Flashbacks, so beware. ( )

Parts of this were 4 star worthy, but overall I can't round up that far. This has second chance and class differences tropes, it weaves the past and the present together better than most in my experience. It felt fairly organic and not just an info dump or continually yanking you out of the story just when something was getting good, or staying so long that you'd start to forget where you'd left off. There were a few things near the end that didn't sit as well with me, but overall it was an enjoyable read. Major spoilers about those things: I was disappointed that the heroine clung so adamantly and for so long to taking the child. It was very late in the story to be willing to toss away the love of your life over someone else (especially someone who, though definitely tied to, you'd never met and thought was dead). And she really was coming at the situation from a childish selfishness, not truly considering what was best for the child, even when the hero tried to explain it from the perspective of one in a similar situation. And secondly, his birth mother recognizing him but deciding not to bother telling him!? It wasn't like her choice was between him never knowing or else taking him from his adoptive family like the heroine's notion of things. She would probably enjoy spending some time with him here and there, and he would get some closure and could ask about his heritage or something. Know that he had been wanted by at least one of his parents. It just seems like a very selfish call to make. And then to a much lesser degree, giving up the club felt a little unsatisfying. I didn't need them to have it really, but walking away just made it feel like the major part it had played had all just been a contrivance. I don't know, it wasn't a major thing, but the endings to these are supposed to be quite satisfying, and these got in the way of some of that. ( )

First half was great, second half dragged on. I wish the tension of them not knowing why the other hadn't showed up was dragged out longer. ( )

I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.


Review posted at my blog, Romancing Romances

Review link

I’m having a hard time rating this book.

I love Lorraine Heath, and the fact that she likes to talk about difficult issues in her books. But in this one, I think something was…maybe holding her back? I don’t know, I feel like it had something missing.

This is a lovers-reunited/second-chance lovers story. I have to admit, I didn’t feel very connected to the characters. I liked the young version, I did not, however, enjoy their transition. And, again, I think this has to do with the way the author dealt with their problems.

It’s hard to do a review without talking about something that does not show up in the synopsis, and therefore it is a spoiler, but that is the base of your concerns with the book.

Finn had a difficult life, and Lavinia was sheltered, as any nobility-born lady. But as they spend their together, she gets to know a different world. And then something happens that separates them. When they meet again, they are different people, but still harbour some of the same feelings they had years before.

I did not like Lavinia – I’m sorry, she went through a lot, I know, but I just couldn’t connect with her. Finn, on the other hand, was much easier to like and understand. I only liked Lavinia when she was young, and when she makes a right decision at the end of the book. I would, however, like to point out, she is doing her best to help those who need it, and I value that trait, no doubt.

I really liked Finn’s family, and I look forward to reading more their stories, even if this wasn’t my favourite book written by Lorraine Heath. ( )

Lorriane Heath does an amazing job with this story. There is nothing sadder than young lovers being split apart and thinking their partner had abandoned them. Only one thing is worse, to give birth to a child of the man you loved and having it ripped from you arms within minutes of its birth.
When Finn and Vivi meet again years later they are both hurt and damaged individuals. They must learn to trust again and to be opened to the love they once had and lost.
Parts of this book will bring tears to your eyes but it will only make the Happily Ever After all the more rewarding. ( )