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Present Tense: A Second Chance- Friends to Lovers Romance
A second chance at first love.
How do you have a one-night stand with someone you've known your whole life?
You don't.
You accidentally fall into a relationship knowing everything about the other person only to discover you know absolutely nothing about yourself.
Liam and Jillien met when they were five and seven and grew up thrown together for holidays and summers. She was always the impulsive one while Liam marveled at her bravery. Now thirty years later life has changed both of them but can they recapture who they were and find not only themselves but everlasting love? They need to stop letting the past dictate their lives so they can find themselves in the present tense.
How do you have a one-night stand with someone you've known your whole life?
You don't.
You accidentally fall into a relationship knowing everything about the other person only to discover you know absolutely nothing about yourself.
Liam and Jillien met when they were five and seven and grew up thrown together for holidays and summers. She was always the impulsive one while Liam marveled at her bravery. Now thirty years later life has changed both of them but can they recapture who they were and find not only themselves but everlasting love? They need to stop letting the past dictate their lives so they can find themselves in the present tense.
344 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2022
35 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Kay
42 books283 followersI used to create "dreams" with my best friend growing up. We'd each pick a boy we liked, then we'd write down a meet-cute that always ended with a happily ever after.
Now I get to dream every day, although it's a little steamier these days. And I've discovered I can and will write anywhere I can. Keep tuned to Instagram to see all the times I fit in a sentence or two.
I'm a writer, married to a writer, mother of a creative dynamo of a nine-year-old boy and currently a little sleepy. I'm a klutz and goofball and love lipstick as much as my Chuck Taylors.
Good things in the world: pepperoni pizza, Flair pens*, wine, coffee, laughing with my friends until my stomach hurts, a musician at the top of their game, getting lost somewhere I've never been, matinee movies on a weekday, the Chicago Cubs, a fresh new notebook full of possibilities, bourbon on a cold night, Fantasy Football, witty men, walking through the local zoo in the rain and that moment when a character clicks in and begins to write their own adventure. I'm just the pen.
Now I get to dream every day, although it's a little steamier these days. And I've discovered I can and will write anywhere I can. Keep tuned to Instagram to see all the times I fit in a sentence or two.
I'm a writer, married to a writer, mother of a creative dynamo of a nine-year-old boy and currently a little sleepy. I'm a klutz and goofball and love lipstick as much as my Chuck Taylors.
Good things in the world: pepperoni pizza, Flair pens*, wine, coffee, laughing with my friends until my stomach hurts, a musician at the top of their game, getting lost somewhere I've never been, matinee movies on a weekday, the Chicago Cubs, a fresh new notebook full of possibilities, bourbon on a cold night, Fantasy Football, witty men, walking through the local zoo in the rain and that moment when a character clicks in and begins to write their own adventure. I'm just the pen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 21, 2022
Present Tense by Kelly Kay is a must-read!
The author tells the story in both characters' pov, which is needed to understand the whole picture. To see how far this couple has come and that they always were meant to be.
MCs have known each other since they were kids and get their second chance now. It is kind of friends-to-lovers, although when they see each other for the first time, they soon can't keep their hands to themselves.
I love Kelly Kay's writing style because it is fast-paced, easy to read, and super realistic. I got sucked into the story, the characters and their issues felt so real and relatable, it's easy to believe it's all real.
Lian Fletcher, aka Fletch, is not your usual book boyfriend who is perfect in every way. Liam is better because he is human, he has flaws and insecurities, but throughout the story, he learns and grows, making him every woman's dream.
In my mind, Liam had the face of the model on the cover, which is a super handsome man.
Jillien, aka Jillybear or Jill, is a feisty heroine, but she has lost a piece of herself over the years, mostly due to family-related issues. The issues she goes true are very relatable, and I think many people go through similar situations. Her character grows a lot during the story.
Liam and Jillien's chemistry is epic, and their relationship is full of emotions, humor, steam, and lots of love.
Present Tense is a steamy story, the MCs go at it from their first meeting, but it makes sense because it immediately is clear how deep their connection goes.
I loved that Jillian's 13-year-old son didn't get portrayed as the perfect child. He got cross, tried to curse, and got into trouble, just like real kids do.
If you love relatable stories that make you feel all the feels, make you laugh until your belly hurts, and get you hot and bothered, then Present Tense is the perfect book for you.
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
The author tells the story in both characters' pov, which is needed to understand the whole picture. To see how far this couple has come and that they always were meant to be.
MCs have known each other since they were kids and get their second chance now. It is kind of friends-to-lovers, although when they see each other for the first time, they soon can't keep their hands to themselves.
I love Kelly Kay's writing style because it is fast-paced, easy to read, and super realistic. I got sucked into the story, the characters and their issues felt so real and relatable, it's easy to believe it's all real.
Lian Fletcher, aka Fletch, is not your usual book boyfriend who is perfect in every way. Liam is better because he is human, he has flaws and insecurities, but throughout the story, he learns and grows, making him every woman's dream.
In my mind, Liam had the face of the model on the cover, which is a super handsome man.
Jillien, aka Jillybear or Jill, is a feisty heroine, but she has lost a piece of herself over the years, mostly due to family-related issues. The issues she goes true are very relatable, and I think many people go through similar situations. Her character grows a lot during the story.
Liam and Jillien's chemistry is epic, and their relationship is full of emotions, humor, steam, and lots of love.
Present Tense is a steamy story, the MCs go at it from their first meeting, but it makes sense because it immediately is clear how deep their connection goes.
I loved that Jillian's 13-year-old son didn't get portrayed as the perfect child. He got cross, tried to curse, and got into trouble, just like real kids do.
If you love relatable stories that make you feel all the feels, make you laugh until your belly hurts, and get you hot and bothered, then Present Tense is the perfect book for you.
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
March 21, 2022
As I say each time, we all have different opinions so my review may or may not be the same as yours and that’s completely okay.
Kelly gave me the opportunity to read her book as an ARC which releases March 30th btw! Excited your guys have a little over a WEEK left before you can read it. This was my first Kelly Kay book and I'm very not disappointed!
"Present Tense" is a second chance romance and well let's be honest, childhood friends to Lovers book. A book with real characters who give real reactions. All the different elements to this book remind you just how much love, care and appreciation actually mean not only to yourself but to others. It reminds you that you actually can fuck things up, you can fuck it all up, *royally* but if you're honest then maybe it works out in your benefit.
Maybe if you're honest about who you are, what you want, how you feel and show just how much people actually mean to you, you don't lose them as easily as you can.
It shows how everything happy and glorious and amazing can all turn to shit when you add lies, mistrust and annoying people who pretend to have your best interest at heart when they stand for nothing more than to tear you down.
It shows you how not because someone's family means they have your best interest at heart, not because THEY think this and that means it should dictate your life.
Make your own choices.
Choose your own happiness.
Be your own person and then maybe...just maybe...the happy ever after you've always hoped for might actually happen❤
.
.
🌶🌶🌶/5
Thanks for coming to my Tedtalk♥︎
Kelly gave me the opportunity to read her book as an ARC which releases March 30th btw! Excited your guys have a little over a WEEK left before you can read it. This was my first Kelly Kay book and I'm very not disappointed!
"Present Tense" is a second chance romance and well let's be honest, childhood friends to Lovers book. A book with real characters who give real reactions. All the different elements to this book remind you just how much love, care and appreciation actually mean not only to yourself but to others. It reminds you that you actually can fuck things up, you can fuck it all up, *royally* but if you're honest then maybe it works out in your benefit.
Maybe if you're honest about who you are, what you want, how you feel and show just how much people actually mean to you, you don't lose them as easily as you can.
It shows how everything happy and glorious and amazing can all turn to shit when you add lies, mistrust and annoying people who pretend to have your best interest at heart when they stand for nothing more than to tear you down.
It shows you how not because someone's family means they have your best interest at heart, not because THEY think this and that means it should dictate your life.
Make your own choices.
Choose your own happiness.
Be your own person and then maybe...just maybe...the happy ever after you've always hoped for might actually happen❤
.
.
🌶🌶🌶/5
Thanks for coming to my Tedtalk♥︎
March 13, 2022
Present Tense is one crazy-good journey between Liam and Jillien. My weakness is a 2nd chance romance, friends to more kind of story, and this book ticks all those boxes for me and then some. Kelly Kay gives us yet another feisty heroine in Jillien, something she writes extremely well, and from that first kiss many years after that clumsy teenage one with Liam, I just knew this book would be full of fantastic push and pull between these two. And thankfully, I wasn't proven wrong.
Oh, these two. They literally go from zero to a thousand at first sight after so many years apart. With the magic of Christmas as the backdrop, Jillien surprising Liam at his annual party is like every great present he's ever received times 10. They cannot keep their hands and lips off of each other and there is great humor in trying to do so with a house full of people.
With a huge decision to see where this could lead, I found it utterly swoonworthy how much Liam couldn't stop touching and loving on his Jillybear. He was experiencing all the feels he had as a kid and now it's bursting at the seams. Jill provides most of the conflict in her inability to let go of past insecurities wrt to her stubborn father. and control, especially when it comes to her son, Ethan. And with a series of passionate starts and stops, I was as sad as Jill was when she may have crossed the line one too many times when it came to letting Liam into her life.
Thankfully, I was left a happy camper when all was said and done. AND despite all the frustrations in getting these two childhood friends together for good, no thanks to Liam's sister Lisa btw, I thoroughly enjoyed myself as witty banter and adorable moments kept this story moving no matter what transpired.
If you have yet to try a book by Kelly Kay, I can't think of a better one to start with than Present Tense.
5 stars!
Oh, these two. They literally go from zero to a thousand at first sight after so many years apart. With the magic of Christmas as the backdrop, Jillien surprising Liam at his annual party is like every great present he's ever received times 10. They cannot keep their hands and lips off of each other and there is great humor in trying to do so with a house full of people.
With a huge decision to see where this could lead, I found it utterly swoonworthy how much Liam couldn't stop touching and loving on his Jillybear. He was experiencing all the feels he had as a kid and now it's bursting at the seams. Jill provides most of the conflict in her inability to let go of past insecurities wrt to her stubborn father. and control, especially when it comes to her son, Ethan. And with a series of passionate starts and stops, I was as sad as Jill was when she may have crossed the line one too many times when it came to letting Liam into her life.
Thankfully, I was left a happy camper when all was said and done. AND despite all the frustrations in getting these two childhood friends together for good, no thanks to Liam's sister Lisa btw, I thoroughly enjoyed myself as witty banter and adorable moments kept this story moving no matter what transpired.
If you have yet to try a book by Kelly Kay, I can't think of a better one to start with than Present Tense.
5 stars!
March 31, 2022
Jillien Thompson always had a crush on her best friend’s brother. Liam Fletcher has always held a torch for Jillybean. When Jillien shows up at Liam’s house for his annual Christmas party, he doesn’t waste another second, like literally. The two fall into a fast fling that pretty much ignores their current circumstances. Liam is a lawyer living in his childhood home in Philadelphia after his divorce. And Jillien is a divorced, single mom, living in Chicago working hard to make everyone happy. As feelings grow, they realize they should try to have a relationship beyond the holidays.
Liam is so considerate and caring towards Jillien and really makes an effort for a life together. He develops a close bond with Jillien’s son, Ethan, even though he expressed no desire to have his own children. Jillien is overly concerned with doing the “right” thing even if it might not be the right thing for her. She is still trying to find acceptance from those that repeatedly treated her poorly in the past. Liam’s sister, Lisa is one of those people. Her alcoholic father is another. Liam wants to hold onto this chance at love but Jillien’s structure and invisible rules get in the way.
This book starts out with the heat and keeps it coming for chapters. I enjoyed that Jillien and Liam did not completely ignore their past as it made their instant connection more believable. Liam is the only good guy left in his family after his father’s passing. As caring and considerate as he was, his mother and sister were just mean. Jillien has lived so long bending to the expectations of others that she has forgotten to have her own. I really wanted to shake some sense into her. Ethan was a realistic teenager that loves his mom and wants the best for her. I loved the respect Liam and him shared. This was my first Kelly Kay book, but it will not be my last.
Liam is so considerate and caring towards Jillien and really makes an effort for a life together. He develops a close bond with Jillien’s son, Ethan, even though he expressed no desire to have his own children. Jillien is overly concerned with doing the “right” thing even if it might not be the right thing for her. She is still trying to find acceptance from those that repeatedly treated her poorly in the past. Liam’s sister, Lisa is one of those people. Her alcoholic father is another. Liam wants to hold onto this chance at love but Jillien’s structure and invisible rules get in the way.
This book starts out with the heat and keeps it coming for chapters. I enjoyed that Jillien and Liam did not completely ignore their past as it made their instant connection more believable. Liam is the only good guy left in his family after his father’s passing. As caring and considerate as he was, his mother and sister were just mean. Jillien has lived so long bending to the expectations of others that she has forgotten to have her own. I really wanted to shake some sense into her. Ethan was a realistic teenager that loves his mom and wants the best for her. I loved the respect Liam and him shared. This was my first Kelly Kay book, but it will not be my last.
March 29, 2022
Jillien & Liam knew each other as kids & they randomly (but not so randomly since Jillien showed up at his door) meet up as adults one Christmas season. Their attraction is palpable, but do they have what it takes for their relationship, which will be long distance as she lives in Chicago & he lives in Philly, to go the... distance?
There was no will they? won't they? here; there was just they will & then the action (read: steam) took off from there. Literally, I thought the opening scene was going to be a dream sequence & the main character would snap out of this lusty daydream, but, nope. That was just the opening scene. 😂
Fans of steam and dirty talk, this one's for you. That's mainly what the first half of the book is with the plot thrown in here & there. Some of it was a bit much for my prude heart to take, but I know regular romance readers will eat this one up!
The second half of the book had more of the plot line that I crave as a reader. It was my favorite part, giving me tension & heart & flawed characters. So there's a little something for everyone here!
Side note: Liam, at times, reminded me of Gary Mendez from the TV show A Million Little Things, especially any scene where he was talking to Jillien's son, Ethan.
There was no will they? won't they? here; there was just they will & then the action (read: steam) took off from there. Literally, I thought the opening scene was going to be a dream sequence & the main character would snap out of this lusty daydream, but, nope. That was just the opening scene. 😂
Fans of steam and dirty talk, this one's for you. That's mainly what the first half of the book is with the plot thrown in here & there. Some of it was a bit much for my prude heart to take, but I know regular romance readers will eat this one up!
The second half of the book had more of the plot line that I crave as a reader. It was my favorite part, giving me tension & heart & flawed characters. So there's a little something for everyone here!
Side note: Liam, at times, reminded me of Gary Mendez from the TV show A Million Little Things, especially any scene where he was talking to Jillien's son, Ethan.
March 30, 2022
Third time’s a charm
I adored this story, Present Tense is a second (third?) chance love story, Jillian and Liam grew up together, shared their first kiss New Year’s Eve when they were 13 & 14, shared their second first kiss many years later after loves, and losses, marriages, kids and divorces.
This is the first novel I've read of Kelly Kay’s but it certainly won't be the last as I found myself invested in these characters and this easy to read book with a surprising amount of depth. It'll have you feeling so many emotions, I laughed, I agonized with them, I wanted to smack them at times, and their chemistry was off the charts, so the sex scenes were hot and uninhibited.
There's good character development with our main characters and some excellent supporting cast (& cats) providing both comic relief and angst making the story interesting and intriguing.
I read an ARC provided by the author’s Promotional company without knowing much about the book or author, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will seek out more of Ms. Kay's books.
I adored this story, Present Tense is a second (third?) chance love story, Jillian and Liam grew up together, shared their first kiss New Year’s Eve when they were 13 & 14, shared their second first kiss many years later after loves, and losses, marriages, kids and divorces.
This is the first novel I've read of Kelly Kay’s but it certainly won't be the last as I found myself invested in these characters and this easy to read book with a surprising amount of depth. It'll have you feeling so many emotions, I laughed, I agonized with them, I wanted to smack them at times, and their chemistry was off the charts, so the sex scenes were hot and uninhibited.
There's good character development with our main characters and some excellent supporting cast (& cats) providing both comic relief and angst making the story interesting and intriguing.
I read an ARC provided by the author’s Promotional company without knowing much about the book or author, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will seek out more of Ms. Kay's books.
March 30, 2022
This book was one I read in two days and it almost seemed perfectly so that I read it as such. The first half was all about the fun and flirty sides of our two main characters. The tension was spot on and the steam was off the charts and totally hooked me.
Then the second half of the book was emotional, raw and frustrating. By then, we’re solely hooked on Liam and Jillien being together. But there were so many personal things they each needed to work through in order for their relationship to work in the long run. And so they separate (which was tear jerking and sad).
This is where I really starting falling deeper in love with the story though because we saw these two work through some real and relatable things in their lives. Like absent fathers, losing yourself in a relationship, addiction, etc.
The things they both said to each other in anger was partly frustrating but also part eye opening because they weren’t really ever wrong in what they said. While these words hurt them and us as the reader, it made the story more well rounded and emotional.
And these instances made me realize maybe similar issues that I can work through in my own life too. And we know I’m a sucker for books that make me introspective and maybe realize things I’ve also been hiding from or ignoring in my life that I don’t want to address but probably should…
Anyways, this book was hilarious and filled with spicy tension and authentic characters. And so it’s definitely worth the read 💕
Then the second half of the book was emotional, raw and frustrating. By then, we’re solely hooked on Liam and Jillien being together. But there were so many personal things they each needed to work through in order for their relationship to work in the long run. And so they separate (which was tear jerking and sad).
This is where I really starting falling deeper in love with the story though because we saw these two work through some real and relatable things in their lives. Like absent fathers, losing yourself in a relationship, addiction, etc.
The things they both said to each other in anger was partly frustrating but also part eye opening because they weren’t really ever wrong in what they said. While these words hurt them and us as the reader, it made the story more well rounded and emotional.
And these instances made me realize maybe similar issues that I can work through in my own life too. And we know I’m a sucker for books that make me introspective and maybe realize things I’ve also been hiding from or ignoring in my life that I don’t want to address but probably should…
Anyways, this book was hilarious and filled with spicy tension and authentic characters. And so it’s definitely worth the read 💕
March 28, 2022
If you are looking for a crazy, entertaining journey look no further than Liam and Jillien’s friends to lovers journey in Present Tense. I have read a few books by this author but I’m still kicking myself for not finding her earlier as im now trying to play catch up with past releases.
Jillien and Liam (Fletch) are childhood friends that now find themselves divorced and single once again. When Jillien returns home with her teenage son Ethan she is looking to start afresh and when she crashes Fletch’s party things are about to get real hot and interesting.
This book has all the feels, it’s fun and entertaining, it’s emotional and sweet, it has wonderful characters and it has some serious heat going on. And let’s not forget the meddling families who do their best to make this couples journey difficult but fingers crossed it’s just a bump in the road for the couple that truly deserve each other and true happiness. A great read that I highly recommend.
Jillien and Liam (Fletch) are childhood friends that now find themselves divorced and single once again. When Jillien returns home with her teenage son Ethan she is looking to start afresh and when she crashes Fletch’s party things are about to get real hot and interesting.
This book has all the feels, it’s fun and entertaining, it’s emotional and sweet, it has wonderful characters and it has some serious heat going on. And let’s not forget the meddling families who do their best to make this couples journey difficult but fingers crossed it’s just a bump in the road for the couple that truly deserve each other and true happiness. A great read that I highly recommend.
March 30, 2022
Loved it!
This was a really great story! I love when the characters come alive in a story and you really connect with them. Jillien and Liam have known each other since they were kids but lost touch when they got older. They have an explosive reunion and I fell more in love with this world that Kelly Kay created with every page.
Both characters experienced a lot of loss and heartache during the time that they were apart. They are both a little broken but help each other heal.
They quickly decided that they wanted more then one night but as the real world starts creeping into their bubble, they soon have to face challenges.
The journey that they go through is emotional, heartbreaking and honest. I found myself relating to the characters and I was sad when it was over.
Definitely a book I would recommend.
This was a really great story! I love when the characters come alive in a story and you really connect with them. Jillien and Liam have known each other since they were kids but lost touch when they got older. They have an explosive reunion and I fell more in love with this world that Kelly Kay created with every page.
Both characters experienced a lot of loss and heartache during the time that they were apart. They are both a little broken but help each other heal.
They quickly decided that they wanted more then one night but as the real world starts creeping into their bubble, they soon have to face challenges.
The journey that they go through is emotional, heartbreaking and honest. I found myself relating to the characters and I was sad when it was over.
Definitely a book I would recommend.
March 30, 2022
The way this book starts out completely hooked me and had me obsessed. Then we get taken on this whirlwind ride of the nitty gritty of a relationship. Where both characters have past history not only together but with other relationships that have tainted and changed their perspectives. This book proves how much communication is key to any relationship but certain discussions can also be hurtful and painful. I truly loved this book and don’t even get me started on the seggsy times!! Holy smutness, the dirty talking, man of your dreams that also cares for your child?! Swoon!!!
March 25, 2022
This book starts out so hot and steamy, it was refreshing not having to sit through half the book waiting for the good stuff. ;) However, it works its way into your heart strings and before you know it, you are on the edge of your seat wondering if Jillien and Fletch can make it work. I loved this book and it also had me craving a trip to Martha's Vineyard.
Jillien is a single mom that has worked so hard for her teenage son, Ethan. After a few days back in her hometown she has reunited with her childhood crush, Liam (Fletch). These two have so much chemistry and sweet, tender moments! Fletch gives all the perfect book boyfriend vibes that we swoon over.
L👩❤️👨VE
🕑Second Chance
👫Friends to Lovers (Childhood Crushes that are MEANT TO BE + loved that they were in their 30s)
👨👩👧👦Family Drama
👩👦Single Mom
🐈 Cat Lover
🔥STEAMY
Jillien is a single mom that has worked so hard for her teenage son, Ethan. After a few days back in her hometown she has reunited with her childhood crush, Liam (Fletch). These two have so much chemistry and sweet, tender moments! Fletch gives all the perfect book boyfriend vibes that we swoon over.
L👩❤️👨VE
🕑Second Chance
👫Friends to Lovers (Childhood Crushes that are MEANT TO BE + loved that they were in their 30s)
👨👩👧👦Family Drama
👩👦Single Mom
🐈 Cat Lover
🔥STEAMY
March 28, 2022
Jillien and Liam were friends growing up and now, after many, many years, decades even, they meet again and are immediately attracted to one another. Both are divorced and Jilly lives in Chicago with her teenaged son whereas Liam lives in Philadelphia. So even though the attraction and all the steam is there a more meaningful relationship is out of the question. Right?
Ps. I loved the epilogue!
Ps. I loved the epilogue!
March 30, 2022
Jillien and Liam knew each other as kids and meet up as adults. These two have a lot of naughty banter along with a lot of steam. In the end, can they make it work? This book does the trick and then some!!
March 23, 2022
Kelly is a master at grown-up love stories with heat and heart!
This is a second-chance at first love. A better chance.
As with all of Ms. Kay's books, the connections are so deep, the love raw and real. I appreciated the mix of humor and angst/real life. Loved the Christmas-y, "escape from it all" vibe. Loved their family dynamic and instant reconnection. Loved the lengths they went for love. Loved the Nantucket setting. Loved it all, clearly ;-)
This is a second-chance at first love. A better chance.
As with all of Ms. Kay's books, the connections are so deep, the love raw and real. I appreciated the mix of humor and angst/real life. Loved the Christmas-y, "escape from it all" vibe. Loved their family dynamic and instant reconnection. Loved the lengths they went for love. Loved the Nantucket setting. Loved it all, clearly ;-)
March 19, 2022
Present Tense is HOT from the beginning! The chemistry between Liam and Jillien is unstoppable. This is a second chance love story with fireworks from chapter 1. Stepping into a mother/son relationship isn't easy but Liam is determined to make it work with Jillien, but his sister isn't making it easy for them. Thank goodness for an insightful 13 year old and good friends. Present Tense is a fun, sexy story with a happily ever after! Good job with this one Kelly Kay!
March 13, 2022
To say these two are meant to be is a major understatement. Jillian and Liam are childhood and family friends. Both are divorced and Jillian is a single mother the hysterical Ethan. When Jillian crashes Liam’s Party the sparks are flying like crazy and the chemistry is off the charts. This two waste no time finding out how they truly feel about each other. As they spend more time together their connection only grows deeper. Unfortunately Jillian’s dysfunctional family dynamic leaves her with a lot of emotional baggage that causes issues. Can these two gets past these? Is this just a bump in the road? Between the meddling families, Ethan’s sarcasm and the back and forth this book is extremely entertaining and well layered. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
March 13, 2022
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review. Reading the blurb, I was expecting the usual second chance romance but it was so much more. I was taken for a roller coaster full of emotion, pain, regret, responsibility, making the "right" choices vs choosing what your heart wants. I liked that both Liam and Jillien have their own baggages to overcome and their path to HEA isn't easy, as it added the element of reality to the story. Loved their ending and the epilogue was just too sweet!
July 6, 2022
I wish I could leave more than 5 stars. This was such an awesome story that I had trouble putting it down to go to sleep. It was hilarious. I laughed so hard and loud at certain parts. Jillian and Liam knew each other all through their childhoods and his sister kept them apart. Fast forward like 20 years and they reconnected. Their love hit new heights and new lows. Jillian had some baggage from her father being an alcoholic and Liam had trouble asking for what he wanted. They finally face their fears and come together with an HEA. Loved the flirtatious texting at the Christmas party. So funny.
In received this book as an Arc and am leaving a review voluntarily.
In received this book as an Arc and am leaving a review voluntarily.
October 12, 2022
While reading I felt like I was right along with them because Kelly has a way of writing books that make it feel real with love and laughs.
Liam and Jillian have a second chance at love after years apart from being childhood friends now years later they are both divorced Jill is a single mother to her comedic son Ethan. When they see one another again it was like time hadn't passed at all and sparks instantly flew and then there was emotion, laughs, love, regret but that doesn't stop Jill and Liam from having their HEA and a wonderful epilogue
Liam and Jillian have a second chance at love after years apart from being childhood friends now years later they are both divorced Jill is a single mother to her comedic son Ethan. When they see one another again it was like time hadn't passed at all and sparks instantly flew and then there was emotion, laughs, love, regret but that doesn't stop Jill and Liam from having their HEA and a wonderful epilogue
May 2, 2022
Present Tense tells the story of Liam and Jillien. It’s a second chance, friends to lovers romance, full of ups and downs, laughs, lots of steam and love. Both embark into a sweet and sexy journey, which is supposed to end with the holidays, but their hearts have their own minds.
Liam is a thoughtful man who loves cats and has a kink for plaid, and not only on his clothes. After his divorce, he keeps living in his childhood home in Philly. He is a simple guy with a lovable personality who had his share of struggles in life, but he didn’t let his past dictate who he is today.
Jillien is a hardworking single mom, who, after a failed marriage, keeps living in Chicago. She is a fun and carefree woman, but she lost that piece of herself dealing with her family, mostly her nasty father, ending up a sort of control freak and compartmentalizing her life. But when she crashes unannounced at Liam's Christmas party after 20 years, her life takes a U-turn.
The characters are perfect for each other and have a deep connection. Their relationship is full of sexy times and steam, and while in Philly, they have paradise on Earth. Things start to change once Liam moves to Chicago, and he has to deal with broken Jillien, who has a teen son. Ethan is a regular boy with all the flaws and blessings of a 13-year-old boy, and Liam develops a father-son relationship with him, even though he didn’t plan on being a father himself.
Their story is fast-paced, fun and sometimes you laugh out loud with their banters and antics, but it also crushes your heart to live through their conflicts, mostly Jillien and her struggles for acceptance, always trying to do the right thing for everyone, but her.
They fight so hard for their happily ever after, making everything they go through so relatable, and the fun way their story is written makes the book a page turner. You get so entrenched in their lives, cheering so hard for them to work out their problems that you just don’t stop until you see with your own eyes, they are finally happy! Treat yourself to a great time. Grab a copy ASAP, you’re gonna LOVE it!
#plaidisthenewsexy
Liam is a thoughtful man who loves cats and has a kink for plaid, and not only on his clothes. After his divorce, he keeps living in his childhood home in Philly. He is a simple guy with a lovable personality who had his share of struggles in life, but he didn’t let his past dictate who he is today.
Jillien is a hardworking single mom, who, after a failed marriage, keeps living in Chicago. She is a fun and carefree woman, but she lost that piece of herself dealing with her family, mostly her nasty father, ending up a sort of control freak and compartmentalizing her life. But when she crashes unannounced at Liam's Christmas party after 20 years, her life takes a U-turn.
The characters are perfect for each other and have a deep connection. Their relationship is full of sexy times and steam, and while in Philly, they have paradise on Earth. Things start to change once Liam moves to Chicago, and he has to deal with broken Jillien, who has a teen son. Ethan is a regular boy with all the flaws and blessings of a 13-year-old boy, and Liam develops a father-son relationship with him, even though he didn’t plan on being a father himself.
Their story is fast-paced, fun and sometimes you laugh out loud with their banters and antics, but it also crushes your heart to live through their conflicts, mostly Jillien and her struggles for acceptance, always trying to do the right thing for everyone, but her.
They fight so hard for their happily ever after, making everything they go through so relatable, and the fun way their story is written makes the book a page turner. You get so entrenched in their lives, cheering so hard for them to work out their problems that you just don’t stop until you see with your own eyes, they are finally happy! Treat yourself to a great time. Grab a copy ASAP, you’re gonna LOVE it!
#plaidisthenewsexy
March 29, 2022
*Received ARC for honest review
3.5 stars
This is a friends-to-lover novel but I'm not even sure I got the friends part. Lol. You had a little excerpt from Liam and Jillian's past showcasing parts of their friendship relationship but once we got to the present time, it went from 1 to 100 in a matter of just a few pages and I'm not talking about just a peck becoming a heated kiss. It was so fast. Liam and Jillian haven't seen each other for some good years (15-20 years) and within 5 seconds of seeing each other again, they are all over each other with no thoughts of caution to their previous friendship. I just felt that the beginning was very sudden and kind of out of the blue with no real context. I actually had to check if I accidentally skipped a few pages. I mean, I enjoyed reading it but even throughout the novel, it seemed that we were robbed of missing moments/events. Although, I would have to say the second half of the book was a lot better and the plot was developing. I especially enjoyed reading the interactions between Liam and Ethan (Jillian's 13 year old son) and seeing their relationship develop. I would say these were some of the best moments. But things don't always stay happy. There are bound to be conflicts and when we get there, things take a turn. While I understand where Jillian is coming from and her role as a mom, at times I wanted to shake some sense into her. Haha. We eventually get our HEA and Ethan was so great in helping his mom get there. Overall, it was a decent read and I genuinely enjoyed it but the fast beginning, the missing moments, the rushed ending are reasons why I give this novel a 3.5/5.
3.5 stars
This is a friends-to-lover novel but I'm not even sure I got the friends part. Lol. You had a little excerpt from Liam and Jillian's past showcasing parts of their friendship relationship but once we got to the present time, it went from 1 to 100 in a matter of just a few pages and I'm not talking about just a peck becoming a heated kiss. It was so fast. Liam and Jillian haven't seen each other for some good years (15-20 years) and within 5 seconds of seeing each other again, they are all over each other with no thoughts of caution to their previous friendship. I just felt that the beginning was very sudden and kind of out of the blue with no real context. I actually had to check if I accidentally skipped a few pages. I mean, I enjoyed reading it but even throughout the novel, it seemed that we were robbed of missing moments/events. Although, I would have to say the second half of the book was a lot better and the plot was developing. I especially enjoyed reading the interactions between Liam and Ethan (Jillian's 13 year old son) and seeing their relationship develop. I would say these were some of the best moments. But things don't always stay happy. There are bound to be conflicts and when we get there, things take a turn. While I understand where Jillian is coming from and her role as a mom, at times I wanted to shake some sense into her. Haha. We eventually get our HEA and Ethan was so great in helping his mom get there. Overall, it was a decent read and I genuinely enjoyed it but the fast beginning, the missing moments, the rushed ending are reasons why I give this novel a 3.5/5.
November 8, 2022
Present Tense by Kelly Kay
I liked this book so much! Liam and Jillien have known each other since they were kids. They meet again after many years and feel attraction so intense that they can't keep their hands to themselves. And so their journey begins… It's not an easy road. They know they are perfect for each other, but life, insecurities, false assumptions, family and so-called friends easily create a lot of problems. They both have insecurities, mistrust, and a lot of personal issues to go through.
What I love about this book is that it’s not rushed. It takes time for the relationship to develop, from teenage crush to true love. Dialogues and situations are real and believable. I appreciate the delicate way the author explores the serious topic of alcoholism, the way it affects everyone close to them. The book reminds how easy is to let other people dictate your life and lose focus. The author is amazingly good with words. With a few well-chosen words, they can describe a lot in just one short sentence. It is masterfully written, captivates you from the first page, and doesn’t let you off the hook until the very end. PS. The epilogue is truly a special treat :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked this book so much! Liam and Jillien have known each other since they were kids. They meet again after many years and feel attraction so intense that they can't keep their hands to themselves. And so their journey begins… It's not an easy road. They know they are perfect for each other, but life, insecurities, false assumptions, family and so-called friends easily create a lot of problems. They both have insecurities, mistrust, and a lot of personal issues to go through.
What I love about this book is that it’s not rushed. It takes time for the relationship to develop, from teenage crush to true love. Dialogues and situations are real and believable. I appreciate the delicate way the author explores the serious topic of alcoholism, the way it affects everyone close to them. The book reminds how easy is to let other people dictate your life and lose focus. The author is amazingly good with words. With a few well-chosen words, they can describe a lot in just one short sentence. It is masterfully written, captivates you from the first page, and doesn’t let you off the hook until the very end. PS. The epilogue is truly a special treat :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2022
Jillien and Fletcher have known each other since childhood and always had a close friendship. Early adolescence disconnects them and they reconnect 25 years later and have instant chemistry. They jump right into a deeply caring space and struggle to balance the intensity of their feelings with the newness of this phase of their relationship.
I loved this book, it was deep and intense from the beginning. I haven’t read something with so much steaminess in the first few chapters. It was a reverse slow burn where it started out hot and heavy and leveled out a bit as their relationship grew.
The writing was evocative and deep and the characters were so authentically flawed and raw.
I felt there were some missing details around Jill’s emotional baggage and Liam’s past but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book, just not fully understanding their motivators at times.
I felt conflicted because I wanted to know what the resolution was but I didn’t want the story to be over.
Lovers of authenticity and angst with a heavy dose of childhood adoration should pick this up!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book, it was deep and intense from the beginning. I haven’t read something with so much steaminess in the first few chapters. It was a reverse slow burn where it started out hot and heavy and leveled out a bit as their relationship grew.
The writing was evocative and deep and the characters were so authentically flawed and raw.
I felt there were some missing details around Jill’s emotional baggage and Liam’s past but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book, just not fully understanding their motivators at times.
I felt conflicted because I wanted to know what the resolution was but I didn’t want the story to be over.
Lovers of authenticity and angst with a heavy dose of childhood adoration should pick this up!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2024
Puppy Love Grows Adult
If you’re looking for a book that makes you laugh, swoon, think and shed a few tears, Ms Kay’s books are the ones to go for! Wonderful characters (some not so nice…) and situations you can relate to. And this one is as good as it gets. MCs know each other since childhood as their fathers were friends, but grew apart, got married to somebody else and divorced. In their thirties they meet again and discover all the old feelings are still there. The path to find each other again lays before them.
The first part is their whirlwind affair, full of hot, sexy scenes and beautiful love making. But slowly all Jillian old mannerisms, the behavior that has made her survive the problems of her youth, rise again. And Liam does what he has always done: he runs. Follows an in depth narrative of finding yourself, what is most important and learning that your own opinion of yourself is the only one that really matters. Pride and fear to be hurt are all our enemies. This book was very close to my heart, and I loved it tremendously. Highly recommended.
If you’re looking for a book that makes you laugh, swoon, think and shed a few tears, Ms Kay’s books are the ones to go for! Wonderful characters (some not so nice…) and situations you can relate to. And this one is as good as it gets. MCs know each other since childhood as their fathers were friends, but grew apart, got married to somebody else and divorced. In their thirties they meet again and discover all the old feelings are still there. The path to find each other again lays before them.
The first part is their whirlwind affair, full of hot, sexy scenes and beautiful love making. But slowly all Jillian old mannerisms, the behavior that has made her survive the problems of her youth, rise again. And Liam does what he has always done: he runs. Follows an in depth narrative of finding yourself, what is most important and learning that your own opinion of yourself is the only one that really matters. Pride and fear to be hurt are all our enemies. This book was very close to my heart, and I loved it tremendously. Highly recommended.
April 1, 2022
This is my first book by Kelly Kay and I really enjoyed it! It will hook you from the first page and make you want to keep reading.
Liam and Jillien have had a crush on each other for years. Neither one of them ever acted on it, but when Jillien comes to Liam's family Christmas party, they both decide now is the time. Both are divorced and Jillien has an adorable son named Ethan. Now that they have acted on their feelings, it is time to decide if they soon make take it to the next level and have a real relationship or just leave it as a fling.
Liam was the best!!!! He is super caring and it always worried about Jillien and her son. He truly wants the best for them. Jillien has a lot of walls that need to come down, and Liam is the man for the job. I also love the fact that the author did not ignore their past. They knew each other for 20 years before that night.
Overall, good book!
Liam and Jillien have had a crush on each other for years. Neither one of them ever acted on it, but when Jillien comes to Liam's family Christmas party, they both decide now is the time. Both are divorced and Jillien has an adorable son named Ethan. Now that they have acted on their feelings, it is time to decide if they soon make take it to the next level and have a real relationship or just leave it as a fling.
Liam was the best!!!! He is super caring and it always worried about Jillien and her son. He truly wants the best for them. Jillien has a lot of walls that need to come down, and Liam is the man for the job. I also love the fact that the author did not ignore their past. They knew each other for 20 years before that night.
Overall, good book!
May 1, 2022
A New Year’s Eve kiss on a whim between kids sparks a lifelong passion. Liam and Jillien grew up together, their childhood homes close and their families closer. Now, 23 years later, they reunite at a holiday party as adults and all the feels and sparks are still there. Sigh, what a terrific premise.
Once again, Kelly Kay does a masterful job of writing a lust to love story. It’s Capital H HOT, but just like in real life, sex brings complications including insecurities, secrets, ghosts of past relationships and family circle drama. Can Liam and Jillien take things to the next level and turn their undeniable physical chemistry into a committed relationship? They may have a solid foundation of friendship, but is their connection built to last longer than a sweaty, frenzied tryst? I was rooting for them to get out of their own way in time to see the light. Glad I picked this one up as it makes a great weekend read!
Once again, Kelly Kay does a masterful job of writing a lust to love story. It’s Capital H HOT, but just like in real life, sex brings complications including insecurities, secrets, ghosts of past relationships and family circle drama. Can Liam and Jillien take things to the next level and turn their undeniable physical chemistry into a committed relationship? They may have a solid foundation of friendship, but is their connection built to last longer than a sweaty, frenzied tryst? I was rooting for them to get out of their own way in time to see the light. Glad I picked this one up as it makes a great weekend read!
April 4, 2022
Kelly Kay is a newer author to me and let's just say I will be reading everything she writes! I absolutely loved Present Tense. What a great story of childhood friends who always liked each other but let obstacles get in their way. Now as adults Jillian and Liam have both gone through divorce, deaths in their family, changes, moves, and Jillian had a child with her ex. During a reconnection holiday gathering, these two found each other again and insert instant chemistry and a TON of passion and steam.
I love the whole premise of this story about how you shouldn't live in the past or wonder about the future. Instead, stay in the present and enjoy every moment.
I cannot wait for more writings from Kelly Kay as she delivers every time!
I love the whole premise of this story about how you shouldn't live in the past or wonder about the future. Instead, stay in the present and enjoy every moment.
I cannot wait for more writings from Kelly Kay as she delivers every time!
April 11, 2022
Liam and Jillien, or Fletch and Jillybear as they call each other, have been crushing on each other since they were 15 and 13 years old. They have their first kiss on New Year's Day. Their second kiss doesn't happen until 23 years later.
When I started this book, I thought that all Fletch and Jilly we're going to do were going to have sex while she was visiting her old hometown of Philly. I really didn't want to read ONLY about sex. But real life crept in and they had to see how each of them grew into adulthood.
This book will definitely be a keeper on my shelf. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I started this book, I thought that all Fletch and Jilly we're going to do were going to have sex while she was visiting her old hometown of Philly. I really didn't want to read ONLY about sex. But real life crept in and they had to see how each of them grew into adulthood.
This book will definitely be a keeper on my shelf. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 21, 2022
AS soon as Liam and Jillien lay eyes on each other after so many years apart their attraction is off the charts and the banter between the two has you giggling, but is it all just a flash in the fire after not seeing each other in so long and always wanting more with each other. You are drawn in from the get go and I loved how Liam and Jillien aren't just young loves but people who have lived life so while treading carefully also know what they want. This is a great second chance read that has you going through a highs and lows with great characters and a story you get invested in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2022
Absolutely loved this book!!! The whole thing is soo good!!! Absolutely LOVED Fletch and Jillien's story and the ending to the book was well worth the read!! Jillien and Fletch have been friends since they were 6 years old, Fletch's dad was always there for Jillien and Jillien and him got together when they were older and she went to his party with some friends. Nothing was ever easy but at the end they got each other and their happily ever after. The epilogue is about Jillian's son and I have got to say it wasn't what I expected but so freaking happy to have read this whole book!!! Definitely would recommend reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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