The Rest of My Life

by Sheryl Browne

You can’t run away from commitment forever …
Adam Hamilton-Shaw has more reason than most to avoid commitment. Living on a houseboat in the Severn Valley, his dream is to sail into the sunset – preferably with a woman waiting in every port. But lately, his life looks more like a road to destruction than an idyllic boat ride…
Would-be screenplay writer Sienna Meadows realizes that everything about Adam spells trouble – but she can’t ignore the feeling that there is more to him than just his bad reputation. Nor can she ignore the intense physical attraction that exists between them.
And it just so happens that Adam sees Sienna as the kind of woman he could commit to. But can he change his damaging behavior – or is the road to destruction a one-way street?

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Chick Lit

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2015

About the author

Hi, I’m Sheryl Browne writing psychological thriller. My latest psychological thriller MY LOVING HUSBAND is published by fabulous BOOKOUTURE. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, I have several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies, where I completed my MA in Creative Writing. I live in Worcestershire with my partner and a variety of disabled dogs. According to readers of my thrillers, I also apparently make an excellent psychopath. ;) Follow my @Bookouture Mailing List and grab a FREE short: https://t.co/bIigwwALCs
𝘼 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝘼 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡…
MY LOVING HUSBAND – Can I really trust the man I married?
Do I Really Know You? – She's the friend you trust with your life. But can she trust you with hers?
The Invite – Kaitlin has been looking forward to her engagement party for weeks, but as the champagne corks pop, her dream party soon becomes her worst nightmare…
The Liar's Child – I’ll do anything to protect my daughter…
My Husband's Girlfriend – She told my little boy a secret and now he’s gone…
The Second Wife – SHE MADE HER BED. YOU'LL LIE IN IT.
The Affair – You trusted her. You shouldn't have.
The Babysitter – She's perfect. Too Perfect.
After She's Gone – He's killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
Sins of the Father - What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?
Deadly Intent - Tormented to the edge of sanity …
The Rest of My Life - “You can’t run away from commitment forever … “ Two damaged hearts, a sizzling sexual connection. Can love find a way to bring Adam and Sienna together?
Learning to Love – Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …
Somebody to Love – Sigh with contentment, scream with frustration. At times you will weep.
Warrant for Love - Blackmail, lies, adultery, heartache. Three love stories wrapped up in one sexiliciously hilarious package.
A Little Bit of Madness – White Knight in Blue rescues The Harbour Rest Home.

Reviews

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, my love for second chance romance is so going to get me in trouble one day. In this case, the second chance is unique, it definitely isn't a cliche in the contemporary romance genre, and it made for a fun read. Characters I didn't initially click with grew on me over time and a romance I didn't want to support soon seemed just right. Pleasantly surprised is one way of putting it. Adam is the guy that even I wanted to say, "he's a bad guy, stay away!" Fortunately, Sheryl Browne wrote the incredibly kind, naive, and forgiving character of Sienna who saw in Adam what no one else could. She didn't allow anyone's thoughts, or even Adam's own actions, to sway her outlook and hope in him. It's refreshing to have characters that aren't damned if they do, damned if they don't. On top of that, the chemistry between these two is definitely there and I enjoyed their interactions, which were sometimes sexy and sometimes downright snarky. Add in the secondary characters, that I seriously think deserve their own books, and you've got a great set of characters. There are some major twists in this book and if it wouldn't give major plot lines away I'd talk about them, but let's leave it they are so good.

There is a lot going on in this book, at first it is confusing and my timeline was seriously messed up, but overtime I realized this is what Sheryl Browne intended, to only give the reader bits and pieces as the story built up. I was playing guessing games 25% of the way through until the very end. This book is written in dual POV and while the characters have distinct voices it is easy to confuse the two as it doesn't happen in an even way. The pacing is natural and while there is a hint of instalove, it seems to work between our two main characters.

The Rest of My Life is a love story that feels real; there's bumps, arguments, and sometimes it's a roller coaster ride, but it is love. I laughed, I smiled a lot, and I found myself really liking the characters Adam and Sienna and their unlikely love story. You'll find yourself enjoying this story and you won't be able to put it down, you'll definitely want to find out how it all ends up for these two.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

The Rest of My Life is a very sweet romance, between perennial womaniser Adam Hamilton, and the innocent screenplay writer Sienna Meadows. Adam lives on a house boat and Sienna has just moved to a house that over looks where he has his boat docked. Sienna needs to write an open doors sex scene for the script she has had accepted but is struggling for inspiration, and words, as she in rather inexperienced.

However she has noticed that Adam tends to have a steady stream of women on and off his boat, so she decides to proposition him, with sizzling results.

Adam however has a very chequered past, and as readers we get to hear about the details relatively early into the book, or at least enough to have some sympathy with Adam, and why he acts the way he does. There is though even more to him than the initial revelations reveal, and I found Adam to be a very well rounded characters, he is just running scared and doesn't always think before he speaks or acts.

Sienna however I found a bit harder to like, I think it may just be her naivety with regards men, I was very fearful for her getting hurt, however she is lovely, and I loved the her dog, Tobias who can't swim. The image that he should perhaps wear a lifejacket near the marina, just made me laugh.

I loved Sienna's dad, he initially comes across as over protective, and then just as big and scary and then, as he communicates with Adam, you start to get the feeling that he is a real softie. And a special mention of Lily-Grace, who is adorable.

There is a real chemistry between Adam and Sienna, no matter how much either of them may try and deny it. You can sense something simmering each time they are near each other.

There are some fantastic sex scenes in this book, although I'm not 100% positive whether it was the heatwave while I was reading this, or the scenes that were making me hot and bothered!

I loved The Rest of My Life, and I finished it with a huge smile on my face. In places it was comical, and others very tender and loving, and the hidden depths to Adam especially I loved learning about.

Thank you to Netgalley and Choc Lit for my review copy of this book. This was my honest review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful setting- on a houseboat on the Severn Valley. Sienna lives in a house overlooking the boat and has seen a steady succession of ladies visiting Adam.
She’s got to write a sizzling sex scene for the script she’s working on and being fairly unexperienced she decides that she needs to proposition Adam! They have a draw between them and need to see where a relationship would lead. Adam thinks that Sienna could be the girl to make him want to change his ways.
Great characters-will we grow to love Adam- or is he just a Cassanova?
A really enjoyable read.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
I'm a fan of Sheryl Browne's work and 'The Rest of My Life' is my favourite book of the author's so far.
It's clear from the beginning of this character driven story that Adam is a man you shouldn't really like so much, but you end up falling in love with him anyway, despite his womanising ways. Because threaded through the plot are the heart breaking reasons behind this.
Sienna can see past his flaws and recognises him for the nice guy he actually is - when he isn't consumed by hurt and alcohol. And his skills with the ladies might be quite beneficial when it comes to hands on research for the script she desperately needs to spice up. This is a sweet story with a little pop of heat! The interactions between Adam and David, Sienna's protective father, add fun to this wonderful story, providing light to the shade of the sadness running through the plot. If you don't fall for Adam at the beginning, then you certainly will at the end.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheryl Browne takes you through it all with the way she has written the characters and the direction that she takes you on. Make time to read this lovely Contemporary Romance with depth. Adam is a pill to swallow in the beginning but as things move along it gets better. They both get better. Sienne was just a tad too naive and fresh but growth did occur.

**This digital copy was provided via Legit Lit Books in exchange for an honest review.**

More @ http://mileythebookjunkie.blogspot.co...

[Gen Boleyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished an ARC for NetGalley. This is a well written full blown romance with mc Adam seeking to find himself in the aftermath of a tragedy. Set in a boatyard it follows his life from disaster prone womaniser to hero. It's fun, sassy and a tad naughty in places, but not overly so.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...

I’ve read all of Sheryl Browne’s books so far. The Rest of My Life was by far my favourite. Fun, flirty, sassy, witty and moving, this is the perfect book to read on your sunlounger (just remember to save yourself a cold drink to cool yourself down after some pretty steamy moments!). Sheryl has the ability to make you laugh on every single page but I felt like The Rest of My Life showcased her writing to be even stronger and the humour felt more natural and the kind to sneak up on you and have you giggling away. Leading character Sienna meets Adam as he attempts to rescue her lovable dog Tobias, not talented in the swimming area, from drowning. What a hero Adam appeared to be, until about five seconds later when he’s telling Sienna off for not taking better care of her dog. Grumpiness aside, Sienna is drawn to Adam but soon discovers she is not the only one, as she loses count of the number of women he’s sleeping with on his houseboat. But maybe there’s more appeal to Adam than first meets the eye…

I loved Adam. Sheryl, please gift wrap him and send him my way. At the beginning, we see that he is not short of admirers, and not one to shy away from women, only the commitment part. It’s quite obvious he has a different woman to keep him entertained every night and he appears to be a womaniser and a bit of a sod. Not the most likeable main man in a book, right? But there was a hell of a lot more to his character and he makes it very easy for the reader to fall in love with him (though if you don’t, no worries because I’ve claimed him anyway…). Adam has had a painful past which is of course no excuse for messing people around but he’s not really the type to lead someone on. He’s very honest in his flaws and his quirks and of course, the women keep on coming back to him so he must be impressive in some ways… I think, by the end, or in my case by about page two, Adam is a character you’ll easily grow to like.

When Adam meets Sienna, things begin to change for him and he starts thinking about something he hasn’t considered in a long time, a relationship. He’s sure Sienna’s too good for him but he can’t fight his attraction and the chemistry between them is intense. What I liked about the dynamics between Adam and Sienna is that they didn’t really try and fight their feelings, they were willing to give whatever it was between them a go. And Adam really helped Sienna come out of her shell a bit. She’s quite innocent and I guess a little naïve but Adam could quite easily encourage that less-reserved side to come out and Sienna soon sees him at the very least as good inspiration for the sex scene she needs to write in her new screenplay. Things were never going to run smoothly between them but I enjoyed that aspect. I loved learning about the stories from both their pasts, the things that have happened that have turned them into who they are now. Adam, especially, has had such a challenging, sad life and Sheryl really allows us, bit by bit, to sympathise with him and see the person he would like to be. I think the endearing thing about Adam (one of many!) was that he kept trying and trying but nothing would go right. As soon as one thing was ok, he’d end up inadvertently messing up the next and he was in need of a break…

So I may have badly hidden that I quite liked our lovely Adam and I also found myself rooting for Sienna too but I was so pleased that Sheryl made her supporting characters to have as much depth as the protagonists. Nate was a great, realistic character and could have stood the story on his own. He cared so much for his best friend Adam but he also despaired of him 99% of the time. But what I liked about Nate was that, regardless of what he felt about a situation, he would stand up for his friend when it was needed and push his feelings aside to help Adam make amends when he needed to (again, 99% of the time). I also found some of the funniest moments in this book to be due to Sienna’s dad, who always turned up at the wrong moments, the embarrassing moments and offered his advice and guidance to Sienna even though he was aware she might not take it. Sienna’s relationship with her dad was very warming and I thought quite similar in a strange sort of way to her relationship with her friend Lauren, who also saw her advice fall on deaf ears many times.

Sheryl Browne and Choc Lit feels like a match made in heaven to me. Sheryl’s writing felt better than ever in The Rest of My Life and the flow to the story was strong, the characters multi-dimensional and the plot itself was huge fun to read. It was a little cheeky, a little naughty at times and always faultlessly entertaining.


*review copy

[Amelyn Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a chance on love! A second chance...

Wow! There's so much I want to say about this book, but I don't want to spoil a bit of it for you! I've got a warning for those who don't like cheating. There is cheating in this book (quite a bit, actually, especially implied cheating and talking about cheating), but the H does NOT cheat on the h. Personally, I LIKED the way cheating was presented in this book, and it's not anything pretty, with no glorification of it. :) That's all I'll say about it.

There's a special word I've learned from this book (British slang) that I'm going to enjoy using on Amazon reviews, because the American version (a**) is not allowed and that word is prat. I LOVE THIS WORD! Prat, prat, prat! Thank you, Sheryl, for gifting Americans with such a lovely word. I've got a British addiction at the moment *cough*DanandPhil*cough* and Choc Lit books.

THIS Choc Lit book will have you giggling a bit, crying a LOT (I love books that spot up my glasses with projectile tears), and falling in love with a damaged commitment-phob PRAT ;) who just wants to love and be loved (don't we all?). The h is a communication-phob. What is a communication-phob? It's someone who runs from every misunderstanding and jumping to the wrong conclusion. Some would call her TSTL, but I wouldn't go that far with her. Every runaway moment was well thought out for at LEAST three minutes. Goodness, I want to put another winky emoticon here, but that might just be one too many.

Overall, this book is brilliant and was very hard to put down. It's one that made me want to forget about necessary real-life things like peeing and sleep. I think I'll make myself a cup of tea to ease my pounding book hangover.

Thank you to Choc Lit who gave me this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. You can trust Choc Lit for a good, romantic read every. Single. Time.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Adam slept with Lisa, who was a married woman. Nathanial was Adam's only friend. Nathanial was the marina's manager. Sienna is renting a cottage with her best friend Lauren. Sienna had to re-edit her romance script. Sienna wasn't sure if she believed that love conquered all anymore. Even though he was a womanizer, Sienna was attracted to Adam. He was also attracted to her, but knew he should stay away.
Sienna was naive as far as passionate experiences went and her ex-boyfriend made her question whether or not she was frigid. She was a kind, warm and loving person trying to get a little breathing room from her dad. She loved her dad and even understood. I really loved her character and her defending of those she cared for. Adam had been messed up from a previous relationship and saw his ex-fiance's ghost a lot. He had affairs to take away the pain and loneliness and drank for the same reason. However, he was kind and caring, even as a womanizer. He grew and changed and had a lot of good changes, so did Sienna. I rooted them both on as the story progressed.
I loved the story with the plot and characters. I definitely recommend to anyone that likes this genre.

[Ann Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was torture! I was so rooting for Adam and he kept screwing up!! I felt like shaking the man at times. Sienna was a lovely a character and the perfect innocent foil for Adam.
The best character by far for me, was Sienna's father, David. He was absolutely perfect as the protective, but understanding father! Reminded me strongly of mine, but maybe my Dad wasn't quite so understanding.
I felt so sorry for Adam as his actions resulted in some very painful experiences (physical and emotional). His friend Nate was brilliant - very supportive but close to the end of his tether! Can we have a second book about Nate please?
Great read - Choc Lit NEVER disappoints!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Browne has certainly offered up everything a reader of romance could possibly want: an enticing romantic encounter, a hopeless yet redeemable hero, an innocent and caring heroine, and a heart stopping page turning drama with tears at the end.

Sienna and Adam through a rocky but alluring road find out what’s in store for them for the rest of their lives.

Fantastic read – thank you Ms. Browne.

[Melanie Robertson-King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love Sheryl Browne's writing! Her characters are larger than life, likeable and vulnerable.

I look forward to reading more of this author's books.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Sometimes horrible things happen to really good people. And sometimes those events change a basically very good person into someone no one recognizes or even likes much anymore. Sometimes they get a second chance at a good life, trouble is they have to decide to reach out and grab it with both hands and hold on tight.

Adam has had some really crappy things happen in his life these past few years. Things that could destroy a man and any dreams of normal or happy are blown out the window. Adam now lives on his houseboat docked at a friend’s marina. He is constantly working on it to get it seaworthy enough to head out for the free life of no commitments, no rules – just him, his boat and the wide ocean to escape to. His life now consists of odd jobs (to fund the houseboat repairs), lots and lots of booze and even more willing women who seems to be a never ending line leading up to his boat and his bed. If it’s female, wants no commitment from him and wants nothing more than some hot sex – Adam is all up for that. It doesn’t help his frame of mind that he often feels the ghostly presence of a very sad woman – but of course, that’s nothing more than his drunken, overactive imagination. In truly blunt terms, Adam doesn’t give a rat’s arse about much of anything beyond drinking, screwing around and finding a freedom that he will never achieve.

Sienna lives in a house overlooking the water, and Adam’s revolving door to his houseboat. He’s definitely attractive so the constant women make a sort of sense, but really? How can someone live like that? Sienna is a writer, struggling right now with a script that well frankly needs more sex in it. And how is she to accomplish that when her experience is purely the written word. She even has a stalker of an ex-boyfriend who while screaming frigid virgin in one breath, still wants her back in the next.

Isn’t it ironic that we can view an event (really eavesdrop) and take away a meaning that has little to do with what actually happened? Sienna sees money exchanged between Adam and one of his female visitors and comes to the conclusion that she could pay Adam for the experience she needs to jumpstart her script. And now life for both of them is going to get very interesting.

The Rest Of My Life is a tale of many things. The lengths a man will go to in order to escape emotional pain. The belief that freedom to roam will fill up a deep void in one’s life, instead of simply covering the symptoms. The truth that deep within a currently depraved man still lives the man who believed in happy endings, love and commitment and second chances. The woman who doesn’t see her own beauty. Or the chance at happiness should the man she has come to love could only change around his life for himself and for her.

There is deep sadness in The Rest Of My Life. There is also the moment of discovery of a second chance being handed over and the only thing one has to do really is reach out with their true self and grab it with both hands. I shed tears, belly laughed, mourned and rejoiced during the time I spent with Adam and Sienna. I discovered two wounded people who found what they needed in each other, they only had to admit that they were worth the risk. Add in a sweet aging dog, a ghostly presence, friends that only want the best for you in spite of yourself, an overprotective and charming father to the mix and you will find an amazing romance well worth your risk in reading it. I would highly recommend The Rest Of My Life to anyone who believes in second chances and that true love will win everything in the end.

Sometimes a story sticks with you long after the final word is read. The Rest Of My Life is that kind of story.

*I received an e-ARC of The Rest Of My Life from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I'm more than happy to give. With grateful thanks to Sheryl and Netgalley for the opportunity.

The Rest of My Life was for me an addictive read, once I started I literally couldn't put it down. Sheryl Browne certainly knows what buttons to press when putting pen to paper - I just love her writing style. I literally fell headlong into this book just as I have with her others. She had me hook, line and sinker absorbed and fully engaged with the characters from almost the first page.

Sienna and Adam, the two main characters in this book at first seem polar opposites. First impressions of Sienna is of a quiet, wear your heart on your sleeve, simply lovely girl, who later reveals a feisty side. Whereas Adam gives off mixed signals from the off. That of a hunky, heart palpitating, heart throb to that of a grumpy, miserable excuse of a man with a bad temper to go with it. Although, it wouldn't be giving the game away to say my opinions on characters changed many times as the story unfolded. Sometimes, as in real life we display a persona, wearing it like a suit of armour to protect us and get us through certain times in our lives. Altering it as we think fitting to the scenario and people around us.

Sienna is renting a house overlooking the moorings where Adams boat is berthed. She and her gorgeous dog Tobias encounter Adam where he tries to rescue him from the water and when he eventually makes it back on dry land sparks really start to fly. He has formed an opinion of her and she of him. Neither of them very good!

This is a beautiful story that can't fail to touch your heart. With each chapter read a little bit of both Adam and Sienna's characters is chipped away, revealing a vulnerability in both that is well hidden from the outside world.

Despite the many fiery encounters there is something there that keeps drawing them back to each other time and time again, each swearing that it won't happen again. Advice from friends and family falls completely on deaf ears and situations arise that challenge both of them. Making them look deep within their characters, challenging them - can they step up to the bar and lay their hearts on the line for each other?

Ultimately this is a love story but, it isn't just a glossy, hearts and flowers read. It has a heart breaking story at it's centre that will make you think and will definitely pull at your heart strings. That being said I think I went through every emotion reading this. I smiled and laughed. I cussed and cursed, oohed and ached and was even close to tears - left with a feeling of utter desolation - the pain and anguish lifted off the page as I devoured the pages. Sheryl's characters and stories are so vivid they could be real - who knows? Perhaps they are!

I highly recommend this book to all Sheryl Browne fans but in particular to those that haven't discovered this amazing author yet. A woman with multi faceted literary talent who can switch between genre's with such ease I'm convinced she has a twin.

[Lainy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 246

Publisher - Choc Lit

Blurb from Goodreads

You can’t run away from commitment forever …

Adam Hamilton-Shaw has more reason than most to avoid commitment. Living on a houseboat in the Severn Valley, his dream is to sail into the sunset – preferably with a woman waiting in every port. But lately, his life looks more like a road to destruction than an idyllic boat ride…

Would-be screenplay writer Sienna Meadows realises that everything about Adam spells trouble – but she can’t ignore the feeling that there is more to him than just his bad reputation. Nor can she ignore the intense physical attraction that exists between them.

And it just so happens that Adam sees Sienna as the kind of woman he could commit to. But can he change his damaging behaviour – or is the road to destruction a one-way street?


My Review

Adam is a Lothario in a small town, on a path to self destruction. After a personal tragedy and relationship crisis, Adam is going about life the wrong way. Bedding wives, girlfriends and just about any woman who comes along his path, Adam is making himself a target for the wrong kind of attention. Enter Sienna, sweet, innocent, who has rented a cottage with her friend, her wee dog and is writing her screen play. When she sees the Adonis that is Adam she can't help but be drawn to him, aware of his reputation she aims to keep her distance. However as the attraction grows, Sienna can't help but ignore her head and listen to her body. With so much stacked against them, can Adam get over his past and Sienna keep her heart safe?

This is a very chick lit book, relationships, lust and attraction are big features however there are more layers and deeper emotive topics covered. Adams previous relationship has left emotional scars and the driving force for his behaviour with woman and alcohol. His friend wants to support him but we all have our limits and Adam is pushing the boundaries. Sienna is almost sickly sweet, some of her behaviour, for me, was very irritating however I believe it echos the reality of some women in positions such as she finds herself in. Adam will draw in scores of female fans who would love to rush in and save him from himself, he does have many layers rather than just the boy toy he initially presents as. For some readers, I think he will evoke fury, having no respect for some of the women (or their partners) when he beds them. Infidelity often gives rise to rage for a lot of readers so just an FYI.

The story goes along the boy meets girl style story, obstacles in the way however it goes a bit deeper and delves into issues that some readers may find a touch a nerve. We hear a lot from Adams view point which is quite refreshing as a lot of these books have the female as the main protagonist. Certainly a different read and whilst I didn't love the characters, I did have a soft spot for Sienna's father, I did enjoy the book. 3/5 for me this time, this is my first dance with this author, I would read her again. I voluntarily reviewed this book, thanks to the author for introducing me to her writing!

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam is a handsome man and women tend to notice him. He does sleep around, mostly with married women who aren't looking for any kind of relationship. Commitment is something that Adam doesn't want at all. He drinks, he takes risks and he doesn't have a steady job. His life isn't going anywhere and his friend Nate keeps trying to stand by him and warn him when he's about to make a mistake. Adam is so troubled by his past that he can't get himself together. Then he meets Sienna. Sienna knows Adam is someone she should stay away from, but she sees something in him. She's giving him chance after chance, because she knows he's broken. They like each other a lot, but will he change his ways for her, will he actually be able to do that or will he break Sienna's heart?

Adam lives on a boat and Sienna keeps seeing him with different women. That's how she knows he's good in bed and she needs something from him. He's helping her, but that help has a price. Is this price something that both of them are ready to pay? Even though Adam isn't ideal boyfriend material there's something endearing about him. I could understand why Sienna wanted to give him a chance. I wanted it to work between them, but there were so many obstacles. I kept hoping and was keeping my fingers crossed for this unusual couple.

Sheryl Browne's words are sparkling, they are so energetic. I admire the way she writes her stories, they are full of life. Sheryl's main characters are different, they have quirks and they don't have standard jobs. I love that about them. Even though Adam should be bad news I liked him straight away and I wanted him to find love. He isn't a bad guy, he's messed up. Sheryl Browne manages to give her characters a lot of depth. She doesn't only do that when she writes big and important scenes, but also with small gestures. Adam is trying to do the right thing for Sienna, he's courting her, he's trying to convince her dad that he's worthy of his daughter's love and he's there when she needs to be saved. All of that makes his mistakes easily forgiven and forgotten. Adam and Sienna are an unusual couple and their story is quite unique. I liked that a lot. I really enjoyed reading this book, I love Sheryl Browne's strong and intense writing, it's a joy to read.

[Jennifer Kirkwood (Levac) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for romances and second chances at love. This story started out okay, I will be honest I was having a hard time with the two main characters, Adam and Sienna. Sienna started out to me to be very naive and didn't seem to have much self-esteem or worth for herself. Adam, well he had me thinking some women really needs to shake him silly and put him in his place for being so arrogant, womanizing and rude, get a grip man. I always give myself enough time with a book before putting it down and walking away. I am really glad I pushed through the first little bit as I ended up liking both, Adam and Sienna by the end of the book. Adam is a broken soul, he has had a really rough, emotional past. He is depressed and has post traumatic stress disorder. Sienna has also had a very emotional childhood and past romantic relationship. She is naive because she hasn't had the opportunity to experience the joys of a healthy romantic relationship. I love Sienna's strength to see Adam's good, even when everyone else sees 'bad news Adam', she never gives up on him.

The story has so much too it. I can't go into too much detail as one aspect of the story line that I really liked would give so much away. The author keeps so much from us, I found myself just wanting to know if what I thought happened was actually right or not. I did find some of the internal dialogue a bit much, could have been shorted as it was repetitive but I did like getting into Adam's emotional turmoils and getting to know the characters better inside. The story is told from both of the characters POV. I did wish the author had used a * or something to give us warning we were leaving one POV to go to the other. It wasn't really confusing but I would have liked a break to show the change of POV.

I loved the romance and fire between the two. When they were together the tension was high and the love passionate. It was bordering on soft erotica. Adam, Le sigh ;-)

Overall? I really enjoyed this novel, I give it a 4.5 stars out of 5. I have actually looked up more from the author and added them to my to-be-read list.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Part of Legit Lit Books Tour. Check out Genuinejenn.com for more reviews.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book I couldn't see how Adam was going to be likeable at all! He really seemed to be completely immoral, a Casanova happily sleeping with any woman who came his way - and it seemed there were plenty! Sienna, an aspiring screenwriter, is hugely attracted to him and he sounds like a bit of an Adonis to be fair. Sienna has been hurt in a recent relationship and is still being hounded by her ex. She has come to the riverside cottage for peace to work on a script which her editor has suggested needs spicing up a little. But with no experience on that front, how can she write something convincing? It seems that Adam may just provide the perfect inspiration.

I enjoyed this story more and more as it went on and it becomes clear that Adam had his reasons for being a commitment-phobe. There was such a sad story in his past and I began to realise that he was much misunderstood. Sienna too has a similar sad story in her background. As Sienna comes to know Adam better, she realises that there is more to him than everyone thinks and he is a much better person than everyone seems to believe. If only she could convince her friends. As for Adam, he feels that Sienna could be that special someone in his life but can he commit?

The Rest of My Life is an entertaining love story where, inevitably, the path to true love doesn't run smoothly. There were a few really funny moments in the story too such as when Adam was on the phone to Sienna on several occasions being, shall I politely say amorous, only to discover that her PE instructor father was listening grimly behind! There's a hint of magic in this book, with a ghostly presence guiding some of Adam's decisions. I learned a fabulous new word too - gongoozler: someone who enjoys watching activity on canals.

The Rest of My Life was a great fun, really enjoyable read and it turned out that Adam was a true ChocLit hero after all! Definitely recommend this one for summer holiday reading.

(Thanks to Netgalley and ChocLit for the review copy)

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rest of my Life was one of those books that had me up well into the early hours of the morning to finish. I simply could not put it down. The main character in the story, Adam, is on a path of self-destruction brought about by the death of the woman he loves and confusion about his past and even his present. His heart feels like it is made of lead and will never feel love again. Adam sails from port to port, woman to woman, not giving a thought for anyone’s feelings or even his own most of the time. At times he made me want to scream although it soon becomes clear to the reader that Adam isn’t the playboy he tries to portray! He is haunted by the ghost of his past, literally, but simply gets into his boat and attempts to sail away from the heartache he is drowning in and never gives a thought to the heartache he is causing.


Sienna has rented a cottage close to where Adam has moored his boat. She too has been hurt by someone she thought she loved and her heart is bruised and vulnerable and she constantly questions whether she could ever appeal to anyone sexually again. However, she soon falls for Adam and his smouldering good looks and the sexual chemistry between them sizzles off the pages. However, Sienna’s feelings are overshadowed by Adam’s determination not to feel anything. Adam lives for the here and now and the quick fixes he can get from his encounters with women. But, Sienna catches a glimpse of something more in Adam. There is a vulnerability there and love. If only Adam was brave enough to share it with her.


Sheryl Browne has excelled herself with this book. It is both gritty and heart-warming and a definite best seller. The characters within the book are both complex and appealing to the reader and you will have your heart melted by the vulnerability of Sienna and Adam. So much so that you want to save them both! But, the real questions are…….will they manage to save each other and will they get help from an unlikely source? Read the book and find out. I defy anyone not to adore this book.

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me leave you in no doubt from the start - I absolutely loved this book.

Sienna is immediately likeable - sharing a cottage near the marina with the rather more cynical Lauren and arthritic non-swimming dog Tobias, struggling to put some passion into her writing. Adam too is immensely likeable - and there are times when, by rights, he really shouldn't be. He's totally without a sense of right or wrong where women are concerned, but his hidden depths and sad back-story carry him through to your heart. 

While the two main characters are wonderfully drawn, so are the supporting ones - I was quite a fan of Nathaniel who runs the marina, and Sienna's dad David is quite perfect (and his encounters with Adam are so brilliantly done). The dialogue is what really made this book for me - it's so well written, realistic and sparkling with life, wonderfully funny at times, really touching and sad at others. And it's a book with a perfect sense of place - the marina and its residents really became my home for as long as I was reading. 

Just a little warning for those of you who might pick up a book published by Choc Lit knowing there will be a handsome hero, but expecting the action to end outside the bedroom door. This doesn't really have anything that would shock your gran, but it is a tad raunchier than you might expect - and let's face it, who wouldn't want to enter the bedroom with the delectable Adam? It’s a book that certainly left me with a smile on my face (and not only because of Adam…). This was a really fantastic read, sheer enjoyment from beginning to end that I bet you won't be able to put it down either.

I’ve never picked up one of Sheryl Browne’s books before, and really had no idea wrote so well. But I really should have - Choc Lit don't publish any old thing. Please read this one - even if you think it might not be entirely your cup of tea. I wouldn't have said it was mine either before reading, but I really loved it. And it wasn't just because of Adam - really it wasn't!

[Sorcha O'Dowd · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! Review to follow.

Sexy, heartfelt and gorgeously written, 'The Rest of My Life' is a definite five-star read!

Sienna is a heroine that you will root for straight away. I think many young women will relate to Sienna, and will see a lot of themselves in her story. Seeing how determined she is to be independent and make her own choices and mistakes was so great to read, especially when we see how down-trodden she is by her best friend/housemate at times. Seeing how her innocent nature makes her best friend and even those she doesn't know well feel protective of her, was what made her independence all that more exciting to see, especially in her reactions to Adam.

Adam was on shaky ground when we are first introduced to him, and getting to see his perspective on life, and his way of protecting himself from future emotional damage was what really made me warm to him. Sheryl Browne did a brilliant job at creating such a well-rounded and emotionally developed characters. When rating a book, I always take into account the emotions that were invoked in me as I read, and with this book, my heart ached as we see Adam taking one step forward and two steps back, in both his own life and his relationship with Sienna.

And what took me really by surprise: This book is 'HOT! HOT! HOT!'. A steamy, heart-pounding romance, with two characters that you will root for from the beginning.

5 Stars!

[Steffi]

digital copy recieved via netgalley and Choc Lit

DNF @ 30%

I am sorry but I just can't finish this book, there are too many things bothering me.

From the beginning I had problems getting into the story. Several times I had the feeling that I missed something in the story or needed some background information.
I couldn't connect with the characters at all. Adam's behaviour wasn't tolerable for me and Sienna's naiveté was simply annoying. I also didn't like how certain things were handled, there were just wrong to me.

I did like the setting though. The houseboats gave everything a special atmosphere which I enjoyed. Still it couldn't make me enjoy the story and I just didn't have the wish to continue.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheryl Browne really knows how to dig deep when it comes to characterisation - the portrayal of the hero had me hating him one minute then feeling sorry for him before realising he was a prat and then finding him quite endearing. In between it was a hell of a journey, not just for the reader but for the heroine too. Realistic dialogue, wonderful characters and a heap of romance - let's not forget Toby the dog too! Anyone who likes romance that isn't too sugar-coated will love this book.

[Irene · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a silly book.

[Sue Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Rest of My Life’, is a fun, sexy, romantic tale of two people who need to find themselves in order to find each other.

Adam is the talk of the town. His houseboat has seen more action whilst moored in the marina than out at sea, with the string of women that come and go, many of them married. He is swooned after by the women in Worcestershire, whilst despised by the men who want to run him out of town.

Sienna is the newcomer to the village after moving into a little cottage overlooking the marina. She is a scriptwriter and hoping to get her big break, if only she can get one scene spot on. To make the scene work she may just be required to do some physical research, this is where Adam could come in handy.

Will these two ever be more than friends when they are both carrying emotional baggage, and Adam is set on a course for self destruction?

The synopsis had me hooked right away as I knew it wasn’t going to be some easy cushy romantic book. I did however struggle with the first few chapters and wondered what I had let myself in for.

At the beginning, Adam really irked me. His behaviour was like a man on a mission to bed all the town’s women and drink himself to death. He didn’t care whether the women were married or not. If it was offered to him on a plate, who was he to turn it down.

Sienna also started off as this young, naive girl who had just moved away from home. On seeing Adam for the first time she was instantly attracted and tried to make herself noticed. She bugged me that she knew his reputation and even though he was horrible to her she still wanted him.

As the story progressed, I came to understand why they both acted the way they did. Adam is emotionally damaged and is looking to be intimate with women without the attachment, which he feels he will never be able to give again. He’s frightened of not only getting hurt, but also hurting others.

He can’t forgive himself for his past actions, even if the past is trying to help him move on with his life, he just needs to realise that.

As I read more about Sienna I became to understand her caring and kind nature and why see’s something in Adam that no-one else can, even himself.

She has this nurturing instinct and you get the feeling that she wants to be the one to save Adam from himself. The more I got into the plot, the more I liked Sienna, even if she is quite young in the way she approaches situations.

I loved the added touch of Emily. I had kind of worked out what had happened to her, yet I did have my doubts until the truth was outed. She really must of loved Adam with all of her heart to want to help him, and see him in a better place.

There are some fabulous secondary characters, but Nathaniel (Nate), was my favourite. He is like the ‘boy next door’, the one all the girls love, in a friends way, but not boyfriend material. He was a bit of a mother hen, which made a nice change to see a man doing the nagging in a book and not a woman.

Sheryl Browne has written an adorable, sweet book, that is also sassy, with an emotional core to it. It does contain slight ‘sexy’ scenes, but it is done within the context of the story and naturally written.

The book has so many levels to it that when I peeled them back, to me the story was about showing how much the past can destroy the present, and the future, if you let it. To move on in life sometimes you have to make peace with the past and leave it exactly where it should be.

Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com

[Kate’s Book Spot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Sheryl's books so I was really looking forward to reading this one, even more so because I'd heard a lot of good things about it.

Two very different characters greeted me during the first pages, it made me wonder how and when they would find their connection.

It quickly became apparent that Adam was living with some kind of hurt, his behaviour was too destructive for him not to be. Honestly, I really didn't like him much at that point but when Sienna witnessed something she shouldn't have, I couldn't help but giggle at the mortifying situation.

As the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, my feelings towards Adam started to change. Although I still didn't agree with what he had done, I guess I could understand it and actually found myself wanting to help him! Sienna, on the other hand, seemed like an open book. I loved her honesty and naivety because it complimented Adam's closed-up personality perfectly.

The thing I loved most about this book was the variety - the author successfully created an atmosphere that was steamy, amusing and heart-wrenching all at the same time. It pretty much contained everything that would grab my attention and keep me interested.

The misty apparition was a fabulous addition to the storyline. It was something I hadn't expected but I think the character who was affected by it really needed that presence in their life, particularly during the tense scenes towards the end.

This was a very sexually charged read but it also had bags of emotional and even funny moments which, in my opinion, made it a perfect all-rounder.

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

*received from NetGalley for review*

Sienna and her friend Lauren are renting a cottage overlooking the docks. One day Sienna's elderly arthritic dog, who can't swim, slips out the door to go exploring, and falls into the water. Adam, who lives on his boat, dives into the icy water and rescues the dog. How could I not fall in love with him after that? Despite the fact that he promptly yells at Sienna for letting a dog who can't swim roam around the docks without a life jacket.

I had mixed emotions about this book. For the most part I enjoyed it. Sienna is fairly young, and is doing rewrites to her screenplay. Her editor has told her she needs to sex it up a little, but Sienna has no sexual experience, other than an ex who aggressively groped her, leading to their breakup. Enter Adam.

Sienna has dubbed Adam “Lothario” in her head due to the string of women in his wake. Adam is running from life. His ex-fiance's ghost is silently following him around, their baby – or is it actually his brother's baby? - is being raised by her sister and Adam never sees her. He exists on odd jobs mowing lawns and such, and just wants to get his boat in running shape and sail around alone, having quick meet and greets with women along the way. He doesn't see why sleeping with married women is an issue, as long as it's strictly sex and not a relationship. And then he meets Sienna.

With Adam, we have a character who learns from his mistaken behavior, who grows as the book progresses, who redeems himself. Sienna, not so much. She was pretty much the same character at the end as she was at the beginning. Not that I didn't like her. I did, and I appreciated her loyalty to Adam and coming to his defense when her father and her roommate put him down.

Her father. He was the character who gave me the mixed emotions. At a pivotal point in the book, he shows up at the cottage and moves in for two weeks. Because he apparently did not trust Sienna to deal with her own messy relationship. At the point where Adam needs to man up, Daddy comes in and becomes his daughter's guardian, practically stalking Adam and watching every move he makes with a glare in his eyes. It was as if Sienna and Adam were a couple of fifteen-year-olds, and I just found the whole situation ridiculous. I wanted to shout at Daddy to butt out and go home.

Interfering fathers aside, this was a sweet and amusing romance, with some tense and gripping moments toward the end.

Review first posted on my blog.

[Elite Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Rest of My Life by Sheryl Browne ***

Fifty Shades of Formulaic

I will put my hands up right away and say that this is not my preferred genre. But having read this book two things struck me right away. This author also writes thrillers and crime novels. I find it brave and fascinating for someone to write in two such diverse genres. It is almost like Guns and Roses composing a concerto for violins. The second striking aspect of this book is that so much of it was from the male perspective when so often the female viewpoint dominates in choc lit/chick lit.

There is a tendency today in some circles to over intellectualise everything and an endearing quality of a story like this is that are no such pretensions. No writer of this genre is sitting with their fingers crossed hoping to be shortlisted for the Booker. It does what it says on the packet. It’s a story, enjoy it. And that’s what I tried to do.

It is formulaic; it’s seldom a case of will the protagonists reach a happy ending? It’s more a case of how they do it. Like a romantic obstacle race and we want to see how they negotiate the hurdles that increase in height and proximity as the story gathers momentum. It’s a safe, comfortable book. There are cliches a plenty in language and in situation but they are cuddly cliches. The characters, too, are cliched but not exasperatingly so as can happen. I’ve read stories in this genre where all I’ve wanted to do was slap the main characters off the page. But I didn’t want to do this here. I was rooting for them to win their race without dropping the baton too many times or injuring themselves too badly as they fell against the hurdles. The momentum is sustained throughout the book with some pleasing crescendos.

Whilst neither characters nor plot are mere caricatures they are a one step exaggeration of real life. That doesn’t make them unbelievable rather it make us remember that it is a work of fiction. The main characters in the book were well defined and their personalities maintained throughout the story so you weren’t just thinking they were there as a plot device. The friendships seemed genuine. And their behaviours and reactions were as frustrating as any we come across in our daily lives.

If you enjoy contemporary romantic fiction you will enjoy this book.

Oh, and, if it floats your boat the sex bits are quite good. Insert wink emoticon here.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam is living alone on his boat. He once was part of a very wealthy family, but he turned his back on his relatives when they broke his heart. Now he takes every odd job he can get. Ever since his fiancée betrayed him with his brother, got pregnant and ended her life Adam chooses to live with no strings attached. The women he sleeps with know that they will never get anything more than what Adam has to offer in the bedroom. Most of the women are married anyway so this arrangement works well for both parties. Because of all the activities Adam has with women he isn't a very popular man in town.

Sienna has been raised by her father. Ever since her mother died her father has been very protective over her. She and her best friend Lauren rent a cottage which looks out over the docks. They have seen Adam from a distance and are not oblivious to his good looks. Sienna thinks he is gorgeous but also knows about his romantic escapades. When her dog escapes from the cottage and jumps into the water Adam comes to the rescue. Because of the fact that her dog has arthritis he can’t swim. Sienna is more than thankful, but can’t seem to do anything right with Adam.

Sienna is writing a book and she has been asked to put in some bedroom scenes. She knows that if there's one person who can help her with those steamy scenes it must be Adam. When she turns to him for help they both can’t deny the attraction they feel towards each other.

The Rest Of My Life is an amazing story about loss, hurt and finding love again. Adam is actually a truly sweet man but he needs to heal. The ghost of his fiancée is following him around and he doesn’t understand what she wants from him. He makes a lot of wrong decisions on his path to becoming whole again. Sienna is one of the few people who can see the good in Adam. She stands by him through everything.

Sheryl Browne pulled me in from the very beginning and I couldn’t stop reading. I grabbed my kindle immediately, even when I only had a few minutes to read. I already knew that Suze is a big fan of Sheryl’s books and she told me that I would love her stories as well. She was right. Sheryl Browne has found a new fan in me.