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The Donovan Friends #5
Always My Valentine
Once upon a time their passion had been boundless.
Four years ago FBI Agent Loren Knox decided that Cole Desdune and all they’d shared together was simply too much for her. When, after chasing a soulless dream and living a nomadic life, she receives an invitation to Cole’s sister’s wedding, Loren wonders if this is a sign of a new beginning, or another colossal mistake waiting to happen.
Homicide Detective Cole Desdune’s job is to catch the bad guys and put them away. But when Loren Knox—his personal nemesis—returns to town, Cole cannot resist delving deep into the depths of the love he’d once savored. Only this time, their connection is much deeper. It’s hypnotic. It’s insatiable. It almost gets Loren killed and could land Cole on the wrong side of the law.
Four years ago FBI Agent Loren Knox decided that Cole Desdune and all they’d shared together was simply too much for her. When, after chasing a soulless dream and living a nomadic life, she receives an invitation to Cole’s sister’s wedding, Loren wonders if this is a sign of a new beginning, or another colossal mistake waiting to happen.
Homicide Detective Cole Desdune’s job is to catch the bad guys and put them away. But when Loren Knox—his personal nemesis—returns to town, Cole cannot resist delving deep into the depths of the love he’d once savored. Only this time, their connection is much deeper. It’s hypnotic. It’s insatiable. It almost gets Loren killed and could land Cole on the wrong side of the law.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2015
73 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
185 books920 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 1, 2021
I love reading about a love that should never had dies encountering trouble and watching how the couples deal with the bad stuff. Both characters were strong and felt things deeply. I really enjoyed that book and hopes that this type of love crosses my path!! A great read!!!
April 27, 2018
Another great read
I am so enjoying the Donovan friends novella. Cole and Lauren were together, until Loren chose her job over him several years ago. Lauren is Back in town back in town for a wedding involving one of Cole 's sisters. Will they be shown to rekindle their relationship for a second time of will they walk away from an everlasting love. This story also touched upon domestic violence, but not in the usual manner. I enjoyed this read and look forward to more good books from this author
I am so enjoying the Donovan friends novella. Cole and Lauren were together, until Loren chose her job over him several years ago. Lauren is Back in town back in town for a wedding involving one of Cole 's sisters. Will they be shown to rekindle their relationship for a second time of will they walk away from an everlasting love. This story also touched upon domestic violence, but not in the usual manner. I enjoyed this read and look forward to more good books from this author
March 12, 2022
Outstanding story!
What a poignant and informative book. The author related an important story within this beautiful romance. The spouse abuse theme was managed to inform readers that men are abused too. The subject was tied to a romance and the affected persons., " Loren and Cole ". Shame on " Fern" Korea's mother for desparaging "Wanda" then leaving her to care for Loren.
First time reading this author's writing and I was absolutely amazed. Will be adding to my list and reading more of her romance works.
What a poignant and informative book. The author related an important story within this beautiful romance. The spouse abuse theme was managed to inform readers that men are abused too. The subject was tied to a romance and the affected persons., " Loren and Cole ". Shame on " Fern" Korea's mother for desparaging "Wanda" then leaving her to care for Loren.
First time reading this author's writing and I was absolutely amazed. Will be adding to my list and reading more of her romance works.
November 15, 2025
Always My Valentine
This was a story about Loren Knox and Cole Desdune. They were about to be engaged four years ago when Loren bolted and ran away. She returned for the wedding of Cole's sister Lynn. Once she saw him again she realized her mistake not accepting his proposal and had difficulty leaving town. After several mishaps Loren and Cole worked towards their happily ever after.
This was a story about Loren Knox and Cole Desdune. They were about to be engaged four years ago when Loren bolted and ran away. She returned for the wedding of Cole's sister Lynn. Once she saw him again she realized her mistake not accepting his proposal and had difficulty leaving town. After several mishaps Loren and Cole worked towards their happily ever after.
February 9, 2018
Great Read!
I love stories of second chances. This was a great storyline with a combo of drama and sensual, erotic love scenes, that I can play in my head. Love It! I admired how Loren flipped the script and propose to Cole the second time around. Again great read for me. Renee G.
I love stories of second chances. This was a great storyline with a combo of drama and sensual, erotic love scenes, that I can play in my head. Love It! I admired how Loren flipped the script and propose to Cole the second time around. Again great read for me. Renee G.
June 17, 2017
Always My Valentine
I loved the story of Cole and Loren. I loved all of the Donovan Series. I recommend this series to everyone who loves romance novels. A. C. Arthur is a fantastic author.
I loved the story of Cole and Loren. I loved all of the Donovan Series. I recommend this series to everyone who loves romance novels. A. C. Arthur is a fantastic author.
June 22, 2020
Awesome book
Because it's an awesome book I like that Loren stop letting her mother and aunt's relationships dictate how she lived her life and I would recommend this book to all the women in my family
Because it's an awesome book I like that Loren stop letting her mother and aunt's relationships dictate how she lived her life and I would recommend this book to all the women in my family
March 10, 2021
Fire from the start
This book started off on fire and definitely didn't disappoint. Loren had her demons that she needed to address and Cole hadn't gotten over her after 4 years of her leaving him. All it took was a few events to bring them together.
This book started off on fire and definitely didn't disappoint. Loren had her demons that she needed to address and Cole hadn't gotten over her after 4 years of her leaving him. All it took was a few events to bring them together.
March 10, 2020
Good book
I read this book years ago and I decided to read it again and it was delightful to read again
I read this book years ago and I decided to read it again and it was delightful to read again
November 21, 2021
Great story!!!
October 14, 2019
Ruff Topic
I enjoyed Ms. Arthur's story. What really registered with me was the tuff topic in the story, spousal abuse. Even less talked about ,the male is the abused spouse. Males don't talk about the topic. To men it makes them less than if they report being abused by their spouse. Another subject Ms. Arthur talked about is the affect domestic violence has on the family members of the couple. Loren ran from Cole because of fear of being like her aunt or mother. Loren's aunt would not leave her husband even though he was abusive. Loren could not understand why. After her uncle was killed her aunt came to her and explained why she did not leave. Loren gets her loving man and family after talking to her aunt. Any fears she may have she will get through with Cole's love and help.
I enjoyed Ms. Arthur's story. What really registered with me was the tuff topic in the story, spousal abuse. Even less talked about ,the male is the abused spouse. Males don't talk about the topic. To men it makes them less than if they report being abused by their spouse. Another subject Ms. Arthur talked about is the affect domestic violence has on the family members of the couple. Loren ran from Cole because of fear of being like her aunt or mother. Loren's aunt would not leave her husband even though he was abusive. Loren could not understand why. After her uncle was killed her aunt came to her and explained why she did not leave. Loren gets her loving man and family after talking to her aunt. Any fears she may have she will get through with Cole's love and help.
April 17, 2015
Always My Valentine is a part of the Donovan Friends series and in it we meet Detective Cole Desdune and his love interest Loren Knox. Loren and Cole were in a relationship that ended four years prior and now Loren is in town for Cole’s sister’s wedding. Once she and Cole see each other, feelings arise and they both realize sparks are still there but can they overcome the past and rekindle their love, or allow it to keep them a part? Read Always My Valentine to find out.
I loved reading Cole and Loren’s journey. Throw in Loren’s family issues and this makes for an enjoyable read. Loren’s reason for leaving Cole continued to guide her path, but once she returns home, her feelings for Cole are stronger and she must choose her views or her love for Cole. She must learn that the actions of her family should not deter her from accepting Cole’s love. Readers will feel Cole’s hurt as well as understand Loren’s reasons for leaving. Great read.
I loved reading Cole and Loren’s journey. Throw in Loren’s family issues and this makes for an enjoyable read. Loren’s reason for leaving Cole continued to guide her path, but once she returns home, her feelings for Cole are stronger and she must choose her views or her love for Cole. She must learn that the actions of her family should not deter her from accepting Cole’s love. Readers will feel Cole’s hurt as well as understand Loren’s reasons for leaving. Great read.
February 25, 2015
In Always My Valentine, AC Arthur shows readers that true love can never die. Loren Knox, who was raised by an uncaring aunt and uncle, planned her future life as a FBI agent. But falling in love with Cole Desdune caused a problem that she quickly ran away from. In an effort to make him happy, Cole’s sister Brea decided to play matchmaker and bring Loren and Cole together. Once they saw each other, both realized that what they had never did not die but were they ready to rekindle the fire.
This novella was filled with a bit of suspense, social issues, truths, and sultry passion. Arthur demonstrates how false perceptions can cause people to run away from what they were destine to have. Finding your way back is never easy unless you are ready to face it. Though short, the story moved smoothly and leaves you satisfied. This is a novella that Arthur fans will love.
This novella was filled with a bit of suspense, social issues, truths, and sultry passion. Arthur demonstrates how false perceptions can cause people to run away from what they were destine to have. Finding your way back is never easy unless you are ready to face it. Though short, the story moved smoothly and leaves you satisfied. This is a novella that Arthur fans will love.
June 9, 2015
True love never dies!
Ms Arthur writes a sensitive love novel about Cole and Loren ........Loren had a trouble childhood which follow her into Adulthood. This novel tells of abuse, trouble marriages,suspense, social problems , passion and most of all love among family and friends that always gonna be there for you. I enjoyed revising with the Deshune ,Lakes, and the Bennett family. This short novel was a excellent read ,I laugh ,cry ,and got angry,buy this novel you won't go wrong and experience passion that Cole and Loren share despite the hurt and pain of thinking that you are not worthy of love just to find the person you left always was there!
Ms Arthur writes a sensitive love novel about Cole and Loren ........Loren had a trouble childhood which follow her into Adulthood. This novel tells of abuse, trouble marriages,suspense, social problems , passion and most of all love among family and friends that always gonna be there for you. I enjoyed revising with the Deshune ,Lakes, and the Bennett family. This short novel was a excellent read ,I laugh ,cry ,and got angry,buy this novel you won't go wrong and experience passion that Cole and Loren share despite the hurt and pain of thinking that you are not worthy of love just to find the person you left always was there!
June 22, 2015
Loren and Cole, love returns
They say if it's meant to be and you let it go, it will return. Well in the return process you see healing and forgiveness needed for true reconciliation. The story of Loren and Cole had many dimensions. As you had domestic violence. Coupled with family scars. It was enough to say what will happen next. As the story unfolds you see why certain elements are hard to overcome. With side characters such as Rodney and Wanda, you are left with a sense of understanding, as to why Loren was apprehensive.
They say if it's meant to be and you let it go, it will return. Well in the return process you see healing and forgiveness needed for true reconciliation. The story of Loren and Cole had many dimensions. As you had domestic violence. Coupled with family scars. It was enough to say what will happen next. As the story unfolds you see why certain elements are hard to overcome. With side characters such as Rodney and Wanda, you are left with a sense of understanding, as to why Loren was apprehensive.
March 7, 2015
Always My Valentine
Fast read. This Novella is about the oldest son of the Desdune family Cole. His girlfriend Loren had to deal with some family issues of domestic violence that made her very jaded about commitment, in the end love won out all she needed was a strong man to love, cherish and protect her. Read the Donovan and Donovan and Friends Series you will enjoy them.
Fast read. This Novella is about the oldest son of the Desdune family Cole. His girlfriend Loren had to deal with some family issues of domestic violence that made her very jaded about commitment, in the end love won out all she needed was a strong man to love, cherish and protect her. Read the Donovan and Donovan and Friends Series you will enjoy them.
May 3, 2015
Interesting
The main characters were interesting in that they past heartbreak each endured did not come from other loves but from one another. That storyline made them more full bodied and it was interesting to see how they would navigate and forgive one another for the pain and heartbreak they have caused one another . Also , knowing the baggage the heroine suffered and how it drove her to her lover and away from him as well. Good read!
The main characters were interesting in that they past heartbreak each endured did not come from other loves but from one another. That storyline made them more full bodied and it was interesting to see how they would navigate and forgive one another for the pain and heartbreak they have caused one another . Also , knowing the baggage the heroine suffered and how it drove her to her lover and away from him as well. Good read!
February 15, 2016
FBI Agent Loren Knox, is so sure that history "always" repeats itself, that 4 years ago she walked away from super sweet Cole Desdune, on the night he proposed to her. Why? Because Loren's parents dumped her on her Aunt Wanda, a weak woman who allows her abusive, alcoholic husband to beat and brutalize her. Therefore, Loren refuses to ever take a chance on love or marriage. But now she's back in town. Will Cole be able to convince Loren to give love a second chance?
February 26, 2015
Sleep Deprived....
I knew I should not have started this book, because I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it. Cole and Loren had a love that definitely stood the test of time. Fear is a dangerous thing and it caused a separation between these two lovers that was unnecessary. Thank God for nosey sisters.
I knew I should not have started this book, because I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it. Cole and Loren had a love that definitely stood the test of time. Fear is a dangerous thing and it caused a separation between these two lovers that was unnecessary. Thank God for nosey sisters.
February 22, 2015
Great revisit with the Desdunes and Bennetts
Nice easy read. Nothing is ever black and write. All sides need consideration or the fallout can be devastating as Loren learns. Colé needs to learn you cannot control everything and love conquers all. Sweet love story. Serious issues discussed and a few twists. This is a recommend read.
Nice easy read. Nothing is ever black and write. All sides need consideration or the fallout can be devastating as Loren learns. Colé needs to learn you cannot control everything and love conquers all. Sweet love story. Serious issues discussed and a few twists. This is a recommend read.
May 25, 2015
Always My Valentine: A Donovan Friends Novella
I loved this story. The domestic violence story line with the male being the victim was very interesting. I regretted that he ended up being murdered by his wife. If only he had reported spousal earlier maybe things would have turned out differently.
I loved this story. The domestic violence story line with the male being the victim was very interesting. I regretted that he ended up being murdered by his wife. If only he had reported spousal earlier maybe things would have turned out differently.
February 19, 2015
The last of the Desdunes finds his happy ever after. A sweet short story about Cole Desdune and his lost love Loren Knox. Readers also get to catch up with the other family members, some Donovan shout outs and my favorite Lorenzo and Sabrina.
March 14, 2015
Abused blinds love
Getting abused does not always has to be physical ,mentally sometime is worse. I know how Loren felt,I saw the same coming up but I am glad her aunt spoke to her. Great book.
Getting abused does not always has to be physical ,mentally sometime is worse. I know how Loren felt,I saw the same coming up but I am glad her aunt spoke to her. Great book.
February 21, 2015
Loved loved loved this!!!! AC has done it again! Love definitely does conquers all! I enjoyed the updates on the rest of the family.
February 25, 2015
Another great Donavan love story!
I'm so hooked on the Donavan family and friends! Can't wait for the next book! Loren and Cole are a great couple!
I'm so hooked on the Donavan family and friends! Can't wait for the next book! Loren and Cole are a great couple!
March 1, 2015
Great read!
January 2, 2026
very good read!!
Great book!! Read it in one sitting... I just couldn't put the book down, these character were so complex, love it!!
Great book!! Read it in one sitting... I just couldn't put the book down, these character were so complex, love it!!
March 14, 2015
A Love Reunion
This story was great. I like the story line because what what feel and do can sometimes change situations for the good or bad.
This story was great. I like the story line because what what feel and do can sometimes change situations for the good or bad.
April 3, 2015
Always Good
I love any book written by AC. Glad Cole and Loren got back together. Looking forward to more reading about the Desdunes,Bennett's and Donovan families
I love any book written by AC. Glad Cole and Loren got back together. Looking forward to more reading about the Desdunes,Bennett's and Donovan families
April 14, 2015
She did it again
The Donovan's have entertained me once again. Cole works with a determination loves his family with a passion and love his woman with a deeper combination of both.
The Donovan's have entertained me once again. Cole works with a determination loves his family with a passion and love his woman with a deeper combination of both.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews