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So Now You're Back
Halle Best, TV's Domestic Diva, is proud of everything she's achieved.
Halle took her passion for baking and built her media empire alone after her ex Luke walked out on her sixteen years ago, leaving her a single mum to their two-year-old daughter Lizzie in a dingy flat in Hackney.
Now a bona fide celebrity success, she only speaks to Luke via her lawyer. But as he is threatening to write a tell-all book exposing some of Halle's deepest secrets, keeping him at arm's length won't be so easy anymore.
When Luke suggests a getaway to work through their past, Halle thinks he's crazy; if they can survive two weeks together it will be a miracle.
Yet reconnecting with her past, could be the only way to start her future.
Halle took her passion for baking and built her media empire alone after her ex Luke walked out on her sixteen years ago, leaving her a single mum to their two-year-old daughter Lizzie in a dingy flat in Hackney.
Now a bona fide celebrity success, she only speaks to Luke via her lawyer. But as he is threatening to write a tell-all book exposing some of Halle's deepest secrets, keeping him at arm's length won't be so easy anymore.
When Luke suggests a getaway to work through their past, Halle thinks he's crazy; if they can survive two weeks together it will be a miracle.
Yet reconnecting with her past, could be the only way to start her future.
- GenresChick Lit
414 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2016
5 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Rice
604 books411 followersMy name's Heidi Rice, I'm a USA Today Bestselling author. I'm married with two sons (which gives me rather too much of an insight into the male psyche!).
I love my job because it involves sitting down at my computer and getting swept up in a world of high emotions, sensual excitement, funny feisty women, sexy tortured men and glamourous locations where laundry doesn't exist ...
I also tutor a 14-week in-depth online Write a Romance Novel course. So, if you have ever wanted to learn how to write romance from a bestselling author, check it out here: www.profwritingacademy.com/course/wri...
Now I believe wholeheartedly that readers should give honest and open reviews on Goodreads and Amazon and elsewhere. If you didn't like a book you are entitled to say so (even if it's mine! ouch). But you may notice that none of my book reviews are less than four-stars. That's simply because as an author myself I know how pathetically sensitive I am about bad reviews and with that in mind I prefer to spread the love among other authors — and don't do public reviews of books I didn't like. Just thought I'd clarify that!
You can find out about my latest releases and all my other books at www.heidi-rice.com
I love my job because it involves sitting down at my computer and getting swept up in a world of high emotions, sensual excitement, funny feisty women, sexy tortured men and glamourous locations where laundry doesn't exist ...
I also tutor a 14-week in-depth online Write a Romance Novel course. So, if you have ever wanted to learn how to write romance from a bestselling author, check it out here: www.profwritingacademy.com/course/wri...
Now I believe wholeheartedly that readers should give honest and open reviews on Goodreads and Amazon and elsewhere. If you didn't like a book you are entitled to say so (even if it's mine! ouch). But you may notice that none of my book reviews are less than four-stars. That's simply because as an author myself I know how pathetically sensitive I am about bad reviews and with that in mind I prefer to spread the love among other authors — and don't do public reviews of books I didn't like. Just thought I'd clarify that!
You can find out about my latest releases and all my other books at www.heidi-rice.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 16, 2016
This is Heidi Rice's first foray into single title books and it's long overdue! I'll fess up now and admit that Heidi Rice is a personal friend of mine, but that aside, I am a huge fan of her sparkling witty and very sexy stories. No-one does dialogue like her. If you're a fan of The Great British Bake Off then you'll love this. Halle is a celebrity chef/baker who has single - handedly brought up her teenage (and going on 30 ;)) daughter and young son. Everything in her life is going well - in spite of her daughter's sullen teenage angst..and then the worst thing happens: her ex and the father of her daughter, intrepid journalist, deliciously sexy Luke Best, has decided to write his memoirs, which will surely include salacious details about Halle and their doomed relationship. Halle needs to do some serious damage limitation and if that means going on a 'couples' retreat with the man who is her own personal kryptonite, in order to save her life from imploding, then so be it. Anyway, she's totally over Luke...isn't she?!
September 29, 2019
Absolutely loved everything about this book. Such warm characters and wonderful interlocking stories. Xx
May 3, 2016
4.5 Stars
I freely admit to having the lyrics to I Will Survive running through my head, pretty much every time I have come across this book's title, so in some respects very glad I read it on my kindle, so didn't have to stare at the pretty cover continuously, and thankfully I loved the book every bit as much as I do, the classic disco/karaoke hit!
There really are two romances going on in this book, one for Halle, and involving her 18 year old daughter Lizzie. Lizzie's story is more of a coming of age, realising your maturity style of story, as well as her possibly inappropriate crush that could turn into more.
However for Halle, its the reappearance in her life of Lizzie's father who she has refused to speak to for 16 years is a shock. As is the way she ends up being tricked into spending two weeks in the wilderness in Tennessee, on an extreme couples retreat. Needless to say some of the consequences could be regarded as predictable and the rest are generally highly amusing.
There is clearly still a spark between Halle and Luke, however she goes to great lengths to try and deny it. I loved some of the banter between the pair of them, and throughout the book there were small sections of dialogue that would make me smile and giggle to myself.
This is generally a very upbeat book which doesn't have a huge amount of depth to it, until you start learning about the key males childhoods and upbringings at which point, there is a more serious thread there.
I found So Now You're Back to be a really easy to read book, that was a sheer delight, and I will definitely be looking out for future releases by Heidi Rice.
Thank you to Netgalley and MIRA for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
I freely admit to having the lyrics to I Will Survive running through my head, pretty much every time I have come across this book's title, so in some respects very glad I read it on my kindle, so didn't have to stare at the pretty cover continuously, and thankfully I loved the book every bit as much as I do, the classic disco/karaoke hit!
There really are two romances going on in this book, one for Halle, and involving her 18 year old daughter Lizzie. Lizzie's story is more of a coming of age, realising your maturity style of story, as well as her possibly inappropriate crush that could turn into more.
However for Halle, its the reappearance in her life of Lizzie's father who she has refused to speak to for 16 years is a shock. As is the way she ends up being tricked into spending two weeks in the wilderness in Tennessee, on an extreme couples retreat. Needless to say some of the consequences could be regarded as predictable and the rest are generally highly amusing.
There is clearly still a spark between Halle and Luke, however she goes to great lengths to try and deny it. I loved some of the banter between the pair of them, and throughout the book there were small sections of dialogue that would make me smile and giggle to myself.
This is generally a very upbeat book which doesn't have a huge amount of depth to it, until you start learning about the key males childhoods and upbringings at which point, there is a more serious thread there.
I found So Now You're Back to be a really easy to read book, that was a sheer delight, and I will definitely be looking out for future releases by Heidi Rice.
Thank you to Netgalley and MIRA for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
May 19, 2018
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. I may even go so far as to read some of the author’s other books.
September 18, 2022
Loved it !
January 9, 2022
The ending was very cheesy but other than that lots of plot twists lots of steamy bits some sad moments which were very well written and some absolutely hilarious moments!
June 2, 2016
I couldn't resist reviewing this book, after all Heidi Rice is one of my favourite authors and one who inspired me to write. My only problem with Heidi's books are that I always find the end comes too soon (only because I can't put them down) so I was thrilled to discover that So Now You're Back is a single title!
I love nostalgic, first love stories and this one is no exception. Though this book seemed a little different in that I wondered how Luke, the hero, could possibly redeem himself having left Halle and his young daughter Lizzie, to never return. Usually there's some conflict to justify a wrong, but the author handled it perfectly - with honesty. Luke knew he'd stuffed up and accepted Halle's wrath. That's not to say you couldn't fall in love with him - I totally did. Plus there is some emotional background for Luke that makes his actions understandable, if not justified and knowing that Luke missed out on much of his daughters life was enough punishment.
What is great about this book is that there is not one romance story - but two! When Halle is forced, or rather conned, into spending time with Luke at a retreat to avoid having her past scrutinized by all, she has to leave her son in the care of Trey, the au pair. Lizzie their daughter is all grown up now. Grown up, surly and shows little interest in the career that takes her mother away from her. Lizzie doesn't take too well at being left with Mr. Perfect and her little brother, who is nothing but annoying. As Halle and Luke finally confront their pasts, Lizzie starts to question her behaviour too, finally confronting the fact that she has a crush on Trey.
This book has it all. Humour, emotion and definitely heat! The tense relationship between Halle and Luke certainly ups the heat level. And then there's the sweet. The blossoming romance between Lizzie and the very adorable Trey. Needless to say there are bumps in the road for both couples, but surely Luke can't mess up again - or can he?
A gorgeous read!
*ARC received from NetGalley in return for honest review*
I love nostalgic, first love stories and this one is no exception. Though this book seemed a little different in that I wondered how Luke, the hero, could possibly redeem himself having left Halle and his young daughter Lizzie, to never return. Usually there's some conflict to justify a wrong, but the author handled it perfectly - with honesty. Luke knew he'd stuffed up and accepted Halle's wrath. That's not to say you couldn't fall in love with him - I totally did. Plus there is some emotional background for Luke that makes his actions understandable, if not justified and knowing that Luke missed out on much of his daughters life was enough punishment.
What is great about this book is that there is not one romance story - but two! When Halle is forced, or rather conned, into spending time with Luke at a retreat to avoid having her past scrutinized by all, she has to leave her son in the care of Trey, the au pair. Lizzie their daughter is all grown up now. Grown up, surly and shows little interest in the career that takes her mother away from her. Lizzie doesn't take too well at being left with Mr. Perfect and her little brother, who is nothing but annoying. As Halle and Luke finally confront their pasts, Lizzie starts to question her behaviour too, finally confronting the fact that she has a crush on Trey.
This book has it all. Humour, emotion and definitely heat! The tense relationship between Halle and Luke certainly ups the heat level. And then there's the sweet. The blossoming romance between Lizzie and the very adorable Trey. Needless to say there are bumps in the road for both couples, but surely Luke can't mess up again - or can he?
A gorgeous read!
*ARC received from NetGalley in return for honest review*
April 2, 2016
An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
An enjoyable, easy to read book. I really enjoyed the main plot line following Halle and Luke and thought their characters were well developed and likeable. It was well written and a believable interaction between two exes who hadn't parted on the best of terms which helped make the story seem more real. The subplot line following her children and au pair was also good but the timescale it happened over makes it a little less believable (in my opinion) but I still loved the characters and willed them to have their happy ending!
All in all an enjoyable read and anyone who is into chick lit will probably enjoy this book!
An enjoyable, easy to read book. I really enjoyed the main plot line following Halle and Luke and thought their characters were well developed and likeable. It was well written and a believable interaction between two exes who hadn't parted on the best of terms which helped make the story seem more real. The subplot line following her children and au pair was also good but the timescale it happened over makes it a little less believable (in my opinion) but I still loved the characters and willed them to have their happy ending!
All in all an enjoyable read and anyone who is into chick lit will probably enjoy this book!
April 30, 2016
I loved this book, it was exactly what you want from this genre, making me laugh out loud on more than one occasion!
The characters were likeable, even lovable (Luke), easy to relate too and genuine. The story itself was well written, covering all the characters points of view in a manner that was easy to follow. The situation between Halle and Luke was very believable, not something you often find with this type of novel, the side plot between Lizzie and Trey was slightly less so however I can take that with a pinch of salt. The ending was fairly predictable, but find me a chick-lit that isn't!
I will definitely be picking up more titles by Rice in the future.
Thank you to Harlequin (UK) Limited, via NetGalley, for this ARC.
The characters were likeable, even lovable (Luke), easy to relate too and genuine. The story itself was well written, covering all the characters points of view in a manner that was easy to follow. The situation between Halle and Luke was very believable, not something you often find with this type of novel, the side plot between Lizzie and Trey was slightly less so however I can take that with a pinch of salt. The ending was fairly predictable, but find me a chick-lit that isn't!
I will definitely be picking up more titles by Rice in the future.
Thank you to Harlequin (UK) Limited, via NetGalley, for this ARC.
May 22, 2016
This book was everything i expected it to be from the blurb (and yes, i'll admit, i was drawn in by the cover!) A fabulous,enjoyable and easy reading novel.
A book with characters and a storyline, that are both likeable (yes, even Luke) , believeable and will make you laugh out loud and read with a smile on your face.
The main plot follows exes Halle and Luke, who, after parting on less than good terms, find themselves thrown together into a retreat along with their teenage daughter. However, due to the wonderful writing of Heidi Rice, you find their interactions, meetings and exchanges extremely believeable.
With the 4 main characters and a sub plotline going on, the writing flows well, is easy to keep up with.
This is my first Heidi Rice but definitely not my last. Just fab!
A book with characters and a storyline, that are both likeable (yes, even Luke) , believeable and will make you laugh out loud and read with a smile on your face.
The main plot follows exes Halle and Luke, who, after parting on less than good terms, find themselves thrown together into a retreat along with their teenage daughter. However, due to the wonderful writing of Heidi Rice, you find their interactions, meetings and exchanges extremely believeable.
With the 4 main characters and a sub plotline going on, the writing flows well, is easy to keep up with.
This is my first Heidi Rice but definitely not my last. Just fab!
May 25, 2016
So Now You're Back was a light read, didn't have much depth to it really and so far from taxing. It was quite funny but not to the extent I thought it would be however in all it was a nice, fun easy going read. General chick lit I thought; I liked most of the characters even Luke! They were easy to relate too and I've got many friends just like them!! I enjoyed the book it's a good holiday read I thought I'd read more from the author.
I received an ARC via Netgalley for an honest unbiased review.
I received an ARC via Netgalley for an honest unbiased review.
December 30, 2017
Enjoyed this tale! It's not 'perfect', not slick and all that - very 'real', which is what you need sometimes. Escape but still real. Wondered a lot how Luke would redeem himself - I had nothing but contempt for this guy when I met him. He didn't exactly grow on me, but you can see where it all came from. That's what I mean in the 'real' sense. Real life is not rainbows and bows, but you can have a second chance sometimes. Still not rainbows and bows, but there might be a few smiles and pretty along the way, which is sometimes enough.
March 1, 2019
For its genre, its pretty good. The writer's voice/narration is good. I admit that the first part I read was the last chapter. Sue me.
When I started the book for real, I wanted to put it down because I hated what the guy did and I do not want him forgiven. I kept reading because I'm curious about his reasons. It was all so vague.
So the storyline is good. Character good. No problem with the author's voice. Good cover.
When I started the book for real, I wanted to put it down because I hated what the guy did and I do not want him forgiven. I kept reading because I'm curious about his reasons. It was all so vague.
So the storyline is good. Character good. No problem with the author's voice. Good cover.
June 20, 2016
This is a modern well written story. It is about the difficulty in family life when children see their other parent. The book was very descriptive and sets a very emotional scene throughout. It's easy to identify with day to day living and all the problems it brings.
March 26, 2016
*3.5 stars*
July 21, 2016
If you want a laugh-out-loud funny, sexy, romantic novel this book is for you! I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down.
April 1, 2016
Enjoyable read. The story switches between the different perspective of 4 characters and 2 relationships, one that is trying to overcome a difficult past and one that is starting in the present.
September 6, 2016
fab book, likeable characters, interesting storyline and loved the ending
June 2, 2017
Very good book, twists and turns and a complete ending!! No unanswered questions left at the end
February 27, 2018
This was the first Heidi Rice novel I had read, so came to it with no preconceived ideas as to what to expect. I found it really hard to get into - the lead character seemed to a little self absorbed for my liking, and the children were not very likeable at all. I did warm to them as the book went on (maybe this was the plan all along...) but still didn't really warm to Halle. If my sister gave me another book by the author then I would probably read it, but there are other authors I would choose to read first. It's not dire, and worth a look if you like rom com books, but just not on the top of my preferred authors in this genre.
March 2, 2022
DNFed when I realized it would just keep going on about people being bratty and turned on all the time. Also: I stand by my verdict. Luke is an asshat. Men who leave are asshats. And being douchey about her holding a grudge that he did? Just proves it.
April 12, 2016
So Now You're Back, Heidi Rice
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
This made for a simple, fun read. There two romances, the main one of Halle and Luke of course, but also a gentle romance beginning between Halle’s daughter Lizzie and Trey, au pair for Halle’s ten year old son Aldo – and he was a terrific addition to the group. He felt very real, very true to the average ten year old!
Lizzie and Trey – that was a sweet romance and it was interesting to see Lizzie mature from a spoiled, pouting teen into a caring and thoughtful young woman.Trey was only 21 himself, and yet what he’d been through meant his background was very different to Lizzie’s and had made him into a thoughtful and caring young man.
So, MCs Luke and Halle, get thrown together for two weeks, each having their own agendas. I love the way authors make a situation and/or a person so horrible we immediately hate them, lay the blame for everything wrong at their door, and then they show us a different viewpoint and I’m wondering and thinking “ah, maybe if?? I understand why he/she did...” Its easy to prejudge only knowing half the story and here I felt Luke was a rat bag of the highest order...then we learn more and Halle too is surprised.
If you’re looking for a fun read, a light story that will make you smile and feel good at the end this book is for you. Its not a heart stopping, drama filled read – I love those but sometimes I’m in the mood for something simple and easy, that doesn’t need too much thinking over what happens. There were times I felt it dragged a bit or when I wanted to shake Luke and Halle. Its one I enjoyed but won’t be rereading.
Stars: Four, a fun. light read.
ARC supplied by publishers and Netgalley
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
This made for a simple, fun read. There two romances, the main one of Halle and Luke of course, but also a gentle romance beginning between Halle’s daughter Lizzie and Trey, au pair for Halle’s ten year old son Aldo – and he was a terrific addition to the group. He felt very real, very true to the average ten year old!
Lizzie and Trey – that was a sweet romance and it was interesting to see Lizzie mature from a spoiled, pouting teen into a caring and thoughtful young woman.Trey was only 21 himself, and yet what he’d been through meant his background was very different to Lizzie’s and had made him into a thoughtful and caring young man.
So, MCs Luke and Halle, get thrown together for two weeks, each having their own agendas. I love the way authors make a situation and/or a person so horrible we immediately hate them, lay the blame for everything wrong at their door, and then they show us a different viewpoint and I’m wondering and thinking “ah, maybe if?? I understand why he/she did...” Its easy to prejudge only knowing half the story and here I felt Luke was a rat bag of the highest order...then we learn more and Halle too is surprised.
If you’re looking for a fun read, a light story that will make you smile and feel good at the end this book is for you. Its not a heart stopping, drama filled read – I love those but sometimes I’m in the mood for something simple and easy, that doesn’t need too much thinking over what happens. There were times I felt it dragged a bit or when I wanted to shake Luke and Halle. Its one I enjoyed but won’t be rereading.
Stars: Four, a fun. light read.
ARC supplied by publishers and Netgalley
April 11, 2016
Absolutely loved this story by Heidi Rice. Damage control is in order when her sexy ex and father of her daughter reappears in her life and lets her know he's about to publish his 'memoirs'. Since Halle is a celebrity chef and the last thing she needs is something to ruin her reputation she is almost prepared to do anything to stop it - even go on a retreat with her ex. Loved the dialogue and settings in this book, a reunion story is always my favourite and Heidi Rice does this one with sass, believable emotional angst and plenty of wit.
April 29, 2016
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this review copy.
Easy to read "chicklit" book. Halle, a well known TV chef is thrown into a two week retreat with her ex to try and repair their relationship for the sake of their 18 year old daughter. the story alternates between these two and the daughter. Easy to read story, but didn't feel very connected with the characters. The ending was nice though! One criticism was that there was some sex scenes in here, and perhaps it's because I'm getting old, but it was all a bit too 'descriptive' for my liking!
Easy to read "chicklit" book. Halle, a well known TV chef is thrown into a two week retreat with her ex to try and repair their relationship for the sake of their 18 year old daughter. the story alternates between these two and the daughter. Easy to read story, but didn't feel very connected with the characters. The ending was nice though! One criticism was that there was some sex scenes in here, and perhaps it's because I'm getting old, but it was all a bit too 'descriptive' for my liking!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews