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Falling for Grace
Grace Bush has a problem; she is irrevocably in love with her best friends brother.
I mean who isn’t?
Brandon Holder is an up-and-coming Hollywood actor, but to her, he will always be her first and only love.
But Grace is keeping one very big secret, luckily for her though it has become second nature, and she has gotten pretty damn good at it. But it’s messy, heartbreaking and painful, and very much to do with a certain best friends brother.
When tragedy strikes Grace’s past and present collide in a public and messy way, and those very secrets could destroy everything, including her chance at love.
*Content warning, Falling for Grace is an emotional rollercoaster, and will give you all the feels, but does cover some subjects that readers may find upsetting*
I mean who isn’t?
Brandon Holder is an up-and-coming Hollywood actor, but to her, he will always be her first and only love.
But Grace is keeping one very big secret, luckily for her though it has become second nature, and she has gotten pretty damn good at it. But it’s messy, heartbreaking and painful, and very much to do with a certain best friends brother.
When tragedy strikes Grace’s past and present collide in a public and messy way, and those very secrets could destroy everything, including her chance at love.
*Content warning, Falling for Grace is an emotional rollercoaster, and will give you all the feels, but does cover some subjects that readers may find upsetting*
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2021
41 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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June 14, 2021
I was in the mood for a nice angsty/emotional 2nd chance story and the blurb peeked my interest. While it is both and it does somewhat gives some feels, unfortunately there was a lot that didn’t work and here’s why:
WARNING! MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!
So story is about 3 childhood friends, Grace, Brandon & Danny (Brandon’s younger brother & Grace‘s Gay BFF). Story is told in 3 parts in mostly Grace’s POV.
Part 1 is how they all met and became friends and beginning of Brandon & Grace’s romance & ending.
Part 2 has Brandon moving to Hollywood to become an Actor and leaving Grace behind. Grace also leaves England to make a career in America working for NASA in an HR role of some kind and she carries now a big secret. This was the most emotional chapter that takes place 5 years later & where it all went wrong for me because we have 2 major deaths & when my loath for the Hero began - more so then the heroine. More on that later. But this is the Chapter of which Danny dies of suicide because he had stage 4 brain cancer and didn’t tell anyone until they all got letters after the funeral which causes yet more rifts between H & h and others.
Part 3 sucked. That’s all I can say because after going through all that, I wanted redemption of some kind for both characters and a great HEA and Epilogue into the future. Did we get that? Absolutely NOT which made me wonder why I wasted 2 precious freaking hours that I can’t get back!!!
So you are wondering what went wrong? Well so do I! Author had us thinking from the beginning that Grace & Brandon had this epic love and that they truly belong together. In fact, many of the side characters said this over & over again so I was waiting for this “Epic” love that I was promised and all the feels at the end that I would get! Yep… not happening.
Brandon in his need to become a major actor, left Grace behind and went on his merry way of forgetting her but came back once or twice a year to visit his family and hook up with Grace. This went on for years. Grace was so in love with him that she let it happen and didn’t move on with anyone else. The Author inserted a passage in which Brandon build his home in California based on Grace’s dream house that they had talked about when they were kids in an attempt I guess to make readers believe that Brandon was still (always?) in love with her. And I would have believed it if not for the fact that he brought his Model Girlfriend to his brother’s funeral and flaunted her in front of Grace - but not before he said some awful things to OW about Grace who overheard it and was hurt!
Then after those scenes Author decides to backtrack and have us think he is not so much a douche because apparently he & OW are “Faking” a relationship – yet not really. Confused? Yeah, so am I.
I walk up the stairs, cradling my hand, the throb of the cut now beginning to radiate through my palm.
“I know, funeral’s on Friday.” Brandon’s voice. “She’s an old friend, Ava, she picked me up from the airport. You know what these paps are like.”
I stand still and I do something I shouldn’t. I listen to his conversation.
“I know. Yes, it was her. I didn’t know she was picking me up, Ava.”
My heart is beating so hard I’m scared that he’ll hear it.
“Fucking hell, Ava, she was my brother’s best friend. Of course I’m going to see her.” I can hear the agitation in his tone. “No, Ava. No, I don’t have feelings for Grace.”
Ouch.
“I haven’t seen her for years, Ava. She hasn’t spoken to my brother or me for three fucking years. For all I know she is the cause of his downward spiral, no one knows what the fuck happened between them, she could well have been the catalyst she called him a few weeks ago and now he’s dead.”
He blames me. Reaffirming my own fears.
“Yeah, me, too. I’m sorry. I’m just pissed that I’m having to defend myself, given the situation. I’ll call you tomorrow. Me, too.”
I turn but I can hear the door to the bedroom opening. He knows I’ve heard as his eyes widen in shock. But I don’t wait to listen to what he has to say because there’s nothing he can say that will make the deep ache in my chest go away.
-----
A tall blonde with the body of a catwalk model walks confidently over to where Brandon is standing. She places her hands on his cheeks, talking to him quietly and then kissing him on the lips. He clearly reciprocates and they embrace, his hands gripping her tightly.
I immediately turn away, unwilling to watch the public display of affection. I hate that I’m feeling jealous on a day like today. There should be no space for jealousy, but here I am cowering behind Harry.
----
“She’s not welcome here,” Sue spits. “I haven’t even met the woman and she’s here on today of all days.”
Brandon looks sideways at me and I pretend to look at anything other than the exchange in front of me.
“She’s my girlfriend, Mum, she’s here to support me. She’s here because I asked her to be here.”
“And what about Grace?”
My eyebrows shoot up into my hairline. “What about me?”
“Enough,” Ted said tersely. “We don’t need to be having this conversation right now.”
-----
“You have Ava,” but even as I say this I’m walking over to him; he’s looking at the floor, avoiding eye contact so I place my fingers under his chin and tilt his head up to look at me.
“Tell me to stop, Grace.” His voice is thick.
I don’t tell him to stop. I’ve become the very person that I vouched I’d never be, the other woman. But in this moment, I didn’t care. I ignore my conscience.
---
“She’s gone back to LA.” He interrupts not letting me finish my question. “Ava and I, it’s complicated.” He shifts and I pull back from his chest, instead resting my head on my pillow turning my body to him. My body temperature rising as I start to wonder all the things he may say about Ava. He tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear and tucks his arm back under the pillow, his bicep folding making the muscles look even larger.
“Sometimes, in Hollywood, all the relationships you see peppered over the headlines, they are built on nothing other than convenience. Don’t get me wrong, Ava is great, beautiful, funny, she knows loss like mine.” Jealousy makes my tongue feel bitter, but she is his girlfriend and guilt churns in my stomach, but I don’t look away. “It’s an arrangement Grace. Nothing more than an agreement for both parties to help make headlines.” I stare at him, no staring is probably the wrong description, gawp. My mouth is open as I process what he has just said. “Wait, Wh-What?”
“I had The Dark Alliance coming out, she was trying to get a big deal with Prada. So, our Agents thought there was a benefit to both parties if we came together.”
I sit up, placing my weight on my hand, leaning back and looking down at him, my hair falling onto my shoulders. “The whole thing was fake?”
“Ish…”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“Hang on, why are you getting pissed off with me?”
“Because you are here, and we just…and ish?” I point my hand between the two of us and I hate that he is grinning at me. “It’s not funny Brandon,” I groan flopping back to the bed hiding behind my hands. “It’s happened, I’m my father.” Muttering into them.
“You are not your father!” Brandon pulls my hands from my face. “Do you hear me?” He grabs my chin so I can’t look anywhere but at his green eyes. “Ava and I aren’t official. You are not the other woman, and you are most certainly not your father.”
“As far as the world is concerned Brandon, I AM the other woman. Jesus, the journalist took a fucking picture of you here. Nope. I need more drink, I need more alcohol.” This is a disaster. I clamber out of the bed, throwing on a T-shirt and head to the mini bar where the last remaining bottles of vodka remain. I grab two glasses and pour a shot into each of them. My heart is racing, not with Ava, yay. But as far as the world will be concerned, I am the other woman, and they are already painting the picture of the other woman. And for some reason my mind flies back to the magazine article which was the start of the end of Brandon and I. The press doing what they do best, and manipulating stories to make money.
“I can literally hear your cogs churning from over here.” I turn around and deliver Brandon his shot of Vodka to where he is propped up in the bed.
“Her feelings for you go way deeper than any ‘agreement’. She practically warned me off you. She clearly cares about you.” I state sitting on the edge of the bed.
“I care about her,” I flinch, and he reaches out and touches my leg, the heat from his hand warming my skin. “But, as a friend.” And there’s a feeling that settles, it’s relief. She’s a friend.
“We put on an act, a fucking good one, because well I’m an awesome actor.” He grins at me and I roll my eyes. “I’m sure Danny would tell you off about rolling your eyes.”
“And I’d tell him to sod off.” But I can’t help the slight grin that tugs at my lips as banter tries to break through the seriousness of the conversation.
“She is here to support me, that is genuine, besides the world would ask why my girlfriend wasn’t here. But regardless of whether things have changed for her, Ava is nothing more than a friend to me, and that is all she is. The agreement will be reviewed at my earliest convenience.”
“Jesus Brandon,” I gulp down my vodka and baulk as the liquid burns my throat. “You make it sound like a business deal.”
“Because it is.”
“What happened to you?” I say shaking my head.
“I could ask the exact same thing to you, in-fact I think I have.” I shift underneath his hand, and he draws his legs up as I crawl onto the bed, and start to position myself in front of him, my legs crossed. “Look, don’t judge me. The industry is cut-throat and I do what I need to do to survive. As for Ava, why do you think she’s gone back to LA? I know you Grace, you don’t get violent unless you’re pushed.”
“Did she tell you what she said? About Danny?” He nods and grabs my hands in his.
“She’s not a bad person Grace. She just….she’s fighting for her family, and she’s scared that without me her career will all fall down.” I snort my disbelief.
“But the phone call?”
“She was angry, it’s her reputation on the line as much as mine. Like I said it’s complicated.” He shrugs, and I can’t help but feel sad for him. A relationship that was a lie, was he lonely in LA? Was he happy?
“So what, you would have just carried on until eventually you fell in love with her?” He shrugs.
“Sometimes things blossom, but I dunno. I never really thought about it.”
“Brandon you had a plan since you were 13 years old, I don’t for one second believe you didn’t have a plan.”
“Honestly?”
I nod my response, as part of me is desperate to know. “Yes honestly, I’m intrigued. Your life is so far away from mine now, it just all seems bonkers.”
He drops my hands and reaches over to take a sip of his own drink. He sits quietly for a minute looking into the clear liquid as though it has the answer. “You were always in my plan.” He looks at me then, full on dazzling green eyes. “But, for me it was more important that you made it right with Danny first. Your relationship was so much more important. I wanted you guys to fix whatever happened, then I’d wiggle myself back into your life.” My stomach somersaults and my skin feels hot and clammy at his admission. I look away, an element of shame washing over me. My hands touching my feet, and fidgeting.
“Hey.” He grabs my chin again. “Don’t disappear on me.”
“I’m just, I’m filled with such regret when I know I can never fix what happened between Danny and I. So that’s why your Mum hates Ava so much?” I change the subject quickly, not wanting to continue the track this conversation was going.
He nods and tips the drink back swallowing what remained in on swig. “Yeah. She blames Ava for the arrangement as it was her and her Agents that approached me. I just went along because, well sometimes it’s a lonely life. So yes, Mum hates Ava.”
-----
So after this lovely conversation, we have Part 3 in which the OW is now a “good” person who is trying to push Grace into going after Brandon and becoming her BFF. What I left out is that in their first meeting, the OW tried to push heroine away & claim her rights to Brandon. She was totally loathsome to her and I commanded heroine for telling her where to shove it! But, then for Author to have her be the “good” guy? Uhm...No!
But what really ruined it for me is the fact that if this was this epic love we are supposed to believe on these 2, where was the love? They had hookups for years and he was focused on his career so much so that he brought his not-so-fake GF and was smooching & love-dovey right in front of heroine! And Author tells us that had Danny not died, he & OW would have eventually fallen in love or "allowed love to blossom”? How as a reader am I now able to think these 2 were meant to be?
And if that is not enough, in Part 2, we also have heroine attempting to move on with OM. A very nice/hot one that she is very much attracted to and kisses. The same OM who sleeps in her bed with her and takes her clothes off when she is drunk to take care of her but they do not have sex at least.
And in Part 2 we also learn the big secret which is that 5 years prior when she & Brandon ended things so that he can move to Hollywood, she was pregnant and didn’t tell him. His brother Danny (and his Father) learned the truth and she had a falling out with Danny who wanted her to tell Brandon but she wanted to have an abortion. She ended up having the baby (a little girl) who died 5 days after she was born and again didn't tell Brandon. Danny was there to help her, but after this, she left and never spoke to Danny again and he kept her secret. That was a douche move on her and we never truly get a legit reason of why she didn't want to tell him she was pregnant. It made her very unlikable at that point as well.
Brandon eventually learns the truth in this Chapter and he is devastated and leaves Grace yet again.
Chapter also ends with Brandon’s Mother, Sue, who has always loved Grace & treated her like a daughter, smacking Grace for being selfish because she never told her & her son about the baby. In this scene, she was ruthless and even though I understood her anger, at the same time, she had no right to speak or act the way did to Grace! It killed that awesome relationship for me that we were shown of those 2 women in the 1st part which was so lovely to read!
Part 3 is Brandon heading down a spiral of drugs, booze and partying. He is spiraling so much that Brandon’s OW comes to Grace for help. She inserted herself into the relationship between H & h and shown as a good friend when earlier she was anything but and never apologized for her actions! I didn’t like that at all.
Now as for the HEA, there was none. All we were shown was that Brandon eventually saw the “light” & he & Grace made peace and we are led to think that they would be “moving on”. Big question though is what that means? Together or not? There was no proposal, no wedding. Nothing. She even had a pregnancy scare that would have been lovely to see but author decided against it.
Things were just left open ended with no resolution such as all the issues they had before of fame, careers, kids, etc.
Safety: As I said, there is both OW & OM drama here but while we are led to believe that Brandon at least was not celibate since he had a GF who was FAKE-“ish”, the ish he inserted into the convo made it seem that it was not a platonic relationship at all. And all the partying he did in Part 3, I assume meant f**g OW as well. No way was he celibate for those 5 years apart. If Author had told us this, then perhaps my rating would be different.
Grace on the other hand, I have no idea if she ever slept with anyone else during their many separations but her attraction to OM was not something I wanted to read about – especially as this is supposed to be a story between H & h. OP drama & attractions has no place in a fictional romance. That writers continue to insert this crap makes me wonder if anyone these days know what even a fictional romance is! Lol.
WARNING! MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!
So story is about 3 childhood friends, Grace, Brandon & Danny (Brandon’s younger brother & Grace‘s Gay BFF). Story is told in 3 parts in mostly Grace’s POV.
Part 1 is how they all met and became friends and beginning of Brandon & Grace’s romance & ending.
Part 2 has Brandon moving to Hollywood to become an Actor and leaving Grace behind. Grace also leaves England to make a career in America working for NASA in an HR role of some kind and she carries now a big secret. This was the most emotional chapter that takes place 5 years later & where it all went wrong for me because we have 2 major deaths & when my loath for the Hero began - more so then the heroine. More on that later. But this is the Chapter of which Danny dies of suicide because he had stage 4 brain cancer and didn’t tell anyone until they all got letters after the funeral which causes yet more rifts between H & h and others.
Part 3 sucked. That’s all I can say because after going through all that, I wanted redemption of some kind for both characters and a great HEA and Epilogue into the future. Did we get that? Absolutely NOT which made me wonder why I wasted 2 precious freaking hours that I can’t get back!!!
So you are wondering what went wrong? Well so do I! Author had us thinking from the beginning that Grace & Brandon had this epic love and that they truly belong together. In fact, many of the side characters said this over & over again so I was waiting for this “Epic” love that I was promised and all the feels at the end that I would get! Yep… not happening.
Brandon in his need to become a major actor, left Grace behind and went on his merry way of forgetting her but came back once or twice a year to visit his family and hook up with Grace. This went on for years. Grace was so in love with him that she let it happen and didn’t move on with anyone else. The Author inserted a passage in which Brandon build his home in California based on Grace’s dream house that they had talked about when they were kids in an attempt I guess to make readers believe that Brandon was still (always?) in love with her. And I would have believed it if not for the fact that he brought his Model Girlfriend to his brother’s funeral and flaunted her in front of Grace - but not before he said some awful things to OW about Grace who overheard it and was hurt!
Then after those scenes Author decides to backtrack and have us think he is not so much a douche because apparently he & OW are “Faking” a relationship – yet not really. Confused? Yeah, so am I.
I walk up the stairs, cradling my hand, the throb of the cut now beginning to radiate through my palm.
“I know, funeral’s on Friday.” Brandon’s voice. “She’s an old friend, Ava, she picked me up from the airport. You know what these paps are like.”
I stand still and I do something I shouldn’t. I listen to his conversation.
“I know. Yes, it was her. I didn’t know she was picking me up, Ava.”
My heart is beating so hard I’m scared that he’ll hear it.
“Fucking hell, Ava, she was my brother’s best friend. Of course I’m going to see her.” I can hear the agitation in his tone. “No, Ava. No, I don’t have feelings for Grace.”
Ouch.
“I haven’t seen her for years, Ava. She hasn’t spoken to my brother or me for three fucking years. For all I know she is the cause of his downward spiral, no one knows what the fuck happened between them, she could well have been the catalyst she called him a few weeks ago and now he’s dead.”
He blames me. Reaffirming my own fears.
“Yeah, me, too. I’m sorry. I’m just pissed that I’m having to defend myself, given the situation. I’ll call you tomorrow. Me, too.”
I turn but I can hear the door to the bedroom opening. He knows I’ve heard as his eyes widen in shock. But I don’t wait to listen to what he has to say because there’s nothing he can say that will make the deep ache in my chest go away.
-----
A tall blonde with the body of a catwalk model walks confidently over to where Brandon is standing. She places her hands on his cheeks, talking to him quietly and then kissing him on the lips. He clearly reciprocates and they embrace, his hands gripping her tightly.
I immediately turn away, unwilling to watch the public display of affection. I hate that I’m feeling jealous on a day like today. There should be no space for jealousy, but here I am cowering behind Harry.
----
“She’s not welcome here,” Sue spits. “I haven’t even met the woman and she’s here on today of all days.”
Brandon looks sideways at me and I pretend to look at anything other than the exchange in front of me.
“She’s my girlfriend, Mum, she’s here to support me. She’s here because I asked her to be here.”
“And what about Grace?”
My eyebrows shoot up into my hairline. “What about me?”
“Enough,” Ted said tersely. “We don’t need to be having this conversation right now.”
-----
“You have Ava,” but even as I say this I’m walking over to him; he’s looking at the floor, avoiding eye contact so I place my fingers under his chin and tilt his head up to look at me.
“Tell me to stop, Grace.” His voice is thick.
I don’t tell him to stop. I’ve become the very person that I vouched I’d never be, the other woman. But in this moment, I didn’t care. I ignore my conscience.
---
“She’s gone back to LA.” He interrupts not letting me finish my question. “Ava and I, it’s complicated.” He shifts and I pull back from his chest, instead resting my head on my pillow turning my body to him. My body temperature rising as I start to wonder all the things he may say about Ava. He tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear and tucks his arm back under the pillow, his bicep folding making the muscles look even larger.
“Sometimes, in Hollywood, all the relationships you see peppered over the headlines, they are built on nothing other than convenience. Don’t get me wrong, Ava is great, beautiful, funny, she knows loss like mine.” Jealousy makes my tongue feel bitter, but she is his girlfriend and guilt churns in my stomach, but I don’t look away. “It’s an arrangement Grace. Nothing more than an agreement for both parties to help make headlines.” I stare at him, no staring is probably the wrong description, gawp. My mouth is open as I process what he has just said. “Wait, Wh-What?”
“I had The Dark Alliance coming out, she was trying to get a big deal with Prada. So, our Agents thought there was a benefit to both parties if we came together.”
I sit up, placing my weight on my hand, leaning back and looking down at him, my hair falling onto my shoulders. “The whole thing was fake?”
“Ish…”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“Hang on, why are you getting pissed off with me?”
“Because you are here, and we just…and ish?” I point my hand between the two of us and I hate that he is grinning at me. “It’s not funny Brandon,” I groan flopping back to the bed hiding behind my hands. “It’s happened, I’m my father.” Muttering into them.
“You are not your father!” Brandon pulls my hands from my face. “Do you hear me?” He grabs my chin so I can’t look anywhere but at his green eyes. “Ava and I aren’t official. You are not the other woman, and you are most certainly not your father.”
“As far as the world is concerned Brandon, I AM the other woman. Jesus, the journalist took a fucking picture of you here. Nope. I need more drink, I need more alcohol.” This is a disaster. I clamber out of the bed, throwing on a T-shirt and head to the mini bar where the last remaining bottles of vodka remain. I grab two glasses and pour a shot into each of them. My heart is racing, not with Ava, yay. But as far as the world will be concerned, I am the other woman, and they are already painting the picture of the other woman. And for some reason my mind flies back to the magazine article which was the start of the end of Brandon and I. The press doing what they do best, and manipulating stories to make money.
“I can literally hear your cogs churning from over here.” I turn around and deliver Brandon his shot of Vodka to where he is propped up in the bed.
“Her feelings for you go way deeper than any ‘agreement’. She practically warned me off you. She clearly cares about you.” I state sitting on the edge of the bed.
“I care about her,” I flinch, and he reaches out and touches my leg, the heat from his hand warming my skin. “But, as a friend.” And there’s a feeling that settles, it’s relief. She’s a friend.
“We put on an act, a fucking good one, because well I’m an awesome actor.” He grins at me and I roll my eyes. “I’m sure Danny would tell you off about rolling your eyes.”
“And I’d tell him to sod off.” But I can’t help the slight grin that tugs at my lips as banter tries to break through the seriousness of the conversation.
“She is here to support me, that is genuine, besides the world would ask why my girlfriend wasn’t here. But regardless of whether things have changed for her, Ava is nothing more than a friend to me, and that is all she is. The agreement will be reviewed at my earliest convenience.”
“Jesus Brandon,” I gulp down my vodka and baulk as the liquid burns my throat. “You make it sound like a business deal.”
“Because it is.”
“What happened to you?” I say shaking my head.
“I could ask the exact same thing to you, in-fact I think I have.” I shift underneath his hand, and he draws his legs up as I crawl onto the bed, and start to position myself in front of him, my legs crossed. “Look, don’t judge me. The industry is cut-throat and I do what I need to do to survive. As for Ava, why do you think she’s gone back to LA? I know you Grace, you don’t get violent unless you’re pushed.”
“Did she tell you what she said? About Danny?” He nods and grabs my hands in his.
“She’s not a bad person Grace. She just….she’s fighting for her family, and she’s scared that without me her career will all fall down.” I snort my disbelief.
“But the phone call?”
“She was angry, it’s her reputation on the line as much as mine. Like I said it’s complicated.” He shrugs, and I can’t help but feel sad for him. A relationship that was a lie, was he lonely in LA? Was he happy?
“So what, you would have just carried on until eventually you fell in love with her?” He shrugs.
“Sometimes things blossom, but I dunno. I never really thought about it.”
“Brandon you had a plan since you were 13 years old, I don’t for one second believe you didn’t have a plan.”
“Honestly?”
I nod my response, as part of me is desperate to know. “Yes honestly, I’m intrigued. Your life is so far away from mine now, it just all seems bonkers.”
He drops my hands and reaches over to take a sip of his own drink. He sits quietly for a minute looking into the clear liquid as though it has the answer. “You were always in my plan.” He looks at me then, full on dazzling green eyes. “But, for me it was more important that you made it right with Danny first. Your relationship was so much more important. I wanted you guys to fix whatever happened, then I’d wiggle myself back into your life.” My stomach somersaults and my skin feels hot and clammy at his admission. I look away, an element of shame washing over me. My hands touching my feet, and fidgeting.
“Hey.” He grabs my chin again. “Don’t disappear on me.”
“I’m just, I’m filled with such regret when I know I can never fix what happened between Danny and I. So that’s why your Mum hates Ava so much?” I change the subject quickly, not wanting to continue the track this conversation was going.
He nods and tips the drink back swallowing what remained in on swig. “Yeah. She blames Ava for the arrangement as it was her and her Agents that approached me. I just went along because, well sometimes it’s a lonely life. So yes, Mum hates Ava.”
-----
So after this lovely conversation, we have Part 3 in which the OW is now a “good” person who is trying to push Grace into going after Brandon and becoming her BFF. What I left out is that in their first meeting, the OW tried to push heroine away & claim her rights to Brandon. She was totally loathsome to her and I commanded heroine for telling her where to shove it! But, then for Author to have her be the “good” guy? Uhm...No!
But what really ruined it for me is the fact that if this was this epic love we are supposed to believe on these 2, where was the love? They had hookups for years and he was focused on his career so much so that he brought his not-so-fake GF and was smooching & love-dovey right in front of heroine! And Author tells us that had Danny not died, he & OW would have eventually fallen in love or "allowed love to blossom”? How as a reader am I now able to think these 2 were meant to be?
And if that is not enough, in Part 2, we also have heroine attempting to move on with OM. A very nice/hot one that she is very much attracted to and kisses. The same OM who sleeps in her bed with her and takes her clothes off when she is drunk to take care of her but they do not have sex at least.
And in Part 2 we also learn the big secret which is that 5 years prior when she & Brandon ended things so that he can move to Hollywood, she was pregnant and didn’t tell him. His brother Danny (and his Father) learned the truth and she had a falling out with Danny who wanted her to tell Brandon but she wanted to have an abortion. She ended up having the baby (a little girl) who died 5 days after she was born and again didn't tell Brandon. Danny was there to help her, but after this, she left and never spoke to Danny again and he kept her secret. That was a douche move on her and we never truly get a legit reason of why she didn't want to tell him she was pregnant. It made her very unlikable at that point as well.
Brandon eventually learns the truth in this Chapter and he is devastated and leaves Grace yet again.
Chapter also ends with Brandon’s Mother, Sue, who has always loved Grace & treated her like a daughter, smacking Grace for being selfish because she never told her & her son about the baby. In this scene, she was ruthless and even though I understood her anger, at the same time, she had no right to speak or act the way did to Grace! It killed that awesome relationship for me that we were shown of those 2 women in the 1st part which was so lovely to read!
Part 3 is Brandon heading down a spiral of drugs, booze and partying. He is spiraling so much that Brandon’s OW comes to Grace for help. She inserted herself into the relationship between H & h and shown as a good friend when earlier she was anything but and never apologized for her actions! I didn’t like that at all.
Now as for the HEA, there was none. All we were shown was that Brandon eventually saw the “light” & he & Grace made peace and we are led to think that they would be “moving on”. Big question though is what that means? Together or not? There was no proposal, no wedding. Nothing. She even had a pregnancy scare that would have been lovely to see but author decided against it.
Things were just left open ended with no resolution such as all the issues they had before of fame, careers, kids, etc.
Safety: As I said, there is both OW & OM drama here but while we are led to believe that Brandon at least was not celibate since he had a GF who was FAKE-“ish”, the ish he inserted into the convo made it seem that it was not a platonic relationship at all. And all the partying he did in Part 3, I assume meant f**g OW as well. No way was he celibate for those 5 years apart. If Author had told us this, then perhaps my rating would be different.
Grace on the other hand, I have no idea if she ever slept with anyone else during their many separations but her attraction to OM was not something I wanted to read about – especially as this is supposed to be a story between H & h. OP drama & attractions has no place in a fictional romance. That writers continue to insert this crap makes me wonder if anyone these days know what even a fictional romance is! Lol.
June 27, 2021
This book is all encompassing. It is real, it is relatable. It had me laughing, and in tears many times throughout its 300 odd pages. I read it in a day, and it was a busy day with plans; in which I prioritised the pages because I couldn’t put it down!
The writing from Grace’s POV was honest, funny, self-reflective, searching and showed that (and I loved this) no one is perfect and we can all learn lessons from life.
I loved that modern relationships were meshed with the “true love” aspect… I found that more realistic and more relatable to the world around us. I liked that it wasn’t all wrapped up in a bow and formulaic (first love, then marriage etc). True love doesn’t always need or require those labels to quantify it.
I really enjoyed that when I thought I knew where the author was going; that I was wrong! That was a relief and I enjoyed it immensely as the reader.
The subjects covered were vast and deep; and this adds to the enjoyment of the book and I found it to be a lovely literary journey to go on but also one with thinking points and many aspects which shone a light into experiences in my own life.
The attraction between Grace and Brandon exploded off the pages, but also, love from even the briefest characters were influential in what made Grace, Grace. Every relationship on the pages, big or small was important to the life of Grace. I’m talking the friendships, the interactions and even the relationship with Ava.
On that note, I liked that Grace and Ava although originally were not friends; that they came together at the end.
This book has opened my heart to the romance genre…
The writing from Grace’s POV was honest, funny, self-reflective, searching and showed that (and I loved this) no one is perfect and we can all learn lessons from life.
I loved that modern relationships were meshed with the “true love” aspect… I found that more realistic and more relatable to the world around us. I liked that it wasn’t all wrapped up in a bow and formulaic (first love, then marriage etc). True love doesn’t always need or require those labels to quantify it.
I really enjoyed that when I thought I knew where the author was going; that I was wrong! That was a relief and I enjoyed it immensely as the reader.
The subjects covered were vast and deep; and this adds to the enjoyment of the book and I found it to be a lovely literary journey to go on but also one with thinking points and many aspects which shone a light into experiences in my own life.
The attraction between Grace and Brandon exploded off the pages, but also, love from even the briefest characters were influential in what made Grace, Grace. Every relationship on the pages, big or small was important to the life of Grace. I’m talking the friendships, the interactions and even the relationship with Ava.
On that note, I liked that Grace and Ava although originally were not friends; that they came together at the end.
This book has opened my heart to the romance genre…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2021
I adored this rollercoaster of a book! I travelled with Grace through the highs and lows, laughed with her and cried with her. I read this book over just two days, a fantastic debut novel by JL Reed 😊
July 16, 2021
Wow
Oh my god, I have no words. Such a heartbreaking, beautiful story. I won’t go into details, but this book is so well written that you are pulled into the story, many tears and giggles from start to finish, I couldn’t put this book down.
Oh my god, I have no words. Such a heartbreaking, beautiful story. I won’t go into details, but this book is so well written that you are pulled into the story, many tears and giggles from start to finish, I couldn’t put this book down.
June 13, 2021
Wow! This is a beautiful story and pulls at your heart. You take on such an emotional rollercoaster of loss and letting go. I seriously loved every minute of the ride. Love the characters, Grace is amazing and gosh I adored Danny. Brandon was hard not to fall in love with. The chemistry with him and Grace gets pretty heated, and I was pushing for them the whole time. Then there was the humour and spunk throughout this book, making it so hard not to have a huge smile on my face. But don’t be fooled and have tissues handy! It’s that good.
March 3, 2025
It's been a while since I've read a story that made me cry...
This book is messy. Not in a 'this book is a mess' kinda way, but in the way that it reflects the messy lives of flawed and imperfect people navigating life.
Could most of what happened have been solved if people just talked to each other? Yes. Absolutely. Miscommunication plots can really annoy me at times, but in this case, it made sense.
People don't always talk to each other, especially when they're afraid. Then the longer you hold onto something the harder it is to let it go. Time passes by and we push the people who mean the most away. It happens...
I've had this book on my kindle for ages but I'm a mood reader and generally go for darker stories. I don't know why I decided that this was the week, but I clicked open and didn't look back.
Just because the story isn't dark doesn't mean it isn't triggering, so check the warning at the start. There are some very upsetting subjects covered in this story.
This book is messy. Not in a 'this book is a mess' kinda way, but in the way that it reflects the messy lives of flawed and imperfect people navigating life.
Could most of what happened have been solved if people just talked to each other? Yes. Absolutely. Miscommunication plots can really annoy me at times, but in this case, it made sense.
People don't always talk to each other, especially when they're afraid. Then the longer you hold onto something the harder it is to let it go. Time passes by and we push the people who mean the most away. It happens...
I've had this book on my kindle for ages but I'm a mood reader and generally go for darker stories. I don't know why I decided that this was the week, but I clicked open and didn't look back.
Just because the story isn't dark doesn't mean it isn't triggering, so check the warning at the start. There are some very upsetting subjects covered in this story.
June 23, 2021
Wonderful story with a lot of emotions showing through the pages. I had to take a breath when I finished it and it was such a breath that makes me relive this story. Actually this is remarkably written with a storyline that is easy to follow and draw from the characters is spot on! This author has done a remarkable job at relaying this story to the readers and allowing us to absorb it makes the journey just that much more special. I highly recommend this story by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2021
I loved Brandon's and Grace's love story. Their banter and steamy connection draws you in. Brandon's patience and Grace's strength are so compelling. This one will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions on their epic journey together. I loved Danny and the friendship they all 3 shared. A shining example of love conquering all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2021
This was such a great romance. So much drama and feels that it kept the pages turning. Usually when I read single POV romances I feel like I’m missing half the story. But Reed does such a good job showing us what Brandon is feeling even though we are never in his POV.
Grace is far from perfect but she is such a relatable character. And I love the secondary characters. Ava Ben Blake T and Danny are all great. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this author.
Grace is far from perfect but she is such a relatable character. And I love the secondary characters. Ava Ben Blake T and Danny are all great. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this author.
June 14, 2021
Really emotional - Had me crying for more than half of the book. I should have taken the trigger warnings into consideration more, as those emotions hit me harder than I thought they would. With personal experience, that I thought I had gotten better at dealing with, after the loss of a loved one almost 4 years ago...
Also, (personal opinion) I just needed a little more at the end... I still have questions and would have loved another chapter or two to just round off the story.
Also, (personal opinion) I just needed a little more at the end... I still have questions and would have loved another chapter or two to just round off the story.
January 20, 2022
So Much to Process!
Oh my feels. I started this book one night and ended up reading the bulk of it in one sitting. Once I was hooked it was game over.
Gracie is the kind of character you want to reach through the screen and hug, cry, or laugh with. She’s incredibly grounded and relatable.
We all have had a Brandon in our lives. The one that no matter what, our hearts simply will always love.
Overall the story was amazing. It never got dull and it seemed to continue at a very paced speed. I was genuinely surprised by the number one secret and even though there was a lot going on it never got overwhelming. Great read but beware of trigger warning!
Oh my feels. I started this book one night and ended up reading the bulk of it in one sitting. Once I was hooked it was game over.
Gracie is the kind of character you want to reach through the screen and hug, cry, or laugh with. She’s incredibly grounded and relatable.
We all have had a Brandon in our lives. The one that no matter what, our hearts simply will always love.
Overall the story was amazing. It never got dull and it seemed to continue at a very paced speed. I was genuinely surprised by the number one secret and even though there was a lot going on it never got overwhelming. Great read but beware of trigger warning!
June 30, 2022
Get the box of tissues handy!
Oh.My.Wow. This book is an emotional rollercoaster—no, that’s not a strong enough word—hurricane. This book is an emotional hurricane. The hits just keep on coming and when you think you know what’s going on, the author reveals something new that brings on the waterworks. I haven’t cried so much over a book, maybe ever. Did I love it anyway? Yes. Did I hate it too? Yes. The characters are real people with flaws, and you can’t help being invested in their happiness. If you’re ready for your heart to be ripped to shreds before being sewn back together, then read this book! It’s going to hurt, but it will be worth it in the end!
Oh.My.Wow. This book is an emotional rollercoaster—no, that’s not a strong enough word—hurricane. This book is an emotional hurricane. The hits just keep on coming and when you think you know what’s going on, the author reveals something new that brings on the waterworks. I haven’t cried so much over a book, maybe ever. Did I love it anyway? Yes. Did I hate it too? Yes. The characters are real people with flaws, and you can’t help being invested in their happiness. If you’re ready for your heart to be ripped to shreds before being sewn back together, then read this book! It’s going to hurt, but it will be worth it in the end!
September 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, but it felt like the author skipped over important parts of grief and the development of characters like Danny so that we didn’t feel the deaths as much. As heartbreaking as the deaths were, and the eulogy making me cry, I feel like I didn’t get to immerse myself into the character and her feelings. And I think that the off and on could have been developed better so that she didn’t think she was like her father every time but rather just once in the beginning.
I really like the concept of this book but I think it lacked execution. And I would have enjoyed an epilogue to actually see then Mmmmm together and moving forward rather than the way it felt like problems just disappeared.
I also didn’t enjoy the “epic love story” and would probably think Brandon was a duche in real life. His actions over time just added up for me, and although I really wanted to like him it just wasn’t working for me. Ben I like and I think she could have made something there, but I also enjoy the friend plot line there bc she’d just lost her best friend and needed someone to lean on rather than a messy relationship.
I really like the concept of this book but I think it lacked execution. And I would have enjoyed an epilogue to actually see then Mmmmm together and moving forward rather than the way it felt like problems just disappeared.
I also didn’t enjoy the “epic love story” and would probably think Brandon was a duche in real life. His actions over time just added up for me, and although I really wanted to like him it just wasn’t working for me. Ben I like and I think she could have made something there, but I also enjoy the friend plot line there bc she’d just lost her best friend and needed someone to lean on rather than a messy relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2021
4 1/2 stars
A story with a beautifully written storyline and a more than satisfying ending. It made an emotional connection with me and I am so glad I read this book.
I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review.
A story with a beautifully written storyline and a more than satisfying ending. It made an emotional connection with me and I am so glad I read this book.
I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review.
June 30, 2021
I’ve fallen for JL Reed
Great new author, an enjoyable romantic novel, with unexpected twists. Had me smiling and crying at the same time. Some very poignant moments too that stay with you. Definitely worth a read.
Great new author, an enjoyable romantic novel, with unexpected twists. Had me smiling and crying at the same time. Some very poignant moments too that stay with you. Definitely worth a read.
October 24, 2023
Amazing Read
I loved this book! It was a complete emotional roller-coaster that I couldn't put down and managed to read in one afternoon.
I loved this book! It was a complete emotional roller-coaster that I couldn't put down and managed to read in one afternoon.
October 16, 2023
This second chance romance wasn’t some epic love story! It was mostly just sad. Lots and lots of sad.
August 7, 2021
Fabulous
You really do end up falling for Grace. This book will make you laugh out load and cry out loud. Beautifully written - can’t wait for Reed’s next novel
You really do end up falling for Grace. This book will make you laugh out load and cry out loud. Beautifully written - can’t wait for Reed’s next novel
October 22, 2021
Wow, the author managed to cram everything but the kitchen sink into this one. There was so much happening in this book and it was a roller coaster from the first page to the last. Very enjoyable, a couple good steamy scenes and a whole lot of drama.
Grace has been in love with her best friend Danny’s older brother Brandon since she was a girl. But now Brandon is a huge Hollywood star and Grace definitely stand a chance. She’s the girl next door from his childhood pitted against stunning actresses.
When Brandon and Grace reconnect a year after a fling that ends in heartbreak, Grace can’t reveal her secret now. But secrets have a way of coming out, especially when Brandon’s brother and Grace’s best friend, Danny, dies tragically. And Danny was harboring a secret of his own.
I liked Brandon as a leading man. Grace sometimes annoyed me with her choices. If I was in Brandon’s shoes I would have been equally upset too finding out what Grace had lied about. Grace didn’t ultimately seem to apologetic to me for what she had done. And Danny was equally complicit in it too, especially with lying to his own brother about something so critical. Although the ending wraps up nicely, I’d love to see a sequel and see where their story goes after this, especially with their love story coming full circle and ending off under similar circumstances as to which it began. Oh, baby!
An enjoyable read. Short and sweet, easy enough to get through in a day. I would call this a light beach romance despite some of the heavy themes. My only complaint was that there just wasn’t enough steam. We got a little taste in a few scenes that definitely left me wanting more! Overall, a good romance.
Grace has been in love with her best friend Danny’s older brother Brandon since she was a girl. But now Brandon is a huge Hollywood star and Grace definitely stand a chance. She’s the girl next door from his childhood pitted against stunning actresses.
When Brandon and Grace reconnect a year after a fling that ends in heartbreak, Grace can’t reveal her secret now. But secrets have a way of coming out, especially when Brandon’s brother and Grace’s best friend, Danny, dies tragically. And Danny was harboring a secret of his own.
I liked Brandon as a leading man. Grace sometimes annoyed me with her choices. If I was in Brandon’s shoes I would have been equally upset too finding out what Grace had lied about. Grace didn’t ultimately seem to apologetic to me for what she had done. And Danny was equally complicit in it too, especially with lying to his own brother about something so critical. Although the ending wraps up nicely, I’d love to see a sequel and see where their story goes after this, especially with their love story coming full circle and ending off under similar circumstances as to which it began. Oh, baby!
An enjoyable read. Short and sweet, easy enough to get through in a day. I would call this a light beach romance despite some of the heavy themes. My only complaint was that there just wasn’t enough steam. We got a little taste in a few scenes that definitely left me wanting more! Overall, a good romance.
July 12, 2022
Grief is an ocean, all we can do is learn to swim
How apt. And how true. I cried my heart out at many different points whilst reading this book, and that’s very much a compliment. I think for writing to connect with us on such a level, there must be something raw in it, something real, and Grace’s story—because I see this as her story above all else—certainly offers both in spades. What starts out as a light(ish) on-again-off-again dynamic quickly turns into an exploration of some deep, painful truths about what it means to be human. The characters here are not cookie cutter, none of them all-good or all-bad and I really appreciated that honesty; the realness of their flaws. A wild rollercoaster ride which will keep you hanging on for the next chapter and glad you stuck it out with the characters at the end of it all.
How apt. And how true. I cried my heart out at many different points whilst reading this book, and that’s very much a compliment. I think for writing to connect with us on such a level, there must be something raw in it, something real, and Grace’s story—because I see this as her story above all else—certainly offers both in spades. What starts out as a light(ish) on-again-off-again dynamic quickly turns into an exploration of some deep, painful truths about what it means to be human. The characters here are not cookie cutter, none of them all-good or all-bad and I really appreciated that honesty; the realness of their flaws. A wild rollercoaster ride which will keep you hanging on for the next chapter and glad you stuck it out with the characters at the end of it all.
December 31, 2022
Oh.My.Wow. This book is an emotional rollercoaster—no, that’s not a strong enough word—hurricane. This book is an emotional hurricane. The hits just keep on coming and when you think you know what’s going on, the author reveals something new that brings on the waterworks. I haven’t cried so much over a book, maybe ever. Did I love it anyway? Yes. Did I hate it too? Yes. The characters are real people with flaws, and you can’t help being invested in their happiness. If you’re ready for your heart to be ripped to shreds before being sewn back together, then read this book! It’s going to hurt, but it will be worth it in the end!
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October 18, 2023
This book made me ugly cry through 80% of it. It was so heartbreaking and soul shattering.
Grace….she’s been through so much in a short amount of time. You can feel all of her emotions, the highs and the lows she has throughout this entire book. Her relationship with Brandon is also full of highs and lows throughout this book. I found myself wanting them to get their second chance, but then there were times where I really didn’t want to them even be together. The way Brandon acted at times was absolutely horrible to Grace and he should have begged more.
This book is split into three parts. Part one is the background of Brandon and Grace and them before everything really changes forever. Part two and three are in the present time and the most emotional bits of this story.
I do wish there were times where we got Brandon’s POV, especially in part three.
If you’re looking for an emotional, angsty, second chance check this one out.
Grace….she’s been through so much in a short amount of time. You can feel all of her emotions, the highs and the lows she has throughout this entire book. Her relationship with Brandon is also full of highs and lows throughout this book. I found myself wanting them to get their second chance, but then there were times where I really didn’t want to them even be together. The way Brandon acted at times was absolutely horrible to Grace and he should have begged more.
This book is split into three parts. Part one is the background of Brandon and Grace and them before everything really changes forever. Part two and three are in the present time and the most emotional bits of this story.
I do wish there were times where we got Brandon’s POV, especially in part three.
If you’re looking for an emotional, angsty, second chance check this one out.
November 6, 2023
Such a relatable read
This was a one sitting book for me.
My heart felt in a vice from start to finish, and once I started, I couldn't stop.
Grace and Brandon childhood sweethearts. They really had to fight for that second chance.
Like I said at the start, once you start, there's no stopping this book. It digs it claws into you and holds you captive until you know everything.
This book does contain mention of suicide and baby loss, so please make sure you read the trigger warnings.
There were so many relatable topics discussed in this book that again draw you in and make you feel heard. Having these sensitive topics in books it allows readers to feel less alone.
I highly recommend this book.
This was a one sitting book for me.
My heart felt in a vice from start to finish, and once I started, I couldn't stop.
Grace and Brandon childhood sweethearts. They really had to fight for that second chance.
Like I said at the start, once you start, there's no stopping this book. It digs it claws into you and holds you captive until you know everything.
This book does contain mention of suicide and baby loss, so please make sure you read the trigger warnings.
There were so many relatable topics discussed in this book that again draw you in and make you feel heard. Having these sensitive topics in books it allows readers to feel less alone.
I highly recommend this book.
March 28, 2025
Wow! Well, I devoured this one in a matter of a few days. I couldn't put it down. Apparently, having your heart ripped out of your chest and balling your eyes out is addictive. Who knew?
This story was such an incredibly emotional rollercoaster of a ride, and I would say it's definitely not for the fainthearted, so read your TWs carefully. But amongst all the sob-inducing trauma, there is such a beautiful romance with second chances and forgiveness woven into its core. The catastrophic events that tie these two characters together could easily have torn them apart, so I certainly breathed a sigh of relief at the ending. Seriously though, you need to read this, but have a box of tissues handy.
This story was such an incredibly emotional rollercoaster of a ride, and I would say it's definitely not for the fainthearted, so read your TWs carefully. But amongst all the sob-inducing trauma, there is such a beautiful romance with second chances and forgiveness woven into its core. The catastrophic events that tie these two characters together could easily have torn them apart, so I certainly breathed a sigh of relief at the ending. Seriously though, you need to read this, but have a box of tissues handy.
July 9, 2022
Very few books can make me cry, laugh, yell and swoon but this one sure did. It was a Rollercoaster ride of emotions and I loved every minute. I did not want Brandon and Grace's story to end, I wanted to see more! Beautiful story and can't wait to read more by this author!
December 23, 2023
Wow, just wow...
I haven't been able to put this down, I have laughed, cried, smiled, and felt every emotion in this book. I was hooked from the moment I started reading and want more... I can't wait to read more from JL Reed. I LOVE this book.
I haven't been able to put this down, I have laughed, cried, smiled, and felt every emotion in this book. I was hooked from the moment I started reading and want more... I can't wait to read more from JL Reed. I LOVE this book.
November 16, 2023
So angsty
This one had me sobbing almost all the way through but I didn't love the ending. I felt like it needed an epilogue to wrap it up
This one had me sobbing almost all the way through but I didn't love the ending. I felt like it needed an epilogue to wrap it up
November 3, 2023
mmm methinks this is a pretty bad book with a mediocre plot that could have gone really really well but didnt.
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