Author: Corinne Michaels
Genre/Age: Contemporary Romance/Adult
Series: Return to Me Series (Book One)
Publisher: Everafter Romance
Format: Paperback via Romance Reveal Book Box (March)
Rating: ✺✺✺✺
Links: Goodreads
Synopsis: One word.
Stay.
It was all he had to do. Instead, he got on that bus and took my heart with him.
That was seventeen years ago.
I moved on. Marriage. Kids. White picket fence. Everything I ever wanted, but my husband betrayed me and I was left once again.
Alone, penniless, and with two boys, I had no choice but to return to Tennessee. He wasn’t supposed to be there. I should’ve been safe. However, fate has a way of stepping in.
This time around, the tables are turned. It’s my decision. Second chances do exist, but I don’t know if we can repair what’s already been broken . . .
** This is a STANDALONE **
"When love makes this sound babe, a heart needs a second chance" ~ .38 Special
Zach was Presley's longtime high school sweetheart. Yet, he left her to pursue his dreams and she went on to marry and have her boys. Now, she's back in town and everyone seems to think this is a sign from the heavens that she and Zach will reunite. Well, everyone but Presley. She's still angry with Zach, hurt from her husband's betrayal, and desperately trying to make a new home for her sons.
However, it isn't just the fates that want to see Zach and Presley rekindle their flame. The entire town remembers the pair and believes they are destined soulmates. It doesn't take long before our couple realizes it, too. The flame still burns between them and falling back into old habits is easy to do. But secrets from the past, scorned lovers, and fears of the future will need to be overcome if Zach and Presley stand a (second) chance.
This is one of the books I received in the Romance Reveal Book Box for March. I haven't read anything by this author but the blurb made be curious, as did the advertisements I've been seeing for the second book of this series. So I decided this would be the first of the monthly box books that I would tackle. In all, it was a pretty satisfying read.
The beginning broke my heart. I mean straight up hacked it into two. I even stopped twice to tell my husband all about what was happening in the first few chapters. It was so very intense and completely realistic. I felt Presley's anger as if it were my own. I was livid right alongside her.
As the story progresses and we get a glimpse into both Presley's new life and what has become of Zach, it's immediately obvious where each of our couple's hearts truly lie. Yet, there are multiple obstacles in their way.
One of those problems is Zach's current girlfriend. While I didn't really care for his girlfriend, I was a little put off by his willingness to toss her aside so easily. Sure, I get that old feelings came back to light and he wanted to move on to be with Presley. But I am not a fan of cheating in my romance books and this edged over the line, fairly early on.
As for the romance, there were issues for our couple to work through but the chemistry was there, even if I do think that the relationship developed a little too quickly for my taste. I would have preferred it if Presley had spent more time on her own before coming back home since the romance started very soon after her return. She barely had a chance to find her footing before the hero was sweeping her off of her feet.
However, I am definitely interested in reading more books in this series. The secondary characters took on a life of their own, especially Wyatt. I am eager to see him find his match and Trent, too. I even hope to see Cooper find his happy ending.
In closing...
A solid second chance romance with heartbreak, redemption, and horse racing. Four suns!
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