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Amaryllis #10
Free to Reunite
You have been cordially invited to a night of secrets. Cravings and longings can no longer be denied.
At least that’s what the invitation should have said.
Kelsey Kennedy attended her fifteen-year reunion against her better judgment. Maybe if she showed the varmints she went to school with how her appearance changed, she’d finally have her vengeance.
Decking herself out for the event, Kelsey's no longer stuck hiding her body in value pack clothes. A single confrontation changes her mind on stepping through the doors. Deciding to bail on the reunion at the last second, the only evidence she’s been at the affair is the name tag bearing her hated nickname—King Kong.
Keyed up with emotion, Kelsey heads for the hotel bar, where she comes face-to-face with Benedict Perrault, the boy she loved. Her final ruin. The boy she never got over. Willfully, she uses the fact he doesn’t recognize her for one fiery night in his bed.
Benedict doesn’t put together the woman at the bar with the one he was intent to make amends with. Everything crashes down all at once when he realizes the truth. Kelsey is no longer the overweight girl who needs his protection. She’s built a life of her own.
And he’s determined to find out who she is beneath the façade she portrays.
Will they be free to reunite their past with their present, or will the shadows keep them apart until the next post about a high school reunion?
***
Free to Reunite was originally released under the title of Easy Reunion. To bring it into the Amaryllis Universe, storylines and characters have been updated. With approximately 35,000 words of new content, you will not only dive into Kelsey’s story, but connect more with Benedict’s.
At least that’s what the invitation should have said.
Kelsey Kennedy attended her fifteen-year reunion against her better judgment. Maybe if she showed the varmints she went to school with how her appearance changed, she’d finally have her vengeance.
Decking herself out for the event, Kelsey's no longer stuck hiding her body in value pack clothes. A single confrontation changes her mind on stepping through the doors. Deciding to bail on the reunion at the last second, the only evidence she’s been at the affair is the name tag bearing her hated nickname—King Kong.
Keyed up with emotion, Kelsey heads for the hotel bar, where she comes face-to-face with Benedict Perrault, the boy she loved. Her final ruin. The boy she never got over. Willfully, she uses the fact he doesn’t recognize her for one fiery night in his bed.
Benedict doesn’t put together the woman at the bar with the one he was intent to make amends with. Everything crashes down all at once when he realizes the truth. Kelsey is no longer the overweight girl who needs his protection. She’s built a life of her own.
And he’s determined to find out who she is beneath the façade she portrays.
Will they be free to reunite their past with their present, or will the shadows keep them apart until the next post about a high school reunion?
***
Free to Reunite was originally released under the title of Easy Reunion. To bring it into the Amaryllis Universe, storylines and characters have been updated. With approximately 35,000 words of new content, you will not only dive into Kelsey’s story, but connect more with Benedict’s.
688 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2022
86 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Jerald
46 books1,310 followersWant to keep up with Tracey?
www.traceyjerald.com
For more outstanding romance reads, follow Foreword PR
Please direct all inquiries to my personal email - authortraceyjerald@gmail.com for a faster response
To sign up for her newsletter, go to: smarturl.it/TraceyJerald_News
Tracey Jerald knew she was meant to be a writer when she would re-write the ending of books in her head on her bike when she was a young girl growing up in southern Connecticut. It wasn’t long before she was typing alternate endings and extended epilogues “just for fun.” After college in Florida, where she obtained a degree in Criminal Justice swearing she saw things she’ll never quite believe and never entirely forget, Tracey traded the world of law and order for IT. Her work for a global internet startup transferred her to Northern Virginia where she met her husband in what many call their own happily ever after. They have one son. When she’s not busy with her family or writing, Tracey can be found in her home in north Florida drinking coffee, reading, training for a runDisney event, or feeding her addiction to HGTV. To follow Tracey, go to her website at http://www.traceyjerald.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for up to date release information!
www.traceyjerald.com
For more outstanding romance reads, follow Foreword PR
Please direct all inquiries to my personal email - authortraceyjerald@gmail.com for a faster response
To sign up for her newsletter, go to: smarturl.it/TraceyJerald_News
Tracey Jerald knew she was meant to be a writer when she would re-write the ending of books in her head on her bike when she was a young girl growing up in southern Connecticut. It wasn’t long before she was typing alternate endings and extended epilogues “just for fun.” After college in Florida, where she obtained a degree in Criminal Justice swearing she saw things she’ll never quite believe and never entirely forget, Tracey traded the world of law and order for IT. Her work for a global internet startup transferred her to Northern Virginia where she met her husband in what many call their own happily ever after. They have one son. When she’s not busy with her family or writing, Tracey can be found in her home in north Florida drinking coffee, reading, training for a runDisney event, or feeding her addiction to HGTV. To follow Tracey, go to her website at http://www.traceyjerald.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for up to date release information!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 20, 2022
What an amazing story that will grab your attention right at the beginning. Well written with amazing characters and an engaging story line. Prepare to be taken on an emotional journey. You'll shed tears as you follow Kelsey and Ben's story. They both have scars from years ago while growing up in Savannah. The book touches on topics such as bullying, fat shaming, hazing and cruelty. They were friends until he shattered her with verbal abuse. Fifteen years later they reconnect with a one night stand and he doesn't realize who she is. An amazing look into the Amaryllis family. This is one book you don't want to miss. No spoilers here, but grab some Kleenex because you'll need them. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
August 27, 2022
I don’t know that I can do this book justice with my review but I will do my best. This is the story of Kelsey and Ben who are two people who bare the scars and trauma from the cruelty of others. This story will make you feel so many things and make you think so many things. Your heart will break and hurt for two innocent people that just wanted to escape.
Kelsey left Savannah behind vowing to never return but goes back on that vow 15 years later to try and exorcise her demons. She encounters the one person that she thought she could trust but ultimately destroyed her. Ben went to Savannah to find Kelsey to explain and apologize. He had tried to find her for years to no avail. He didn’t recognize her when he saw her and she left behind the clues for him to figure it out. He was left once again wanting to find her to apologize.
A chance encounter will bring them together again but the scars, trauma and secrets they carry will either make them or break them. How can you break free from the past that has molded and defined you to trust and build the future you long for? Watch these two fall down and drag themselves back up to fight for their happily ever after.
This book takes you inside the Amaryllis family as it expands and makes you love the new adoptees. You know with this family it’s always family first this book is no exception. Please make sure you have tissues and calming techniques because you will cry and you will rage. Please check trigger warnings as always to make sure it’s suitable for you. This book is everything so go and fall in love with Kelsey and Ben.
August 27, 2022
Oh my goodness , my heart has just been ruined , & rebuilt in the most beautifully written story I’ve read for a long while .
I always know that when I pick up a Tracey Jerald book my heart & soul are going to be going on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The Amaryllis Series is one of my all time favourites , & knowing there was a new book made me do a happy dance .
I fell into Ben & Kelsey’s story . As individuals they had so much love from other people around them , they bring joy to others lives .
However past cruelties, ridicule, & humiliation cloud Kelsey & Ben’s quite times . Nights of blissful slumber are often stolen from them by the demons of their pasts .
Loving unconditionally is their salvation , stepping out of the shadows & standing up to their pasts with determination will not only save them , but will help save others too .
Such an outstanding read
I always know that when I pick up a Tracey Jerald book my heart & soul are going to be going on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The Amaryllis Series is one of my all time favourites , & knowing there was a new book made me do a happy dance .
I fell into Ben & Kelsey’s story . As individuals they had so much love from other people around them , they bring joy to others lives .
However past cruelties, ridicule, & humiliation cloud Kelsey & Ben’s quite times . Nights of blissful slumber are often stolen from them by the demons of their pasts .
Loving unconditionally is their salvation , stepping out of the shadows & standing up to their pasts with determination will not only save them , but will help save others too .
Such an outstanding read
Want to read
July 21, 2022
Foreword PR is ecstatic to be working with Tracey Jerald with the release of Free to Reunite! Free to Reunite is a steamy, riveting and emotionally powerful, interconnected standalone and the tenth novel in her addictive Amaryllis series. Visit here to find out how you can read early: Free to Reunite
May 26, 2023
NOW LIVE!
Free to Reunite is a:
📚 about a high school reunion,
📚 the lingering bully,
📚 a spark of insta-attraction,
📚 a smart, savvy, and curvy heroine
📚 a sexy lawyer hero,
📚 set in New Orleans,
📚 a found family!
📚 Guaranteed HEA.
📚 Can be read as a standalone
📚 This contemporary romance deals with emotional issues that allows the Amaryllis family to do what they do best--share love.
One Click or read for FREE in KU! https://geni.us/FreeReunite
NOW LIVE!
Free to Reunite is a:
📚 about a high school reunion,
📚 the lingering bully,
📚 a spark of insta-attraction,
📚 a smart, savvy, and curvy heroine
📚 a sexy lawyer hero,
📚 set in New Orleans,
📚 a found family!
📚 Guaranteed HEA.
📚 Can be read as a standalone
📚 This contemporary romance deals with emotional issues that allows the Amaryllis family to do what they do best--share love.
One Click or read for FREE in KU! https://geni.us/FreeReunite
NOW LIVE!
June 28, 2022
Free to Reunite is a more in depth rewrite of the previously published Easy Reunion- A Boudreaux Universe Novel.
This is one of my favorite books by author Tracey Jerald.
Free To Reunite is a story that so many can relate to and it brings SO MANY FEELS! The characters are easy to relate to and extremely likable.
Bringing this book into the world of Amaryllis was the right move.
This is one of my favorite books by author Tracey Jerald.
Free To Reunite is a story that so many can relate to and it brings SO MANY FEELS! The characters are easy to relate to and extremely likable.
Bringing this book into the world of Amaryllis was the right move.
January 3, 2024
Not my favorite book in the series
This story was very long winded and painful to read. I of course felt compelled to finish it. The bulling was too detailed, and it was the vast majority of this book. Sorry I read this one. Shocked it didn’t include more of the “family”.
This story was very long winded and painful to read. I of course felt compelled to finish it. The bulling was too detailed, and it was the vast majority of this book. Sorry I read this one. Shocked it didn’t include more of the “family”.
September 7, 2022
First off I have to say again, that this series should be a mandatory read for the human race. Tracey Jerald has placed the caustic climate of real-world reality into the middle of a sandwich story. Kelsey Kennedy is a suffering soul. Her teen years were spent eating…finding that she was not wanted by her parents, and then losing them in a horrible accident can do that to a wounded little girl. So now she is the butt of much ridicule at Forsyth Academy, a place she should have felt safe became her daily hell. Cruel peers called her KING KONG! She endured relentless torture with but one light, her friend Benedict, but in the end that too was taken away.
A new improved confident lovely Kelsey has metamorphosed. She has gone after her dreams. She is now surrounded by true friends. Kelsey aka: Kee Long writes bestselling books centered on a bullied teen, Pilar Martell. Her stories give hope, understanding, and advice to young people in similar situations. Kelsey though continues to suffer the effects of the years of abuse and humiliation. It still hurts deeply. She is a work in progress.
Benedict now an Attorney still, all these years later remembers and hurts from his rejection of his friend Kelsey. He wants to see her and apologize but Kelsey has literally vanished. Ben also suffers in secret from his abuse at Forsyth Academy.
Their reunion, their understanding, their friendship, and their love are so heartwarming even though it’s filled with misunderstandings and trepidation. This story will have you in tears but also shouts of hooray! Oh yea, there are lots of reunions with Freemans from past stories. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Linda
A new improved confident lovely Kelsey has metamorphosed. She has gone after her dreams. She is now surrounded by true friends. Kelsey aka: Kee Long writes bestselling books centered on a bullied teen, Pilar Martell. Her stories give hope, understanding, and advice to young people in similar situations. Kelsey though continues to suffer the effects of the years of abuse and humiliation. It still hurts deeply. She is a work in progress.
Benedict now an Attorney still, all these years later remembers and hurts from his rejection of his friend Kelsey. He wants to see her and apologize but Kelsey has literally vanished. Ben also suffers in secret from his abuse at Forsyth Academy.
Their reunion, their understanding, their friendship, and their love are so heartwarming even though it’s filled with misunderstandings and trepidation. This story will have you in tears but also shouts of hooray! Oh yea, there are lots of reunions with Freemans from past stories. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Linda
September 11, 2022
So many emotions are expressed in this book, but the overall theme is about overcoming obstacles, finding your truth and inner beauty, finding your peace and learning to love yourself before you can love another.
While Kelsey Kennedy and Benedict Perrault were friendly during HS, a brief flash of verbal abuse destroys their friendship. Years later, both of them are changed people, they meet and reconnect, but Benedict doesn’t know who Kelsey is until after their one-night stand.
The story touches on hazing, bullying, fat shaming, so many different forms of verbal and physical abuse, but yet it has a message to deliver about finding yourself and working through any and all trials in life.
The quote below is directly from the book, but the author repeats it many times and it resonates as a mantra to self belief.
“The worst thing that’s happening to you is the best thing that will ever happen to someone else. All you can do is move past it. After all, if life were meant to be easy, I’d have already won the game.”
There is a hard fought and finally won happy ending. The story can get a little preachy at times, and it is definitely one of the longest romances I have ever read, but I never wanted to quit before getting to the end because I was fully vested in the characters.
While Kelsey Kennedy and Benedict Perrault were friendly during HS, a brief flash of verbal abuse destroys their friendship. Years later, both of them are changed people, they meet and reconnect, but Benedict doesn’t know who Kelsey is until after their one-night stand.
The story touches on hazing, bullying, fat shaming, so many different forms of verbal and physical abuse, but yet it has a message to deliver about finding yourself and working through any and all trials in life.
The quote below is directly from the book, but the author repeats it many times and it resonates as a mantra to self belief.
“The worst thing that’s happening to you is the best thing that will ever happen to someone else. All you can do is move past it. After all, if life were meant to be easy, I’d have already won the game.”
There is a hard fought and finally won happy ending. The story can get a little preachy at times, and it is definitely one of the longest romances I have ever read, but I never wanted to quit before getting to the end because I was fully vested in the characters.
September 21, 2022
Kelsey was a girl who was treated badly in High School, and yet, still goes to her reunion anyway many years later to face her past. It proved to be the wrong decision because those classmates never grew up as evidenced by her name tag so thankfully she bailed before anyone spotted her. She goes to the hotel bar, and comes across the boy, Ben, who she always had a secret thing for, and decides this is her time to actually experience him since he didn't recognize her. They spend a super hot night together, and she's out before he can wake up, which upsets him when he finally figures out who she was, because he was going to fix what he did in school, not to mention, he wanted a chance with her. Lawd help me, this set up a very frustrating push & pull as I kept reading to find out if fate would step in. The emotions pulled out of me were insane, because it felt like I went through the fire with Kelsey & Ben to be honest! Tracey Jerald has become a go to author for me, and each new story really hits those deep down gooey feelings that I try to keep buried every time, so hit those one click buttons immediately to find out how it all plays out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
March 18, 2025
The Amaryllis book series is a good one to follow. The whole Freeman family of characters in the book series was well written, including how they all interact together and make you feel like you are part of the family. They bring you along in the love story of the book. There is an HEA in this book.
Note: This book deals with some realistic issues regarding body issues, hazing, and bullying.
Quotes obtained from this book were:
“I mean, think about it, clothes are better than men. You can mix and match, have multiples, and they won’t let you down unless you do something stupid to them like drool.”
"Life’s path isn’t defined by one moment, one heartache, or one love, but a series of them. No event is meant to be forgotten. Instead, weave them together to form the cloth your life will be cut from."
Note: This book deals with some realistic issues regarding body issues, hazing, and bullying.
Quotes obtained from this book were:
“I mean, think about it, clothes are better than men. You can mix and match, have multiples, and they won’t let you down unless you do something stupid to them like drool.”
"Life’s path isn’t defined by one moment, one heartache, or one love, but a series of them. No event is meant to be forgotten. Instead, weave them together to form the cloth your life will be cut from."
September 19, 2022
This was a 4.5⭐️ read
This was a beautifully written story.
Kelsey and Ben’s story was a journey of them accepting themselves as much as it was them forgiving their pasts and finally finding the love they deserved.
This book tackled the hard topics of high school bullying and Hazing and the effects it has on everyone involved.
Tracey handled this well and my emotions were in constant flux. At one point I was so emotional I had to stop reading.
The only reason I did not give this 5⭐️ was because at time I though it became a little too drawn out and even though I was invested in the characters I felt my attention waning and the story got a bit repetitive without moving forward.
Overall though a great read.
I was given a complimentary copy but I voluntarily chose to review
This was a beautifully written story.
Kelsey and Ben’s story was a journey of them accepting themselves as much as it was them forgiving their pasts and finally finding the love they deserved.
This book tackled the hard topics of high school bullying and Hazing and the effects it has on everyone involved.
Tracey handled this well and my emotions were in constant flux. At one point I was so emotional I had to stop reading.
The only reason I did not give this 5⭐️ was because at time I though it became a little too drawn out and even though I was invested in the characters I felt my attention waning and the story got a bit repetitive without moving forward.
Overall though a great read.
I was given a complimentary copy but I voluntarily chose to review
January 10, 2023
I've had this book sitting on my Kindle since its release because it was so long, I didn't know if I was ready for it. It may be 600 pages long, but once I started it, I couldn't put it down and flew through it. So much emotion on its pages. So much anguish so many can relate to while growing up. I loved both Kelsey and Ben who both had to overcome anger and abuse in their lives in order to really grow and love. I love Tracey Jerald's books and this goes tight to the top of the list. ❤❤❤
September 28, 2025
4.5 stars
First I am not going to lie, I was lost as to who Kelsey was. I thought it was one of the gown up kids.
I was so wrong!
Kelsey is Jillian's friend, and Ava's cousin. The author Kee Long.
This story takes the discussion of bullying and puts a face to it. This love story, had to work through a lot of apologies, but it was worth it to get to the other side. Don't miss reading this story.
First I am not going to lie, I was lost as to who Kelsey was. I thought it was one of the gown up kids.
I was so wrong!
Kelsey is Jillian's friend, and Ava's cousin. The author Kee Long.
This story takes the discussion of bullying and puts a face to it. This love story, had to work through a lot of apologies, but it was worth it to get to the other side. Don't miss reading this story.
September 12, 2022
How the heck can you write a story that can laugh and cry so hard?! This one killed me!!! Ben and Kelsey’s story isn’t just a romance - it’s a true journey. A journey of two souls that are meant to be. Both with extraordinary circumstances. If I could only highlight every perfectly written word in this book I would. Yes. It’s that special and definitely one of my favorite reads of 2022!
September 14, 2022
Tracey Jerald's stories will build you up and break your heart. Ben and Kelsey's story did just that. This is a story forging us to have a moral compass. Words and actions can hurt but "we" can decide what defines us. Both Ben and Kelsey have so much pain to move on from, but they both find that the pain is worth it. Sweet, tragic, funny and will warm your heart, you just need to take the chance.
September 15, 2022
Tracey Jerald is the queen of emotionally gut wrenching love stories and this book was no different. It tore my heart wide open and mended it back just as quickly. Ben & Kelsey both dealt with painful traumatic pasts, but they fought to overcome it all. Their love story was beautifully written, and I loved watching them learn to heal together.
September 16, 2022
Tracey Jerald s stories will build you up and break your heart. Ben and Kelsey's story did just that. This is a story forging us to have a moral compass. Words and actions can hurt but "we" can decide what defines us. Both Ben and Kelsey have so much pain to move on from, but they both find that the pain is worth it. Sweet, tragic, funny and will warm your heart, you just need to take the chance.
November 5, 2022
Free to Reunite
What a heart breaking story that hits home for so many! So many people have been bullied and shamed by not only friends and peers but also family members who they trusted! Thankfully Kelsey and Ben have a very strong understanding and love for each other. Ms. Jerald is a marvelous story teller! Thank you so much!
What a heart breaking story that hits home for so many! So many people have been bullied and shamed by not only friends and peers but also family members who they trusted! Thankfully Kelsey and Ben have a very strong understanding and love for each other. Ms. Jerald is a marvelous story teller! Thank you so much!
December 21, 2023
A must read
for anyone who has ever been bullied, diminished, made to feel less than, or taught. I was painfully shy for years, assaulted when I was 9, and taught middle school for 18 years in ‘at risk’ schools.
I have enjoyed the love stories in the series, but this book made me cry often - in the very best and most cathartic of ways.
for anyone who has ever been bullied, diminished, made to feel less than, or taught. I was painfully shy for years, assaulted when I was 9, and taught middle school for 18 years in ‘at risk’ schools.
I have enjoyed the love stories in the series, but this book made me cry often - in the very best and most cathartic of ways.
May 19, 2024
This story touched me so much and broke and put my heart together. The two have a admirable journey, most so because what they went through individually was pretty rough and cruel and i don't say that word lightly. The sensitivity the author had with these themes plus the love between them made it become one of my favorite reads.
April 28, 2025
When Ben and Kelsey both go to there school reunion
When Ben goes to his school reunion he is looking for his girl Kelsey to apology for what happen between them on the last day of school both had been fighting against bullies both visual and words both of these people were hurt but in terms end find love with each other and have concerned the bullies
When Ben goes to his school reunion he is looking for his girl Kelsey to apology for what happen between them on the last day of school both had been fighting against bullies both visual and words both of these people were hurt but in terms end find love with each other and have concerned the bullies
May 14, 2025
Excellent Read
I loved this book just like all of the others in this series. All the way through the series, the characters are well-rounded. There are always issues to overcome and twists you don’t expect which make for a compelling read. I not only recommend this book but the entire series! Read them in order! You won’t be disappointed!
I loved this book just like all of the others in this series. All the way through the series, the characters are well-rounded. There are always issues to overcome and twists you don’t expect which make for a compelling read. I not only recommend this book but the entire series! Read them in order! You won’t be disappointed!
September 17, 2022
This was such an amazing book, I read this back when it was a spinoff from Kristen Proby's series. And this version was just as amazing if not more. I loved reading Kelsey and Benedict's story and their fight against bullying. I can only hope cade and Lisa get a book. Lol I need that story.
September 17, 2022
I really love this series. Each book alone is a beautifully crafted story and together the intertwined stories and characters take it to the next level. Kelsey and Benedict’s story is heartbreaking but they strength they show in healing individually and together is magical
October 8, 2022
Socially conscious
Tracey always does an amazing job of bringing light to social issues. Free to reunite doesn't disappoint dealing with the harsh and often unspoken injustice many of us face.
Tracey always does an amazing job of bringing light to social issues. Free to reunite doesn't disappoint dealing with the harsh and often unspoken injustice many of us face.
August 20, 2024
Heartwarming and devastating, all at once
Wow. What a story. The theme of bullying and it's long term affects is harsh and digs into our psyches. The pull of love and acceptance breaks through to make the story bearable and then uplifting.
Wow. What a story. The theme of bullying and it's long term affects is harsh and digs into our psyches. The pull of love and acceptance breaks through to make the story bearable and then uplifting.
October 13, 2022
Engaging
Absolutely a beautiful story everyone should read. Well written and the best of the series. I loved everything about it.
Absolutely a beautiful story everyone should read. Well written and the best of the series. I loved everything about it.
November 2, 2022
This was a perfect emotional read! You will get so immersed in the story you will feel the emotions. Beautiful read that you will need the tissues for.
October 2, 2022
This is a heartbreaking story of Kelsey, who was treated badly in high school, and Ben who she always considered the one who would have her back until he didn't. At their high school reunion, she is back but is unrecognized because of how much she has changed. Ben is on a mission to find Kelsey and apologize to her for how much he hurt her. When he doesn't recognize her, even after their night together, Kelsey leaves behind clues to her identity. It's a very sad story with a hopeful end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews