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Love Me Later

(Second Chances #1)

Libby Rice (Goodreads Author)

3.56 · Rating details · 297 ratings · 51 reviews

Can they love right on the redo?

Scarlet Leore enjoys a glittering existence among New York society’s elite. Ethan Blake is a prizefighter knocking his way through school, counting on his winnings to bankroll the dreams that won’t fit in a boxing ring. When the two meet, neither can deny the instant attraction that wells between the hulking fighter and the heiress who is mi ...more

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Paperback, 226 pages

Published October 14th 2014 by Gateway Publishing Ltd.

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Oct 21, 2014 Carissa rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-s-2014

3 'Empress' Stars

There is something about this book that simply pulled me in from the start. It may have been the premise of being reunited, second chances, or just simply the entirety of the struggling, bad-ass boxer meets well-to-do heiress. I struggled with some of the plot, in hindsight, if it was done differently, it would have screwed it up. Whatever it is, this story simply put a smile on my face. :):)

Love Me Later is a debut Romantic Suspense novel that highlights the rich, spoiled, soft, socialite, Scarlet Leore juxtaposed to the hard, prize fighting Ethan Blake. We are given a glimpse into second chances, with the perfection of contrasting circumstances. Choices are made and fate will decide to reunite two persons in opposing lifestyles. But still, no one, more in need than the other.

Socialite, Scarlet Leore is dragged to a boxing match and becomes instantly lured into the dark depths of the star, prize fighting boxer.

Ethan Blake is trying to set up his software company, by fighting he hopes to earn big bucks to aid his ambitious dream to fruition. An unfortunate and nearly fatal incident, stirs hatred and betrayal,. Turning the tables on both their lives, which causes Ethan and Scarlet to become estranged for many years.

Several years later, Scarlet has left the penthouse behind and settled for a middle income apartment, that she can only afford by selling off intimate mementos. Now a lawyer, Scarlet is left broken - physically, emotionally and psychologically scarred- after a brutal incident years ago, Scarlet, has to also deal with regret and her own betrayal towards an innocent man.

Ethan and Scarlet reunite, when Ethan's company desperately needs a lawyer versed in Acquisitions. This is where the scales now tip in favour of Ethan. He still fights, but its purely for sport now. Ethan former prize fighter is now Ethan Blake, CEO of Atavos International, his own software company.

"Tell me, Scarlet. How did my Empress fall from her throne?" Ethan

"We passed on the stairs, remember? You were going up as I was coming down." Scarlet

An enjoyable romantic suspense, where fates changed and revenge turned to love. Regret to hope, and where the boxer, now fought for more. The princess fell from her throne and both their scars could only be soothed by each other.

*ARC provided by Inkslinger PR for an honest review*

...more

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Feb 14, 2018 Jessica rated it did not like it

Shelves: unlikeable-mcs, dnf, fighter, enemies-turned-lovers

Yet another author who's confused alpha male with abusive asshole. I tried to cut the hero some slack because of what he'd been through due to the heroine's actions but he was just uber gross to me. Hire her specifically, then question why she's there, finger her on the plane (and seriously who thinks that with all the sounds they were making they would've managed to do this unnoticed) then try to ruin her reputation in front of the very people he hired her to negotiate with, accuse her of intri ...more

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Oct 15, 2014 Michel Reinhard (Saucy Southern Readers) rated it liked it

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Love Me Later by Libby Rice is a second chance romance. This book was a combination of romantic suspense and second chance romance. It was a story of two young people flirting with their attraction until violence stepped in a reared it’s ugly head. This violence affected both of their lives in different ways and left scars beyond healing. The anger, resentment, fear, and mixed feelings for one another have slow simmered throughout the years. They are brought back together through business tr ...more

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May 03, 2015 Catherine rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Ugh. I should know better! If you like this maybe you are a virgin with princess fantasies? I just don't get it. If this were erotica, why was there so much corporate planning (however inept) in between? Lame, lame, lame. DNF at 50%. I gave far too much %. ...more

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Oct 01, 2014 Angela Goodrich rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: review-copy, wicked-reads

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I absolutely loved this book. Love Me Later is more than a second chance romance. It is a seriously steamy romantic suspense novel featuring a hot ex-boxer alpha male and a strong yet fragile heroine. Ethan is everything I like in my hero – sexy, smart, possessive without being stalkerish, protective and open to love with the right person. As expected after the attack, Scarlett is extremely fragile and has a whole host of ne I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I absolutely loved this book. Love Me Later is more than a second chance romance. It is a seriously steamy romantic suspense novel featuring a hot ex-boxer alpha male and a strong yet fragile heroine. Ethan is everything I like in my hero – sexy, smart, possessive without being stalkerish, protective and open to love with the right person. As expected after the attack, Scarlett is extremely fragile and has a whole host of neuroses that help her deal with the PTSD she suffers (I should note that that is my conclusion, not something the author states). What is surprising is that she possesses a strength you wouldn’t expect to see in someone with her vulnerabilities. Ms. Rice does an excellent job in balancing Scarlett’s two sides, while making her feel real.

Love Me Later opens with Scarlett and Ethan’s first meeting and how Scarlett was so taken by Ethan that she planned to make him her husband. I thought that was quite funny actually because it’s the kind of planning I often see in the male lead and it wasn’t an insta-love reaction. Rather Ethan intrigued Scarlett and she plotted a course of action in order to get to know him with the intention of marrying him should he be the person she hoped him to be. Sadly the games that people play left her vulnerable to an attack. As her attacker’s behavior implicated Ethan and she subsequently accused him of the attack, any chance of a relationship was obviously destroyed, especially when evidence was discovered that proved his innocence.

Fast forward ten years and we find their roles reversed with Ethan being filthy rich and Scarlett working for her paycheck – yes she’s an attorney but the expenses she has to insure her safety are high and she is now dependent upon a paycheck. When Ethan is in need of a corporate attorney to oversee business negotiations, Scarlett’s name comes up and he jumps at the chance for the opportunity to get some legal retribution. What follows is a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the two work closely together – anger, lust, fear, anxiety, love, safety, and betrayal. When the line is finally crossed and they end up in bed together it is H.O.T. hot! I adored the way that Ethan responded to Scarlett’s lingerie issue. When her colleagues get wind of the affair and Scarlett realizes that they need to take a break until she can make the necessary arrangements so that Ethan is no longer her client, my heart broke for her at his reaction. There were actually several times during the book when I wanted to cry for Scarlett. Both she and Ethan were victims in this book, but it was Scarlett who kept taking the punches long after they should have been over.

Ms. Rice has done an excellent job in combining love and loss with romantic suspense and crafting a book that kept me on the edge of my seat. She has created a great cast of characters that I enjoyed spending time with. The manner in which the facts behind her attack were revealed kept the story moving forward and the actual motivation was staggering. This is a definite reread for me and I can only hope that we get to see Scarlett and Ethan again in the next book in the series. And I just have to say that I love, love, LOVED the epilogue. It was the perfect ending.

...more

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Oct 12, 2014 A.M. rated it really liked it

Not an ordinary second chance romance. This is one book readers have GOT to read!

His harsh words belied a soft heart...

She begrudged her position at the top of the ladder, whilst envying how he made his own way up...

Scarlet Leore was rich. Until her attack that leads to her disowning herself from her only living relative and her inheritance. To be independent, and to begin near the bottom and work her own way up the proverbial ladder.
Ethan Blake was there after Scarlet's attack, saved her, and was later accused of committing the crime. When evidence showed his innocence, his hatred motivated him to swim with the sharks.
When they finally meet up nine years later for a work-related assignment, things automatically feel like what had happened all those years ago just happened yesterday. Although they both agree to working together and keep things strictly professional, one might actually be secretly planning to get revenge. What is not in the forecast is falling in love.

This story was better than I thought it was going to be. I read the synopsis and thought that it was going to be good, but it was better. I suggest reading the Synopsis to get more of a feel, a heads up or a briefing of the situation beforehand because when I read the synopsis, I kind of just flew right through it and a few days later started the book. I couldn't quite grasp everything that was going on at first so I had to go back and re-read the synopsis again just to get the gist of things happening in the beginning and be able to follow the story.

This wasn't just like any other romance story where the guy gets the girl or vice-versa. There was betrayal, suspense, mystery, lust, and a whole lot of revenge. The plot in itself was highly entertaining as well as very informative with the characters' career-base attributes and I believe the author has done very well in knowing there stuff when it comes to building character in a character and giving it life, in a way. Almost every single word was meticulously placed and I had to at times slow down my reading to picture every aspect of every detail contributed into this book.

Each character was their own person, with attributes more than likely invaluable to tell the story no matter if the character trait was the most liked or the very least liked.

A book is only as good as its ending, and I am very happy with the ending, although I was able to predict here and there with what or how things were going to occur, but nonetheless satisfied with its turnout.

Overall, I enjoyed the characters and am glad to have watched the story unfold. As this is the first book I've read from this author, I can say I am happy to have this introductory story into this author's imaginative mind.
...more

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Oct 22, 2014 Ruthie Taylor rated it it was amazing

"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

I found this book to be a really good read, with a strong plot and interesting lead characters. I was very happy when I got to the end (don't panic, not a spoiler...) and read the start of the next book in the series - although it is scheduled for release in January 2015.

The tension through the story is well maintained, and often the writing led one down a wrong path, only to reveal the issue later and make the plot clear ...more

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Oct 17, 2014 Stephanie Williams rated it it was amazing

Shelves: wicked-reads-review-team

5Sexy and Suspenseful Stars

*I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads*

I loved Love Me Later from the first chapter to the last. This sexy story offers more then a second chance at romance. It's suspenseful, dangerous, fan yourself steamy, and it offers a little bit of an unexpected twist. I seriously could not put it down. Libby Rice had earned herself a new fan. If her next installment of the Second Chances Series is anything like the first January 2015 can't come ...more

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Feb 22, 2015 Gmomy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Ending with a few twists and turns

In the end I can say this was a good read. It took forever for it to become a page turner. Sticking with it paid off with plenty of twists and turns and of course a HEA ending.

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Jan 15, 2015 Helen Hardt rated it it was amazing

Excellent! I will definitely be reading more by this author!

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Oct 11, 2014 Moon Love rated it it was amazing

This debut book has knocked me off my feet. I absolutely loved it! Ethan and Scarlet are two amazing characters and I really enjoyed seeing them overcome everything in their paths and find love with each other. Their journey was not smooth at all and was full of emotions they and I could barely keep contained.

The story is captivating. I read it from start to end in one sitting and didn't pause once. I skipped a meal because it meant I had to stop reading and I was firmly entrenched in Scarlet an This debut book has knocked me off my feet. I absolutely loved it! Ethan and Scarlet are two amazing characters and I really enjoyed seeing them overcome everything in their paths and find love with each other. Their journey was not smooth at all and was full of emotions they and I could barely keep contained.

The story is captivating. I read it from start to end in one sitting and didn't pause once. I skipped a meal because it meant I had to stop reading and I was firmly entrenched in Scarlet and Ethan trying to figure out who was playing whom, if at all. I must say I love second chance stories. Especially when the the couple's first time around ended as brutally as Ethan and Scarlet's did. I thought I was prepared because it seems like the blurb has given away everything, but like a really good blurb and story, it isn't. I mean the story started quickly and retained that same high octane pace throughout.

I got really frustrated with Ethan and Scarlet because I felt like they were making too many mistakes with each other. First because of assumptions and regrets from the past and then wanting to "fix" things and then unable to go about it in a way that made their relationship work for both of them. When the past reared its head, things didn't get any easier, but I liked seeing them work things out together. The chemistry the two had together was explosive and of course it got me hot and bothered. Especially that airplane scene and the last scene in the bathroom. Libby Rice, I love the way you wrote them. They were both so perfect for both Ethan and Scarlet and just what the story needed.

A really good sign you enjoyed the book is when you're left wanting more. I got that sign early on in the book when Lissa, Scarlet's best friend was mention in the same sentence as Cole. I'm very happy to know that they'll be getting a book in 2015. My other sign was once the book ended, I wanted to know what happened with Ethan and Scarlet past the end. Especially in regards to their futures. I hope to see them in the next book and would definitely not be averse to a novella featuring them either. Libby Rice has arrived in a big way. I will eagerly be looking out for news from her regarding her upcoming works.
...more

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Sep 22, 2014 Holly Price rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014-read, best-of-2014

I loved this book! I loved Scarlet and Ethan! I was excited to read it as soon as I read the blurb, which always sets high expectations and I wasn't disappointed. I didn't expect everything to blow up as fast as it did. I guess I expected the youthful relationship to develop differently, but it makes more sense with her case of mistaken identity. It's really rare to have a book with 2 kinda broken people battling with such conflicting feelings and wanting revenge that are still totally likeable. ...more

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Oct 28, 2014 Book Reading Gals rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary

Thoughts: I loved this book! I loved Scarlet and Ethan! I was excited to read it as soon as I read the blurb, which always sets high expectations and I wasn't disappointed. I didn't expect everything to blow up as fast as it did. I guess I expected the youthful relationship to develop differently, but it makes more sense with her case of mistaken identity. It's really rare to have a book with 2 kinda broken people battling with such conflicting feelings and wanting revenge that are still totally ...more

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Oct 13, 2014 She Hearts Books rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Scarlet and Ethan meet at one of his fights and begin a flirtation. Both are very attracted to each other. On her way home from a second fight night, Scarlet is attacked and believes that it was Ethan that attacked her. He goes to prison, but it is found out later that it was someone else and he is released. Scarlet goes on to become a lawyer, but doesn't really move on as she has lasting effects from the attack. Ethan goes on to run a very successful business and decides as part of his revenge ...more

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Mar 23, 2015 Rhiannon Overby rated it really liked it

Love Me Later is a bit of a suspenseful romance, with a second chance romance twist.

Scarlet and Ethan thought that they had found someone special, until one terrible night changed everything. Now, nine years later Scarlet and Ethan come face to face. Can they get over all of the hurt ad find love again?

I love an alpha males who step up to the plate and same a woman in distress. So when I read the synopsis of this story I knew I'd really enjoy it. What I didn't count on however was how different ...more

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Oct 19, 2014 Carol MacInnis rated it really liked it

I won this book from a contest on Goodreads.

Scarlet Leore set eyes on Ethan Blake for the first time as he fought his opponent in a boxing ring. This scenario was new to Scarlet as her father, Tripp Leore is a very successful real estate mogul and her father's money got Scarlet seeing the insides of five star clubs rubbing shoulders with her prominent socialite friends and not the inside of an old fight club. But a terrible act of violence had left Scarlet badly wounded both inside and out and i ...more

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Feb 03, 2015 Kelly rated it really liked it

3.5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book I really did feel sorry for Scarlet and what happened to her it must of been her worst nightmare I can understand her being scared and uncomfortable with being alone with out safety around her.

Ethan is a really nice guy until hecwas sent to jail for crime he did not do, Ethan does get out of jail and he has worked hard to be where he is from a poor fighter to a rich business man but all he wants is Scarlet to suffer for what she did to him, to me it feels lik ...more

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Sep 26, 2014 Sandra Kerns rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

With Love Me After. As a debut novel, Libby Rice hits the publishing ground running full speed. I fully expected tough guy Ethan to melt into a softy for the naive debutante Scarlet. Libby turned that belief on its ear. And Scarlet might be naive, but she isn't a pushover. She has backbone. Though a series of understandably misunderstood events separates them, when Ethan chooses a path for revenge, the story truly starts to sizzle. All paths invariably lead to these two star-crossed lovers battl ...more

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Mar 17, 2015 Desirae (Dee) rated it really liked it

I am so surprised by my feeling about this book. Normally i don't like alot of angst, but something about this book and how it was delivered, I loved it. I love the timeline and how we go from past to present. I love how everything tied together, how all our characters were linked somehow. My heart broke when I thought it was Ethan in that street. I mean.. he seemed like such a stand up guy, surely that couldn't be him...or could it?? Then.. then the truth comes out and our characters are pulled ...more

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Nov 04, 2014 Jennifer rated it really liked it

I received this book as part of Good Reads First Reads
Scarlet is attracted to Ethan , Ethan is attracted to Scarlet but Scarlet is trying to play it a bit low key. Until one night and Scarlet is attacked - and she thinks it was Ethan who did it. Consequently he spends time behind bars.
When he is released he finds he needs a lawyer to sort something out for him - and who should be that hotshot lawyer only Scarlet .........will they , won't they?? A page turner of a cat and mouse game to decide wh ...more

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Feb 01, 2015 KStar rated it it was amazing

Definitely enjoyed reading this book, one that kept you turning the pages. You get a little bit of everything within this story romance, mystery, suspense, revenge, and second chances. Add a smart sexy fighter and a not your usual type of damsel in distress, this one is trying to fight her way back and it's totally worth a read. Art-Crossed Love looks just as good as this story, the second book in the series. :) ...more

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Jul 19, 2015 Kimme rated it liked it · review of another edition

I'm confused.

I kind of liked this despite all the little things that irritated me. I hate weak women. The heroine started out kind of weak and pathetic. She did get better as the story moved. The hero was kind of an idiot, but not really. I can't really explain it. The book was good but it grated on my nerves. At one point I wasn't sure that I would finish the book. I powered through and finished it. I liked it but then I didn't like it. I'm so confused!! ...more

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Sep 22, 2014 Phoenix rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This book was HOT! Every page sizzled with either sexy hot love scenes or suspense making my heart jump out of my chest. Although I really liked the story, it really could have almost been two books. One about their relationship and another about revenge. The book kept me reading though and wanting more. A great read!

For more reviews, go to my blog bbsbookreviews.com

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Oct 13, 2014 Larri Winslow rated it it was amazing

I have found a new favorite author! Libby Rice has that special knack for creating sympathetic characters, spot-on settings, and well-woven plots. I couldn't put this book down! The chemistry between Scarlet and Ethan is explosive, and their journey is filled with conflict and heat. Lots of heat!

This book has a definite place on my keeper shelf with plenty of room for more of Rice's books. ...more

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Jan 28, 2015 Whispers From rated it really liked it · review of another edition

First time reading this author

Ethan is a fighter. Scarlet is a law student. She is attacked and thinks it is Ethan. Now years later she's an attorney and Ethan is rich with his own company. He hires Scarlet's firm to handle their contracts. I think Scarlet gave in too easy with Ethan. And Ethan is too angry, even tho I understand. Great story. Scorching sex. ...more

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Feb 02, 2015 Katie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: it-s-a-slow-burn, alpha-male, i-own-this-sh-t, just-buy-the-damn-book-and-read-it, best-of-the-best-2015

I picked this one up several weeks back and I'm glad I finally downloaded it to my Kindle and read it. It was a wonderful story of redemption and two people finding their way to each other through bitter accusations and hurtful actions. ...more

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Jan 26, 2015 Cathryn marked it as reviews-say-no

1/26/15: What the hell. It's free on Amazon Kindle. ...more

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Jan 29, 2015 Mary rated it it was amazing

Great book! I can't wait to read the next book in the series! ...more

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Feb 19, 2015 Michelle Attuso rated it really liked it · review of another edition

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such an emotional roller coaster in the very best way. I was so caught up in the story I felt all their emotions right along with them.

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Mar 28, 2015 Neisha † The Submissive Poet † rated it liked it

loved the male protagonist...

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About Libby Rice

Libby Rice

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Before becoming a writer, Libby was first a mechanical engineer in the data acquisition industry (voltmeter anyone?). Preferring writing to technical design, Libby headed to law school and eventually practiced patent law for several enterprising years (patent application covering a voltmeter anyone?). Finally realizing that technology just wasn’t her bag, she traded the voltmeters for alpha heroes ...more