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Bennett Family #2
Finish What We Started
Five years ago, Lee Bennett’s whirlwind romance with Candace Claesson ended as abruptly as it had begun, and just when he needed her the most. Since then, Lee’s built a successful construction company and a satisfying, if solitary, life. When he’s hired to build Candace’s new veterinary clinic, Lee finds her as irresistible as ever—but he’s never forgiven her and he’s sure as hell not letting her break his heart again.
For years, Candace has wrestled with regret and guilt over leaving Lee. At the time, nothing was going to stop her from achieving her dreams of studying in Scotland and becoming a vet—not even young love. They’d been inseparable for six months, but anything that intense couldn’t last. Or so she thought.
Reunited in their hometown, neither Lee nor Candace can resist picking up where they left off. But with so much from the past standing between them, how they can rebuild what they started so long ago?
80,000 words
For years, Candace has wrestled with regret and guilt over leaving Lee. At the time, nothing was going to stop her from achieving her dreams of studying in Scotland and becoming a vet—not even young love. They’d been inseparable for six months, but anything that intense couldn’t last. Or so she thought.
Reunited in their hometown, neither Lee nor Candace can resist picking up where they left off. But with so much from the past standing between them, how they can rebuild what they started so long ago?
80,000 words
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
397 people want to read
About the author
Amylynn Bright
34 books62 followersAmylynn read her first romance novel in 2008 after being a lifelong literary snob. By the time she was done, she was hooked.
She is an Arizona native and lives in the same house her husband owned before they were married. Amylynn fears she will never call another state home unless someone tells her husband there are forty-nine others to choose from. In reality, she'd settle for a walk-in closet.
Her family consists of the aforementioned husband, two beautiful children, two dogs, two cats, some fish, and a hankering for a panda. She'd like it mentioned she's never been in prison, but we'll see how that panda thing works out.
She is an Arizona native and lives in the same house her husband owned before they were married. Amylynn fears she will never call another state home unless someone tells her husband there are forty-nine others to choose from. In reality, she'd settle for a walk-in closet.
Her family consists of the aforementioned husband, two beautiful children, two dogs, two cats, some fish, and a hankering for a panda. She'd like it mentioned she's never been in prison, but we'll see how that panda thing works out.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 7, 2015
LORD OKAY, so most of this was what i expected - light fun contemporary romance, BUT THERE IS THIS ONE ACTUALLY TWO THINGS I CAN'T GET OVER.
March 28, 2022
This book was so much fun to read. I came to this book after reading Book 1 - Cooking Up Love -- and didn't expect this to live up the high level of humor, creativity, dialogue, and character development that I had found in Holly and Mark's story. I'M SO HAPPY WAS I WRONG! Building Up Love not only lived up to the first book, but I think Lee stole a little more of my heart than I had expected. With that said, I want to inform you that you can enter the Bennett Family's story with any book and get your bearings very quickly. Each book is well linked to the other, but can be read in any order without a problem.
Read this book and you will not only be invited into a story that will make you root for the main characters but leave you thinking about which Bennet with get Book 3 and even wondering if secondary characters will be given their own books. Every character is well drawn, the dialogue sparkles with wit and humor worthy of wistful pauses and rereading just to absorb the humor, and a wonderful romantic and sexual tension that makes these full novels with development and tension that ensures you will get a solid read and not just collection of humorous one-liners and contrived scenarios. Even the pets that Lee bring to Candace each have a personality that draw the narrative along and help you fall a little more in love with the story.
Just be sure that you set aside some time to read these, because Amylynn's prose will pull you in and leave you wondering where the last hour went :D.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read this book and you will not only be invited into a story that will make you root for the main characters but leave you thinking about which Bennet with get Book 3 and even wondering if secondary characters will be given their own books. Every character is well drawn, the dialogue sparkles with wit and humor worthy of wistful pauses and rereading just to absorb the humor, and a wonderful romantic and sexual tension that makes these full novels with development and tension that ensures you will get a solid read and not just collection of humorous one-liners and contrived scenarios. Even the pets that Lee bring to Candace each have a personality that draw the narrative along and help you fall a little more in love with the story.
Just be sure that you set aside some time to read these, because Amylynn's prose will pull you in and leave you wondering where the last hour went :D.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2014
My Review:
This is the second book that I've read by Amylynn Bright and I'm so happy to be able to report that the first book wasn't a fluke. This book was just as fun and heartfelt and sweet as the first, but it has a very different story line than her first book had.
This is a book about second chances. Five years ago, in a set of impossible circumstances, Lee and Candace broke up when she moved to Ireland. Emotions were running high in the high-stress situation and they both did and said things that they regretted. But neither of them ever reached out to the other to make amends and reconnect although they'd both been desperately in love. Now Candace is back and Lee is contracted to build her branch veterinary office and they have to deal with one another and those unresolved feelings once again.
I do like books where a couple gets a second chance and this is a really good one and up until the very end, I didn't think it would be satisfactorily resolved because they never dealt with what happened before. They were both so incredibly hurt, they can't even discuss it. But without dealing with what drove them apart, they can't truly trust one another again. It's a hard book in that aspect, but Amylynn Bright did an incredible job writing it. Because even though the subject matter and situation is tough and emotional, she set the book...and usually Lee...in the middle of animal capers of the vet clinic that kept the book light and entertaining.
I really enjoyed every second of reading the book and didn't want to put it down. It's definitely engaging and the characters were incredible and realistically flawed. The situation basis was perfect for the story and so much about it broke my heart. I loved how Lee built his house to bury his pain and the masterpiece it became because of it. I loved the animal aspect of the story and laughed at every even more unlikely pet he brought into the clinic. I loved the side-characters of both families and friends because they perfectly helped further the story perfectly.
Overall, it was just a perfect book. I highly recommend it and am pretty sure that Amylynn Bright just made it onto my auto-buy-author list. She's definitely a name to watch in the contemporary romance genre! Now to convince Carina to bring this one out in print too so I can add it beside Cooking Up Love on my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the second book that I've read by Amylynn Bright and I'm so happy to be able to report that the first book wasn't a fluke. This book was just as fun and heartfelt and sweet as the first, but it has a very different story line than her first book had.
This is a book about second chances. Five years ago, in a set of impossible circumstances, Lee and Candace broke up when she moved to Ireland. Emotions were running high in the high-stress situation and they both did and said things that they regretted. But neither of them ever reached out to the other to make amends and reconnect although they'd both been desperately in love. Now Candace is back and Lee is contracted to build her branch veterinary office and they have to deal with one another and those unresolved feelings once again.
I do like books where a couple gets a second chance and this is a really good one and up until the very end, I didn't think it would be satisfactorily resolved because they never dealt with what happened before. They were both so incredibly hurt, they can't even discuss it. But without dealing with what drove them apart, they can't truly trust one another again. It's a hard book in that aspect, but Amylynn Bright did an incredible job writing it. Because even though the subject matter and situation is tough and emotional, she set the book...and usually Lee...in the middle of animal capers of the vet clinic that kept the book light and entertaining.
I really enjoyed every second of reading the book and didn't want to put it down. It's definitely engaging and the characters were incredible and realistically flawed. The situation basis was perfect for the story and so much about it broke my heart. I loved how Lee built his house to bury his pain and the masterpiece it became because of it. I loved the animal aspect of the story and laughed at every even more unlikely pet he brought into the clinic. I loved the side-characters of both families and friends because they perfectly helped further the story perfectly.
Overall, it was just a perfect book. I highly recommend it and am pretty sure that Amylynn Bright just made it onto my auto-buy-author list. She's definitely a name to watch in the contemporary romance genre! Now to convince Carina to bring this one out in print too so I can add it beside Cooking Up Love on my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
February 24, 2016
Super quick, feel good read!
March 25, 2022
I personally would have added a trigger warning to this book. It was fine until about 65% of the way through and then things developed that some people may not want to read about.
I did enjoy this book and the characters though. I loved that she was a veterinarian so this story contains some interesting animals. Candy and Lee had a relationship about 5 years prior to this story but things did not end up the way they wanted it too. Now she is back in town and Lee is building her new vet clinic. Lee said some pretty mean things to her and he still isn’t over the hurt and anger she caused by leaving.
Holly and Mark are also back in this story but you can read this as a stand-alone. It definitely had some funny parts to it but the time change was a little confusing and the paragraphs would just stop and start again later.
I did enjoy the chemistry between the characters and the writing style of this author.
I wish certain things didn’t have to happen to the characters but I am glad that they finally figured things out and were able to communicate with one another.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I did enjoy this book and the characters though. I loved that she was a veterinarian so this story contains some interesting animals. Candy and Lee had a relationship about 5 years prior to this story but things did not end up the way they wanted it too. Now she is back in town and Lee is building her new vet clinic. Lee said some pretty mean things to her and he still isn’t over the hurt and anger she caused by leaving.
Holly and Mark are also back in this story but you can read this as a stand-alone. It definitely had some funny parts to it but the time change was a little confusing and the paragraphs would just stop and start again later.
I did enjoy the chemistry between the characters and the writing style of this author.
I wish certain things didn’t have to happen to the characters but I am glad that they finally figured things out and were able to communicate with one another.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2022
Second chances get me in the feels every time. I will never not be invested in seeing a couple get another shot at creating a better relationship. That being said, Lee and Candace might need some outside professional help to make it stick. There’s lots of heavy baggage they need to unpack that’s still affecting everything all these years later. I loved seeing them talk it out and fall back in love with one another. I just wish they both hadn’t abandoned the field when things got rough. And, as another reviewer mentioned: you’re not allowed to get all huffy that the other person did the exact same thing that you did. Even though I felt the ending happened a little quickly for the issues I could still see between them, it’s filled with all kinds of precious, adorable moments. Now, I’m desperate to find out what’s going to happen in the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
March 25, 2022
This second book in the Bennet Family series is about Lee, the eldest, and his former girlfriend Candace. Back in town after years of studying abroad, they are brought together because he is building her new vet clinic. It takes them awhile to work through their hurt feelings and their sense of betrayal. While there is some witty dialogue and some funny scenes, I found this book not quite as entertaining as the first one, but it is still an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the last sibling finding love again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2022
Lee and Candace's Second Chance . . .
Candace Claesson and Lee Bennett were in a relationship 5 years before this book takes up the story. Candace had her dream of going to Scotland and becoming a vet. So she left Lee to pursue her career choice. Since then, he has achieved his goal with a successful construction company. Candace has now returned to town and hired Lee to build a veterinarian clinic for her. Do they still feel the same about each other? Do they want a second chance to begin the relationship she walked away from? You will enjoy all the pets Lee brings by to encourage Candace to accept a date with him!
Candace Claesson and Lee Bennett were in a relationship 5 years before this book takes up the story. Candace had her dream of going to Scotland and becoming a vet. So she left Lee to pursue her career choice. Since then, he has achieved his goal with a successful construction company. Candace has now returned to town and hired Lee to build a veterinarian clinic for her. Do they still feel the same about each other? Do they want a second chance to begin the relationship she walked away from? You will enjoy all the pets Lee brings by to encourage Candace to accept a date with him!
May 13, 2022
Lee and Candace broke up five years ago when she left for veterinary school. Now she is back and Lee is helping build her new clinic. Wanting a second chance, Lee keeps bringing in different animals so he can talk to her. The characters are well developed, determined and have entertaining situations. The storyline has great backstories, fun situations and banter, big discussions and decisions, steam, cute animals, sweet connections and much more. Loved their chemistry and support once they got over the baggage. Great ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2022
Lee was an idiot to think Candace should just drop the plans she worked and saved years for because of what happened to his sister and her family. Five years later she’s back and he wants to start over thinking that he can forgive her for her choice. In my opinion, she’s the one who has to forgive him for being a jerk and not meeting her halfway. Lee was pretty funny with all the pets he borrowed to take to Candace’s vet practice to get her to go out with him. But he still finds a way to push her away and ruin their relationship. I don’t know if I could keep forgiving him like she does.
March 30, 2022
loved it !! love this series !!! love Candy and Lee ? jerk ! this is their story.. a fast paced rom/drama... 5 years ago .. they were a couple... inseparable... then, she left to go to school in Scotland... he never forgave her... now, she's back and he's working for her.. he's building her vet clinic... can they have what they had ? he tries real hard.. then,...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2022
Will it be a second chance romance for Lee and Candace now she is back in town, or will they not be able to move on from how they hurt each other last time.
I loved how Lee had a parade of animals as an excuse to visit the vet!
Looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how Lee had a parade of animals as an excuse to visit the vet!
Looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2022
This is a sweet romantic comedy. The characters Lee and Candace was once a couple 5 years ago. Candice left to fulfill her dreams as a veterinarian when she left she broke Lee heart. Now back together in the same town where Lee is building her veterinarian clinic their feels come back like it never left. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2023
A story filled with emotion
The characters were good. They were well rounded with both good and bad emotions. This was the story is about second chance at love. Some of the characters that skimmed through the book and weren't the main characters were funny. Be in a vet and having so many pets in the story with hilarious In well written.
The characters were good. They were well rounded with both good and bad emotions. This was the story is about second chance at love. Some of the characters that skimmed through the book and weren't the main characters were funny. Be in a vet and having so many pets in the story with hilarious In well written.
Read
February 2, 2020This was a DNF for me. I wasn't convinced or engaged by the POVs so I wasn't compelled to keep reading. It's also really unclear in the Kindle edition that this is the second book in a duet.
December 13, 2014
Note: This ARC was provided by Carina Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Finish What We Started by Amylynn Bright is a contemporary romance about second chances and how forgiveness isn't merely saying you're sorry but truly letting go off the pain and anger from the past in order to fully pursue a better future together. Five years after their six-month romance suddenly crashed and burned, Lee and Candace are unexpectedly thrown together. Seeing one another brings back memories, both the good and the bad, and it appears as if the feelings they once never truly died.
Five years ago, Lee Bennett and Candace Claesson had the kind of relationship that was best described as "whirlwind" but they were very much in love and seemed to be headed for their very own "happily ever after". When Candace was accepted at a veterinary school in Scotland, it appeared as if everything she had worked hard for was finally coming to fruition. Unfortunately, Lee was experiencing his own life-changing event and needed Candace by his side, something she wasn't able to give him and he angrily ended things.
Five years later, the hurtful words Lee flung her way still haunt Candace and the fact that Candace left when he needed her most still lingers in Lee's mind. But now she's back in their hometown and they need to work together on the new veterinary clinic Candace's family is having built and that Lee's construction company is handling. There's awkwardness and bitterness in the beginning but both also have feelings of guilt and maybe something that's still lingering from their time together years prior.
Even as Lee and Candace rekindle their romance, there are obviously issues that they need to discuss seriously instead of glossing over. After all, it's too easy to say that everything's okay and then when something comes along to test their second chance at love, the anger and frustration of the past cause feelings of distrust and apprehension. Should they have left things the way they were or is theirs the kind of love that deserves to be fought for?
This story was sweet and I'm a sucker for anything with dogs or cats or any sort of cuddly animal in it. You could place the blame on both Lee and Candace with as far as the demise of their relationship five years ago. I get why they were both hurt and angry about the choices that were made by either party. Their respective families and friends brought the humor and insight that made this book an overall good read. I'm giving Finish What We Started four out of five stars. ♥
Finish What We Started by Amylynn Bright is a contemporary romance about second chances and how forgiveness isn't merely saying you're sorry but truly letting go off the pain and anger from the past in order to fully pursue a better future together. Five years after their six-month romance suddenly crashed and burned, Lee and Candace are unexpectedly thrown together. Seeing one another brings back memories, both the good and the bad, and it appears as if the feelings they once never truly died.
Five years ago, Lee Bennett and Candace Claesson had the kind of relationship that was best described as "whirlwind" but they were very much in love and seemed to be headed for their very own "happily ever after". When Candace was accepted at a veterinary school in Scotland, it appeared as if everything she had worked hard for was finally coming to fruition. Unfortunately, Lee was experiencing his own life-changing event and needed Candace by his side, something she wasn't able to give him and he angrily ended things.
Five years later, the hurtful words Lee flung her way still haunt Candace and the fact that Candace left when he needed her most still lingers in Lee's mind. But now she's back in their hometown and they need to work together on the new veterinary clinic Candace's family is having built and that Lee's construction company is handling. There's awkwardness and bitterness in the beginning but both also have feelings of guilt and maybe something that's still lingering from their time together years prior.
Even as Lee and Candace rekindle their romance, there are obviously issues that they need to discuss seriously instead of glossing over. After all, it's too easy to say that everything's okay and then when something comes along to test their second chance at love, the anger and frustration of the past cause feelings of distrust and apprehension. Should they have left things the way they were or is theirs the kind of love that deserves to be fought for?
This story was sweet and I'm a sucker for anything with dogs or cats or any sort of cuddly animal in it. You could place the blame on both Lee and Candace with as far as the demise of their relationship five years ago. I get why they were both hurt and angry about the choices that were made by either party. Their respective families and friends brought the humor and insight that made this book an overall good read. I'm giving Finish What We Started four out of five stars. ♥
April 13, 2015
To read this review or others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
I love a good romance, and more than that I love a good romance with animal lovers, so when I read the heroine had a veterinary practice, I was sold, didn't even need to know the rest of the plot. Of course I kept reading and realized this was a second chance love story, and I have to say it's one of my favorite themes in romance, so this was like the perfect storm for me to like this book. Needless to say I totally ended up liking the book a whole lot.
I think part of the reason why I love second chance romances is because I think it’s something that everyone can identify with. Everyone makes mistakes, or sometimes life happens and things don’t end up the way you wanted or planned for them to, so watching characters get their happy ending even after time apart just makes it all the more better, maybe it’s because they had to overcome time and challenges to find their way back to each other, whatever the reason I love it. So with Lee and Candace, life happened, and in the heat of the moment both of them did and said things that they regretted, Candace moved to Ireland to finish her schooling (she wasn’t running this had always been in the plans), and that was the end of Lee and Candace. I have to say, I understood where Candace was coming from a lot more than from Lee, to me Lee is one of those unmovable guys, he sees things one way, and sometimes it takes way to long for him to change his opinion or see others points of view.
I don’t want to give away much when it comes to the walls the two of them have built up, but I do have some stuff I can chat about without ruining it. I loved how Lee shows up with the clinic in these semi-ridiculous situations that are seriously funny, I mean it really helped bring some laughs into the book which kept it feeling fresh. The book itself was an easy read, I definitely don’t remember putting it down, it was just so easy to get caught up in the characters. I really liked the writing style, too.
If you like second chance love stories, then this is definitely a book you should check out, I really enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more of this author in the future. I think what also really worked for me about this book is that the two of them didn’t just fall back together, they had stuff to work through first, and it made the characters feel like real people I could imagine knowing in real life. So if you like the build up, this is definitely a book for you.
I love a good romance, and more than that I love a good romance with animal lovers, so when I read the heroine had a veterinary practice, I was sold, didn't even need to know the rest of the plot. Of course I kept reading and realized this was a second chance love story, and I have to say it's one of my favorite themes in romance, so this was like the perfect storm for me to like this book. Needless to say I totally ended up liking the book a whole lot.
I think part of the reason why I love second chance romances is because I think it’s something that everyone can identify with. Everyone makes mistakes, or sometimes life happens and things don’t end up the way you wanted or planned for them to, so watching characters get their happy ending even after time apart just makes it all the more better, maybe it’s because they had to overcome time and challenges to find their way back to each other, whatever the reason I love it. So with Lee and Candace, life happened, and in the heat of the moment both of them did and said things that they regretted, Candace moved to Ireland to finish her schooling (she wasn’t running this had always been in the plans), and that was the end of Lee and Candace. I have to say, I understood where Candace was coming from a lot more than from Lee, to me Lee is one of those unmovable guys, he sees things one way, and sometimes it takes way to long for him to change his opinion or see others points of view.
I don’t want to give away much when it comes to the walls the two of them have built up, but I do have some stuff I can chat about without ruining it. I loved how Lee shows up with the clinic in these semi-ridiculous situations that are seriously funny, I mean it really helped bring some laughs into the book which kept it feeling fresh. The book itself was an easy read, I definitely don’t remember putting it down, it was just so easy to get caught up in the characters. I really liked the writing style, too.
If you like second chance love stories, then this is definitely a book you should check out, I really enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more of this author in the future. I think what also really worked for me about this book is that the two of them didn’t just fall back together, they had stuff to work through first, and it made the characters feel like real people I could imagine knowing in real life. So if you like the build up, this is definitely a book for you.
December 15, 2014
4.5 Stars
FINISH WHAT WE STARTED is a second chance romance – which is my favorite kind. I love to see couples that couldn’t make it work the first time, have a second chance at love – and to get it right. That is exactly what happens to Lee Bennett and Candace Claesson. They had a heart wrenching breakup five years ago when she had to leave for Scotland to finish her veterinary schooling. It was a chance of a lifetime - her dream - and with deadlines at play and scholarships at risk, she had to leave. Unfortunately, it was at a time when Lee’s family was in crisis, and he needed her. She hated to leave him…it broke her heart. He never forgave her and their relationship ended.
Lee Bennett is a successful business owner. His construction company has been hired to build a new veterinary clinic for none other than Dr. Candace Claesson. Hired by her father, she had no idea that Lee was the building contractor. To make things worse, her father makes her the point person for all construction questions. She had been planning to carefully avoid Lee when she returned, and had been successful for two months. When they see each other for the first time, they are both very professional – but the chemistry between them is still very much there. How will they deal with this situation? They both believe they can be professional and get the job done. If only they could convince their hearts…
I loved the banter between Lee and Candace. Lee has the best personality! He’s witty and charming and has the cutest way of arranging unscheduled meetings with Candace. You cannot help but fall in love with him – and neither can Candace! This book was so much fun! It is not a fluffy read. There is plenty of angst and strife in their relationship to keep you on the edge. The secondary characters add spice to the story. Amylynn Bright’s writing style is captivating and keeps the pages turning quickly. It was a fun weekend read. I recommend!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by Carina Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
FINISH WHAT WE STARTED is a second chance romance – which is my favorite kind. I love to see couples that couldn’t make it work the first time, have a second chance at love – and to get it right. That is exactly what happens to Lee Bennett and Candace Claesson. They had a heart wrenching breakup five years ago when she had to leave for Scotland to finish her veterinary schooling. It was a chance of a lifetime - her dream - and with deadlines at play and scholarships at risk, she had to leave. Unfortunately, it was at a time when Lee’s family was in crisis, and he needed her. She hated to leave him…it broke her heart. He never forgave her and their relationship ended.
Lee Bennett is a successful business owner. His construction company has been hired to build a new veterinary clinic for none other than Dr. Candace Claesson. Hired by her father, she had no idea that Lee was the building contractor. To make things worse, her father makes her the point person for all construction questions. She had been planning to carefully avoid Lee when she returned, and had been successful for two months. When they see each other for the first time, they are both very professional – but the chemistry between them is still very much there. How will they deal with this situation? They both believe they can be professional and get the job done. If only they could convince their hearts…
I loved the banter between Lee and Candace. Lee has the best personality! He’s witty and charming and has the cutest way of arranging unscheduled meetings with Candace. You cannot help but fall in love with him – and neither can Candace! This book was so much fun! It is not a fluffy read. There is plenty of angst and strife in their relationship to keep you on the edge. The secondary characters add spice to the story. Amylynn Bright’s writing style is captivating and keeps the pages turning quickly. It was a fun weekend read. I recommend!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by Carina Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2015
4 Stars
When Candace flew out of Lee's life he withdrew into himself and not only built a business but his dream home too. Casandra's father has hired Lee to build him a satellite clinic for his veterinary practice - what Lee doesn't realize is that the clinic is for Candace.
I met Lee in the first book and I thought he was just a fun character. He loves his family fiercely, has a softer side and is just a hunk! He feels awful about how he and Candace ended their relationship and he is determined to apologize, and the methods he uses to try to talk to Candace made me smile. Candace dreamed of becoming a neighborhood veterinarian since she was little. Leaving Lee was one of the hardest things she ever has done.
The plot is simple to follow and somewhat expected. I did like how it was not an instant reconnect for these two characters. They had some issues to work through before they could restart their relationship. A few well-placed intimate scenes were mild on the steamy scale, but well written; it was nice to see the scenes add to the story and not over take it. Lee and Candace made a choice that I felt was out of character for them; especially career focused Candace. A choice that ultimately facilitated the conflict that tore them apart. No cliff-hanger for the next book – so don’t fret Lee and Candace do find an HEA.
As I said I read the first book in the series, Cooking Up Love, and it was great to see Lee’s family again in this book. Sarah and Marisol are still dynamic characters who are screaming for their own book. This book is a stand-alone though and readers who have not read the previous book will have no time following the story and getting the backstory. Overall a solid read and if I see another book in the series I would pick it up to read. It was a rather comfy read, nothing earth shattering or heart racing going on, but made you smile at parts.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
When Candace flew out of Lee's life he withdrew into himself and not only built a business but his dream home too. Casandra's father has hired Lee to build him a satellite clinic for his veterinary practice - what Lee doesn't realize is that the clinic is for Candace.
I met Lee in the first book and I thought he was just a fun character. He loves his family fiercely, has a softer side and is just a hunk! He feels awful about how he and Candace ended their relationship and he is determined to apologize, and the methods he uses to try to talk to Candace made me smile. Candace dreamed of becoming a neighborhood veterinarian since she was little. Leaving Lee was one of the hardest things she ever has done.
The plot is simple to follow and somewhat expected. I did like how it was not an instant reconnect for these two characters. They had some issues to work through before they could restart their relationship. A few well-placed intimate scenes were mild on the steamy scale, but well written; it was nice to see the scenes add to the story and not over take it. Lee and Candace made a choice that I felt was out of character for them; especially career focused Candace. A choice that ultimately facilitated the conflict that tore them apart. No cliff-hanger for the next book – so don’t fret Lee and Candace do find an HEA.
As I said I read the first book in the series, Cooking Up Love, and it was great to see Lee’s family again in this book. Sarah and Marisol are still dynamic characters who are screaming for their own book. This book is a stand-alone though and readers who have not read the previous book will have no time following the story and getting the backstory. Overall a solid read and if I see another book in the series I would pick it up to read. It was a rather comfy read, nothing earth shattering or heart racing going on, but made you smile at parts.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
November 11, 2014
What happens when you have to choose between a dream you’ve had since childhood and the love of your life? I think most romance novels would have you choose love but not everyone makes that choice. And what if karma gives you a second chance at love? Lee and Candace’s story is just too cute for words! Lee and Candace met when they were youngsters and fell in love. The problem is that Candace has dreamed going to an elite veterinary college since she was a child. Soon she has to make a tough choice at the worst possible time for Lee. Most of the novel revolves around the idea of second chances. Can you make it work even though there is tons of baggage and unresolved issues? Lee’s wooing of Candace is so funny and light hearted; he’s the perfect combination of caring, humor, and sex appeal. Candace is determined, confident, and generous. What I liked about the story is that even though you have this top layer of cute antics and casual flirting underneath is a torrent of trust issues and resentment. I think it added a level of realism to the story so it wasn’t so cotton candy sweet. I think the author really does show that the most important characteristic of a relationship is trust and without it you’re bound to have a nuclear meltdown no matter how much you want to make things work. Lee and Candace’s relationship is complex and there are layers of humor mixed with a good amount of sexual tension. I thought the book was well written, well edited, and achieved a great balance of sweetness and angst.
July 17, 2015
Lee Bennett's sister and nephew needed him after the car accident that killed her husband. Why, then, didn't the woman he loved, Candace Claesson, stay home to help? Instead, she continued with her plan to accept a scholarship to attend vet school in Scotland, effectively disappearing from his life for 5 years. Now she's back. Does he want her back? Will she even give him the time of day after he completes the construction of the new clinic building her father has contracted for him to build?
Check out the mansion Lee built in Candace's absence--for the wife he doesn't have and the children he's not fathered. Count the different species of critters Lee uses as an excuse to get into to see her--even ones he's afraid of. And laugh and cry along with them as they work through both their nightmares and their dreams. Will an HEA ever be possible for either of them?
Check out the mansion Lee built in Candace's absence--for the wife he doesn't have and the children he's not fathered. Count the different species of critters Lee uses as an excuse to get into to see her--even ones he's afraid of. And laugh and cry along with them as they work through both their nightmares and their dreams. Will an HEA ever be possible for either of them?
March 23, 2015
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
What a sweet story! I really enjoyed Lee and Candy and everything about them. Him constantly finding new random animals to bring in to her office as an excuse to see her was adorable and his family and her friendship with his friends was fantastic. My one qualm is that I wish their entire past had been explained at once instead of jumping back and forth a few times. It made it a little difficult to keep up. All in all, a lovely story with a lot of heart.
What a sweet story! I really enjoyed Lee and Candy and everything about them. Him constantly finding new random animals to bring in to her office as an excuse to see her was adorable and his family and her friendship with his friends was fantastic. My one qualm is that I wish their entire past had been explained at once instead of jumping back and forth a few times. It made it a little difficult to keep up. All in all, a lovely story with a lot of heart.
January 23, 2016
Enjoyed the book although it ended very quickly. Interested what other books will follow in the series.
January 11, 2015
Enjoyed the book although it ended very quickly. Interested what other books will follow in the series.
October 25, 2015
A delightful read.
looking forward to more by this author.
Thank you for choosing to as a goodreads winner.
looking forward to more by this author.
Thank you for choosing to as a goodreads winner.
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