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Friends & Lovers #1
Make it Last
It's hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart, especially when you live in a small town. Suddenly single, Briana focuses her energy on her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when Bri finally feels like she's on the right path, Colin comes back to town.
Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the sidelines he's forced to return home.
Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn't take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.
Make it last is the first novella in the Friends & Lovers Trilogy. You can read all three books, plus a bonus ending for each couple, in the Friends & Lovers Trilogy Box Set.
Series Reading Order:
Make it Last
I Choose You
Trust in Me
Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the sidelines he's forced to return home.
Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn't take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.
Make it last is the first novella in the Friends & Lovers Trilogy. You can read all three books, plus a bonus ending for each couple, in the Friends & Lovers Trilogy Box Set.
Series Reading Order:
Make it Last
I Choose You
Trust in Me
184 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2012
132 people are currently reading
2840 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Lopez
102 books2,122 followersSign up for my Newsletter for more information about my writing: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61969e...
Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than seventy published works, as both Bethany Lopez and DJ Bryce, and has been publishing since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!
Literary Agent - Amanda Wooden, SBR Media amanda@sbrmedia.com
Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than seventy published works, as both Bethany Lopez and DJ Bryce, and has been publishing since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!
Literary Agent - Amanda Wooden, SBR Media amanda@sbrmedia.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 4, 2013
*DNF*
Got to 50% and just didn't care anymore. The h/h are already back together even though Colin was a complete douche to Briana by dumping her so he could hook up with other people when he left to college. She shouldn't have been so hung up on a guy that treated her like that four years ago, yes, but I also think that she took him back with zero effort on his part. It was irritating! He barely blinked at her and she was already making out with him and ready to date again. What was the point of her being so hurt by what he did if it wasn't even going to matter in the long run? If I would have continued the book I probably would have given it 2.5 Stars or a very low 3 Stars, but I didn't care enough to put any more effort into it, so DNF it is.
Got to 50% and just didn't care anymore. The h/h are already back together even though Colin was a complete douche to Briana by dumping her so he could hook up with other people when he left to college. She shouldn't have been so hung up on a guy that treated her like that four years ago, yes, but I also think that she took him back with zero effort on his part. It was irritating! He barely blinked at her and she was already making out with him and ready to date again. What was the point of her being so hurt by what he did if it wasn't even going to matter in the long run? If I would have continued the book I probably would have given it 2.5 Stars or a very low 3 Stars, but I didn't care enough to put any more effort into it, so DNF it is.
November 30, 2012
Such a low rating because in my opinion, she took him back waaaay too fast. I mean sure years passed, people change, you move on, yada yada yah... BUT he still left her to be free during college basically. At least let him get a bit nervous to shake him up and get him to say his groveling words. Then the bit with his ex. Nope, maybe the next one.
November 11, 2012
I thought that this was a cute book and I enjoyed it. That is to say UNTIL I got to the part where Colin and Briana get back together. It just seemed too easy to me. I guess I wanted to see Colin really work for it and it just seems that Briana forgave him way too fast. Still, I would have given the book 3.5 stars at that.
However, then I got to the part about Colin's ex-girlfriend.....WHAAAA??? Really? That just absolutely killed the story for me. I can't even wrap my mind around what I hated more about. One...the situation itself, Two...Briana's absolutely CALM reaction to it, and Three...the way it resolved itself.
That alone dropped it to a 2 star rating for me. The story had potential, it had a long build-up during the 1st half, but midway through it, it just felt like the author rushed to finish and resolve all and wrap it up in a pretty little bow. It just didn't work for me.
I will read the next book out of curiosity. The writing had potential, and if it wasn't for the event of the ex...I would have enjoyed it much more.
However, then I got to the part about Colin's ex-girlfriend.....WHAAAA??? Really? That just absolutely killed the story for me. I can't even wrap my mind around what I hated more about. One...the situation itself, Two...Briana's absolutely CALM reaction to it, and Three...the way it resolved itself.
That alone dropped it to a 2 star rating for me. The story had potential, it had a long build-up during the 1st half, but midway through it, it just felt like the author rushed to finish and resolve all and wrap it up in a pretty little bow. It just didn't work for me.
I will read the next book out of curiosity. The writing had potential, and if it wasn't for the event of the ex...I would have enjoyed it much more.
November 19, 2012
Just finished and will provide review! This was a cute story and I want to read Nicole's story!
3.5 Stars see strong potential as series continues! I will keep reading series! I'm an angst-y girl and looks like Nicole's story might provide exactly what I need! Another Indie author added to my list to read and keep eye out for future work!
Okay this one looks really good so guess what I did.....
I BOUGHT IT TODAY!!! Shocking I know LOL!
3.5 Stars see strong potential as series continues! I will keep reading series! I'm an angst-y girl and looks like Nicole's story might provide exactly what I need! Another Indie author added to my list to read and keep eye out for future work!
Okay this one looks really good so guess what I did.....
I BOUGHT IT TODAY!!! Shocking I know LOL!
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Kindle - http://amzn.to/1LtkjQW
Nook - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/make-...
iBooks - http://ow.ly/zTk7R
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/make...
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Universal Link - books2read.com/MakeitLast
*Not FREE on Audio
Audible - https://www.audible.com/pd/B00FOS4ECS...
November 12, 2012
SPOILERS.
So that was a SUPER quick read.. didnt really develop much in the plot line. I mean there were hints of some drama arising but they all got solved pretty quick.
I dont know this book was a "meh" book for me.
The main protagonists character really pissed me off.. one second she is completely resolved to not have anything to do with him, the next she jumps him. It just didnt seem very believable to me..endings like that don't just magically happen.
So that was a SUPER quick read.. didnt really develop much in the plot line. I mean there were hints of some drama arising but they all got solved pretty quick.
I dont know this book was a "meh" book for me.
The main protagonists character really pissed me off.. one second she is completely resolved to not have anything to do with him, the next she jumps him. It just didnt seem very believable to me..endings like that don't just magically happen.
December 23, 2013
Read this in hopes that it would be really good. However, it was just "ok".
Very predictable. Short and sweet read. Likeable characters, familiar setting and easy to guess what comes next.
All-in-all I'd say it was a good shirt story.
Very predictable. Short and sweet read. Likeable characters, familiar setting and easy to guess what comes next.
All-in-all I'd say it was a good shirt story.
November 23, 2012
I first have to say that I love Bethany Lopez's writing style. She grabs you from the first page and keeps you reading. I love her Melissa series and so when she told me she was doing a New Adult series I dam near died. I was so happy because she has the mind frame and the writing skills to write a great story.
Make it Last is a story about love, loss and making choices that will either make you or break you. This is the story about Briana and Colin. Briana and Colin dated in high school. They loved each other and made plans with each other about forever but when Colin is given an opportunity of a lifetime to play on a college team he knows that leaving this small town and his girlfriend is the right thing to do. So he breaks up with Briana and goes off to college. But as life would have it Colin is hurt and he returns home to get better. With his sports career gone he is back in his po-dunk town and he is none to pleased.
Briana spent two years trying to get over Colin but she just can't. He is the love of her life and no matter how hard she tries she can not get over him. So when he comes back to town she is mad and anxious because she still loves him but she is determined to not let Colin see her sweet and when he comes in the restaurant with his family where she is working she ignores him. But there is something in Colin that stirs and he remembers everything about Briana and wants her back.
Briana is having none of it and she fights her feelings tooth and nail but will it be enough? The heart knows what it wants and it wants Colin but can she forgive him and can he forgive himself? Will they be able to get back together and get that love back that they lost?
Make it Last is a story about love, loss and making choices that will either make you or break you. This is the story about Briana and Colin. Briana and Colin dated in high school. They loved each other and made plans with each other about forever but when Colin is given an opportunity of a lifetime to play on a college team he knows that leaving this small town and his girlfriend is the right thing to do. So he breaks up with Briana and goes off to college. But as life would have it Colin is hurt and he returns home to get better. With his sports career gone he is back in his po-dunk town and he is none to pleased.
Briana spent two years trying to get over Colin but she just can't. He is the love of her life and no matter how hard she tries she can not get over him. So when he comes back to town she is mad and anxious because she still loves him but she is determined to not let Colin see her sweet and when he comes in the restaurant with his family where she is working she ignores him. But there is something in Colin that stirs and he remembers everything about Briana and wants her back.
Briana is having none of it and she fights her feelings tooth and nail but will it be enough? The heart knows what it wants and it wants Colin but can she forgive him and can he forgive himself? Will they be able to get back together and get that love back that they lost?
November 11, 2012
This is a sweet story about high school sweethearts in love, but they separate with the all too common 'it's not you, it's me' feeling. No one wants to hear that! Well, those weren't the words Colin said to Briana, but they might as well have been. She was devastated...but then she was in high school at the time. Being a high school teacher, I see that same drama all too closely every day. The story quickly picks up four years later when Colin returns to town and sees Briana. D-Bag alert!! Colin immediately saw what he had missed the last four years, and kudos to Briana for not giving him the time of day....at first. Little did they know that they would be in for the shock of their lives with Colin's past coming up to slap them both in the face.
At 23% in, I could feel the angst that was coming. I just knew that I knew that I knew what was around the pike to disrupt what Briana... and I ... wanted for her character. Yes, I knew what was coming. So, I waited...and waited...as the story progressed in a sweet romantic fashion...and waited some more, until....Whoa! That was not what I knew! I was floored that the angst building in me for something I knew and expected was really the buildup for a real shocker! Then, the author adds a sensitive and controversial subject on top of that shocker...wow! I didn't know what I thought I knew. Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a story by others you've read. You'll be surprised every time.
Colin is a hottie with a taut body and dimples in his cheeks. Dimples make me smile and swoon; they always have...don't judge me. But, we have more hotties in the book. Rich is Colin's best friend...the ladies man who loves 'em and leaves 'em, and Kent who has an 'understanding' with Briana, but nothing serious. Well, that 'understanding' is pretty much one-sided. Rich and Briana harbor a secret that Colin can never learn, but neither will lie to him if the subject ever comes up. Guess what? The subject came up. Yep. Just like that. I did feel like this part was kind of glossed over and forgiveness came fairly quickly. I would liked to have seen more conflict there, but I was still pleased with the outcome.
I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked; it was nothing against the story or the characters, themselves; it was just me. <== Okay, that is totally not an "it's not you, it's me" speech. But, it's the truth. However, I do really want more story from the minor characters - Kara, Nicole, Kent, and Roni and Rich. Kara seemed to have the complete opposite life growing up as the main character, Briana. I can really see a back story in a book for Kara. Nicole had a completely different upbringing from all of them, and I really wanted to know more about her. Luckily, I'll have that chance, because the author surprised me at the end of Make it Last with the prologue for the second installment in the series, I Choose You, Nicole's story, coming in 2013. I would also really like to see Kent get his happily ever after, and I want to know if Rich and Roni hook up...can she tame the wild man?
I know I kind of got off on a tangent with the minor characters, but I was intrigued by them. I really enjoyed this book and the story of Colin and Briana. It was a nice change for me and came at just the right time in my reading. This book is marked for 18+ years old because of the alcohol consumption and sex, and I really place it more into the chick lit/contemporary romance genre than anything else; the language and sex are tame. I went into this book after some pretty raw reading lately, unsure as to what to expect since I had never read this author before. This book was exactly what the doctor ordered to recover from the night terrors I received from my last read. I did get my happily ever after for Briana and Colin...I did see that coming, so my intuition isn't completely off, yet. This is Bethany Lopez's first rodeo in the adult genre, and I think she came out of the gate with class. The story is good, I enjoyed it, and I want more from this group of friends. Do I recommend it? Yes, I do. This was just what I needed at the time...a quick, smooth, feel-good book with a HEA.
At 23% in, I could feel the angst that was coming. I just knew that I knew that I knew what was around the pike to disrupt what Briana... and I ... wanted for her character. Yes, I knew what was coming. So, I waited...and waited...as the story progressed in a sweet romantic fashion...and waited some more, until....Whoa! That was not what I knew! I was floored that the angst building in me for something I knew and expected was really the buildup for a real shocker! Then, the author adds a sensitive and controversial subject on top of that shocker...wow! I didn't know what I thought I knew. Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a story by others you've read. You'll be surprised every time.
Colin is a hottie with a taut body and dimples in his cheeks. Dimples make me smile and swoon; they always have...don't judge me. But, we have more hotties in the book. Rich is Colin's best friend...the ladies man who loves 'em and leaves 'em, and Kent who has an 'understanding' with Briana, but nothing serious. Well, that 'understanding' is pretty much one-sided. Rich and Briana harbor a secret that Colin can never learn, but neither will lie to him if the subject ever comes up. Guess what? The subject came up. Yep. Just like that. I did feel like this part was kind of glossed over and forgiveness came fairly quickly. I would liked to have seen more conflict there, but I was still pleased with the outcome.
I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked; it was nothing against the story or the characters, themselves; it was just me. <== Okay, that is totally not an "it's not you, it's me" speech. But, it's the truth. However, I do really want more story from the minor characters - Kara, Nicole, Kent, and Roni and Rich. Kara seemed to have the complete opposite life growing up as the main character, Briana. I can really see a back story in a book for Kara. Nicole had a completely different upbringing from all of them, and I really wanted to know more about her. Luckily, I'll have that chance, because the author surprised me at the end of Make it Last with the prologue for the second installment in the series, I Choose You, Nicole's story, coming in 2013. I would also really like to see Kent get his happily ever after, and I want to know if Rich and Roni hook up...can she tame the wild man?
I know I kind of got off on a tangent with the minor characters, but I was intrigued by them. I really enjoyed this book and the story of Colin and Briana. It was a nice change for me and came at just the right time in my reading. This book is marked for 18+ years old because of the alcohol consumption and sex, and I really place it more into the chick lit/contemporary romance genre than anything else; the language and sex are tame. I went into this book after some pretty raw reading lately, unsure as to what to expect since I had never read this author before. This book was exactly what the doctor ordered to recover from the night terrors I received from my last read. I did get my happily ever after for Briana and Colin...I did see that coming, so my intuition isn't completely off, yet. This is Bethany Lopez's first rodeo in the adult genre, and I think she came out of the gate with class. The story is good, I enjoyed it, and I want more from this group of friends. Do I recommend it? Yes, I do. This was just what I needed at the time...a quick, smooth, feel-good book with a HEA.
January 1, 2013
Brianna thought she would be with her high school sweetheart Colin forever. She certainly wasn’t expecting him to break up with her to focus on football and college parties. Four years later her life is finally getting back on track, her heart has mostly mended and her dreams of being a chef are within reach. When Colin returns with his dreams of being a football star in tatters Brianna realises she may not be as over him as she had thought. She may still love him but can she ever forgive him and allow him into her life again?
I really enjoyed this book. It is a short, sweet read that many people will enjoy. To start I didn’t like Colin due to the way he left Brianna but the author really developed him throughout the book It was great watching the characters mature and become adults who put other people before themselves. The characters and their emotions were realistic making the book an engaging read. I was torn between wanting Brianna to forgive Colin or not but I love the way the book turned out. Bethany Lopez has created a world and characters that I want to keep on reading about; I want to see a couple of the secondary characters get their happily ever after. This book is a great set up for a series mentioning several characters who obviously have stories to be told and I hope we will get to see that. Overall I would recommend this to all lovers of a sweet romance that also don’t mind a sex scene or two.
Reviewed for Readers Favourite
I really enjoyed this book. It is a short, sweet read that many people will enjoy. To start I didn’t like Colin due to the way he left Brianna but the author really developed him throughout the book It was great watching the characters mature and become adults who put other people before themselves. The characters and their emotions were realistic making the book an engaging read. I was torn between wanting Brianna to forgive Colin or not but I love the way the book turned out. Bethany Lopez has created a world and characters that I want to keep on reading about; I want to see a couple of the secondary characters get their happily ever after. This book is a great set up for a series mentioning several characters who obviously have stories to be told and I hope we will get to see that. Overall I would recommend this to all lovers of a sweet romance that also don’t mind a sex scene or two.
Reviewed for Readers Favourite
December 11, 2012
JEez not good,
too short maybe or what? but i don't get it, really this story not like another YA,..
i don't get the sweet chemistry that usual for young couple.
Just one boy has big dream with BIG selfish to his girl.
Colin break up with his girlfriend Briana for pursue his dream, think he will meet with other new people at college so he afraid he never be faithful to her, but DAMN its feel still cheat for me, and the reason so pathetic.
He cheat his feeling to Bree, why? i know he's young man with high sexually power and pride but please,..
i think Colin never trully love Bree, he so easy hook up wih someone else after they break,.. so why Briana so very easy to accept him back.
when i read this if not wrong even after Colin meet again with Bree he still look another woman, (Kent sister, Roni). What?? and you said " I miss you so much" to Bree, how about when you hook up with another girl do you still remember her???
yeah yeah Colin you got another beautiful girlfriend (Colin describe) and when Bree have sex with other guy you behave like jealous boyfriend.
too short maybe or what? but i don't get it, really this story not like another YA,..
i don't get the sweet chemistry that usual for young couple.
Just one boy has big dream with BIG selfish to his girl.
Colin break up with his girlfriend Briana for pursue his dream, think he will meet with other new people at college so he afraid he never be faithful to her, but DAMN its feel still cheat for me, and the reason so pathetic.
He cheat his feeling to Bree, why? i know he's young man with high sexually power and pride but please,..
i think Colin never trully love Bree, he so easy hook up wih someone else after they break,.. so why Briana so very easy to accept him back.
when i read this if not wrong even after Colin meet again with Bree he still look another woman, (Kent sister, Roni). What?? and you said " I miss you so much" to Bree, how about when you hook up with another girl do you still remember her???
yeah yeah Colin you got another beautiful girlfriend (Colin describe) and when Bree have sex with other guy you behave like jealous boyfriend.
August 19, 2015
A short & sweet second chance romance with characters so real, you can't help but fall in love with them...and want to hang out with them. The author does an excellent job of writing a fun story about two main characters, all the while the secondary characters are interacting, playing a big part in the story, and the next thing you know, you're in love with them too! And lucky us, they get their own book!
It never fails, I always feel good after I read a Bethany Lopez book. If you're looking for a quick, fun read with just the right amount of steam, grab this book today! Bonus: it's free! http://amzn.to/1E5XdN1
It never fails, I always feel good after I read a Bethany Lopez book. If you're looking for a quick, fun read with just the right amount of steam, grab this book today! Bonus: it's free! http://amzn.to/1E5XdN1
January 17, 2013
I really enjoy Bethany's style, so when she asked if I would read her new NA series, I jumped on it. I fell in love with the characters in the series. Colin and Brianna were a sweet couple, but I was anxious to learn more about the other characters as well. If you're looking for a short read that's part of a series, check this one out. It has romance, some steam, and likable/relatable characters.
November 6, 2012
4 stars. This was a good quick read (I read it in one sitting- couldn't put it down) but the last quarter of the story just felt so rushed to me (I wanted a bit more story). I blinked and the book was over... that being said I will definitely look out for book two in the series.
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December 17, 2012
***
“Although Brianna would be the first to say that love really did hurt, and that hurting really sucked, the love part really made it all worth it.”
I want to start off by saying that this is not a full length book, at 185 pages it’s more of a novella length. Therefore, I will be reviewing this as a novella. The length of the book didn’t bother me; in fact it was one of the main reasons why I picked this book off my TBR pile mountain. I was in the mood for a New Adult contemporary book that I could read in a couple of hours and Make It Last was exactly what I was looking for!
The story starts off in the past when Colin is getting ready to leave to college to pursue his dream of playing pro football. Bree is still a junior in high school and instead of trying to work out a long-distance relationship with her; he decides he wants to date around and he breaks up with Bree. Bree is heartbroken, but she is determined to move on and focus on her career. The focusing on her career part is going good, the moving on part…not so much. She hasn’t had a real boyfriend since Colin. She is afraid of getting hurt again so she has hook ups instead, her current hook up is Kent even though she is oblivious to the fact that he is crazy about her. When Bree finds out that Colin hurt himself and he is coming back home, all she can think about are her memories of their relationship and break-up. But she is still angry and hurt about how he treated her at the end and she is determined to stay that way. Of course, once Colin sees her again, he realizes what an asshole he was for breaking up with her and he is determined to get her back. First, he has to get her to forgive him and make her fall in love with him again.
I love old-lovers-reunited stories because the couple already has history. It was great to see snippets and flashbacks of their past while they were creating new memories and falling in love again. After a couple of awkward but chemistry and angst packed encounters, Bree and Colin get back together (not a spoiler), but they still have problems to get over and issues to resolve if they want it to be forever. I love angsty books, and I kind of wish that Bree would have made Colin beg for forgiveness a little bit more. But considering the length of the book, the pacing turned out okay. Colin and Bree had some pretty steamy moments (one of my favorite things about NA books) including a particular truck scene that was one of my favorites.
Make It Last is another great addition to your NA collection and a perfect choice if you want to get whisked away for a couple of hours. Although I would have loved it the story were a little bit longer, I think Bethany did a great job at covering everything and setting a good pace for the book. I also loved the secondary characters and can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
4 out of 5 sparkly stars!
Some of my favorite non-spoiler quotes from Make It Last:
-“Colin, the least you can do is look at me when you’re being a total douche,” she said tightly.
He looked down at her and his face softened. How could her not love her? She always called him on his shit.
-She only made it a couple of steps before Colin grabbed her arm and whirled her back. He walked her quickly backwards until she was stopped by the door.
Before she could register what was happening, she was flat against the door. His mouth was on hers.
-Colin looked as though he’d been knocked upside the head. He threw her over his shoulder, then carried her around the corner to where his truck was parked and lowered the tailgate.
(Cue truck scene)
***
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June 3, 2013
“You’re the only girl I’ve ever been in love with.”
In the first story of the Friends and Lovers Trilogy, we meet Briana and Colin, high school sweethearts, as they painfully part ways after years of being a couple. Colin is on his way to college to be a big football star, and he is leaving Briana behind, in her last year of high school, to nurse a broken heart and make plans for a future that now suddenly does not include Colin anymore.
“You’ll regret this, Colin. One day you’ll come back looking for a second chance, but it’s never going to happen. I’m not going to forget this day.”
Four years later, Briana has not made much of her life. After a short-lived stint at college, she is still living in her home town, working as a short-order cook at a local diner. She has good friends in her life, a job that pays her bills, but she is unable to jump start her life as her broken heart keeps holding her back.
After an injury cuts his football career short, Colin finds himself back home, a place he never thought he would return to, working for his father and taking each day as it comes, accepting his new life but finding no fulfilment in it. Until he runs into Briana again. Leaving her was something he never quite managed to get over, loving her still and hoping for a reconciliation. But for Briana, seeing Colin opens up a wound that never quite healed and even just seeing him again sends her into a tumultuous spiral of self-doubt and heartache.
“What if when I see him I feel just like I did when he left? I never want to feel that way again.”
As their connection still draws them to each other, Colin and Briana attempt to navigate the fiddly waters of second chances at love, hoping that their hearts still ache for each other as much as their bodies do.
A short but sweet, angst-free and easy to read story of giving true love another go. Like eating an ice-cream… deliciously sugary, a treat for the senses but alas over too soon.
“This is the only second chance you’re going to get, Colin. Don’t disappoint me.”
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November 30, 2012
Ok first let me start by saying this is not a YA book but more of a New Adult Book (think college and just after). This book was beyond adorable in so many ways. You know how sometimes there are really intense books, sad ones, funny ones; well this book was 100% feel good kind of book. The kind when you're feeling down and losing hope on things that you just pick this up and automatically feel better. That's what Make it Last was for me. I literally just finished reading and I still have that giddy smile on my face.
We start of with a prologue of Colin and Brianna breaking up just before Colin leaves for college, he's about a year older than her. She's absolutely devastated because they were so perfect for each other. But she learned to move on and continued on with her life the best way she knew how. She tried the whole college thing but it didn't work out for her, she had her heart set on culinary school. Back in her hometown working as a short order cook and enjoying life until she realizes that Colin is back home after graduating college and not making it to play football professionally due to an injury.
This is where she starts to doubt herself and wonder if she could be in the same place as him, she was still hurt even if did happen four years ago. Eventually as they have the same friends they start to run into each other more and more and the feelings they are just still there for both of them. Insert giddy squealing, me. They sound perfect for each other and the two people on the cover are perfect for each other. Yes maybe everything was too sweet for words, think decadent chocolate covered in more chocolate but the sweetness overtook me. I was engulfed in reading this book and the relationship that was building between Colin and Brianna.
There are also other characters in this book such as Rich, Pete and Kara, Nicole, Roni and Kent, all of them are equally as fabulous as Colin and Brianna and I can’t wait to read the next book. I’m hoping there will be more stories on the other characters as well. So exciting because I’m just so happy now, goes to show you sometimes things really do work out in the end. Maybe not right away like you hope but you have to look at the overall picture.
Love the cover, love the characters, love the setting and everything was just too lovable. Great job to the author and I can’t wait to read the next book and learn more about the other characters. So glad I picked this book up.
We start of with a prologue of Colin and Brianna breaking up just before Colin leaves for college, he's about a year older than her. She's absolutely devastated because they were so perfect for each other. But she learned to move on and continued on with her life the best way she knew how. She tried the whole college thing but it didn't work out for her, she had her heart set on culinary school. Back in her hometown working as a short order cook and enjoying life until she realizes that Colin is back home after graduating college and not making it to play football professionally due to an injury.
This is where she starts to doubt herself and wonder if she could be in the same place as him, she was still hurt even if did happen four years ago. Eventually as they have the same friends they start to run into each other more and more and the feelings they are just still there for both of them. Insert giddy squealing, me. They sound perfect for each other and the two people on the cover are perfect for each other. Yes maybe everything was too sweet for words, think decadent chocolate covered in more chocolate but the sweetness overtook me. I was engulfed in reading this book and the relationship that was building between Colin and Brianna.
There are also other characters in this book such as Rich, Pete and Kara, Nicole, Roni and Kent, all of them are equally as fabulous as Colin and Brianna and I can’t wait to read the next book. I’m hoping there will be more stories on the other characters as well. So exciting because I’m just so happy now, goes to show you sometimes things really do work out in the end. Maybe not right away like you hope but you have to look at the overall picture.
Love the cover, love the characters, love the setting and everything was just too lovable. Great job to the author and I can’t wait to read the next book and learn more about the other characters. So glad I picked this book up.
February 6, 2013
This was a sweet and sexy romance that wrapped up the emotions of a long-lost love into a short story, and I really enjoyed it!
When Colin up and left Briana to move onto bigger and better things in college, she was truly heartbroken. It was obviously not an easy decision for Colin, but that didn't make it any less devastating for her. Skip ahead four years down the road, Briana's still back in their small town saving up for school, and Colin's return home throws her heart back into turmoil. I really liked Briana from the start, and I understood her holding onto the feelings she had for Colin. She had fallen hard for him despite them being teens at the time, so she had that first love that stuck with her and made all of the others pale in comparison. I was happy that she didn't just wait around for him, though, and by the time Colin was back in town Briana had some experience of her own that made her mature enough to handle a relationship without losing herself in it.
Despite the short length of this book, I was drawn into Briana and Colin's relationship and the feelings that neither of them could deny. They had some really sweet moments together and some long pent-up passion that they were more than happy to act on!! The character development gave a good glimpse into their lives and that of their friends and family, and the supporting characters were all entertaining and likable. I especially loved Rich, Colin's best friend who grew close to Briana in his absence. He added some depth to Briana's character and was entertaining to boot!
For a small town, there was plenty of drama surrounding this group of friends, and it kept me hooked up to the very end. Briana and Colin were determined to make it this time, despite some tense moments and plans for the future that could find them heading in different directions, and I was anxious to see if fate would pull them apart again (nope, I'm not telling!!).
Overall, while Make It Last didn't break the mold and bring something entirely unique to the table, this was an enjoyable story with characters that I'd like to see more of with the rest of this series!
This review can also be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/2013/01/e...
When Colin up and left Briana to move onto bigger and better things in college, she was truly heartbroken. It was obviously not an easy decision for Colin, but that didn't make it any less devastating for her. Skip ahead four years down the road, Briana's still back in their small town saving up for school, and Colin's return home throws her heart back into turmoil. I really liked Briana from the start, and I understood her holding onto the feelings she had for Colin. She had fallen hard for him despite them being teens at the time, so she had that first love that stuck with her and made all of the others pale in comparison. I was happy that she didn't just wait around for him, though, and by the time Colin was back in town Briana had some experience of her own that made her mature enough to handle a relationship without losing herself in it.
Despite the short length of this book, I was drawn into Briana and Colin's relationship and the feelings that neither of them could deny. They had some really sweet moments together and some long pent-up passion that they were more than happy to act on!! The character development gave a good glimpse into their lives and that of their friends and family, and the supporting characters were all entertaining and likable. I especially loved Rich, Colin's best friend who grew close to Briana in his absence. He added some depth to Briana's character and was entertaining to boot!
For a small town, there was plenty of drama surrounding this group of friends, and it kept me hooked up to the very end. Briana and Colin were determined to make it this time, despite some tense moments and plans for the future that could find them heading in different directions, and I was anxious to see if fate would pull them apart again (nope, I'm not telling!!).
Overall, while Make It Last didn't break the mold and bring something entirely unique to the table, this was an enjoyable story with characters that I'd like to see more of with the rest of this series!
This review can also be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/2013/01/e...
March 24, 2013
2 stars: Just didn't connect with these characters
This is a fast read about a couple that started out in high school and should have never broke up. While Briana is sorta seeing another guy, it's clear she really only cares about Colin and he's definitely regretting breaking her heart. He may have done some growing up while he was away as well. Things might have progressed too quickly and with very little resistance on either side to suite me but it's a sweet story of true love.
I liked the premise and the strength of the Briana. I like that even though college didn't work out for her, she came up with plan b. I like that she was willing to stand by Colin even after things fell apart. And speaking of Colin, I liked how he grew-up from the jerk that broke her heart in high school to the guy that was willing...oh I can't tell you that part.
The problem I had with this book was the 3rd person writing. I just have a really hard time connecting with characters written in this style. Maybe it's because life doesn't happen with head jumping abilities, but it never feels personal enough to me.
This is a fast read about a couple that started out in high school and should have never broke up. While Briana is sorta seeing another guy, it's clear she really only cares about Colin and he's definitely regretting breaking her heart. He may have done some growing up while he was away as well. Things might have progressed too quickly and with very little resistance on either side to suite me but it's a sweet story of true love.
I liked the premise and the strength of the Briana. I like that even though college didn't work out for her, she came up with plan b. I like that she was willing to stand by Colin even after things fell apart. And speaking of Colin, I liked how he grew-up from the jerk that broke her heart in high school to the guy that was willing...oh I can't tell you that part.
The problem I had with this book was the 3rd person writing. I just have a really hard time connecting with characters written in this style. Maybe it's because life doesn't happen with head jumping abilities, but it never feels personal enough to me.
February 19, 2013
RATING CLARIFICATION : 3.5 Stars!!!!
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a sweet lovers reunited story. My only complaint was because of the length of the book, I felt that things were rushed quite a bit. I felt that the reunion happened a little to quickly. Briana could've held out a little longer to make sure that Colin was really a changed person. With the book being the length that it is, it makes it a little hard to connect to the characters like I would've liked. I did like Colin and Briana but I wish we would've gotten just a little more information on them. Plus the little bit of drama that is added at the end of the book, I didn't feel it was really necessary. Would've rather seen that left out and had more character building. I did enjoy reading about all the other characters and I am now anxious to continue with the series and read their stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick love story without a whole lot of drama.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a sweet lovers reunited story. My only complaint was because of the length of the book, I felt that things were rushed quite a bit. I felt that the reunion happened a little to quickly. Briana could've held out a little longer to make sure that Colin was really a changed person. With the book being the length that it is, it makes it a little hard to connect to the characters like I would've liked. I did like Colin and Briana but I wish we would've gotten just a little more information on them. Plus the little bit of drama that is added at the end of the book, I didn't feel it was really necessary. Would've rather seen that left out and had more character building. I did enjoy reading about all the other characters and I am now anxious to continue with the series and read their stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick love story without a whole lot of drama.
May 13, 2013
Well I loved it LOVE Bree and Collin but Kara may be my fave. Well nah Kent is he needs a lady!Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. So this book started of with a big sigh and a WTF was that? How could he do this? I guess in his small pea sized man brain he thought he was doing the right thing. When he thinks he has moved on and she holds the biggest grudge they are thrown together in the town where it all started. Collin may have a redeeming quality after all. Well this is a short, to the point, knock down drag it out book. I loved Bree and her feisty attitude is one to read an enjoy.
There is a lot of the small town feel to enjoy. Lovers of chick lit will grab it up and put Briana up on a pedestal which is where I think she belongs. The other star of the book was Kent. Please read it and understand why I adore him. The name Kent is very cool too!
There is a lot of the small town feel to enjoy. Lovers of chick lit will grab it up and put Briana up on a pedestal which is where I think she belongs. The other star of the book was Kent. Please read it and understand why I adore him. The name Kent is very cool too!
November 20, 2012
I'm a big fan of Ms. Lopez's writing, and this is an exciting addition to her list of works. The story begins with the protagonist, Briana, having her heart broken by her high school boyfriend, Colin. This is a scenario experienced by many a teenage girl. What I like most about the story is that Briana gets to see what it's like to have her "ex" come back around a few years later and realize how wrong he was.
The multiple characters in MAKE IT LAST are believable and engaging, and their stories mesh well. Because this is a New Adult novel, readers should expect behavior often exhibited by adults in their early twenties...drinking, swearing, having sex, etc. Ms. Lopez has perfectly captured the essence of this genre. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series!
The multiple characters in MAKE IT LAST are believable and engaging, and their stories mesh well. Because this is a New Adult novel, readers should expect behavior often exhibited by adults in their early twenties...drinking, swearing, having sex, etc. Ms. Lopez has perfectly captured the essence of this genre. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series!
November 10, 2012
Hmm...
THIS BOOK WAS OKAY...JUST OKAY.
It's a quick read and tbh, I got bored at some parts.
And everything was rushed.
2.75 STARS
THIS BOOK WAS OKAY...JUST OKAY.
It's a quick read and tbh, I got bored at some parts.
And everything was rushed.
2.75 STARS
November 14, 2012
A fun quick read that surprisingly had a lot of detail for it being so short. A good cast of characters. Looking forward to reading the next one when it comes out.
Want to read
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May 25, 2018
La historia zafa... Ex novios que se vuelven a encontrar y logran volver a estar juntos. Creo que es poco verosímil como todos los obstáculos se superan tan rápida y fácilmente: Colín le rompió el corazón, Bree se acostó con el mejor amigo de él, la ex novia quiere abortar y ella se muda a otra ciudad. Claramente no se pueden resolver tantos conflictos de manera satisfactoria en poco más de 100 páginas. Creo que la autora debió elegir uno o un par y centrarse solo en eso: por ejemplo, como ella reconstruye su confianza en él...
August 4, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Make It Last by Bethany Lopez
Book One of the Friends and Lovers Trilogy
Publication Date: November 3, 2012
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Ecopy sent from the author
(Old review: original review posted HERE on December 26, 2012)
“New Adult”, “Mature Young Adult”, whatever you want to call it, has been catching the attention of readers and authors alike. These days, there is an abundance of books in this age level, and Make It Last is one of them. Please do not be deterred by my so-so rating – I actually enjoyed this book. There were some things in this book that I loved, and other parts of the book that I thought could use some work. Overall, this book is a quick, fun read.
Summary (from Goodreads):
In a small town, it's hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That's just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she's on the right path, he comes back to town.
Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever, and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the sidelines, he's forced to return home. Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories, and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn't take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.
What I Liked:
I liked the cast of characters that Bethany Lopez has introduced. There are so many, and I do not think that all of them go through some sort of character development, but most of them contributed nicely to the plot of the story, or to the major characters.
Briana and Colin’s relationship is supposed to be rocky and tense at first, and then explosive and dynamic. I liked that Briana gave him a second chance – even though when they broke up so long ago, she said that she would not take him back. The overall feel of the book is pretty good. I enjoyed reading the story.
What I Did Not Like:
There are a lot of things that I did not like. To start, I did not understand Colin’s real reasons for breaking up with Briana. The break-up scene seemed flat. And Briana said that she would not give him a second chance, but she did. I am glad that she did, but that was a little hypocritical. I think she should have a least drawn that out a little, because it did not take long for Briana and Colin to get back together.
That was another thing that I did not like – the pacing. This book went be extremely quickly. That does not have to be a negative thing, as some books are meant to be short, but the sequence of events seemed rushed, and not fleshed out. As I said before, there should have been more time between Colin coming back to town, and Briana taking him back.
I also saw little character development in Briana and Colin, the two leading characters. And Briana seemed very fake at times. For example, when she “broke up” with Kent, she seemed lifeless and automated. I did not want her and Kent to be together anyway, but Briana did not seem to care at all about Kent’s feelings, even if she said that she did.
And I did not really feel anything towards Briana and Colin’s relationship. I liked them together, but I did not really get into the chemistry of the two. Furthermore, there seems to be no real conflict in this book. I did not really understand the point, I suppose, besides Colin and Briana getting back together, and moving forward in their lives.
One of my main sticking points is the grammar. I hate to say it, but the sentence structure is a huge hit and miss – mostly a miss. Spelling errors and misplaced modifiers were everywhere. I do not go looking for grammar and structural mistakes with a fine-tooth comb, but when they are obvious, or I can see them clearly, I notice, and point them out. Writing a book also means editing the book.
Would I Recommend It:
Eh, if you like “New Adult”, contemporary, shorter, less complicated stories, go for it. Otherwise, you might be better off skipping this one.
Rating:
3 stars. Again, I enjoyed this book, but there were many things that rubbed me the wrong way.
This series definitely has potential, and I will read I Choose You (book 2), and the next book.
Make It Last by Bethany Lopez
Book One of the Friends and Lovers Trilogy
Publication Date: November 3, 2012
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Ecopy sent from the author
(Old review: original review posted HERE on December 26, 2012)
“New Adult”, “Mature Young Adult”, whatever you want to call it, has been catching the attention of readers and authors alike. These days, there is an abundance of books in this age level, and Make It Last is one of them. Please do not be deterred by my so-so rating – I actually enjoyed this book. There were some things in this book that I loved, and other parts of the book that I thought could use some work. Overall, this book is a quick, fun read.
Summary (from Goodreads):
In a small town, it's hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That's just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she's on the right path, he comes back to town.
Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever, and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the sidelines, he's forced to return home. Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories, and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn't take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.
What I Liked:
I liked the cast of characters that Bethany Lopez has introduced. There are so many, and I do not think that all of them go through some sort of character development, but most of them contributed nicely to the plot of the story, or to the major characters.
Briana and Colin’s relationship is supposed to be rocky and tense at first, and then explosive and dynamic. I liked that Briana gave him a second chance – even though when they broke up so long ago, she said that she would not take him back. The overall feel of the book is pretty good. I enjoyed reading the story.
What I Did Not Like:
There are a lot of things that I did not like. To start, I did not understand Colin’s real reasons for breaking up with Briana. The break-up scene seemed flat. And Briana said that she would not give him a second chance, but she did. I am glad that she did, but that was a little hypocritical. I think she should have a least drawn that out a little, because it did not take long for Briana and Colin to get back together.
That was another thing that I did not like – the pacing. This book went be extremely quickly. That does not have to be a negative thing, as some books are meant to be short, but the sequence of events seemed rushed, and not fleshed out. As I said before, there should have been more time between Colin coming back to town, and Briana taking him back.
I also saw little character development in Briana and Colin, the two leading characters. And Briana seemed very fake at times. For example, when she “broke up” with Kent, she seemed lifeless and automated. I did not want her and Kent to be together anyway, but Briana did not seem to care at all about Kent’s feelings, even if she said that she did.
And I did not really feel anything towards Briana and Colin’s relationship. I liked them together, but I did not really get into the chemistry of the two. Furthermore, there seems to be no real conflict in this book. I did not really understand the point, I suppose, besides Colin and Briana getting back together, and moving forward in their lives.
One of my main sticking points is the grammar. I hate to say it, but the sentence structure is a huge hit and miss – mostly a miss. Spelling errors and misplaced modifiers were everywhere. I do not go looking for grammar and structural mistakes with a fine-tooth comb, but when they are obvious, or I can see them clearly, I notice, and point them out. Writing a book also means editing the book.
Would I Recommend It:
Eh, if you like “New Adult”, contemporary, shorter, less complicated stories, go for it. Otherwise, you might be better off skipping this one.
Rating:
3 stars. Again, I enjoyed this book, but there were many things that rubbed me the wrong way.
This series definitely has potential, and I will read I Choose You (book 2), and the next book.
October 15, 2013
4/5 hearts....
Love when I read a book and can totes connect with it. As I began to read by the 2nd page I was like
You know you start a happy dance because you just know and feel it that this is going to be something grand?? no you don't do that?? well shit! I do.....AWKWARD
okay well back to the review....so we have Briana and Colin. They were high school sweethearts. Yeah I know so rare that they last. No exception here, he's a BIG ol football jock he's leaving for college and though he "loves" her he says good-bye *cough* bullshit *cough* I mean I am sorry I think...even though I get where he is coming from that if you truly love someone you will make it work. See yes I am crazy I know it never works that way in real life.
Needless to say Briana is hurt
Skip ahead 4 years later and look whos back....yup you guessed it Colin. Knee injuries suck...there went his chances to go pro and Of course he sees Briana and all that he has missed. Of course he still wants her.
I was so happy when she was like
Awww yeah, now we all know what happens right? he wants her, more so because he cant have her. I know MEN!!
Now at this point Briana has this "arrangement" with Kent. You know the kind.
Uh huh that would be the kind. Well apparently Kent has deeper feelings for Biana then he has lead her to believe. I know most guys do right?
Eventually they do get back together and this my friends is where I am like yeah! DRAMA
Apparently Missy has a secret with Colin's BFF Rich. Ummm hmmm wanna know what it is? read the book LOL ok that was mean but
I am Sandie and I post no spoilers.
Ok wait it gets better. So Colins ex-gf from college comes to town and guess what??? she has an announcement of her own!!! So this is where I got all OMG seriously???
In the end, I enjoyed the book I connected with the characters. It was a pretty fast read. Do I believe you will enjoy it? yes I think you will
Love when I read a book and can totes connect with it. As I began to read by the 2nd page I was like
You know you start a happy dance because you just know and feel it that this is going to be something grand?? no you don't do that?? well shit! I do.....AWKWARD
okay well back to the review....so we have Briana and Colin. They were high school sweethearts. Yeah I know so rare that they last. No exception here, he's a BIG ol football jock he's leaving for college and though he "loves" her he says good-bye *cough* bullshit *cough* I mean I am sorry I think...even though I get where he is coming from that if you truly love someone you will make it work. See yes I am crazy I know it never works that way in real life.
Needless to say Briana is hurt
Skip ahead 4 years later and look whos back....yup you guessed it Colin. Knee injuries suck...there went his chances to go pro and Of course he sees Briana and all that he has missed. Of course he still wants her.
I was so happy when she was like
Awww yeah, now we all know what happens right? he wants her, more so because he cant have her. I know MEN!!
Now at this point Briana has this "arrangement" with Kent. You know the kind.
Uh huh that would be the kind. Well apparently Kent has deeper feelings for Biana then he has lead her to believe. I know most guys do right?
Eventually they do get back together and this my friends is where I am like yeah! DRAMA
Apparently Missy has a secret with Colin's BFF Rich. Ummm hmmm wanna know what it is? read the book LOL ok that was mean but
I am Sandie and I post no spoilers.
Ok wait it gets better. So Colins ex-gf from college comes to town and guess what??? she has an announcement of her own!!! So this is where I got all OMG seriously???
In the end, I enjoyed the book I connected with the characters. It was a pretty fast read. Do I believe you will enjoy it? yes I think you will
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