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Dogwood Cove #5
Then and Now
Leo Talbot and I were high school sweethearts who promised to love each other forever. Until I discovered love is a lie, and that promise was broken.
When he shows up in town with his little girl who I can’t help but adore, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the hope of a second chance. And Leo makes it clear he’s determined to break down my walls, rebuild my trust in love, and prove to me that our promise was never really broken.
With years of heartache and pain between us, can I let Leo stand beside me as I face the ghosts of my past? Or will all of the hard lessons I’ve learned, only make me push him away again?
Then and Now is perfect for fans of second chance romance, steamy small town love stories, swoony single dads, and close knit friend groups. This book is for readers who want a hint of angst with a lot of spice and a guaranteed HEA for soul mates who find their way back to each other against all odds. This is the fifth and final full length novel in the Dogwood Cove series and can be read as a standalone, although the series is best enjoyed if read in order.
When he shows up in town with his little girl who I can’t help but adore, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the hope of a second chance. And Leo makes it clear he’s determined to break down my walls, rebuild my trust in love, and prove to me that our promise was never really broken.
With years of heartache and pain between us, can I let Leo stand beside me as I face the ghosts of my past? Or will all of the hard lessons I’ve learned, only make me push him away again?
Then and Now is perfect for fans of second chance romance, steamy small town love stories, swoony single dads, and close knit friend groups. This book is for readers who want a hint of angst with a lot of spice and a guaranteed HEA for soul mates who find their way back to each other against all odds. This is the fifth and final full length novel in the Dogwood Cove series and can be read as a standalone, although the series is best enjoyed if read in order.
297 pages, ebook
First published September 20, 2022
113 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
September 27, 2022
Then and Now is the fifth and final book in The Dogwood Cover series by Julia Jarrett and she saved the best for last!
Serena and Leo is now my favorite book in the series. I have loved Serena since we first met her in book 1. She’s funny, sassy , strong has a heart of gold which was clearly being protected from finding love. I LOVED getting to know more of her back story and finding out her achilles heal was none other then a long lost high school life Leo.
Single dad Leo moves to dogwood cove to become the new deputy sheriff and to give his daughter family to be around. It doesn’t take more then two encounters for Leo to realize his heart always belonged to Serena and he was not going to let her go this time. Serena instantly finds a connection with Leo’s daughter and her walls around her heart start crumpling.
Serena and Leo are my new favorite dogwood couple. Julia stepped up the steam in this one and I loved the fact that Serena was the Alpha in the relationship it made for some funny and hot moments.
I’m sad to see this series come to end but am looking forward to learning more about Leo’s cousins!
Serena and Leo is now my favorite book in the series. I have loved Serena since we first met her in book 1. She’s funny, sassy , strong has a heart of gold which was clearly being protected from finding love. I LOVED getting to know more of her back story and finding out her achilles heal was none other then a long lost high school life Leo.
Single dad Leo moves to dogwood cove to become the new deputy sheriff and to give his daughter family to be around. It doesn’t take more then two encounters for Leo to realize his heart always belonged to Serena and he was not going to let her go this time. Serena instantly finds a connection with Leo’s daughter and her walls around her heart start crumpling.
Serena and Leo are my new favorite dogwood couple. Julia stepped up the steam in this one and I loved the fact that Serena was the Alpha in the relationship it made for some funny and hot moments.
I’m sad to see this series come to end but am looking forward to learning more about Leo’s cousins!
February 24, 2023
This was a great second chance romance with NO third act break up!! Leo and Serena had some killer chemistry and I loved their story. Not to mention Leo’s daughter Violet who stole the show!
Such a good ending to the series!!
Such a good ending to the series!!
October 5, 2022
5 Stars
Tropes:
Small Town
Second Chance
High School Sweethearts
Single Parent
Dual POV
I absolutely loved this book! I will honestly say, my favorite character was Violet. I just absolutely loved her! The chemistry between Serena and Leo was off the charts. I love them together so much. The banter was my favorite part. I loved how Julia took her time and didn't rush anything. Her writing is fantastic and makes the reader feel like they are there watching it play out. You can tell how much she cares about each and every one of her characters.
Have you ever read a book and wished that it was your life? But then you realize you don't have a high school sweetheart who wanted to be a cop, and you are so uncoordinated that you couldn't be a ballerina? Yeah me either ;)
Thank you Julia for this ARC and for letting me experience Dogwood Cove.
Tropes:
Small Town
Second Chance
High School Sweethearts
Single Parent
Dual POV
I absolutely loved this book! I will honestly say, my favorite character was Violet. I just absolutely loved her! The chemistry between Serena and Leo was off the charts. I love them together so much. The banter was my favorite part. I loved how Julia took her time and didn't rush anything. Her writing is fantastic and makes the reader feel like they are there watching it play out. You can tell how much she cares about each and every one of her characters.
Have you ever read a book and wished that it was your life? But then you realize you don't have a high school sweetheart who wanted to be a cop, and you are so uncoordinated that you couldn't be a ballerina? Yeah me either ;)
Thank you Julia for this ARC and for letting me experience Dogwood Cove.
September 2, 2022
In every friend group there’s always that one friend who’s independence and spirit you admire and Serena is just that friend in the group from Dogwood Cove. Once a professional ballerina, she now spends her days teaching dance at her studio just living life without someone to come home to at night. The only person she ever saw that life with is someone she hasn’t seen in 20yrs until the day she saw him in the town square with a little girl and her heart breaks. The only person Leo lives for now is his daughter Violet but that changes when he realizes the teacher at his daughter’s new dance studio is none other than the girl who broke his heart years ago. Can Leo and Serena move past all the hurt and time between them to find a place of forgiveness and trust to move forward or will old fears stand in their way?
There’s just something about a second chance love story that tugs at your heartstrings and when you add an adorable toddler to the mix all bets go out the window. Absolutely no doubt that the love and connection Serena and Leo share has stood the test of time and the chemistry they share is unlike anything else they’ve experienced. Leo and Violet hold a special place in Serena’s heart and knowing they feel the same about her is all Serena ever wanted. So many swoon-worthy and tender moments in this book between Serena and Leo and even more precious moments with shy Violet.
Serena and Leo’s story was the perfect way to wrap up the Dogwood Cove series about this amazing group of friends who are truly like family. I’m sad the series is over but I’m excited that @juliajarrettauthor isn’t leaving Dogwood Cove behind and we will get stories about Leo’s cousins the Donnelly’s and hopefully updates about our favorite group of friends.
Rating 4.5 stars
Thank you @juliajarrettauthor for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
There’s just something about a second chance love story that tugs at your heartstrings and when you add an adorable toddler to the mix all bets go out the window. Absolutely no doubt that the love and connection Serena and Leo share has stood the test of time and the chemistry they share is unlike anything else they’ve experienced. Leo and Violet hold a special place in Serena’s heart and knowing they feel the same about her is all Serena ever wanted. So many swoon-worthy and tender moments in this book between Serena and Leo and even more precious moments with shy Violet.
Serena and Leo’s story was the perfect way to wrap up the Dogwood Cove series about this amazing group of friends who are truly like family. I’m sad the series is over but I’m excited that @juliajarrettauthor isn’t leaving Dogwood Cove behind and we will get stories about Leo’s cousins the Donnelly’s and hopefully updates about our favorite group of friends.
Rating 4.5 stars
Thank you @juliajarrettauthor for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
January 17, 2024
dnf at 62%
this honestly pains me to no end because the potential this story had was HUGE but i’m so disappointed and i have no interest in going foward.
i honestly had a few things that were already bothering me but i kept going, however stumbling upon serena’s insecurity about feeling 2nd place compared to that man’s CHILD is absolutely insane. and then she hit me with “(…) that parental instinct and dedication mean I come second. Which puts me first in line for being left. Abandoned. Rejected.”
HONEY?! let’s play hide and seek. i hide and you seek professional help because what in the actual hell? mind you, she says this because his daughter had a FEVER so they had to stop hooking up, and he had to go back home and take care of his kid.
i know it’s to show—one more time because apparently we hadn’t already seen enough—into serena’s insecurities that originated from her parents divorce (*eye roll*) but cmon… i need that woman to go to therapy ASAP.
i’m rating this 2 stars instead of 1 because until some point i was really really enjoying it, and even after it started to get on my nerves a bit violet’s scenes were cute and made it worth it to some extent.
this honestly pains me to no end because the potential this story had was HUGE but i’m so disappointed and i have no interest in going foward.
i honestly had a few things that were already bothering me but i kept going, however stumbling upon serena’s insecurity about feeling 2nd place compared to that man’s CHILD is absolutely insane. and then she hit me with “(…) that parental instinct and dedication mean I come second. Which puts me first in line for being left. Abandoned. Rejected.”
HONEY?! let’s play hide and seek. i hide and you seek professional help because what in the actual hell? mind you, she says this because his daughter had a FEVER so they had to stop hooking up, and he had to go back home and take care of his kid.
i know it’s to show—one more time because apparently we hadn’t already seen enough—into serena’s insecurities that originated from her parents divorce (*eye roll*) but cmon… i need that woman to go to therapy ASAP.
i’m rating this 2 stars instead of 1 because until some point i was really really enjoying it, and even after it started to get on my nerves a bit violet’s scenes were cute and made it worth it to some extent.
September 29, 2022
Get ready and pack your bags we are headed back to Dogwood Cove for a second chance romance with all the feels.
Serena and Leo were high school sweethearts, but their lives were headed in different directions. The ballet was calling Serena and she didn't want Leo to miss his calling in law enforcement. She made an adult decision for both of them, and at the she thought she chose right. Leo never forgot his first love and now back in his hometown with his adorable daughter Violet it seems he might get a second chance. Now they both find themselves back home and the smoldering feelings are still deep down. So, when Serena finds herself teaching ballet to Violet this is about to get very interesting. If she thought Leo was swoon worthy 20 years ago believe me, she hasn't seen anything yet.
I loved everything about this couple, they are sweet, sassy, sexy, have great witty banter and are filled with emotion. Also, let's not forget the sweet little Violet. I am sad that this series is come to its end, but I loved every story that this town gave me!
~~Michele McMullen~~
Serena and Leo were high school sweethearts, but their lives were headed in different directions. The ballet was calling Serena and she didn't want Leo to miss his calling in law enforcement. She made an adult decision for both of them, and at the she thought she chose right. Leo never forgot his first love and now back in his hometown with his adorable daughter Violet it seems he might get a second chance. Now they both find themselves back home and the smoldering feelings are still deep down. So, when Serena finds herself teaching ballet to Violet this is about to get very interesting. If she thought Leo was swoon worthy 20 years ago believe me, she hasn't seen anything yet.
I loved everything about this couple, they are sweet, sassy, sexy, have great witty banter and are filled with emotion. Also, let's not forget the sweet little Violet. I am sad that this series is come to its end, but I loved every story that this town gave me!
~~Michele McMullen~~
September 29, 2022
What a perfect end to a fabulous series, I can honestly say I’m going to miss Dogwood Cove so much, it’s definitely my favourite series from this lovely author.
💞 Small Town
💞 High School Sweethearts
💞 Second Chance
💞 Cop
💞 Single Dad
I absolutely adored Serena and Leo’s story so much, it was truly a story of the one that got away for sure. I really loved that there was no hate between them, just lost time. They had such a great connection and loved each other so much. He was just the perfect single dad to Miss Vi which I think is super hot!
I loved seeing all the characters from the previous books and seeing just how well everyone was doing in their lives and relationships. I adore how much this group of friends all have each other’s backs.
Such a sweet heartwarming story of finding your happy ever after ❤️
A great fun read that you could devour easily in one sitting, just grab a glass of wine and enjoy.
💞 Small Town
💞 High School Sweethearts
💞 Second Chance
💞 Cop
💞 Single Dad
I absolutely adored Serena and Leo’s story so much, it was truly a story of the one that got away for sure. I really loved that there was no hate between them, just lost time. They had such a great connection and loved each other so much. He was just the perfect single dad to Miss Vi which I think is super hot!
I loved seeing all the characters from the previous books and seeing just how well everyone was doing in their lives and relationships. I adore how much this group of friends all have each other’s backs.
Such a sweet heartwarming story of finding your happy ever after ❤️
A great fun read that you could devour easily in one sitting, just grab a glass of wine and enjoy.
October 13, 2023
Then and Now is a heartwarming small-town second chance at love. This story is filled with moments of regret, forgiveness, redemption, and acceptance, creating a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings.
Leo and Serena, the central characters of the tale, are portrayed beautifully, and their relationship development is a highlight of the story. The author takes her time in building their intimacy, ensuring that nothing feels rushed. I savored every moment of their connection.
The book strikes a perfect balance between sweetness, swoon-worthy moments, and just the right amount of spice to keep the romance intriguing. It's a story that will leave you with a heartwarming glow and a smile on your face.
If you're in the mood for a story that offers a blend of sweet, swoony romance, and a touch of spice, "Then and Now" is the book for you. It's a feel-good read that captures the essence of second chances and the enduring power of love.
Leo and Serena, the central characters of the tale, are portrayed beautifully, and their relationship development is a highlight of the story. The author takes her time in building their intimacy, ensuring that nothing feels rushed. I savored every moment of their connection.
The book strikes a perfect balance between sweetness, swoon-worthy moments, and just the right amount of spice to keep the romance intriguing. It's a story that will leave you with a heartwarming glow and a smile on your face.
If you're in the mood for a story that offers a blend of sweet, swoony romance, and a touch of spice, "Then and Now" is the book for you. It's a feel-good read that captures the essence of second chances and the enduring power of love.
September 19, 2022
I'm not crying....you're crying!!!!
I absolutely love Dogwood Cove and one day I'm going to move there. This book was everything and more-Serena and Leo's story has it all....soul mates,angst,dramas and so much heat!!! A one sitting read this one will leave you definitely wanting more...so very,very good!!!!
I absolutely love Dogwood Cove and one day I'm going to move there. This book was everything and more-Serena and Leo's story has it all....soul mates,angst,dramas and so much heat!!! A one sitting read this one will leave you definitely wanting more...so very,very good!!!!
November 18, 2022
Fairly full of anguish, this second-chance romance brings healing and new beginnings in its wake. After 20 years, the chances of landing up in the same town seem impossible, and yet Leo and Serena have little chance of avoiding one another in the small town where Serena has a business and has made friends and the bulk of Leo's family lives. Discovering that he has a cute little girl in tow, Serena feels a certain amount of anger that he has been able to move on whereas she has been stuck in the past. Leo makes a wonderful hero and although he is battling with juggling his role as father and Deputy Sheriff, he shows kindness and compassion in all he does. I found myself having some difficulty warming up to Serena who had been badly hurt by life but was unable to rise above her circumstances. It took some straight talking by her friends to help her see that it was up to her to determine whether she would live a rich and full life in the future, or wallow in her insecurities. Fortunately, the novel does come to a happy conclusion and a little girl receives the best gift of all. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 17, 2022
Available Sept 29
Welcome back to Dogwood Cove, a small town set on Vancouver Island, Canada. To say I love this little fictional town and this series is a understatement.
Then and Now is book five in the series. These can be read independently but I would recommend reading in order to watch the characters grow and develop.
I love returning to this place to watch a new relationship develop and to catch up on previous ones. In Then and Now, its Serena and Leo's turn. Highschool sweethearts who broke up before university, they haven't seen each other in 20 years. Until Serena hears a voice from the past and catches a glimpse of Leo. He has moved to Dogwood Cove to be the new police officer, but he is not alone. In tow is adorable daughter, Violet.
Did I pick this up and read it in one sitting? Yes!
Did it fulfill all my expectations? Yes!
Did it give me all the steam and perfect second chance romance? YES!!!
I loved seeing these two come together after so many years and heartbreak. The author does such an incredible job of giving you all the feels and making it feel realistic. I love the banter between Serena and Leo and the steam love gets right up there. I mean a guy in uniform - a sweet single dad? Handcuffs? What's not to love? Plus in this one we get two epilogues - and they are perfection! It had me 'aweing' out loud.
These stories truly aren't just love stories. In each book, we get to watch people find themselves and love. Go and check out this series if you love romance stories with a bit of steam.
Huge thanks to the author who generously gifted me a copy of this story.
Welcome back to Dogwood Cove, a small town set on Vancouver Island, Canada. To say I love this little fictional town and this series is a understatement.
Then and Now is book five in the series. These can be read independently but I would recommend reading in order to watch the characters grow and develop.
I love returning to this place to watch a new relationship develop and to catch up on previous ones. In Then and Now, its Serena and Leo's turn. Highschool sweethearts who broke up before university, they haven't seen each other in 20 years. Until Serena hears a voice from the past and catches a glimpse of Leo. He has moved to Dogwood Cove to be the new police officer, but he is not alone. In tow is adorable daughter, Violet.
Did I pick this up and read it in one sitting? Yes!
Did it fulfill all my expectations? Yes!
Did it give me all the steam and perfect second chance romance? YES!!!
I loved seeing these two come together after so many years and heartbreak. The author does such an incredible job of giving you all the feels and making it feel realistic. I love the banter between Serena and Leo and the steam love gets right up there. I mean a guy in uniform - a sweet single dad? Handcuffs? What's not to love? Plus in this one we get two epilogues - and they are perfection! It had me 'aweing' out loud.
These stories truly aren't just love stories. In each book, we get to watch people find themselves and love. Go and check out this series if you love romance stories with a bit of steam.
Huge thanks to the author who generously gifted me a copy of this story.
September 17, 2022
Then and Now (Dogwood Cove #5) - 4 Stars!!
Leo made a promise to Serena all those years before she broke his heart to always love her, now that he's got a chance to get her back he's set on proving his love to the girl who got away.
Serena's wish was to become a Professional Ballerina and have a happy family with her high school love Leo, just like the one her parents had, until those dreams were no longer a reality. Now living in Dogwood Cove Serena's dreams… haven't been everything she's desired that is until she runs into Leo, the boy she wish she never let go of, only now he's built of solid hot man, a single dad to an adorable three-year old daughter, and the brand new cop in town. With a history of love between Leo and Serena and a ways to go to see if it truly is Now or Never.
Now or Never was a pleasing to the heart story that just makes you smile ps. It's cuffing season and I'm checking out this Single Daddy Cop ;)
Serena was the character in Dogwood Cove whose story I wanted to hear the most and the wait for her was soo worth it that I wasn't going to be interrupted by anyone until I knew the ending! The chemistry built for Serena and Leo made this love story feel like the best season and most anticipated finale for Dogwood Cove. I loved Serena and Leo's love and I could not have asked for anything more heartfelt and real, I can't wait to see what's next to come. Dogwood Cove and all the members of this cute small town, own my heart forever!!
Leo made a promise to Serena all those years before she broke his heart to always love her, now that he's got a chance to get her back he's set on proving his love to the girl who got away.
Serena's wish was to become a Professional Ballerina and have a happy family with her high school love Leo, just like the one her parents had, until those dreams were no longer a reality. Now living in Dogwood Cove Serena's dreams… haven't been everything she's desired that is until she runs into Leo, the boy she wish she never let go of, only now he's built of solid hot man, a single dad to an adorable three-year old daughter, and the brand new cop in town. With a history of love between Leo and Serena and a ways to go to see if it truly is Now or Never.
Now or Never was a pleasing to the heart story that just makes you smile ps. It's cuffing season and I'm checking out this Single Daddy Cop ;)
Serena was the character in Dogwood Cove whose story I wanted to hear the most and the wait for her was soo worth it that I wasn't going to be interrupted by anyone until I knew the ending! The chemistry built for Serena and Leo made this love story feel like the best season and most anticipated finale for Dogwood Cove. I loved Serena and Leo's love and I could not have asked for anything more heartfelt and real, I can't wait to see what's next to come. Dogwood Cove and all the members of this cute small town, own my heart forever!!
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September 25, 2022
Hands down my favorite book of the series. I love Leo, Serena, and sweet little Violet so much.
Serena is the owner and teacher of the dance studio in Dogwood Cove. She loves dancing and she enjoys teaching. She is independent, and full of life, though she does have insecurities, too. Leo is a single dad to the most adorable little girl, Violet. He is new to Dogwood Cove and the deputy sheriff. His daughter is his everything and I love the bond they have. Serena and Leo have history together, they were high school sweethearts, but its been twenty years since they have seen each other.
My heart is so full and happy after reading this. I love the relationship between Serena and Leo. Their chemistry is powerful, their love for each other is strong, even after the last twenty years. Add in the quick bond that Vi and Serena formed with each other…I’m a goner.
If you’re looking for a second chance, small town, single dad romance this is one to check out.
Serena is the owner and teacher of the dance studio in Dogwood Cove. She loves dancing and she enjoys teaching. She is independent, and full of life, though she does have insecurities, too. Leo is a single dad to the most adorable little girl, Violet. He is new to Dogwood Cove and the deputy sheriff. His daughter is his everything and I love the bond they have. Serena and Leo have history together, they were high school sweethearts, but its been twenty years since they have seen each other.
My heart is so full and happy after reading this. I love the relationship between Serena and Leo. Their chemistry is powerful, their love for each other is strong, even after the last twenty years. Add in the quick bond that Vi and Serena formed with each other…I’m a goner.
If you’re looking for a second chance, small town, single dad romance this is one to check out.
August 20, 2024
Book 5 of the Dogwood Cove series is now out in audio! When I saw single dad + dance teacher, I was hooked! I began my journey with Julia’s next series, the Donnellys of Dogwood Cove, so it’s been fun going back to the origins of this quaint town and meeting the side characters I’ve read about.
This was such a sweet second chance romance for high school sweethearts Leo and Serena. With Serena’s ballet career long in the past, the last thing the dance teacher expects is to see the one who got away returning with the cutest little toddler, Violet, in tow.
With Violet’s mom out of the picture, there’s no stopping the long buried feelings from quickly rising to the forefront. Leo and Serena’s chemistry is so strong, it’s like no time has passed at all. And I absolutely love the bond that Serena builds with Violet. Leo will do anything for his girls. This is just a wonderful story of these two reconnecting and giving each other grace for past mistakes.
🎧Audio🎧: Heather and Neill do an absolutely wonderful job of narrating this book and bringing Leo and Serena to life. These characters have a long history and deal with a lot of emotions, and Heather and Neill do so well expressing it all.
𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
💜 small town romance
💜 single dad
💜 dance teacher
💜 second chance
💜 high school sweethearts
This was such a sweet second chance romance for high school sweethearts Leo and Serena. With Serena’s ballet career long in the past, the last thing the dance teacher expects is to see the one who got away returning with the cutest little toddler, Violet, in tow.
With Violet’s mom out of the picture, there’s no stopping the long buried feelings from quickly rising to the forefront. Leo and Serena’s chemistry is so strong, it’s like no time has passed at all. And I absolutely love the bond that Serena builds with Violet. Leo will do anything for his girls. This is just a wonderful story of these two reconnecting and giving each other grace for past mistakes.
🎧Audio🎧: Heather and Neill do an absolutely wonderful job of narrating this book and bringing Leo and Serena to life. These characters have a long history and deal with a lot of emotions, and Heather and Neill do so well expressing it all.
𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
💜 small town romance
💜 single dad
💜 dance teacher
💜 second chance
💜 high school sweethearts
November 15, 2024
You ever read a book and think to yourself, the message this book is sending is toxic AF?
Let me explain - the FMC gets jealous of the relationship the MMC has with his young daughter, gets upset when he cancels plans with her so he can take care of his daughter when she’s sick, and says to the MMC “you’ll never truly be mine because you’ll always put your daughter first, which you should, but I’ll never be the most important person in your life.”
Hold up sister - I don’t care that the FMC finally comes around after the MMC’s love hEaLs her. This character is toxic, needs ALL the therapy, and her jealousy would inevitably seep into the daughter’s psyche to damage her.
I understand that this jealousy between step mothers and their step daughters may be a common occurrence, but it’s emotional abuse and so unrealistic to write it as an issue that is resolved via the MMC’s love.
Love doesn’t solve this. Therapy does. I wanted to scream at the MMC to keep this immature, emotionally stunted woman FARRRR AWWAYYY from his child.
Let me explain - the FMC gets jealous of the relationship the MMC has with his young daughter, gets upset when he cancels plans with her so he can take care of his daughter when she’s sick, and says to the MMC “you’ll never truly be mine because you’ll always put your daughter first, which you should, but I’ll never be the most important person in your life.”
Hold up sister - I don’t care that the FMC finally comes around after the MMC’s love hEaLs her. This character is toxic, needs ALL the therapy, and her jealousy would inevitably seep into the daughter’s psyche to damage her.
I understand that this jealousy between step mothers and their step daughters may be a common occurrence, but it’s emotional abuse and so unrealistic to write it as an issue that is resolved via the MMC’s love.
Love doesn’t solve this. Therapy does. I wanted to scream at the MMC to keep this immature, emotionally stunted woman FARRRR AWWAYYY from his child.
January 19, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! Leo and Serena fell hard for each other in HS and then went their separate ways for College but neither one ever truly got over letting the other one out of their life.
He shows up in Dogwood Cove and those feelings they had came roaring back to the surface.
They had some obstacles to overcome with trust of each other and of themselves but they made it.
She was able to reconnect with her dad and get the whole truth about what broke their family when she was in HS which helped heal the parts of her heart she was holding back.
Serena also prided herself on being independent and self sufficient. With Leo showing back up she needed to prove to herself that she didn’t need him always.
She did find though that every so often she just NEEDED him. And other times she just needed to know he was within reach like her friends always are.
I enjoyed “watching” them rebuild their relationship.
The extended epilogue though? TEARS! 😭, absolute happy tears. That was the BEST ending! ❤️❤️
He shows up in Dogwood Cove and those feelings they had came roaring back to the surface.
They had some obstacles to overcome with trust of each other and of themselves but they made it.
She was able to reconnect with her dad and get the whole truth about what broke their family when she was in HS which helped heal the parts of her heart she was holding back.
Serena also prided herself on being independent and self sufficient. With Leo showing back up she needed to prove to herself that she didn’t need him always.
She did find though that every so often she just NEEDED him. And other times she just needed to know he was within reach like her friends always are.
I enjoyed “watching” them rebuild their relationship.
The extended epilogue though? TEARS! 😭, absolute happy tears. That was the BEST ending! ❤️❤️
August 12, 2024
A nice ending to the series.
There was no third act break up which was a nice change.
Serena healing from her abandonment issues with her father and Leo realizing he too had those issues and both of them working to figure out how to have it all was nice.
Glad everyone got their story book ending.
There was no third act break up which was a nice change.
Serena healing from her abandonment issues with her father and Leo realizing he too had those issues and both of them working to figure out how to have it all was nice.
Glad everyone got their story book ending.
September 14, 2022
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I loved Serena’s Character throughout the Dogwood cove series and I’m so happy with how her story turned out.
I also loved how Julia managed to tie the other Dogwood cove relationships into this book
If you love small town romance, second chances, high school sweethearts, a single dad and a man in a uniform this book is for you
Parts that made me think:
“That’s what love is to me. That up and down, but always finding your way back together”
“Admitting when you need help, when you need someone to lean on, that is true strength”
I loved Serena’s Character throughout the Dogwood cove series and I’m so happy with how her story turned out.
I also loved how Julia managed to tie the other Dogwood cove relationships into this book
If you love small town romance, second chances, high school sweethearts, a single dad and a man in a uniform this book is for you
Parts that made me think:
“That’s what love is to me. That up and down, but always finding your way back together”
“Admitting when you need help, when you need someone to lean on, that is true strength”
September 24, 2022
This was such a good book , found time to sit down and finish because it was so good
September 15, 2022
I had the pleasure to ARC Then and Now and let me tell ya… I am still swooning.
Leo and Serena are the perfect small town, high school romance, second chance couple I have read. Their moments were so sweet and heartfelt.
Ballerina meets single dad… and he’s a cop?! (Excuse me while I take a cold shower)
Without going into too much detail, the chemistry was just the cherry on top.
You won’t be disappointed after reading this one. It was just… inhale… exhale… a breath of fresh air.
Leo and Serena are the perfect small town, high school romance, second chance couple I have read. Their moments were so sweet and heartfelt.
Ballerina meets single dad… and he’s a cop?! (Excuse me while I take a cold shower)
Without going into too much detail, the chemistry was just the cherry on top.
You won’t be disappointed after reading this one. It was just… inhale… exhale… a breath of fresh air.
September 7, 2022
This is a wonder heartfelt second chance romance. Serena and Leo dated in high school until she ended the relationship breaking both of their hearts. Twenty years later they end up seeing each other again and their journey to finding love and happiness begins. Their story is one about forgiveness as well as how things that happen when a person is young can effect them when they are older. Leo is a sweet and loving single dad who has to learn to rely on family for help. Serena is the strong friend that always wants to help others yet hides her problems and pain from everyone else thinking she only needs herself. Together Leo and Serena face a hard road of learning to let go and truly trust one another again and they they can ask for help. Their story has a lot of old friends from Dogwood cove that we get to see again. It is such a great story from small town life and getting a second chance.
September 13, 2022
A really great story! Sweet and heartfelt, packed with emotion. A bundle of wonderful characters.. all with their own intriguing stories peeping out..
September 5, 2022
When Leo moved to Dogwood Cove to work as the new deputy chief of police and raise his daughter, Violet, near family.. the last person he expected to find was his first love from high school, Serena.
While they both have some things to work through from their past, the love and chemistry between them is unmatched. Leo is pretty much the definition of swoony book boyfriend. 🥹 I love that we see both Serena and Leo learn to lean on others for help when they need it. I also adored the connection between Serena and Violet.
The little glimpse of what’s coming next has me so excited!
This is book 5 of the dogwood cove series and if you’re looking for the sweetest small town vibes with some steam, you’ll love this series! These can be read as standalone but you’ll want to catch up with the other friends in the group for sure.
L🩰VE
🏘Small Town
2️⃣Second Chance
👨👧Single Dad
👩🏼❤️👨🏻Soulmates
🚔Deputy Chief of Police
🩰Ballerina/Dance Instructor
🤗Supportive Friends and Family
🥹 All the swoon
😮💨Steamy (hello…handcuffs and Ferris wheel🫢)
TW•Parent Loss/Abandonment/Gambling Addiction
While they both have some things to work through from their past, the love and chemistry between them is unmatched. Leo is pretty much the definition of swoony book boyfriend. 🥹 I love that we see both Serena and Leo learn to lean on others for help when they need it. I also adored the connection between Serena and Violet.
The little glimpse of what’s coming next has me so excited!
This is book 5 of the dogwood cove series and if you’re looking for the sweetest small town vibes with some steam, you’ll love this series! These can be read as standalone but you’ll want to catch up with the other friends in the group for sure.
L🩰VE
🏘Small Town
2️⃣Second Chance
👨👧Single Dad
👩🏼❤️👨🏻Soulmates
🚔Deputy Chief of Police
🩰Ballerina/Dance Instructor
🤗Supportive Friends and Family
🥹 All the swoon
😮💨Steamy (hello…handcuffs and Ferris wheel🫢)
TW•Parent Loss/Abandonment/Gambling Addiction
September 8, 2022
A beautiful ballerina and a hot cop who is also a single dad. I mean could you really ask for more? This second chance romance is amazing. Both move to Dogwood cove looking for a fresh start and never expect to find each after 20 years. Serena is outgoing and comfortable with herself. I loved getting pieces of her in the other books in the series so I knew I was going to love her book. I’m a sucker for a single dad so this book was right up my alley. It was the perfect combination of spicy and sweet.
September 4, 2022
Move outta the way Summer and Ethan, there’s a new favorite couple in Dogwood Cove. My oh my do I love Serena and Leo.
Can you say SWOON?! Leo is quite possibly the king of swoony moments. They filled this small town, friends to lovers, second chance romance and I’m here for it. This is possibly my favorite of the series so far! And 3-year-old Violet! Gah! Her relationship with her dad was so sweet, and I adored watching Serena enter her life!
Also. The handcuffs? The Ferris wheel? Need I say more?!
Read this book, read this series. You won’t regret picking it up.
TW:gambling, death of a parent, cancer
Can you say SWOON?! Leo is quite possibly the king of swoony moments. They filled this small town, friends to lovers, second chance romance and I’m here for it. This is possibly my favorite of the series so far! And 3-year-old Violet! Gah! Her relationship with her dad was so sweet, and I adored watching Serena enter her life!
Also. The handcuffs? The Ferris wheel? Need I say more?!
Read this book, read this series. You won’t regret picking it up.
TW:gambling, death of a parent, cancer
September 29, 2022
See my complete review at https://novelsalive.com/2022/09/29/4-...
September 1, 2022
Tropes: Second chance, single parent, small town, the one that got away, alpha male
Leo and Serena’s story is so wholesome and heartwarming! A great palate-cleanser read that makes you feel good! I hadn’t read the other Dogwood Cove books before jumping into this one, but I definitely will now!!
Big city cop moves to a small town with his young daughter only to run into the girl that got away, his high school sweetheart and first love. She’s a professional ballerina turned dance teacher after a career-ending injury. When they reconnect things feel the same as where they left off, but it’s been 20 years…
Leo and Serena’s story is so wholesome and heartwarming! A great palate-cleanser read that makes you feel good! I hadn’t read the other Dogwood Cove books before jumping into this one, but I definitely will now!!
Big city cop moves to a small town with his young daughter only to run into the girl that got away, his high school sweetheart and first love. She’s a professional ballerina turned dance teacher after a career-ending injury. When they reconnect things feel the same as where they left off, but it’s been 20 years…
September 30, 2022
Then And Now by @juliajarrettauthor Release date: Sep. 29th!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
Leo, the hot cop/hot dad moves to a small town called Dogwood Cove with his three year old daughter. Looking for a slower paced life and to reconnect with his family. What he didn’t expect was to run into his old high school sweetheart.
Serena, the gorgeous ballerina moved to Dogwood Cove to open her own dance studio after a bad injury caused her to give up her professional ballerina career. She did not expect to see her high school sweetheart in her small town of all places.
Can Leo and Serena let go of all the hurt the past caused and form a new relationship? Or will the lack of trust the past caused be too much to overcome? You’ll have to read to find out😉
*I received an ARC copy in return for my honest review.*
This immediately grabbed my attention! The funny and witty banter was everything!
Leo is so dreamy, his daughter is absolutely adorable and Serena is feisty and hilarious😂 I found myself laughing a lot and getting emotional while reading. This has it’s heavy moments but overall is a wonderful and fun read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
Leo, the hot cop/hot dad moves to a small town called Dogwood Cove with his three year old daughter. Looking for a slower paced life and to reconnect with his family. What he didn’t expect was to run into his old high school sweetheart.
Serena, the gorgeous ballerina moved to Dogwood Cove to open her own dance studio after a bad injury caused her to give up her professional ballerina career. She did not expect to see her high school sweetheart in her small town of all places.
Can Leo and Serena let go of all the hurt the past caused and form a new relationship? Or will the lack of trust the past caused be too much to overcome? You’ll have to read to find out😉
*I received an ARC copy in return for my honest review.*
This immediately grabbed my attention! The funny and witty banter was everything!
Leo is so dreamy, his daughter is absolutely adorable and Serena is feisty and hilarious😂 I found myself laughing a lot and getting emotional while reading. This has it’s heavy moments but overall is a wonderful and fun read!
September 2, 2022
A sweet romance, lost love returned with new additions. Learning to get over the past and forgive. Good amount of spice while keeping true to thw story line!
September 29, 2022
OMG!!! OMG!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Where and how do I even begin this review. First, there was Ethan and Summer next Mila and Jackson and then Finn and Ashley and last Paige and Wyatt. Let’s also not forget Reid and Abby and Kelly and Jensen. And if you don’t know who I’m talking about then you really have read the Dogwood Cove series. But this book Then and Now is the 5th and final book of the series and I have to say it is my all time favorite. You will fall in love, swoon, cry, and be all happy again. The chemistry, the history, the love that Serena and Leo have is phenomenal. I don’t know what else to add to this review. but if I could give it more stars I will, it is a must read, a must have and if you haven’t already…order it, put it on your wish list, but whatever you do get it because, this book is everything. Julia Jarrett you are the best and Dogwood Cove is my all time favorite series!
Where and how do I even begin this review. First, there was Ethan and Summer next Mila and Jackson and then Finn and Ashley and last Paige and Wyatt. Let’s also not forget Reid and Abby and Kelly and Jensen. And if you don’t know who I’m talking about then you really have read the Dogwood Cove series. But this book Then and Now is the 5th and final book of the series and I have to say it is my all time favorite. You will fall in love, swoon, cry, and be all happy again. The chemistry, the history, the love that Serena and Leo have is phenomenal. I don’t know what else to add to this review. but if I could give it more stars I will, it is a must read, a must have and if you haven’t already…order it, put it on your wish list, but whatever you do get it because, this book is everything. Julia Jarrett you are the best and Dogwood Cove is my all time favorite series!
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