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Starlight Hill #5
Forever with You
She forgot something on the way to the courthouse …
Sophia Abella has a good life, even if she is a little stuck. Not quite single, not quite married, she keeps men at a safe distance. But when her ex-Marine husband returns to town and takes the job of chief of police, it might finally be time to get that paper work done once and for all. After all, most of her family already thinks she’s divorced.
They’re not actually, in the fullest sense of the word … divorced.
Years ago, Riley Jacobs chose the Marine Corp over his wife and has regretted his decision every day since. But once a Marine always a Marine, and he’ll use every tactical advantage he has to get Sophia to realize that she’s the only one for him.
Love and marriage … take two
Sophia Abella has a good life, even if she is a little stuck. Not quite single, not quite married, she keeps men at a safe distance. But when her ex-Marine husband returns to town and takes the job of chief of police, it might finally be time to get that paper work done once and for all. After all, most of her family already thinks she’s divorced.
They’re not actually, in the fullest sense of the word … divorced.
Years ago, Riley Jacobs chose the Marine Corp over his wife and has regretted his decision every day since. But once a Marine always a Marine, and he’ll use every tactical advantage he has to get Sophia to realize that she’s the only one for him.
Love and marriage … take two
328 pages, ebook
First published April 24, 2016
219 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 5, 2019
Heroine got on my nerves
But I liked her okay and I loved Riley. He was a Marine, he was faithful to het, and he was hot. I loved her family too. And her friends. This is about a small town and I just loved the ambience. I will read some of her other books too. I enjoyed the story but I took one point away because the heroine was just dumb sometimes. Her family owns an Italian restaurant and she is still married to Riley and it's been seven years I think since they broke up. He comes back to town as the new sheriff and they still love each other. A little drama with his sister that is A drug addict and her douchebag boyfriend. I can't wait to read the rest of the stories. I just love small towns!
But I liked her okay and I loved Riley. He was a Marine, he was faithful to het, and he was hot. I loved her family too. And her friends. This is about a small town and I just loved the ambience. I will read some of her other books too. I enjoyed the story but I took one point away because the heroine was just dumb sometimes. Her family owns an Italian restaurant and she is still married to Riley and it's been seven years I think since they broke up. He comes back to town as the new sheriff and they still love each other. A little drama with his sister that is A drug addict and her douchebag boyfriend. I can't wait to read the rest of the stories. I just love small towns!
December 25, 2018
3.5 stars
July 17, 2019
Forever with you is a fifth book in the Starlight Hill series, but it can be read as standalone.
To be perfectly honest with you, there is nothing I didn’t like about this story.
As it happens sometimes in reviewer’s life, it took me ages until I gave this book a try, and the only thing that bothered me while I was reading it was the fact that I didn’t read it sooner.
This book was so beautiful and sweet. It’s a wonderful story about second chance romance filled with funny, relaxing and swoon worthy moments, with likeable characters that made my reading experience so enjoyable. It was a pleasure getting to know all of them and I would like to check out other Heatherly Bell’s novels.
If you like clean, small town romance stories, I think this one is for you!
To be perfectly honest with you, there is nothing I didn’t like about this story.
As it happens sometimes in reviewer’s life, it took me ages until I gave this book a try, and the only thing that bothered me while I was reading it was the fact that I didn’t read it sooner.
This book was so beautiful and sweet. It’s a wonderful story about second chance romance filled with funny, relaxing and swoon worthy moments, with likeable characters that made my reading experience so enjoyable. It was a pleasure getting to know all of them and I would like to check out other Heatherly Bell’s novels.
If you like clean, small town romance stories, I think this one is for you!
June 8, 2016
Low-angst, easy 2nd chance read about a couple who married young. The H is a marine who is deployed and the h doesn't handle the deployments well. She intends to divorce H but never gets around to it. H accepts the Chief of Police position in h's town when he doesn't re-up. He never stopped loving her and wants to resume their marriage. 3.5 stars.
January 28, 2019
Sophia is waiting at work, the family Italian restaurant she run, for her future to arrive to their first date, after weeks of online correspondence . But instead, it's her past who arrive. Riley, the edgy silent type, the man who broke her heart, the one she was supposed to divorce six years ago, but that she's still married to, the guy who's also her new neighbor. Riley left the Marine Corps to look out for his addict sister and accepted the job of new chief of police. But if she wants to move forward, she's gonna have to divorce her husband first, and let go of online dating too. The problem is that she can't even pronounce the d-word. Oh and also the fact that Riley want her back and he drive her crazy.
It was my first time reading something by this author and it was a pleasant surprise. The Kindle was free on Amazon and the cute dog on the cover convinced me to give it a try. You know I like dogs, but I have a preference for the pug nose like ones so I was happy to meet Hershee, the French Bulldog :). I liked the fact that both Sophia and Riley didn't pretend they were still madly in love when first meeting again. There's still feelings and attraction, but they don't act on it right away and Sophia is not sure she's ready to trust her heart again. What I appreciate also is that throughout the story, we learn little by little what happened to separate them.
It was my first time reading something by this author and it was a pleasant surprise. The Kindle was free on Amazon and the cute dog on the cover convinced me to give it a try. You know I like dogs, but I have a preference for the pug nose like ones so I was happy to meet Hershee, the French Bulldog :). I liked the fact that both Sophia and Riley didn't pretend they were still madly in love when first meeting again. There's still feelings and attraction, but they don't act on it right away and Sophia is not sure she's ready to trust her heart again. What I appreciate also is that throughout the story, we learn little by little what happened to separate them.
April 25, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the copy of this ARC to read for an honest review.
This second chance at love contemporary romance deals with young love, trust, communication, family and fears. The book also brings up subjects like dysfunctional families, at risk youth, online dating, friendship, work and adrenaline junkies…to name a few.
Sophia and Riley met and married when young and Sophia did not weather the military wife gig with deploying husband easily. One day an ultimatum was thrown down that led to a lengthy separation spanning years. I kind of wondered how they could live apart for such a long period of time without communication or contact and just leave things as they were. Anyway, about the time Sophia thinks she is ready to step back into the dating pool again Riley comes home. Moving from active duty as a Marine to a different and quieter life as chief of police he has an agenda – to woo his wife and deal with his sister’s issues. I know Sophia and Riley had chemistry and claimed to love one another but if their love was so great then why would they not at least try to communicate and fix things earlier than they did?
This second chance at love contemporary romance deals with young love, trust, communication, family and fears. The book also brings up subjects like dysfunctional families, at risk youth, online dating, friendship, work and adrenaline junkies…to name a few.
Sophia and Riley met and married when young and Sophia did not weather the military wife gig with deploying husband easily. One day an ultimatum was thrown down that led to a lengthy separation spanning years. I kind of wondered how they could live apart for such a long period of time without communication or contact and just leave things as they were. Anyway, about the time Sophia thinks she is ready to step back into the dating pool again Riley comes home. Moving from active duty as a Marine to a different and quieter life as chief of police he has an agenda – to woo his wife and deal with his sister’s issues. I know Sophia and Riley had chemistry and claimed to love one another but if their love was so great then why would they not at least try to communicate and fix things earlier than they did?
June 16, 2016
**I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review**
Forever with you, Book #2 in the Starlight Hill series by Heatherly Bell
A second chance love story……Sophia and Riley married after only 2 weeks, 6 years later Sophia had the divorce papers, but she didn’t know that Riley is giving everything to re-awake their love.
April 21, 2016
Not much to say on this one. I had to work to continue reading. I wish I could say something other than that, but I cannot.
Rating: 2.5-3/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: Adult
Status: R, M, C
Chemistry/Intensity: +/-
Conflict/Drama: +/-
Rating: 2.5-3/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: Adult
Status: R, M, C
Chemistry/Intensity: +/-
Conflict/Drama: +/-
added-it
January 15, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/15/2019)! 🎁
December 3, 2021
Oof! This pair. I live for second chances. Sophia and Riley are in desperate need of one more shot to get it right. Well… They might actually need more than just one second chance. They were young. They were each other’s everything. Until it all came crashing down around them. It hurt my heart to watch these two struggle so hard to figure out how to move forward. It was easy to see how much they still cared for one another and I so badly wanted to see them fix it all. On a side note, I also loved getting a look into the future of the Turlock clan.
May 1, 2016
Life is not always easy, and sometimes it doesn't matter how much you love someone, things still don't work out the way you wished.
Riley and Sofia still have the connection, even though very fragile by now, after years of separation. They weren't that long time together, but they seemed to know each other well, like they haven't forgotten a minute of the time they spent in each other's company. Do they still care about each other, no doubt, but is there too much hurt, pain, and hurtful memories, to keep them separated, and keep them from each other. Is there enough strength and courage to face the life together, with the possibility, that there might be hurt and pain in some level again.
The story is lovely and sweet, yet at times brutally honest with the feelings of a deployed soldier's spouse - the fear, the possibility of losing your loved one, the what if, the loneliness, the waiting. As emotionally involved I got while I was reading, it was inevitable, that it was going to break my heart a bit in the process. And it did. Because it gets real, raw, and genuine with the realities of life. But it also built it all back together, and even stronger, if you give it a chance.
The small town where it all happens, the problems of a new police chief, the trouble with his sister and her boyfriend, the restaurant, Sofia runs, her fear of losing a loved one, they all play a part in the tale, as well as her large family, and dear friends. The story goes back and fort in the past and in the present, but never was there any doubt of the time.
It was more than just a love story, it was more than just a tribute to all the military spouses, and what they sacrifice, it was a story about love, life, and growth, living to your full potential, recognizing the dangers of mistakes, but still embracing this thing called living. It is a story, that is so easy to fall in love with, the town, the characters, and the Italian food
~ Five Spoons
Riley and Sofia still have the connection, even though very fragile by now, after years of separation. They weren't that long time together, but they seemed to know each other well, like they haven't forgotten a minute of the time they spent in each other's company. Do they still care about each other, no doubt, but is there too much hurt, pain, and hurtful memories, to keep them separated, and keep them from each other. Is there enough strength and courage to face the life together, with the possibility, that there might be hurt and pain in some level again.
The story is lovely and sweet, yet at times brutally honest with the feelings of a deployed soldier's spouse - the fear, the possibility of losing your loved one, the what if, the loneliness, the waiting. As emotionally involved I got while I was reading, it was inevitable, that it was going to break my heart a bit in the process. And it did. Because it gets real, raw, and genuine with the realities of life. But it also built it all back together, and even stronger, if you give it a chance.
The small town where it all happens, the problems of a new police chief, the trouble with his sister and her boyfriend, the restaurant, Sofia runs, her fear of losing a loved one, they all play a part in the tale, as well as her large family, and dear friends. The story goes back and fort in the past and in the present, but never was there any doubt of the time.
It was more than just a love story, it was more than just a tribute to all the military spouses, and what they sacrifice, it was a story about love, life, and growth, living to your full potential, recognizing the dangers of mistakes, but still embracing this thing called living. It is a story, that is so easy to fall in love with, the town, the characters, and the Italian food
~ Five Spoons
March 31, 2016
Sophia might have married young but once she fell for Riley there was no stopping it. She thought she could handle being a marines wife but while Riley was away she got lonely and made a friend at her new job. Sophia and Riley wrote emails and even face timed a few times but she was always glad when he came home. She thought they would start a family but then Riley re enlisted and she move back home broken hearted.
Now years later Sophia is ready to move on or at least she thinks she is but when Riley visits her she is shocked to find out he is the new Cheif of police and also he wants to give there marriage a try since he is out of the marines. Sophia will have to decide to finally get the divorce or give the only man she has loved another shot.
I really liked this story and glad these two got a second chance at making it work. Riley was total alpha and he showed it majority of the time but I loved how he tried to tone it down for Sophia. I thought Riley did an excellent job at trying to woo her and show her just how great they could be together.
From the beginning I got this feeling that Riley always kept tabs on how she was and what she was doing and while reading I was so glad I was right. He showed her how much he truly loved her and wanted to be with her.
In my last review of the previous book I said I wanted more detailed sex scenes and was glad Bell turned it up a little. But of course now that I got more I want much more *winks*
I loved the plot, the characters and the little details that Bell brought to this story. Her writing style is unique and stands out. I love this series and honestly I hope their is plenty more to come!
Now years later Sophia is ready to move on or at least she thinks she is but when Riley visits her she is shocked to find out he is the new Cheif of police and also he wants to give there marriage a try since he is out of the marines. Sophia will have to decide to finally get the divorce or give the only man she has loved another shot.
I really liked this story and glad these two got a second chance at making it work. Riley was total alpha and he showed it majority of the time but I loved how he tried to tone it down for Sophia. I thought Riley did an excellent job at trying to woo her and show her just how great they could be together.
From the beginning I got this feeling that Riley always kept tabs on how she was and what she was doing and while reading I was so glad I was right. He showed her how much he truly loved her and wanted to be with her.
In my last review of the previous book I said I wanted more detailed sex scenes and was glad Bell turned it up a little. But of course now that I got more I want much more *winks*
I loved the plot, the characters and the little details that Bell brought to this story. Her writing style is unique and stands out. I love this series and honestly I hope their is plenty more to come!
May 2, 2016
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
While celebrating dropping out of college the last think Sophia Abella expected was to meet the love of her life and future husband in a bar. Riley Jacobs, the marine, never saw himself settling down until he met Sophia and he knew she was it for him.
They both fell so deeply and so fast they never thought out what life would be like with Riley in the marines and gone all the time and Sophia waiting at home for him worrying.
After the loss of a friend Sophia realizes she cannot take it anymore and Riley cannot give up the Marines, it is his life, so Sophia moves home and gets on with her life.
Six years later and Riley is out and wanting to reunite with his wife. The only problem is that everyone seems to think they divorced and the fact that his wife seems to hate him. Sophia let everyone believe she was divorced because it was just easier. But now that she has decided she must get on with her life her ex (well not really) is back and is the chief of police in her town. How can she move on when she isn't over him.
I really like Riley and Sophia. There's was a result of the situation and not really any one's fault. Then only thing that kind of bugged me about this story was Sophia and the fear she carried around all the time. There were times I just wanted her to put on her big girl panties and deal. But other then that it is a really sweet read.
While celebrating dropping out of college the last think Sophia Abella expected was to meet the love of her life and future husband in a bar. Riley Jacobs, the marine, never saw himself settling down until he met Sophia and he knew she was it for him.
They both fell so deeply and so fast they never thought out what life would be like with Riley in the marines and gone all the time and Sophia waiting at home for him worrying.
After the loss of a friend Sophia realizes she cannot take it anymore and Riley cannot give up the Marines, it is his life, so Sophia moves home and gets on with her life.
Six years later and Riley is out and wanting to reunite with his wife. The only problem is that everyone seems to think they divorced and the fact that his wife seems to hate him. Sophia let everyone believe she was divorced because it was just easier. But now that she has decided she must get on with her life her ex (well not really) is back and is the chief of police in her town. How can she move on when she isn't over him.
I really like Riley and Sophia. There's was a result of the situation and not really any one's fault. Then only thing that kind of bugged me about this story was Sophia and the fear she carried around all the time. There were times I just wanted her to put on her big girl panties and deal. But other then that it is a really sweet read.
February 11, 2022
I thought this was a cute novel. Sophia is sweet, has a big heart but has a block when it comes to Riley. I adore Riley as he is such a sweetheart and truly loves Sophia. The sparks between them sizzle, both in and out of the bedroom. To be honest, I think Sophia needs to be a bit more mature, but did enjoy this romance.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
December 24, 2021
This is book six of the Starling Hill series and the main characters are Sophia Abella and Riley Jacobs. Sophia hasn’t had much luck with men over the last six years, having gotten married to a young Marine when she was twenty one and had only known Riley for some four weeks. The marriage lasted less than two years as he chose his life as a Marine over being married to her and keeping her feeling safe. She has had lots of internet online dates and is due to see her current online beau Bruce, for the first time ever in her Italian restaurant this evening. He lets her down yet again, but the restaurant gets an unexpected visitor in the appearance of her ex-husband Riley! He has returned to the small town to be with her at last and also to take on the role of Chief of Police, after finally leaving the Marines. It has been some six years since Sophia last saw him and she thought she was over the heartbreak he had caused her, but the attraction is still there, no matter how much she says she hates him still.
They are both twenty nine now and Sophia runs a pretty successful Italian restaurant now, her dream of running the family restaurant and taking over from her father, who she calls Daddy-o, now a reality. Riley has the job he always wanted as a police officer, but it still could come with danger, as he still goes out on patrol even as the police chief. The danger that could occur when he was a marine, was too much for Sophia when the reality of loss came really close to her and Riley. Now she wants to change Riley and keep him safe, something he isn’t willing to do. No matter how electric they are together and the fact they both still love and haven’t really gotten over each other, they are still having issues in communicating their own needs and desires, out of the bedroom that is! Going forward with their marriage will take time and work from both of them. It’s not going to be as easy as it seems, for these two to come to an agreement of what they want from each other and marriage. It takes a bit of time for the real reasons behind their initial split to reveal the truth from both sides, as you start thinking one thing and finally find out the full story and how each coped in their early days. They are more mature now and don’t have the same pressures on their relationship, but real life will still throw in a curve ball or two. Sophia has had to live through all her relative’s children, when she wants children of her own. She needs to figure out if Riley has changed his previous stance on children and if their list of wants for marriage, can truly align. A longer read than maybe needed, but you get to see the story from both sides and see how things should work out in their second chance at marriage. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
They are both twenty nine now and Sophia runs a pretty successful Italian restaurant now, her dream of running the family restaurant and taking over from her father, who she calls Daddy-o, now a reality. Riley has the job he always wanted as a police officer, but it still could come with danger, as he still goes out on patrol even as the police chief. The danger that could occur when he was a marine, was too much for Sophia when the reality of loss came really close to her and Riley. Now she wants to change Riley and keep him safe, something he isn’t willing to do. No matter how electric they are together and the fact they both still love and haven’t really gotten over each other, they are still having issues in communicating their own needs and desires, out of the bedroom that is! Going forward with their marriage will take time and work from both of them. It’s not going to be as easy as it seems, for these two to come to an agreement of what they want from each other and marriage. It takes a bit of time for the real reasons behind their initial split to reveal the truth from both sides, as you start thinking one thing and finally find out the full story and how each coped in their early days. They are more mature now and don’t have the same pressures on their relationship, but real life will still throw in a curve ball or two. Sophia has had to live through all her relative’s children, when she wants children of her own. She needs to figure out if Riley has changed his previous stance on children and if their list of wants for marriage, can truly align. A longer read than maybe needed, but you get to see the story from both sides and see how things should work out in their second chance at marriage. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
March 24, 2021
2:5 Stars Mild spoilers.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story. I think this is a book I would’ve preferred to have read but I needed something that I could listen to while driving or walking or multitasking. I struggled with not being irritated by the narrator’s voice for Sophia. I found the voice to be whiny but then I also found the character to be insufferable towards the end of the story. I found Angie the chef to be also self-centered and a bit narcissistic about her occupation. It’s rare though that I actively root for a character to not have the HEA with the main love interest. In this case, I was hoping Riley would head for the hills.
Sophia was 29 years old and while I could understand her immaturity as a newlywed in the backstory, by the time in which she had started her reconciliation with Riley, her wanting her husband to have a different occupation just to make her feel more secure seemed incredibly self-centered and immature. Her father implied this, her friends and her sister-in-law basically came out and said it to her face and yet she seemed to be clueless about the inappropriateness of her stance. And there was some internal monologue line where she thought they’d eventually get back together once he finally came around to her way of thinking. That’s when I was yelling at the audiobook. I didn’t think I could take one more whiny minute of whiny Sophia. ENOUGH! Sophia, you’re not a victim. Put on your big girl panties and be grateful that somebody actually loves you when you’re forever on speed dial for wahmbulances!
This was my first time with a Heatherly Bell novel. I can’t say that it will be my last but I’m also not in a hurry to hear the other love stories in Starlight Hill.
I also found it a bit implausible for Lucy, Riley’s sister, to be an addict who was not doing more wreckage to her brother’s life. Knowing a lot of people in Al-Anon recovery, I have heard multiple stories of how people who abuse drugs (and meth specifically) as tending to put their addiction above EVERYTHING (meaning they steal...from everyone!) Lucy didn’t seem quite sick enough.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story. I think this is a book I would’ve preferred to have read but I needed something that I could listen to while driving or walking or multitasking. I struggled with not being irritated by the narrator’s voice for Sophia. I found the voice to be whiny but then I also found the character to be insufferable towards the end of the story. I found Angie the chef to be also self-centered and a bit narcissistic about her occupation. It’s rare though that I actively root for a character to not have the HEA with the main love interest. In this case, I was hoping Riley would head for the hills.
Sophia was 29 years old and while I could understand her immaturity as a newlywed in the backstory, by the time in which she had started her reconciliation with Riley, her wanting her husband to have a different occupation just to make her feel more secure seemed incredibly self-centered and immature. Her father implied this, her friends and her sister-in-law basically came out and said it to her face and yet she seemed to be clueless about the inappropriateness of her stance. And there was some internal monologue line where she thought they’d eventually get back together once he finally came around to her way of thinking. That’s when I was yelling at the audiobook. I didn’t think I could take one more whiny minute of whiny Sophia. ENOUGH! Sophia, you’re not a victim. Put on your big girl panties and be grateful that somebody actually loves you when you’re forever on speed dial for wahmbulances!
This was my first time with a Heatherly Bell novel. I can’t say that it will be my last but I’m also not in a hurry to hear the other love stories in Starlight Hill.
I also found it a bit implausible for Lucy, Riley’s sister, to be an addict who was not doing more wreckage to her brother’s life. Knowing a lot of people in Al-Anon recovery, I have heard multiple stories of how people who abuse drugs (and meth specifically) as tending to put their addiction above EVERYTHING (meaning they steal...from everyone!) Lucy didn’t seem quite sick enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. When I started to read this, I remembered that I had already purchased this and read it several years earlier. I decided it had been a LONG time ago and it was due to be re-read!!!
I totally love this book; the first time and this time. The characters were great and realistic. The plot was well written. It was also written in my favorite dual POV format! While this is a part of a series, you could read it as a stand-alone but the other books are fantastic as well. I highly recommend this book and the series.
There are some slightly sexy scenes but nothing too hot!
Sophia is the baby of the family and runs the family's Italian restaurant. Almost a decade ago while celebrating her leaving college before she graduates, she meets Riley a young Marine. It is a whirl-wind romance. They marry quickly before Riley's leave is up and has to return to North Carolina. Sophia is young is due to some outside events, realizes that she isn't cut out to be a Marine's wife. She returns home to Starlight Hill, California.
Riley leaves the military and takes a job as Chief of Police in Sophia's home-town. There isn't much that happens in the small town versus a larger one but it brings him closer to Sophia. Riley is an alpha protector that would do whatever he can to protect those that he loves.
I now need to go back and re-read the other books as they were wonderful as well.
I totally love this book; the first time and this time. The characters were great and realistic. The plot was well written. It was also written in my favorite dual POV format! While this is a part of a series, you could read it as a stand-alone but the other books are fantastic as well. I highly recommend this book and the series.
There are some slightly sexy scenes but nothing too hot!
Sophia is the baby of the family and runs the family's Italian restaurant. Almost a decade ago while celebrating her leaving college before she graduates, she meets Riley a young Marine. It is a whirl-wind romance. They marry quickly before Riley's leave is up and has to return to North Carolina. Sophia is young is due to some outside events, realizes that she isn't cut out to be a Marine's wife. She returns home to Starlight Hill, California.
Riley leaves the military and takes a job as Chief of Police in Sophia's home-town. There isn't much that happens in the small town versus a larger one but it brings him closer to Sophia. Riley is an alpha protector that would do whatever he can to protect those that he loves.
I now need to go back and re-read the other books as they were wonderful as well.
December 6, 2021
The Divorce That Never Was . . .
Sophia Abella married Riley and he went into the Marines. They decided to divorce but no one carried through with the details. So she is not exactly single yet. Now Riley Jacobs, her husband, is back home and working as Chief of Police.
When Sophia set up her first date with Bruce, having sent text messages back and forth for a month, he had not yet arrived at her restaurant and was late. Instead, Riley walked through the door and asked for a table. She hoped Bruce was every bit as handsome as his pictures so Riley would not feel so smug. But when she went back to the kitchen to check her phone, she had a text from Bruce, an ER doctor, that he got an emergency call for a gunshot victim and had to cancel the date. So when Riley asked where her date was, she told him the truth and Riley asked her to sit with him. She showed him Bruce’s picture and he commented that he looked exactly like the Baltimore Oriole’s short stop, what a coincidence! He also said she probably had not met him yet… true.
Apparently Riley is on a campaign to let her know he doesn’t want to let go now. He wants her back in his life. But is it too late?
Sophia Abella married Riley and he went into the Marines. They decided to divorce but no one carried through with the details. So she is not exactly single yet. Now Riley Jacobs, her husband, is back home and working as Chief of Police.
When Sophia set up her first date with Bruce, having sent text messages back and forth for a month, he had not yet arrived at her restaurant and was late. Instead, Riley walked through the door and asked for a table. She hoped Bruce was every bit as handsome as his pictures so Riley would not feel so smug. But when she went back to the kitchen to check her phone, she had a text from Bruce, an ER doctor, that he got an emergency call for a gunshot victim and had to cancel the date. So when Riley asked where her date was, she told him the truth and Riley asked her to sit with him. She showed him Bruce’s picture and he commented that he looked exactly like the Baltimore Oriole’s short stop, what a coincidence! He also said she probably had not met him yet… true.
Apparently Riley is on a campaign to let her know he doesn’t want to let go now. He wants her back in his life. But is it too late?
December 5, 2021
Forever with You ~ is Sophia and Riley's story. A second chance romance that can be read as a stand-alone, but it is part of Heatherly's Starlight Hill series and it's fantastic. I think I love this one the best, though I still have more to read.
Sophia and Riley are such strong characters, together with a strong heart pulling plot that's also so real.No spoilers!
Forever With You is amazing and beautifully written, however, I would like to see what happens to Riley's sister, as there is no answer for this in the story, maybe there will be another book.
I highly recommend this story, thank you, Heatherly, for another fantastic book.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Informative, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sophia and Riley are such strong characters, together with a strong heart pulling plot that's also so real.No spoilers!
Forever With You is amazing and beautifully written, however, I would like to see what happens to Riley's sister, as there is no answer for this in the story, maybe there will be another book.
I highly recommend this story, thank you, Heatherly, for another fantastic book.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Informative, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2021
I love a good second chance romance, especially when it involves “formerly” married couples. Honestly though, I wondered why Riley even wanted to try again with Sophia. She’s very self involved and not very likable for the majority of the book. While I understand her loneliness as a military wife, I don’t understand her lying to her family or why she didn’t discuss her feelings with Riley.
The reason I kept reading, though, was because the story was interesting and important. Not everyone is built to have their spouse away from them for long periods of time. And not every MC is going to be perfect and likable all the time. And the author didn’t shy away from those themes. So while 3 stars may seem low, I did feel the book was well written and think others will enjoy it.
The reason I kept reading, though, was because the story was interesting and important. Not everyone is built to have their spouse away from them for long periods of time. And not every MC is going to be perfect and likable all the time. And the author didn’t shy away from those themes. So while 3 stars may seem low, I did feel the book was well written and think others will enjoy it.
December 8, 2021
A sweet story about a marine who is an estranged husband, fights for his stubborn Italian wife!
Eight years ago Riley Jacobs chose deployment over his young wife and he has regretted it since!
Sophia Jacobs neé Abella has never had the heart to file for divorce after leaving the love of her life eight years ago and returned to her hometown Starlight Hill.
Those divorce papers were forgotten in a draw…….
To her out of sight out of mind worked until Riley returned for his estranged stubborn Italian beauty of a wife who he never forgot, as the new Police Chief!
We see the journey that these two stubborn character has to endure to decide if love is enough, or will fear override happiness?
Will those divorce papers be signed or will the gorgeous marine sweep his wife of her feet and the papers off the table?
A lovely page turner I can definitely recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eight years ago Riley Jacobs chose deployment over his young wife and he has regretted it since!
Sophia Jacobs neé Abella has never had the heart to file for divorce after leaving the love of her life eight years ago and returned to her hometown Starlight Hill.
Those divorce papers were forgotten in a draw…….
To her out of sight out of mind worked until Riley returned for his estranged stubborn Italian beauty of a wife who he never forgot, as the new Police Chief!
We see the journey that these two stubborn character has to endure to decide if love is enough, or will fear override happiness?
Will those divorce papers be signed or will the gorgeous marine sweep his wife of her feet and the papers off the table?
A lovely page turner I can definitely recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2021
I love second chance at love books, so I enjoyed this book.
Riley and Sophie were too young when they married and Sophie did not deal well with being a soldier's wife. Stupid arguments had them separating and while they, or perhaps just she, really meant to get divorced...that never happened.
Now Riley is out of the military and Sophie finally has the divorce papers. Will she serve him, or will he be able to win her heart again?
I enjoyed the book and it was a very easy read. If you want a couple of hours of feel good reading, this is it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout. The review is my own.
Riley and Sophie were too young when they married and Sophie did not deal well with being a soldier's wife. Stupid arguments had them separating and while they, or perhaps just she, really meant to get divorced...that never happened.
Now Riley is out of the military and Sophie finally has the divorce papers. Will she serve him, or will he be able to win her heart again?
I enjoyed the book and it was a very easy read. If you want a couple of hours of feel good reading, this is it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout. The review is my own.
October 8, 2023
A contemporary second chance romance between Sophia, a restauranteur and her Marine turned cop husband, Riley. They were married at twenty one and their marriage broke down eight years earlier when Riley chose his career with the Marines over his wife, Sophia. But now he is back in town and planning on winning her back. The book was entertaining and kept my attention, it has all the feels and Riley was great. Sophia, though likeable was filled with anxiety about losing Riley and she had to go through a process by herself to get a grip on her fears. This was a heartwarming tale and you can't help but root for this endearing couple.
December 31, 2020
Forever With You is a contemporary small-town romance by Heatherly Bell. Ms. Bell has given readers a book that's well-written and full of outstanding characters. Riley left the Marines and took the job of Police Chief. Sophia isn't happy with her ex, Riley, telling her the new man in her life is a fake. Sophia and Riley's story is packed with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from Heatherly Bell in the future. Forever With You is book 5 of the Starlight Hills Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 6, 2021
Engaging second chance love story. 4.5 stars.
This was an engaging and enlightening read about the challenges of military relationships. Riley was gorgeous and his love for Sophia was beautiful. Sophia’s journey to accepting and overcoming the risks associated with Riley’s choice of profession was moving and bittersweet. While I did start to get overly frustrated with Sophia towards the end, the HEA was sweet and satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an engaging and enlightening read about the challenges of military relationships. Riley was gorgeous and his love for Sophia was beautiful. Sophia’s journey to accepting and overcoming the risks associated with Riley’s choice of profession was moving and bittersweet. While I did start to get overly frustrated with Sophia towards the end, the HEA was sweet and satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2019
Sophie, expecting Bruce, for their first official date, was a.no show.The table she reserved has one ex husband, well almost, sitting there. He is the new chief of police. Six years, and he was out of the service, while she had been busy with the restaurant. A little ten minute job of a paper that hadn’t been signed, she was still married to him. He would be at home, Could there still be the love there Delightful story and delightful characters.
March 8, 2021
Love the series- hated Sophia. So whiny, immature and shallow. For someone in their late twenties to be this way was disappointing. I liked her in earlier series but lost all interest in her as the heroine. Riley on the other hand was great. He stayed true to himself and still put up withSophia’s foolishness - about living her mother’s life, her insecurities, her lack of life in the real world vs social media and wishy-washiness. He deserved a steadfast relationship.
December 5, 2021
This another good story in the "Starlight Hill" series. It is a stand alone read about second chances. This one is about Scott and Diana who married young. He let his military get in the way of their marriage. Now he has come home and knows he messed but is determined. So this divorced/married couple may finally get a chance at happiness. This story is fun and sweet with some drama, and new beginnings.
December 19, 2021
I couldn’t stand a single person in this book. Riley, yes wonderful serving in the military, but selfish is the most decent thing I can say about him. Also a little stalker’ish. Sophia is pitifully spineless and so whiny that I had to fast forward through some of her nonsensical talking. Her BFF’s were honestly the worst and I don’t know how they were actually called friends. Nosy, judgmental, obnoxious and thoroughly unlikable. There is the inevitable HEA, but by then I do just didn’t care.
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