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A Moment Too Late
Falling in love can happen in the blink of an eye.
I fell for Jay the moment I laid eyes on him. Was drawn to him in a way I’d never been drawn to a man before. He was everything I wanted. The man I dreamed about at night and looked for everywhere I turned just for a glimpse of his perfection.
But I couldn’t have him.
It was against the rules. Forbidden.
He was my best friend’s boyfriend. I would never do that to her.
Then she died.
Looking at him became painful, bringing back memories of the reason we couldn’t be together. The reason I never pursued him.
I had to move on and vowed never to look back in an attempt to escape him and the devastation in my heart.
Yet here I stand, five years later, staring into the eyes of the man I still want. In the place I swore I’d never return to. With memories assaulting me from every angle.
He’s still the picture of perfection in my eyes, making our attraction even more dangerous than it once was.
The only difference... No one is standing in our way this time.
I fell for Jay the moment I laid eyes on him. Was drawn to him in a way I’d never been drawn to a man before. He was everything I wanted. The man I dreamed about at night and looked for everywhere I turned just for a glimpse of his perfection.
But I couldn’t have him.
It was against the rules. Forbidden.
He was my best friend’s boyfriend. I would never do that to her.
Then she died.
Looking at him became painful, bringing back memories of the reason we couldn’t be together. The reason I never pursued him.
I had to move on and vowed never to look back in an attempt to escape him and the devastation in my heart.
Yet here I stand, five years later, staring into the eyes of the man I still want. In the place I swore I’d never return to. With memories assaulting me from every angle.
He’s still the picture of perfection in my eyes, making our attraction even more dangerous than it once was.
The only difference... No one is standing in our way this time.
264 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2021
57 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Brownell
65 books982 followersI'm a Michigan girl, born and raised. My addictions include: coffee, chocolate, coffee, avoiding adulting, coffee, and coffee.
My favorite season is fall. My favorite color is teal. And my favorite genre to read and write is romance.
I refuse to 'stay in my lane' when it comes to my books. You'll find I write everything from young-adult to sweet contemporary to steamy new adult.
#noregrets
Looking for a place to start with my books? Check out A Moment Too Late (small-town second chance romance) or The Lake State University series (new adult, steamy college romance).
Thanks for being here and happy reading!
My favorite season is fall. My favorite color is teal. And my favorite genre to read and write is romance.
I refuse to 'stay in my lane' when it comes to my books. You'll find I write everything from young-adult to sweet contemporary to steamy new adult.
#noregrets
Looking for a place to start with my books? Check out A Moment Too Late (small-town second chance romance) or The Lake State University series (new adult, steamy college romance).
Thanks for being here and happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 8, 2021
This is an honest review of an arc received.
“Don’t let the guilt from the past dictate your present.”
Andrea Morris is not one to believe in love at first sight but the first time she ran into Jay Ross she literally fell into his arms. But he belonged to her best friend, Sam. After four long years of longing for him, all it takes is one stolen kiss to confirm what she already knew, she loved him. When a tragic event happens and a life is lost, Andrea deals by running away. Fast forward 5 years, she’s now a criminal profiler and she’s back in the one place she swore she would never return. She still struggles with the guilt and grief of losing her best friend. What happens when the spark you have for the one person you should not love is still there?
“More than anything, I want you to feel my love wrapped around you.”
Jay Ross has loved Andrea Morris for years. Jay harbors guilt and grief over the death of his college girlfriend, who’s also Andrea’s best friend. Guilt because he wasn’t there the night she died but also because he was in love with her best friend. Jay also left after college, but a memorial and dedication to Sam brings all of the friends back together. Determined not to lose anymore time he sets out to prove to Andrea how much his love never faded.
“You were put on this Earth for me and only me. I was made to handle whatever you throw at me.”
5 suspenseful stars! Brownell weaves a fantastic story of lust, love, heartbreak, guilt, and lifetime friendships. Andrea, even though she’s loved Jay from afar, would never choose Jay over her best friend. She struggles daily with the guilt over betraying Sam and the guilt and grief that she harbors because of Sam’s death. You will fall in love with Jay Ross. The ultimate all around good guy struggled with his feelings towards Andrea, even though he was with Sam. This was an amazing story from beginning to end. Ms. Brownell sucks you into the world from the very first page, and her writing style is unique and on point.
“Then and now. Forever. Always.”
“Don’t let the guilt from the past dictate your present.”
Andrea Morris is not one to believe in love at first sight but the first time she ran into Jay Ross she literally fell into his arms. But he belonged to her best friend, Sam. After four long years of longing for him, all it takes is one stolen kiss to confirm what she already knew, she loved him. When a tragic event happens and a life is lost, Andrea deals by running away. Fast forward 5 years, she’s now a criminal profiler and she’s back in the one place she swore she would never return. She still struggles with the guilt and grief of losing her best friend. What happens when the spark you have for the one person you should not love is still there?
“More than anything, I want you to feel my love wrapped around you.”
Jay Ross has loved Andrea Morris for years. Jay harbors guilt and grief over the death of his college girlfriend, who’s also Andrea’s best friend. Guilt because he wasn’t there the night she died but also because he was in love with her best friend. Jay also left after college, but a memorial and dedication to Sam brings all of the friends back together. Determined not to lose anymore time he sets out to prove to Andrea how much his love never faded.
“You were put on this Earth for me and only me. I was made to handle whatever you throw at me.”
5 suspenseful stars! Brownell weaves a fantastic story of lust, love, heartbreak, guilt, and lifetime friendships. Andrea, even though she’s loved Jay from afar, would never choose Jay over her best friend. She struggles daily with the guilt over betraying Sam and the guilt and grief that she harbors because of Sam’s death. You will fall in love with Jay Ross. The ultimate all around good guy struggled with his feelings towards Andrea, even though he was with Sam. This was an amazing story from beginning to end. Ms. Brownell sucks you into the world from the very first page, and her writing style is unique and on point.
“Then and now. Forever. Always.”
March 24, 2021
A well-written, swoon-worthy friends to lovers with a bit of mystery will keep you turning the pages!
June 7, 2021
Wow - This book had me up all night and I simply could not put it down. With every turn of the pages the angst grew, the connections became a force to be reckoned with and the secrets revealed so much all at once. While the characters are trying to find their way back together, they are also trying to find the answers to find the one who murdered one in the group five years ago. You will be holding onto your kindle tight as the puzzle is connected and as the answers are revealed. And the ending will have you wiping tears from your eyes. In true Rachael Brownell fashion the reader will come away from this book with a new favorite that will need to be read and re-read time and time again.
June 13, 2021
This book had me all over the place trying to figure out the mystery. Such a good read, as always.
Jay and Drea's story starts off bumpy as most do. After losing one of their best friends, to coming back together for her 5 years later. Its a whirlwind of feelings and love, with mystery all wrapped into one.
Jay and Drea's story starts off bumpy as most do. After losing one of their best friends, to coming back together for her 5 years later. Its a whirlwind of feelings and love, with mystery all wrapped into one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
Wow, this one was an emotional read. Andrea had a love, at first sight, feeling for Jay when she meets him but it turned out he was off-limits because he was her best friend's (Sam) boyfriend. Sam is murdered and Andrea leaves town. Five years later, Andrea comes back to town for a memorial and reunites with her friends. She still has feelings for Jay and when she returned to town I couldn't read faster enough to get to their seeing each other again. There's some angst, grief, and guilt there that has to be worked through. As Andrea and Jay are reconnecting, they are also trying to figure out who killed Sam. I felt that that whole part was rushed a little but it give the characters the closure they needed. I liked this one.
June 14, 2021
3.5 Stars!
Being new to Ms.Brownell's work I've been looking forward to picking up one of her books! When I found out about this one I wanted to pick it up first. I enjoyed it!
Drea and Jay's journey is a realistic and tough one. It had a great amount of emotion throughout and I liked the fact that I felt so much with both of them as well as with the rest of the characters in this story. It kept me on my toes and I enjoyed that. I just struggled at certain points.
With A Moment Too Late, Ms.Brownell created a good read that'll be sure to make you feel a lot! I'm looking forward to picking up more of her books!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Love Affair With Fiction / the author*
Being new to Ms.Brownell's work I've been looking forward to picking up one of her books! When I found out about this one I wanted to pick it up first. I enjoyed it!
Drea and Jay's journey is a realistic and tough one. It had a great amount of emotion throughout and I liked the fact that I felt so much with both of them as well as with the rest of the characters in this story. It kept me on my toes and I enjoyed that. I just struggled at certain points.
With A Moment Too Late, Ms.Brownell created a good read that'll be sure to make you feel a lot! I'm looking forward to picking up more of her books!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Love Affair With Fiction / the author*
June 23, 2021
This book has been written very well. With a fantastic balance of anticipation and suspense it will have you hooked from page 1. This is the first book I have read from this author and I’m hoping it won’t be the last as I really enjoyed her writing style. A fantastic performance from Leanne really does help the book flow.
November 13, 2024
This book wasn’t too bad. The story line was hard to get into in the beginning, the plot seemed vague and kind of overly dramatic, but as pieces started revealing themselves, it was easier to follow.
I couldn’t get over all the spelling and grammar mistakes. It appears that no one proofread this book before printing and it made me a little crazy. Reader beware, at least for the 2021 printing.
I couldn’t get over all the spelling and grammar mistakes. It appears that no one proofread this book before printing and it made me a little crazy. Reader beware, at least for the 2021 printing.
June 15, 2021
An emotional journey of friends who are trying to deal with the loss of their best friend as well as finding your soul mate at first sight.
Andrea literally stumbled into Jay's arm and found instant love. Problem is Jay is already taken. Join the four friends on this angsty, emotional, love filled journey and see how their past shapes their futures.
Andrea literally stumbled into Jay's arm and found instant love. Problem is Jay is already taken. Join the four friends on this angsty, emotional, love filled journey and see how their past shapes their futures.
June 13, 2021
This author never fails to entice and pull you into her stories. You are immediately sucked in right from the start and page turn till the end. Experiencing everything that is going on and rooting hard for the right ending, for all involved. The level of emotions and the mystery/suspense make this one story you cannot miss. One that you do not want to miss. I can’t wait to see what she releases next because this will be on the list as one of my favorites she has written.
June 23, 2021
A forbidden love a betrayal that was to much of a burden to carry added with guilt, only made her run faster not slower. For Andre and Jay were a couple that could never be. Jay never believed in love at first sight, but the day he caught Andrea was the day he became a believer. One problem with his new found soulmate, she was best friends with his current girlfriend.
The two, now have to endure a forbidden and unattainable love whilst trying not to break the heart of the one they would betray. If that isn’t enough drama throw in a mystery and you’ve got. Yourself a book that sucks you in and has you looking fro clues. The perfect read on a rainy day!
The two, now have to endure a forbidden and unattainable love whilst trying not to break the heart of the one they would betray. If that isn’t enough drama throw in a mystery and you’ve got. Yourself a book that sucks you in and has you looking fro clues. The perfect read on a rainy day!
June 23, 2021
WOW!! What a emotional roller coaster ride!! It was love at first sight for Jay and Drea but he was her best friends bf. Drea is back in town to honor the memory of her best friend Sam, who was murdered. She and Jay work together to solve the mystery. Do they still have feelings for each other?? It will make you second guess who you think did the murder? Can you figure it out? All I can say is read the book. lol It is so worth the read!!
June 10, 2021
Rachael Brownell has yet again written a story that is going to grab hold of you and not let you go! This is a fresh twist to a couple of tropes that you all love to read.
Five years ago she was taken from them, a light in the world was extinguished and the small town was rocked. Now being brought back to celebrate her life, Drea and Jay have more than their grief that they will have to face.
Take this trip with these characters, be there when they figure out more than what their feelings mean. With a little drama, some steam and a whole lot of emotion, Rachael Brownell has given us another great story! Do not miss out on this one!
Five years ago she was taken from them, a light in the world was extinguished and the small town was rocked. Now being brought back to celebrate her life, Drea and Jay have more than their grief that they will have to face.
Take this trip with these characters, be there when they figure out more than what their feelings mean. With a little drama, some steam and a whole lot of emotion, Rachael Brownell has given us another great story! Do not miss out on this one!
June 10, 2021
Excellent read.Andrea fell for Jay the moment she meet him.Actually she stumbled into his arm.But he was definitely off limits being he dated her best friend.On New years Eve they share a kiss as her best friend sleeps upstairs.Guilt consumes her and she tries to stay away from Jay.Sam is murdered and right after graduation Andrea moves and doesn't go back even though she still has feelings for Jay.On the 5th anniversary of her death her friends call her to attend a memorable event for Sam.She agrees to go but fears what will happen when she see's Jay again.Lots ot twist,turns and suspense.Very emotional and well written OUTSTANDING read.
June 4, 2021
An emotional and moving story that focuses strongly on the enduring power of friendship and love. You will find a strong cast of characters here outside of the core couple, even the deceased character has a strong presence (positive) throughout the course of the story. Be prepared for a bit of angst as the characters continue to navigate their guilt and grief as the murderer remains free and they fight to find justice.
June 11, 2021
So many emotions.
I can't describe how much I love this book. It's such an emotional journey. I had a really hard time putting it down. So captivating!
I can't describe how much I love this book. It's such an emotional journey. I had a really hard time putting it down. So captivating!
May 24, 2021
I loved this and cried more times than I thought I would. I loved the mystery behind it and I loved the MC. I thought there was gonna be a huge plot twist and I was not ready for it but I’m so glad it didn’t turn out that way ( my heart wouldn’t take it) haha. I even read the bonus chapter to this and I’m so glad I did. Such an amazing story and with spice and romance. Definitely recommend.! I got this as an ARC and I’m so glad!
February 12, 2022
left a bad taste
1.5/5
TLDR; a potential skip and DNF read. For further explanation see review below.
Spoiler:
The entire book was set up to essentially forgive Jay and Andrea’s indiscretion towards Sam. My theory was further solidified after the cop out and convenient “last letter from grave” from Sam dissolving Andrea from the so called “guilt” she’s had for betraying Sam. Guilt that she didn’t seem to feel strongly enough to not engage in a physical relationship with her best friend’s former boyfriend during the week celebrating her best friend’s life. Regardless of the state of Sam and Jay’s relationship, at the end of the day Andrea and Jay still chose to cheat. Even prior to the last letter knowledge, she still decided to engage in an intimate and emotional affair despite her “better” judgment and weak protests.
The book was told as if in a mindset of a high school girl. Frankly I was more intrigued with the mystery of Sam’s death rather than the romance between Jay and Andrea. The entire thing just left a bad taste due to the fact that it encourages infidelity and practically absolves bad behavior without so much as inkling of proper redemption. It’s bad character development and made for an absolutely boring read and intolerable read.
1.5/5
TLDR; a potential skip and DNF read. For further explanation see review below.
Spoiler:
The entire book was set up to essentially forgive Jay and Andrea’s indiscretion towards Sam. My theory was further solidified after the cop out and convenient “last letter from grave” from Sam dissolving Andrea from the so called “guilt” she’s had for betraying Sam. Guilt that she didn’t seem to feel strongly enough to not engage in a physical relationship with her best friend’s former boyfriend during the week celebrating her best friend’s life. Regardless of the state of Sam and Jay’s relationship, at the end of the day Andrea and Jay still chose to cheat. Even prior to the last letter knowledge, she still decided to engage in an intimate and emotional affair despite her “better” judgment and weak protests.
The book was told as if in a mindset of a high school girl. Frankly I was more intrigued with the mystery of Sam’s death rather than the romance between Jay and Andrea. The entire thing just left a bad taste due to the fact that it encourages infidelity and practically absolves bad behavior without so much as inkling of proper redemption. It’s bad character development and made for an absolutely boring read and intolerable read.
June 27, 2021
Great Story & Narration🎧 Captivating & Heartfelt!
A Moment Too Late
By: Rachael Brownell
Narrated by: Leanne Woodward
I enjoyed this book immensely, it is well written with interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. This story is original and so much more than an ordinary romance. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. A grief stricken and heartbroken Andrea Morris left Great Falls and all her friends behind as soon as she was finished with college. She could not handle the tragic loss of her friend, Sam, and all the guilt she felt, she blamed herself for her death plus she feels guilt for having feelings for Jay Morris, Sam’s boyfriend. Those feelings were an instant attraction from when she first met Jay, but after learning who he was she knew then that their attraction and the chemistry between them would never lead to anything. She has not been back to Great Falls in five years, her friend Spencer convinces her to come, seeing her friends again was like coming home for her. She missed Spencer and Mia and Sam’s Mom Summer, she did not want to see Jay but he was there too. When she found out that the Chief of Police was looking to close Sam’s case she decided to take a look at everything the investigation uncovered, she is a criminal profiler and will work a profile to present to PD so they can give it another look. She winds up working with Jay, they also find out where each other is in life and what their feelings were. This is an engaging story, the book is cleverly plotted and there is never a dull moment. The author takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride and a journey of forgiveness, self healing, learning to let go of the ugly monster called guilt and to start to live again. I thought the ending was so fitting, a nice surprise from Sam. Rachael Brownell, thank you for the great story.
🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, Leanne Woodward is a talented narrator and versatile voice artist. She brings these characters to life, giving each their own distinct sound making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. She does an awesome job portraying the characters, taking each role and making it her own sounding believable and just as I picture the character to sound. She sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the characters emotions and projects them into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen🎧
A Moment Too Late
By: Rachael Brownell
Narrated by: Leanne Woodward
I enjoyed this book immensely, it is well written with interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. This story is original and so much more than an ordinary romance. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. A grief stricken and heartbroken Andrea Morris left Great Falls and all her friends behind as soon as she was finished with college. She could not handle the tragic loss of her friend, Sam, and all the guilt she felt, she blamed herself for her death plus she feels guilt for having feelings for Jay Morris, Sam’s boyfriend. Those feelings were an instant attraction from when she first met Jay, but after learning who he was she knew then that their attraction and the chemistry between them would never lead to anything. She has not been back to Great Falls in five years, her friend Spencer convinces her to come, seeing her friends again was like coming home for her. She missed Spencer and Mia and Sam’s Mom Summer, she did not want to see Jay but he was there too. When she found out that the Chief of Police was looking to close Sam’s case she decided to take a look at everything the investigation uncovered, she is a criminal profiler and will work a profile to present to PD so they can give it another look. She winds up working with Jay, they also find out where each other is in life and what their feelings were. This is an engaging story, the book is cleverly plotted and there is never a dull moment. The author takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride and a journey of forgiveness, self healing, learning to let go of the ugly monster called guilt and to start to live again. I thought the ending was so fitting, a nice surprise from Sam. Rachael Brownell, thank you for the great story.
🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, Leanne Woodward is a talented narrator and versatile voice artist. She brings these characters to life, giving each their own distinct sound making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. She does an awesome job portraying the characters, taking each role and making it her own sounding believable and just as I picture the character to sound. She sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the characters emotions and projects them into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen🎧
June 26, 2021
A Moment Too Late
By: Rachael Brownell
Narrated by: Leanne Woodward
Rachael Brownell checked all the boxes for me with this stand alone story. Andrea has been hiding from her home town for five years. After the murder of her best friend, the guilt of the circumstances was too much to deal with. Now the town is having a tribute in her honor and her friends are calling her home. Will she be able to deal with being back? What will happen when she sees Jay, her secret love and best friend's boyfriend? And will the case of the murder ever be solved? Andrea is complex character, and I love it! Dealing with her own issues, she swallows her emotions and makes her way home. Jay too is there, and he has to face his demons and future as well. The story has a romance, and while I love that part of it, I was totally engrossed in the profiling of the murder. To get into the head of a murderer is fascinating. This is the best of all worlds, as we get an ensemble cast of friends that is nurturing, a mom who is amazingly strong and a couple that is ready to face the odds as they circle in on the answers. It kept me on edge and it was an amazing listen!
Leanne Woodward narrates this gem, and she brings every character alive. Amazing voices, an array of emotions that had me frustrated, angry, crying and in love. Each one clear, concise and spot on for the scene. It could not have been a better audio.
By: Rachael Brownell
Narrated by: Leanne Woodward
Rachael Brownell checked all the boxes for me with this stand alone story. Andrea has been hiding from her home town for five years. After the murder of her best friend, the guilt of the circumstances was too much to deal with. Now the town is having a tribute in her honor and her friends are calling her home. Will she be able to deal with being back? What will happen when she sees Jay, her secret love and best friend's boyfriend? And will the case of the murder ever be solved? Andrea is complex character, and I love it! Dealing with her own issues, she swallows her emotions and makes her way home. Jay too is there, and he has to face his demons and future as well. The story has a romance, and while I love that part of it, I was totally engrossed in the profiling of the murder. To get into the head of a murderer is fascinating. This is the best of all worlds, as we get an ensemble cast of friends that is nurturing, a mom who is amazingly strong and a couple that is ready to face the odds as they circle in on the answers. It kept me on edge and it was an amazing listen!
Leanne Woodward narrates this gem, and she brings every character alive. Amazing voices, an array of emotions that had me frustrated, angry, crying and in love. Each one clear, concise and spot on for the scene. It could not have been a better audio.
June 24, 2021
Rachael Brownell, I heart your face so hard. This is one of my favorite audiobooks this year. This is an intriguing story about love, loss, heartbreak, guilt, and friendship. The lust between Andrea and Jay is swoon-worthy and so romantic. The deep connections and loyal friendships in this story are heart-warming and beautiful. It had the perfect amount of mystery and suspense. Rachael built such a great world with intriguing characters and a small town I’d be lucky to live in. You’re sucked in and invested in the story right from the beginning. It’s so well-written with the perfect amount of angst. I highly recommend this emotional and captivating story!
“You were put on this Earth for me and only me. I was made to handle whatever you throw at me.”
Leanne Woodward was cast perfectly for this role. You know you’re going to get a perfectly narrated book when you see her name. She is so talented and easily brings the characters to life. Her voice, pacing, and pitch are versatile and distinct. She expertly portrays each character with their own sound and emotional range, giving us the perfect tone for this story. Thank you, Leanne, for gifting me this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I heart your face too!
5 Emotional Stars!
NOLA504NERDS BLOG
“You were put on this Earth for me and only me. I was made to handle whatever you throw at me.”
Leanne Woodward was cast perfectly for this role. You know you’re going to get a perfectly narrated book when you see her name. She is so talented and easily brings the characters to life. Her voice, pacing, and pitch are versatile and distinct. She expertly portrays each character with their own sound and emotional range, giving us the perfect tone for this story. Thank you, Leanne, for gifting me this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I heart your face too!
5 Emotional Stars!
NOLA504NERDS BLOG
June 28, 2021
Brilliantly written!
The heart does not care if you are already in a relationship when it finds its other half. From the moment Jay and Andrea meet, they know their hearts are meant for each other. But then they realize they have a stronger connection, Sam. I really wish I could have heard all of Sam’s story. Yes, we get quite a bit in this story, but I just wanted so much more for her. But Jay and Andrea are torn with their relationship with Sam. They handle it with grace as they try not to hurt her.
The suspense of this story added so much and Spence, Mia and especially Summer captured my heart. This author brings real life to this story in the circumstances surrounding love and death. A Moment Too Late is one of those stories that you read, and it settles into your heart. You do not forget the characters or the events that occur.
The heart does not care if you are already in a relationship when it finds its other half. From the moment Jay and Andrea meet, they know their hearts are meant for each other. But then they realize they have a stronger connection, Sam. I really wish I could have heard all of Sam’s story. Yes, we get quite a bit in this story, but I just wanted so much more for her. But Jay and Andrea are torn with their relationship with Sam. They handle it with grace as they try not to hurt her.
The suspense of this story added so much and Spence, Mia and especially Summer captured my heart. This author brings real life to this story in the circumstances surrounding love and death. A Moment Too Late is one of those stories that you read, and it settles into your heart. You do not forget the characters or the events that occur.
October 31, 2021
I won the audio of A Moment Too Late by Rachael Brownell in a giveaway and I'd never read this author before so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was more than pleasantly suprised. This book follows 5 college friends through the end of college, a tragic event, and through the journey of healing. The added mystery was right up my alley. I found all the characters likeable and their bonds something to strive for. They were 100% each others tribe and I love reading stories where people put others before themselves - our world needs so much more of that. I will definitely be on the lookout for more by this author.
June 9, 2021
I didn't love it. This surprised me because I really enjoyed other books by this author. I think part of it is that I didn't feel any empathy towards Drea at the end of the prologue, and never really warmed up to her afterwards. I also didn't buy her as a criminal profiler and thought it vague that she worked for the 'state of California' and not a specific law enforcement agency -- also, do they even have 'personal assistants'? Unless I missed it, the author doesn't really reveal who Jay works for, either. He's also kind of bland as a main character. At times, Sam seems like the most interesting character, and she's dead.
The story is pretty one-note on both romance and mystery, with no real climatic separation or crisis. I thought it odd that Drea would be suddenly okay with lowkey pdas (e.g., touching or leaning on each other when before they might not have touched) at public events for Sam's memorial after she and Jay slept together, considering everyone knows Jay as the dead girl's boyfriend (I found a multiday memorial with multiple events hard to wrap my head around, but that's probably because I've never been in the situation faced by the characters in this book). Usually in a suspense-type book, one of the main characters is in real danger late in the book, e.g., kidnapped by the suspected murderer, and this doesn't happen here. We get 'Drea, don't go out anywhere by yourself!' after Summer accidentally broadcasts what Drea and Co have been doing at one of the events, but no real threat materializes. The solving of the case was too pat for me to believe-- after five years of no progress, Drea breezes in, creates a profile in her spare time between memorial events and extended sexy time sessions, presents it to the police department and they all go, "OMG, it's totally this guy!" The book also ends a bit vaguely as to the specifics how Drea and Jay work out the logistics of living together (a small thing, I know, but details are important!)
Maybe this will resonate for some people, but for me it missed the mark.
There's cheating, so those who don't like reading about it may want to take that into consideration when deciding whether or not to read this book.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story is pretty one-note on both romance and mystery, with no real climatic separation or crisis. I thought it odd that Drea would be suddenly okay with lowkey pdas (e.g., touching or leaning on each other when before they might not have touched) at public events for Sam's memorial after she and Jay slept together, considering everyone knows Jay as the dead girl's boyfriend (I found a multiday memorial with multiple events hard to wrap my head around, but that's probably because I've never been in the situation faced by the characters in this book). Usually in a suspense-type book, one of the main characters is in real danger late in the book, e.g., kidnapped by the suspected murderer, and this doesn't happen here. We get 'Drea, don't go out anywhere by yourself!' after Summer accidentally broadcasts what Drea and Co have been doing at one of the events, but no real threat materializes. The solving of the case was too pat for me to believe-- after five years of no progress, Drea breezes in, creates a profile in her spare time between memorial events and extended sexy time sessions, presents it to the police department and they all go, "OMG, it's totally this guy!" The book also ends a bit vaguely as to the specifics how Drea and Jay work out the logistics of living together (a small thing, I know, but details are important!)
Maybe this will resonate for some people, but for me it missed the mark.
There's cheating, so those who don't like reading about it may want to take that into consideration when deciding whether or not to read this book.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2021
5 years
I can’t believe that after 5 years they have no closure in Sam’s death. Sam’s death had such devastating affect on all of them so to honor her they have a dedicated in their same town where everyone of this group come to celebrate her life. As they each take an event to honor their friend, Sam, they find peace with each other and letting go of their friend. A good read.
I can’t believe that after 5 years they have no closure in Sam’s death. Sam’s death had such devastating affect on all of them so to honor her they have a dedicated in their same town where everyone of this group come to celebrate her life. As they each take an event to honor their friend, Sam, they find peace with each other and letting go of their friend. A good read.
October 27, 2021
Flat
Thus book tries to be a romance and a mystery. It fails on both fronts. The author mistakes sex for romance. She doesn't flesh out either aspect of this book. The main character, Andrea, is either attending a memorial for her friend or having sex with Jay. That's it. The murder is solved with no leading clues or twists. The key piece of evidence miraculously shows up at the perfect time. Just a boring book that I couldn't wait to be over.
Thus book tries to be a romance and a mystery. It fails on both fronts. The author mistakes sex for romance. She doesn't flesh out either aspect of this book. The main character, Andrea, is either attending a memorial for her friend or having sex with Jay. That's it. The murder is solved with no leading clues or twists. The key piece of evidence miraculously shows up at the perfect time. Just a boring book that I couldn't wait to be over.
August 4, 2022
2.5-3stars
Mixed feelings about this one. I thought the writing was great but the romance was definitely lacking. It was hard to invest in their romance because I didn’t necessarily feel a chemistry between either character. I also wasn’t a fan of who the killer turned out to be…I thought it would have been more like Scream making the killer part of the friend group which would have gave this book a lot more appeal.
Mixed feelings about this one. I thought the writing was great but the romance was definitely lacking. It was hard to invest in their romance because I didn’t necessarily feel a chemistry between either character. I also wasn’t a fan of who the killer turned out to be…I thought it would have been more like Scream making the killer part of the friend group which would have gave this book a lot more appeal.
June 26, 2021
It is a steamy yet sweet and some suspense of a book. I really did enjoy reading the story between Jay and Andrea and their best friend’s boyfriend romance. There is a HEA that I enjoyed. I do feel that Andrea was too hard on herself and left a gap of too much time but overall enjoyed my time in Great Falls
August 3, 2021
Good story and characters that are easy to like. Dealing with grief, finding answers, and closure. That sums up the short trip back to her college town. Add in her long time love, denied for so many years, good friends and hope. Oh! And a murderer just waiting to be discovered.
Not a fan of the narrator.
Not a fan of the narrator.
November 25, 2021
This author never fails to entice and pull you into her stories. You are immediately sucked in right from the start and page turn till the end. Experiencing everything that is going on and rooting hard for the right ending, for all involved. The level of emotions and the mystery/suspense make this one story you cannot miss. One that you do not want to miss.
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