REVIEW: A Brand New Ending by Jennifer Probst

Expected Publication: October 23, 2018 by Montlake Romance

Publisher's Summary:
Ophelia Bishop was a lovestruck teenage girl when she and Kyle Kimpton chased their dreams to Hollywood. Kyle’s dreams came true. Ophelia’s did not. When Kyle chose his career over their relationship, Ophelia returned home to rural New York to run the family’s B & B—wiser, and more guarded against foolish fantasies. Now Kyle has come crashing back into her life, and all her defenses are down.

Kyle can’t think of a better place to write his latest screenplay than his hometown. After all, that was where he met the heart of his inspiration—his first love. He knows the damage he’s caused Ophelia, and he wants a chance to mend their relationship. If anyone can prove to Ophelia that happy ever afters aren’t only for the movies, it should be him.

As much as Ophelia’s changed, she still has feelings for Kyle. But her heart has been broken before, and she knows that Kyle could run back to Hollywood at any time. She gave up her dreams once, but maybe she can dare to change her own love story…one last time._________________________________

The second in the Stay' series, A Brand New Ending features Ophelia and Kyle, soulmates whose youthful romance ended nearly ten years before; however, Kyle is back, determined to change the ending to their story. As teens, they kept their romance secret, eloping in Vegas, and then pursuing their dreams in California--Kyle to become a successful writer and Ophelia, a singer. 

Readers discover that Kyle had overnight success, but becoming consumed with work, he failed to recognize Ophelia's distress about not wanting to be in the spotlight.  In short, their relationship is broken, and after one too many promises is broken, Ophelia leaves, seeking the solace of her family and the B&B in New York.

With Kyle's return, Ophelia is flooded with intense emotions and a good dose of sizzling hormones. The attraction is still there, but she is scared she'll end up hurt again.  Kyle is determined to change her mind; however, their relationship is not the only part of his past that he needs to make peace with--namely his recovering, alcoholic father.

Oh, and that divorce they assumed was final ;) turns out they are still married, but will it end it bliss or unhappily ever after?

Once again, Probst delivers and engaging, character driven contemporary romance that will have reader's wanting more.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

*Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: January, 30, 2018

Publisher's Summary:  When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.

Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.

But sometimes love can breach all barriers.

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.

__________

McGarry pens another fantastic realistic romance with plenty of depth.  She excels at character development, introducing two teens who couldn't be more different.  Drix, falsely convicted of a crime but determined to make the best of his second chance.  Elle, the govenor's daughter, tired of being paraded around like a prize poodle, wanting more from her life than being the eye-candy on her father's political campaign.  Fate brings them together and McGarry takes care of the rest.  What I always love about her stories and characters is the realistic, polarizing attraction between characters that are an unlikely fit. 

I loved the sheer experience of reading this narrative.  I gobbled up every word. Shed some tears at the end and now count the days until the next McGarry release.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Never Never by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher

Authors Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher team up for an intriguing three part series in Never Never.  In part one, readers meet Charlie and Silas, best friends since infancy and in love since they were 14.  All that changes when they become literal strangers, each suffering paralyzing memory gaps. They work to piece the puzzle together, learning that this has happened before and desperate to find clues before it happens again.

I adored this first part.  The characters are interesting and the mystery sets the tone for readers wanting to continue and discover what is causing the memory lapse.  This isn't a conventional story by any means and I like that both Charlie and Silas learn that they aren't too happy with where their lives are going at the moment. It would be a powerful wake up call if we all got a second chance to evaluate our lives from a truly anonymous POV.

The best part of this is the cliffhanger ending!

In part two, their memories have reset again and only Silas has a clue as to who he is after luckily stumbling upon notes he and Charlie have left for their amnesiac selves. With Charlie missing, Silas is determined to find her.

Meanwhile, Charlie wakes up and is held captive in a strange place with no idea who she is nor who the handsome boy haunting her drug induced dreams might be.  Her survivals instincts kick in as she dares to escape.

I enjoyed this one as well but wished for a bit more detail. Charlie being held hostage intrigued me but there was a lack of progression to the overall story. I wanted more focus and clarity. However, I did think that Silas shines in this second part.  He's headstrong and determined but also starting to grow as he learns more about his past and how he might change his future.

Silas might have found Charlie but their mission isn't over. Together again, they pool their resources to discover what might be causing the memory lapses.  An eye opening visit with Charlie's incarcerated father sheds some light on recent happenings as does a new development with Silas' memories. Having discovered what they hope is the key toward ending the cycle, Silas and Charlie spend time together and wait for the clock to strike that fateful hour.

In general, I loved the concept of Never Never but I was let down at the end.  Why?  There wasn't much attention to detail or follow through with some of the storytelling and narrative potential. I wanted more 'meat' to the story and if some major happenings aren't relevant to the end game, then don't include them.

Overall, it is an enjoyable read but with some flaws. I did like the ending and would read more about these characters if it was published.

Final rating (overall): 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the authors on Twitter:  @colleenhoover @Tarryn_Fisher

#nevernever #colleenhoover #tarrynfisher #romance #mystery #amnesia

REVIEW: Unbreak My Heart by Lorelei James

Long time fans of Lorelei James and her Rough Riders series have been waiting for this book a long time.  Back in Gone Country, readers met Sierra McKay and Boone West. At 16, she adored her newfound best friend but didn't tell him.  Determined to make something of himself and leave town, Boone enlisted in the army, only telling Sierra his own feelings minutes before his departure.

In Unbreak My Heart, seven years have passed and both have grown up.  Sierra is a successful businesswoman in Phoenix, Arizona, working her way up in her father's company.  She isn't prepared when an older, hotter, Boone walks back into her life. The army has been good for Boone, strong, mature and successful in medical training, he's determined to make things right with Sierra and to give their relationship the chance it didn't have before.

This is another character driven, steamy romance.  Highlights are the super sexy banter between the main characters.  Both Sierra and Boone have significant obstacles to work through if their relationship is going to work but that adds a realness to the writing and the narrative. Boone is one of those book boyfriends who will break your heart and leave you melted in a puddle at the same time. He's had such a hard life that you can't help but want to love him just like Sierra.  I appreciated that he's open with her about not knowing how to love since he hasn't ever felt loved in his life---SWOON!

I'm excited about this new series and to see the next generation of Wests and McKays branch out in the world and find love!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @loreleijames


#unbreakmyheart #roughriderslegacy #loreleijames #romance #erotic #realisticfiction #secondchances