The Bradshaws have owned a beach house down the coast from ours for as long as I can remember. Every summer since I was six, we’ve vacationed there.
Russell, their youngest son, was my best friend growing up. He taught me how to spit and punch like a boy. He gave me my first beer and first kiss, which was terrible by the way. We spent many days and nights commiserating together about how our parents knew nothing and were so uncool.
Casey Bradshaw, Russ’s older brother, was everything I thought I wanted in a boyfriend. He was cool, mature, and very hot. Each summer I tried and failed, to get him to notice me as more than Russ’s friend and the girl from down the beach. The last summer I was there, he broke my heart.
It’s been six years, and my best friend Aimee has decided we need a vacation. The last thing I expected was to be back at the beach. Sometimes we don’t realize what we need has been right under our nose all along, and sometimes it takes a little push and some alcohol to admit we were wrong.
I was given this book by the authors for an honest review.
When I was given this book, I was actually kinda surprised. Heather doesn’t do comedy. Full Stop. Heather does throw your kindle at the wall, angst inducing suspense. Not comedy. So, imagine my complete shock when I am reading this story and laughing my ass off….the tree scene…guys…I died!!!
This is a story about 2 kids who grew up at the beach together. They were besties. Willow and Russ. Like with most childhood summer friendships they lose touch. Life fast forwards and Willow is sad, broken and needing a change. What can cure the broken heart of being dumped by your boyfriend? A summer at the old beach house with your bestie.
Willow and Aimee are attacked by a wild dog on the beach and just who happened to be the owner of said dog? Russ her childhood bestie. They two start to pal around and Aimee leaves when the romance starts to sizzle……and crack you up at what all happens when they get drunk or have sexy times with taco…just read it ok.
I am a huge fan of Heather’s books. This one was super refreshing to read. It was light. It was sexy. It was just FUN! I mean so many “OMG YESSSS I remember that as a kid” moments in the book. I totally think if you need just something FUN to read this is the book for you.
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the track, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’
The Bradshaws have owned a beach house down the coast from ours for as long as I can remember. Every summer since I was six, we’ve vacationed there.
Russell, their youngest son, was my best friend growing up. He taught me how to spit and punch like a boy. He gave me my first beer and first kiss, which was terrible by the way. We spent many days and nights commiserating together about how our parents knew nothing and were so uncool.
Casey Bradshaw, Russ’s older brother, was everything I thought I wanted in a boyfriend. He was cool, mature, and very hot. Each summer I tried and failed, to get him to notice me as more than Russ’s friend and the girl from down the beach. The last summer I was there, he broke my heart.
It’s been six years, and my best friend Aimee has decided we need a vacation. The last thing I expected was to be back at the beach. Sometimes we don’t realize what we need has been right under our nose all along, and sometimes it takes a little push and some alcohol to admit we were wrong.
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the track, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’
Ethan has been my whole world for most of my life. From our childhood antics to our promise to love each other ‘til death do us part’. I’ve never known life without him— until now.
When the soldiers knocked on my door, my life forever changed. They stood there in their dress blues, and their words shattered my world.
Ten years have passed, and not much has changed. The pain is less, thanks to the gift Ethan left behind— our son. I’ve found happiness in the small things in life. Everything was good until Ethan’s best friend, Cooper, showed up.
They enlisted together, went to battle together, and then he disappeared. I haven’t heard from him in ten years. Why is he back now, and what does he want with me?
I received this book from the author for free for an honest review.
This is a story about a love triangle of sorts. Ethan, Cooper, and Hope. Ethan and Hope are the young couple who fall in love while Cooper watches from the sidelines. Cooper would never do anything to ruin what his friends have but he loves her from the sideline. The three are always together. Ethan and Hope get married while Cooper and Ethan leave for the military together. As you can guess, Ethan doesn’t make it back leaving a devastated and guilty Cooper, a widowed Hope, and a son named Jake.
Hope and Jake had made a great life for themselves when Cooper enters their life. He is guilty for still loving Hope and not being there for her and Jake all the years since Ethan’s death. He is a mess but can’t not be near her. We learn about his past and slowly he reveals what has happened to him since Ethan died. We see the hurt, sadness, and guilt over Ethan’s death.
Slowly Hope and Cooper start to realize things between them is more then friends. They have some emotional baggage to figure out and then tackle how Jake will feel about Uncle Cooper being a bit more than just an uncle.
The story was about a 2nd chance between these 2 old friends. Will the past allow them to move forward and will they take the chance their hearts want or will they continue to hide from the happiness that is right in front of their faces.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Ethan, Cooper, and Hope have been friends since they were little. Cooper has had a thing for Hope but Ethan and her struck up a relationship and Cooper would never hurt his friendships by breaking that apart. Hope’s life was changing quickly. Ethan and Cooper when off to the military. Ethan and Hope got married and were going to have a baby. This is when tragedy struck. Ethan was killed in action leaving behind a wife, child, and a best friend. Hope lost not only her husband but best friend also. Cooper is fighting demons from watching his best friend die and could not face Hope. Hope had to push though and raise her son, Jake.
Both have issues they have to overcome. Cooper is a very complicated person and confusing at times. He wants to stay in the background not to upset what Hope and Jake have going in their life. Then he wants to be in their life like he promised Ethan before he died. Cooper gets into his head and hurts Hope again by disappearing into the background again.
I liked seeing the scenes of Ethan, Cooper, and Hope growing up. I also enjoyed seeing Jake grow and finding similarities with Ethan. This Second Chance story will take you on a journey of highs and lows.
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the track, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’
Ethan has been my whole world for most of my life. From our childhood antics to our promise to love each other ‘til death do us part’. I’ve never known life without him— until now.
When the soldiers knocked on my door, my life forever changed. They stood there in their dress blues, and their words shattered my world.
Ten years have passed, and not much has changed. The pain is less, thanks to the gift Ethan left behind— our son. I’ve found happiness in the small things in life. Everything was good until Ethan’s best friend, Cooper, showed up.
They enlisted together, went to battle together, and then he disappeared. I haven’t heard from him in ten years. Why is he back now, and what does he want with me?
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the track, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’
I’ve spent my entire life living in his shadow, and it’s slowly killing me.
I need to escape. To live in the light that I so rightly deserve. To show the world that I’m the best in my own right, a champion, and not just my father’s shadow.
Sometimes finding your own way and being the best comes at a cost. I wasn’t prepared to pay the price to live in the light, to be the best. Now I’m learning that being the best doesn’t always mean being the champ. Sometimes it means simply becoming a better man.
“You’re late!” Dad barked as soon as I crossed the threshold.
“By like two minutes.” I rolled my eyes. My alarm didn’t go off, and I’d over- slept this morning. I’d hauled ass to get here, but apparently it didn’t matter.
“Do you want to win this weekend?” Dad’s arms lifted and then dropped to his sides.
I refused to answer as I carried my bag over to the ring. I kicked my shoes off and tossed my shirt, before climbing through the ropes. “I’m ready.” I rolled my eyes. I was in a mood today, and having Dad on my ass was not helping.
I watched as he slipped his gloves on and climbed in. “You keep doing this, and you’re going to flame out.” He shook his head in frustration, I think.
“Doing what? I’m winning,” I mouthed back. I was being an asshole, I knew it, but I didn’t care.
“The staying out all night. The drinking. The fucking anything in a skirt. Did I miss anything?” Dad slammed his gloved hands together. “You’ve worked hard for this, and you’re throwing it away!” His voice boomed through the empty gym.
“I’m winning!” I barked back. He had a point, but I didn’t care. All the things that he complained about, weren’t keeping me from winning. Winning was all that mattered. “What are we working on today?” I mocked as I finished gearing up, and shuffled to the center. I tipped my head to the side and smirked at him. I was being disrespectful, but Dad was in trainer mode, not parent mode, at least that’s what I thought.
Before I could duck out of the way, his right fist connected with my jaw. The padding protected me from the blow, but my entire body rocked to the side. He stepped back and lifted his chin as anger flashed in his eyes.
“What the fuck!” I spit my mouth guard out as I shook off the hit.
“You will not be a little punk to me,” Dad growled. “Do you understand? You show me some respect, or I’ll lay you out right here.” The words were garbled, but the look on his face said he wasn’t playing around.
I flashed a look of understanding in his direction as I picked up my mouth guard and popped it back in. I hit my gloves together and approached center ring. He nodded, tapped his hands against mine, and backed up. For an outsider, one would think that knowing his style would put me at an advantage. The only advantage I had was age. My dad was still in top physical condition, and he made sure I knew it.
He stormed back to the center, and took another swing, but this time spun and raked his leg under me, sending me to the mat. I landed on my ass, and Dad pounced. This was not training; this was me getting a lesson. Dad was showing me that I wasn’t as good as I thought I was.
Review by Twinsie Angie
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
Easton you little shit!! Yes that is how I am starting my review. If you read his sisters book you know exactly why I am saying it!! LOL If not , maybe ya should.
Easton is a know it all. He seems to think he knows MMA fighting better then his World Class MMA Fighter Dad Wes. He is arrogant and cocky and of course a little shit. So when he does the ultimate stupid kid move and leaves his dad as his trainer, his life begins to spiral out of control. Sure he is fighting and winning and getting money. But hee is also spending and drinking and making idiot decisions that will come back to haunt him and ruin everything.
When Easton hits rock bottom and has to crawl home …ok Riley drove his sorry ass home….he begins to relook at his life. He realizes what he wants and that is to fight and be the best. However he also realizes that helping this captivating woman in self-defense class is something he wants.
Hadleigh …man she puts up with a lot from her abusive boyfriend Josh. She starts to train at the gym for self defense but is also worried about this guy in class who keeps trying to talk to her and now wants to be her friend.
As Hadleigh and Easton find a strange and comforting friendship, it is soon clear they both want a little bit more then they think the other is willing and ready to give. The chemistry soon sizzles, and we see them develop more. When they soon realize more is a possibility Easton’s bad choices come crashing back and the chance of happiness could be lost for all.
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Easton has always been in his Dads shadow. He is arrogant and knows he can be the best, but he wants to do it his way. He fails to see how his Dad is treating him and training him will get him where he wants to be now. He wants results and he wants them NOW. He knows how to do it and it is not his Dad’s way so he leaves to make his dreams come true and not be in his dads shadow. Others can see the talent that he has but he just cannot seem to keep out of trouble or out of the medias negative eye. After he hits rock bottom his big sister has to come get him and drag him home. Boy does he have some things to overcome and make right.
Easton goes back home and has to assist at his dads gym as punishment. While helping, or should I say being a punching bag, at the gym during self defense classes he finds one of the ladies intriguing.
Hadleigh has had a hard few years and enrolls in the self defense classes at the gym near her home. When she meets Easton she begins to see there is another way of life out there. But can he be the one that takes her away or will his past be too much for Hadleigh.
I enjoyed seeing Easton grow as a person and how he handled Hadleigh. Easton really came into his own when Hadleigh made an appearance. I also liked seeing Hadleigh see there are people out there she can trust. Easton and Hadleigh have a wonderful relationship based on a strong friendship but can that be enough for both of them after everything they had been through in their past.
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, her dog, Luna, and two cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.
I’ve spent my entire life living in his shadow, and it’s slowly killing me.
I need to escape. To live in the light that I so rightly deserve. To show the world that I’m the best in my own right, a champion, and not just my father’s shadow.
Sometimes finding your own way and being the best comes at a cost. I wasn’t prepared to pay the price to live in the light, to be the best. Now I’m learning that being the best doesn’t always mean being the champ. Sometimes it means simply becoming a better man.
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, her dog, Luna, and two cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.
What if it doesn’t? What if knowing the truth is worse than the lie and believing what you’ve always been told is the best thing for you?
What would you do if you discovered the lie? Would you question it, even if the answers will turn your world upside down?
I’ve lived my entire life believing one thing, and in a single moment it all changed. The people I trusted most betrayed me and sent me down a path I never expected to take with someone I never knew I needed.
The truth does not always set you free, sometimes it changes you forever.
I was given this book for an honest review by the author.
To say I am thrilled to be back in the world of this family is to be an understatement. I fell in hardcore love with the parents of the main girl, Riley, in this story. To see her grown up and learning about her past was an exciting prospect. The other main character, Caleb, was the son of another crazy couple’s story. I was super excited to see how he grew up. You want to know their back story, then read the parents’ stories!!
Riley grew up with the best dad every…or did she. She finds something that makes her question if Wes really does love her. She cannot believe she has been lied to her entire life. She demands her friend for life/current possible love interest help her get to the bottom of this new surprise in her life. Her demands lead them on a cross country chase for answers and makes her daydream about possible new outcomes to her life.
Caleb is seriously the sweetest, kindest person in the world. He loves Riley and will do anything for her including following her hairbrained scheme to travel across the USA to find an answer to her question. He is supportive and does everything to make her happy all the while keeping in touch with family back home. He is also worried about her crazy plan but the good boyfriend in him needs to keep her safe.
Riley was not my favorite character. I did not connect with her and felt Caleb deserved better than her a lot of the time in the novel. Caleb was always doing things to make everyone happy and this caused him the one things that made him happy….Riley. I don’t know if the fact I don’t read lot of NA novels is maybe why I didn’t connect with her.
I loved catching up with the families and can’t wait for Easton because he is a little shit started for sure.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
This series is about the kiddos from Heather’s Broken Series. The series starts with Caleb and Riley. They were friends growing up but not so much now. Riley is trying to get through a breakup and things are just not going her way. She realizes Caleb is working for her dad at the gym and she finds out a family secret all the summer before she leaves for college.
Riley is on a mission to go on a road trip to figure things out for herself after she realizes things she believed were truth are not quite as they seemed. She enlists the help of Caleb to go with her on this summer road trip. Caleb was amazing though out this book he was so patient and put up with a lot from Riley. I’m afraid I may have left her on the side of the road sometimes. Although maybe not I would not want the wrath of Wes after me.
Most of the ride Riley has her rose colored glasses on and starts to dream about what kind of life she could have. Caleb is supportive but tries to keep her grounded. Caleb also keeps in touch with those at home that would be worried when they went missing. He is such a great protector Wes would be proud well maybe not that proud. Riley feels like she has been lied to by everyone and when they return realizes Caleb lied to her also. Now their relationship is on the rocks.
I absolutely loved Caleb but Riley could be a bit much at times. I liked the scenes between Wes and Riley at the gym. I am looking forward to seeing the other kiddos in this series. Feels like I’m going back home for a family reunion.
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, two dogs, and three cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the dance studio, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.
What if it doesn’t? What if knowing the truth is worse than the lie and believing what you’ve always been told is the best thing for you?
What would you do if you discovered the lie? Would you question it, even if the answers will turn your world upside down?
I’ve lived my entire life believing one thing, and in a single moment it all changed. The people I trusted most betrayed me and sent me down a path I never expected to take with someone I never knew I needed.
The truth does not always set you free, sometimes it changes you forever.
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, two dogs, and three cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the dance studio, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.
What if it doesn’t? What if knowing the truth is worse than the lie and believing what you’ve always been told is the best thing for you?
What would you do if you discovered the lie? Would you question it, even if the answers will turn your world upside down?
I’ve lived my entire life believing one thing, and in a single moment it all changed. The people I trusted most betrayed me and sent me down a path I never expected to take with someone I never knew I needed.
The truth does not always set you free, sometimes it changes you forever.
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, two dogs, and three cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the dance studio, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.
Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.
She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
The others. With the first book you can go anywhere you want. You’re creating all the character’s back stories and the places they go. When the others come along, you have to go make sure that they fit with book 1.
What comes first? The plot or characters
plot
What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?
SC Stephens or Rebecca Donovan
If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?
I’m not sure I would be able to form words, let alone questions. LOL Maybe what got them started or how much they plot and how much is pantsing?
What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series.
Blurb and anyone who tells you different is crazy. Titles are usually easy for me. There have been a few that have been hard, but most of the time I have a title before I even start writing.
What is your favorite memory so far as an author?
I don’t think I can name just one. I love meeting the readers, and each time is different. Just hearing them talk about my words through their eyes is an awesome experience. To know that something I wrote meant something to someone is a humbling experience.
