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Back to Love
If the feelings come back, is it possible they never left? When Jorie Kemp set out to put her design company on the national level by entering a contest to be on a flipping houses reality show, she had no idea she’d end up working with her ex-high school sweetheart, Dominic Hughes. Let alone falling for his precious son. Baby mama drama, coupled with catastrophes on the project, makes the rekindled passion between Jorie and Dom seem like the worst idea ever. Yet, for these old flames, something just keeps reigniting the fire and pulling them back to love.
Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
94 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
184 books917 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 19, 2021
So bam... first page... instantly invested in this story.
There's no foreplay in this book, just straight to the goods and I love it. Jorie and Dom are instant fire and their story reads like a reality show.
There is a great cast of characters: The know- it all family members, the bitter baby mama, the sorta grownish child, and lots of drama. I flew through this book.
What I really liked, was how honest Jorie and Dom were. They never shied away from their feelings, whether good or bad.
An adult book about an adult relationship, what more could you ask for?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
There's no foreplay in this book, just straight to the goods and I love it. Jorie and Dom are instant fire and their story reads like a reality show.
There is a great cast of characters: The know- it all family members, the bitter baby mama, the sorta grownish child, and lots of drama. I flew through this book.
What I really liked, was how honest Jorie and Dom were. They never shied away from their feelings, whether good or bad.
An adult book about an adult relationship, what more could you ask for?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 1, 2022
Good story
I won’t spoil it but for me it’s missing three things. This was actually a very quick read. New year new story
I won’t spoil it but for me it’s missing three things. This was actually a very quick read. New year new story
September 29, 2021
This was a cute read. The dynamics that brought Dominic and Jorie together, was a made for tv moment. start. They both were able to proceed forward without focusing on the past to much, and that allowed them to move forward, and enjoy the now. The chemistry was strong, and it was liked it simmered all the years apart, until there was a boom once they reunited. AC was able to show that if you focus on the now, instead of the then, then you can make a fresh start, and have a happy ending.
I was given a ARC copy of this book to review for my honest opinion.
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I was given a ARC copy of this book to review for my honest opinion.
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October 6, 2021
Jorie and Dom are childhood sweethearts who lost contact with each other due to Dom leaving without a single word. 20 years later, they reconnect and the feelings are still there. I loved the way Dom and Jorie reconnect. Seeing two Black people on a HGTV renovation show is a refreshing sight to see in a book. Jorie is definitely the highlight of this book for me. With so many odds stacked against her, she perseveres. She is determined and bold. I loved how she made the first move when she felt it would benefit her. I’m a firm believer of women putting themselves first. I also liked how the predominantly Black neighborhoods in the DC/Maryland area are highlighted. This is a good book, unfortunately being fast paced didn’t help the storyline much for me. I’m still trying to figure out why Dom wasn’t in his child’s life for nine years. I’m also having a hard time understanding his handling and thought process concerning fatherhood and childhood trauma. It felt like he wasn’t accepting his part in making his child. Overall, I felt this book could’ve benefit more by providing more details and fleshing them out. I do believe in the chemistry between the couple. It is obvious that they lover and still care for each other and I hated that it ended so abruptly. I’m a fan of A. C . Arthur and will continue to support her work. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
September 27, 2021
Short, sweet, and sexy reunion love story!
Thanks to the publisher, Rose Gold Press, for this eARC.
*This review is abridged. The full version can be found on my Tumblr here.
I really enjoyed this book. First, it’s not very long – I read it in a few hours – and even better, it moves at a quick pace. The chapters are fairly short so the story doesn’t drag. Second, though this book is not written in first-person, each chapter provides Jorie and Dom’s perspectives which I loved. Third, even though the focus was obviously on Jorie and Dom’s working and personal relationship, I found myself invested in the minor storylines as well. I can see the possibility for a sequel, and I could see this book as a movie.
This author is new to me, but I liked her writing style and the easy, natural language of both the narrator and the characters. Black culture and vernacular are hard to capture in writing and therefore often feel forced (to me), but I think A.C. Arthur does a good job in this book. I will certainly be checking out more of her work and I would recommend this book if you like sweet, slightly steamy romances.
Thanks to the publisher, Rose Gold Press, for this eARC.
*This review is abridged. The full version can be found on my Tumblr here.
I really enjoyed this book. First, it’s not very long – I read it in a few hours – and even better, it moves at a quick pace. The chapters are fairly short so the story doesn’t drag. Second, though this book is not written in first-person, each chapter provides Jorie and Dom’s perspectives which I loved. Third, even though the focus was obviously on Jorie and Dom’s working and personal relationship, I found myself invested in the minor storylines as well. I can see the possibility for a sequel, and I could see this book as a movie.
This author is new to me, but I liked her writing style and the easy, natural language of both the narrator and the characters. Black culture and vernacular are hard to capture in writing and therefore often feel forced (to me), but I think A.C. Arthur does a good job in this book. I will certainly be checking out more of her work and I would recommend this book if you like sweet, slightly steamy romances.
October 13, 2021
This story was as much about Jorie and Dominic repairing their relationship as it was the house.
Jorie Kemp has had many heartbreaks, but one thing she can celebrate is building her own design company. She is ready to move JK Designs to the next level and enters into a reality show contest. She is hoping for this win to gain exposure on a national level. There is no room for error, so having the construction company pulling out would cause problems of epic proportions.
Dominic Hughes is back in town to fill in for a job and to break the family curse of deadbeat dads. He needs to prove that he is better than the fathers before him. He has a lot going on and, his plate is full. Trying to juggle a new job site, baby momma drama, building a relationship with his son, and coming face to face with Jorie...might be the most difficult of them all.
Love, when it's meant to be, there is no denying it. If you enjoy a second chance romance, I recommend Jorie and Dom's journey. Back to Love was a great read, and I enjoyed the characters and storyline. I think Aiden stood out the most, and I would love to see what happens with him.
Jorie Kemp has had many heartbreaks, but one thing she can celebrate is building her own design company. She is ready to move JK Designs to the next level and enters into a reality show contest. She is hoping for this win to gain exposure on a national level. There is no room for error, so having the construction company pulling out would cause problems of epic proportions.
Dominic Hughes is back in town to fill in for a job and to break the family curse of deadbeat dads. He needs to prove that he is better than the fathers before him. He has a lot going on and, his plate is full. Trying to juggle a new job site, baby momma drama, building a relationship with his son, and coming face to face with Jorie...might be the most difficult of them all.
Love, when it's meant to be, there is no denying it. If you enjoy a second chance romance, I recommend Jorie and Dom's journey. Back to Love was a great read, and I enjoyed the characters and storyline. I think Aiden stood out the most, and I would love to see what happens with him.
October 3, 2021
I loved that although Jorie was previously in a verbally abusive relationship, she wasn't presented as fragile. She still had her spice, still spoke her mind, and wanted what she wanted...how she wanted. She was quick to hit Dom with an unequivocal "ABSOLUTELY NOT". Loved that for her!
Dominic was sweet, patient, and still loved the hell out of Jorie. Even after spending 20 years apart. Now, why it took 9 years for him to make the effort to spend quality time with his son, I still haven't quite wrapped my mind around that part, but at least he made the effort...eventually.
I wasn't ready for it to end when it did, but nonetheless, I really enjoyed Back to Love.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
Dominic was sweet, patient, and still loved the hell out of Jorie. Even after spending 20 years apart. Now, why it took 9 years for him to make the effort to spend quality time with his son, I still haven't quite wrapped my mind around that part, but at least he made the effort...eventually.
I wasn't ready for it to end when it did, but nonetheless, I really enjoyed Back to Love.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
October 1, 2021
Jorie Kemp needed a contractor to help her win a contest and gain exposure for her business. She never imagined the contractor would be her old boyfriend Dominic Hughes would show up. To say their relationship ended on a sour note is an understatement and Jorie does not want to work with Dominic, however she wants to win the contest so they agree to work together. Working closely together brings back feelings unresolved and tie in baby mama drama, will make for an entertaining read. I enjoyed Back to Love and reading what led to the initial break-up and how Jorie and Dominic can't bury their feelings.
Overall, I would recommend this book and its a quick read.
Overall, I would recommend this book and its a quick read.
September 29, 2021
This is a great second chance at love and romance. This is a fast past, easy read, with its share of drama, healing , hit emotions, jealously, making amends, steamy romance, with an awesome hero, heroine, supporting characters. A.C. has another winner on her hands.
I so loved how the heroine is more of the alpha in Back To Love and makes the first move to get the hero out of system. But it did not work it left her wanting more. Jorie and Dom are childhood friends and later sweethearts. Jorie and Dom were both fatherless and did their best to cope. Dom was raised by his grandmother and left his hometown right after graduation from high school and vowed never to return. He broke Jorie hearts and Jorie did her best to get over Dom. Jorie had her heart set on being married to Dom and having the house with the white picket fence and the 2.5 children. That all ended when Dom up and left town.
Dom continues to apology for leaving Jorie and never writing, calling or texting her. Will Jorie put her differences aside and accept Dom’s apology, will Jorie get what she wants from Dom?
I so loved how the heroine is more of the alpha in Back To Love and makes the first move to get the hero out of system. But it did not work it left her wanting more. Jorie and Dom are childhood friends and later sweethearts. Jorie and Dom were both fatherless and did their best to cope. Dom was raised by his grandmother and left his hometown right after graduation from high school and vowed never to return. He broke Jorie hearts and Jorie did her best to get over Dom. Jorie had her heart set on being married to Dom and having the house with the white picket fence and the 2.5 children. That all ended when Dom up and left town.
Dom continues to apology for leaving Jorie and never writing, calling or texting her. Will Jorie put her differences aside and accept Dom’s apology, will Jorie get what she wants from Dom?
October 17, 2021
Although I love most romance genres, second chance at love is near the top of my list. I absolutely loved this story between Jorie and Dominick. The chemistry and banter was off the chain in this story. And if you like drama in your romance stories, this is the book for you. The way children being written in a story can make or break it, and it was definitely made in this book. I would like to see them in a future book with an update on the couple. Great job with the storyline.
I recieved a copy of the book via the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I recieved a copy of the book via the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
October 25, 2021
A Second Chance at Love
This was a great story. I couldn’t put the book down once I started. Dominic and Jorie’s chemistry was off the chain from the moment they came fade to face after not seeing one another for years. Throw in that they have to spend each day together on a project, the walls of hurt starts to fall and love starts to blossom.
This was a great story. I couldn’t put the book down once I started. Dominic and Jorie’s chemistry was off the chain from the moment they came fade to face after not seeing one another for years. Throw in that they have to spend each day together on a project, the walls of hurt starts to fall and love starts to blossom.
October 29, 2021
Baby mamma drama.
This was a beautiful love story. After twenty years, the two main characters find themselves back together. The surprise is that Dominic has a son. Aiden and Jorie meet and become fast friends and his mother didn't like it. A well developed story. I enjoy reading books written by this author.
This was a beautiful love story. After twenty years, the two main characters find themselves back together. The surprise is that Dominic has a son. Aiden and Jorie meet and become fast friends and his mother didn't like it. A well developed story. I enjoy reading books written by this author.
November 9, 2023
A love so great
To rekindle a love that never died is the most amazing feeling anyone can experience. A.C. you have written a very special love story with some added drama. Ra Ra will always be a thorn in both of their sides but they will have to be sure that they build a united front and never let her come between them.
To rekindle a love that never died is the most amazing feeling anyone can experience. A.C. you have written a very special love story with some added drama. Ra Ra will always be a thorn in both of their sides but they will have to be sure that they build a united front and never let her come between them.
December 15, 2023
Second Chance
Dom and Jorie were everything. Wrestling with their past, their abandonment issues, and forced to work together while working through those issues. They get their second chance to get things right and I enjoyed their love story. Ra-Ra, she can get these hands because she was doing too much and being the ultimate witch!
Dom and Jorie were everything. Wrestling with their past, their abandonment issues, and forced to work together while working through those issues. They get their second chance to get things right and I enjoyed their love story. Ra-Ra, she can get these hands because she was doing too much and being the ultimate witch!
January 13, 2024
Back to Love
Have enjoyed reading back to to love, couple felt in love doing high and he left her with her heart broken. Then she left and went off to college and married a man who wanted her for a trophy wife. Years later she had signed up to do reality show about restoring a house and not it would be her first love house, two thumbs up for this book.
Have enjoyed reading back to to love, couple felt in love doing high and he left her with her heart broken. Then she left and went off to college and married a man who wanted her for a trophy wife. Years later she had signed up to do reality show about restoring a house and not it would be her first love house, two thumbs up for this book.
September 29, 2021
This is a super cute second chance at love story. I was rooting for Jorie and Dominic to make it to the HEA finishline which they did. I loved the secondary characters except the villain of course lol. I wouldn’t mind revisiting these characters again.
October 6, 2021
Excellent read
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Jorie was unexpectedly reunited with Dom, the man who broke her heart twenty years ago. Dom never stopped loving her, so their relationship is reignited. There are a few bumps in the road, yet love prevails.
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Jorie was unexpectedly reunited with Dom, the man who broke her heart twenty years ago. Dom never stopped loving her, so their relationship is reignited. There are a few bumps in the road, yet love prevails.
November 9, 2021
Back To Love
After 20 years Dominic and Jorie find themselves working on the same flip project he's ready to start over but she says no. In spite of the baby mama drama and the house fire it all worked out.
After 20 years Dominic and Jorie find themselves working on the same flip project he's ready to start over but she says no. In spite of the baby mama drama and the house fire it all worked out.
December 25, 2021
I enjoyed reading Back to Love so much! I couldn't put my kindle down. I was hooked from the very beginning to the ending of the book. I enjoyed the storyline and the romance. I love a happy ever after in a book. Such an amazing book as always!
January 7, 2022
I love this second chance love story!
I could feel the chemistry between Jorie and Dom from the beginning. That Rasheda worked my nerves. The relationship between Jorie and Aiden was sweet. This is a must read!
I could feel the chemistry between Jorie and Dom from the beginning. That Rasheda worked my nerves. The relationship between Jorie and Aiden was sweet. This is a must read!
March 22, 2022
Back to love
Author A.C. has been one of the best writers for me in some years. Here again is a great read for me. The smooth writing of hoe old love can return after heart break was clearly shown is this read. Keep on writing good romances, ANF I'll keep reading.
Author A.C. has been one of the best writers for me in some years. Here again is a great read for me. The smooth writing of hoe old love can return after heart break was clearly shown is this read. Keep on writing good romances, ANF I'll keep reading.
October 2, 2022
Warm love
When it is right it is complete even after20 years. Enjoyed reading this book, wishing for additional writing. I'm entertained by the author and excited to read her works anytime.
When it is right it is complete even after20 years. Enjoyed reading this book, wishing for additional writing. I'm entertained by the author and excited to read her works anytime.
October 1, 2021
Loved it❤
Beautiful love story💓💓💓absolutely loved it the characters were amazing👏🏾👏🏾😍🙌🏽🙌🏽😍😍😍it had me from beginning to end loved it loved it. Amazing
Beautiful love story💓💓💓absolutely loved it the characters were amazing👏🏾👏🏾😍🙌🏽🙌🏽😍😍😍it had me from beginning to end loved it loved it. Amazing
October 6, 2021
Full circle
When your heart has had its first love snatched away, broken, reset, married, divorced, and revived by that first Love a full circle! Love it!
When your heart has had its first love snatched away, broken, reset, married, divorced, and revived by that first Love a full circle! Love it!
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March 24, 2022Alright
This book was alright! It wasn't the usual AC Arthur flair though! I was a little disappointed to say the least! And when is someone going to put Rasheeda in her place?
This book was alright! It wasn't the usual AC Arthur flair though! I was a little disappointed to say the least! And when is someone going to put Rasheeda in her place?
October 18, 2023
so cute
It’s just such a sweet read. Second chance love is one of my favorites. Love, drama, and family just makes it even better.
It’s just such a sweet read. Second chance love is one of my favorites. Love, drama, and family just makes it even better.
June 2, 2022
A second chance story. Jorie and Dominic were childhood friends and teenage sweethearts. Dom doesn’t think he can give Jorie her hearts desires so he leaves her with out a single word. 20 years later he’s back and they have to work together to flip a home for a reality show contest. Jorie is still pissed. Dom missed her and has major drama. Can they move forward to work together. And how is it after all this time there is still chemistry hovering around them?
Steamy, a little messy, and some drama, a good story.
I recommend this book if you love a second chance.
Steamy, a little messy, and some drama, a good story.
I recommend this book if you love a second chance.
June 14, 2023
Back To Love
This was a love story about Jorie Kent and Dominic Hughes. They were previously in a relationship while in their senior year of high school. After twenty years away Dominic returned to his home area. They began working together to repair and flip houses. During the first renovation they acted on their attraction which led to their happily ever after.
This was a love story about Jorie Kent and Dominic Hughes. They were previously in a relationship while in their senior year of high school. After twenty years away Dominic returned to his home area. They began working together to repair and flip houses. During the first renovation they acted on their attraction which led to their happily ever after.
January 4, 2022
Quick, sexy read with a little drama. I really enjoyed Dominic and Jorie’s story. Insecurities and lack of communication tore them apart but if the love is real, it can be fixed. If you’re a fan of second chances and HGTV, I recommend this book. It’s definitely a recipe for a good story.
June 6, 2023
Sweet
What a sweet story. To meet up the way they did was really different. Sorry things went so wrong earlier in life but the years were worth being apart. Really noce quick read.
Happy Reading‼️
What a sweet story. To meet up the way they did was really different. Sorry things went so wrong earlier in life but the years were worth being apart. Really noce quick read.
Happy Reading‼️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews