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Serenity House #1
The Son Between Them
They need each other more than ever
For ten years Samantha Riggins and J. D. Kronos have convinced themselves they have the perfect relationship. No strings, no commitment, no future. All that changes when the son Sam gave up for adoption walks into her shelter. The son J.D. knows nothing about.
The presence of their child breaks through all the rules they've lived by. And suddenly what Sam thought she knew about J.D. turns out to be wrong. Are the feelings they share enough to keep them together? Especially now when the biggest secret is the one Sam never saw coming.
For ten years Samantha Riggins and J. D. Kronos have convinced themselves they have the perfect relationship. No strings, no commitment, no future. All that changes when the son Sam gave up for adoption walks into her shelter. The son J.D. knows nothing about.
The presence of their child breaks through all the rules they've lived by. And suddenly what Sam thought she knew about J.D. turns out to be wrong. Are the feelings they share enough to keep them together? Especially now when the biggest secret is the one Sam never saw coming.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2006
About the author
Molly O'Keefe
108 books2,138 followersThis author is also published under: M. O'Keefe.
Molly O'Keefe has always known she wanted to be a writer (except when she wanted to be a florist or a chef and the brief period of time when she considered being a cowgirl). And once she got her hands on some romances, she knew exactly what she wanted to write.
She published her first Harlequin romance at age 25 and hasn't looked back. She loves exploring every character's road towards happily ever after.
Originally from a small town outside of Chicago, she went to university in St. Louis where she met and fell in love with the editor of her school newspaper. They followed each other around the world for several years and finally got married and settled down in Toronto, Ontario. They welcomed their son into their family in 2006, and their daughter in 2008. When she's not at the park or cleaning up the toy room, Molly is working hard on her next novel, trying to exercise, stalking Tina Fey on the internet and dreaming of the day she can finish a cup of coffee without interruption.
Molly O'Keefe has always known she wanted to be a writer (except when she wanted to be a florist or a chef and the brief period of time when she considered being a cowgirl). And once she got her hands on some romances, she knew exactly what she wanted to write.
She published her first Harlequin romance at age 25 and hasn't looked back. She loves exploring every character's road towards happily ever after.
Originally from a small town outside of Chicago, she went to university in St. Louis where she met and fell in love with the editor of her school newspaper. They followed each other around the world for several years and finally got married and settled down in Toronto, Ontario. They welcomed their son into their family in 2006, and their daughter in 2008. When she's not at the park or cleaning up the toy room, Molly is working hard on her next novel, trying to exercise, stalking Tina Fey on the internet and dreaming of the day she can finish a cup of coffee without interruption.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 2, 2020
3.5 Stars
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March 24, 2019🎁 FREE on iBooks today (3/24/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
For ten years Samantha Riggins and J. D. Kronos have convinced themselves they have the perfect relationship. No strings, no commitment, no future. All that changes when the son Sam gave up for adoption walks into her shelter. The son J.D. knows nothing about.
The presence of their child breaks through all the rules they've lived by. And suddenly what Sam thought she knew about J.D. turns out to be wrong. Are the feelings they share enough to keep them together? Especially now when the biggest secret is
the one Sam never saw coming.
Blurb:
For ten years Samantha Riggins and J. D. Kronos have convinced themselves they have the perfect relationship. No strings, no commitment, no future. All that changes when the son Sam gave up for adoption walks into her shelter. The son J.D. knows nothing about.
The presence of their child breaks through all the rules they've lived by. And suddenly what Sam thought she knew about J.D. turns out to be wrong. Are the feelings they share enough to keep them together? Especially now when the biggest secret is
the one Sam never saw coming.
August 29, 2018
The Story Of Us is a sweet secret baby and second chance story that I enjoyed. It deals with redemption and self discovery among other things. I'll admit I had some issues with the hero but overall I liked it and recommend to those who love sweet reads.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
September 25, 2019
3.75 stars
Samantha Riggins runs a women’s shelter and lives on the premises. When a pregnant teenager from an obviously moneyed family shows up seeking refuge, giving Jane Doe as her name, Sam contacts J.D. Kronos. A private investigator and Sam’s on-again, off-again lover, J.D. can help her find out more.
But Sam and J.D.’s relationship hits a roadblock when he hints at his dark past and amoral deeds. Sam is uncertain whether he has Jane’s best interests at heart, or if he would sell her out for money. And then another woman arrives at the shelter.
The new arrival’s name is Jennifer, and she is not seeking help, but rather to introduce her nine-year-old son, Spence, to Sam. A decade earlier, Sam got pregnant with J.D.’s child, and chose to give the baby up for adoption without ever informing J.D. that he had fathered a child. Now Doug, Spence’s dad, has died of terminal illness, and before his death, he made Jennifer and Spence promise to seek Samantha out.
Sam is shocked to meet Spence, but after a few moments of awkwardness, she realizes what a gift it is to have the chance to become acquainted, even a little, with the child she gave up. But J.D. is angry to learn that Sam never told him she was having his baby, and Jennifer, lost in the fog of grief for Doug, feels insecure around Sam, afraid, on some level, of losing Spence.
When Jennifer accepts an offer to conduct an interview with the former First Lady, Spence begs to stay with Sam for those few days. Jennifer allows it and leaves. That’s when J.D. learns that Jane Doe is Christina Conti, a dangerous mobster’s daughter.
While I liked this book, I had some caveats about it. We get a lot of insight into J.D.’s backstory and family history, but there is less about Sam’s. I wanted to know more about where she came from and what her own childhood had been like.
Further, it’s not entirely clear why Sam chose adoption over abortion, or why she didn’t tell J.D. about Spence at any point. Essentially, she stole his legal rights to his child, and this aspect is never dealt with head on. J.D. gets angry over not having been told about Spence, but not at losing him. And Jennifer never thinks about how her and Doug’s adoption of Spence could perhaps be contested, since J.D. never signed the adoption papers.
To clarify, it makes sense that J.D. wouldn’t feel angry about that aspect of it, since he thinks of himself as terrible husband and father material, and so Jennifer is never given anything to worry about on that score. But it still frustrated me, because I wanted Sam to fully face up to the wrong she had committed.
I was also annoyed with Sam and J.D. for not calling Jennifer immediately once they learned who Jane/Christina was. The possibility of her mob boss father coming to look for Christina was real, no matter how small, and it posed a danger to Spence and everyone else at the shelter. Sam and J.D. should have called Jennifer to take Spence to safety, though of course, if they had, there would be no conflict in the book’s second half.
Mostly, though, I really liked this book. The secret baby trope has been done a lot in romance, but this was an interesting take on it, and I liked Sam and J.D. both separately and as a couple. The layers of their emotions were peeled back gradually, and having Spence in the mix brought out their vulnerabilities and soft sides even when they wanted to stay angry at one another.
Spence was a great character and I also liked Jennifer, Christina, and Deb, a co-worker of Sam’s. The tight focus on the shelter as the setting made a section that took place outside it, when the characters go to the river for a swim, all the more effective.
The Story of Us was very readable and emotional—sexy, tender and moving. I cried when J.D. told Sam about his past, and was touched by a decision Jennifer made near the end. 3.75 stars.
Samantha Riggins runs a women’s shelter and lives on the premises. When a pregnant teenager from an obviously moneyed family shows up seeking refuge, giving Jane Doe as her name, Sam contacts J.D. Kronos. A private investigator and Sam’s on-again, off-again lover, J.D. can help her find out more.
But Sam and J.D.’s relationship hits a roadblock when he hints at his dark past and amoral deeds. Sam is uncertain whether he has Jane’s best interests at heart, or if he would sell her out for money. And then another woman arrives at the shelter.
The new arrival’s name is Jennifer, and she is not seeking help, but rather to introduce her nine-year-old son, Spence, to Sam. A decade earlier, Sam got pregnant with J.D.’s child, and chose to give the baby up for adoption without ever informing J.D. that he had fathered a child. Now Doug, Spence’s dad, has died of terminal illness, and before his death, he made Jennifer and Spence promise to seek Samantha out.
Sam is shocked to meet Spence, but after a few moments of awkwardness, she realizes what a gift it is to have the chance to become acquainted, even a little, with the child she gave up. But J.D. is angry to learn that Sam never told him she was having his baby, and Jennifer, lost in the fog of grief for Doug, feels insecure around Sam, afraid, on some level, of losing Spence.
When Jennifer accepts an offer to conduct an interview with the former First Lady, Spence begs to stay with Sam for those few days. Jennifer allows it and leaves. That’s when J.D. learns that Jane Doe is Christina Conti, a dangerous mobster’s daughter.
While I liked this book, I had some caveats about it. We get a lot of insight into J.D.’s backstory and family history, but there is less about Sam’s. I wanted to know more about where she came from and what her own childhood had been like.
Further, it’s not entirely clear why Sam chose adoption over abortion, or why she didn’t tell J.D. about Spence at any point. Essentially, she stole his legal rights to his child, and this aspect is never dealt with head on. J.D. gets angry over not having been told about Spence, but not at losing him. And Jennifer never thinks about how her and Doug’s adoption of Spence could perhaps be contested, since J.D. never signed the adoption papers.
To clarify, it makes sense that J.D. wouldn’t feel angry about that aspect of it, since he thinks of himself as terrible husband and father material, and so Jennifer is never given anything to worry about on that score. But it still frustrated me, because I wanted Sam to fully face up to the wrong she had committed.
I was also annoyed with Sam and J.D. for not calling Jennifer immediately once they learned who Jane/Christina was. The possibility of her mob boss father coming to look for Christina was real, no matter how small, and it posed a danger to Spence and everyone else at the shelter. Sam and J.D. should have called Jennifer to take Spence to safety, though of course, if they had, there would be no conflict in the book’s second half.
Mostly, though, I really liked this book. The secret baby trope has been done a lot in romance, but this was an interesting take on it, and I liked Sam and J.D. both separately and as a couple. The layers of their emotions were peeled back gradually, and having Spence in the mix brought out their vulnerabilities and soft sides even when they wanted to stay angry at one another.
Spence was a great character and I also liked Jennifer, Christina, and Deb, a co-worker of Sam’s. The tight focus on the shelter as the setting made a section that took place outside it, when the characters go to the river for a swim, all the more effective.
The Story of Us was very readable and emotional—sexy, tender and moving. I cried when J.D. told Sam about his past, and was touched by a decision Jennifer made near the end. 3.75 stars.
September 19, 2010
The only saving grace in this book was the subject matter of child abuse suvivor's and the women's shelter. I like it when there are some worth while subjects being brought to light in a romance, what can I say I'm a happy ending sucker. However this book was so far off from good otherwise I shook my head and tossed it in the trash when I finished it as I wouldn't inflict it on anyone else sorry. Both of the main leads were flat and really not interesting at all. There wasn't a clear plot going on other than being reunited with a son that was given up for adoption. The whole thing with the runaway girl was pointless in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2018
Sam and J.D. are fire! I love them. Their story is captivating. So many secrets, many apprehensions, redemption, soul-searching, and a life time of finding your way. This story has many layers and it’s beautiful watching them all be peeled back. I loved the unwavering faith Sam has for J.D. and her wanting him to see his worth. I loved the way it all unfolded. Beautiful!
February 9, 2020
The Story of Us by Molly O’Keefe is the story of Samantha Riggins, who runs a women’s shelter, Serenity House, out of her home in the small town of Northwoods, North Carolina. For ten years Samantha and J. D. Kronos, a private investigator she uses on occasion, have convinced themselves they have the perfect relationship. No strings, no commitment, just business and sex when they want. All that changes when the son Sam gave up for adoption walks into her shelter. The son J.D. did not know about. The presence of their child breaks all the rules they've chosen to live by. When a young, pregnant girl shows up at the shelter, running from something or someone, fears that J.D. has been sent to find her, Sam realizes that she knows next to nothing about him and everything Sam thought she knew about J.D. turns out to be wrong. How do they move forward especially now when the biggest secret is yet to be revealed?
The Story of Us was previously published as a Harlequin Romance book, The Son Between Them. And it reads like a bad romance novel. From the beginning, things were off about the characters and the situation. Sam has two residents living at the shelter and yet she and J.D. have sex while her residents are essentially sleeping down the hall!!!! The sex scenes were very unnecessarily explicit and just uncomfortable to read. The story of the young girl and why she’s running is essentially revealed super early and when I learned who she is running from, my response was “Well, that makes sense. I would run too.” There was no build up to an exciting reveal. And J.D.’s secret as to why he doesn’t want commitment is very disappointing as well. I do not recommend The Story of Us.
The Story of Us
is available in eBook and audiobook
The Story of Us was previously published as a Harlequin Romance book, The Son Between Them. And it reads like a bad romance novel. From the beginning, things were off about the characters and the situation. Sam has two residents living at the shelter and yet she and J.D. have sex while her residents are essentially sleeping down the hall!!!! The sex scenes were very unnecessarily explicit and just uncomfortable to read. The story of the young girl and why she’s running is essentially revealed super early and when I learned who she is running from, my response was “Well, that makes sense. I would run too.” There was no build up to an exciting reveal. And J.D.’s secret as to why he doesn’t want commitment is very disappointing as well. I do not recommend The Story of Us.
The Story of Us
is available in eBook and audiobook
March 25, 2015
I found this book on scribd, not a typical harlequin's secret baby story.
I like to read something light in between a long series I currently read sometimes.
But gosh! I was wrong.
This one not an easy read and nothing light about this story, but is a good one and the ending very realistic which again not a typical harlequin story. The ending is not a sad one if you wonder about that but not all flowers and butterfly either.
The H and h do lives together after ten years (bury head in the sand) relationship at the end.
Somehow I feels like just read a very current contemporary book by a good indie author, not a bubble gum harlequin romance. And that's a compliment:)
Oh the cover is very misleading, no one really happy like that here:(
I like to read something light in between a long series I currently read sometimes.
But gosh! I was wrong.
This one not an easy read and nothing light about this story, but is a good one and the ending very realistic which again not a typical harlequin story. The ending is not a sad one if you wonder about that but not all flowers and butterfly either.
The H and h do lives together after ten years (bury head in the sand) relationship at the end.
Somehow I feels like just read a very current contemporary book by a good indie author, not a bubble gum harlequin romance. And that's a compliment:)
Oh the cover is very misleading, no one really happy like that here:(
June 17, 2019
The story had potential, but it fell short. Plus too much unnecessary explicit sex scenes. I’m no prude, but it felt forced.
Sam ran Serenity House. A home for women that needed a chance; running from something or someone. Samantha prided herself in making sure the women got on their feet and ensured Serenity another success story that was dear to her heart. Until one day when Jane Doe arrived with her hair dyed black, wearing expensive jeans and a diamond ring hanging from a chain around her neck. She needed to get this girl talking; what was she running from. Would it bring problems upon the others? Would they be in danger? She had to call her old friend and flame, JD Kronos, P.I. to assist. As usual, he was ready and willing to help Sam.
Sam ran Serenity House. A home for women that needed a chance; running from something or someone. Samantha prided herself in making sure the women got on their feet and ensured Serenity another success story that was dear to her heart. Until one day when Jane Doe arrived with her hair dyed black, wearing expensive jeans and a diamond ring hanging from a chain around her neck. She needed to get this girl talking; what was she running from. Would it bring problems upon the others? Would they be in danger? She had to call her old friend and flame, JD Kronos, P.I. to assist. As usual, he was ready and willing to help Sam.
December 21, 2020
Ironically this was not the book I thought I put on hold and after the initial shock of realizing the library made a mistake I listened to it anyway. The romance/mystery/thriller was an easy read but really not much depth to it.
September 4, 2018
The Story of Us was a truly unexpected pleasure. Molly O'Keefe has created a storyline rich with unforgettable characters and a unique backdrop that is the Serenity House. The friends with benefits kind of relationship that Sam and J.D. have seems to suit them, with each seeking out the other when needed but never seemingly wanting more. However, you could feel the heat between them, the mutual respect combined with a passion that couldn't be denied no matter how much time had passed since their last tryst. And not only that, I truly liked them and despite the denial of anything more than just a physical relationship, I could see right through their facade and just knew they were most likely meant to be.
There is also a hint of mystery that O'Keefe loves to put on a simmer throughout her stories that adds just the right amount of intrigue to keep things lively. With Sam taking in girls who are pregnant and have nowhere to go, her latest "Jane Doe" will prove to be more than the timid young woman she appears. And with J.D. deciding that he needs to stick around longer than usual, his private detective skills could have never detected what would certainly be the biggest surprise of his life for both he and Sam.
This is not your typical love story and that is why I truly love O'Keefe's books. There are twists and turns and secrets being revealed that keep you on the edge of your seat. Combine that with a slow-burn romance that will warm your heart and you've got quite the book. The intense emotion that both J.D. and Sam can't help but feel and their circumstances anything but easy, The Story of Us is one angst-filled adventure that I did not want to end. I'm thrilled there will be more from the Serenity House and these richly-created characters.
4 huge stars!
There is also a hint of mystery that O'Keefe loves to put on a simmer throughout her stories that adds just the right amount of intrigue to keep things lively. With Sam taking in girls who are pregnant and have nowhere to go, her latest "Jane Doe" will prove to be more than the timid young woman she appears. And with J.D. deciding that he needs to stick around longer than usual, his private detective skills could have never detected what would certainly be the biggest surprise of his life for both he and Sam.
This is not your typical love story and that is why I truly love O'Keefe's books. There are twists and turns and secrets being revealed that keep you on the edge of your seat. Combine that with a slow-burn romance that will warm your heart and you've got quite the book. The intense emotion that both J.D. and Sam can't help but feel and their circumstances anything but easy, The Story of Us is one angst-filled adventure that I did not want to end. I'm thrilled there will be more from the Serenity House and these richly-created characters.
4 huge stars!
September 28, 2018
“ A Knight in Denim”
Such a unique plot along with compelling characters truly enriches this story and brings it alive. It’s filled with hard truths and redemption and hope.
The relationship between JD and Samantha in the span of ten years is mind numbing to me. I don’t understand how a woman who loves a man knows very little about him. The fact that Samantha sees JD just a few days at a time, and whenever he shows up at Serenity House, the shelter for women she helps run, explains the 10 years of no-strings-affair kind of relationship. Samantha has a heartbreaking secret and JD has demons of his own. JD doesn’t think he is deserving of love and dissuades Samantha of any romantic ideas. But Samantha loves him and won’t give up so easily.
JD is a private investigator who has helped Samantha with some of her clients providing information and protection for the women in need of help. He’s kept his true identity from Samantha in fear she would find the truth about his past. But things all come to a boil when the past comes barreling into Samantha. Will her secret make JD hate her? When a pregnant young girl shows up at the shelter, will her family ties bring trouble to Serenity House, and connect JD to her notorious father?
The Story Of Us is a different kind of romance, and I just couldn’t put it down once I started. Ms. O’Keefe really brings on the emotions and it is sure to melt your heart. I loved Spencer in this story and I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I received and voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Such a unique plot along with compelling characters truly enriches this story and brings it alive. It’s filled with hard truths and redemption and hope.
The relationship between JD and Samantha in the span of ten years is mind numbing to me. I don’t understand how a woman who loves a man knows very little about him. The fact that Samantha sees JD just a few days at a time, and whenever he shows up at Serenity House, the shelter for women she helps run, explains the 10 years of no-strings-affair kind of relationship. Samantha has a heartbreaking secret and JD has demons of his own. JD doesn’t think he is deserving of love and dissuades Samantha of any romantic ideas. But Samantha loves him and won’t give up so easily.
JD is a private investigator who has helped Samantha with some of her clients providing information and protection for the women in need of help. He’s kept his true identity from Samantha in fear she would find the truth about his past. But things all come to a boil when the past comes barreling into Samantha. Will her secret make JD hate her? When a pregnant young girl shows up at the shelter, will her family ties bring trouble to Serenity House, and connect JD to her notorious father?
The Story Of Us is a different kind of romance, and I just couldn’t put it down once I started. Ms. O’Keefe really brings on the emotions and it is sure to melt your heart. I loved Spencer in this story and I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I received and voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
August 27, 2018
Break out the tissues, because you’ll need them! This had sad tears, happy tears, frustrated tears, and angry tears. The entire story felt like it was layered in mist, fog, and sometimes the light peeked in, and other times, the dark chilled everything
Sam and JD have been FWB for 10 years, since Sam took over the woman’s shelter she runs, and JD was who was called when there was trouble. Sam has always seen JD as her saviour, her white night, the guy who fixes things when things go wrong. JD knows he isn’t any of those things, but when he gets a call from Sam, he wants to be that guy. Circumstances cause Sam to get a glimpse of who he can be, who he feels he really is, and JD knows he has to go. But trouble could come her way, he stays, but he has to fight to stay who he really is around Sam. Sam brings out the good in him, and he can’t stay. Sam is hurt again and again by JD’s attitude, but, he always turns it back around to the man she knows.
Both of the characters have to sit back and really take stock of who they really are, and where they really want to be, and where they want their life to go. It isn’t an easy path for either, but one thing they both know, they really want the other to be there in the end
Sam and JD have been FWB for 10 years, since Sam took over the woman’s shelter she runs, and JD was who was called when there was trouble. Sam has always seen JD as her saviour, her white night, the guy who fixes things when things go wrong. JD knows he isn’t any of those things, but when he gets a call from Sam, he wants to be that guy. Circumstances cause Sam to get a glimpse of who he can be, who he feels he really is, and JD knows he has to go. But trouble could come her way, he stays, but he has to fight to stay who he really is around Sam. Sam brings out the good in him, and he can’t stay. Sam is hurt again and again by JD’s attitude, but, he always turns it back around to the man she knows.
Both of the characters have to sit back and really take stock of who they really are, and where they really want to be, and where they want their life to go. It isn’t an easy path for either, but one thing they both know, they really want the other to be there in the end
September 13, 2018
I totally enjoyed reading Samantha and J.D.'s story in The Story Of Us: A Secret Baby Romance by Molly O’Keefe, book one of her Serenity House series. This story deals with two people who have had the “perfect” relationship for ten years; no strings, no commitment, and no future. Private Investigator J.D. was a sexy, broken man with a lot of secrets that he would not share with Sam. Samantha operated Serenity House, a shelter for women in nee, wanting to fix everything. Everything changes the day when the son Sam gave up for adoption walks into her shelter. The son J.D. knows nothing about. Take about throwing a wrench into a relationship. Sam and J.D. need to figure out what their future will be, despite their feelings for each other and the amazing chemistry they shared. Was there enough to keep them together? Would learning each other’s secrets be enough to heal the hurts? I loved J.D., despite his secrets. He was the perfect match for Sam, understanding her better than herself.
Ms. O’Keefe wrote a wonderfully moving story that played with my emotions, was filled with sexual chemistry, fun dialogue, and endearing characters. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. O’Keefe wrote a wonderfully moving story that played with my emotions, was filled with sexual chemistry, fun dialogue, and endearing characters. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 31, 2018
I can always count on several things when I read a Molly O'Keefe book - ugly crying, smiling, having my heart broken and pieced back together. The Story of Us was no exception.
Sam and J.D. are a couple of self-contained, walled-off-to-others, strong personalities. They've been hurt and won't let the world hurt them again. Acting like a few days together here and there are enough helps keep each of them from being hurt by the other. As always, they reunite in the sexiest of ways when Sam calls J.D. to help her with a new intake at her women's shelter.
While dealing with that issue, the unthinkable happens. The biggest secret ever between the two comes to light. Can they finally admit their love, build a life together, move on from a huge ill-advised secret? Can they protect the young woman running from the biggest threat against her, her own family?
The story could have been fleshed out more and the characters developed more with more of their history. It just felt a little light for my tastes though what was there was exceptional.
There's plenty of suspense, self-destructive stubbornness, love and an HEA. Good job, Molly.
Sam and J.D. are a couple of self-contained, walled-off-to-others, strong personalities. They've been hurt and won't let the world hurt them again. Acting like a few days together here and there are enough helps keep each of them from being hurt by the other. As always, they reunite in the sexiest of ways when Sam calls J.D. to help her with a new intake at her women's shelter.
While dealing with that issue, the unthinkable happens. The biggest secret ever between the two comes to light. Can they finally admit their love, build a life together, move on from a huge ill-advised secret? Can they protect the young woman running from the biggest threat against her, her own family?
The story could have been fleshed out more and the characters developed more with more of their history. It just felt a little light for my tastes though what was there was exceptional.
There's plenty of suspense, self-destructive stubbornness, love and an HEA. Good job, Molly.
September 17, 2018
Sam Riggins and J.D. Kronos have had a convenient relationship for years. Every few months, J.D. shows up, or Sam sends him a text and they hook up. The sex is hot and fast, with no commitment on either of their parts. It’s worked fine for years. However, they both are keeping secrets from each other, and the secrets are about to explode into their lives.
Sam runs a women’s shelter and a new pregnant woman shows up on her doorstep. There are issues and then J.D. also shows up. Coincidence? Perhaps a secret from J.D.’s past? Then, one of Sam’s secrets shows up. Her son, who was given up for adoption 10 years earlier. His adoptive father has died, and he wants to know his birth family. His adoptive mother is still grief stricken but wants to do the best for her son.
Ms. O’Keefe keep you on your toes with this one. Loved the sub-plots and all the people that just might get their own story. Pull up a chair, grab a good drink, make sure the tissues are within reach, and enjoy.
Sam runs a women’s shelter and a new pregnant woman shows up on her doorstep. There are issues and then J.D. also shows up. Coincidence? Perhaps a secret from J.D.’s past? Then, one of Sam’s secrets shows up. Her son, who was given up for adoption 10 years earlier. His adoptive father has died, and he wants to know his birth family. His adoptive mother is still grief stricken but wants to do the best for her son.
Ms. O’Keefe keep you on your toes with this one. Loved the sub-plots and all the people that just might get their own story. Pull up a chair, grab a good drink, make sure the tissues are within reach, and enjoy.
December 23, 2019
Samantha runs a women’s shelter called Serenity House. She has a 10-year sporadic relationship with a private investigator, JD, a primarily sexual relationship, with no strings attached, or so they think. She knows she loves JD but can’t count on him to settle down. He doesn’t think marriage and kids are in his future. She never told him she got pregnant with his child 9 yrs prior, the first time they were intimate. It was a baby boy she gave up for adoption.
Now that boy is standing at her front door and JD is upstairs in her apartment when the boy knocks at her place of business with his adoptive mother Jennifer at his side. She is a recent widow and her son wants to meet his biological parents.
What transpires is a lot for everyone, with unexpected emotions to deal with for all concerned.
I enjoyed the story and the way in which it unfolded. It is easy to empathize with each of the characters and how this situation will impact their lives. Also, you will fall in love with that delightful 9-yr old boy, Sam.
Recommended for fans of women’s and domestic fiction.
Now that boy is standing at her front door and JD is upstairs in her apartment when the boy knocks at her place of business with his adoptive mother Jennifer at his side. She is a recent widow and her son wants to meet his biological parents.
What transpires is a lot for everyone, with unexpected emotions to deal with for all concerned.
I enjoyed the story and the way in which it unfolded. It is easy to empathize with each of the characters and how this situation will impact their lives. Also, you will fall in love with that delightful 9-yr old boy, Sam.
Recommended for fans of women’s and domestic fiction.
September 14, 2018
This was an extremely emotional book and will take you through all the feels from the highs to the lows and back again so be prepared for the roller coaster of a ride. Sam and J.D. are something to behold and 10 years stumbling through this twisty type of relationship to come out on the other side...WOW...just...WOW. There are lies and secrets between them but that has been the basis of their entire coming together and every time they come back together months in between it is the same. This all comes to a head when a special visitor shows up and then all bets are off. Will anything be the same? Will they survive or will they finally realize they are better together and come clean with each other. This story was so good and well written and make sure you have your tissues handy because one minute you will be cussing and the next shedding a tear and the next giggling. All the feels!
**Received this ARC for review**
**Received this ARC for review**
April 11, 2019
This had all the ingredients for good romance
Samantha Riggins is your proverbial bleeding heart. She took in pregnant or terrified and lost girls and women within Serenity House, shelter from the storm and all of life's unfairness. It was also Sam's house as she lived there year-round, teaching, supporting, protecting, enlightening, and nurturing her lost ones. J.D. Kronos, a mysterious P.I., would come by every 4-5 months or so, and their little world would envelop them in a haze of lust, want, need, and desire. But after a brief few days, where he would fix what needed fixing, he'd be gone. Until the time he came back and his past, present and future all exploded into a fireball. What would it take to release him from the chains of his past and stubborn wall of doubt and fear that would lead him back to the serenity of Sam's arms?? A terrific story of finding exactly who you are beneath the you others see, think, and feel you are. And about who and how we love.
Samantha Riggins is your proverbial bleeding heart. She took in pregnant or terrified and lost girls and women within Serenity House, shelter from the storm and all of life's unfairness. It was also Sam's house as she lived there year-round, teaching, supporting, protecting, enlightening, and nurturing her lost ones. J.D. Kronos, a mysterious P.I., would come by every 4-5 months or so, and their little world would envelop them in a haze of lust, want, need, and desire. But after a brief few days, where he would fix what needed fixing, he'd be gone. Until the time he came back and his past, present and future all exploded into a fireball. What would it take to release him from the chains of his past and stubborn wall of doubt and fear that would lead him back to the serenity of Sam's arms?? A terrific story of finding exactly who you are beneath the you others see, think, and feel you are. And about who and how we love.
September 4, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. WOW! I loved this book, J.D. and Sam are explosive together, scintillatingly delicious and I was captivated from the start and couldn’t put this down. A friend with benefits story, that can’t be denied, but is it really what they both want? The more time spent hooking up, the more passion and feelings fall into the mix. Sam always sees the good in J.D. but he has a hard time being that person she needs, deep down he’s a good guy but continues to screw up, but this time he wants it to be different even though he knows he needs to leave her. There’s a little bit of suspense and mystery added to this story that will have you thinking holy crap! Great story, loved it, no spoiler here, this is a must read. Grab it now to find out what happens with J.D. and Sam.
September 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. J.D. and Sam are into a 10 year relationship, both passionate about their work, both have big secrets that neither knows about each other. Loved the passion that these two have for each other, and once things start to unfold, you can feel the tension come off the pages at you. Your heart breaks for Spence and the situation he and his mother are in, but what a special young man, you find yourself really pulling for him and and the new family he so wants to get to know. Christina running from her father and landing at Serenity House was pretty dramatic and full of suspense, but loved the way it was written into the story. All around a really great book that kept me turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next. Well worth the read. Another great book from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
November 26, 2018
Heartwarming and Heartbreaking Romance!!
Sam runs a shelter for young women. She lives upstairs and devotes her life to her work. J.D. is a private investigator and is “on-call” if Sam needs a hand. They have had a no-strings relationship, seeing each other 2-3 times a year
When a “mafia princess” comes to stay she may bring danger with her. When the son Sam gave up for adoption wants to come meet her – J.D. happens to be there, and there is no mistaking the resemblance between the two.
Roller coaster of emotions as we follow a 100-lb Rottweiler named “Daisy”, a young man who lost his adoptive father and now wants to meet his birth parents, a mysterious benefactor, and two people who may have too many secrets between them. Just wow. I’ve now read 3 Molly O’Keefe stories – and each one has been superb!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Sam runs a shelter for young women. She lives upstairs and devotes her life to her work. J.D. is a private investigator and is “on-call” if Sam needs a hand. They have had a no-strings relationship, seeing each other 2-3 times a year
When a “mafia princess” comes to stay she may bring danger with her. When the son Sam gave up for adoption wants to come meet her – J.D. happens to be there, and there is no mistaking the resemblance between the two.
Roller coaster of emotions as we follow a 100-lb Rottweiler named “Daisy”, a young man who lost his adoptive father and now wants to meet his birth parents, a mysterious benefactor, and two people who may have too many secrets between them. Just wow. I’ve now read 3 Molly O’Keefe stories – and each one has been superb!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
September 4, 2018
Sam and J.D. are booty call buddies. Sam runs a shelter for woman who need to escape their life, for any reason. J.D. is a PI who calls in on Sam when he's passing or when she calls. One night, a young girl turns up at the shelter, saying she is Jane Doe and is 21. Although Sam knows that none of this is true, she still takes Jane in. Unfortunately, Jane Doe is trouble and could bring misery and violence to the shelter. In another storyline, Sam's secret comes out when the son she gave up for adoption turns up on her doorstep with his mother. As with most of Molly O'Keefe's stories, this one involves laughing, crying, a little heartbreak and a lot of happiness.
April 3, 2019
Wonderful story
Samantha (Sam) and J.D. have had a relationship of sorts for a decade. Both have big secrets. J.D. comes from a troubled past and when he’s with Sam, he feels at peace, feels like a different man, but he believes he can’t have those feelings forever. That Sam could never love him if she knew the truth about him. Sam has a big secret, too. One that unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep while J.D. is visiting her. There is tension, drama, heartache, fear, romance and more. You might want some tissues on hand. This author is new to me and I might never have found her if I hadn’t received this story for free. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Samantha (Sam) and J.D. have had a relationship of sorts for a decade. Both have big secrets. J.D. comes from a troubled past and when he’s with Sam, he feels at peace, feels like a different man, but he believes he can’t have those feelings forever. That Sam could never love him if she knew the truth about him. Sam has a big secret, too. One that unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep while J.D. is visiting her. There is tension, drama, heartache, fear, romance and more. You might want some tissues on hand. This author is new to me and I might never have found her if I hadn’t received this story for free. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
August 28, 2018
I loved J.D. and Sam! J.D. is Sam's occasional lover over the last 9 years. He appears and disappears out of her life. She runs a women's shelter. She eats, lives and sleeps her job. When a secret shows up at her door, can these two survive the backlash from what each of them has been hiding from the other? The story and plot are excellent. The story is told in third person, which detracted the one star for me. I forgot I am not a fan of third person. But Molly's story can even overcome my third person issues.
***I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.***
***I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.***
September 11, 2018
This one will put your heart through the wringer. Sam and J.D.'s story is filled with deep emotions. In a long term friends with benefits relationship, these two do a great job of keeping secrets from each other. One huge secret is uncovered and it creates a domino effect of revelations that will rock their relationship, how they see each other and how they see themselves. Complex, complicated and very emotional, this book packs a serious punch. I am voluntarily posting a totally honest review.
September 16, 2018
The Story Of Us by Molly O'Keefe is a secret baby, second chance romance. Sam and J.D. have had what they consider the perfect relationship for the past 10 years. No promises and no strings attached. Then Sam's biggest secret walks into their lives. With their lives turned upside down, they begin to question everything they know about each other. The Story Of Us is captivating and emotionally changed. Sam and J. D. have great chemistry and they will pull you into their story. This is a great story of forgiveness, redemption and rediscovery.
May 2, 2019
The book was good but it was difficult to like Sam after discovering why she gave up her son for adoption. It's not like she was young or had no place to stay... I don't get it.
The reason for adoption:
The reason for adoption:
September 6, 2018
I'm going to diss the title, Molly. I'm not sure I felt the "secret baby" needed to be in the title. I know it was a secret but the story didn't really feel like it was centered mainly on the secret baby. Maybe I'd of said, Bad guy or not a bad guy" as the main story concept. J.D. was interesting and indeed broken. I liked both main characters and Spencer was icing on the cake. Pretty interesting story but not a light hearted one until the end.
September 16, 2018
Ms. O’Keefe has written an emotional story of second chance love. Sam and J.D. have a good relationship... no strings. Sam runs a women’s shelter and J.D. is a private investigator. Everything is going smoothly until the son that Sam gave up for adoption shows up...the son that J.D. was never told about.
Ms. O’Keefe knows how to blend all the emotions into her books. I highly recommend The Story of Us to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary secret baby/second chance romance
Ms. O’Keefe knows how to blend all the emotions into her books. I highly recommend The Story of Us to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary secret baby/second chance romance
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