When you can't get over the one that got away, do you spin the block or live with your regrets?
Summer Day owns a vegan bakery and ice cream shop. The free-spirited beauty lives life on her own terms. After being let down time after time, she gives up on love vowing to get her gratification through flings and carry on in solitude with her heart intact.
An avid businessman, Emerald Pike Jr., runs the Pike family empire a little different than his father did. After learning that his father’s infidelity resulted in an outside child, his faith in him crumbles. In questioning the decisions he made to stay in his father’s good graces, Emerald looks back in time to the woman he knew was his one great love... his sister’s best friend.
A force stronger than pride draws these two back together, but will they finally get their happily ever after?
Tatum James is a passionate author of romance, urban fiction, and women’s fiction. Since publishing her debut novella Identical Sins in 2018, she has written more than 30 titles—each one known for its unique storylines, unpredictable twists, and vivid characters. A true storyteller at heart, Tatum loves painting pictures with words, weaving emotion, tension, and passion into every page.
A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.
Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.
I enjoy the various members of the Pike family….and I love a good second chance romance story…this time I just didn’t connect with a member of the family…Emerald & Summer’s story…Although, these Pikes are something else..lI truly look forward to seeing what happens with the other brothers.
This is the first time I will admit I wasn't a fan of Emerald. I usually like all the books baes. And I thought he would grow on me but umm not so much. However, this book is well written. Ms. Tatum did her thing as usual. I am so happy that Summer got her happily ever after. She truly deserved it. I also love how she turned her life around from the upbringing she had. I have to say that Sofia was a fantastic woman to raise a young child that she did not birth. Little Eric was living his best life with Mama Sofia. He is getting the childhood he deserves. I also loved Kayla and the relationship she developed with Summer. This is another installment within the Pike family. I am wondering will any more of the family find their true love. I will have to wait and see.
This novella was truly shocking, and I picked it up due to the second chance romance. I can, without a doubt, say this book was better than I thought.
I did go into the book with any expectations.
First, the chemistry between Summer and Emerald was truly amazing. You can tell Emerald loved her and wanted to make up for what happened in their past. He showed it in multiple ways and said it in multiple ways. The thing I liked most about him is how he dealt with his father. People say you need to forgive or respect your elders. I looked from Emeralds' perspective and noticed he was disappointed because the man that was teaching him how to be a man was a hypocrite who hurt a woman he loved most as well, his mother. Not to mention, the relationship he had with his daughter was cute and adorable.
Summer, she was sweet and a breath of fresh air. I felt bad for her at the beginning and was sure she was going to hold her resentment to Emerald, but eventually, she gave in. I loved that she was a successful woman and had her own business. She was pure with a personality that any man would go after including which is why I understood Emeralds drive to get her back.
I can say my issue with the book was that Summer forgave Emerald too fast. I don't think she delt with her grief long enough. Yes, he didn't make her do what she did it was a mutual decision, but he did manipulate her. To add on, I wanted to see her build her relationship with her parents as well. Another thing was seeing a little more into Emeralds' family history. I understand why that didn't happen because this was a novella.
However, I enjoyed this book and will continue to read Tatum James books!
Emerald was Mr. Wrong indeed. True to most 2nd Chance love stories, I wavered on whether or not his 2nd Chance was deserving. Summer definitely still loved him even though he did her so dirty. Kyla could really be a constant reminder. Knowing the History and bad blood each had with their own fathers make sense on why she clung to daddy Em and he wanted redemption.
This was a good story Emerald was holding a lot in and Summer still had trust issues and it showed from when she got that picture and went off without finding out the truth I hate that. They are good together and its a shame but they both had healing that needed to be done.I think they should have went to some counseling when they first got back together because to much from the past was just sitting in the background and I figured the first time something went wrong Summer would be a flight risk. I would definitely recommend this book to others because the story is amazing!
Second chance at love Summer and Emerald have a not so good history. With Emerald fumbling with Summer's heart. Nine years later Emerald gets a chance to right his wrong and be the man Summer deserves. Emerald character won me over pretty quickly. I loved how he didn't just say he loved her but showed it. Summer character was such a free spirit but she was definitely still hurting from the past. I definitely liked this read
I simply enjoyed reading about Emerald and Summer. I hated how Emerald did Summer in the beginning but I feel he just had to grow up and he definitely redeemed himself
Wow! Okay for Mr. Wrong aka Emerald he sure did sex Summer right. They both couldn't get over each other. Good sex will do that to you. Being in love will make it all right. It was my pleasure reading this book so good 😍.
This is my first read from Tatum James. I was very pleased and entertained . Summer and Emerald's story was very riveting. If you are not a fan of BDSM this book may not be for you. However; the overall story line (second chances) is great. Trust issues is a problem for them both do to previous hurts. Emerald's love for Summer was established from the start although he did not know how to show it. I'm glad I picked this book up!!!
I enjoyed reading about Summer & Emerald but I must say I felt as if she was a tad bit too weak for him as she easily let him back in without him doing much of nothing in the beginning. Like she ain't make him beg, sweat or nothing....just dropping draws cuz he said a few sentences to her after years of no contact. Like for the heartache he supposedly caused...he'd have to do way more before letting my guard down...like her heart's wall had been ate up by termites or something🤣🤣. However Emerald did prove and work his way back into her heart & panties accordingly 😉 Glad they got they HEA!
While this story was good, I keep finding out more and more that Dom/Sub type of reads just aren't my thing. While this wasn't exactly that, the control that Emerald had to have in the bedroom resembled it and I honestly could've done without it🤷🏾♀️. That's just me bc I know others that love it. I'll pass😒.
Aside from the kink, the actual story was decent. I don't think Emerald and Summer were a good match and the back and forth, her not trusting him, him making the horrible decision to play her to the side and take her to do what he did, while having another on the way, was too red flag, 'do not pass go or collect $200' for me. I'm not sure I'd be able to forgive him so easily. I am glad she let go of the hurt and anger toward him, bc ultimately, it wasn't doing anything good for her spirit. Either way, they worked through it and he showed that he was serious about their second go round and that was good enough for her.
I did like Emeralds' sister and Summer's best friend Emerson. She was a nice added touch to the story.
The control from Emerald wasn't my taste, yet the overall read was good.
This is my introduction into the Pike family and Ion know if Emerald should’ve been the first read because this story wasn’t the best introduction. He is the epitome of an unlikable character and he needs his ass beat for the shit he continuously pulls in this book. I’m still blown from the fact that this dude made Summer get an abortion because he didn’t want two women pregnant at the same time and for some reason SHE is the woman that he is supposedly in love with? Someone pinch me to wake me up because I’m what universe is this even romantic? Ain’t no coming back from this.Like he wouldn’t even have the opportunity to get close to me after that situation. Plus, the way that he uses his Dominance over her to weasel his way back into her life and he does the bare minimum? Nah, I ain’t here for this. This is no where romantic. This is traumatizing. I vote no to Summer even wasting her time with Emerald because he ain’t shit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoy Tatum’s books & this one was no different. The prologue had me immediately. Initially, I really liked how strong Summer came across, but I was a bit disappointed how quickly she folded. For the severity of Summer & Emerald’s fallout, there really was no groveling whatsoever. Now, granted it was 9 years later, but for a 19 year old, what he put her through was heavy & it took him 9 years to even apologize!! It was also ironic that Emerald had smoke for Summer’s dad when he also mishandled her badly as well. Despite this, I still enjoyed the book and encourage others to read it as well!
Emerald was very hard-core until it came to Summer, although he mistreated her when he was younger. He would have given anything to make up for the mistakes he made. Summer had been doing so well avoiding Emerald until Emerson's show. Then Sofia asked her to make a cake for Kyla's birthday. Emerald decided he was getting his Sunshine back. He continued to pursue her until things were right for them. Summer had trust issues concerning Emerald, but she got help with it. They got their happily ever after with the family they wanted. Emerald proved himself daily. Awesome read!
I enjoyed Emerald and Summer’s second chance love story. I’m glad they were able to get their happily ever after and work through their issues. I loved how Emerald knew he messed up and made the moves to apologize and make things right even though it took almost 10 years. There was an incident that I wished would have been discussed more on page between Summer and Emerald about how and why they ended their relationship earlier in their reconnection or more in depth, but I’m glad it was discussed somewhat. I look forward to seeing if there will be a story for the other two Pike brothers.
Nice!!!! I love a good redemption. Emerald was too young to do better. Its sad the amount of obligation we feel being the oldest and how it influences our decisions. Summer was too young and inexperienced to set boundaries. I enjoyed the pursuit of Emerald reclaiming his queen. There are some situations that could have been explored more that would have made this a great read. The scenes were ok, something was off to me that kept them from being great.
Emerald gave up his first love and their child to please his father as a young man. Later in life he realized the mistake he made and tried to make it right. Summer was the only woman who would have his heart. Summer was angry with Emerald after what he put her through almost a decade ago. She was going to give him a chance after he apologized, but could she ever trust him again. A great read!
Emerald and Summer were meant to be…..even though he pushed her away and put her in a dark place he knew he was wrong but he was trying to live up to his father’s expectations. Because Summer was his sisters Emerson best friend he avoided her for 9 years because he knew what he did still affected him but with some therapy and his father’s actions he knew he had to follow his heart now Summer never stopped loving Emerald but she also avoided him because she still had feelings for him….but when the two come together they were the bomb
This book was everything as usual. I love the fact that it wasn’t your typical read of drug empire riches and mountains of scandal (although I like that too). The Pike family has easily become one of my favorite families!
Wow! Emerald is really something else. I know he does not play when it's comes to Summer. I love that they worked their wa6 back to each other. Symmer really didn't have a choice but to fall in line lol. I really enjoyed this Story.
This book was so sexy... Second-chance lovers done right... Emerald was a boss in his own right... How can you make going to therapy seem sexy.. I would definitely recommend this book to everybody.. Super fast read and I loved every minute of this book
This was a REALLY GR8 read.... Glad that Summer got her happy ending. I totally enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down until it was finished. U won't be disappointed w this one 😉
I fell in love with Emerald and Summer. They relationship with through some things but in the end they found happiness with each other. I love Kyla. I miss them already.