscommunication in books... I wish writers could think of a new angle. I read this kind of scene all the time.
Now here's where the story lost me. He tracks Afton down and tells her that he wants to adopt his ex's son. What...the....fuuuudge. No. Just no. Why? Why would you adopt a child that isn't yours and you fully admit that you are only in his life when his mother decides that she wants you back, mainly off more than on? Guh. This killed it. Suddenly the story was all about this mystery kid and Luke making the effort to be in his life. Who cares about poor Afton anymore? She even sees Luke's dreaded ex, the boy and Luke playing at the park together. I wanted to scream. Seriously Luke, you couldn't have taken 10 minutes to explain what was going on sooner? Sweet baby Jesus.
Afton finally has a "come to Jesus" moment and decides to confront Luke about all the tender family moments she has witnessed going on without her and kick his game-playing ass to the curb. Just as he tries to come clean, the hag ex pops up with her kid and AGAIN screws everything up. Afton leaves and Luke doesn't chase her, instead choosing the kid over Afton with no explanation. Sigh...
Fast forward, everyone is super angry at Luke for hurting Afton (well deserved) and yet Luke still wants to tell Afton that he loves her. Geez, could've fooled me... But there is an apartment fire at Afton's and she turns into a superhero and saves a little girl and her dog. Luke in turn saves her when she doesn't make it back out. He gets to say those 3 magic words to her. At this point, I honestly thought it would feel good to read that, but after everything he put her through...she deserves better.
He ends up adopting the child that isn't his (don't even get me started) and is engaged to Afton. She ends up pregnant and tells Luke he is gonna be a father AGAIN. I am sorry, but as mother, telling your spouse they are going to be a parent is HUGE. To have that honor already taken by his ex for a kid that isn't even his? Done...
That being said, I loved Afton. She was smart, kind, strong and hardworking. Although she is a little bit of a doormat, she doesn't harbor any hard feelings towards her ex or do anything stupid to herself or Luke after he hurt her a few times - the maturity I always appreciate in characters. Luke, he started off soooo good and then boom, Instant turn off before the end. But it was a good story until about the 80% mark. Oh well, I loved the other books in this series, so they are all a must-read. Too bad about this one.
It starts off with Afton ready to marry her long-time bf. She doesn't really want to go through with it because she cares about him but doesn't love him like that anymore. Cut to the alter scene and just as it's vow time, drunk guy Luke runs in and objects. Only, it's the wrong wedding. She takes this as a sign and runs away with Luke. Not as cringey as I thought it sounded and luckily Afton is not one of those annoying women who overthinks and whines about her decision. She puts his drunk ass to bed and goes on with her life. Her parents are pissed and their maid is a c**t to her when she tries to explain what happened, but luckily she has her awesome big brother and his husband (who is also her best friend) to have her back and she moves on quickly. So does her ex, who admitted he was already falling for a co-worker, so you never hear from him again. Buh bye boring dude.
As for Luke, he wakes up the next day, horrified that he broke up the wrong wedding and sad that he missed breaking up his ex's wedding. It turns out that their relationship was very off/on and he thought he loved her enough to stop the wedding.
Anywho, Afton and Luke meet again and it turns out the they have a lot in common and she has even eaten at his family's restaurant in the past, very serendipitous. Their relationship is very cute in the beginning, sweet, fun and easy. You can see them slowly falling for each other. The flowers and ice cream are so beautiful.
Then here's the kicker.... about 5 years ago when Luke and his ex were on the outs, she slept with a stranger and had a son named August (Auggie). Luke has been on/off in the boy's life since he was a newborn. Then the story became all about that. Really sucked at that point since I still wanted the story to be about Afton and Luke.
When he is ready to say the big 3 words, Luke's ex pops up and says the typical "I want you back. We can be a family again." Blah blah. She didn't go through with the wedding and wants Luke back. Sounds like his ex needs a kick in the ass, especially because she has a kid that she is dragging through her bad life decisions. Poor kid. Unfortunately sweet Afton accidently hears this and assumes they are getting back together and leaves. Miscommunication in books... I wish writers could think of a new angle. I read this kind of scene all the time.
Now here's where the story lost me. He tracks Afton down and tells her that he wants to adopt his ex's son. What...the....fuuuudge. No. Just no. Why? Why would you adopt a child that isn't yours and you fully admit that you are only in his life when his mother decides that she wants you back, mainly off more than on? Guh. This killed it. Suddenly the story was all about this mystery kid and Luke making the effort to be in his life. Who cares about poor Afton anymore? She even sees Luke's dreaded ex, the boy and Luke playing at the park together. I wanted to scream. Seriously Luke, you couldn't have taken 10 minutes to explain what was going on sooner? Sweet baby Jesus.
Afton finally has a "come to Jesus" moment and decides to confront Luke about all the tender family moments she has witnessed going on without her and kick his game-playing ass to the curb. Just as he tries to come clean, the hag ex pops up with her kid and AGAIN screws everything up. Afton leaves and Luke doesn't chase her, instead choosing the kid over Afton with no explanation. Sigh...
Fast forward, everyone is super angry at Luke for hurting Afton (well deserved) and yet Luke still wants to tell Afton that he loves her. Geez, could've fooled me... But there is an apartment fire at Afton's and she turns into a superhero and saves a little girl and her dog. Luke in turn saves her when she doesn't make it back out. He gets to say those 3 magic words to her. At this point, I honestly thought it would feel good to read that, but after everything he put her through...she deserves better.
He ends up adopting the child that isn't his (don't even get me started) and is engaged to Afton. She ends up pregnant and tells Luke he is gonna be a father AGAIN. I am sorry, but as mother, telling your spouse they are going to be a parent is HUGE. To have that honor already taken by his ex for a kid that isn't even his? Done...
That being said, I loved Afton. She was smart, kind, strong and hardworking. Although she is a little bit of a doormat, she doesn't harbor any hard feelings towards her ex or do anything stupid to herself or Luke after he hurt her a few times - the maturity I always appreciate in characters. Luke, he started off soooo good and then boom, Instant turn off before the end. But it was a good story until about the 80% mark. Oh well, I loved the other books in this series, so they are all a must-read. Too bad about this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2022
5 The Bitter With The Sweet Stars
Grab While You Can, ONLY 99 CENTS!!!
* * * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I admit it, I love to buy into whatever the author wants and I will run hand in hand all the way through a book. Granted, I can sometimes be an easy buy-in, but when I do, I am there for everything. This tale hooked me and I did not want to let go.
You get the fantasy of a wedding that shouldn't happen, be interrupted, and saving the woman from a relationship she wanted out of. You have this drunken distraught man, protesting the wrong wedding and saving this day, just not the one he thought he was going to save.
What a start! Then these two "lost souls" start to see each other, first as friends and then way more. There are complications that cause both to be hesitant but in the end, even after a hiccup...it all ends terrifically well.
Thirst ((The Calvettis of New York, #1)
Ruthless ((The Calvettis of New York, #2) )
XOXO ((The Calvettis of New York, #3) )
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bittersweet ((The Calvettis of New York, #4) )
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Grab While You Can, ONLY 99 CENTS!!!
* * * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I admit it, I love to buy into whatever the author wants and I will run hand in hand all the way through a book. Granted, I can sometimes be an easy buy-in, but when I do, I am there for everything. This tale hooked me and I did not want to let go.
You get the fantasy of a wedding that shouldn't happen, be interrupted, and saving the woman from a relationship she wanted out of. You have this drunken distraught man, protesting the wrong wedding and saving this day, just not the one he thought he was going to save.
What a start! Then these two "lost souls" start to see each other, first as friends and then way more. There are complications that cause both to be hesitant but in the end, even after a hiccup...it all ends terrifically well.
Thirst ((The Calvettis of New York, #1) Ruthless ((The Calvettis of New York, #2) ) XOXO ((The Calvettis of New York, #3) )https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bittersweet ((The Calvettis of New York, #4) )https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 2, 2021
This is a very good, easy-to-read, entertaining romance storyline with chemistry, drama, and great characters who are family-oriented, and engaging. The defined main characters meet unexpectedly, in an unusual manner, each wanting to escape something, and find what they are looking for in each other. The ending seemed rushed to me, probably because I wanted more of the story, but overall Deborah Bladon does not disappoint. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 29, 2021
Amazing
Wow you did it again Deborah Bladon what a beautiful love story between Afton and Luke, just love how fate brought them together how a simple mistake let them find each other. Also the love they have for their families make them perfect for each other don't want to get into specific detail don't want to spoil this book for anyone but want to say this book made me laugh and cry which to me makes an amazing story more beautiful and want to say it is a must read for all!! Want to say again that I absolutely loved Luke and Afton!! Happy reading to all!!
Wow you did it again Deborah Bladon what a beautiful love story between Afton and Luke, just love how fate brought them together how a simple mistake let them find each other. Also the love they have for their families make them perfect for each other don't want to get into specific detail don't want to spoil this book for anyone but want to say this book made me laugh and cry which to me makes an amazing story more beautiful and want to say it is a must read for all!! Want to say again that I absolutely loved Luke and Afton!! Happy reading to all!!
July 1, 2021
Great story, enjoyed the plot and characters. What I was very surprised by was the few proofreading errors, only a couple, but this is unusual for this author.
June 30, 2021
Great book, quick read
Loved the book! The ending was a little quicker than I wanted, it left me wanting more
Well done Deborah!
Loved the book! The ending was a little quicker than I wanted, it left me wanting more
Well done Deborah!
August 5, 2021
I love this series a family ruled by it's matriarch who is both loving and caring. This story line was so clever and when a drunken Luke bowls into stop the wedding of an unknown couple then leaves hand in hand with the bride you know you have the beginning of an explosive story. I loved every page of it. I hope there will be more stories in this series as I just love the Calvetti’s
July 9, 2021
“When I first met him ten years ago, I thought he was the cutest boy I’d ever seen.”
“We touched hands in the school cafeteria when Warren stepped in front of me to grab a packet of ketchup for the fries he’d just ordered. I felt a surge of nervous energy so strong that I almost dropped the plastic tray I was holding.
Today, I feel nothing but an uneasy lump in my stomach.”
Afton is set to marry Warren. They’ve known each other for ten years and have dated for two.
Afton was positive he was the man of her life, the man she’d love for the rest of her life… until she wasn’t. Slowly but surely, she started to realize that they were to different and wanted different things in life.
“I took a leap of faith leaving that church and the future I thought I wanted. Now, it’s time to build the life I’m destined to have.”
When destiny gives Afton a sign, not to get married in the form of a very drunk Luke Jones, she takes it and that will send an atomic bomb into her life.
The day of her wedding was supposed to be the best day of her life and Afton couldn’t disagree with that statement. Despite the fact that timing wasn’t her best friend, she dodged a bullet and is ready to live life in her own terms.
“Love should bring joy to your heart,” she says softly. “It should feel safe and strong. Each quarrel should end with understanding and every day with a kiss and a promise that tomorrow will be better.”
I swallow hard, not knowing what to say. I didn’t experience any of that with Brooklyn.”
Luke Jones has been in love with Brooklyn for has long as he can remember. And they’ve been in a on and off relationship with each for that long too… (side note, if your relationship is on and off, just turn it off babe. If it’s not 100% then you deserve better. You both do).
“I want to more than care for the man I marry. I want to crave his touch and drown in his voice. I want to wake up excited each day that out of all the people on this planet, I found the one who understands the value of my heart.”
The day of Afton’s wedding, Brooklyn is set to get married too, in a church nearby.
Luke drunkenly objected at Afton’s wedding, thinking he was at Brooklyn’s.
After missing his ex wedding, Luke starts to see that maybe he and Brooklyn were all wrong for each other and that real love is a lot different from what he and his ex had.
“I thought you liked this dress?”
“In the dark when I’m wearing sunglasses, I do,” he teases.”
I absolutely loved this book.
Afton is such a beautiful person! I love her personality, how she’s so humble, kind and loves to help other people. Absolutely loved how she took life by the horns and did what was best for her and what she wanted, despite other people’s opinions.
“For having the courage to follow your heart? For being brave enough to know you deserve everything from the man you marry?”
Luke is such a good hero! Kind hearted, territorial (I mean the way he went all caveman, when Porter entered the scene!), just someone you can trust.
Their relationship was beautiful. They understood that they could be themselves with each other right from the get go. If that’s not love, I don’t know what love is.
“We touched hands in the school cafeteria when Warren stepped in front of me to grab a packet of ketchup for the fries he’d just ordered. I felt a surge of nervous energy so strong that I almost dropped the plastic tray I was holding.
Today, I feel nothing but an uneasy lump in my stomach.”
Afton is set to marry Warren. They’ve known each other for ten years and have dated for two.
Afton was positive he was the man of her life, the man she’d love for the rest of her life… until she wasn’t. Slowly but surely, she started to realize that they were to different and wanted different things in life.
“I took a leap of faith leaving that church and the future I thought I wanted. Now, it’s time to build the life I’m destined to have.”
When destiny gives Afton a sign, not to get married in the form of a very drunk Luke Jones, she takes it and that will send an atomic bomb into her life.
The day of her wedding was supposed to be the best day of her life and Afton couldn’t disagree with that statement. Despite the fact that timing wasn’t her best friend, she dodged a bullet and is ready to live life in her own terms.
“Love should bring joy to your heart,” she says softly. “It should feel safe and strong. Each quarrel should end with understanding and every day with a kiss and a promise that tomorrow will be better.”
I swallow hard, not knowing what to say. I didn’t experience any of that with Brooklyn.”
Luke Jones has been in love with Brooklyn for has long as he can remember. And they’ve been in a on and off relationship with each for that long too… (side note, if your relationship is on and off, just turn it off babe. If it’s not 100% then you deserve better. You both do).
“I want to more than care for the man I marry. I want to crave his touch and drown in his voice. I want to wake up excited each day that out of all the people on this planet, I found the one who understands the value of my heart.”
The day of Afton’s wedding, Brooklyn is set to get married too, in a church nearby.
Luke drunkenly objected at Afton’s wedding, thinking he was at Brooklyn’s.
After missing his ex wedding, Luke starts to see that maybe he and Brooklyn were all wrong for each other and that real love is a lot different from what he and his ex had.
“I thought you liked this dress?”
“In the dark when I’m wearing sunglasses, I do,” he teases.”
I absolutely loved this book.
Afton is such a beautiful person! I love her personality, how she’s so humble, kind and loves to help other people. Absolutely loved how she took life by the horns and did what was best for her and what she wanted, despite other people’s opinions.
“For having the courage to follow your heart? For being brave enough to know you deserve everything from the man you marry?”
Luke is such a good hero! Kind hearted, territorial (I mean the way he went all caveman, when Porter entered the scene!), just someone you can trust.
Their relationship was beautiful. They understood that they could be themselves with each other right from the get go. If that’s not love, I don’t know what love is.
July 19, 2021
I must admit that my first thought when I first checked out the cover, was that it was a pomegranate surrounded by cereal. Then I realized it was a pink grenade with flowers, wedding flowers. Wow, what can I say about this book, more than it was easygoing, kind, fun, and it had just the sparkle of drama I needed. Also, we all should talk to our parents more often and solve our issues with them, if it goes wrong it will, if it goes right it will too.
IT WAS REALISTIC, I’M NOT JOKING.
I know, claiming that the story of some stranger who took the bride and left with her by accident, is realistic is a big surreal quote. I mean, that looks like coming from a romantic comedy or a Lifetime movie, but after that everything was realistic and simple. Likewise, I must admit that despite all I’ve said about the other books, this one was the most lovely in a regular way like everything was not having drama, stupid drama I mean. And when it had, it didn’t have an over-the-top reconciliation, even though the fire happened, however, I wish we had gotten to know more about the dynamics of the new family, I think that would be more interesting in a novella.
WE NEED MORE.
As I said before, the Calvetti family is a special one. Marti is special, feeding everyone no matter their requests even if it’s liquid food like a cup of coffee or tea; she makes it feel like home, I wish we could get like a novella prequel to her story with her late husband and perhaps an epilogue of her getting a new love, perhaps IDK. Also, I’d like to know more about the Calvettis and their perfect nature, because their mind-blowingly perfect, they are stubborn but with the capacity to be sweet and kind, and fuck, I love them!
IT WAS REALISTIC, I’M NOT JOKING.
I know, claiming that the story of some stranger who took the bride and left with her by accident, is realistic is a big surreal quote. I mean, that looks like coming from a romantic comedy or a Lifetime movie, but after that everything was realistic and simple. Likewise, I must admit that despite all I’ve said about the other books, this one was the most lovely in a regular way like everything was not having drama, stupid drama I mean. And when it had, it didn’t have an over-the-top reconciliation, even though the fire happened, however, I wish we had gotten to know more about the dynamics of the new family, I think that would be more interesting in a novella.
WE NEED MORE.
As I said before, the Calvetti family is a special one. Marti is special, feeding everyone no matter their requests even if it’s liquid food like a cup of coffee or tea; she makes it feel like home, I wish we could get like a novella prequel to her story with her late husband and perhaps an epilogue of her getting a new love, perhaps IDK. Also, I’d like to know more about the Calvettis and their perfect nature, because their mind-blowingly perfect, they are stubborn but with the capacity to be sweet and kind, and fuck, I love them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2022
Deborah BLAND-on. A skip read.
***Spoilers ahead*** Am I suppose to feel all warm and fuzzy with that ending? Adopting your longtime on/off ex girlfriend’s son who was a result of a one night stand? Afton has the heart of a saint to have openly accepted that without question especially after all that Luke put her through.
This story was unbearably bland to begin with and to have it payout with that random and borderline diabolical ending? I’m already generous with the two star rating. This author lacks story development often leaving so many loose ends in her books. She introduces integral people usually nearing the end of the book that it makes you wonder why they werent explored more in the initial stages if they’re gonna play a big role later on. Case in point the kid in this book. I had no attachment to him at all since his relationship with Luke was barely touched on and yet I’m suppose to accept that he’s so important to the point that Luke willingly bore responsibility for parenting him just because he cries at night asking for him? The fact that Luke’s ex successfully roped him into being a permanent fixture in her and her sons life shows how weak willed Luke is as a hero. Afton deserved so much better in a partner than someone like Luke.
Great job on another failed coupling Deborah Blandon. This might be your best (worst) pair yet. Two thumbs up for you.
***Spoilers ahead*** Am I suppose to feel all warm and fuzzy with that ending? Adopting your longtime on/off ex girlfriend’s son who was a result of a one night stand? Afton has the heart of a saint to have openly accepted that without question especially after all that Luke put her through.
This story was unbearably bland to begin with and to have it payout with that random and borderline diabolical ending? I’m already generous with the two star rating. This author lacks story development often leaving so many loose ends in her books. She introduces integral people usually nearing the end of the book that it makes you wonder why they werent explored more in the initial stages if they’re gonna play a big role later on. Case in point the kid in this book. I had no attachment to him at all since his relationship with Luke was barely touched on and yet I’m suppose to accept that he’s so important to the point that Luke willingly bore responsibility for parenting him just because he cries at night asking for him? The fact that Luke’s ex successfully roped him into being a permanent fixture in her and her sons life shows how weak willed Luke is as a hero. Afton deserved so much better in a partner than someone like Luke.
Great job on another failed coupling Deborah Blandon. This might be your best (worst) pair yet. Two thumbs up for you.
August 2, 2021
Uhm. There were def some odd bits. After Luke breaks up Afton's wedding, Warren (the almost groom) is pretty ok with it. So. Her parents take up the role of jilted ex for most of the book. It's weird. Mainly because first they're described as basically down to earth soul mates and amazing. Then Afton goes off on how they've always belittled her and been disappointed in her, and are stuffy judgmental rich people. The pendulum swings back at the end. They scream PLOT DEVICE not characters.
Luke and Afton become friends. Friends with feeeeeeeeelings, both with concerns that the other isn't over the ex. They start seeing each other.
Luke's ex pops back in, leveraging her kid (who Luke raised, but isn't his biological child) to try and make up with him. Which Afton half ass eavesdrops on, bails. And then ghosts Luke when he tries to talk to her.
I'm not a big fan of the "not what it seems" crap. Because it's usually crap.
Anyway. Then to add another layer of FEELS UNNECESSARY, Luke finds Afton collapsed in a burning building and she's unconscious a couple days. But when she wakes up and can't get away from him, they talk.
And then get engaged. Because you're really supposed to be drinking the SOUL MATES kool aid so it won't seem insane.
The stand outs from it are by far the weird bits.
Luke and Afton become friends. Friends with feeeeeeeeelings, both with concerns that the other isn't over the ex. They start seeing each other.
Luke's ex pops back in, leveraging her kid (who Luke raised, but isn't his biological child) to try and make up with him. Which Afton half ass eavesdrops on, bails. And then ghosts Luke when he tries to talk to her.
I'm not a big fan of the "not what it seems" crap. Because it's usually crap.
Anyway. Then to add another layer of FEELS UNNECESSARY, Luke finds Afton collapsed in a burning building and she's unconscious a couple days. But when she wakes up and can't get away from him, they talk.
And then get engaged. Because you're really supposed to be drinking the SOUL MATES kool aid so it won't seem insane.
The stand outs from it are by far the weird bits.
March 7, 2022
A+ on title
Luke wasn't transparent with Afton re: August. I don't think adopting Auggie is just. Luke isn't the biological father. How about finding the biological father? Brooklyn was almost married once. What Afton overheard while picking up her keys at Luke's apartment, would make any woman insecure. After all, Luke was supposed to be at work not with Brooklyn in his apartment. I have a questions for Brooklyn. "Where were you on the day of your non wedding? What were you doing until you showed up on Lucas's doorstep?"
The side relationships/stories for both hero and heroine showed familia love.
Luke wasn't transparent with Afton re: August. I don't think adopting Auggie is just. Luke isn't the biological father. How about finding the biological father? Brooklyn was almost married once. What Afton overheard while picking up her keys at Luke's apartment, would make any woman insecure. After all, Luke was supposed to be at work not with Brooklyn in his apartment. I have a questions for Brooklyn. "Where were you on the day of your non wedding? What were you doing until you showed up on Lucas's doorstep?"
The side relationships/stories for both hero and heroine showed familia love.
July 3, 2021
Another stellar story!
When I read the first two chapters the first thing I thought was ' I wish someone had done that for/to me on my wedding day! What a surprising and fabulous story! Luke and Afton are definitely the description of today's modern blended family and world. I'm so happy that you've kept Marti in these stories cause she's a great lady! I just can't get enough of your books and wish you could put out a new one every few days because waiting for the next one is almost agonizing!
When I read the first two chapters the first thing I thought was ' I wish someone had done that for/to me on my wedding day! What a surprising and fabulous story! Luke and Afton are definitely the description of today's modern blended family and world. I'm so happy that you've kept Marti in these stories cause she's a great lady! I just can't get enough of your books and wish you could put out a new one every few days because waiting for the next one is almost agonizing!
November 1, 2025
Bittersweet
Bittersweet is book 5 in The Calvettis of New York series and this time we meet Luke and Afton.
The theme running through the books in this series is Fate and how what's for you won't go past you and this book is no exception.
Not only is the first meeting of Luke and Afton so funny the rest of the book really throws all the feels at you.
Again we catch up with the lives of the family members we met in the previous books which is always good.
Definitely recommend!
Bittersweet is book 5 in The Calvettis of New York series and this time we meet Luke and Afton.
The theme running through the books in this series is Fate and how what's for you won't go past you and this book is no exception.
Not only is the first meeting of Luke and Afton so funny the rest of the book really throws all the feels at you.
Again we catch up with the lives of the family members we met in the previous books which is always good.
Definitely recommend!
July 1, 2021
I love that these books are standalone stories and yet because they all form part of an interconnected world in New York, there are always hidden gems to look out for with past character appearances. The Calvetti clan warm my heart, they are a loving Italian family with big hearts. Luke and Afton gave me all the feels, when fate steps in and sets these two on a path that neither of them saw coming. Another wonderful romance.
July 1, 2021
Afton and Luke! I love how they met, and how they were able to become friends while helping each other through their thoughts and life. Adored seeing Calvetti’s have such a impact in all these intertwined stories. This is such a good addition to the Calvetti’s NY series. I really enjoyed these characters and how fate stepped in and changed the course of their thoughts and their lives for the better. They just needed to see that there was something greater was waiting for them.
July 4, 2021
Afton Neal is getting ready to marry Warren whom she has known since she was 16 years old. Afton is having doubts and looking for a sign to tell her what to do. A gorgeous stranger named Luke Jones with his own relationship issues runs into the wrong church. An easy friendship forms and soon more feelings are blooming between them. Was it Fate that they were meant to meet? Another fun and amazing read by this author.
I received an ARC for this book and this is my review.
I received an ARC for this book and this is my review.
January 9, 2022
I was so in, then.....
I love this author and this series about a big Italian family and their spouses and friends. What I didn't like was how a smart character like Afton was suddenly stupid to run into a burning building after a dog. I get that it is fiction, but as a wife and mother of firefighters, and as a staff member of a primary center, I can tell you even small children know better.
I love this author and this series about a big Italian family and their spouses and friends. What I didn't like was how a smart character like Afton was suddenly stupid to run into a burning building after a dog. I get that it is fiction, but as a wife and mother of firefighters, and as a staff member of a primary center, I can tell you even small children know better.
February 5, 2024
🍾💥💕
Luke is an amazing, brave and loyal man whom we meet in the midst of his heartbreak. Thankfully his f***up saves Afton from making her own.
Afton is courageous, determined and creative. She takes several different careers and creates her own unique one. She falls in love fairly quickly despite only looking for fun.
These two are some of the most lovable characters Deborah has created yet. I enjoyed getting to know them and can’t wait to see what comes next
Luke is an amazing, brave and loyal man whom we meet in the midst of his heartbreak. Thankfully his f***up saves Afton from making her own.
Afton is courageous, determined and creative. She takes several different careers and creates her own unique one. She falls in love fairly quickly despite only looking for fun.
These two are some of the most lovable characters Deborah has created yet. I enjoyed getting to know them and can’t wait to see what comes next
July 4, 2021
Afton and Luke
This was a sweet story. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Luke being permanently tied to his Ex when he didn’t need to be but that shows what kind of heart he has. These two had a fun unique meeting followed by a friendship and finally the love they both had been waiting for.
This was a sweet story. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Luke being permanently tied to his Ex when he didn’t need to be but that shows what kind of heart he has. These two had a fun unique meeting followed by a friendship and finally the love they both had been waiting for.
July 16, 2021
Good Read
Good premise : reluctant bride to be wedding day is interrupted by a drunken stranger who objects but the bride sees it as fate and leaves with him . Both feeling the after effects of their decisions form a bond and realizes that they had been chasing the wrong dreams.
Good premise : reluctant bride to be wedding day is interrupted by a drunken stranger who objects but the bride sees it as fate and leaves with him . Both feeling the after effects of their decisions form a bond and realizes that they had been chasing the wrong dreams.
January 12, 2023
The calvetti's
Now that I finished the series, I want more. There's 3 more calvetti's that I'd love a story for (Nash, Gina and Dante now) I love how there are only small snippets of Marti in the books, but the entire series revolves around her. You feel her love throughout the whole series. I'm not ready for this series to be done
Now that I finished the series, I want more. There's 3 more calvetti's that I'd love a story for (Nash, Gina and Dante now) I love how there are only small snippets of Marti in the books, but the entire series revolves around her. You feel her love throughout the whole series. I'm not ready for this series to be done
June 30, 2021
Excellent! I love everything Calvetti. It just amazes me that these books can be read as complete standalones. That’s a skill that goes beyond great writing. It’s brilliance!
I fell in love with Luke and Afton’s story. I’m confident that you will too!
I fell in love with Luke and Afton’s story. I’m confident that you will too!
July 1, 2021
Love it!
This was such a sweet story! The author is always guaranteed to give the reader two awesome characters with great supporting characters and characters from past books. It’s a beautiful love story. I can’t wait to read the next one!
This was such a sweet story! The author is always guaranteed to give the reader two awesome characters with great supporting characters and characters from past books. It’s a beautiful love story. I can’t wait to read the next one!
July 3, 2021
Two weddings and a drunk guy what can go wrong!!
Runaway bride and a bit of drunken mishap! This book has a little of everything. Love how each standalone ties into the previous books! I could happily live in this NY make believe world. Just give me a Calvetti too!
Runaway bride and a bit of drunken mishap! This book has a little of everything. Love how each standalone ties into the previous books! I could happily live in this NY make believe world. Just give me a Calvetti too!
July 4, 2021
Bittersweet
OMG, what an awesome story, funny, met merely by accident, but truly memorable. An unexpected chance meeting, turns into friends, then…… read on, great fun story, loved it!
OMG, what an awesome story, funny, met merely by accident, but truly memorable. An unexpected chance meeting, turns into friends, then…… read on, great fun story, loved it!
July 4, 2021
Loved this book!!! One of my absolute favorite things this author does, is links her characters from previous books. I love the updates! These characters and their story made me have so many emotions. The details are always so amazing. This is definitely a book I will recommend.
July 27, 2021
Honestly, this might be the last book I read from this author. Spoilers ahead, be warned.
I liked the premise of the book and started off solid until the H decided to adopt his exe’s son. A son she (the H's ex) had on a one night stand while they were on a break. I can understand the kindness in his heart for wanting to be apart of the kids life but adopting? Really? Others might be understanding of that but I am definitely not like that. The h shouldn’t have to deal with the ex for the rest of their lives because the H decided to adopt the kid when there is absolutely no relationship between his ex and him. And shame on the ex for putting that poor little boy through the ringer and weaponizing the kid. I absolutely dislike the fact that Luke decided to adopt a kid that wasn’t his while pursuing a new relationship, how selfish and insensitive is that? My personal opinion, it’s upsetting on Afton’s part because she loses out on having a “first” with someone she loves. I’m not discrediting the author for the whole book but I feel like that was too excessive and that’s what did it for me. I was upset the rest of the book and had to force myself to finish because unfortunately, I paid for it. There’s other ways to be apart of that child’s life but not adopting while your trying to start a new relationship and having a jealous ex that wants to get back with the H. Yeah f*****g right, there’s no way I’d want to stick around for that drama but that’s just me personally. Luke was the type of H in books that wants his cake and eat it too. No, thank you. I like my Hero's to stick up for his h and not just dismiss her when the ex shows up and the H says “I’ll call you later”, and this was during the moment he was going to tell her he loved her? Omg, don’t even get me started because that sure as hell pissed me off, too. What he should have done was tell his ex to reschedule whatever her visit was for later but that just shows who he’ll always put first in the future to come. I cannot stand these tropes with the exes that continue to be apart of the H’s life, how’s that even fair to the h?! She could have honestly done better without the baby mama/ex drama *rolls eyes*.
I liked the premise of the book and started off solid until the H decided to adopt his exe’s son. A son she (the H's ex) had on a one night stand while they were on a break. I can understand the kindness in his heart for wanting to be apart of the kids life but adopting? Really? Others might be understanding of that but I am definitely not like that. The h shouldn’t have to deal with the ex for the rest of their lives because the H decided to adopt the kid when there is absolutely no relationship between his ex and him. And shame on the ex for putting that poor little boy through the ringer and weaponizing the kid. I absolutely dislike the fact that Luke decided to adopt a kid that wasn’t his while pursuing a new relationship, how selfish and insensitive is that? My personal opinion, it’s upsetting on Afton’s part because she loses out on having a “first” with someone she loves. I’m not discrediting the author for the whole book but I feel like that was too excessive and that’s what did it for me. I was upset the rest of the book and had to force myself to finish because unfortunately, I paid for it. There’s other ways to be apart of that child’s life but not adopting while your trying to start a new relationship and having a jealous ex that wants to get back with the H. Yeah f*****g right, there’s no way I’d want to stick around for that drama but that’s just me personally. Luke was the type of H in books that wants his cake and eat it too. No, thank you. I like my Hero's to stick up for his h and not just dismiss her when the ex shows up and the H says “I’ll call you later”, and this was during the moment he was going to tell her he loved her? Omg, don’t even get me started because that sure as hell pissed me off, too. What he should have done was tell his ex to reschedule whatever her visit was for later but that just shows who he’ll always put first in the future to come. I cannot stand these tropes with the exes that continue to be apart of the H’s life, how’s that even fair to the h?! She could have honestly done better without the baby mama/ex drama *rolls eyes*.
July 14, 2021
I love Deborah Bla don't books, they have great characters and stories. Luke and Afton meet during her almost wedding, and when it seems like they belong together you can't help to root for them,. Can't wait for the next Deborah Bladon's book.
July 19, 2021
I enjoy all of Deborah Bladon’s books because I love the little world she has created that links all of her stories and characters together. I thought Afton and Luke’s story was engaging. I wish Afton’s gay best friend and her brother would get their own romance. I’d love Deborah’s take on MM romance.
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