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Big Easy
She might not need him. He definitely needed her.
Tory Winfield used anger to dig herself out of the hole Seth Rivers left her in when he vanished four years ago. She vows to never give her power to a man again. When Seth returns as mysteriously as he left, he wants a second chance. Free to tell her the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, he puts everything on the line to keep her safe and win her back.
They may be out of danger but is it too late for second chances in the Big Easy?
Tory Winfield used anger to dig herself out of the hole Seth Rivers left her in when he vanished four years ago. She vows to never give her power to a man again. When Seth returns as mysteriously as he left, he wants a second chance. Free to tell her the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, he puts everything on the line to keep her safe and win her back.
They may be out of danger but is it too late for second chances in the Big Easy?
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Chester
23 books206 followersM.K Chester is an avid reader who began writing at an early age to entertain herself. She began to take writing seriously after college and her work developed timeless themes of redemption and second chances.
She won some RWA awards, published with The Wild Rose Press and Carina [Harlequin] and now considers herself a happy Indie.
Her romance titles include something for everyone: historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance.
She won some RWA awards, published with The Wild Rose Press and Carina [Harlequin] and now considers herself a happy Indie.
Her romance titles include something for everyone: historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 5, 2021
I would say I give this book 3.5 stars.
I honestly have a love-hate relationship with Novellas. I think they can sometimes be too short to develop a relationship properly but I love how they don’t beat around the bush and are a quick read. Some full length novels are way too long and add details that are the literary version of the beach episodes in anime (that it to say, just filler and fluff). I think this needed maybe 5 more chapters. One or two to establish the background information and their first relationship and a couple to give Tory sometime to really chew on this new relationship and embrace it.
I did love that Tory was pretty realistic. One might say even too realistic, I definitely could see why she made certain decisions, and caught myself thinking of my own past and how I might react. She was a great main character.
I love love love the fact that Seth gave her space and room to think. He wasn’t quite in her face ie following her to work/heavily flirting with her/ knocking on her door all the time. He just made himself conveniently available and did some good old fashioned distant pining. He wasn’t pushy at all. He was a great balance and quite a healthy character.
Seth’s big secret was what I can only describe as kinda lame. Really he had no reason to be so secretive with this person who he considered the love of his life, especially if it put her life at risk. I feel like the stakes might have been bigger if the event was riskier or if it was intimately tied with his or her family. I don’t know.
All in all, a great quick read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I honestly have a love-hate relationship with Novellas. I think they can sometimes be too short to develop a relationship properly but I love how they don’t beat around the bush and are a quick read. Some full length novels are way too long and add details that are the literary version of the beach episodes in anime (that it to say, just filler and fluff). I think this needed maybe 5 more chapters. One or two to establish the background information and their first relationship and a couple to give Tory sometime to really chew on this new relationship and embrace it.
I did love that Tory was pretty realistic. One might say even too realistic, I definitely could see why she made certain decisions, and caught myself thinking of my own past and how I might react. She was a great main character.
I love love love the fact that Seth gave her space and room to think. He wasn’t quite in her face ie following her to work/heavily flirting with her/ knocking on her door all the time. He just made himself conveniently available and did some good old fashioned distant pining. He wasn’t pushy at all. He was a great balance and quite a healthy character.
Seth’s big secret was what I can only describe as kinda lame. Really he had no reason to be so secretive with this person who he considered the love of his life, especially if it put her life at risk. I feel like the stakes might have been bigger if the event was riskier or if it was intimately tied with his or her family. I don’t know.
All in all, a great quick read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 2, 2021
This was my first book by M.K. Chester, and it was a wonderful example of a romantic and well-executed second chance book. Second chance romances aren’t usually my favorite, and I do wish that there had been a little bit more focus on the present romance, rather than past circumstances. However, I loved Seth and Tory’s story and chemistry. Seth’s past was intriguing, and his reasons for leaving Tory were understandable, if not advisable. His determination to win Tory back, no matter the cost to him, was incredibly sweet.
Tory’s character had a believable mix of longing for Seth and reticence to engage in a romance based on their past. She was neither annoyingly stubborn nor overly forgiving, which I was really pleased about. I wish we had gotten to learn a little bit more about her though—we know so much about Seth, but I don’t feel like I understand much about Tory’s family, history, etc. The epilogue also could’ve been expanded a touch more. I would’ve enjoyed seeing more of Seth and Tory as a happy couple.
Overall, this was an interesting, emotional romance, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
Tory’s character had a believable mix of longing for Seth and reticence to engage in a romance based on their past. She was neither annoyingly stubborn nor overly forgiving, which I was really pleased about. I wish we had gotten to learn a little bit more about her though—we know so much about Seth, but I don’t feel like I understand much about Tory’s family, history, etc. The epilogue also could’ve been expanded a touch more. I would’ve enjoyed seeing more of Seth and Tory as a happy couple.
Overall, this was an interesting, emotional romance, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
March 28, 2022
Tory and Seth were set to take their vows, but Seth left town and everyone he knew behind, without a word. Tory was devastated and fought to start life over again and was doing rather well, until she heard a familiar voice behind her. Seth was back, with his eyes down and telling her he made a big mistake. He didn't have a chance to tell her the whole story and she deserves to know what almost ruined him, as well. Tory doesn't warm up, she stays aloof and yet her heart is beating double time whenever she sees him. I got impatient with her because she kept finding reasons to shut him out and I kept trying to tell her to just listen to him! He has a story to tell you and how will you know if it's the truth if you don't shut up and listen! Turns out his high school job, at the little Italian restaurant down the street, was actually money laundering for the mob. He was arrested and spent time in prison. If she really listens to him, is it enough to convince her that he's telling the truth? I love Seth and can tolerate Tory as she believes him but still doesn't trust him. Overall, it's a really good story and the narration is a real plus. Madeleine Moore's dynamic, clear voice brings the characters to life with an individual attitude and distinct personality!
March 27, 2022
A short, well written and narrated, second chance romance. This story follows main characters Tory and Seth. Seth vanished years ago without a trace and now that Tory has come to grips with his disappearance, he's back and looking just as good as ever but that doesn't mean that she has to open her heart or her life back up to him. Seth has so much to make up for and explain - he would never willingly leave Tory - he just needs a minute for her to listen and maybe, just maybe the truth will set them both free. Free from past hurts and mistakes so they can find a HEA. Set in New Orleans with great narration accents this was a short listen but full of storyline.
I received a free copy of this book at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this book.
I received a free copy of this book at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this book.
May 5, 2021
This is the first book I've read of M.K. Chester, but I was pleasantly surprised how thorough the plot was, even as a novella.
The book had a point of view for both main characters, Seth and Tory. Seth left Tory unexpectedly four years ago and has come back to make amends. Tory has made a new life for herself and it no longer includes Seth.
The struggles the couple face are deeply rooted in the dark side of New Orleans and that becomes more evident the more involved the plot gets.
Seth is a decent man shredded by his past, and Tory just happened to get caught in the crosshairs. I was amazed at how much the writer gave us in the feels department in such a short span.
One caveat is the author has some more editing to do, but over all, a nice short read.
The book had a point of view for both main characters, Seth and Tory. Seth left Tory unexpectedly four years ago and has come back to make amends. Tory has made a new life for herself and it no longer includes Seth.
The struggles the couple face are deeply rooted in the dark side of New Orleans and that becomes more evident the more involved the plot gets.
Seth is a decent man shredded by his past, and Tory just happened to get caught in the crosshairs. I was amazed at how much the writer gave us in the feels department in such a short span.
One caveat is the author has some more editing to do, but over all, a nice short read.
April 1, 2022
Now, this is second chance romance done right!
I’m usually not a big fan of second chance romances as there is usually a really good reason for the initial breakup and (not saying you should never give people a second chance, but) there’s usually not enough growth by either/both characters to warrant them getting back together. HOWEVER, with this story, Seth’s reason for leaving without a trace honestly made sense. Even with that, it also made sense for Tory to be angry, and to stay angry. Thus, the story was compelling. I enjoyed every moment of this novella!
This was a quick read. The characters were great. The pacing, also great! I really enjoyed it!
This is my first M.K. Chester read, and now I’m about to check out some more from the author because this was good! Highly recommend!
I’m usually not a big fan of second chance romances as there is usually a really good reason for the initial breakup and (not saying you should never give people a second chance, but) there’s usually not enough growth by either/both characters to warrant them getting back together. HOWEVER, with this story, Seth’s reason for leaving without a trace honestly made sense. Even with that, it also made sense for Tory to be angry, and to stay angry. Thus, the story was compelling. I enjoyed every moment of this novella!
This was a quick read. The characters were great. The pacing, also great! I really enjoyed it!
This is my first M.K. Chester read, and now I’m about to check out some more from the author because this was good! Highly recommend!
May 2, 2021
Victoria, Tory works part time at a local bar. More for the fun than for the money. While sitting at the bar one night, a voice from the past whispers into her ear. She doesn’t want anything to do with him. He left years ago without a word. Never came back. Poof. Gone. He gives her his number as he leaves the bar. She texts that she hates him.
This is a quick read with some interesting twists. Tory and Seth had a great thing in the past. Can forgiveness be given once the entire story is told.
As I thoroughly enjoyed this story I v heartedly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
This is a quick read with some interesting twists. Tory and Seth had a great thing in the past. Can forgiveness be given once the entire story is told.
As I thoroughly enjoyed this story I v heartedly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
April 24, 2022
I was gifted this Audiobook by the author thru Story Origin.
I think this is a book I would have enjoyed more if I'd have just read it myself. A very interesting plot. Nice, likeable characters. Tory and Seth. Dual POV. Second Chance. I was so pulling for Seth. HEA.
But the narrator just didn’t present the characters to me. She had a little expression, but could have been so much better. Disappointing.
I think this is a book I would have enjoyed more if I'd have just read it myself. A very interesting plot. Nice, likeable characters. Tory and Seth. Dual POV. Second Chance. I was so pulling for Seth. HEA.
But the narrator just didn’t present the characters to me. She had a little expression, but could have been so much better. Disappointing.
September 22, 2021
What’s story
I don’t usually write reviews but this story was so good I have to do this. I love a good romance but this story kept me enthralled to the very end. I understood Tory’s reluctance to trust Seth but was glad that worked out. Liked the bit of suspense too.
I don’t usually write reviews but this story was so good I have to do this. I love a good romance but this story kept me enthralled to the very end. I understood Tory’s reluctance to trust Seth but was glad that worked out. Liked the bit of suspense too.
June 9, 2022
Cute second chance story for Tori and Seth. Seth disappeared four years ago leaving Tori with no contact or explanation. Now he is backed make amends and reveal why he left. Madeline Moore did a good job on the narration.
March 18, 2022
Can Tori give Seth a second chance even if he disappeared from her life almost four years ago without an explanation or a goodbye? Good audiobook
April 18, 2022
Well, I really wanted to like this book, but it was impossible.
It was not believable and I could not relate to the characters.
The narrator was over-dramatic and made this listen even more difficult.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was not believable and I could not relate to the characters.
The narrator was over-dramatic and made this listen even more difficult.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews