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The Edens #3
Garnet Flats
Get ready for small towns stirred by mystery and desire in The Eden series, intense third story . . .
For one year, two months and eleven days Talia Eden loved Foster Madden . . .
And on the 438th day that love died. He chose to marry her best friend and she chose to never think of him again.
Until years later when he has the audacity to show up in her small hometown of Quincy, begging for her help.
The ink on his divorce papers is barely dry, yet he comes armed with apologies and promises. She knows it's all a ploy. Foster is the king of games and secrets. But he's got delusions the size of Montana if he thinks she'll help him train for a world championship fight.
Except Talia has forgotten exactly what made Foster famous. The man has dedicated his life to victory. He's steadfast. He's determined. And he won't stop fighting until he's won her heart.
For one year, two months and eleven days Talia Eden loved Foster Madden . . .
And on the 438th day that love died. He chose to marry her best friend and she chose to never think of him again.
Until years later when he has the audacity to show up in her small hometown of Quincy, begging for her help.
The ink on his divorce papers is barely dry, yet he comes armed with apologies and promises. She knows it's all a ploy. Foster is the king of games and secrets. But he's got delusions the size of Montana if he thinks she'll help him train for a world championship fight.
Except Talia has forgotten exactly what made Foster famous. The man has dedicated his life to victory. He's steadfast. He's determined. And he won't stop fighting until he's won her heart.
344 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
4677 people are currently reading
45889 people want to read
About the author
Devney Perry
84 books28.2k followersDevney is a #1 Amazon, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over forty romance novels. After working in the technology industry for a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to pursue her passion for writing. She was born and raised in Montana and now lives in Washington with her husband and two sons.”
Visit Devney's website to sign up for her newsletters and learn more about upcoming books.
www.devneyperry.com
Visit Devney's website to sign up for her newsletters and learn more about upcoming books.
www.devneyperry.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,868 reviews
July 28, 2022
I’m giving it this rating mostly out of fury and annoyance - the writing was great and the story was well told. I almost never rate books this low but I’m freaking fuming.
Note: most of this review will read like an essay on female anger. But seriously, I can put up with a lot of shit in romance and I take it with a grain of salt. But I’m tired of the misogyny, audacity of men and generally the low expectations that women have. Those have no place here unless they are part of the book but not the relationship. We need to raise the bar both fictional and real one.
I liked some of DP’s books but in others, I’ve noticed she does have a tendency to sometimes write men who are problematic. I will maybe go back and read the rest in the series, but this story was the wrong one for me. I detest this plot from the bottom of my heart and part of it is because I don’t wanna read anymore about women who accept men who don’t deserve them. Women who forgive men because they had reasons to do what they did. Women who are amazing, intelligent, beautiful, loyal, successful and everything good who settle for men who failed to do the bare minimum which is respect them enough to be honest and open with them.
Second chance romance books are always a hit or a very bad miss. This one was a miss.
First of all I wanna say that I understand why this book was so loved and praised. I don’t agree one bit, but I understand we all need and want different things in a love story and have different opinions as what qualifies as a good grovel or a good reason for betrayal.
I also wanna say that I’m a heartless, petty bitch and I have no tolerance for excuses or situations like: ”I’m actually a martyr for leaving you and I loved you every single day that I was gone” - it’s a BS excuse - and when I read, I wanna forget that I live in a world which treats women a certain way. I want the hero to be worshipping at the heroines feet. I don’t care for his words, I care for his actions. So me being me - I wouldn’t let those two POS back in my life. The POS in question being the hero and the heroine’s ex-bestie.
It was such a deep betrayal and obviously it left a freaking gaping and a long lasting wound - what they did to her.
I never understood this type of behaviour and how it’s used in so many second chance romances. The one where the hero, who claims the heroine is the love of his life, hurts her and leaves her to torture herself over this betrayal and to make matters worse, also over her best friend’s betrayal - all the while rationalising it that it’s for her own good in some way.
The audacity. The utter audacity on this man to actually come back and think he can just set it all to rights so he can have his cake and eat it too. I don’t care if someone forced him with a knife to his throat to marry that girl. I don’t care for any circumstances. There was always a way to make this right and to be honest with the heroine while he tried to think of ways to get out of a sticky situation while helping everyone involved.
That whole ”he’s been 7 years celibate and didn’t cheat on her thing ” was bullshit. I can bet my life on the fact that the author only added that tidbit so that he would be easier to forgive because apparently for a guy to keep his dick in his pants must be proof of his utter love and devotion to the supposed love of his life, Talia.
Cheating is not just falling in love with someone else, or kissing/ sleeping with someone else. Cheating is when you betray your significant other and marry someone else with no explanation or regards towards the supposed love of his life. And if it was so hard for him to do it as he claims then he wouldn’t have done it. So in conclusion, it wasn’t that hard.
I don’t even wanna get into the whole ex best friend drama, but in this case I must. So that woman, gets into some shit and her selfish, despicable, miserable excuse of a brain and heart tells her it’s okay to betray her best friend in such a horrible way. I mean, as long as she is ok and she gets what she wants, who cares how others feel. I despise her.
Also, I love kids in books, but I cannot, I would not ever get over seeing the hero be a father to a child that would just remind me of the betrayal I suffered, of all the years I lost, of al the resentment and hate i harboured. It’s an innocent kid but it’s also a symbol of everything those two did to Talia. The fact that it’s not his bio kid doesn’t change a thing. His life will always be intertwined with the kids mom and Talia will always be a witness to that. To the reason why he left her for 7 years
Also, 7 years is not a short time which in a way makes everything even worse.
Those two played with her life once. Thought themselves right to be doing so and after 7 years they thought they could do it some more.
My girl Talia deserved more.
Sometimes, a person can love you. A lot. Doesn’t make them good for you. Doesn’t mean they won’t still hurt you. That’s what the hero, Foster is like. When times got tough and life took a turn, he had his back to a wall and had to make some decisions, he made the wrong one. A man who is willing to hurt you when circumstances get difficult - and takes the easy way out even if it means hurting you is not a forever man. I don’t doubt he thought he loved her. But he didn’t do it right. You don’t hurt the ones you love. Not intentionally. You find other ways. You tell them the truth even if you still have to leave them. You don’t lie to them. You don’t disrespect their strength, their right to information, their right to make their own decisions. You don’t do what Foster did.
It seems like everyone is ready to forgive him because he really loved Talia and because he was celibate, and because his reasons were altruistic. But the only person he needed to do right by and be fair, good, and altruistic to was Talia, and Talia only.
The fact that the reasons for him leaving her behind and breaking her heart will always be in front of her and in her life if she stays with him, that’s just absolutely bonkers to me.
I’m not as good a person as Talia and I don’t wanna be. I wouldn’t be able to live with that. The constant reminder, the bitterness, the memories. Excuses won’t heal my anger. It will only fuel it.
So yes, while the hero wasn’t a bad person, he wasn’t hero material. He was a man like many other. And I’m not here to read about them. I see them and interact with them enough.
If I’m reading. I want devotion, respect and then absolute love. He only had one of those for Talia.
NOTE: spoilers in the comments
Note: most of this review will read like an essay on female anger. But seriously, I can put up with a lot of shit in romance and I take it with a grain of salt. But I’m tired of the misogyny, audacity of men and generally the low expectations that women have. Those have no place here unless they are part of the book but not the relationship. We need to raise the bar both fictional and real one.
I liked some of DP’s books but in others, I’ve noticed she does have a tendency to sometimes write men who are problematic. I will maybe go back and read the rest in the series, but this story was the wrong one for me. I detest this plot from the bottom of my heart and part of it is because I don’t wanna read anymore about women who accept men who don’t deserve them. Women who forgive men because they had reasons to do what they did. Women who are amazing, intelligent, beautiful, loyal, successful and everything good who settle for men who failed to do the bare minimum which is respect them enough to be honest and open with them.
Second chance romance books are always a hit or a very bad miss. This one was a miss.
First of all I wanna say that I understand why this book was so loved and praised. I don’t agree one bit, but I understand we all need and want different things in a love story and have different opinions as what qualifies as a good grovel or a good reason for betrayal.
I also wanna say that I’m a heartless, petty bitch and I have no tolerance for excuses or situations like: ”I’m actually a martyr for leaving you and I loved you every single day that I was gone” - it’s a BS excuse - and when I read, I wanna forget that I live in a world which treats women a certain way. I want the hero to be worshipping at the heroines feet. I don’t care for his words, I care for his actions. So me being me - I wouldn’t let those two POS back in my life. The POS in question being the hero and the heroine’s ex-bestie.
It was such a deep betrayal and obviously it left a freaking gaping and a long lasting wound - what they did to her.
I never understood this type of behaviour and how it’s used in so many second chance romances. The one where the hero, who claims the heroine is the love of his life, hurts her and leaves her to torture herself over this betrayal and to make matters worse, also over her best friend’s betrayal - all the while rationalising it that it’s for her own good in some way.
The audacity. The utter audacity on this man to actually come back and think he can just set it all to rights so he can have his cake and eat it too. I don’t care if someone forced him with a knife to his throat to marry that girl. I don’t care for any circumstances. There was always a way to make this right and to be honest with the heroine while he tried to think of ways to get out of a sticky situation while helping everyone involved.
That whole ”he’s been 7 years celibate and didn’t cheat on her thing ” was bullshit. I can bet my life on the fact that the author only added that tidbit so that he would be easier to forgive because apparently for a guy to keep his dick in his pants must be proof of his utter love and devotion to the supposed love of his life, Talia.
Cheating is not just falling in love with someone else, or kissing/ sleeping with someone else. Cheating is when you betray your significant other and marry someone else with no explanation or regards towards the supposed love of his life. And if it was so hard for him to do it as he claims then he wouldn’t have done it. So in conclusion, it wasn’t that hard.
I don’t even wanna get into the whole ex best friend drama, but in this case I must. So that woman, gets into some shit and her selfish, despicable, miserable excuse of a brain and heart tells her it’s okay to betray her best friend in such a horrible way. I mean, as long as she is ok and she gets what she wants, who cares how others feel. I despise her.
Also, I love kids in books, but I cannot, I would not ever get over seeing the hero be a father to a child that would just remind me of the betrayal I suffered, of all the years I lost, of al the resentment and hate i harboured. It’s an innocent kid but it’s also a symbol of everything those two did to Talia. The fact that it’s not his bio kid doesn’t change a thing. His life will always be intertwined with the kids mom and Talia will always be a witness to that. To the reason why he left her for 7 years
Also, 7 years is not a short time which in a way makes everything even worse.
Those two played with her life once. Thought themselves right to be doing so and after 7 years they thought they could do it some more.
My girl Talia deserved more.
Sometimes, a person can love you. A lot. Doesn’t make them good for you. Doesn’t mean they won’t still hurt you. That’s what the hero, Foster is like. When times got tough and life took a turn, he had his back to a wall and had to make some decisions, he made the wrong one. A man who is willing to hurt you when circumstances get difficult - and takes the easy way out even if it means hurting you is not a forever man. I don’t doubt he thought he loved her. But he didn’t do it right. You don’t hurt the ones you love. Not intentionally. You find other ways. You tell them the truth even if you still have to leave them. You don’t lie to them. You don’t disrespect their strength, their right to information, their right to make their own decisions. You don’t do what Foster did.
It seems like everyone is ready to forgive him because he really loved Talia and because he was celibate, and because his reasons were altruistic. But the only person he needed to do right by and be fair, good, and altruistic to was Talia, and Talia only.
The fact that the reasons for him leaving her behind and breaking her heart will always be in front of her and in her life if she stays with him, that’s just absolutely bonkers to me.
I’m not as good a person as Talia and I don’t wanna be. I wouldn’t be able to live with that. The constant reminder, the bitterness, the memories. Excuses won’t heal my anger. It will only fuel it.
So yes, while the hero wasn’t a bad person, he wasn’t hero material. He was a man like many other. And I’m not here to read about them. I see them and interact with them enough.
If I’m reading. I want devotion, respect and then absolute love. He only had one of those for Talia.
NOTE: spoilers in the comments
February 5, 2023
fuck foster and vivienne 🤡🐍🗑🤬🖕🏻🤢🤮😒
March 6, 2023
the synopsis seems brutal...
do I want to read about asshole ex coming back and winning her over after betrayal? NO.
but will I read it? PROBABLY
-------------------------
well, I tried to read it
gave it a fair shot but sadly I can't make myself finish it...
do I want to read about asshole ex coming back and winning her over after betrayal? NO.
but will I read it? PROBABLY
-------------------------
well, I tried to read it
gave it a fair shot but sadly I can't make myself finish it...
June 19, 2023
I only have one question...
What would happen if Arlo didn’t die? Foster would stay married to her"best friend"till the end of days.
Sorry. There is no forgiveness for such a betrayal.
Fuck Vivian and Foster. There is no way to twist what they did. They are two of the most selfish characters I read in a long time.
Why would the writer think this story will appeal to someone in 2022?
What kind of a wuss of an H did you write? He was supposed to be a world boxing champion. Who can even threaten him?
And let's not start with Vivian. To fuck over your best friend like that makes you eligible for eternity in hell.
And Talia(no one calls me Doctor there, for I'm not worthy). You are supposed to be a smart woman.
Why even stay celibate for 7 years if you thought Foster didn't love you? Move on. Live your life.
I fucking despise martyrs.
What would happen if Arlo didn’t die? Foster would stay married to her"best friend"till the end of days.
Sorry. There is no forgiveness for such a betrayal.
Fuck Vivian and Foster. There is no way to twist what they did. They are two of the most selfish characters I read in a long time.
Why would the writer think this story will appeal to someone in 2022?
What kind of a wuss of an H did you write? He was supposed to be a world boxing champion. Who can even threaten him?
And let's not start with Vivian. To fuck over your best friend like that makes you eligible for eternity in hell.
And Talia(no one calls me Doctor there, for I'm not worthy). You are supposed to be a smart woman.
Why even stay celibate for 7 years if you thought Foster didn't love you? Move on. Live your life.
I fucking despise martyrs.
December 19, 2024
3.5 stars! My least fav in the series so far but I still enjoyed it! TBH I thought I was going to hate this book because I'd heard sooo many negative reviews but I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.
I did not know how to feel about the backstory with Foster & Talia. I feel like there were other options to avoid what happened😭 BUT there were so many cute moments after they reconnected. And I think Foster always tried to have good intentions.
Soooo excited to keep reading this series. I'm so invested in the Eden family & the town now!!!
I did not know how to feel about the backstory with Foster & Talia. I feel like there were other options to avoid what happened😭 BUT there were so many cute moments after they reconnected. And I think Foster always tried to have good intentions.
Soooo excited to keep reading this series. I'm so invested in the Eden family & the town now!!!
September 17, 2023
Don't you just love it when your man marries your best friend and then comes back 7 years later and demands you forgive him 🥺😍💗 (and you do)
October 31, 2023
1/5
Not even side eye. Full body turn, because what the f was this?
Not even side eye. Full body turn, because what the f was this?
April 28, 2023
No amount of groveling can make me like Foster and Vivienne.
This is a decently written story yes. Second chance romance in a small town. BUT if he married your best friend while claiming to be in love with you, am sorry, you are gone sir. I didn't think one can top the cheating disgust, but this one does it 🤢
This is a decently written story yes. Second chance romance in a small town. BUT if he married your best friend while claiming to be in love with you, am sorry, you are gone sir. I didn't think one can top the cheating disgust, but this one does it 🤢
June 23, 2024
I feel like I'm always an odd ball lol, whether for the positive or the negative. I really didn't think this was so bad?
Little far fetched at times but not half bad. FRTC.
Thank you for buddy reading with me my darling Antima ❤️🧡
Squeezing in the rest of this series in between my other reads.
Little far fetched at times but not half bad. FRTC.
Thank you for buddy reading with me my darling Antima ❤️🧡
Squeezing in the rest of this series in between my other reads.
January 12, 2023
talia & foster were cute 😭 the groveling was really giving!!!!
I adored being back in quincy, it lowkey felt like I never left. seeing everyone again made my heart SOAR ✨ (specially knox & memphis aka loml)
a lot about this book bothered me tho. like the entire backstory.. which is why it wasn’t my favorite in this universe. but i did have a good time reading it.
“I never needed the world”
“But I wanted to give it to you anyway.” <3
I adored being back in quincy, it lowkey felt like I never left. seeing everyone again made my heart SOAR ✨ (specially knox & memphis aka loml)
a lot about this book bothered me tho. like the entire backstory.. which is why it wasn’t my favorite in this universe. but i did have a good time reading it.
“I never needed the world”
“But I wanted to give it to you anyway.” <3
July 27, 2022
I was waiting for this book to release for 6 months and it was really a very disappointing read. The blurb of the book was very intriguing but the story was not satisfying at all. One of the reasons why people read second chance romance is to feel the angst and longing. They want the characters to get together and when they do .... its like a relief. This feeling was missing from this story. There are many reason for this.
1. There is a difference between a hero who has made some mistakes and a hero who is coward. Sadly in this book Foster was a big coward. The reason why he betrayed Talia was all about him and Vivienne. In the story Talia once mentions that how keeping her in dark had actually put her life in danger as well. Foster doesn't have any convincing answer for that. Either he was stupid or his 'love' for her was not that strong.
2. Throughout the book his mind is preoccupied with his 'daughter' and he himself mentions that one of the reasons he came to Quincy was for a good life for Kadence. So that she gets the love of a big family. And if he gets Talia back then that would just be a cherry on top.
3. Even when he thinks about starting a family with Talia, his motive is to give siblings to Kadence. I am like dude if you care about her so much .... then why are you here, just stay in your pretend marriage and don't come begging for forgiveness.
4. In the beginning he tells Talia that he will go back to Vegas if she doesn't accept him. later in the story when Talia asks him if he meant that, he denies it. He even did not have the decency to walk out of her town had she not accepted him.
5. I love kids and support adoption, but I need to feel that the heroine is up there in the top of your priorities along with your kids. Sadly for Foster, he cared more about kadence and Vivienne. Like the dude literally has the so called 'goofy photo' of his ex wife as her caller photo and a special ringtone for her in his phone.
6. Even if he was stuck with Vivienne without both of them not wanting it, he should have considered how Talia must have felt about him claiming her to be his best friend and admitting that he is in contact with her daily. He constantly makes excuses on her behalf and near the end of the story there is a scene where he justifies her decisions by telling Talia that how she puts everyone's happiness before hers. He witholds the whole truth from Talia even after coming back because Vivienne wants to explain her side of the story. Is holding the wish of your friend more important than avoiding the risk of losing your girl again?
7. Had Vivienne been so good, she would not have agreed to marry Foster because it hurt Talia. It is clear that her father Arlo wanted best for her. She could have easily convinced him to not tie her down with Foster but she didn't because she was selfish. There is a scene in the book where she has a bittersweet look on her face and tells Talia how she is sad to share her daughter's life with anyone but if she has to then it may as well be her. It was such a condescending thing to say. As if you did not steal her boyfriend and marry him.
8. This humanization of her character has convinced me that she will have her own story. And it is likely going to be with the youngest eden, Talia's brother. I hope it is not the case. Their family dynamic is going to be too fucked up. Even if she is supposed to get a happy ending, it should be a small sub plot in one of the books with a minor side character. Not a full fledged book. Talia deserves at least that much.
9. To sum it up I didn't see any reason for Foster adopting Vivienne's daughter. He could have easily raised her as her mother's friend. 7 years is a long time and he devoted all his glorious fighting days and fame to his marriage. Now that he wants to retire, he comes crawling back to her. He doesn't even show his love for Talia to the media and the social media still thinks that he is hung up on Vivienne and truly loved her. And the worst part is that once Talia mentioned how she was jealous of Vivienne. You know what is the first thing that comes to his mind - "good, this means she cares about me". Such a pathetic man. All the grovelling in the world is not enough to redeem him. In the end he just gives a lame ass proposal to her. Too convenient.
10. Being celibate for 7 years is not a commendable thing for hero as some people might think. He was literally married. What else would he have done? Had he been with someone, it would have been publicized in media because he was famous.
The writing was good. No hate to the author.
Just that the story was not satisfying at all. I am ranting so much because Talia was such a great character. She deserves someone so much better than him. Someone who always puts her first and doesn't throw the care for his ex wife and daughter to her face every day like Foster. I hope we get scenes in future books where people remind Foster of his cowardice and he feels guilty for his lifetime. I need scenes of him always on the beck and call of Talia and catering to her every whim. The only way in which he could have redeemed himself was to distance himself from Vivienne out of respect for Talia. He loved her but could stay away from her for 7 years. If Vivienne was just his friend he could have easily moved on from that chapter because no matter what the circumstances were, Vivienne's complacency with her father's wishes was the reason he, as he claims ' was forced to abandon Talia'.
Just a wild thought--- had there been a twist such that Jasper and Talia get together and heal each other from their past experiences, the story would have been so giving. You know - tit for tat 😜
Anyway lets hope Jasper is a true hero and treats Eloise like a queen. And most importantly, always puts her first. I want some similar type of situation to happen with Jasper, that happened with Foster but Jasper showing what it really means to love someone and fighting for them. Even if you have to sacrifice some parts of you. That would be such a slap to Foster's face and make him see how big of a loser he was in doing what he did.
End of rant. That felt good 😌
1. There is a difference between a hero who has made some mistakes and a hero who is coward. Sadly in this book Foster was a big coward. The reason why he betrayed Talia was all about him and Vivienne. In the story Talia once mentions that how keeping her in dark had actually put her life in danger as well. Foster doesn't have any convincing answer for that. Either he was stupid or his 'love' for her was not that strong.
2. Throughout the book his mind is preoccupied with his 'daughter' and he himself mentions that one of the reasons he came to Quincy was for a good life for Kadence. So that she gets the love of a big family. And if he gets Talia back then that would just be a cherry on top.
3. Even when he thinks about starting a family with Talia, his motive is to give siblings to Kadence. I am like dude if you care about her so much .... then why are you here, just stay in your pretend marriage and don't come begging for forgiveness.
4. In the beginning he tells Talia that he will go back to Vegas if she doesn't accept him. later in the story when Talia asks him if he meant that, he denies it. He even did not have the decency to walk out of her town had she not accepted him.
5. I love kids and support adoption, but I need to feel that the heroine is up there in the top of your priorities along with your kids. Sadly for Foster, he cared more about kadence and Vivienne. Like the dude literally has the so called 'goofy photo' of his ex wife as her caller photo and a special ringtone for her in his phone.
6. Even if he was stuck with Vivienne without both of them not wanting it, he should have considered how Talia must have felt about him claiming her to be his best friend and admitting that he is in contact with her daily. He constantly makes excuses on her behalf and near the end of the story there is a scene where he justifies her decisions by telling Talia that how she puts everyone's happiness before hers. He witholds the whole truth from Talia even after coming back because Vivienne wants to explain her side of the story. Is holding the wish of your friend more important than avoiding the risk of losing your girl again?
7. Had Vivienne been so good, she would not have agreed to marry Foster because it hurt Talia. It is clear that her father Arlo wanted best for her. She could have easily convinced him to not tie her down with Foster but she didn't because she was selfish. There is a scene in the book where she has a bittersweet look on her face and tells Talia how she is sad to share her daughter's life with anyone but if she has to then it may as well be her. It was such a condescending thing to say. As if you did not steal her boyfriend and marry him.
8. This humanization of her character has convinced me that she will have her own story. And it is likely going to be with the youngest eden, Talia's brother. I hope it is not the case. Their family dynamic is going to be too fucked up. Even if she is supposed to get a happy ending, it should be a small sub plot in one of the books with a minor side character. Not a full fledged book. Talia deserves at least that much.
9. To sum it up I didn't see any reason for Foster adopting Vivienne's daughter. He could have easily raised her as her mother's friend. 7 years is a long time and he devoted all his glorious fighting days and fame to his marriage. Now that he wants to retire, he comes crawling back to her. He doesn't even show his love for Talia to the media and the social media still thinks that he is hung up on Vivienne and truly loved her. And the worst part is that once Talia mentioned how she was jealous of Vivienne. You know what is the first thing that comes to his mind - "good, this means she cares about me". Such a pathetic man. All the grovelling in the world is not enough to redeem him. In the end he just gives a lame ass proposal to her. Too convenient.
10. Being celibate for 7 years is not a commendable thing for hero as some people might think. He was literally married. What else would he have done? Had he been with someone, it would have been publicized in media because he was famous.
The writing was good. No hate to the author.
Just that the story was not satisfying at all. I am ranting so much because Talia was such a great character. She deserves someone so much better than him. Someone who always puts her first and doesn't throw the care for his ex wife and daughter to her face every day like Foster. I hope we get scenes in future books where people remind Foster of his cowardice and he feels guilty for his lifetime. I need scenes of him always on the beck and call of Talia and catering to her every whim. The only way in which he could have redeemed himself was to distance himself from Vivienne out of respect for Talia. He loved her but could stay away from her for 7 years. If Vivienne was just his friend he could have easily moved on from that chapter because no matter what the circumstances were, Vivienne's complacency with her father's wishes was the reason he, as he claims ' was forced to abandon Talia'.
Just a wild thought--- had there been a twist such that Jasper and Talia get together and heal each other from their past experiences, the story would have been so giving. You know - tit for tat 😜
Anyway lets hope Jasper is a true hero and treats Eloise like a queen. And most importantly, always puts her first. I want some similar type of situation to happen with Jasper, that happened with Foster but Jasper showing what it really means to love someone and fighting for them. Even if you have to sacrifice some parts of you. That would be such a slap to Foster's face and make him see how big of a loser he was in doing what he did.
End of rant. That felt good 😌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2022
This is just not working for me.
I have liked this author's previous work but before starting it I was sceptical as this troupe is a very hard one to make work.
Sadly it didn't work.
The Hero, if we can even label him that, Foster, has left for 7 years, he moves to a place he knows the heroine loves and has connections with so he has caused her huge heartache by betraying her with her so called bf and he then invades her town so she has to see him regularly, does it not occur to him that she might not actually want to?
The heroine is refusing to talk it through when he tries just gets old, just get it over with.
Basically he was blackmailed by the best friend's dad to marry the best friend, blackmail over illegal fights and threats of gangs, other woman, best friend the new Mrs Hero was pregnant with someone else baby so the Hero claims the baby is his.
The so called Hero and the best friend have a brother/sister relationship.
He apparently remained celibate for 7 years.
The best friend, to do that to your bf, really??
And going back to the not talking about your issues, as if the ex Mrs Hero has wrecked his life enough, he has his daughter, not his daughter by blood, with him so the heroine sees and the ex has said don't tell her yet, you promised.
Really, as if there isn't enough wreckage from non-communication, no lessons learned.
One of the issues is that the child is oblivious that he isn't actually her father, so she will be in his life for as,long as she wants, so the heroine will have a constant reminder of the betrayal and the hurt etc.
I'm just not feeling it today.
I might come back to it at a later date.
But for now an absolute no.
I have liked this author's previous work but before starting it I was sceptical as this troupe is a very hard one to make work.
Sadly it didn't work.
The Hero, if we can even label him that, Foster, has left for 7 years, he moves to a place he knows the heroine loves and has connections with so he has caused her huge heartache by betraying her with her so called bf and he then invades her town so she has to see him regularly, does it not occur to him that she might not actually want to?
The heroine is refusing to talk it through when he tries just gets old, just get it over with.
Basically he was blackmailed by the best friend's dad to marry the best friend, blackmail over illegal fights and threats of gangs, other woman, best friend the new Mrs Hero was pregnant with someone else baby so the Hero claims the baby is his.
The so called Hero and the best friend have a brother/sister relationship.
He apparently remained celibate for 7 years.
The best friend, to do that to your bf, really??
And going back to the not talking about your issues, as if the ex Mrs Hero has wrecked his life enough, he has his daughter, not his daughter by blood, with him so the heroine sees and the ex has said don't tell her yet, you promised.
Really, as if there isn't enough wreckage from non-communication, no lessons learned.
One of the issues is that the child is oblivious that he isn't actually her father, so she will be in his life for as,long as she wants, so the heroine will have a constant reminder of the betrayal and the hurt etc.
I'm just not feeling it today.
I might come back to it at a later date.
But for now an absolute no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2025
3.5⭐️
August 3, 2022
1.5⭐️
Talia Eden, sweetie, I love you and you deserve the world but NOT Foster Madden.
I’m sorry but this was TERRIBLE. Where’s the romance?? ? All I see here is blind trust, undeserved forgiveness and bad decisions? 😤🤬🔪
(Ok but the next book is the accidentally-got-married-in-Vegas trope and ngl I’m hyped)
Talia Eden, sweetie, I love you and you deserve the world but NOT Foster Madden.
I’m sorry but this was TERRIBLE. Where’s the romance?? ? All I see here is blind trust, undeserved forgiveness and bad decisions? 😤🤬🔪
(Ok but the next book is the accidentally-got-married-in-Vegas trope and ngl I’m hyped)
July 28, 2022
Sadly Garnet Flats was a huge disappointment. I didn’t mind the premise of the story, the “arrangement” Foster made even though it was a thin excuse for ending it with Talia but hey there had to be a story . What didn’t work for me was how the author chose to execute it and portray Talia and Foster. Those two things are my main reasons why I’m left feeling so disappointed.
Foster didn’t win Talia back cause he didn’t do anything. No grovel, angst or tension which are things I expect in second chance romances.
Early on Foster said “ I need to be worthy of her”. He apologized and used their attraction and Talia couldn’t resist the handsome Foster. It was so predictable and an easy way to slowly work his way back in Talia’s good graces.
I expected so much more of Talia and Foster. There was no depth or no growth. The chemistry was meh.
Too many predictable coincidences , scenes I didn’t think was necessary or some thrown in to make certain characters look better or for the drama.
I only kept reading because of the other Eden characters and Jasper. I had expectations for Garnet Flats but I was let down. In a big way. Sigh…
Foster didn’t win Talia back cause he didn’t do anything. No grovel, angst or tension which are things I expect in second chance romances.
Early on Foster said “ I need to be worthy of her”. He apologized and used their attraction and Talia couldn’t resist the handsome Foster. It was so predictable and an easy way to slowly work his way back in Talia’s good graces.
I expected so much more of Talia and Foster. There was no depth or no growth. The chemistry was meh.
Too many predictable coincidences , scenes I didn’t think was necessary or some thrown in to make certain characters look better or for the drama.
I only kept reading because of the other Eden characters and Jasper. I had expectations for Garnet Flats but I was let down. In a big way. Sigh…
July 31, 2022
2 star and that too only for writing, cause the story sucked ass. Was Forster actually in love with Talia cause that was all 'told and not shown? HE looked much more in love with Viviane and cared more about her than Talia. Like wtf? And Talia literally kissed him so early on in the book for the supposed "7 years of hurt". He didn't grovel. They didn't talk. (To the author-Smutty times DO NOT solve issues). Viviane and Foster were just terrible people. No amount of justification is enough and theirs was stupid af. I mean had I been in Talia's place I would have fucking slapped Viviane for having the audacity even to show up. And clearly, Viviane was selfish af. Her kid, her security >> best friends' love of life. I am just mad. I hate Foster and Viviane. Foster was just a cocky fucking idiot and smothered Talia.
Talia was the only sweetheart (although a little naive). I was so excited about this book and now I am so disappointed ughh
Talia was the only sweetheart (although a little naive). I was so excited about this book and now I am so disappointed ughh
April 8, 2024
Devney Perry, what the fuck was that???
DNF at 64% because I don’t want to see these two getting together, Foster should die a slow and painful death.
DNF at 64% because I don’t want to see these two getting together, Foster should die a slow and painful death.
July 26, 2022
DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT / LIKE SPOILERS.
Characters like Vivienne make it a chore to believe in the HEA. Isn't it great the other woman gets to live a great life, have a father for her baby, still have a man in her life...all the while not giving a shit how much she's fucked up other people's lives??
I also find it ridiculous that her heroine was celibate for SEVEN YEARS (because no one compares or some similar bullshit), even when the hero had clearly moved on with her best friend. And then to find out the hero was also celibate? Sure he was 🙄🙄 The hero was way too content with his life with Vivienne during that time (and after) for him to have gone without. So, not buying it. But what kills is he is always going to have a strong bond with Vivienne for the rest of their lives (their daughter)...something the heroine will never be able to touch.
Story was written well (as usual with Perry), but for something that was supposed to be an angst-filled story just fell flat for me. I just don't think I like the way she writes characters. Maybe that's why I struggle to like this author's books 🤷♀️
Characters like Vivienne make it a chore to believe in the HEA. Isn't it great the other woman gets to live a great life, have a father for her baby, still have a man in her life...all the while not giving a shit how much she's fucked up other people's lives??
I also find it ridiculous that her heroine was celibate for SEVEN YEARS (because no one compares or some similar bullshit), even when the hero had clearly moved on with her best friend. And then to find out the hero was also celibate? Sure he was 🙄🙄 The hero was way too content with his life with Vivienne during that time (and after) for him to have gone without. So, not buying it. But what kills is he is always going to have a strong bond with Vivienne for the rest of their lives (their daughter)...something the heroine will never be able to touch.
Story was written well (as usual with Perry), but for something that was supposed to be an angst-filled story just fell flat for me. I just don't think I like the way she writes characters. Maybe that's why I struggle to like this author's books 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2024
ETA: This book honestly traumatised me so bad that I'm now TERRIFIED to read any more Devney Perry books. DP is def on my list of authors that I won't ever be reading, no matter the hype/number of positive reviews. Sorry not sorry🫡
*POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD*
I'm sorry but no. I love Devney Perry but this was just too painful. I managed to finish this by skimming through the last 50% or so, but it hurt. It hurt so fucking much. I never thought there'd be a day I'd ever say this but that kid ruined the book for me. Sorry not sorry. The fact that Talia has to look at the daughter and be reminded of the fact that the love of her life and her ex best friend once betrayed her. Nope. Nope. Nope. I love kids - especially in books. But not in this one apparently. My heart broke and weeped for Talia and the shit she had to endure for 7 years. 7 FUCKING YEARS. It's a fucking long time y'all. Most of the time, I'm not against second chance romances but Garnet Flats was not it for me. I feel like Talia deserved better. Foster and Vivienne can go to hell ffs. I mean, I know there's not anything specific to hate about Foster because he was sorry, he still loved Talia, remained celibate for her and blah fucking blah. But I still despise him tremendously. No hate or shade to DP but I'd be open to reading a book about Talia finding her HEA with a man who actually deserves her and doesn't leave her feeling miserable for 7 years. We still stan Devney Perry in this house either ways and I look forward to reading the rest of the Edens series🤧
P.S. Yes, I know that Foster may be "sweet" and that he doesn't "give up" on Talia but somehow, I can't find it in me to forgive him for something so big. Something that could have been avoided. I personally would have never forgiven him for the stunt him and Vivienne pulled. And yes, I also know that I'm being repetitive but I'm just hurt and triggered y'all. So please excuse me lmao😭
*POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD*
I'm sorry but no. I love Devney Perry but this was just too painful. I managed to finish this by skimming through the last 50% or so, but it hurt. It hurt so fucking much. I never thought there'd be a day I'd ever say this but that kid ruined the book for me. Sorry not sorry. The fact that Talia has to look at the daughter and be reminded of the fact that the love of her life and her ex best friend once betrayed her. Nope. Nope. Nope. I love kids - especially in books. But not in this one apparently. My heart broke and weeped for Talia and the shit she had to endure for 7 years. 7 FUCKING YEARS. It's a fucking long time y'all. Most of the time, I'm not against second chance romances but Garnet Flats was not it for me. I feel like Talia deserved better. Foster and Vivienne can go to hell ffs. I mean, I know there's not anything specific to hate about Foster because he was sorry, he still loved Talia, remained celibate for her and blah fucking blah. But I still despise him tremendously. No hate or shade to DP but I'd be open to reading a book about Talia finding her HEA with a man who actually deserves her and doesn't leave her feeling miserable for 7 years. We still stan Devney Perry in this house either ways and I look forward to reading the rest of the Edens series🤧
P.S. Yes, I know that Foster may be "sweet" and that he doesn't "give up" on Talia but somehow, I can't find it in me to forgive him for something so big. Something that could have been avoided. I personally would have never forgiven him for the stunt him and Vivienne pulled. And yes, I also know that I'm being repetitive but I'm just hurt and triggered y'all. So please excuse me lmao😭
July 16, 2022
📚 🅶🅰🆁🅽🅴🆃 🅵🅻🅰🆃🆂 📚 is the third second chance full length romance book in author Devney Perry's 'The Edens' series. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.' This can be read as a stand-alone.This was shamelessly inhaled, a slow burn, a second chance romance with all the feels thrown in, take in the fact that it's built around a small town and a strong family makes for the perfect read. Anything this author writes it's unique and this was no different. The storyline, to the characters to the setting I fell under this authors spell again.
A true love which never died even though they had been apart for many years, even though he had broken her heart, his story was like no other I'd ever read before. There I was thinking I would despise him on the spot due to his marrying her best friend but there's always two sides to every story and his one got under my skin. I caved, I fell in love with his character and bowed down to a man who loved fiercely and fought tooth and nail to win her back and the future they deserved.
Ok don't come at me with a pitch fork, but the reason why I rated this 4 stars and not 5 is the many many years these two were apart they never slept with anyone else, which is really good for those readers who prefer priests and nuns but in real life this normally is a rare decease. It just felt a wee bit unbeilable for me. But safe readers will rejoice in that.
After reading this I'm definitely anticipating the next read because that little tidbit of what's to come at the end of this has me excited for it.
July 1, 2022
nobody does second chance like devney perry 😫❤️🔥 talia & foster are soulmates. so perfect
July 29, 2022
3.5 stars
Garnet Flats is the third book in Devney Perry’s ‘The Edens’ series and though there were things about it I loved, I overall have some mixed feelings about it. Sometimes second chance romances can be hard to read… there are a lot of emotions with a previous breakup and how the reconciliation happens. Though I could understand the why, logically, I just struggled with getting past the hurt.
Talia Eden and Foster Madden were in love. Until he broke it off with her and married her best friend. Yes. You read that right. That was seven years ago, and Foster shows up in Quincy after his divorce to get his woman back. The story is complicated, but not. Did I forgive Foster for what happened? Yes. But it was still painful and messy and I don’t know what I wanted to happen to make it better, but something… more.
I liked the UFC aspect- love a good fighter book, and there was a big plot point that reminded me of ‘Sweet Gum Tree’ which I loved when I read back in the day, but not sure if I could do it now LOL. After reading the very end of this book I’m sooooo curious to read the next book! Fans of this series give this one a go! Even though this one might not work for some, I can see a lot of people loving it.
Garnet Flats is the third book in Devney Perry’s ‘The Edens’ series and though there were things about it I loved, I overall have some mixed feelings about it. Sometimes second chance romances can be hard to read… there are a lot of emotions with a previous breakup and how the reconciliation happens. Though I could understand the why, logically, I just struggled with getting past the hurt.
Talia Eden and Foster Madden were in love. Until he broke it off with her and married her best friend. Yes. You read that right. That was seven years ago, and Foster shows up in Quincy after his divorce to get his woman back. The story is complicated, but not. Did I forgive Foster for what happened? Yes. But it was still painful and messy and I don’t know what I wanted to happen to make it better, but something… more.
I liked the UFC aspect- love a good fighter book, and there was a big plot point that reminded me of ‘Sweet Gum Tree’ which I loved when I read back in the day, but not sure if I could do it now LOL. After reading the very end of this book I’m sooooo curious to read the next book! Fans of this series give this one a go! Even though this one might not work for some, I can see a lot of people loving it.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Connor Crais & Cindy Kay
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 8h 31m
June 27, 2023
Devney Perry is a queen, the way she writes is so addicting. I love Foster and Talia so much their love was amazing 🫶🏻. Also I wanna name my baby Kadence. I love that name. I loved being back in this universe! 🥹
August 9, 2022
This is a second chance romance that was soooo angsty and I was obsessed with this book! I will say, the hero's betrayal will definitely make some people angry. Foster and Talie were madly in love seven years ago, but right before Talia moved to Seattle, Foster told her he was marrying her best friend. And he did. This left Talia destroyed. Now, Talia is working at the hospital in the small town she grew up in and Foster shows up to win her back. Talia is angry when she first sees him and wants absolutely nothing to do with them. But Foster is determined to win her back. Did I mention this book was angsty?? Foster and Talia still have insane chemistry, but Foster betrayed Talia in the worst way possible. I love a good messy romance, so I loved reading this one. I do think Talia forgave some characters a bit too quickly, which is one of the main complaints I see about this book, but the connection between Talia and Foster is literally a once in a lifetime connection. They're soulmates who need to find their way back to each other. There are elements of this book I can't share because they're spoilers, but there was so much I loved about this book. And since this is a series about siblings, I loved how present the family was and how those relationships have their ups and downs as well. Talia is close with her siblings, but they have their problems and I'm excited to see those explored more in the next book. This is definitely my favorite book in the series so far!!
March 16, 2023
imma need a second before rating this and giving my thoughts
okay so update ahahhaha. for me personally, this book fell a bit flat. I love me a second chance romance but what the MMC did, I was like "yeah, thats gonna be a no". There wasn't enough grovel imo, like I needed a little bit more of that. Also, I needed more COMMUNICATION. Every time he would go over to explain to her why he did what he did (the reason why this is a second chance), they would kiss or do it and I was like really my dude. That defeats the whole purpose. I do get that they loved each other very deeply during that year they were together and had a special connection but I needed more talking and less doing throughout the story and when they finally had the talk, it was a bit too late for me.
also for me personally, the reason they broke up was just not something I could get passed. I felt like he acted as if he didn't know her. I do get that he wanted to give her the world but not every girl needs the world, sometimes all we want is YOU dumbass and that's exactly what she told him and I was like well did you really listen to her during your relationship. Yes the conflict was "not in his hands" but his actions led to his predicament.
overall, it wasn't a bad book but compared to book 1 & 2, I wanted the MMC to be a bit more communicating like Knox & Griffin were.
Foster didnt have the best communication and left a lot of thing unsaid until Talia discovered them and that for me ruined the book for me.
okay so update ahahhaha. for me personally, this book fell a bit flat. I love me a second chance romance but what the MMC did, I was like "yeah, thats gonna be a no". There wasn't enough grovel imo, like I needed a little bit more of that. Also, I needed more COMMUNICATION. Every time he would go over to explain to her why he did what he did (the reason why this is a second chance), they would kiss or do it and I was like really my dude. That defeats the whole purpose. I do get that they loved each other very deeply during that year they were together and had a special connection but I needed more talking and less doing throughout the story and when they finally had the talk, it was a bit too late for me.
also for me personally, the reason they broke up was just not something I could get passed. I felt like he acted as if he didn't know her. I do get that he wanted to give her the world but not every girl needs the world, sometimes all we want is YOU dumbass and that's exactly what she told him and I was like well did you really listen to her during your relationship. Yes the conflict was "not in his hands" but his actions led to his predicament.
overall, it wasn't a bad book but compared to book 1 & 2, I wanted the MMC to be a bit more communicating like Knox & Griffin were.
Foster didnt have the best communication and left a lot of thing unsaid until Talia discovered them and that for me ruined the book for me.
August 26, 2025
me and this book are totally against all the hate reviews. no exceptions 💪
July 30, 2022
Wow, a second-chance that never would have happened if the hero's father-in-law hadn't conveniently died. Otherwise the "hero" would have stayed with his wife and kept on living in the lap of luxury.
Things the "hero" prioritised over the heroine:
-Money
-Reputation
-Safety
Not to mention he lied to her about his whereabouts and actions for half of their relationship. He didn't trust her with the truth, and when the truth bit him in the ass he didn't trust her to help him solve it. Boy, he must have a high opinion of her, hey?
I hated this, he ditched her because it was easy for him, there were so many obvious solutions - her family is wealthy for fucks sake they could have hired protection, he could have given up his quest for fame and money - but nope, he blatantly chose an easy life over her.
And now, with these soulmates finally together, she'll forever after come third place in his life.
Things the "hero" prioritised over the heroine:
-Money
-Reputation
-Safety
Not to mention he lied to her about his whereabouts and actions for half of their relationship. He didn't trust her with the truth, and when the truth bit him in the ass he didn't trust her to help him solve it. Boy, he must have a high opinion of her, hey?
I hated this, he ditched her because it was easy for him, there were so many obvious solutions - her family is wealthy for fucks sake they could have hired protection, he could have given up his quest for fame and money - but nope, he blatantly chose an easy life over her.
And now, with these soulmates finally together, she'll forever after come third place in his life.
July 26, 2022
4.5⭐️ Second chance romances are always going to do it for me. I could not put this book down, it was just too good. I love Talia and Foster with all my heart. The groveling in this book was simply perfection and I am so happy they were able to find each other again after 7 years.
The feeling of being back in Quincy is always so great. Devney Perry is the queen of small town romances and this was another amazing book written by her. Can’t wait for ‘Jasper Vale’ and the rest of the Eden siblings books. 🫶🏻
Thank you so much Valentine PR for an ARC of this book.
“I never needed the world.”
“But I wanted to give it to you anyway.” 💛
The feeling of being back in Quincy is always so great. Devney Perry is the queen of small town romances and this was another amazing book written by her. Can’t wait for ‘Jasper Vale’ and the rest of the Eden siblings books. 🫶🏻
Thank you so much Valentine PR for an ARC of this book.
“I never needed the world.”
“But I wanted to give it to you anyway.” 💛
August 10, 2022
"Everyone has apologies and explanations. I'm so sick of explanations that come seven years too late." (chapter 14)
Irritating as heck second chance romance with a "he done her wrong" set-up.
Foster and Talia met when she was attending college in Nevada and had been together for more than a year when he suddenly announces that he's breaking up with her because he has feelings for her roommate, Vivienne. Talia goes on to medical school in Seattle, then takes a residency in the small Montana town where her extended family lives (and ranches and owns hotels and restaurants and serves as prequel/sequel bait). Foster marries Vivienne and goes on to become a UFC (MMA) champion.
Seven years later, Foster and Vivienne divorce and he buys a gym in Talia's home town, where he plans to train for his next fight and win Talia back.
What do I dislike?
• They meet again in the first chapter, but we drag through 35% of the book before he explains his past choices. Why isn't telling her the truth his first and only priority? Why does the setting need to be perfect? Why not blurt out the most pertinent fact () just to get her attention? It feels so artificial.
• I'll deep dive the spoilery explanations for their breakup below, but this is a teeny tiny bit of a spoiler re: his explanation.
• There are additional facts about his marriage with Vivienne that need to be shared with the heroine in order for her to understand the whole truth, but Foster delays telling her these things because Vivienne asked him to let her tell Talia, in the hopes that the information will help Vivienne mend fences with Talia. Who is his priority here, the heroine or his ex-wife?
• At one point, Foster tells Talia that if she listens to his explanation and still wants him to leave town, he will. But he later reveals (both in an internal monologue and out loud to Talia) that he never would have left. Maybe you're thinking "oh, how romantic," but 1) he had reasons other than Talia for staying and 2) this is a guy who will lie to get what he wants. He will lie to the heroine. The heroine cannot trust him to keep his word.
• The author can't keep her story straight. At one point, Foster is internally monologuing about how understanding his ex-wife has been about his feelings for Talia:
Later, after Talia is surprised by a devastating truth about Foster's marriage, he's hurt she didn't already know everything about him and internally whines:
I can't decide if the inconsistency or the hypocrisy is more annoying. Sorry, Foster, Talia didn't have a husband to google you on her behalf.
• Foster sacrifices nothing to atone for the past and gets absolutely everything he wants in life.
• And -- I know this is the least of it, but-- even the way the title is incorporated into the story feels arbitrary, which is just typical of the rest of the writing/plotting.
--
I read this book because the spoilers I could glean before its release didn't fully detail the reasons behind the breakup and Foster's marriage, nor could I find anything that revealed why he didn't tell Talia the truth at the time. So of course I'm going to spoil their backstory as thoroughly as possible to spare anyone who is curious but doesn't want to read the book:
--
If you want to read Devney Perry handle a second-chance romance with more integrity and less arbitrary drama, read Letters to Molly.
Irritating as heck second chance romance with a "he done her wrong" set-up.
Foster and Talia met when she was attending college in Nevada and had been together for more than a year when he suddenly announces that he's breaking up with her because he has feelings for her roommate, Vivienne. Talia goes on to medical school in Seattle, then takes a residency in the small Montana town where her extended family lives (and ranches and owns hotels and restaurants and serves as prequel/sequel bait). Foster marries Vivienne and goes on to become a UFC (MMA) champion.
Seven years later, Foster and Vivienne divorce and he buys a gym in Talia's home town, where he plans to train for his next fight and win Talia back.
What do I dislike?
• They meet again in the first chapter, but we drag through 35% of the book before he explains his past choices. Why isn't telling her the truth his first and only priority? Why does the setting need to be perfect? Why not blurt out the most pertinent fact () just to get her attention? It feels so artificial.
• I'll deep dive the spoilery explanations for their breakup below, but this is a teeny tiny bit of a spoiler re: his explanation.
• There are additional facts about his marriage with Vivienne that need to be shared with the heroine in order for her to understand the whole truth, but Foster delays telling her these things because Vivienne asked him to let her tell Talia, in the hopes that the information will help Vivienne mend fences with Talia. Who is his priority here, the heroine or his ex-wife?
• At one point, Foster tells Talia that if she listens to his explanation and still wants him to leave town, he will. But he later reveals (both in an internal monologue and out loud to Talia) that he never would have left. Maybe you're thinking "oh, how romantic," but 1) he had reasons other than Talia for staying and 2) this is a guy who will lie to get what he wants. He will lie to the heroine. The heroine cannot trust him to keep his word.
• The author can't keep her story straight. At one point, Foster is internally monologuing about how understanding his ex-wife has been about his feelings for Talia:
Over the years, she'd been the one to keep tabs on Talia. Mostly, Vivienne had done it to save me the heartbreak of seeing photos of Talia with another man. So she'd randomly check Talia's social media posts. She'd google Talia's name and see if it had ever changed from Eden. -- chapter 2
Later, after Talia is surprised by a devastating truth about Foster's marriage, he's hurt she didn't already know everything about him and internally whines:
How many times had I googled Talia over the years? How many times had I gone to the Quincy Memorial Hospital's website just to look at her photo in the staff directory? How many times had I pulled up her Instagram account to look at the profile picture? -- chapter 11
I can't decide if the inconsistency or the hypocrisy is more annoying. Sorry, Foster, Talia didn't have a husband to google you on her behalf.
• Foster sacrifices nothing to atone for the past and gets absolutely everything he wants in life.
• And -- I know this is the least of it, but-- even the way the title is incorporated into the story feels arbitrary, which is just typical of the rest of the writing/plotting.
--
I read this book because the spoilers I could glean before its release didn't fully detail the reasons behind the breakup and Foster's marriage, nor could I find anything that revealed why he didn't tell Talia the truth at the time. So of course I'm going to spoil their backstory as thoroughly as possible to spare anyone who is curious but doesn't want to read the book:
--
If you want to read Devney Perry handle a second-chance romance with more integrity and less arbitrary drama, read Letters to Molly.
July 17, 2024
I absolutely hate this trope where the H leaves the h to play a martyr for a woman who is not his love interest!! And I hate the woman for getting into these situations and breaking up a couple because she is too weak to go about it alone making it everyone else’s problem.
Vivienne was a sorry excuse of a woman and I don’t care what the circumstances were, Foster never should’ve gone along with it!! Sure once the vivienne’s father was dead they got divorced and Foster finally set out to find Talia but it was 7 years too late!
Vivienne was nothing but a loser who could only seem to find more losers to attach herself to bringing her problems on to everyone else. When it was time for her to stop being selfish, she couldn’t even do that. Instead of taking the $3 mil from foster to clear up Dex’s debt to save her own life and his and potentially her daughters, she says no because of Dex’s pride and instead asks Foster to lose his fight instead. What a selfish b*tch! She’s okay with Foster throwing the fight but not breaking up with the loser who is putting her and her daughter in danger?!
It also annoyed me that she had the audacity to remain friendly with Foster in front of Talia. Like giving him kisses on the cheek? Talk about inappropriate especially since she was the home-wrecker. And that Foster went along with it?! He knows Vivienne was Talias best friend and to remain friendly with her while trying to pursue Talia just put a bad taste in my mouth
I wish Talia had been more vocal and not an observer and calling her out on it! If someone had ruined 7 years of my life I wouldn’t have just stood there while she made this demand! She should’ve made Foster grovel more too! There was no excuse for what he did! He could’ve easily walked away but he chose not to. I wouldn’t give him the time of day after being married to my best friend for 7 years.
It didn’t matter how the book ended, Vivienne is a sorry excuse of a woman and if she ever gets her own book, I will not be reading it. She deserves to be miserable for the rest of her life.
Vivienne was a sorry excuse of a woman and I don’t care what the circumstances were, Foster never should’ve gone along with it!! Sure once the vivienne’s father was dead they got divorced and Foster finally set out to find Talia but it was 7 years too late!
Vivienne was nothing but a loser who could only seem to find more losers to attach herself to bringing her problems on to everyone else. When it was time for her to stop being selfish, she couldn’t even do that. Instead of taking the $3 mil from foster to clear up Dex’s debt to save her own life and his and potentially her daughters, she says no because of Dex’s pride and instead asks Foster to lose his fight instead. What a selfish b*tch! She’s okay with Foster throwing the fight but not breaking up with the loser who is putting her and her daughter in danger?!
It also annoyed me that she had the audacity to remain friendly with Foster in front of Talia. Like giving him kisses on the cheek? Talk about inappropriate especially since she was the home-wrecker. And that Foster went along with it?! He knows Vivienne was Talias best friend and to remain friendly with her while trying to pursue Talia just put a bad taste in my mouth
I wish Talia had been more vocal and not an observer and calling her out on it! If someone had ruined 7 years of my life I wouldn’t have just stood there while she made this demand! She should’ve made Foster grovel more too! There was no excuse for what he did! He could’ve easily walked away but he chose not to. I wouldn’t give him the time of day after being married to my best friend for 7 years.
It didn’t matter how the book ended, Vivienne is a sorry excuse of a woman and if she ever gets her own book, I will not be reading it. She deserves to be miserable for the rest of her life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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