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Jamison Family #1
There's Only Been You
"...wonderfully heartwarming..." 4 Stars ~ RT BOOK Reviews
Sara Jamison has no clue where Mike Andrews' been all these years, but she knows where she's been - busy raising their son. Two weeks after he accused her of cheating and disappeared from her life, Sara discovered she was something she never expected to be - an unwed pregnant teenager. But with the love and support of her annoyingly alpha-male family, she's managed to make a good life for herself and her young son. She even owns her own business, Sara's Bakery, which she's built into a thriving success. Sure, she works too hard and her social life is nonexistent, but for the most part, she's content.
Until the day Detective Mike Andrews walks into her bakery and back into her life...
* * * *
Sara was in the kitchen when she heard a truck pull up in front of the house. She ran into the living room and peeked out the window. Mike. She ran back into the kitchen and checked on the meatloaves. The cheese hadn't melted yet so she'd give them a few more minutes. She glanced at the table. Perfect. "Ethan, are you ready? He's here!" she called out. When she didn't get a reply, she hustled down the hall to his bedroom and rapped on the door. "Ethan?" "Come in," she heard him mumble. Sara opened the door and saw him sitting on his bed with a Power Ranger action-figure clutched in his fist. He looked scared to death and Sara's heart gave a little lurch. She sat down beside him on the bed. "You have the same look on your face as when you're going to the dentist." He had on a brand-new pair of jeans and his favorite Spiderman T-shirt. "I was just thinking," he said. Sara waited for him to elaborate, but he didn't. He's so much like Garrett. "About...?" He turned his head and gazed up at her. "What if my dad don't like me?" "Oh, sweetheart!" She put her arms around him and gave him a reassuring squeeze. "Your daddy is going to think you're the best thing since chocolate chip cookies, I promise." "But his dad didn't like him." Sara frowned. "Where did you hear such a thing?" He shrugged one shoulder. "I heard Uncle Garrett and Uncle Nicky talking about it." "You were eavesdropping? What did I tell you about that?" she gently chided him. "Sorry. It's just that I wanted to know more about my dad, and I accidentally heard 'em talking. Then on purpose, I stayed and listened." "Ethan, when you're older I'm sure your father will tell you about his own father. But in the meantime, I promise, your daddy already loves you and can't wait to meet you." "Really?" He looked so hopeful Sara felt her heart swell with love for this incredible little person that was her son. "Really and truly, honest to God. Now," she rose to her feet and motioned toward the door, "ready to go meet your father?" Ethan slid off the bed and eyed the Power Ranger figure clutched in his hand as if trying to come to a decision. Finally, he set it down on the bed and said, "Okay, I'm ready."
Sara Jamison has no clue where Mike Andrews' been all these years, but she knows where she's been - busy raising their son. Two weeks after he accused her of cheating and disappeared from her life, Sara discovered she was something she never expected to be - an unwed pregnant teenager. But with the love and support of her annoyingly alpha-male family, she's managed to make a good life for herself and her young son. She even owns her own business, Sara's Bakery, which she's built into a thriving success. Sure, she works too hard and her social life is nonexistent, but for the most part, she's content.
Until the day Detective Mike Andrews walks into her bakery and back into her life...
* * * *
Sara was in the kitchen when she heard a truck pull up in front of the house. She ran into the living room and peeked out the window. Mike. She ran back into the kitchen and checked on the meatloaves. The cheese hadn't melted yet so she'd give them a few more minutes. She glanced at the table. Perfect. "Ethan, are you ready? He's here!" she called out. When she didn't get a reply, she hustled down the hall to his bedroom and rapped on the door. "Ethan?" "Come in," she heard him mumble. Sara opened the door and saw him sitting on his bed with a Power Ranger action-figure clutched in his fist. He looked scared to death and Sara's heart gave a little lurch. She sat down beside him on the bed. "You have the same look on your face as when you're going to the dentist." He had on a brand-new pair of jeans and his favorite Spiderman T-shirt. "I was just thinking," he said. Sara waited for him to elaborate, but he didn't. He's so much like Garrett. "About...?" He turned his head and gazed up at her. "What if my dad don't like me?" "Oh, sweetheart!" She put her arms around him and gave him a reassuring squeeze. "Your daddy is going to think you're the best thing since chocolate chip cookies, I promise." "But his dad didn't like him." Sara frowned. "Where did you hear such a thing?" He shrugged one shoulder. "I heard Uncle Garrett and Uncle Nicky talking about it." "You were eavesdropping? What did I tell you about that?" she gently chided him. "Sorry. It's just that I wanted to know more about my dad, and I accidentally heard 'em talking. Then on purpose, I stayed and listened." "Ethan, when you're older I'm sure your father will tell you about his own father. But in the meantime, I promise, your daddy already loves you and can't wait to meet you." "Really?" He looked so hopeful Sara felt her heart swell with love for this incredible little person that was her son. "Really and truly, honest to God. Now," she rose to her feet and motioned toward the door, "ready to go meet your father?" Ethan slid off the bed and eyed the Power Ranger figure clutched in his hand as if trying to come to a decision. Finally, he set it down on the bed and said, "Okay, I'm ready."
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2008
325 people are currently reading
1972 people want to read
About the author
Donna Marie Rogers
20 books101 followers"A good romance novel is like a bubble bath: steamy, relaxing, and over way too soon." ~ Donna Marie Rogers
USA Today bestselling author Donna Marie Rogers inherited her love of romance from her mother. Romance novels, soap operas, Little House On the Prairie--her mother loved them all. And though it wasn't until years later Donna would come to understand her mother's fascination with Charles Ingalls, Donna's love of the romance genre is every bit as all-consuming.
A Chicago native, Donna now lives in beautiful Northeast Wisconsin with her husband and children. She's an avid gardener and home-canner, as well as an admitted reality TV junkie. Her passion to read is only exceeded by her passion to write, so when she's not doing the wife and mother thing, you can usually find her sitting at the computer, creating exciting, memorable characters, fresh new worlds, and always happily-ever-afters. Donna also writes erotic romance as Liza James.
USA Today bestselling author Donna Marie Rogers inherited her love of romance from her mother. Romance novels, soap operas, Little House On the Prairie--her mother loved them all. And though it wasn't until years later Donna would come to understand her mother's fascination with Charles Ingalls, Donna's love of the romance genre is every bit as all-consuming.
A Chicago native, Donna now lives in beautiful Northeast Wisconsin with her husband and children. She's an avid gardener and home-canner, as well as an admitted reality TV junkie. Her passion to read is only exceeded by her passion to write, so when she's not doing the wife and mother thing, you can usually find her sitting at the computer, creating exciting, memorable characters, fresh new worlds, and always happily-ever-afters. Donna also writes erotic romance as Liza James.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
May 20, 2020
I really did enjoy this book and just completed it for the second time. it was a fairly light and easy read. The story line was one I have read many times, but I never tire of it. Love those secret baby/children tropes.
Mike and Sara had been so in love and as you will learn quickly in the story there were jealous people who set out to tear them apart, even drugging one of them and taking compromising photographs. They had plans to spend their life together but after Mike saw the photos/video he left town the next morning and never gave Sara a chance to defend her honor. For eight years he stayed away, no one knowing how to find him. That I found a bit difficult to swallow as Sara's overprotective brother was a detective and had access to many data bases. It is my belief that he could have easily been found. He became a cop after all and it wasn't as if he was in hiding.
When he reluctantly returns home for his father's funeral and the selling of the family home, it is then he realizes that everything was not as it seemed when he took off eight years ago and realizes they had been set up. After he got a confession he shares it with Sara's brothers and they break the news to her. She then has the task of telling him he had left her pregnant with no way to contact him. He had a seven year old son who thought his father was in heaven by way of an auto accident.
I really loved the family but could have strangled the oldest brother Garrett. He was beyond over protective and he still felt like he was the boss of Sara and her young son.
A very nice HEA and I would definitely recommend this book. Be sure to read book #2 where Garrett is featured. A great read as well.
This is a good read and I enjoyed this series. I definitely recommend it.
Mike and Sara had been so in love and as you will learn quickly in the story there were jealous people who set out to tear them apart, even drugging one of them and taking compromising photographs. They had plans to spend their life together but after Mike saw the photos/video he left town the next morning and never gave Sara a chance to defend her honor. For eight years he stayed away, no one knowing how to find him. That I found a bit difficult to swallow as Sara's overprotective brother was a detective and had access to many data bases. It is my belief that he could have easily been found. He became a cop after all and it wasn't as if he was in hiding.
When he reluctantly returns home for his father's funeral and the selling of the family home, it is then he realizes that everything was not as it seemed when he took off eight years ago and realizes they had been set up. After he got a confession he shares it with Sara's brothers and they break the news to her. She then has the task of telling him he had left her pregnant with no way to contact him. He had a seven year old son who thought his father was in heaven by way of an auto accident.
I really loved the family but could have strangled the oldest brother Garrett. He was beyond over protective and he still felt like he was the boss of Sara and her young son.
A very nice HEA and I would definitely recommend this book. Be sure to read book #2 where Garrett is featured. A great read as well.
This is a good read and I enjoyed this series. I definitely recommend it.
dnf
March 15, 2019The title only refers to the heroine 🙄
June 8, 2017
Rating:2.5/5
This is an Ok book about a second meeting, a second chance after separation. The story has nothing new to offer though, very predictable and you can tell what is going to happen next.
The addition of Jason character did not add any value or suspense to the story which was the intention of the writer. I felt Darren was the character I could relate to and he was more real than the others. Sarah the main character I find her to be very annoying at many times as she sheds a tear or two on the silliest things. I did not like that at all. Also I find the way both the lead characters were separated to be silly. I wish the writer made one of them at fault to look more genuine but instead she decided to make it less realistic.
all in all it is an OK book if you read it you might like it. if not you are not missing anything great.
This is an Ok book about a second meeting, a second chance after separation. The story has nothing new to offer though, very predictable and you can tell what is going to happen next.
The addition of Jason character did not add any value or suspense to the story which was the intention of the writer. I felt Darren was the character I could relate to and he was more real than the others. Sarah the main character I find her to be very annoying at many times as she sheds a tear or two on the silliest things. I did not like that at all. Also I find the way both the lead characters were separated to be silly. I wish the writer made one of them at fault to look more genuine but instead she decided to make it less realistic.
all in all it is an OK book if you read it you might like it. if not you are not missing anything great.
September 6, 2015
Freebie on Amazon. It's a pretty cheesy romance. Sara and Mike are high school sweethearts until someone splits them up with lies. Eight years later, Mike comes back only to discover he has a son. Misunderstandings are resolved, but now Mike is dealing with some undercover information and needs to keep his family safe.
The story was really kind of all over the place. I didn't necessarily need a past recap, but everything was really fast. It was like everything in the past was forgiven and it doesn't matter if 8 years have passed. The older brother Garrett is a complete jerk. He's a total hothead and seemingly alcoholic. I didn't like him at all.
The author also didn't make you guess or build anything up. The misunderstanding between Sara and Mike was resolved very quickly. The two other people didn't get what was coming to them. I mean who lets someone drug Sara to break up a couple? Why didn't Mike find her and confront her? There were just too many loose ends. And the fact that the author revealed right away who the bad guy was? Why not make us guess?
I think the story was missing some excitement. The plot I could deal with if the sequence of events would have been altered.
The story was really kind of all over the place. I didn't necessarily need a past recap, but everything was really fast. It was like everything in the past was forgiven and it doesn't matter if 8 years have passed. The older brother Garrett is a complete jerk. He's a total hothead and seemingly alcoholic. I didn't like him at all.
The author also didn't make you guess or build anything up. The misunderstanding between Sara and Mike was resolved very quickly. The two other people didn't get what was coming to them. I mean who lets someone drug Sara to break up a couple? Why didn't Mike find her and confront her? There were just too many loose ends. And the fact that the author revealed right away who the bad guy was? Why not make us guess?
I think the story was missing some excitement. The plot I could deal with if the sequence of events would have been altered.
January 19, 2014
A solid three stars. A super easy second-chance at love, with a-bit-of-suspense-thrown-in-to-keep-the-pages-turning story. I mostly sped-read through the non-romance, non-suspense bits, which wasn't that much to tell you the truth.
3 stars
Hero: hotty, with a badge Mike Andrews
heroine: sweet, hurting bakery owner and single mom Sara Jamison
mini hero: seven year old Ethan Jamison
alt heroes: three yummy brothers to Sara, perhaps stories for them?
Story: Mike's back in town and doesn't know he's a dad
Twists: yep, there's a big one
Steam: pretty tame, but not bad, if watching your parents have sex is okay with you, LoL
Recommend: Sure, if you want a light, suspenseful read
Reread: no, but I enjoyed it.
Standalone: Yep
HEA: Yep
3 stars
Hero: hotty, with a badge Mike Andrews
heroine: sweet, hurting bakery owner and single mom Sara Jamison
mini hero: seven year old Ethan Jamison
alt heroes: three yummy brothers to Sara, perhaps stories for them?
Story: Mike's back in town and doesn't know he's a dad
Twists: yep, there's a big one
Steam: pretty tame, but not bad, if watching your parents have sex is okay with you, LoL
Recommend: Sure, if you want a light, suspenseful read
Reread: no, but I enjoyed it.
Standalone: Yep
HEA: Yep
August 6, 2009
Sara Jamison has just gotten some news that she didn’t think she would ever hear – Mike Andrews is coming home. Mike had left small town Green Bay for almost a decade and he has had no contact until now.
Sara is petrified because not only did Mike leave town but he also left her pregnant. Him coming home did nothing for the animosity that she and her family felt for him. But she can’t think only about her sore heart or her bruised ego – A child is involved and he is deserves to know his father.
Mike Andrew is back home under less than ideal circumstances and as much as there was no love lose between him and this small town, there are a few things that he however misses and looks back on if not fondly but with some regret. His friendship with Nick his childhood friend and sparring partner is definitely a miss – his relationship with Nick’s sister Sara is feeling like a hot rod now even after all these years – but who can forgive someone who did the unthinkable and there was video evidence to prove him. He was not getting a warm fuzzy feeling for Sara at all.
With ages come a new perspective and the wisdom to look at things from a different angle. Mike does exactly this and soon realize that Sara might just also be the injured party. He knows he has to follow through and make things right but a few things are happening as me makes this marvellous revelation. Sara is also finally developing a social life and Mike is not happy because Sara new squeeze is not someone Mike approves of.
Mike is in for a surprise but can alpha male Mike deal with this feisty Sara that he has no choice but to deal with.
Positive
Small town stories does it for me and Ms Rogers gets this one right. The town building was easy to follow – the small town mindset was alluded to and she gave enough of the citified ways in the mix to make this an enjoyable place to visit.
From the beginning I was drawn in – with an inquisitive start – I was hooked. I wanted to find out not only Sara’s and Mike’s issues but the story behind it as well.
The protags themselves were strong – Mike is definitely alpha male and disgustingly manly with it. Sara was like a stick of match, catches quick and burns very hot. I like them, they so deserve each other.
The plot itself was a winner – as a series it Ms. Rogers gives a wonderful build-up of the Dynamics of the Jamison family. The individual siblings were all given an identity and somewhere about the middle of the book – I started picking favourites and wondered who was hotter.
Other than Sara and Mike trying to sort out their rekindling relationship, there were a few story lines that revolved I thought quite nicely around the main plot. Issues of trust, overindulgence, family unity and the underbelly of small society made an appearance at some point during this book.
Ms. Rogers voice is new to me, but I like how focus she was with the plot – her cast gelled and she was not overdramatic with the language. It was straight forward and you can see when the light bulb moment was reached. I will be reading more of her work.
Bottom Line
THERE ONLY BEEN YOU is a sweet read with from a new to me author. Ms. Rogers introduces me to an unforgettable cast of characters and with the small town setting as well as old love returned scenario I was hooked. There was a whole lot of food for thoughts in this book and I didn’t only love the main protags, I ended up falling in love with quite a few of the support cast and cant wait on there stories.
The pace and the emotional high and low point was dealt with, with tact and a quit grace that lives up to all that small town living is all about.
Definitely an author I will be following in the future – I liked her style alot.
Niggles
My only niggle was probably the convenience of Mike solving the video tape mystery after being away for so long– he all of a sudden thinks of the specific now that he was back home. I could probably say he is older and has more experience being a detective and all, but he has been a detective for a while now and he had nine years to think of this.
The mystery had to be resolved somehow – and after reading the book, this convenient way tied in alot of the loose ends that needed addressing. So the convenience served it’s purpose.
Cover
Would I be horrid if I said I didn’t like it. There is just something about it that just smirk insincerity and I wasn’t getting it. I really don’t like covers with faces.
Sara is petrified because not only did Mike leave town but he also left her pregnant. Him coming home did nothing for the animosity that she and her family felt for him. But she can’t think only about her sore heart or her bruised ego – A child is involved and he is deserves to know his father.
Mike Andrew is back home under less than ideal circumstances and as much as there was no love lose between him and this small town, there are a few things that he however misses and looks back on if not fondly but with some regret. His friendship with Nick his childhood friend and sparring partner is definitely a miss – his relationship with Nick’s sister Sara is feeling like a hot rod now even after all these years – but who can forgive someone who did the unthinkable and there was video evidence to prove him. He was not getting a warm fuzzy feeling for Sara at all.
With ages come a new perspective and the wisdom to look at things from a different angle. Mike does exactly this and soon realize that Sara might just also be the injured party. He knows he has to follow through and make things right but a few things are happening as me makes this marvellous revelation. Sara is also finally developing a social life and Mike is not happy because Sara new squeeze is not someone Mike approves of.
Mike is in for a surprise but can alpha male Mike deal with this feisty Sara that he has no choice but to deal with.
Positive
Small town stories does it for me and Ms Rogers gets this one right. The town building was easy to follow – the small town mindset was alluded to and she gave enough of the citified ways in the mix to make this an enjoyable place to visit.
From the beginning I was drawn in – with an inquisitive start – I was hooked. I wanted to find out not only Sara’s and Mike’s issues but the story behind it as well.
The protags themselves were strong – Mike is definitely alpha male and disgustingly manly with it. Sara was like a stick of match, catches quick and burns very hot. I like them, they so deserve each other.
The plot itself was a winner – as a series it Ms. Rogers gives a wonderful build-up of the Dynamics of the Jamison family. The individual siblings were all given an identity and somewhere about the middle of the book – I started picking favourites and wondered who was hotter.
Other than Sara and Mike trying to sort out their rekindling relationship, there were a few story lines that revolved I thought quite nicely around the main plot. Issues of trust, overindulgence, family unity and the underbelly of small society made an appearance at some point during this book.
Ms. Rogers voice is new to me, but I like how focus she was with the plot – her cast gelled and she was not overdramatic with the language. It was straight forward and you can see when the light bulb moment was reached. I will be reading more of her work.
Bottom Line
THERE ONLY BEEN YOU is a sweet read with from a new to me author. Ms. Rogers introduces me to an unforgettable cast of characters and with the small town setting as well as old love returned scenario I was hooked. There was a whole lot of food for thoughts in this book and I didn’t only love the main protags, I ended up falling in love with quite a few of the support cast and cant wait on there stories.
The pace and the emotional high and low point was dealt with, with tact and a quit grace that lives up to all that small town living is all about.
Definitely an author I will be following in the future – I liked her style alot.
Niggles
My only niggle was probably the convenience of Mike solving the video tape mystery after being away for so long– he all of a sudden thinks of the specific now that he was back home. I could probably say he is older and has more experience being a detective and all, but he has been a detective for a while now and he had nine years to think of this.
The mystery had to be resolved somehow – and after reading the book, this convenient way tied in alot of the loose ends that needed addressing. So the convenience served it’s purpose.
Cover
Would I be horrid if I said I didn’t like it. There is just something about it that just smirk insincerity and I wasn’t getting it. I really don’t like covers with faces.
February 12, 2019
Very well balanced book about a multigenerational family. Each member has a set personality. The son Ethan is very much a 7 year old. I would like a story about Uncle Luke finally getting his HEA.
July 18, 2010
This is the first book, before I read book 2, Meant to Be, but they are stand alone novels so they don't have to be read in the right order. Of course the last one sure had me curious about a couple of things. And there will be more, I got very happy when told that a certain person from book 2 will get a book, and so will Sara's other brother.
I did enjoy this book, but I fell so head over heals for her other book that I loved that one more. I do wonder how I would have felt about all if I had read this one first. Garrett, Sara's brother was so alpha and annoying at times. I fell hard for her brother Nicky here, and I really came to like Sara (of course since she is the main character). But in the other book I had only eyes for Garrett, because he was so alpha hehe. And here I got to know Mike, what a sweet guy. But ok I must stop thinking how I would have started liking persons more and more now.
This book is about Sara and Mike. They were in love as teenagers but then something happened and he left town and she found out she was pregnant. They both blame the other and have their own versions of what happened, and here the reader learns what really did happen. Sara has devoted her time to her son Ethan, and her brothers and uncle. They all live in the same house, and she spends her time there and at her bakery. Not much time for having a social life. But then Mike's dad dies and he comes back into town, and back into her life. But can they overcome those lies in the past?
First I must say that I do love the cover, it looks so sweet and now I know what the title means, sweet. It fits the book.
Sara is sweet main character, you can't dislike her. Mike on the other hand does have some anger issues, but he is all alpha and I do like him. And I sure like him and Garrett tearing at each other, that is two alphas that want to be number one. They both have reason to disliking each other.
Sara and Mike have some bumps in the road before them, but I want them to be together and for Ethan to get a real dad. A nice love story.
There is also the other side of the story, a rotten cop who is a drug dealer and Mike is sent to investigate this in his old town, without anyone knowing. It's a bad guy, a real creep, and there will be some action and bloodshed before the story can get a happy ending.
I did enjoy this book, but I fell so head over heals for her other book that I loved that one more. I do wonder how I would have felt about all if I had read this one first. Garrett, Sara's brother was so alpha and annoying at times. I fell hard for her brother Nicky here, and I really came to like Sara (of course since she is the main character). But in the other book I had only eyes for Garrett, because he was so alpha hehe. And here I got to know Mike, what a sweet guy. But ok I must stop thinking how I would have started liking persons more and more now.
This book is about Sara and Mike. They were in love as teenagers but then something happened and he left town and she found out she was pregnant. They both blame the other and have their own versions of what happened, and here the reader learns what really did happen. Sara has devoted her time to her son Ethan, and her brothers and uncle. They all live in the same house, and she spends her time there and at her bakery. Not much time for having a social life. But then Mike's dad dies and he comes back into town, and back into her life. But can they overcome those lies in the past?
First I must say that I do love the cover, it looks so sweet and now I know what the title means, sweet. It fits the book.
Sara is sweet main character, you can't dislike her. Mike on the other hand does have some anger issues, but he is all alpha and I do like him. And I sure like him and Garrett tearing at each other, that is two alphas that want to be number one. They both have reason to disliking each other.
Sara and Mike have some bumps in the road before them, but I want them to be together and for Ethan to get a real dad. A nice love story.
There is also the other side of the story, a rotten cop who is a drug dealer and Mike is sent to investigate this in his old town, without anyone knowing. It's a bad guy, a real creep, and there will be some action and bloodshed before the story can get a happy ending.
July 26, 2013
More like 2 1/2 **
This one started out interesting but quickly went down hill and turned way too predictable. Thankfully I picked it up as a free book.
Sara (h) is a single mother ,living with her brothers and her Uncle. She also runs a successful bakery. The father of her young son was her High School sweetheart, only he left her and left town and never looked back.......not knowing that he had fathered a child. She could never forgive him for the pain that he had caused her, still causes her all these years later.
Mike (H) thought he would never return to Green Bay, where he grew up. However with his father passing ,he really has no choice. Although he hated the old man, and with good reason, he still had responsibilities that he had to see to. He really didn't want to run into to Sara or her brothers though they had all been really close at one time. He just couldn't forgive Sara for all of the pain she caused years ago, pain that is still there 8 years later.
This is another one of those books with cardboard characters,formulated writing and a predictable ending. Also for those who can not stand the second chance romances where the h never moves on or dates anyone else then this book really isn't for you.....not that you couldn't tell just by the title. =)
This one started out interesting but quickly went down hill and turned way too predictable. Thankfully I picked it up as a free book.
Sara (h) is a single mother ,living with her brothers and her Uncle. She also runs a successful bakery. The father of her young son was her High School sweetheart, only he left her and left town and never looked back.......not knowing that he had fathered a child. She could never forgive him for the pain that he had caused her, still causes her all these years later.
Mike (H) thought he would never return to Green Bay, where he grew up. However with his father passing ,he really has no choice. Although he hated the old man, and with good reason, he still had responsibilities that he had to see to. He really didn't want to run into to Sara or her brothers though they had all been really close at one time. He just couldn't forgive Sara for all of the pain she caused years ago, pain that is still there 8 years later.
This is another one of those books with cardboard characters,formulated writing and a predictable ending. Also for those who can not stand the second chance romances where the h never moves on or dates anyone else then this book really isn't for you.....not that you couldn't tell just by the title. =)
July 12, 2013
It’s like crack. Or so I’ve been told…..
What I mean is that you start this book, you read 10 pages, and then you’re stuck. Trapped! Real life priorities like eating, sleeping, working, etc. just die on the vine…because you HAVE to finish this book. Can’t stop reading. And then you move on to Garrett’s story.
I like “secret baby” books, because I want to find out what would drive a mother to keep a child away from its father. If there’s a damned good reason, then the book hooks me. If not, she just pisses me off. Here there are 2 good reasons.
The only problem I had with the book was Sara. No, I didn’t dislike her, but she annoyed me from time to time. She’s afraid to trust Mike again because he “ran out” on her. Except he didn’t. He had a good reason to get away from her, plus not having a loving family to fall back on (I suspect his father is in Fiction Hell as I write). And he didn’t even know she was pregnant. Eh, I got over it – it’s fiction so it moved the story along.
Awesome book.
What I mean is that you start this book, you read 10 pages, and then you’re stuck. Trapped! Real life priorities like eating, sleeping, working, etc. just die on the vine…because you HAVE to finish this book. Can’t stop reading. And then you move on to Garrett’s story.
I like “secret baby” books, because I want to find out what would drive a mother to keep a child away from its father. If there’s a damned good reason, then the book hooks me. If not, she just pisses me off. Here there are 2 good reasons.
The only problem I had with the book was Sara. No, I didn’t dislike her, but she annoyed me from time to time. She’s afraid to trust Mike again because he “ran out” on her. Except he didn’t. He had a good reason to get away from her, plus not having a loving family to fall back on (I suspect his father is in Fiction Hell as I write). And he didn’t even know she was pregnant. Eh, I got over it – it’s fiction so it moved the story along.
Awesome book.
September 5, 2015
When I grabbed my copy, it was free on Amazon Kindle. Don't know if it still is, but if you're interested, look it up. :)
Why didn't this book receive a higher rating from me? Well, one of these reasons may sound a little silly to a lot of people, but I don't really believe in the whole left you 8 years ago, because there was an accusation thrown in about your SO cheating on you, and then coming back and still being in love with the said woman. BUT the man didn't contact the woman not once during those 8 years he was away, not even to talk to her about the alleged cheating story... :/ Sorry, simply doesn't sound very plausible to me.
More of my thoughts can be found HERE
Why didn't this book receive a higher rating from me? Well, one of these reasons may sound a little silly to a lot of people, but I don't really believe in the whole left you 8 years ago, because there was an accusation thrown in about your SO cheating on you, and then coming back and still being in love with the said woman. BUT the man didn't contact the woman not once during those 8 years he was away, not even to talk to her about the alleged cheating story... :/ Sorry, simply doesn't sound very plausible to me.
More of my thoughts can be found HERE
July 11, 2014
This is a quick, fun read with a bit of suspense and a bit of mystery thrown in. I really liked Mike as a character. I wasn't so keen on Sara, but he loved her, so that was good enough for me.
As with so many contemporary romances, there are the obligatory sex scenes, which can get pretty tedious. Just how many times must we read blow-by-blow (Pun intended) accounts of the same characters having sex? But I'm probably in the minority with this, so I will just have to content myself with skipping pages to get to the real meat of the story.
As with so many contemporary romances, there are the obligatory sex scenes, which can get pretty tedious. Just how many times must we read blow-by-blow (Pun intended) accounts of the same characters having sex? But I'm probably in the minority with this, so I will just have to content myself with skipping pages to get to the real meat of the story.
September 21, 2017
I really liked this book. I did read that there were some grumblings about why Sara and Mike broke up, but, hey, there needs to be a plot! It wasn't too bad, it could be believable because of how young they both were. I liked how Mike was with his son from the beginning, how nervous he was to meet him and everything. This is the first book I read from this author, but I would continue to read the rest in the series and also check out Donna Marie Rogers' other books.
*****Reread for the 2nd time*****
Last read 7/21/2014
*****Reread for the 2nd time*****
Last read 7/21/2014
May 14, 2011
I hate to say this is going to have be chalked up as a DNF for me. I'm about 1/3 of the way into it and I just can't seem to care what happens to these people.
I wanted to like this because the author is from Green Bay and the book is set in GB, which is my husband's home town but the book is written just to weakly for me. Not enough character and plot development.
I wanted to like this because the author is from Green Bay and the book is set in GB, which is my husband's home town but the book is written just to weakly for me. Not enough character and plot development.
September 14, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved all the characters (brothers included). They were funny, intense and well...just what brothers are. I loved Mike and Sara, and how they were open to knowing and fixing what went wrong so many years before. Overall, this was a great read and I'm ready to read Garrett's story.
January 13, 2013
page turner....loved it. Love is awesome....nothing can get in the way of love...just wish there was an epilogue on Sara and Mike...wanted to know if they had more kids...how are they five yrs later...lol...I got way too into it...lol
July 31, 2015
Good reading!
I was surprised at some of the developments in the story. It is much more than just a typical romance. Any reader who wants a well-rounded storyline that captures all emotions, will really enjoy this book!
I was surprised at some of the developments in the story. It is much more than just a typical romance. Any reader who wants a well-rounded storyline that captures all emotions, will really enjoy this book!
July 15, 2013
Fantastic Series!! Couldn't put it down!
August 18, 2014
This felt like a Lifetime movie of the week only in book form. Cute story but a bit too sappy for my taste.
July 27, 2015
Sometimes you read a book and almost none of the characters are likable, and it's such a shame, because the story line is just what you're looking for.
November 27, 2025
Bad villains make for a bad story
Instead of, a story where the villain is important and evil is revealed we get tweedle dee and tweedle dumb. I liked the family dynamic. The fact that she never moved on is weird. She stayed with her uncle and brothers and they just stayed static for eight years. She didn't want a space of her own away from taking care of four grown men plus her son. She was constantly feeding them, cleaning up after them and managing her oldest brother's emotional outbursts. The brothers never wanted to leave before now. To create a home of their own. And I'm so tired of men who don't cook. Cooking is feeding yourself there shouldn't be gender roles attached to something necessary for survival.
Instead of, a story where the villain is important and evil is revealed we get tweedle dee and tweedle dumb. I liked the family dynamic. The fact that she never moved on is weird. She stayed with her uncle and brothers and they just stayed static for eight years. She didn't want a space of her own away from taking care of four grown men plus her son. She was constantly feeding them, cleaning up after them and managing her oldest brother's emotional outbursts. The brothers never wanted to leave before now. To create a home of their own. And I'm so tired of men who don't cook. Cooking is feeding yourself there shouldn't be gender roles attached to something necessary for survival.
July 10, 2023
Beautiful romance with much suspense
This was much more than just a sweet love story. After many years of being apart due to misunderstandings, Sara & Mike are reunited but in the midst of their being reunited, there is a dark force desperately trying to keep them from each other. There is suspense and some humor, with Sara living with in an all male household of her brothers and uncle. Mike finally has to let Sara's family in on the undercover work he has been doing and after a thrilling kidnapping attempt and road chase, the plot is resolved.
I couldn't put this one down.
This was much more than just a sweet love story. After many years of being apart due to misunderstandings, Sara & Mike are reunited but in the midst of their being reunited, there is a dark force desperately trying to keep them from each other. There is suspense and some humor, with Sara living with in an all male household of her brothers and uncle. Mike finally has to let Sara's family in on the undercover work he has been doing and after a thrilling kidnapping attempt and road chase, the plot is resolved.
I couldn't put this one down.
November 4, 2017
Lovely second chance romance
I really liked all of the concept s of this book. You had misunderstanding, bitterness, stubborn love, sibling effectiveness, evil-doing suitor, young son to throw in humor along with heroine's 3 brothers and uncle to shake up everything. But beneath it all, there's a hunk of a old lover who is determined to have Sara and his son. This author is new to me, but I am interested enough in continuing this series and checking out more of her work.
I really liked all of the concept s of this book. You had misunderstanding, bitterness, stubborn love, sibling effectiveness, evil-doing suitor, young son to throw in humor along with heroine's 3 brothers and uncle to shake up everything. But beneath it all, there's a hunk of a old lover who is determined to have Sara and his son. This author is new to me, but I am interested enough in continuing this series and checking out more of her work.
February 18, 2018
I really liked the idea of a couple being reunited and falling back into a relationship easily but I’m not a big fan of the way they broke up in the first place. Communication people.
I wasn’t really a fan of the suspense aspect of the story either. It kind of felt like filler space to make the story longer.
The writing was good but I just didn’t feel like there was much that endeared me to the story enough that I would want to read it again.
I wasn’t really a fan of the suspense aspect of the story either. It kind of felt like filler space to make the story longer.
The writing was good but I just didn’t feel like there was much that endeared me to the story enough that I would want to read it again.
August 5, 2025
Cute and fast read with a bit of a thrill in the last third with a criminal investigation involved. Genuinely enjoyed the love story and happily ever after although I made everyone older in my head to make the story make sense (main characters are like 26-27, own their own businesses and one of them bought a large home like it was no big whoop. Made the story a little less realistic). Overall a good read, was nice to pass the time but not super memorable.
June 16, 2018
Good story but way too much description
I enjoyed the storyline of this book but there was too much description for me. I don’t think it was necessary to describe in detail each item of food that was placed on the table or every detail of what they were wearing. I think that bogged the story down.
I enjoyed the storyline of this book but there was too much description for me. I don’t think it was necessary to describe in detail each item of food that was placed on the table or every detail of what they were wearing. I think that bogged the story down.
February 23, 2019
Really good tale
Mike leaves town and only comes back when his father died right years later. What he does not realize is that his ex girlfriend have birth to his son while he was away. They broke up because he thought she cheated but finds out that was a lie. All ends well in the end.
Mike leaves town and only comes back when his father died right years later. What he does not realize is that his ex girlfriend have birth to his son while he was away. They broke up because he thought she cheated but finds out that was a lie. All ends well in the end.
October 19, 2019
Sarah and Mike was lovers as a teenager but Mike was not raised in a loving home and ran away when told a lie about Sarah. 9 years later they put pieces together but then sarah has to tell him her darkest secret and it's one that will change their lives forever but first mike has to get a bad cop off the streets.
October 28, 2019
I love There's Only Been You. It's a romance story with a bit of mystery and enough suspense to keep you turning pages. This story is about relationships, family & love; it's about mistakes, overcoming the past, and learning to find trust & faith in the right things (& people). The steamy spots are also filled with sweetness, and the right amount of humor is sprinkled throughout the book.
May 15, 2022
Pov: male & female
Main characters: Mike & Sara
Minor characters: Ethan (their son)
My thoughts:
I couldn’t get into this and gave up about 20 pages in. It reminded me of a jerry springer or Maury povich.
Synopsis:
Sara and Mike were together. She got pregnant and they broke up. She never told him. She had the baby on her own and he left town.
Years later he’s back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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