What do you think?
Rate this book
Then & Now
Lily Connor has focused all her energy into becoming a successful wedding planner, and after five years, she’s on the precipice of taking on more responsibility at Southerland Wedding Company. When the chance finally presents itself, it comes with a complication she couldn’t have dreamt up in her worst nightmares. With the bride and groom away for a month, Lily needs to work with the bride’s best friend, Bennett Burke, a woman she never thought she’d see again. It was only for a few months, a study abroad experience that felt plucked from those same dreams turned nightmares, but Bennett is back, and Lily wants nothing to do with her. Bennett broke her heart the first time, and Lily swore she’d never let something like that happen again. Working together can’t be avoided, but falling in love? Lily needs to stop that at all costs, even if it comes at the sake of her own happiness.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2020
370 people are currently reading
1923 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCallan
17 books1,491 followersMonica McCallan was an enthusiastic fan of romance novels before she began writing them.
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
October 24, 2020
Is there anyone out there that has not read this yet? Second read and loved it just as much as the first time. Second chance. Alternated between past and present seamlessly. All the feels.
-------
Instant favorite.
I am a big fan of Monica McCallan. Her characters are always hot and likable, with better than average dialogue, and a small dose of angst for a good payoff.
But this was so much more than that.
McCallan tells an affecting story of two women finding themselves unexpectedly back in each other's lives. Alternating between 'Then & Now,' we learn about their history while simultaneously watching their awkward navigation of re-acquaintance.
Lily and Bennett. Oh, how I loved these two ladies. Beautiful, nice, and flawed characters. With giant hearts. Lily is a wedding planner and Bennett is keeping up with the Joneses in her high society circle. When Lily begins to plan Bennett's best friend's wedding, they are forced to spend time with one another again.
I don't want to say too much because a big part of the charm was the discovery. I was completely engaged and anxious to understand how Lily and Bennett new each other and what happened to create such a rift. I'm generally not a fan of flashbacks, but the way that McCallan tackled this was very effective. This was both an insta-love and a slow burn but in different moments of time. And it worked.
What I liked the best about this book was the chemistry and emotion conveyed between Lily and Bennett. I love it when authors can make you feel that characters must be soul mates or meant to be. I was completely convinced that these two belonged to each other and had an unfortunate and devastating hiccup. I enjoyed watching these two gals try to protect their hearts. Especially the brokenhearted Lily.
This is McCallan's best book yet. She has outdone herself with this one. There was a level of emotion that went deeper than her previous stories. The bad part about that is that I'm going to expect it going forward!
There was a mix of fade to black and a tad bit more explicit sex scenes. I liked that they were never porn-like or smutty. The intimacy was emotionally driven and had a sensuality that you don't often see in books.
I recommend this to everyone who loves to read romance, second chances, good dialogue, affluent families, making mistakes, travel, Europe, weddings, all consuming love, and The Fast & Furious.
-------
Instant favorite.
I am a big fan of Monica McCallan. Her characters are always hot and likable, with better than average dialogue, and a small dose of angst for a good payoff.
But this was so much more than that.
McCallan tells an affecting story of two women finding themselves unexpectedly back in each other's lives. Alternating between 'Then & Now,' we learn about their history while simultaneously watching their awkward navigation of re-acquaintance.
Lily and Bennett. Oh, how I loved these two ladies. Beautiful, nice, and flawed characters. With giant hearts. Lily is a wedding planner and Bennett is keeping up with the Joneses in her high society circle. When Lily begins to plan Bennett's best friend's wedding, they are forced to spend time with one another again.
I don't want to say too much because a big part of the charm was the discovery. I was completely engaged and anxious to understand how Lily and Bennett new each other and what happened to create such a rift. I'm generally not a fan of flashbacks, but the way that McCallan tackled this was very effective. This was both an insta-love and a slow burn but in different moments of time. And it worked.
What I liked the best about this book was the chemistry and emotion conveyed between Lily and Bennett. I love it when authors can make you feel that characters must be soul mates or meant to be. I was completely convinced that these two belonged to each other and had an unfortunate and devastating hiccup. I enjoyed watching these two gals try to protect their hearts. Especially the brokenhearted Lily.
This is McCallan's best book yet. She has outdone herself with this one. There was a level of emotion that went deeper than her previous stories. The bad part about that is that I'm going to expect it going forward!
There was a mix of fade to black and a tad bit more explicit sex scenes. I liked that they were never porn-like or smutty. The intimacy was emotionally driven and had a sensuality that you don't often see in books.
I recommend this to everyone who loves to read romance, second chances, good dialogue, affluent families, making mistakes, travel, Europe, weddings, all consuming love, and The Fast & Furious.
February 15, 2022
First love.
I've had my eye on Monica McCallan's books for a while now but I've been saving them up for when I move over to Storytel so I didn't start sooner.
This story wasn't easy for me because it's a second chance romance that alternates chapters with the past and the present. This means that for half of the chapters, I had to listen to the characters fall in love and brace myself for heartbreak. And for the other half, I had to listen to the characters pine away over lost love six years later. The angst level was actually only moderate but, I'm feeling a bit more vulnerable than usual these days, so I teared up. Argh.
But I love this story for a couple of reasons. The characters are great. I love Lily in particular because she's so loveable even if it took her a long time to move past what had happened with Bennett years ago. I love the growth arc which is essential to a good second chance romance and I thought Bennett's was pretty well developed. I love the chemistry between the characters which was sweet when they were younger and more passionate when they grew older. And lastly, I love all the side characters, excluding Bennett's family.
I knew the audiobook version of this book would be a good choice too because it's narrated by one of my favourite narrators, Lori Prince. And the soft and gentle way Lily calls Bennett's name stirs my heart every single time.
I've had my eye on Monica McCallan's books for a while now but I've been saving them up for when I move over to Storytel so I didn't start sooner.
This story wasn't easy for me because it's a second chance romance that alternates chapters with the past and the present. This means that for half of the chapters, I had to listen to the characters fall in love and brace myself for heartbreak. And for the other half, I had to listen to the characters pine away over lost love six years later. The angst level was actually only moderate but, I'm feeling a bit more vulnerable than usual these days, so I teared up. Argh.
But I love this story for a couple of reasons. The characters are great. I love Lily in particular because she's so loveable even if it took her a long time to move past what had happened with Bennett years ago. I love the growth arc which is essential to a good second chance romance and I thought Bennett's was pretty well developed. I love the chemistry between the characters which was sweet when they were younger and more passionate when they grew older. And lastly, I love all the side characters, excluding Bennett's family.
I knew the audiobook version of this book would be a good choice too because it's narrated by one of my favourite narrators, Lori Prince. And the soft and gentle way Lily calls Bennett's name stirs my heart every single time.
February 2, 2022
4.25 stars. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lori Prince and enjoyed the narration. The romance in this books is excellent, I liked both characters and there was the right amount of angst. The only comment I have concerns the ending, I felt like there was one important point that I would have liked to see addressed better. The angst in this book is based on a closet case due to potential family rejection, this is the main point of the story, so I wanted to know what happened with said family dynamic in the end and this was not given the attention I thought it needed, so this part felt anticlimactic to me. Other then that, a fantastic read.
May 16, 2022
Lily scrapes and scrambles to earn enough money for a semester abroad. She’s a bit of a shrinking violet at home at her NYC university but she’s hoping to remake herself while she’s away. Her new roommate, Bennett, travels to London because she needs a break from being the perfect daughter for her wealthy family. That’s the “then” part. The story alternates between those electrifying days of young love and the “now” of adulthood and responsibilities. Lily and Bennett have long since parted and each is focused on reaching her professional goals. A wedding reunites them and they cautiously navigate a new relationship.
Second chance romances are a tough sell. We all know the saying of “don’t go backwards,” which especially makes sense for the person who got screwed over the first time. But Lily and Bennett are such an adorable young couple that their falling in love montage in Europe is why romances are addictive. Lily, especially, stole my heart. But it’s always the getting back together part that makes or breaks this kind of book.
When an author writes the reunification story of a couple, I want it to make sense. Convince me that after all the previous mess or the bad way everything ended, why should this couple be together again? Any disingenuousness and I’m out.
I’m here to say the author made it happen. The magic was back the second time around but she also added a profundity that older people understand after they’ve gone through their ups and downs. Their love was deeper and sweeter because of their pasts as a couple and as individuals.
Lori Prince’s narration added so much, especially to the secondary characters. There’s also a lot of humor in this book that kept me from getting too teary eyed. Thanks, Carrie, for reminding me every so often that I still had to read this book.
Second chance romances are a tough sell. We all know the saying of “don’t go backwards,” which especially makes sense for the person who got screwed over the first time. But Lily and Bennett are such an adorable young couple that their falling in love montage in Europe is why romances are addictive. Lily, especially, stole my heart. But it’s always the getting back together part that makes or breaks this kind of book.
When an author writes the reunification story of a couple, I want it to make sense. Convince me that after all the previous mess or the bad way everything ended, why should this couple be together again? Any disingenuousness and I’m out.
I’m here to say the author made it happen. The magic was back the second time around but she also added a profundity that older people understand after they’ve gone through their ups and downs. Their love was deeper and sweeter because of their pasts as a couple and as individuals.
Lori Prince’s narration added so much, especially to the secondary characters. There’s also a lot of humor in this book that kept me from getting too teary eyed. Thanks, Carrie, for reminding me every so often that I still had to read this book.
September 13, 2022
When you’re still thinking about the characters 5 months later you know it’s a good book ❤️
April 23, 2023
Two alternate timelines, one kick ass story! Loved it 😊
October 9, 2021
This summer I’ve listened to The Flaw in our Design by this author, an audiobook also narrated by Lori Prince. I liked it a lot, so when I saw this new audiobook release, I did a happy dance. I’m glad to say that it met my expectations.
Lily Connor and Bennett Burke had a torrid affair for a few months while they were in a study abroad experience but Bennett broke Lily’s heart when she stopped it after returning to America. Five years later, Lily is a successful wedding planner in her way to get more responsibility on her job but she needs to nail her latest wedding assignment. Unfortunately, Lily will need to work with the bride’s best friend who is no other than Bennett. Avoiding falling for Bennett again shouldn’t be a problem, should it?
This is a second-chances story with some elements of new adult romance too. The story happens in two timeframes, one in 2013 when Lily and Bennett met (presented in flashbacks) and the other in the present time as they meet again. The flashbacks are developed in interspersed separate chapters.
I know that some readers don’t like flashbacks and even consider them a pet peeve. I personally don’t mind them if they are well written and add substance to the story. This is exactly the case. There are a few reasons why the flashbacks work well in this book, one of them is because the past is an integral part of the plot, a background to the story that needs to be told. Secondly, both parts contrast well with each other, one bringing levity when the other is angsty and vice versa. And last but not least, the flashbacks act as a tease of what’s about to happen, especially the sex scenes. The intimate scenes that happen in the past start from fade to black building up the level of explicitness towards its resolution in the present. I thought that was cleverly done.
I like the writing style of this author, it reminds me of Melissa Brayden’s but she’s definitely not a carbon copy. Ms. Mccallan’s characters are empowered and independent women who have agency but who are still trying to figure things out. They are far from larger than life characters, they have flaws, fears and shortcomings. Both Lily and Bennett take a journey throughout the story arriving at the end in an improved version of themselves. They are both very likeable and it’s impossible not to root for them.
Once again, Lori Prince did an excellent job. Her narration is impeccable, showing that she can perform serious stories as well as comedies. I absolutely loved her interpretation of the many intense scenes that are present in this book. As usual, Ms. Prince brought the story to life and made it even more enjoyable. If you are looking for a second chance romance with all the feels, I highly recommend it. 5 stars.
Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
Available in Scribd
Lily Connor and Bennett Burke had a torrid affair for a few months while they were in a study abroad experience but Bennett broke Lily’s heart when she stopped it after returning to America. Five years later, Lily is a successful wedding planner in her way to get more responsibility on her job but she needs to nail her latest wedding assignment. Unfortunately, Lily will need to work with the bride’s best friend who is no other than Bennett. Avoiding falling for Bennett again shouldn’t be a problem, should it?
This is a second-chances story with some elements of new adult romance too. The story happens in two timeframes, one in 2013 when Lily and Bennett met (presented in flashbacks) and the other in the present time as they meet again. The flashbacks are developed in interspersed separate chapters.
I know that some readers don’t like flashbacks and even consider them a pet peeve. I personally don’t mind them if they are well written and add substance to the story. This is exactly the case. There are a few reasons why the flashbacks work well in this book, one of them is because the past is an integral part of the plot, a background to the story that needs to be told. Secondly, both parts contrast well with each other, one bringing levity when the other is angsty and vice versa. And last but not least, the flashbacks act as a tease of what’s about to happen, especially the sex scenes. The intimate scenes that happen in the past start from fade to black building up the level of explicitness towards its resolution in the present. I thought that was cleverly done.
I like the writing style of this author, it reminds me of Melissa Brayden’s but she’s definitely not a carbon copy. Ms. Mccallan’s characters are empowered and independent women who have agency but who are still trying to figure things out. They are far from larger than life characters, they have flaws, fears and shortcomings. Both Lily and Bennett take a journey throughout the story arriving at the end in an improved version of themselves. They are both very likeable and it’s impossible not to root for them.
Once again, Lori Prince did an excellent job. Her narration is impeccable, showing that she can perform serious stories as well as comedies. I absolutely loved her interpretation of the many intense scenes that are present in this book. As usual, Ms. Prince brought the story to life and made it even more enjoyable. If you are looking for a second chance romance with all the feels, I highly recommend it. 5 stars.
Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
Available in Scribd
May 20, 2020
Second chance romance between Lily and Bennett who became friends then lover when they studied in UK for 4 months. Due to family expectations, Bennett ended things with Lily when they returned to US. Separated for 6 years, their path crossed again. Clearly both are still attracted with each other but the pain of losing just made them more mindful (more so for Lily) as they try to steer their way in their reacquainted relation. Lots of flashback as we learnt their past relationship; which I must admit irritates me at times. I’m more of a Now person and just wanted to read what’s happening in the Now rather than Past. Having said that, T&N was well-written and I really like the story as it unfold. The supportive (straight) friends were just wonderful as do Lily’s parents. Overall, T&N is an enjoyable read.
January 9, 2021
I had a feeling I would like this one because I am a sucker for a good time jump storyline, this one being 6 years between the MCs meeting. I too did a study-abroad stint in the UK in my early 20's so that part truly resonated with me. Globe trotting and meeting new people and seeing gorgeous architecture and art and having random make outs with pretty girls on dance floors, what fun! I do believe that was an integral part of my own coming-out so I eagerly devoured these sweet segments in the books.
I really felt Bennett's struggle with the high expectations of her wealthy family and trying to come to terms with her true self, especially having incredibly difficult choices thrown in her face at 21. Her misery around this was palpable. Lily handled herself throughout the book with poise and dignity and I couldn't help but have a small crush on her. There was a slow build in present day chapters, but peppered with heat from the past. And we aren't bogged down by details of Bennett's business (though a part of me did want just a little of this to understand more of what she threw herself into 200%, but we readers seriously get nothing), nor Lily's wedding planning. The core of this story is about two people meant to be together, the complexity of relationships, and how two people mature over time and discover what is most important to them. Neat.
Well done, Ms. McCallan.
I really felt Bennett's struggle with the high expectations of her wealthy family and trying to come to terms with her true self, especially having incredibly difficult choices thrown in her face at 21. Her misery around this was palpable. Lily handled herself throughout the book with poise and dignity and I couldn't help but have a small crush on her. There was a slow build in present day chapters, but peppered with heat from the past. And we aren't bogged down by details of Bennett's business (though a part of me did want just a little of this to understand more of what she threw herself into 200%, but we readers seriously get nothing), nor Lily's wedding planning. The core of this story is about two people meant to be together, the complexity of relationships, and how two people mature over time and discover what is most important to them. Neat.
Well done, Ms. McCallan.
March 10, 2020
This was a very nice and well written second chance novel. I liked the story and the characters. Both the romance between the young Bennet en Lily and the second chance romance when they were older were told in extenso, which made it easier to understand the grown up Bennett and Lily and the way they felt about each other.
Somewhere in the middle of the book the story dragged a little bit for me, but it picked up again soon. Beside the lovely main characters there were some very nice and supporting side characters. The storyline of the second chance romance with Lily being a wedding planner and Bennett the best friend of the bride was nice and the build up to the new relationship between Lily and Bennett was well done. Recommend 4 stars
Somewhere in the middle of the book the story dragged a little bit for me, but it picked up again soon. Beside the lovely main characters there were some very nice and supporting side characters. The storyline of the second chance romance with Lily being a wedding planner and Bennett the best friend of the bride was nice and the build up to the new relationship between Lily and Bennett was well done. Recommend 4 stars
October 25, 2020
She creates perfect worlds where love, friends, families all inter mesh, for better or for worse. The continue look backs (then) really wound me up - why do that when we know how that part ends? (Now) but it finished half way though the book so I could relax into the story.
January 10, 2023
Love Monica’s books and I LOVED loved this one…❤️5⭐️
June 21, 2022
the angst in this book was SICKENING and i mean that in the BEST way!!
it also delivered nearly every trope that i hold Near and Dear to my Heart (friends to lovers, second chance at love, found-family-cause-my-family-sucks, sunshine-in-a-bottle type heterosexual best friend, gay yearning, more yearning, pining which is just another word for yearning, also… longing. and of course, sibling rivalry [derogatory] which i’ve come to note seems to be a recurring theme in monica mccallan’s books?) so i’ve been fed. lesbianly.
mccallans’s very quickly making her way into My Top 5 Sapphic Romance Authors. which is totally a legitimate list that i didn’t just make up. and i’m super excited to read her other works and whatever else she releases along the way! what can i say? i’m officially a fan
it also delivered nearly every trope that i hold Near and Dear to my Heart (friends to lovers, second chance at love, found-family-cause-my-family-sucks, sunshine-in-a-bottle type heterosexual best friend, gay yearning, more yearning, pining which is just another word for yearning, also… longing. and of course, sibling rivalry [derogatory] which i’ve come to note seems to be a recurring theme in monica mccallan’s books?) so i’ve been fed. lesbianly.
mccallans’s very quickly making her way into My Top 5 Sapphic Romance Authors. which is totally a legitimate list that i didn’t just make up. and i’m super excited to read her other works and whatever else she releases along the way! what can i say? i’m officially a fan
June 10, 2021
Very good story, main characters, dialogue, secondary characters, everything was perfect!
September 15, 2025
4.25⭐️ For me, McCallan’s books are the ultimate comfort escape read. Then & Now is no exception. Lily and Bennett are loveable individually, but together are perfection. McCallan seems to write her main characters for each other, and the result is without fail completely captivating chemistry and heart warming connection. This is an enjoyable, and believable, second chance romance that whilst you read it, makes the rest of the world fade away.
March 14, 2022
4,3 stars
"Then & Now" is an amazing second-chance romance I enjoyed very much.
Lily and Bennett meet when they study abroad and fall in love, but Bennett breaks Lily's heart.
Years later they meet again and are forced to work together and Lily wants nothing to do with Bennett.
The chapters alternate between the past and the present. I liked that a lot because you experience two stories at once, the one were the younger versions of Lily and Bennett meet and fall in love and the one of their older versions in the present.
Lily and Bennett were great characters with an amazing chemistry.
I loved them both and wanted them to get together again.
The conflict felt authentic and it was believable that Bennett was sincerely sorry and she showed it, too. I also liked that Lily didn't forgive her right away since she grew a lot since the first time they met and she learned to know her worth.
Nora, Sasha and Lily's parents were a great additional cast of characters.
Highly recommended!
"Then & Now" is an amazing second-chance romance I enjoyed very much.
Lily and Bennett meet when they study abroad and fall in love, but Bennett breaks Lily's heart.
Years later they meet again and are forced to work together and Lily wants nothing to do with Bennett.
The chapters alternate between the past and the present. I liked that a lot because you experience two stories at once, the one were the younger versions of Lily and Bennett meet and fall in love and the one of their older versions in the present.
Lily and Bennett were great characters with an amazing chemistry.
I loved them both and wanted them to get together again.
The conflict felt authentic and it was believable that Bennett was sincerely sorry and she showed it, too. I also liked that Lily didn't forgive her right away since she grew a lot since the first time they met and she learned to know her worth.
Nora, Sasha and Lily's parents were a great additional cast of characters.
Highly recommended!
August 10, 2025
Now this was a second chance romance! Loved it! It had dual timelines and getting to see how they built up their relationship, broke things and slowly claw themselves back to each other! Definitely recommend.
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Lori Prince. Second Chance, Forced Proximity, Coming Out, Messy Family Dynamics. 5x Spicy Scenes (two are F2B).
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Lori Prince. Second Chance, Forced Proximity, Coming Out, Messy Family Dynamics. 5x Spicy Scenes (two are F2B).
February 21, 2020
Another good read by McCallan. This is one of those second-chance romances that puts importance in telling the history of the MCs in great detail, rather than merely having that part of the story as a background.
Although the alternate narration of the past and the present was a tough technique to pull, it was done well in this book. Maybe the only downside of the constant switching was that, it kind of stunted the momentum of developing events.
McCallan is known for writing stories that cater to those in the mood for some light reading. Albeit with Then & Now, I find myself grasping for a heavier tone for the emotional aspect of the story. One scene in particular was so close to achieving this that I almost cried with the character as she was apologizing. Maybe this is just me, but I believe what happened between the MCs merited more sense of remorse and anguish. Nonetheless, I commend McCallan for trying something new here.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although the alternate narration of the past and the present was a tough technique to pull, it was done well in this book. Maybe the only downside of the constant switching was that, it kind of stunted the momentum of developing events.
McCallan is known for writing stories that cater to those in the mood for some light reading. Albeit with Then & Now, I find myself grasping for a heavier tone for the emotional aspect of the story. One scene in particular was so close to achieving this that I almost cried with the character as she was apologizing. Maybe this is just me, but I believe what happened between the MCs merited more sense of remorse and anguish. Nonetheless, I commend McCallan for trying something new here.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2022
The last 20% of the book was my favorite. I found the earlier parts less enjoyable. Perhaps it was the structure with alternating flashback chapters.
March 20, 2020
Really good. Wonderful internal and external dialogue. Interesting MCs and secondary characters.
October 28, 2024
Very sweet. I kinda found myself zoning out during some of the intimate scenes, and I actually would have appreciated more angsty dialogue, but this was well done regardless. I’m so happy Bennett and Lily found their way back to each other. Also Bennett is SO SWEET and so endearing and I’m just so happy she got her happy ending and I love her so much 😭🥹
April 5, 2020
One of the most perfect romance books... sweet sigh... young love, intense connection, heartbreak then a second chance. Gorgeous chemistry. Loved both MCs. All wrapped up in a beautiful HEA bow. I could not put it down.
March 9, 2022
I read A LOT of romance. I'm used to it. It warms my sapphic little heart. I'm always happy for them in the end, and then I quickly move on to the next story. But this... I can't remember the last book that made me feel like this while and after reading.
It will sound contradictory, but I wouldn't say this is heavy on the angst even though I felt like my heart was going to break. I guess it felt that way because the focus was never the pain and suffering, but getting through it all.
Since it alternates between past and present, we know from the get-go that something went wrong. They are not together anymore. It's not hard to imagine what happened, but seeing them falling in love when you know it won't last is nerve-wracking. There is so much love, so much love between these two. It's so tender and real. It is a perfect description of how it feels to truly fall head over heels in love with someone. And when you work up the nerve to actually say it, and they say it back, and everything feels right in the world and you can't stop smiling and you can't stop saying it, again and again.
How can- what- just... how? Why? (that was me half of the time I was reading this book, in a painful but good way)
When I think second-chance romance I think 'ok, who will be the one to annoy me by having done something stupid and now wanting to get back, and who will be the too-hurt-to-let-anyone-in-again?'. It's not my favorite trope. But, again, this...
I knew who had done it, but I didn't know why or how. On the way to finding that out, I was also learning who she had become and how much she had grown. By the time I knew the whole story, I could see how she was finally standing up for herself and was not about to make the same mistake again. And that was being shown, not just talked about. She showed up when it mattered, she was there when the other needed.
Finishing this book was kind of cathartic. I was so happy and relieved, I needed to take some time to reorganize my emotions. I can't explain why I felt so connected to these characters, but I guess that is the magic behind a great book. I will definitely reread this one very soon.
TL;DR 10/10 would recommend, brace yourself for the rollercoaster of feelings
It will sound contradictory, but I wouldn't say this is heavy on the angst even though I felt like my heart was going to break. I guess it felt that way because the focus was never the pain and suffering, but getting through it all.
Since it alternates between past and present, we know from the get-go that something went wrong. They are not together anymore. It's not hard to imagine what happened, but seeing them falling in love when you know it won't last is nerve-wracking. There is so much love, so much love between these two. It's so tender and real. It is a perfect description of how it feels to truly fall head over heels in love with someone. And when you work up the nerve to actually say it, and they say it back, and everything feels right in the world and you can't stop smiling and you can't stop saying it, again and again.
How can- what- just... how? Why? (that was me half of the time I was reading this book, in a painful but good way)
When I think second-chance romance I think 'ok, who will be the one to annoy me by having done something stupid and now wanting to get back, and who will be the too-hurt-to-let-anyone-in-again?'. It's not my favorite trope. But, again, this...
I knew who had done it, but I didn't know why or how. On the way to finding that out, I was also learning who she had become and how much she had grown. By the time I knew the whole story, I could see how she was finally standing up for herself and was not about to make the same mistake again. And that was being shown, not just talked about. She showed up when it mattered, she was there when the other needed.
Finishing this book was kind of cathartic. I was so happy and relieved, I needed to take some time to reorganize my emotions. I can't explain why I felt so connected to these characters, but I guess that is the magic behind a great book. I will definitely reread this one very soon.
TL;DR 10/10 would recommend, brace yourself for the rollercoaster of feelings
October 23, 2021
This was very well written, characters were really well developed and I loved the story but, I might just be in a very bad mind space, and that's probably affecting the way I percieve this book. Normally I'm all for books with second chances with flashbacks in them, it offers depth to the characters. But I found myself skimming through the flashbacks here, for two reasons, I was just really interested in the present, and I wasn't really a fan of the detailed descriptions in the flashbacks, I honestly feel like those chapters should have been condensed into fewer ones. It felt like a speed bump to the story in the present timeline.
Also this might just be me being petty but I'd have loved for Bennetts family to suffer a bit, the brother annoyed me to no end lol. After everything they got away quite easily :[
I'll probably reread this a bit later but it's 3.5 stars for now
Also this might just be me being petty but I'd have loved for Bennetts family to suffer a bit, the brother annoyed me to no end lol. After everything they got away quite easily :[
I'll probably reread this a bit later but it's 3.5 stars for now
April 30, 2020
I'm so pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book.
The conversation between the characters flowed, the intimate scenes were just right and not overly done. There was nothing that annoyed me like they did in previous books.
The story telling by the author was great, and I might even give the other books a go now.
The conversation between the characters flowed, the intimate scenes were just right and not overly done. There was nothing that annoyed me like they did in previous books.
The story telling by the author was great, and I might even give the other books a go now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
BENNETTLILY MY BESTFRIENDS 😭
February 24, 2021
So sweet!
Lily’s career is progressing well and she thinks she has left the past behind her, but when she is promoted to organise the wedding of her boss’ niece, the last thing she expects is to find herself face to face with her ex Bennett. Bennett is uncomfortable and desperate to make amends with Lily and explain what happened all those years ago, but it’s just not as easy as she thought. When fate keeps throwing them together, presenting a chance for Bennett to take charge and do what is right, she isn’t going to let the opportunity for them to be happy again pass them by.
I adored this, a story that told of the past and the present and really gave great insight into the characters’ lives and what had happened to them without exposing any of the detail that wasn’t known to one or the other. I loved that back and forth between present day and the past, and Monica portrayed it so clearly you just knew which moment you were in. Past romantic moments that were hopelessly cute and filled with anticipation, and the present drama and longing for a happiness you knew these two could achieve because you’d had glances and snippets of it.
The one thing I took from this was that beautiful contrast of how time changes people, things, circumstances, and situations. Monica captured it all perfectly. As young and in love Bennett and Lily were empowered, daring, but vulnerable and wary. Now as adults, they are wary, vulnerable, sceptic but hopeful. You could really feel the emotion and empathise with both Lily and Bennett. Neither of them had easy decisions to make and neither of them were really to blame, it was just how things were back when they were having this wonderful adventure and had met all those years ago. It was definitely a story of chance and hope. When things change, people change, you may be able to capture something that was once lost if you just try and that was the loveliest thing about Lily and Bennett’s relationship. As the truth started to come out, the understanding accompanied it and they could finally make the right decisions for them, their hearts, and their future.
This was such an exciting romance, and I was team Bennett all the way, even though I heavily sympathised with Lily. I was cheering her on and really hoping Lily would find a way to understand, forgive, and allow herself to recapture that magical connection with Bennett. I loved experiencing their past, their adventures, and travels, but also figuring out what might of happened to lead them their separate ways.
A sweet romance with a little angst, plenty of drama, and some brilliantly magical fun moments to lighten the whole thing. I highly recommend this and hope we might see Bennett and Lily again in a future story.
Lily’s career is progressing well and she thinks she has left the past behind her, but when she is promoted to organise the wedding of her boss’ niece, the last thing she expects is to find herself face to face with her ex Bennett. Bennett is uncomfortable and desperate to make amends with Lily and explain what happened all those years ago, but it’s just not as easy as she thought. When fate keeps throwing them together, presenting a chance for Bennett to take charge and do what is right, she isn’t going to let the opportunity for them to be happy again pass them by.
I adored this, a story that told of the past and the present and really gave great insight into the characters’ lives and what had happened to them without exposing any of the detail that wasn’t known to one or the other. I loved that back and forth between present day and the past, and Monica portrayed it so clearly you just knew which moment you were in. Past romantic moments that were hopelessly cute and filled with anticipation, and the present drama and longing for a happiness you knew these two could achieve because you’d had glances and snippets of it.
The one thing I took from this was that beautiful contrast of how time changes people, things, circumstances, and situations. Monica captured it all perfectly. As young and in love Bennett and Lily were empowered, daring, but vulnerable and wary. Now as adults, they are wary, vulnerable, sceptic but hopeful. You could really feel the emotion and empathise with both Lily and Bennett. Neither of them had easy decisions to make and neither of them were really to blame, it was just how things were back when they were having this wonderful adventure and had met all those years ago. It was definitely a story of chance and hope. When things change, people change, you may be able to capture something that was once lost if you just try and that was the loveliest thing about Lily and Bennett’s relationship. As the truth started to come out, the understanding accompanied it and they could finally make the right decisions for them, their hearts, and their future.
This was such an exciting romance, and I was team Bennett all the way, even though I heavily sympathised with Lily. I was cheering her on and really hoping Lily would find a way to understand, forgive, and allow herself to recapture that magical connection with Bennett. I loved experiencing their past, their adventures, and travels, but also figuring out what might of happened to lead them their separate ways.
A sweet romance with a little angst, plenty of drama, and some brilliantly magical fun moments to lighten the whole thing. I highly recommend this and hope we might see Bennett and Lily again in a future story.
February 26, 2020
3.5 stars. This is a second chance at love story. Lily falls for the enigmatic Bennett whilst they're both in London for a semester abroad. Neither one is technically out, but they don't care because they have each other. All that changes when their semester ends. Bennett is from a well off business society family. She isn't accepted for her homosexuality.
Fast forward 6 years, & Bennett's best friend Nora is getting married & decides to take a vacation right before the wedding. Leaving Bennett to make all the decisions for her best friend. When she opens the office door for the wedding planner, it's none other than her former flame Lily.
Lily must make nice because if she can handle this she will be able to take over the wedding planning company.
Heartbreak, angst, lust, and some trusty friends help with this HEA.
Fast forward 6 years, & Bennett's best friend Nora is getting married & decides to take a vacation right before the wedding. Leaving Bennett to make all the decisions for her best friend. When she opens the office door for the wedding planner, it's none other than her former flame Lily.
Lily must make nice because if she can handle this she will be able to take over the wedding planning company.
Heartbreak, angst, lust, and some trusty friends help with this HEA.
July 31, 2022
As I have said before I'm not a big fan of second chances but this book is a whole different story, even though it also contains the past/present writing (meaning is not set in the present the whole time); yes, I know it gives you a lot of information regarding the characters but.. I don't know if it usually doesn't work for me but despite that, I loved it!
So, this story follows - Lily Connor is an over achiever who has dealt with his fathers health issues, love rejection (at least that's how it feels) and now a lot of pressure to demonstrate that she can handle more responsibilities at her current job as wedding planner, everything is fine until one person from her past shows up. Bennett Burke has enjoyed a life of luxury, she mostly gets whatever she wants until it is about love, she has been conditioned about she can love by her own family.
So, this story follows - Lily Connor is an over achiever who has dealt with his fathers health issues, love rejection (at least that's how it feels) and now a lot of pressure to demonstrate that she can handle more responsibilities at her current job as wedding planner, everything is fine until one person from her past shows up. Bennett Burke has enjoyed a life of luxury, she mostly gets whatever she wants until it is about love, she has been conditioned about she can love by her own family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews