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Sometimes you have to go more than halfway to meet in the middle.
Caitlin Moore has every reason to celebrate. She’s through with law-school finals, and out for some post-semester fun when she runs smack dab into Eamon Blake, the Irishman with whom she had a summer fling years ago. Time hasn’t dimmed their lingering friendship—or their sexual chemistry.
Eamon isn’t looking for love when he bumps into Cat while he’s in Seattle on a job. Yet over the next year, he finds himself involved in a rekindled long-distance romance that moves from casual to a lot more.
That’s the rub. Cat is determined not to repeat her past mistakes with men and give up the dream job for which she’s worked so hard. Independence is something she’s spent years achieving. Eamon can start over so much easier than she can—why shouldn’t he make the sacrifice this time?
But Eamon doesn’t much relish leaving the life he’s been building in Los Angeles—and he really doesn’t like ultimatums. At an impasse, goodbye seems the only direction to go. Ending it is the right thing to do…or the biggest mistake they ever made.
Caitlin Moore has every reason to celebrate. She’s through with law-school finals, and out for some post-semester fun when she runs smack dab into Eamon Blake, the Irishman with whom she had a summer fling years ago. Time hasn’t dimmed their lingering friendship—or their sexual chemistry.
Eamon isn’t looking for love when he bumps into Cat while he’s in Seattle on a job. Yet over the next year, he finds himself involved in a rekindled long-distance romance that moves from casual to a lot more.
That’s the rub. Cat is determined not to repeat her past mistakes with men and give up the dream job for which she’s worked so hard. Independence is something she’s spent years achieving. Eamon can start over so much easier than she can—why shouldn’t he make the sacrifice this time?
But Eamon doesn’t much relish leaving the life he’s been building in Los Angeles—and he really doesn’t like ultimatums. At an impasse, goodbye seems the only direction to go. Ending it is the right thing to do…or the biggest mistake they ever made.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2009
22 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
112 books4,999 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 25, 2010
Not really sure how I really feel about this book. LOL
The story takes place over a period of two years. This makes the story hard to read, for me anyway.
Eamon and Caitlin meet when she goes to Ireland. They spent six wonderful weeks together and then when Caitlin returns to the USA, they part as friends. Once home Caitlin reunites with a boyfriend that ends up being a total jerk and leaves her with a bit of emotional baggage, but it spurs to enter law school and start thinking for herself. Eamon suffers a loss in his family and this causes him to pursue him dream in photography. This is what throws them together much by chance. They rekindle their friendship and romance.
The book take place over a period of 2 years, so there was a lot of "several weeks, several months later" in this book. Dane leaves a lot to the reader's imagination. IMHO. It was also not a typical Dane book the steamy department. I cannot say that I really liked or disliked this book, it was just ehhh.
I guess reading it after just finishing Coming Undone might not have been the best choice on my part. I guess it is a little like a Megan Hart book without the steam…
The story takes place over a period of two years. This makes the story hard to read, for me anyway.
Eamon and Caitlin meet when she goes to Ireland. They spent six wonderful weeks together and then when Caitlin returns to the USA, they part as friends. Once home Caitlin reunites with a boyfriend that ends up being a total jerk and leaves her with a bit of emotional baggage, but it spurs to enter law school and start thinking for herself. Eamon suffers a loss in his family and this causes him to pursue him dream in photography. This is what throws them together much by chance. They rekindle their friendship and romance.
The book take place over a period of 2 years, so there was a lot of "several weeks, several months later" in this book. Dane leaves a lot to the reader's imagination. IMHO. It was also not a typical Dane book the steamy department. I cannot say that I really liked or disliked this book, it was just ehhh.
I guess reading it after just finishing Coming Undone might not have been the best choice on my part. I guess it is a little like a Megan Hart book without the steam…
April 3, 2011
This novel is about a long-distance relationship and it has become one of my favorites. I understand the chemistry between Caitlin (pronounced as Kathleen) and Eamon, the Irish bloke she had a hot summer fling with. They have this easygoing friendship, and they're perfect in bed, but they're not really angling for a relationship. Both of them know this and everything went well for Caitlyn when she passed the BAR, and Eamon has more contacts in his photography business.
Constant communication, with hot phone sex, and no demands from each other kept them going. While they didn't talk about it, they were exclusive and possessive of each other, and though they don't have a basis, they just felt ok with the setup. Caitlyn made her feelings clear about wanting something permanent with Eamon. Like a normal guy, he chickened out whenever the topic comes up. He does have feelings for Caitlyn and they're strong, but he was confused.
I liked how the story progressed and how their relationship developed. The timeline was just right and of course their lovemaking was stimulating and erotic. The story is about sacrifices and compromise in a relationship and how to make one last. Finally, Eamon proposed and all's well that ends well.
Constant communication, with hot phone sex, and no demands from each other kept them going. While they didn't talk about it, they were exclusive and possessive of each other, and though they don't have a basis, they just felt ok with the setup. Caitlyn made her feelings clear about wanting something permanent with Eamon. Like a normal guy, he chickened out whenever the topic comes up. He does have feelings for Caitlyn and they're strong, but he was confused.
I liked how the story progressed and how their relationship developed. The timeline was just right and of course their lovemaking was stimulating and erotic. The story is about sacrifices and compromise in a relationship and how to make one last. Finally, Eamon proposed and all's well that ends well.
April 5, 2012
I will admit that this book doesn't live up to the others that I have read by this author. It seemed like this couple just jumped into bed right away, granted they knew each other years ago and had been lovers. But I still had a hard time buying into them randomly bumping into each other then hopping into bed so quickly with no pretense.
I also didn't really care for the couple. Each one was selfish in their own way. They started out just being friends with benefits, but quickly fell into an exclusive long distance thing. Neither of them talked about it, it just happened. Then when Caitlyn wanted more, Eamon bolted. I thought she did a great job of explaining things in a rational manner and one that made sense for their situation. Too bad Eamon couldn't find his spine to deal. I also hated his actions afterward. He rejected her, yet he wanted to keep contact with her and did things to hurt her.
The ending was anti-climatic for me, mostly because at that point I just didn't care what happened with them.
I also didn't really care for the couple. Each one was selfish in their own way. They started out just being friends with benefits, but quickly fell into an exclusive long distance thing. Neither of them talked about it, it just happened. Then when Caitlyn wanted more, Eamon bolted. I thought she did a great job of explaining things in a rational manner and one that made sense for their situation. Too bad Eamon couldn't find his spine to deal. I also hated his actions afterward. He rejected her, yet he wanted to keep contact with her and did things to hurt her.
The ending was anti-climatic for me, mostly because at that point I just didn't care what happened with them.
June 28, 2022
Well, I'm glad that I gave another shot to a Lauren Dane book. After reading (and hating) Laid Bare, I was reluctant to start another, but I already had them on my iPhone, so figured why not?
Overall, I enjoyed it. Lauren still does the thing where she tells you the same thing over and over again rather than just showing you in their actions, which is tedious. Also, her dialogue needs a little (a lot) of help so that it flows more naturally. The sex scenes were there, but not nearly as descriptive as the ones in Laid Bare, but that also meant I didn't have "cunt" thrown at me every other word, either.
Definitely not a book I'd re-read, but it's worth the couple hours if you want something short, romantic and a bit sexy. Plus, the guy is Irish with an accent and speaks French. 'Nuff said.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Lauren still does the thing where she tells you the same thing over and over again rather than just showing you in their actions, which is tedious. Also, her dialogue needs a little (a lot) of help so that it flows more naturally. The sex scenes were there, but not nearly as descriptive as the ones in Laid Bare, but that also meant I didn't have "cunt" thrown at me every other word, either.
Definitely not a book I'd re-read, but it's worth the couple hours if you want something short, romantic and a bit sexy. Plus, the guy is Irish with an accent and speaks French. 'Nuff said.
April 26, 2012
The discussion at DA about women who are unapologetic of their beauty or of their goals really made me aware that this is one novella-length ebook where this description fits.
Kathleen (written Caitlin) already was in an exploitative relationship before and now she's working her way out of that. Then she coincidentally runs into a happy memory of hers, the Irish publican she had a friendly and very sexy (it IS a Lauren Dane ^^) fling with four years before when she worked in Ireland for her international stay.
Both of them, Caitlin and Eamon have fond memories, especially of their sex life, and since Eamon is in Seattle for a week, having relocated to LA a year or two ago (after his father's death two years previously he took out his camera again and is making his mark as a commercial photographer in the US and the UK - come on, it's a novella, it's no more unlikely than all those billionaires and their secretaries ^^) and Caitlin is quite happy to have some relaxing break from her all-work intense preparation for taking the bar exam and working to support herself on the side - well, they really click again.
At this point both find themselves fitting so well that they decide to have a long-distance affair, when they can find the time. It works well for both of them, they visit each other and their friends and relations approve of the other eventually.
Because the book is so short we have time jumps - to the time when Caitlin, having reached everything she was working for in her work life (with the enthusiastic approval of Eamon who loves her zest for work, life and sex), is finally able to have fairly regular working hours. She realizes that she can't kid herself anymore and acknowledges her love for Eamon and her need to make a real family.
Even though she's been hinting at wanting to talk about it for half a year, Eamon goes mental when she makes it clear she can't handle only long-distance any-more. Dane allows Caitlin to keep her dignity, to not manipulate the male with tears, etc. - which makes Eamon's avoidance very male but also quite petulant for me as a reader ^^. However, I'm quite happy to have the female be true to herself and dignified and the man storm off in a huff.
Eventually - after being male enough to keep in touch with Caitlin, but also tell her about the date he had arranged to get over her (which didn't work - but does succeed in getting her to cry on the phone, which Eamon does say was what he wanted just then, punishing her for wanting more) - Eamon realizes that no one quite fits like Caitlin and comes with heart in hand to do a bit of a grovel.
A bit too little of a grovel for me (I know it's the page constraints - but I wish this wasn't a novella - the characters are really fun), but he IS the one to give up his condo in LA and move to Seattle, because his international photographer business can handle that much more easily than her legal qualifications.
Kathleen (written Caitlin) already was in an exploitative relationship before and now she's working her way out of that. Then she coincidentally runs into a happy memory of hers, the Irish publican she had a friendly and very sexy (it IS a Lauren Dane ^^) fling with four years before when she worked in Ireland for her international stay.
Both of them, Caitlin and Eamon have fond memories, especially of their sex life, and since Eamon is in Seattle for a week, having relocated to LA a year or two ago (after his father's death two years previously he took out his camera again and is making his mark as a commercial photographer in the US and the UK - come on, it's a novella, it's no more unlikely than all those billionaires and their secretaries ^^) and Caitlin is quite happy to have some relaxing break from her all-work intense preparation for taking the bar exam and working to support herself on the side - well, they really click again.
At this point both find themselves fitting so well that they decide to have a long-distance affair, when they can find the time. It works well for both of them, they visit each other and their friends and relations approve of the other eventually.
Because the book is so short we have time jumps - to the time when Caitlin, having reached everything she was working for in her work life (with the enthusiastic approval of Eamon who loves her zest for work, life and sex), is finally able to have fairly regular working hours. She realizes that she can't kid herself anymore and acknowledges her love for Eamon and her need to make a real family.
Even though she's been hinting at wanting to talk about it for half a year, Eamon goes mental when she makes it clear she can't handle only long-distance any-more. Dane allows Caitlin to keep her dignity, to not manipulate the male with tears, etc. - which makes Eamon's avoidance very male but also quite petulant for me as a reader ^^. However, I'm quite happy to have the female be true to herself and dignified and the man storm off in a huff.
Eventually - after being male enough to keep in touch with Caitlin, but also tell her about the date he had arranged to get over her (which didn't work - but does succeed in getting her to cry on the phone, which Eamon does say was what he wanted just then, punishing her for wanting more) - Eamon realizes that no one quite fits like Caitlin and comes with heart in hand to do a bit of a grovel.
A bit too little of a grovel for me (I know it's the page constraints - but I wish this wasn't a novella - the characters are really fun), but he IS the one to give up his condo in LA and move to Seattle, because his international photographer business can handle that much more easily than her legal qualifications.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2015
Lauren Dane is one of my favorite authors, and this book is a stand-alone. The story is about previous lovers that run across each other again in a new city. Caitlin and Eamon were lovers when Cait was in Dublin for a summer four years prior, and they are reunited in Seattle when Eamon is there on business and Cait is finishing school. They easily fall back into a casual physical relationship and renew their friendship, which becomes a long distance relationship in which they only see each other infrequently but keep touch through email, texts, skype and calls. The relationship continues to blossom over two years they spend together. Both are working toward their goals; Eamon is building his business and contacts with his photography, while Cait is finishing her law degree and prepping for the bar exam. The closer Cait gets to finishing school the more she wants a full relationship with Eamon, but when she addresses this with Eamon he puts her off. Eamon just isn't ready to realize the relationship and its importance to him. A number of review comments on the brevity of the book - only 125 pages, while the story being over a couple of years, so there are large spans of time skipped. Most of the skipped times are briefly reviews through the couple's communication while not together, but it still feels as if the book was longer but excessively edited and removed a great deal of content to shorten it. The story is lovely, and how Eamon sees and speaks of Cait is beautiful, and how the relationship builds is interesting. It falls short of much of Dane's other work, as it is a simple love story of a second chance, but lacks the inside story and a climax. Luckily a quick read, a sweet story but lacking depth.
April 28, 2011
Well, I'm glad that I gave another shot to a Lauren Dane book. After reading (and hating) Laid Bare, I was reluctant to start another, but I already had them on my iPhone, so figured why not?
Overall, I enjoyed it. Lauren still does the thing where she tells you the same thing over and over again rather than just showing you in their actions, which is tedious. Also, her dialogue needs a little (a lot) of help so that it flows more naturally. The sex scenes were there, but not nearly as descriptive as the ones in Laid Bare, but that also meant I didn't have "cunt" thrown at me every other word, either.
Definitely not a book I'd re-read, but it's worth the couple hours if you want something short, romantic and a bit sexy. Plus, the guy is Irish with an accent and speaks French. 'Nuff said.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Lauren still does the thing where she tells you the same thing over and over again rather than just showing you in their actions, which is tedious. Also, her dialogue needs a little (a lot) of help so that it flows more naturally. The sex scenes were there, but not nearly as descriptive as the ones in Laid Bare, but that also meant I didn't have "cunt" thrown at me every other word, either.
Definitely not a book I'd re-read, but it's worth the couple hours if you want something short, romantic and a bit sexy. Plus, the guy is Irish with an accent and speaks French. 'Nuff said.
October 31, 2011
Another great book by Lauren Dane. I just can't seem to go wrong with her.
I had put off reading this book as the outside cover synopsis really didn't excite me much, but I'm glad I finally read it. The story line was good and seeing Cat & Eamon's relationship develop over a long time was different than many other Dane books. Usually her characters move really fast into lust and then into love, but these two were different.
Definitely a must read for anyone who likes Lauren Dane.
I had put off reading this book as the outside cover synopsis really didn't excite me much, but I'm glad I finally read it. The story line was good and seeing Cat & Eamon's relationship develop over a long time was different than many other Dane books. Usually her characters move really fast into lust and then into love, but these two were different.
Definitely a must read for anyone who likes Lauren Dane.
January 13, 2011
Maybe I'm just a total sap but I loved this book. It does take place over 2 years but that's how long it took them to build this strong bond. Having read a lot of PNRs lately where they fall in love within weeks, this was refreshing. The end was believable and heart-warming. An all around solid read.
January 9, 2015
Lauren Dane is one of my favourite authors because her couples have real problems and they solve them like grown-ups. No misunderstandings, no hiding behind words or keeping stuff inside.
This is about a couple with a difficult long-distance relationship and personal issues, but love prevails in the end :)
This is about a couple with a difficult long-distance relationship and personal issues, but love prevails in the end :)
May 15, 2017
My favorite thing bout this story is such a small thing. Eamon is Irish and instead of just writing about cultural differences, the author writes in Eamon's accent also. The accent is written so well I can actually hear the dialect in my mind eye. The accent lessens throughout the story, as do most once removed from there origin. Another great book from Lauren Dane.
February 6, 2011
In true Ms. Dane fashion, there are stubborn characters in this book. Still, I enjoyed it as a sweet love story. It's a story that brings hope to females with long distance relationships. I can always count on Ms. Dane for a good relaxing read. (No pun intended)
October 24, 2011
Really enjoyed this book and loved the chemistry between Eamon (loved that he was Irish as well) and Caitlin.
The long distance relationship, the plot and the relationship between the two main characters made this book a really enjoyable read.
The long distance relationship, the plot and the relationship between the two main characters made this book a really enjoyable read.
May 21, 2012
I'm a fan of reunion love stories, so I really liked Eamon and Caitlin's story. I liked the long distance relationship, and the buildup of anticipation between the times they saw each other. Nice sex scenes, and great emotional development between the two characters.
June 13, 2014
I'm wavering between a 2 and a 3. I was enjoying the story until he ran out on her because he couldn't commit. He was a real dick,and I did not want her to take him back. So a romance where I don't want the 2 to have a HEA is not a romance book that works for me
June 6, 2011
I liked the charecters.
April 4, 2014
short but sweet.
January 17, 2015
I enjoyed the story but it seems a trifle stilted and unnatural somehow. Still it's a pleasant way to spend a couple hours.
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December 1, 20151 December 2015: $1.35 on Kindle
January 28, 2017
Great read
As always her books have a great story and wonderful characters. Very good read! Lauren Dane is one of my go to authors for a good book.
As always her books have a great story and wonderful characters. Very good read! Lauren Dane is one of my go to authors for a good book.
June 13, 2012
A totally fabulous short sexy read.
July 19, 2014
Not Dane's best work, but it was enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews