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Something Worth Saving
They had it all.
Or so they thought.
A fairytale kind of romance that started with a girl and a boy falling head over heels in love.
This isn’t that part of the story. This is what happens after the happily ever after. After careers blossom, babies, stretch marks, and carpools.
Nadia is lost. As much as she loves her life, she hardly recognizes the reflection in the mirror. All she sees is his wife, their mom.Owen works hard. Somewhere between his career and life, working to provide everything possible for his girls, he lost track of what was important.
After one too many broken promises, cold shoulders, and nonexistent attempts at trying to work on ‘them’, she is ready for her life to change. When she does, he wakes up and realizes his own mistakes.
Do Owen and Nadia have something worth saving?
Or so they thought.
A fairytale kind of romance that started with a girl and a boy falling head over heels in love.
This isn’t that part of the story. This is what happens after the happily ever after. After careers blossom, babies, stretch marks, and carpools.
Nadia is lost. As much as she loves her life, she hardly recognizes the reflection in the mirror. All she sees is his wife, their mom.Owen works hard. Somewhere between his career and life, working to provide everything possible for his girls, he lost track of what was important.
After one too many broken promises, cold shoulders, and nonexistent attempts at trying to work on ‘them’, she is ready for her life to change. When she does, he wakes up and realizes his own mistakes.
Do Owen and Nadia have something worth saving?
216 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2017
202 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
December 18, 2018
Not many authors dare to write about what happens after HEA…
This author does! Respect!
Thanks to my friend's Leonor amazing review, I read and really enjoyed this book.
Leonor, you are awesome! <3
The story is safe, has strong and patient female lead andsomehow redeemable male lead.
It deals with real life situations and has many raw honest moments.
God, I was so mad at the hero. I wanted to slap him, to punch him; I wanted him to grovel more.
The sad side is – he is so real… he is your neighbor, your coworker, your relative, your friend (I hope not your husband).
His character shows exactly the ugly side of our society:
Men, who provide for their families are worth respect; and women, who raise kids and keep house, apparently have an easy life and don’t do much.
Let me disagree!
It’s BS! F*ck this misogynistic crap!
I would recommend this book to all women, young and adult, single and married.
Maybe it has some cheesy moments and a bit of naiveté, but it has a very strong message.
This author does! Respect!
Thanks to my friend's Leonor amazing review, I read and really enjoyed this book.
Leonor, you are awesome! <3
The story is safe, has strong and patient female lead and
It deals with real life situations and has many raw honest moments.
God, I was so mad at the hero. I wanted to slap him, to punch him; I wanted him to grovel more.
The sad side is – he is so real… he is your neighbor, your coworker, your relative, your friend (I hope not your husband).
His character shows exactly the ugly side of our society:
Men, who provide for their families are worth respect; and women, who raise kids and keep house, apparently have an easy life and don’t do much.
Let me disagree!
It’s BS! F*ck this misogynistic crap!
I would recommend this book to all women, young and adult, single and married.
Maybe it has some cheesy moments and a bit of naiveté, but it has a very strong message.
December 23, 2017
3.5 stars.
****WARNING, there are spoilers throughout the rambling****
- first thing first. Hero was completely faithful. Both emotionally and physically. He had NO clue the dumb OW was jumping the gun based on her overactive imagination. Other people saw her acting unprofessionally and had to point it out to him. And the reason he didn't notice is because he treated her just like he'd have treated a male friend and with due respect an assistant deserved for her hard work. He didn't even think it was thing to worry about because he just doesn't look at women that way. He loves his wife. Any other woman is just people he meets, the gender doesn't make a difference.
- the OW was REALLY out of line. She should have been sued. She was unprofessional AND unethical. She wanted to deliberately break up a marriage. It was insinuated that she gave enough implications to heroine for her to start doubting her husband's faithfulness. That was lying. She shouldn't be able to work in professional environment. Half a star down for no real consequences.
- it was good to see heroine realised it takes two to break a marriage as well in some cases. Not always but sometimes and she figured out the lack of communication needs to bridged by her as well.
- hero saw it takes two to make a marriage. Out of two of them he was the stubborn one. Not because he was a man, he's just the stubborn one. No underlying chauvinism there. He was stubborn at the beginning but he realised throughout the book what good would ego do to him if that just pushes the love of his life away? And he took his boss' advise and was very open minded and learned to be humble.
- he was idiotic, but I didn't really find him condescending or assholish even in the beginning. Even with his remarks about heroine being the housekeeper, he was not an asshole. Ignorant and naive, yes. But not deliberately disrespectful. He just needed to sit down, take a break and really THINK. He had utmost respect for his wife, he was not a chauvinist, he just doesn't have time and energy to think.
- his comments about "junk food" and "calorie intake" as much as they were hurtful was directed at BOTH of them. Not just her. He was approaching middle age, clearly some people take an linear approach to the junk food. What he DID do wrong was not letting her know how much he cares, how much he loves her, how beautiful he thinks she is just like she is. When affection is absent these words about food intake has a total different meaning. He did learn from his mistakes though.
- all his talk about spending money and taking independent decisions came down to his own vulnerability and my respect went up a notch when he decided to explain it to her. It is true. We women don't need a man to do anything. Heroine didn't need the hero. And he was scared. He didn't know what he could do, because apart from her love for him there was nothing stopping her from leaving him. Heroine had to show her that the love is more than enough reason for her to never wanting to leave him.
- I don't know about you, but I love a vulnerable hero rather than an alpha one. Alpha doesn't lie in emotional and physical blackmailing. Alpha sometimes means facing your weakness. Hero wanted to stay back at the beach house because he was scared to face reality and was worried he'd let her down again. But this time she took control and told him if he does, she'll let him know.
- heroine was amazing. Not a doormat, not a bitch. A strong human being who knows her worth.
- the marriage was in trouble for the most realistic reason. No outside influences. No cheating. No horrible third party meddling. They just lost their ways, which they found back together.
- loved the epilogue. I loved how it showed beyond the HEA!
****WARNING, there are spoilers throughout the rambling****
- first thing first. Hero was completely faithful. Both emotionally and physically. He had NO clue the dumb OW was jumping the gun based on her overactive imagination. Other people saw her acting unprofessionally and had to point it out to him. And the reason he didn't notice is because he treated her just like he'd have treated a male friend and with due respect an assistant deserved for her hard work. He didn't even think it was thing to worry about because he just doesn't look at women that way. He loves his wife. Any other woman is just people he meets, the gender doesn't make a difference.
- the OW was REALLY out of line. She should have been sued. She was unprofessional AND unethical. She wanted to deliberately break up a marriage. It was insinuated that she gave enough implications to heroine for her to start doubting her husband's faithfulness. That was lying. She shouldn't be able to work in professional environment. Half a star down for no real consequences.
- it was good to see heroine realised it takes two to break a marriage as well in some cases. Not always but sometimes and she figured out the lack of communication needs to bridged by her as well.
- hero saw it takes two to make a marriage. Out of two of them he was the stubborn one. Not because he was a man, he's just the stubborn one. No underlying chauvinism there. He was stubborn at the beginning but he realised throughout the book what good would ego do to him if that just pushes the love of his life away? And he took his boss' advise and was very open minded and learned to be humble.
- he was idiotic, but I didn't really find him condescending or assholish even in the beginning. Even with his remarks about heroine being the housekeeper, he was not an asshole. Ignorant and naive, yes. But not deliberately disrespectful. He just needed to sit down, take a break and really THINK. He had utmost respect for his wife, he was not a chauvinist, he just doesn't have time and energy to think.
- his comments about "junk food" and "calorie intake" as much as they were hurtful was directed at BOTH of them. Not just her. He was approaching middle age, clearly some people take an linear approach to the junk food. What he DID do wrong was not letting her know how much he cares, how much he loves her, how beautiful he thinks she is just like she is. When affection is absent these words about food intake has a total different meaning. He did learn from his mistakes though.
- all his talk about spending money and taking independent decisions came down to his own vulnerability and my respect went up a notch when he decided to explain it to her. It is true. We women don't need a man to do anything. Heroine didn't need the hero. And he was scared. He didn't know what he could do, because apart from her love for him there was nothing stopping her from leaving him. Heroine had to show her that the love is more than enough reason for her to never wanting to leave him.
- I don't know about you, but I love a vulnerable hero rather than an alpha one. Alpha doesn't lie in emotional and physical blackmailing. Alpha sometimes means facing your weakness. Hero wanted to stay back at the beach house because he was scared to face reality and was worried he'd let her down again. But this time she took control and told him if he does, she'll let him know.
- heroine was amazing. Not a doormat, not a bitch. A strong human being who knows her worth.
- the marriage was in trouble for the most realistic reason. No outside influences. No cheating. No horrible third party meddling. They just lost their ways, which they found back together.
- loved the epilogue. I loved how it showed beyond the HEA!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2018
Leonor's review is so convincing. Besides I love a story where the couple works for their relationship. And not one of those where someone is already serving the other divorce papers.
Update September 17th
THANKS TO ALEX AND LEONOR I read it and loved it. With a minor mishap.
I really liked the book. I make Alex and Leonor's words (review) mine. I really enjoyed this couple working on their marriages after hea when kids, work, life, routine, etc. hit.
So why 3 stars?? It's really petty of me. I recognize it. But Unfortunately I can't stand an epilogue so far into years. 25 years ahead is too long. Don't ask me why but it bothers me and I just don't like and it annoys me. A LOT. Otherwise, I like it. Without the epilogue it would be a 5 stars.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Update September 17th
THANKS TO ALEX AND LEONOR I read it and loved it. With a minor mishap.
I really liked the book. I make Alex and Leonor's words (review) mine. I really enjoyed this couple working on their marriages after hea when kids, work, life, routine, etc. hit.
So why 3 stars?? It's really petty of me. I recognize it. But Unfortunately I can't stand an epilogue so far into years. 25 years ahead is too long. Don't ask me why but it bothers me and I just don't like and it annoys me. A LOT. Otherwise, I like it. Without the epilogue it would be a 5 stars.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 12, 2019
Great book
No cheating and a great Love story. Loved Owen and Nadia and how they fought for their marriage both of them. Wonderful HEA. I loved It and I loved the epilogue. Just a very sweet romance. Nice change of pace from all the drama. Will read it again. Thank you for making this realistic and loving without exploitation.
5/12/2019
Just read again and I totally didn't even realize until I was half way through. I wouldn't have rated it five this time though for some reason. I got bored and I just lost interest. Sometimes he could just be clueless.
I did love the epilogue 25 years later though! It was very sweet.
No cheating and a great Love story. Loved Owen and Nadia and how they fought for their marriage both of them. Wonderful HEA. I loved It and I loved the epilogue. Just a very sweet romance. Nice change of pace from all the drama. Will read it again. Thank you for making this realistic and loving without exploitation.
5/12/2019
Just read again and I totally didn't even realize until I was half way through. I wouldn't have rated it five this time though for some reason. I got bored and I just lost interest. Sometimes he could just be clueless.
I did love the epilogue 25 years later though! It was very sweet.
May 23, 2021
Safe
- Married couple
- Together since they were 18, freshman year
- both each other’s one and only
- Ow drama, but he is totally innocent, he never ever even looked at her other than as a professional, she was the crazy one, but anyway, nothing happened. The heroine was insecure but he was honest and told her he didn’t notice she was crazy. Pretty minimal, she never mattered to him, she could have been a guy and it wouldn’t matter to him.
I love the fact the author didn’t write him as a super experienced 18 years old because hello guys aren’t experienced at that age. It was really beautiful that they date for a whole year before having sex because he didn’t fell she was ready.
“Only one woman has ever made me look twice and want more than a conversation with her, and she is standing in front of me.”
“The only woman he’d ever had was also the only woman who had ever made him look twice. Fifteen years might have passed from the first time he had laid eyes on her, but she still had that power.”
He was never intentionally mean or an asshole and once she talked to him he tried to change. She is very patient and sometimes I wish she would be more open about her insecurities and their problems. She talked, but she could have been harsher. He groveled and tried hard to change, but I wanted him to proper apologize for minimizing her efforts in raising the girls and taking care of their home.
She mentions him helping with the girls, but is his obligation just like it is hers, he isn’t helping, he is doing his job as a father. Man shouldn’t help raising his kids, they should simple raise them like mothers do. It’s 50/50. Not one parent doing the job while the other is at the side helping. This isn’t what happened here at the end, she would be more present at home because she choose it, and that’s okay, what bothered me is the fact he was
“helping with the kids” when he was doing what he must be doing you know.
I also wanted to know how she managed her new job at the end and there are no details.
The epilogue was 25 years later and I confess I don’t really like epilogues that jump so far ahead unless there are several little epilogues in between even it that was the case I don’t really like epilogues showing the main couple as grandparents. I don’t know why I just don’t like it.
- Married couple
- Together since they were 18, freshman year
- both each other’s one and only
- Ow drama, but he is totally innocent, he never ever even looked at her other than as a professional, she was the crazy one, but anyway, nothing happened. The heroine was insecure but he was honest and told her he didn’t notice she was crazy. Pretty minimal, she never mattered to him, she could have been a guy and it wouldn’t matter to him.
I love the fact the author didn’t write him as a super experienced 18 years old because hello guys aren’t experienced at that age. It was really beautiful that they date for a whole year before having sex because he didn’t fell she was ready.
“Only one woman has ever made me look twice and want more than a conversation with her, and she is standing in front of me.”
“The only woman he’d ever had was also the only woman who had ever made him look twice. Fifteen years might have passed from the first time he had laid eyes on her, but she still had that power.”
He was never intentionally mean or an asshole and once she talked to him he tried to change. She is very patient and sometimes I wish she would be more open about her insecurities and their problems. She talked, but she could have been harsher. He groveled and tried hard to change, but I wanted him to proper apologize for minimizing her efforts in raising the girls and taking care of their home.
She mentions him helping with the girls, but is his obligation just like it is hers, he isn’t helping, he is doing his job as a father. Man shouldn’t help raising his kids, they should simple raise them like mothers do. It’s 50/50. Not one parent doing the job while the other is at the side helping. This isn’t what happened here at the end, she would be more present at home because she choose it, and that’s okay, what bothered me is the fact he was
“helping with the kids” when he was doing what he must be doing you know.
I also wanted to know how she managed her new job at the end and there are no details.
The epilogue was 25 years later and I confess I don’t really like epilogues that jump so far ahead unless there are several little epilogues in between even it that was the case I don’t really like epilogues showing the main couple as grandparents. I don’t know why I just don’t like it.
October 17, 2017
Well, well, well. What a surprised this was! The marriage in trouble trope is pure catnip for me, and this one left me in catnip heaven. There was no ridiculous manufactured drama, no cheating, no ex drama. Instead the author kept their problems so very real, right down to his epiphany and how he set out to put things right between them. I loved their honesty too, and that once they realised there were problems they actually talked it through.
A quick read that I inhaled from word one, complete with a fabulous epilogue long into the future.
Loved it!
A quick read that I inhaled from word one, complete with a fabulous epilogue long into the future.
Loved it!
November 22, 2022
I read the book thanks to the reviews of Alex and Leonor and loved reading it.
Realistic story about a couple who start a life together deeply in love and that over the years the husband will devote more and more to work and leaving the wife and daughters of side. He really forget priorities and spend more time with his Secretary than with his wife.
After feel neglected and a little lost the wife decides to go with her daughters to the Beach House of them.
Are little things that over the years becoming monstrous in a relationship. He cancels their dates to stay at work late, coming home each day later and never has time for his daughters, works even on weekends, is called at work in the middle of their trips and leaves the family alone , criticizes the fitness and eating habits of her in front of everyone and makes her feel insecurities regarding her image. The questioning of all co-workers about his relationship with his Secretary. The lack of interaction between them and the lack of sexual interest on the part of the hero. Our heroine became a servant where does the laundry, clean the House, Cook food and is the driver for the girls.
She wonders where it went her dreams and the man who was the love of her life.
Ready a recipe for disaster.
I confess that in the beginning I was very angry at him and then I thought she would give up all and wasn't worth fighting for a relationship when your partner looks so absent and no interest in the relationship.
But our hero to be seen alone in an empty House he had the biggest scare of his life. Nothing worth without the important people in his life.
So our hero with a help of friends has an attitude to save the relationship and put his priorities in order.
And the epilogue was beautiful!
Recommend!
Realistic story about a couple who start a life together deeply in love and that over the years the husband will devote more and more to work and leaving the wife and daughters of side. He really forget priorities and spend more time with his Secretary than with his wife.
After feel neglected and a little lost the wife decides to go with her daughters to the Beach House of them.
Are little things that over the years becoming monstrous in a relationship. He cancels their dates to stay at work late, coming home each day later and never has time for his daughters, works even on weekends, is called at work in the middle of their trips and leaves the family alone , criticizes the fitness and eating habits of her in front of everyone and makes her feel insecurities regarding her image. The questioning of all co-workers about his relationship with his Secretary. The lack of interaction between them and the lack of sexual interest on the part of the hero. Our heroine became a servant where does the laundry, clean the House, Cook food and is the driver for the girls.
She wonders where it went her dreams and the man who was the love of her life.
Ready a recipe for disaster.
I confess that in the beginning I was very angry at him and then I thought she would give up all and wasn't worth fighting for a relationship when your partner looks so absent and no interest in the relationship.
But our hero to be seen alone in an empty House he had the biggest scare of his life. Nothing worth without the important people in his life.
So our hero with a help of friends has an attitude to save the relationship and put his priorities in order.
And the epilogue was beautiful!
Recommend!
Thank God, it’s date night. My eyes caught a glimpse of the perfect dress for tonight I had found at a little shop earlier in the week. A couple of hours out with Owen, grown-up conversation, good wine, and great food. Exactly what I needed. What we need.
“I don’t think I can make it on time tonight, babe. I’m sorry.” Again?
This was the sixth date night he had canceled.
“I’ll be late. Going to grab dinner on my way, so don’t worry about me, okay?”
“Love you girls. Be good for your mom,” he said. I opened my mouth to tell him I loved him, but the call ended. Without an ‘I love you.’
“Sorry about your date, Mom,” Vivian said softly. “Yeah, Momma, that sucks. Your new dress is really pretty,”
How many times had I done this last month? More like the last seven years, a small voice whispered, and the heaviness in my heart only grew.
A feeling I had been trying to shake off for a while that had not wanted to be ignored, no matter how hard I tried. He’d been snapping at me.
Somewhere between having the twins and the last eight years, we had lost our way.
When I reached our bedroom, Owen was already in bed, his hair wet from a shower, sitting with his iPad. From the color of the case, it was his work one. What a surprise.
As a gifted plastic surgeon, Owen was highly sought after. I knew that. I admired him and was proud of every one of his accomplishments
Though now, I wasn’t sure he even wanted me around anymore.
He only did it with snide remarks or what he thought were jokes.
Could there be someone else?
“You looked like something was wrong,” he pointed out, and I wanted to roll my eyes. “I’m surprised you noticed,” I let slip, and he frowned.
“We could go to Santa Barbara next week. The girls start summer vacation,” I suggested knowing for the first time when I said ‘we,’ I didn’t mean with him. “I don’t know if I can get time off,” he told his iPad.
The one and only man I’d ever loved, given myself to, was sprawled out in our bed. Freshly showered, acting like I was painted on the walls. He hadn’t bothered asking how my day was. Or how he could help. Nothing about me or my day. Nothing.
Instead, he had gone straight to the bedroom after cancelling our date and snapping at me.
I’M SURPRISED YOU NOTICED. Her voice rang in his ears, waking him up in the middle of the night.
God, that damn tone in her voice. Defeated. Was it because he’d had to cancel their date?
She used to share every bit of her day. When had she stopped sharing? Or had he stopped listening? I’m surprised you noticed.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! When had he stopped looking at her? Seeing her? Appreciating her?
Suddenly, all the times he had joked about her cuddling into him in bed, commenting how hot he would get, walking away from her as she held him close at work events or family things bombarded his memory.
“Do you remember what happened last time you tried to do that?” she asked calmly, and he fought from wincing.
When was the last time he had kissed her? Really kissed her?
For that matter, when was the last time he’d made hot, passionate love to her?
“I like this camisole. Is it new?” he asked,
“No.” “Oh…” “You bought them.”
“Anniversary gift,” she shared, and he swallowed. “Though, I guess I was right in assuming it was Monique, and not you, who picked it out.”
So he had asked his assistant to go buy something so he wouldn’t forget.
“Are you leaving me?”
“I’m not sure. We’re… well... I’m….” She sighed. “Something is not right here, Owen,”
“He has no idea how wonderful you are,” she mumbled her sweet observation, while we both pretended to look at colors. “Simone…”
“He used to,” she pointed out, and I knew exactly where this conversation would go. “He knew exactly, but now—
“Maybe I should get one?” I asked out loud. “One what?” Simone asked, holding two cream-colored swatches. “A mommy makeover,” I clarified, tilting my head, touching my chin.
“Babe, that shit is bad. You should be careful eating that. And even if eating shit junk food sounded good, no can do. That was the hospital. Can we meet halfway to drop Becca?”
“They need me.”
“I know…” I should have left it there, but I couldn’t. Not today. Maybe not anymore. “But have you stopped to think that maybe we need you, too?” I asked. The words burned as they slipped out.
“Owen…” “I love you. I—” He didn’t get a chance to say more. His phone started to ring, and I bit my lip. “You have to go,”
“Monique,” I mumbled. His assistant. His really pretty, twenty-something, bubbly assistant. The kind you catch your friends giving each other looks about. The kind who no matter what kind of trust you have in your man, you worry him being around. “You have to go. She needs you.”
“Yeah, if you can, please. Just none of that crap you were mentioning earlier. We both can’t afford the calories, yeah?” This time, I couldn’t hold back the flinch. His words left me feeling as if he had struck me.
“Look, brother, all I’m saying is, maybe you kick it back a little. Take it down a notch. The more you’re here, the less you’re home with your family. Shit, last weekend, you came in to check on a patient. You said you were going to be here for ten minutes and left after me,” Paul pointed out.
“And while you’re here, your sexy-ass assistant is here as well.” Paul threw a curve ball Owen hadn’t been expecting.
“Be careful with that one,” he warned. Owen shook his head. “She’s harmless.” Owen shrugged it off. Monique was his assistant, and that was it.
“All I’m saying is, you’ve been outta the dating scene for a while. You don’t see it, but Monique’s trouble.”
“She does great work.” “I bet.” Paul laughed while he shook his head.
“She’s been calling you in a lot. Working late with you.” “It’s part of our job. Carol does the same with you.”
“Look, man, people talk. But people usually start to talk because they hear things.”
“I heard her telling one of the medical assistants she thought it was only a matter of time before you were finally going to leave Nadia.”
“And that you would be trading Nadia in for a younger model.”
“She insinuated something was happening between the two of you. Luckily, she was talking to Jean, and you know her. She doesn’t put up with gossip.”
“But the thing is, if she’s ballsy enough to tell someone like Jean, who do you think she’s already told?” Fuck.
“I had to cancel a fucking date,” he muttered, not quite believing it. “One? She’s leaving over one cancelled date? That doesn’t sound like…” Paul started to say, while Owen started to count how many of their date nights he’d had to cancel. Three dates? No, four. Shit. How many times had he broken off their date nights?
“Sometimes women hear shit from people they care about, and it gives them ideas.” “Like who? Have you heard anyone—” “You, man,” Paul pointed out bluntly, and Owen stilled. “I’ve never—” “Two weeks ago, at that BBQ we went to—” “At Ritter’s place?”
“Yeah. You said stuff here and there. I don’t even think you notice.”
Had he given Nadia the idea that something was wrong with her body? Did she think something was going on with him and Monique? How the hell had Monique ever got the idea that he was anything other than her boss?
“Monique, you are my assistant.” “I take care of you!” she shouted louder.
“You’re my assistant,” he repeated. The obvious pain that flushed over Monique’s face made him feel ill. He had never flirted with her. Never hinted at anything other than a work-place relationship. Had he? “I’m your assistant? That’s it?” she whispered; her nose flared. “Yeah.
“I thought you were going to leave her!” Monique shouted, waving her arms in the air dramatically. “Her? Nadia? My wife? Why would I do that? I love her!” he told her, his own voice rising.
“If you loved her the way you say you do, the way you tell everyone you do, you wouldn’t have led me on!” “I have never—” “Working late, telling me to call you anytime—” she started to go off on a tangent, but he stopped her. “For professional reasons—” “Having me cancel date nights for you. Six in a row.” Shit. Has it been six? “Sending me to buy her your wedding anniversary gifts. Just FYI, Dr. Disaster, a man in love makes time for his woman!” she shrieked.
“It’s what I do for my patients,” he growled, trying to keep his cool. “Having dinner with me!” “In the hospital cafeteria,“ he pointed out.
“Go to hell. You’re hot, but you are not worth all this.” She walked away swaying her ample ass in a skin-tight pencil skirt.
Though Owen’s comments about me not being able to afford to eat crappy food didn’t settle well. It wasn’t the first time he had said something insensitive, but there was no way I would go under the knife. Not for him, not for anyone. If he didn’t find me attractive after all this time, he could jump off a bridge.
Almost two. Why would a married man get home so damn late? How could he just fall asleep in his office?
“Come on, Owen. Let’s be honest. For one freaking minute at least. Alright? We both know my body didn’t bounce back after the girls.”
“Is that why you always tell me about the stuff I shouldn’t eat? Or how I should spend more time at the gym?”
“No.” She shook her head. “You wanted to have this discussion, and this time, I’m not going to sugarcoat things for you.” She sat up in bed, turning the light on her nightstand back on.
“You should go to sleep in the guest room,” she blurted out, making his body freeze.
“Sleep in the guest room. I can’t…” She sniffled and looked away from him. “Why did you come home this late?”
“There are other doctors on call. Nurses who watch over your post-op patients.” “Nadia.” “Was Monique there tonight?” she asked, twisting her head to look at him, and he squinted.
“I love you enough to tell you that this is not the time for us to talk about this. We are both tired—”
“When you can make time, I guess, but not right now. Right now, I love you, Owen, but I don’t like you a whole lot.” She left him stunned.
“Hey.” “Hey,” he said without looking up from his laptop, but that wasn’t new. I was used to him not seeing me. The anger that filled the air between us was new.
“If I go up there, all you’re going to do is ride my ass about shit I have to do to the house,” he snapped.
I was tired of being the one throwing lifesavers and watching him let them float past him. The need to kiss him hit, in case it would be the last time.
“Don’t go to Santa Barbara,” he asked for the first time. I looked at him. “Wait for me so I can go. We can go together.” “When?”
“When would that be, Owen?” I observed calmly, knowing where this was going. “You can’t even have dinner with us,“ I pointed out as gently as I could handle. Reality was a cold bitch.
“I’ll give you a chance.” His eyes brightened with hope, and I fought from flinching as I kept talking, “When you make time for us.”
“But I need to know I’m more than a housekeeper to you,” I answered honestly for once.
“Not even Paul, who is very single, does that. You have a family, Owen.” “I am just making sure—” “You are avoiding being home,”
Twin baby girls with colic and a sleep-deprived Nadia had been difficult, so he had chosen at times not to go home as soon as he could. As time passed…
“Then maybe you need to think about what you think she does and compare it to what she actually does.” Weren’t the two things one and the same? “Owen, I can’t imagine raising two very active twin girls alone is easy—” “She’s not alone—” he interrupted, but she wasn’t having any of it. “Isn’t she?” she asked with a challenging tone, and he frowned.
“No, you’re not. You’re just not one who’s present,” Claudia honestly pointed out, making him flinch.
“When was the last time you had dinner with your girls, Owen? Made breakfast with them? Did anything other than rushing past them to get somewhere else?”
“Nadia, you’re talking about renovations that will cost over twenty thousand dollars. You didn’t even talk about—” “I did. I did talk about it with you. What you didn’t do, was listen. Which honestly, I’m not surprised about.”
“You hardly ever get a complete weekend, and if you do, you always bring work home to hide out in your study,” she pointed out. He deserved it, so he wasn’t going to try to argue. “So, what did you do?”
How long has it been since we’ve had sex? I wondered as he pulled away.
“This isn’t like you breaking your dates with Mom and making a promise for the next week, is it?” she asked, and he blinked for a moment, wondering how the hell she knew that.
“Because if you are going to let us down, don’t bother promising,” she stated. The blow hurt more than he had initially thought it would.
“You should think about what promises mean before you make them,” Viv remarked, raising her eyes to his, her chin firm, even if her lips wobbled.
November 11, 2017
This is a book about real life and what happens to a marriage when things get busy. Kids and demanding jobs can make married couples lose sight of each other and what brought them together in the first place. This was a sweet story of how Nadia and Owen fight to work their way back to each other. This is the first book I’ve read from this author which I will be changing soon. I loved the realness of the characters. They were just normal people like you and me. I absolutely adored the epilogue.
August 28, 2023
Free 28 August 2023
SPOILERY
.
No
He might as WELL have cheated because sometimes love isn't enough to make you WANT or NEED to be home with your family. Even just once a week. Even once a MONTH. Apart from when you’re sleeping, I mean.
He DOES love his wife and kids.
From a distance.
From work behind his desk, when he’s with his hundreds of patients, night in/day out, & during lunches and dinners with his assistant.
From the pillows on Hxh’s bed behind his iPad, from his study in front of his laptop.
He isn't ever attracted to anyone else but his wife.
He doesn't cheat emotionally or physically.
He’s just not present -that is basis of this story.
If I didn’t read his inner dialogue via his POV I would have had NO idea how deeply he has always loved her and how very much he desires her, because his actions and words tell a different story.
His assistant is his work wife. (There’s only 1 scene where she’s on page)
She runs his life from work – where he spends most of his time. She thought he felt the same and is genuinely hurt when she realises that he doesn't. He has no idea she felt this way. LOL. I had to laugh because I can’t decide if he is genuinely oblivious or deliberately obtuse. I remind myself that I don’t like to use the word stupid but it's hard not to in this case.
Once he realises he’s messing up he STILL isn't prepared to fight for them. He’s ready to wallow in self-pity and remorse. Does stupid shit like falling asleep at work, getting defensive and making her the bad guy. He doesn’t believe she does as much as he does because he’s at work all the time. And all the EXCUSES…. ugh…he had an explanation for everything! IN HIS MIND, because he doesn’t SPEAK anything of worth aloud. (Not until the last part of the book anyway.) For a man who has so damn much to say to everyone else he has nothing to say to his wife during a time when she really needs to hear it. Sigh...actually, he doesn’t even have a life at work, even there he’s in his own headspace so it's not like he’s living it up anywhere else.
After making her unhappiness very clear she takes the kids on holiday. She’s sweet and loving, strong and beautiful, loves him completely but has had enough and needs time away.
Now he has time to reflect BECAUSE OF COURSE HE’S AT HOME MORE NOW THAT THEY’RE GONE.
His BOSS had to tell him that the reason he stays away from his family is because he doesn’t WANT to be there. It's as simple and complicated as that.
He grovels and makes things right but in one month only – a complete 360, he does.
Who knows what would happen when they got back to the real world...
If not for the 25 years later epilogue there’s no way I believed their HEA.
I wish I could give it 2.5 stars because is was okay but I also enjoyed it somewhat (not quite a 3 stars enjoyment, though). I love how he felt about her and his thoughts about her - never really anything negative - but still...
NOTE TO SELF – ugh, edit this sometime.
SPOILERY
.
No
He might as WELL have cheated because sometimes love isn't enough to make you WANT or NEED to be home with your family. Even just once a week. Even once a MONTH. Apart from when you’re sleeping, I mean.
He DOES love his wife and kids.
From a distance.
From work behind his desk, when he’s with his hundreds of patients, night in/day out, & during lunches and dinners with his assistant.
From the pillows on Hxh’s bed behind his iPad, from his study in front of his laptop.
He isn't ever attracted to anyone else but his wife.
He doesn't cheat emotionally or physically.
He’s just not present -that is basis of this story.
If I didn’t read his inner dialogue via his POV I would have had NO idea how deeply he has always loved her and how very much he desires her, because his actions and words tell a different story.
His assistant is his work wife. (There’s only 1 scene where she’s on page)
She runs his life from work – where he spends most of his time. She thought he felt the same and is genuinely hurt when she realises that he doesn't. He has no idea she felt this way. LOL. I had to laugh because I can’t decide if he is genuinely oblivious or deliberately obtuse. I remind myself that I don’t like to use the word stupid but it's hard not to in this case.
Once he realises he’s messing up he STILL isn't prepared to fight for them. He’s ready to wallow in self-pity and remorse. Does stupid shit like falling asleep at work, getting defensive and making her the bad guy. He doesn’t believe she does as much as he does because he’s at work all the time. And all the EXCUSES…. ugh…he had an explanation for everything! IN HIS MIND, because he doesn’t SPEAK anything of worth aloud. (Not until the last part of the book anyway.) For a man who has so damn much to say to everyone else he has nothing to say to his wife during a time when she really needs to hear it. Sigh...actually, he doesn’t even have a life at work, even there he’s in his own headspace so it's not like he’s living it up anywhere else.
After making her unhappiness very clear she takes the kids on holiday. She’s sweet and loving, strong and beautiful, loves him completely but has had enough and needs time away.
Now he has time to reflect BECAUSE OF COURSE HE’S AT HOME MORE NOW THAT THEY’RE GONE.
His BOSS had to tell him that the reason he stays away from his family is because he doesn’t WANT to be there. It's as simple and complicated as that.
He grovels and makes things right but in one month only – a complete 360, he does.
Who knows what would happen when they got back to the real world...
If not for the 25 years later epilogue there’s no way I believed their HEA.
I wish I could give it 2.5 stars because is was okay but I also enjoyed it somewhat (not quite a 3 stars enjoyment, though). I love how he felt about her and his thoughts about her - never really anything negative - but still...
NOTE TO SELF – ugh, edit this sometime.
December 9, 2024
Tbh, Idk what to rate this. It was alright, I suppose; there were some ups and downs. I think a marriage in crisis story deserves more exploration, and I don't think it can really be done justice in a novella.
I really wanted to see Owen put in more effort. Three weeks just doesn’t seem like enough time, especially with all those years he wasn’t entirely around for his family. I just had to see more because it was really frustrating how much time he spent on his career instead of with his family, and I can't seem to let go of the fact that he took them for granted.
I get that he's really dedicated to his job because he wants to support his family, but the thing is, he didn't know how to balance it all.
And Nadia was just way too forgiving and understanding about everything.
I just wish they wouldn't rush into physical intimacy before sorting out their relationship issues first. I would’ve liked it more if they had worked on their communication, because man, even after being together for almost 15 years, they really didn’t know how to talk to each other. And tbh, reading that was pretty frustrating.
Anyway, at the end of the day, they managed to start fixing their marriage and eventually got on the same page again. The epilogue was a good thing also and seeing their family 25 years later was just too adorable. 🩷
Book info:
- Novella
- Marriage in crisis
- No cheating, OM
- OWD (see notes)
- Separation (see notes)
- HEA
Notes:
- Owen's assistant was interested in him and quite delusional. But he's not into her at all and is faithful to Nadia.
- 1 week separation as Nadia asked for space, and after a week Owen went to the house his girls were staying at and vowed to make things right.
I really wanted to see Owen put in more effort. Three weeks just doesn’t seem like enough time, especially with all those years he wasn’t entirely around for his family. I just had to see more because it was really frustrating how much time he spent on his career instead of with his family, and I can't seem to let go of the fact that he took them for granted.
I get that he's really dedicated to his job because he wants to support his family, but the thing is, he didn't know how to balance it all.
And Nadia was just way too forgiving and understanding about everything.
I just wish they wouldn't rush into physical intimacy before sorting out their relationship issues first. I would’ve liked it more if they had worked on their communication, because man, even after being together for almost 15 years, they really didn’t know how to talk to each other. And tbh, reading that was pretty frustrating.
Anyway, at the end of the day, they managed to start fixing their marriage and eventually got on the same page again. The epilogue was a good thing also and seeing their family 25 years later was just too adorable. 🩷
Book info:
- Novella
- Marriage in crisis
- No cheating, OM
- OWD (see notes)
- Separation (see notes)
- HEA
Notes:
- Owen's assistant was interested in him and quite delusional. But he's not into her at all and is faithful to Nadia.
- 1 week separation as Nadia asked for space, and after a week Owen went to the house his girls were staying at and vowed to make things right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2017
** 4 something worth reading stars! **
First, a shout out of thanks to Leonor for bringing this book to my radar.
A lot of my trusted friends loved this book and for a good reason.
It was so realistic. I felt so much for the h (stay at home Mom myself) Not freaking easy to take care of the kids, house, bills and all. And she's so strong (salute!)
The H was an inconsiderate asshat at first. A coward, if you ask me. Getting home late at night refusing to help his wife take care of the kids. F@cker. BUT, he redeemed himself. He owned his mistakes. That's a REAL man to me. He took responsibility that he lost his way and neglected his family. I am glad he saw the light and saved his marriage.
"You could gift me a thousand lifetimes, and I would still be greedy for more of you."
And that epilogue? So sweet. And icing to the already delicious cake.
First, a shout out of thanks to Leonor for bringing this book to my radar.
A lot of my trusted friends loved this book and for a good reason.
It was so realistic. I felt so much for the h (stay at home Mom myself) Not freaking easy to take care of the kids, house, bills and all. And she's so strong (salute!)
The H was an inconsiderate asshat at first. A coward, if you ask me. Getting home late at night refusing to help his wife take care of the kids. F@cker. BUT, he redeemed himself. He owned his mistakes. That's a REAL man to me. He took responsibility that he lost his way and neglected his family. I am glad he saw the light and saved his marriage.
"You could gift me a thousand lifetimes, and I would still be greedy for more of you."
And that epilogue? So sweet. And icing to the already delicious cake.
October 4, 2017
Well...this was a surprise! I could totally relate to Nadia. Been with my hubby since we were young, and now, 20 years later when we're not so young, sometimes your relationship takes a bit of a back burner while you're trying to juggle the realities of kids, careers, family/friends...hell, life! So I understood both Nadia and Owen. I'm also happy that the author didn't take the 'easy' way out and create drama in their relationship by introducing someone else. I'm huge on loyalty, and the fact that these two had that in spades, was just awesome. A very welcome change :)
It did start to lose a bit of momentum in the last half (where I was tempted to skim), but overall, it was a great read and I'm happy they worked together to work things out between them :)
It did start to lose a bit of momentum in the last half (where I was tempted to skim), but overall, it was a great read and I'm happy they worked together to work things out between them :)
November 23, 2023
2.5 not for me ⭐’s
I read this book almost two weeks ago so this will be quick. I really struggled how to rate it, I really should’ve just DNF’ed it because I found it so boring much of the book, but the writing was fine…
The book opens with career obsessed Owen canceling yet again on his date night with Nadia. The couple have been slowly drifting apart due to his very long hours as a plastic surgeon. The conflict was very relatable. I know many families dealing with the struggle of this dynamic (dad gone working all the time so you can stay home with the kids and still afford nice stuff), my own husband traveled every other week for over a decade when our boys were young… so I totally got it… the struggle is real.
…. But … I don’t read to commiserate over the daily suckage of life… I read to escape it. I’m not looking for stability and adulting… I’m looking for drama and heartbreak, and that isn’t the case here. Because literally nothing really goes on except them talking through their problems and getting on the same page.
Bottom Line- Not bad but not great for me which is probably a Jac thing because I crave the drama. I found it emotionless and quite bland. Epilogue 25 years later.
Safety- Totally safe. There is a small part with his assistant wanting more, but he was completely blind to the situation. No emotional or physical cheating.
I read this book almost two weeks ago so this will be quick. I really struggled how to rate it, I really should’ve just DNF’ed it because I found it so boring much of the book, but the writing was fine…
The book opens with career obsessed Owen canceling yet again on his date night with Nadia. The couple have been slowly drifting apart due to his very long hours as a plastic surgeon. The conflict was very relatable. I know many families dealing with the struggle of this dynamic (dad gone working all the time so you can stay home with the kids and still afford nice stuff), my own husband traveled every other week for over a decade when our boys were young… so I totally got it… the struggle is real.
…. But … I don’t read to commiserate over the daily suckage of life… I read to escape it. I’m not looking for stability and adulting… I’m looking for drama and heartbreak, and that isn’t the case here. Because literally nothing really goes on except them talking through their problems and getting on the same page.
Bottom Line- Not bad but not great for me which is probably a Jac thing because I crave the drama. I found it emotionless and quite bland. Epilogue 25 years later.
Safety- Totally safe. There is a small part with his assistant wanting more, but he was completely blind to the situation. No emotional or physical cheating.
September 23, 2017
Age: 33
Both met at 18, been together for fifteen years. He was her only.
There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said in other amazing reviews. It's a story of redemption, and putting back together a broken relationship. She resents her husband for his demeaning comments, lack of time and disregard of her value. Yet, she does not communicate her issues to him.
However, from start till end, I still don't believe the heroine voiced her wishes and desires without caution. There isn't transparency in their relationship. She's very shy to tell him what she wants and is passive in that sense. For example when she would refuse to let him go down on her after the birth of their twins. He has to push her for it yet it's clearly something she desires, but will not confirm. Her insecurities were a real factor in their shaky marriage, as was his job as a plastic surgeon. So I think that definitely needed to be addressed a little more imo.
Other than that, I liked it. I don't know how I felt about the 25 year epilogue. I actually wanted to know whether she pursued her graphics career because that was one of the things she wanted; she felt empty. I find it weird when we get young main characters and suddenly have to deal with them being called grandparents in an epilogue. But very sweet all in all.
3.5!
October 3, 2021
3 Owen and Nadia Stars
This is a lovely romance with the 'Marriage in trouble' trope. Nadia and Owen have been married for almost 15 years. They met in College and have been together ever since but lately Nadia has noticed her husband becoming more and more distant. Things come to a head and they are forced to face their issues, but are they strong enough to work through everything?
Both the H and h are very likeable and I could see both their viewpoints. I thought I would automatically side with Nadia , but I had sympathy for both of them. Nadia has lost herself in the melee of bringing up children and being everything to everyone. Owen has focused on providing for his family by succeeding and excelling in his career as a top Plastic Surgeon in L.A. but for a smart guy he misses the obvious. By the time he realises his marriage is in dire straits his wife is on her way out the door.
I did enjoy this book and it definitely got off to a strong start. I thought there would be more angst, the potential was certainly there, but it became more a story of healing and reconnecting. This author was new to me but I like her style and I would definitely read more of her work.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
This is a lovely romance with the 'Marriage in trouble' trope. Nadia and Owen have been married for almost 15 years. They met in College and have been together ever since but lately Nadia has noticed her husband becoming more and more distant. Things come to a head and they are forced to face their issues, but are they strong enough to work through everything?
Both the H and h are very likeable and I could see both their viewpoints. I thought I would automatically side with Nadia , but I had sympathy for both of them. Nadia has lost herself in the melee of bringing up children and being everything to everyone. Owen has focused on providing for his family by succeeding and excelling in his career as a top Plastic Surgeon in L.A. but for a smart guy he misses the obvious. By the time he realises his marriage is in dire straits his wife is on her way out the door.
I did enjoy this book and it definitely got off to a strong start. I thought there would be more angst, the potential was certainly there, but it became more a story of healing and reconnecting. This author was new to me but I like her style and I would definitely read more of her work.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
September 21, 2017
The premise and beginning of this book showed promise, but it fizzled out somewhere before the 50% mark. I appreciated the dual povs and the unique post-HEA plot that was completely safe, but all the MCs' thoughts were very repetitive. The overload of sap didn't help things either. The idea was great but the execution was lacking. There was altogether too much cursing, ellipses, dashes, pet names, and thinking about or having sex for me to enjoy this book.
September 24, 2018
3.75 Stars.
Indeed It was a good read.
I am becoming very lazy these days when it comes to writing a review. So, I am cutting it short.
Its feel really good to read such kind of book where both of the lead characters are good.
I am not comparing this book like some contemporary romance. Overall it feels like a family drama to me... A married couple, kids, school, office, career, family, struggle... Everything was there...
Everyone pointed out how Nadia was lost but I felt that both of them were lost. She got lost in herself and Owen got lost in the thought of providing more for the family.
I liked the hero but I am not going to say he was perfect. In fact, he was far from perfect. Some of his thinking and doing was really bad. Like-
1. When the girls were just infant he avoided going home early because it was hard to deal with sleep-deprived Nadia.
2. Maybe he wasn't pointing that Nadia was fat but his words were really bad and obviously it will point out something wrong entirely.
3. Canceling six dates ..... !!!
But at least he tries to mend the things and his trying was good.
Nadia and Owen, both made mistakes and got lost somewhere. But they talked and didn't give up. They tried for themselves and it itself is a strength.
Safety Issue: It was safe. No Cheating. Little OW drama.
Check Alex and Leonor's Awesome Review also.
Indeed It was a good read.
I am becoming very lazy these days when it comes to writing a review. So, I am cutting it short.
Its feel really good to read such kind of book where both of the lead characters are good.
I am not comparing this book like some contemporary romance. Overall it feels like a family drama to me... A married couple, kids, school, office, career, family, struggle... Everything was there...
Everyone pointed out how Nadia was lost but I felt that both of them were lost. She got lost in herself and Owen got lost in the thought of providing more for the family.
I liked the hero but I am not going to say he was perfect. In fact, he was far from perfect. Some of his thinking and doing was really bad. Like-
1. When the girls were just infant he avoided going home early because it was hard to deal with sleep-deprived Nadia.
2. Maybe he wasn't pointing that Nadia was fat but his words were really bad and obviously it will point out something wrong entirely.
3. Canceling six dates ..... !!!
But at least he tries to mend the things and his trying was good.
Nadia and Owen, both made mistakes and got lost somewhere. But they talked and didn't give up. They tried for themselves and it itself is a strength.
Safety Issue: It was safe. No Cheating. Little OW drama.
Check Alex and Leonor's Awesome Review also.
December 5, 2018
I liked how the hero became an amazing father and almost perfect husband.
September 2, 2017
I freaking loved this story. Nadia and Owen could be any of us or someone one we know. They have great friends and a wonderful life... or do they? I don't want to say much because this is one of those stories you have to experience and everyone will be able to connect with these characters. I can't imagine anyone not getting some "feels" reading such a great story about mature characters after they ride off into the sunset.... HIGHLY recommend
dnf
October 3, 2021DNF @ 46%
😫 Why am I like this?
This book just feels like marriage counseling lite. Nothing really happens. Nothing *will* happen. He was a workaholic and terribly oblivious to how he neglected his wife and young twin daughters. For the second half of the book they’re going to work on their marriage. Nice. Good. But I need some real drama and angst to keep me interested. I want some heart-racing romance.
Next!
😫 Why am I like this?
This book just feels like marriage counseling lite. Nothing really happens. Nothing *will* happen. He was a workaholic and terribly oblivious to how he neglected his wife and young twin daughters. For the second half of the book they’re going to work on their marriage. Nice. Good. But I need some real drama and angst to keep me interested. I want some heart-racing romance.
Next!
September 17, 2023
It hurts a little to give a self-published book with under 1,000 ratings 2 stars, but after I started reading this book again today after starting it last night, I found it hard to get back into. I was at 58% and really contemplated DNF-ing it.
There was nothing bad about it, I think it just lacked sustained conflict. In the beginning, I thought they were going to resolve their issues super quickly, and then what would we be reading for if they had already said "I love you"? Luckily, their issues weren't resolved that soon but still.
I never understood why they started having problems in the first place. It seemed like it was more manufactured on the author's end to make a story than something that happened naturally. These two were besotted from the start and college sweethearts. Why would Owen stay later at work than he needed and avoid his family? It didn't make sense.
Owen was hot, but the backhanded comments he made about her weight were smarmy. He should have realized with his job as a plastic surgeon, his wife would be more insecure about her looks. You know you've fucked up when your wife is thinking of plastic surgery.
Right away, starting with chapter 2, Owen had a chapter in his POV, but it was in the third person. I didn't like how his chapters were in the third person POV after hers were in the first person; it was a jarring change. It dehumanized him a little bit and reminded me of how that despicable hero in Credence by Penelope Douglas had his chapters in the 3rd person POV. It gave me weird vibes then, and it gave me weird vibes now.
Also, Owen tried to make up for one of their dinner dates by waking her up at 3 am to a picnic in their backyard. The gesture was cute, but seriously, it was 3 am. That was assholey of him; it couldn't have waited until the morning?
I noticed one grammatical error, and then I found all these other mistakes. I think the editor should be fired.
The longer I write this review the more I dislike the book, but honestly, this was a good read until about 58% of the way there. I looked forward to reading this book after buying it as a freebie on Amazon because marriages in trouble can be so good. I like how the author wasn't afraid to handle the subject material, but maybe it was a little too realistic fiction for me?
Also, the sex scenes barely did anything for me, which was disappointing :/
I hope I'm not falling into a reading slump because my enjoyment of books this week wasn't as good as the weeks before...
There was nothing bad about it, I think it just lacked sustained conflict. In the beginning, I thought they were going to resolve their issues super quickly, and then what would we be reading for if they had already said "I love you"? Luckily, their issues weren't resolved that soon but still.
I never understood why they started having problems in the first place. It seemed like it was more manufactured on the author's end to make a story than something that happened naturally. These two were besotted from the start and college sweethearts. Why would Owen stay later at work than he needed and avoid his family? It didn't make sense.
Owen was hot, but the backhanded comments he made about her weight were smarmy. He should have realized with his job as a plastic surgeon, his wife would be more insecure about her looks. You know you've fucked up when your wife is thinking of plastic surgery.
Right away, starting with chapter 2, Owen had a chapter in his POV, but it was in the third person. I didn't like how his chapters were in the third person POV after hers were in the first person; it was a jarring change. It dehumanized him a little bit and reminded me of how that despicable hero in Credence by Penelope Douglas had his chapters in the 3rd person POV. It gave me weird vibes then, and it gave me weird vibes now.
Also, Owen tried to make up for one of their dinner dates by waking her up at 3 am to a picnic in their backyard. The gesture was cute, but seriously, it was 3 am. That was assholey of him; it couldn't have waited until the morning?
I noticed one grammatical error, and then I found all these other mistakes. I think the editor should be fired.
The longer I write this review the more I dislike the book, but honestly, this was a good read until about 58% of the way there. I looked forward to reading this book after buying it as a freebie on Amazon because marriages in trouble can be so good. I like how the author wasn't afraid to handle the subject material, but maybe it was a little too realistic fiction for me?
Also, the sex scenes barely did anything for me, which was disappointing :/
I hope I'm not falling into a reading slump because my enjoyment of books this week wasn't as good as the weeks before...
July 30, 2023
I feel so iffy about this one. This books treated the FMC the glorified housewife and made her feel small even at the end.
The MMC says the most asshole things subconsciously. His go to is “I didn’t mean it” Uhmmm yeah asshole you did. AND I HATE IT THAT THEY CONFRONT EACH OTHER BUT NADIA KEPT CUTTING HIM OFF. Like WTF LET HIM SPEAK FOR CHRIST SAKE. I kid you not the convo is always like this:
Nadia going off as she should and asking the difficult questions
Owen trying to answer
Nadia cutting him off.
Nadia saying they should be honest with each other.
Owen trying to say his opinion
Nadia cutting him off.
IT WAS SO TIRING READING IT!!
There was a portion where Owen was the most trashy husband to grace my eyes.
“You mean go back to work?” he asked, looking twice at her.
“Maybe.” She shrugged and sighed as frustration built inside of him. “I don’t know.”
“Who would take care of the house?” he stupidly asked
“Babe, I work crazy hours. If you go back to work, we’ll need a nanny, a housekeeper.”
“A lot of people—”
“And if we are being honest here, isn’t it what you do?”
He really thought his own wife is a nanny/housekeeper 😭 I was praying hoping wishing begging Nadia to leave him cuz WTF husband of the fuckin year right there.
Their resolution was to have sex and sex and sex. The talk for me was insufficient, Owen was let off easily for saying the most dickish things about Nadia’s body, diet, and capabilities. I kept thinking that the author must have an internal misogynistic tendencies which is GROSSSSS. The author kept writing how hot Owen is, how he’s a hotshot, but the way she wrote Nadia, it’s either the author is closet misogynist or she hated someone named Nadia in real life.
I gave it 2 stars because there’s no cheating so thank Jesus for small mercies! 🙏🏽
The MMC says the most asshole things subconsciously. His go to is “I didn’t mean it” Uhmmm yeah asshole you did. AND I HATE IT THAT THEY CONFRONT EACH OTHER BUT NADIA KEPT CUTTING HIM OFF. Like WTF LET HIM SPEAK FOR CHRIST SAKE. I kid you not the convo is always like this:
Nadia going off as she should and asking the difficult questions
Owen trying to answer
Nadia cutting him off.
Nadia saying they should be honest with each other.
Owen trying to say his opinion
Nadia cutting him off.
IT WAS SO TIRING READING IT!!
There was a portion where Owen was the most trashy husband to grace my eyes.
“You mean go back to work?” he asked, looking twice at her.
“Maybe.” She shrugged and sighed as frustration built inside of him. “I don’t know.”
“Who would take care of the house?” he stupidly asked
“Babe, I work crazy hours. If you go back to work, we’ll need a nanny, a housekeeper.”
“A lot of people—”
“And if we are being honest here, isn’t it what you do?”
He really thought his own wife is a nanny/housekeeper 😭 I was praying hoping wishing begging Nadia to leave him cuz WTF husband of the fuckin year right there.
Their resolution was to have sex and sex and sex. The talk for me was insufficient, Owen was let off easily for saying the most dickish things about Nadia’s body, diet, and capabilities. I kept thinking that the author must have an internal misogynistic tendencies which is GROSSSSS. The author kept writing how hot Owen is, how he’s a hotshot, but the way she wrote Nadia, it’s either the author is closet misogynist or she hated someone named Nadia in real life.
I gave it 2 stars because there’s no cheating so thank Jesus for small mercies! 🙏🏽
October 9, 2017
A book describing a crossroads in which almost every normal married couple is found, but how things turn around is the other. Owen and Nadia found themselves in a vicious circle of routine, broken promises and false smiles.
A story that should be read by all who find themselves in this situation.
August 3, 2022
Three stars for memorability. The H in this book is so, so stupid about the way he handles his wife that even though he
has now been enlightened, I strongly doubt that he will be able to retain the key lessons. This is an HFN at best.
has now been enlightened, I strongly doubt that he will be able to retain the key lessons. This is an HFN at best.
Want to read
August 9, 2023💝FREE on Amazon today (9/17/18)!💝
September 16, 2022
The book was a decent read.
First off there was no cheating. Both of Them were faithful to each other. I would have stopped reading if there was.
I love reading stories about established couples and what happens after the first overwhelming intensity of new love fades.
The main problem that I had with the story was that I was so bored. Nothing really happened. There was not even any intense feeling or passion between them.
First off there was no cheating. Both of Them were faithful to each other. I would have stopped reading if there was.
I love reading stories about established couples and what happens after the first overwhelming intensity of new love fades.
The main problem that I had with the story was that I was so bored. Nothing really happened. There was not even any intense feeling or passion between them.
November 16, 2017
I loved every bit of this. Its so real and relatable.
October 4, 2023
Nadia ama más a Owen de lo que Owen a Nadia.
Nadia y Owen han estado juntos por 14 años, pero él se ha alejado hasta el punto en que sólo es un inquilino en la casa. Las pocas veces que conviven él está trabajando o haciéndola sentirse insuficiente con comentarios de que no debería comer esa cosa o que debería ir al gimnasio, le dejó de decir que la amaba, ya no le preguntaba como le fue en su día, llegaba a la casa sólo a dormir. Él no necesitaba estar tanto tiempo en el hospital, o sea es un cirujano plástico, pero el prefería estar en su trabajo que con su familia (él llegó a confesar esto).Además de mal esposo, también era mal padre a tal punto que ni tenía idea de qué cosas le gustaban a sus hijas. Honestamente yo no quería que terminaran juntos.
Cuando el ausente se dio cuenta que Nadia se estaba alejando en lugar de intentar luchar por ella, simplemente se dió por vencido. Fue necesario que sus amigos lo regañaran para que se diera cuenta que debería intentar salvar su matrimonio.
Nadia lo perdonó muy rápido, sentí feo porque él apenas hacía algo (como leerle a las niñas) y ella ya era masita en sus manos.
Nadia y Owen han estado juntos por 14 años, pero él se ha alejado hasta el punto en que sólo es un inquilino en la casa. Las pocas veces que conviven él está trabajando o haciéndola sentirse insuficiente con comentarios de que no debería comer esa cosa o que debería ir al gimnasio, le dejó de decir que la amaba, ya no le preguntaba como le fue en su día, llegaba a la casa sólo a dormir. Él no necesitaba estar tanto tiempo en el hospital, o sea es un cirujano plástico, pero el prefería estar en su trabajo que con su familia (él llegó a confesar esto).Además de mal esposo, también era mal padre a tal punto que ni tenía idea de qué cosas le gustaban a sus hijas. Honestamente yo no quería que terminaran juntos.
Cuando el ausente se dio cuenta que Nadia se estaba alejando en lugar de intentar luchar por ella, simplemente se dió por vencido. Fue necesario que sus amigos lo regañaran para que se diera cuenta que debería intentar salvar su matrimonio.
Nadia lo perdonó muy rápido, sentí feo porque él apenas hacía algo (como leerle a las niñas) y ella ya era masita en sus manos.
September 21, 2017
Review to follow later.
December 13, 2025
My rating: 3 1/2 stars
What I liked: I liked Nadia(h) and how she finally decided to take care of herself and her happiness. I also loved Nadia’s best friend. The best part was when Owen(H) told the ow that he never had any feelings for her but friendship. Another great part was when his daughters call him out on him breaking promises.
What I didn’t like: For a guy knowing how much he screwed up he sure did get very defensive. Owen(H) realizes he was wrong but his comments made me think he didn’t care at times. Also, I still don’t understand all the remarks he would make about her eating a cupcake or going to the gym if he was ok with the way she looked. h mentioned this but he really never addressed why he made those comments. Hell he even said it in front of their family and friends.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: H and h have been married for 15 years with two girls. The H has been working long hours and basically has not been there for the h and the girls. When the H cancels their date again, h tells the H that she will be taking the girls to their vacation home. H asks her if it is just the weekend but she said that she will be staying there for the summer break and he can come and get the girls on the weekend. H realizing he messed up goes about fixing things. H asks for time off and the ow gets upset, when H doesn’t understand why she tells him that he was always with her instead of the h and if he loved the h he wouldn’t work so much. H tells the ow he loves his wife and he is not leaving her. H’s two co-workers tell him that he needs to wake up if he wants to save his marriage, especially when the h calls one of the co-workers to get some plastic surgery done. H gets a month off and he goes to the vacation home and begins to save his marriage. While there, H sees how much he has missed with his daughters, especially when they call him out. They work things out. H realizing he needs to be there more and h needs to speak up when she isn’t happy. HEA
Descriptive Sex: Yes
Final thoughts: This was a good for me. I needed him explain more about his comments.
What I liked: I liked Nadia(h) and how she finally decided to take care of herself and her happiness. I also loved Nadia’s best friend. The best part was when Owen(H) told the ow that he never had any feelings for her but friendship. Another great part was when his daughters call him out on him breaking promises.
What I didn’t like: For a guy knowing how much he screwed up he sure did get very defensive. Owen(H) realizes he was wrong but his comments made me think he didn’t care at times. Also, I still don’t understand all the remarks he would make about her eating a cupcake or going to the gym if he was ok with the way she looked. h mentioned this but he really never addressed why he made those comments. Hell he even said it in front of their family and friends.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: H and h have been married for 15 years with two girls. The H has been working long hours and basically has not been there for the h and the girls. When the H cancels their date again, h tells the H that she will be taking the girls to their vacation home. H asks her if it is just the weekend but she said that she will be staying there for the summer break and he can come and get the girls on the weekend. H realizing he messed up goes about fixing things. H asks for time off and the ow gets upset, when H doesn’t understand why she tells him that he was always with her instead of the h and if he loved the h he wouldn’t work so much. H tells the ow he loves his wife and he is not leaving her. H’s two co-workers tell him that he needs to wake up if he wants to save his marriage, especially when the h calls one of the co-workers to get some plastic surgery done. H gets a month off and he goes to the vacation home and begins to save his marriage. While there, H sees how much he has missed with his daughters, especially when they call him out. They work things out. H realizing he needs to be there more and h needs to speak up when she isn’t happy. HEA
Descriptive Sex: Yes
Final thoughts: This was a good for me. I needed him explain more about his comments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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