*I received a free copy of Once and Again from Loveswept via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Warning: This book includes mature content such as: sexual content, and/or drug and/or alcohol use, and/or violence.
Once and Again by Elisabeth Barrett Series: Return to Briarwood #1
Published by Loveswept on 14 July 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 302
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Growing up in Eastbridge, Connecticut, Carolyn Rivington was a young debutante who did whatever her parents asked. So when her father demanded that she break things off with the boy from the wrong side of the tracks or else, she did. Now Carolyn’s family is deep in debt. She’s no longer a member of the Briarwood Golf and Yacht Club, she’s an employee. And the tanned, tattooed, dangerously handsome stranger who saunters into her lobby isn’t just her new boss . . . he’s also her first love.
The last time he saw Carolyn, Jake Gaffney was in the back of a police cruiser, handcuffed and humiliated. But seeing her again stirs other memories: a blanket on the beach, the moon above their heads, and the most expensive bottle of wine he could afford. Now the tables have turned. As a real-estate magnate and Briarwood’s new owner, Jake doesn’t have to answer to anyone. But now that he’s back home, he’s finding it hard to live down his old reputation.
Before they can move forward, Jake and Carolyn must face their pasts. But it’ll take more than sizzling chemistry for them to heal old wounds and return to the love they once shared.
Second-chance romances are the absolute best! And Once and Again was both nostalgic, sweet, hot and well done!
Once and Again is filled with nostalgia, but there is also an underlying tension that isn’t all positive, especially in the beginning. Carolyn had a pretty easy childhood, her parents were well off, and if she visited the golf club, it was as a guest. One summer, she fell for one of the caddie’s and they had a short, but hot relationship – until her father caught them and sent the young man away in handcuffs. Years later, Carolyn is down on her luck, her father has lost all their money, and she’s working as an event organizor at the golf club to make ends meet. What she didn’t know is that that caddie from a long ago summer is the new owner, and neither of them have forgotten the stolen moments they spent together.
There was quite a bit of emotions in Once and Again, especially for Carolyn, who was going through a hard time, having to reconcile her father with what the newspaper had written about him once money disappeared from the company. When her lawyer turned out to be a sleaze, Jake came to her rescue, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to be in her orbit ever again. They both had regrets, and they weren’t sure if they could trust each other again, even if they were on the same team for the time being.
I enjoyed the setting of Briarwood, the characters were well fleshed out, and I am already intrigued about Jake’s friends who helped with some capital when needed. A contemporary romance with adult characters who know who they are, but not necessarily what they want in life, or exactly the direction they are going, Once and Again was a compelling story that kept my interest. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Carolyn had segued from her introduction of the event to the logistics, and he forced himself to concentrate. Not on the long line of her neck and throat. Not on that little skirt she wore, fitted in all the right places. And definitely not on the mouth he used to spend hours devouring. Thinking about her any way but professionally was just trouble.
“Oh, so my house is a ‘site’ now?” she teased, lightening the mood.
“Was for me, this morning.”
“I should be honored – the well-known real estate developer Jake Gaffney helping out on-site, at my house, raking leaves and rebuilding my dock.”
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Oooohh! I forgot about this book. I wanted to read it months ago. Glad you enjoyed it. I love when a book brings on the emotions.
I love having my emotions invested when I read, too, Christy! You should pick it up 🙂
It looks sweet and I agree with you second chance romances are so nice to read!
I love second chance stories, they just make me feel good 🙂
You know I’m a sucker for second-chance romances, Lex, and this one sounds good. I can see where it’d be hard to trust each other, especially for Jake since he’s the one who ended up in handcuffs, but I’m interested to see how everything falls into place between them. I’m glad you enjoyed their story.
Hope you’re having a great day! **BIG HUGS**
Exactly! And the fact that everything was upside down for them made the story very interesting, too, Brandee 🙂 *BIG HUGS*
Twitter: kbaby81
One of my favorite romance trope is second chances. I’ll definitely add this so that I don’t forget about it. Great review!
I really hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did, Lekeisha. Thanks for stopping by.
You know, second chance lover stories aren’t my favorite these days. I used to love them when I was younger, but they don’t appeal so much to me now. I’m really glad you loved this one. It seems a bit emotional.
There was a while when I was in my late twenties that these second chance stories didn’t appeal to me all that much, Quinn, but now, I am back to loving them once more.
I love second chance romances and this once sounds like a really good read. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing.
If second chance at love is a trope you enjoy, you should pick this one up, Ashley!!
I love a second chance romance. This one sounds really good! I like how there positions changed over the years. I haven’t read this author before but I might check this one out.
You should definitely check it out, Carole, it’s well done. And you’re right, the fact that their positions changed made it more interesting 🙂
In real life, my second chance romance didn’t work out. But it’s fun to read about ones that do:)
Not sure if I’d actually dare to try (not that I want to – I’m very happy with Mr. Lex!!) a second time with the same person, Laura. But I love the trope, just like you do 🙂
Always like a second chance romance too! Great review.
Thanks, Nise’ 🙂
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
Well hello..I just love a good second chance romance. I haven’t tried Elisabeth Barrett and this sounds like a yummy, hot place to start!
Twitter: Mollykatie112
I love the whole idea of this book-second chances, the change in both of their circumstances and the fact she now works for him. I may be adding this to my wish list! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂