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If You Never Come Back
I hate Valentine’s Day for one reason and one reason only: Wes Paulsen.
He came into my life like a wrecking ball one year ago today. After an incredible night together, we were inseparable for months. I’d never been happier in a relationship—neither had he. We were just starting to build a life together when everything changed...
Turns out Wes was hiding things from me—big things. I wanted to work through it, but he walked out, never giving me—never giving us a chance. I didn’t know how I’d be able to get over him, but I threw myself into my art. After months of working nonstop to escape the memories of Wes, my career’s finally taking off and what do you know—Wes walked back into my life. Once again on Valentine’s Day.
One year to the day that we met.
I’ve spent six months hardening my heart. It should be easy to reject him, to tell him I’ve moved on. But he’s doing everything—and more—to win me back. He’s being the boyfriend I’ve always wanted. It’ll take everything in me to resist him—I’m not even sure if I can. But I’ll sure as hell try.
He came into my life like a wrecking ball one year ago today. After an incredible night together, we were inseparable for months. I’d never been happier in a relationship—neither had he. We were just starting to build a life together when everything changed...
Turns out Wes was hiding things from me—big things. I wanted to work through it, but he walked out, never giving me—never giving us a chance. I didn’t know how I’d be able to get over him, but I threw myself into my art. After months of working nonstop to escape the memories of Wes, my career’s finally taking off and what do you know—Wes walked back into my life. Once again on Valentine’s Day.
One year to the day that we met.
I’ve spent six months hardening my heart. It should be easy to reject him, to tell him I’ve moved on. But he’s doing everything—and more—to win me back. He’s being the boyfriend I’ve always wanted. It’ll take everything in me to resist him—I’m not even sure if I can. But I’ll sure as hell try.
Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2020
8 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Smith
20 books938 followersSarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie's stash of romance novels. She's been hooked ever since. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She is also one half of the romance writing duo Sarah Skye. Sarah also writes tearjerker fiction under the name Sarah Echavarre
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 23, 2020
I am a huge Sarah Smith fan. She is one of those authors who just nail it every. Single. Time. And If You Never Come Back is no exception. It’s a rollercoaster of fun, emotion-fueled bliss. Kind of like its author, who is one of the sweetest and most beautiful humans you’ll ever meet—inside and out.
Wes and Shay’s journey, as portrayed in this perfect blend of steamy and romantic entertainment, is a difficult one. They had an almost perfect relationship until… they didn’t. But when Wes shows back up one year to the day from their very first meeting, ready to make amends and try to fix his mega-mistake of leaving Shay in the first place… he’s got his work rightfully cut out for him. I don’t blame Shay one bit for protecting her shattered heart from a potential round two.
I’m not a fan of giving spoilers away in my reviews, so I’ll leave it there. This is one of those stories that might seem like it’ll have a predictable plot, but Smith has an uncanny knack for taking the expected and turning it on its head. In the best possible way. 💕
I would recommend this engrossing and delightful love story to any and all lovers of the romance genre. I would also highly recommend you put Sarah Smith on your watch list. This may only be her second published novel, but she’s got two more in the works—Simmer Down (out 10/13/2020) and On Location (out 2021) from Berkley Romance—and she’s undoubtedly going places. Big, bright, beautiful places.
Be sure to keep reading… Smith was kind enough to not only respond to a Q&A by yours truly, but she’s also provided a titillating sneak peek of Wes and Shay you absolutely cannot miss!
Wes and Shay’s journey, as portrayed in this perfect blend of steamy and romantic entertainment, is a difficult one. They had an almost perfect relationship until… they didn’t. But when Wes shows back up one year to the day from their very first meeting, ready to make amends and try to fix his mega-mistake of leaving Shay in the first place… he’s got his work rightfully cut out for him. I don’t blame Shay one bit for protecting her shattered heart from a potential round two.
I’m not a fan of giving spoilers away in my reviews, so I’ll leave it there. This is one of those stories that might seem like it’ll have a predictable plot, but Smith has an uncanny knack for taking the expected and turning it on its head. In the best possible way. 💕
I would recommend this engrossing and delightful love story to any and all lovers of the romance genre. I would also highly recommend you put Sarah Smith on your watch list. This may only be her second published novel, but she’s got two more in the works—Simmer Down (out 10/13/2020) and On Location (out 2021) from Berkley Romance—and she’s undoubtedly going places. Big, bright, beautiful places.
Be sure to keep reading… Smith was kind enough to not only respond to a Q&A by yours truly, but she’s also provided a titillating sneak peek of Wes and Shay you absolutely cannot miss!
December 10, 2022
3,5 stars
small town romance will always be one of my most favorite tropes.
This book was especially perfect to get me out of my reading slump, not too long but not too short either.
Shay is a strong, confident and independent young woman. Her dream is to run her own small business as her main job. Her small buissnes includes one of her passions which are painting and drawing portraits.
Wes is hot, adventurous and didn't have an easy childhood. His family image is not positive, which is why he didn't really want to enter into a permanent relationship at first.
But what happens when you start a relationship despite self-doubt, then decide to take a break from your realationship and suddenly meet up again exactly a year after and dont know how to act? That is for sure a good question..
small town romance will always be one of my most favorite tropes.
This book was especially perfect to get me out of my reading slump, not too long but not too short either.
Shay is a strong, confident and independent young woman. Her dream is to run her own small business as her main job. Her small buissnes includes one of her passions which are painting and drawing portraits.
Wes is hot, adventurous and didn't have an easy childhood. His family image is not positive, which is why he didn't really want to enter into a permanent relationship at first.
But what happens when you start a relationship despite self-doubt, then decide to take a break from your realationship and suddenly meet up again exactly a year after and dont know how to act? That is for sure a good question..
October 5, 2021
What in the wish fulfillment fuck did I just read? This was so bad — and not even in an entertaining “oh what a fun hate read” kind of way. I’m devastated.
September 10, 2020
After reading her debut novel Faker, I knew @authorsarahs was a new favorite author for me & I immediately put her all of her books on my list!
This was my first novella & while I’m not always sold on insta-love, Shay & Wes’ story worked for me. They had a strong connection as well as a sexy attraction to each other. I’m still cracking up at how they met! For only being 173 pages, Sarah fit a fun steamy story in & she didn’t miss a beat. I also absolutely loved the cousin bond between Shay and Remy. I can totally see my cousins doing the same thing for me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first novella & while I’m not always sold on insta-love, Shay & Wes’ story worked for me. They had a strong connection as well as a sexy attraction to each other. I’m still cracking up at how they met! For only being 173 pages, Sarah fit a fun steamy story in & she didn’t miss a beat. I also absolutely loved the cousin bond between Shay and Remy. I can totally see my cousins doing the same thing for me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 30, 2020
4 stars
I really enjoyed this book! A short, sweet, second-chance romance that is packed with emotion and great chemistry.
Shay’s whole world changed when she met Wes. He walked into the bar where she was working one Valentine’s night, they ended up spending a sizzling night together, and from that moment on they were each other’s whole world. Their connection was intense, and they just got each other. It was the best time either of them ever had… until it wasn’t, when Wes suddenly ended things and left.
Broken-hearted and desperate to move on, Shay threw herself into her art and achieved the success she had been working so hard for. Her life was back on track, and then on Valentine’s Day, Wes returned, one day to the year in which they met. He’s back to apologise and make amends for leaving the way he did (and he is all kinds of perfect while doing it), but Shay has hardened her heart, and she’s understandably determined to protect herself from future pain. Wes has a battle on his hands if he truly wants her back.
This is such a sweet read. I loved the first part of the book where I fell in love with Shay, Wes, and Shay and Wes together. They are so freaking cute, and Wes is just perfection. My heart ached with Shay as it all fell apart, and then I was right there with her demanding answers when Wes came back. And then his determination to make up for his mistakes and win back his girl totally melted me, and I was full of anticipation waiting for these two to find their way back to each other. And I was not disappointed.
*dreamy sigh*
This is my first read from Sarah Smith, and I really like her style. It’s easy to read, and even in such a short book she drew me in and had me feeling everything along with her characters. It’s romantic, sexy and emotional, and everything that I love about second-chance-romances.
4 stars!
I really enjoyed this book! A short, sweet, second-chance romance that is packed with emotion and great chemistry.
Shay’s whole world changed when she met Wes. He walked into the bar where she was working one Valentine’s night, they ended up spending a sizzling night together, and from that moment on they were each other’s whole world. Their connection was intense, and they just got each other. It was the best time either of them ever had… until it wasn’t, when Wes suddenly ended things and left.
Broken-hearted and desperate to move on, Shay threw herself into her art and achieved the success she had been working so hard for. Her life was back on track, and then on Valentine’s Day, Wes returned, one day to the year in which they met. He’s back to apologise and make amends for leaving the way he did (and he is all kinds of perfect while doing it), but Shay has hardened her heart, and she’s understandably determined to protect herself from future pain. Wes has a battle on his hands if he truly wants her back.
This is such a sweet read. I loved the first part of the book where I fell in love with Shay, Wes, and Shay and Wes together. They are so freaking cute, and Wes is just perfection. My heart ached with Shay as it all fell apart, and then I was right there with her demanding answers when Wes came back. And then his determination to make up for his mistakes and win back his girl totally melted me, and I was full of anticipation waiting for these two to find their way back to each other. And I was not disappointed.
“You were everything to me, Shay. You still are.”
*dreamy sigh*
This is my first read from Sarah Smith, and I really like her style. It’s easy to read, and even in such a short book she drew me in and had me feeling everything along with her characters. It’s romantic, sexy and emotional, and everything that I love about second-chance-romances.
4 stars!
June 15, 2020
I devoured this book in one sitting. Sarah Smith creates characters that make me want to live in the middle of their chemistry and this book was no exception, the heat and chemistry between Shay and Wes captivating and lovely. This novella had my whole heart!
October 21, 2020
Another lovely read by Sarah Smith.
I don’t even know what to say to convince you to read this author work, but here it goes!
•
One year ago, Wes gave Shay the Valentine’s Day of her life and so began a relationship that neither of them was expecting.
But suddenly (or not) Wes breaks Shay’s heart and she focus on her work and in trying to moving on.
She really is trying but then Wes returns, at Valentine’s day nonetheless. He seems truly sorry and ready to make amends.
•
Will Shay give Wes another chance?Will Wes be at peace with his past at last?
•
By now, you know I’m a huge fan of @authorsarahs , I loved the characters, the way Shay fell in love, how Wes’s suffering impacted their relationship, the power of friendship and love and second chances in recovering from trauma. And loved loved loved Shay’s cousin.
•
It’s all just perfect, so go read it!
I don’t even know what to say to convince you to read this author work, but here it goes!
•
One year ago, Wes gave Shay the Valentine’s Day of her life and so began a relationship that neither of them was expecting.
But suddenly (or not) Wes breaks Shay’s heart and she focus on her work and in trying to moving on.
She really is trying but then Wes returns, at Valentine’s day nonetheless. He seems truly sorry and ready to make amends.
•
Will Shay give Wes another chance?Will Wes be at peace with his past at last?
•
By now, you know I’m a huge fan of @authorsarahs , I loved the characters, the way Shay fell in love, how Wes’s suffering impacted their relationship, the power of friendship and love and second chances in recovering from trauma. And loved loved loved Shay’s cousin.
•
It’s all just perfect, so go read it!
December 11, 2020
My rating: 3 stars.
What I liked: I liked Remy(h’s cousin) and how he was there for Shay(h) I also liked how Wes came back and worked for his forgiveness.
What I didn’t like: I get why the family gathering would have bothered Wes(H) and how it would scare him off but it still made me mad how he took it out on her.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Triggers: The H gets upset and up and leaves h for 6 months
Final thoughts: This was a nice short second chance romance. Unfortunately, it’s also a book that I read and probably will forget about.
What I liked: I liked Remy(h’s cousin) and how he was there for Shay(h) I also liked how Wes came back and worked for his forgiveness.
What I didn’t like: I get why the family gathering would have bothered Wes(H) and how it would scare him off but it still made me mad how he took it out on her.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Triggers: The H gets upset and up and leaves h for 6 months
Final thoughts: This was a nice short second chance romance. Unfortunately, it’s also a book that I read and probably will forget about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2020
2.5 Stars
January 2, 2021
Wow an amazing short story. Review on my blog soon.
June 9, 2020
I read and loved Faker by Sarah Smith last year for being a really engaging contemporary romance with great Filipino representation. I was so excited when Sarah gave me the chance to read her first self-published novella early, and y’all. It was so good, and steamy! I really enjoyed this one a lot!
If You Never Come Back is a instant love turned second chance love story. The story starts with Shay (another awesome Filipina heroine) running into Wes on Valentine’s Day a year after they met. But now she hates them. Flashback to their original meeting and whirlwind steamy romance. I really loved Shay’s character a lot! She’s an artist and I loved how her character evolved. Wes is very much a mysterious, and at times brooding, hero. Did I want to strangle him at times? YES! But I still found myself rooting for their relationship to work out. This story had me crying at one point which I can honestly say has never happened with a novella before.
I have mixed feelings about stand-alone novellas, I always want more from the stories. And I would have absolutely LOVED if Shay and Wes’ story was a full length novel. But I loved how this one tied up and I still highly recommend reading it if you’re looking for an emotional and steamy novella! And get ready for Sarah’s next release, Simmer Down, on October 13th!
**Thank you Sarah Smith for my gifted ARC
If You Never Come Back is a instant love turned second chance love story. The story starts with Shay (another awesome Filipina heroine) running into Wes on Valentine’s Day a year after they met. But now she hates them. Flashback to their original meeting and whirlwind steamy romance. I really loved Shay’s character a lot! She’s an artist and I loved how her character evolved. Wes is very much a mysterious, and at times brooding, hero. Did I want to strangle him at times? YES! But I still found myself rooting for their relationship to work out. This story had me crying at one point which I can honestly say has never happened with a novella before.
I have mixed feelings about stand-alone novellas, I always want more from the stories. And I would have absolutely LOVED if Shay and Wes’ story was a full length novel. But I loved how this one tied up and I still highly recommend reading it if you’re looking for an emotional and steamy novella! And get ready for Sarah’s next release, Simmer Down, on October 13th!
**Thank you Sarah Smith for my gifted ARC
August 5, 2023
I feel like this had potential, but it seemed to skip over the early part of the relationship very quickly, so I just didn't care enough. And then chapters would skip months at a time. I think it needed more detail.
November 4, 2022
3,5 🌟 - first I didn't like her, but she grew on me. I liked the grovel (pretty good for a novella) and could feel her pain (pregnancy brain made me cry). The pacing was mehhh.
January 22, 2021
This was my first Sarah Smith novel. After I read this book I went back and looked at the reviews to see if anyone shared my opinion on this story. I do find that I am in the minority. However, I saw no actual reviews for a 2 star rating, only the ratings. All of the written reviews are glowing. That got me thinking, I would find it very frustrating as an author to not know WHY they were leaving 2 star reviews. Maybe those reviewers were like me and just couldn't pinpoint what didn't gel for them. So after a night of reflection I've come back to leave some feedback.
Shay our leading lady bothered me from the beginning. She literally started the book by laying into a date rather harshly. I get it, he was creepy. But I didn't see the reasoning behind her harsh words. No one was forcing her to be there. Then we jump into the past where she again completely lays into some "Preppy Prick" for calling her by the wrong name. Yet she dubbed him by this name many times during his lashing and continued to try to humiliate him in front of the whole bar. It put me off. I didn't see her as strong or opinionated. I saw her as rude and childish. She's 27. She got better. I actually liked her and Wes and was interested to see where their story went wrong. For clarity, the outline of this story was the present day in the first bit before jumping to the past to tell the story up until then and then continuing on where the first bit left off. Does that sound rushed? Because that's how it read. I felt like I was reading a story in fast forward. I wished the writer would have slowed down and done more showing me what was happening instead of just telling me. Or better yet, without Shay analyzing every single part of her story and dialog. She didn't allow me as a reader to reflect or SEE what was happening. You know when you have a conversation with someone who doesn't really talk to you but they just talk AT you. That is how I felt when this story was finished. It prevented me from forming my own connections with the characters which left me wanting and disappointed.
I do think I'll give this author another try someday. I don't believe any author should be judged on just one book. It's like an artist's catalog. You might not like every painting but there just might be something in there that speaks to you.
Shay our leading lady bothered me from the beginning. She literally started the book by laying into a date rather harshly. I get it, he was creepy. But I didn't see the reasoning behind her harsh words. No one was forcing her to be there. Then we jump into the past where she again completely lays into some "Preppy Prick" for calling her by the wrong name. Yet she dubbed him by this name many times during his lashing and continued to try to humiliate him in front of the whole bar. It put me off. I didn't see her as strong or opinionated. I saw her as rude and childish. She's 27. She got better. I actually liked her and Wes and was interested to see where their story went wrong. For clarity, the outline of this story was the present day in the first bit before jumping to the past to tell the story up until then and then continuing on where the first bit left off. Does that sound rushed? Because that's how it read. I felt like I was reading a story in fast forward. I wished the writer would have slowed down and done more showing me what was happening instead of just telling me. Or better yet, without Shay analyzing every single part of her story and dialog. She didn't allow me as a reader to reflect or SEE what was happening. You know when you have a conversation with someone who doesn't really talk to you but they just talk AT you. That is how I felt when this story was finished. It prevented me from forming my own connections with the characters which left me wanting and disappointed.
I do think I'll give this author another try someday. I don't believe any author should be judged on just one book. It's like an artist's catalog. You might not like every painting but there just might be something in there that speaks to you.
June 23, 2020
Sarah did a wonderful job of taking an entire relationship and making it short enough for a novella, but filled with enough life and love that she could have made this a series.
Shay is the kind of woman you want in your friend group- she's your ride or die, and loyal beyond all means. So, for her to dive (all in) into a relationship, she needed the respect and unguarded love of the man she met on that crazy night in a bar. Wes, as lovable and steamy as he was, was just too complex and damaged to submit to love (and all the complexities) it brings into life. So, how can these two possibly come to understand the beauty and the beast of falling in love?
I love this one, so very much, and will continue to pick up anything that Sarah writes. Thanks for bringing your beautiful words into this world, girl!
Shay is the kind of woman you want in your friend group- she's your ride or die, and loyal beyond all means. So, for her to dive (all in) into a relationship, she needed the respect and unguarded love of the man she met on that crazy night in a bar. Wes, as lovable and steamy as he was, was just too complex and damaged to submit to love (and all the complexities) it brings into life. So, how can these two possibly come to understand the beauty and the beast of falling in love?
I love this one, so very much, and will continue to pick up anything that Sarah writes. Thanks for bringing your beautiful words into this world, girl!
December 20, 2020
I love a second-chance romance, and Sarah Smith is one of my favourite authors, so it was an instabuy for me. This book doesn't disappoint. Shay and Wes are clearly made for each other, and he does a major asshole thing, but he is totally redeemed by the end (and then some). This book had me laughing, crying and feeling nostalgic for the initial feelings of falling in love. The HEA was perfect and magical, and I cannot wait to read more from Sarah!
January 28, 2022
4⭐️ read
Wow. I loved so many parts of this book. From the friendship between Shay and Remy to the relationship of Wes and Shay.
The only reason this is a 4 stars read and not a 5 it’s because it went so fast when all I wanted was to have time savour it. If it was double the size and half the speed it would for sure be one of the my all time reads.
Wow. I loved so many parts of this book. From the friendship between Shay and Remy to the relationship of Wes and Shay.
The only reason this is a 4 stars read and not a 5 it’s because it went so fast when all I wanted was to have time savour it. If it was double the size and half the speed it would for sure be one of the my all time reads.
September 29, 2020
I love sarah Smith. She can write a spicy book like no other. This one lost a star because it was too fast and I wished for a little more depth. I did enjoy the romance and the dialogue between Wes and shay. I love a good happy ending. I can’t wait to see what else sarah comes up with.
December 11, 2020
I liked this book the best of the three Sarah has written. Having known her since high school, I still am surprised at some of the scenes she writes. Am also looking forward to other genres she delves into beyond romance.
May 26, 2020
This story was the perfect mix of steam and romance. Wes and Shay’s relationship gave me butterflies. I was rooting the whole time for them to have a happily ever after.
June 16, 2020
Sarah Smith’s If You Never Come Back is one of those rare novels that simultaneously captivates you and also hits you right in the feels. It’s a poignant second chance romance that is brilliantly plotted and beautifully written.
When Shay and Wes meet on Valentine’s Day, their connection is instant and palpable. They throw caution to the wind and decide to take a chance on their fledgling relationship, to pursue the strong tie they feel towards each other. Then Wes abruptly walks away, and Shay has to stitch back the pieces of her shattered heart. And when he suddenly reemerges one year to the day of their first fateful meeting? Shay is determined to guard her heart at all costs.
I felt all of the feelings reading this book. The chemistry and the connection that Shay and Wes share is nothing short of electric. As a reader, you feel like you’re also inhabiting the story, and that these characters are real, living, breathing beings. You feel the depth of Shay’s sorrow, and the breadth of Wes’s regret. And the way that Smith crafts the narrative arc is as unexpected as it is beautiful.
This is, by far, one of my favorite reads (of any genre) this year.
When Shay and Wes meet on Valentine’s Day, their connection is instant and palpable. They throw caution to the wind and decide to take a chance on their fledgling relationship, to pursue the strong tie they feel towards each other. Then Wes abruptly walks away, and Shay has to stitch back the pieces of her shattered heart. And when he suddenly reemerges one year to the day of their first fateful meeting? Shay is determined to guard her heart at all costs.
I felt all of the feelings reading this book. The chemistry and the connection that Shay and Wes share is nothing short of electric. As a reader, you feel like you’re also inhabiting the story, and that these characters are real, living, breathing beings. You feel the depth of Shay’s sorrow, and the breadth of Wes’s regret. And the way that Smith crafts the narrative arc is as unexpected as it is beautiful.
This is, by far, one of my favorite reads (of any genre) this year.
June 12, 2020
I fell in love with Sarah’s writing style when I read her first book Faker (which is great by the way, go read it!) and was so excited to hear that she was releasing this novella. If You Never Come Back was exactly what I was hoping for. I love the flow of Sarah's writing, her character choices, and how she adds in little details from her real life. I was a little worried about it being a novella, but she did an amazing job fitting everything in without it feeling too rushed or unfinished. It had a great mix of humor, emotion, and romance.
On a side note, Sarah seems like an overall amazing person. I reached out to her on social media with a question regarding Faker and she was so helpful, sweet, and humble.
I've already preorder her next book Simmer. I can’t wait for it to be released this fall!
On a side note, Sarah seems like an overall amazing person. I reached out to her on social media with a question regarding Faker and she was so helpful, sweet, and humble.
I've already preorder her next book Simmer. I can’t wait for it to be released this fall!
June 20, 2020
Shay meets Wes on Valentine's Day and immediately sparks fly. The meet cute between these two was so adorable and it had a grin on my face!
A lot of time in novellas it's hard to create a connection between the main characters because everything moves a long so fast. I feel that in If You Never Come Back Sarah Smith did a great job of really letting us connect with both Shay and Wes. I felt excitement, angst, anger and sadness on behalf of these characters.
If You Never Come Back was such a great novella that honestly didn't feel like one. I feel like I really got to know both Shay and Wes and their respective struggles. I ended up reading the book in less than a day! I can't wait to read Simmer Down when it's released in the fall!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
A lot of time in novellas it's hard to create a connection between the main characters because everything moves a long so fast. I feel that in If You Never Come Back Sarah Smith did a great job of really letting us connect with both Shay and Wes. I felt excitement, angst, anger and sadness on behalf of these characters.
If You Never Come Back was such a great novella that honestly didn't feel like one. I feel like I really got to know both Shay and Wes and their respective struggles. I ended up reading the book in less than a day! I can't wait to read Simmer Down when it's released in the fall!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
May 27, 2020
Sarah Smith shows her writing range with this indie follow-up novel that packs a punch with so much emotion it just about wrecked me. The characters have beautiful depth and it was hard to read the hard road they walked at times, and yet I so badly wanted to know what happened!
If You Never Came Back is a second-chance romance, and I honestly wasn't sure how Smith was going to pull it off. It does NOT look good for our Hero for much of the story, and I was turning pages rapid-fire at many points trying to figure out how things could possibly work out. Thankfully, Smith is a masterful storyteller and this story is definitely worth the read, and every emotion you'll experience along the way.
If You Never Came Back is a second-chance romance, and I honestly wasn't sure how Smith was going to pull it off. It does NOT look good for our Hero for much of the story, and I was turning pages rapid-fire at many points trying to figure out how things could possibly work out. Thankfully, Smith is a masterful storyteller and this story is definitely worth the read, and every emotion you'll experience along the way.
December 1, 2025
Would’ve liked it more if it was dual POV, it’s hard to believe he missed her and loved her when none of this story is in his pov. 2nd I was expecting a lot of groveling! Half of this story is in the past, the prologue is in the present when they first reunite then it immediately goes to the past for half the book by the time they reunite there’s only like 7 chapters left. Also the groveling was mid anyway, I was under the impression there would be angst and good groveling cause the summary said she hardened her heart after he left but her “hardened heart” lasted a few paragraphs for 1 chapter before she let him back in her life, they immediately became friends again I’d say her heart wasn’t hardened at all
July 17, 2020
Yay! It was so good! This is now my second Sarah Smith book & her writing gives me all the feels. I instantly fell in love with the characters. She writes from such a humble perspective. Shay & Wes randomly met by chance. They started off hot & heavy until one day it all fell apart. I’ll try not to giveaway too much, but this book is about heartbreak & how you can mend a relationship. No matter what that relationship may be. That’s all I’ll say! Lol... I love a good story where the characters make mistakes & we see the healing process. It’s my favorite kind of self love. Thanks again. Please read this lovely story. I can’t wait to read Simmer Down :)
July 24, 2024
*memorable*
s h e l v e s :
angst
hero cries
instalust
moves in w her
second chance
sensitive guy
e n d i n g :
HEA + baby otw
🔥
s h e l v e s :
angst
hero cries
instalust
moves in w her
second chance
sensitive guy
e n d i n g :
HEA + baby otw
🔥
April 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ a cute, fun, and fast paced 2nd chance Novella. MMC sucks a communication, and has childhood trauma that has essentially stunted him emotionally. Single POV of FMC which for me was disappointing coz I love being in the head of an emotionally constipated MMC. My other issue was because it’s so fast paced at times the scene felt like the ended abruptly and jumped into the next thought with little warning. I found myself a few times asking myself if I had skipped a paragraph. Otherwise it was overall an easy palette cleansing read.
June 14, 2020
I read Faker earlier this year and I loved it so when Sarah announced she would be writing a new book, I couldn’t add it to my TBR fast enough. I didn’t quite enjoy this as much as Faker, but I loved Shay’s personality and how sweet Wes was. I’m a bit of a fan of insta love / relationships that move quickly because the couple love each other and sometimes it isn’t always written right but Sarah nailed it in this. If you’re looking for sweet, shortish read, this is it!
September 15, 2020
I read Faker and loved the story. I wanted to read more from this new author and her self-pub novella was pretty good as well. the thing with novella is that its got to happen fast in a short story and I can see how Wes and Shay had that instant attraction and chemistry. I just didn't care for the whiplash of Wes freaking out. He got it together and made amends to get back in her good graces.
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