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In the End

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The time has come for Finn to find out the truth about his father. When he seems to take it in his stride, Matt, Ella, and Sam are relieved. But nothing’s that simple when you’re seven years old.

Sam’s love life has been on hold while he gets to know his son. Meeting single mother, Natasha, rocks his world. She’s not had an easy life and he has to navigate through her past to make her see a future. The one thing that scares her, Sam’s guilty of. Love’s never easy, especially when there are secrets involved.

The last book in the Lifetime series features a boy finding out about his father, a father falling in love, and the last wedding you’d ever expect on the farm.

Unknown Binding

Published April 20, 2017

33 people are currently reading
91 people want to read

About the author

Ariadne Wayne

25 books151 followers
New Zealand writer. Giving writing a go after a very long break. Letting my imagination run free after so long is a bit scary, but here goes!

I can usually be found at my blog, on Twitter or on Facebook. Come and chat! I love stories about real people, with a bit of drama and sometimes a touch of spice. My stories are usually based in little old NZ. :)

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5 stars
70 (57%)
4 stars
38 (31%)
3 stars
13 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
17 reviews20 followers
May 25, 2017
This book was possibly my favourite. I was so glad to see Sam grow and mature as well as 'catching up' with Matt and Ella. Great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
653 reviews50 followers
December 20, 2018
Oh Sam. I hated you in In a Lifetime. And then he grew on me. Sam betrayed his wife, his best friend. I didn’t think he would ever get a second chance. In come Natasha. A single mother with an abusive ex. When their paths cross, they’re both captivated by each other.

Their relationship was full speed ahead. Sam and Natasha were beautiful together. And Sam finally got his happily ever after with a woman who challenges him, makes him laugh, and loves him despite his past.

We get a little bit if Matt and Ella. 10 years and they’re still obsessed and in love with each other. I got a little scared for Matt that I almost didn’t finish the book
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,337 reviews34 followers
December 27, 2017
Oooh my god will Sam get his happily ever after when he has possibly met the woman if his dreams even after what he did to Ella and Matt. Can Natasha be his or will his past break what happiness they could make and have so In love with this series I didn't want it to end.❤❤❤Sweet heartbreaking beautiful loving and so powerful I want more.
Profile Image for LS Kralicek.
1,158 reviews7 followers
April 1, 2018
Fantastic conclusion to the series

This book with Sam's story makes for a great conclusion to this series. Love how the other blends Sam, Matt and Ella's stories to show how they can move forward. More importantly is shows coparenting and doing what is best for a child through a loving relationship is important.
Profile Image for Tricia Carter Sheehan.
160 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2018
My review to In The End

I absolutely loved loved loved this book series. I loved Matt and Ella but not Sam is my favorite. He grew up so much in these books and he turned out to be an awesome family man like Matt. Excellent job with the writing.
842 reviews38 followers
November 15, 2018
I just loved how this story played out and what all the characters had to go through to get there. I am so sad it is over though. I could read this forever!!!
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,357 reviews370 followers
July 31, 2020
Cheating husband from book 1 in series gets his HEA after changing his ways.
Heroine has been a victim of domestic abuse.
Multiple POV.
HEA all around.
Epilogue.
Profile Image for Nstefa.
3,556 reviews21 followers
August 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this series ! Loved the characters and their stories.... the story is a little predictable but doesn’t take away from the story!
Profile Image for Tish.
39 reviews
April 8, 2022
Mesmerizing

I enjoyed all 4 books. And i would have read more. The last book got a little mushy but it
Profile Image for Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read).
1,071 reviews14 followers
May 31, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.

I love a good redemption story. For me, a sign of a good author is when they can take a character that I do not care for and make love them. Sam is one of those characters that I did not like. But ever since In a Lifetime, he's been slowly creeping his way back onto my good list. Then after he helped out Vanessa in In a Heartbeat I knew that I was ready for Sam's story.

It's been seven years since Finn was born and while Sam has been visiting Matt and Ella for a couple years, his true identity is still a secret. But his visits have allowed Sam to form a relationship with Finn and that means the world to him. He has also been repairing his relationship with Matt. The two of them were once the best of friends and every now and then, shades of that appears.
My smile spread into a grin. “I’ve met someone.”

“It’s about time. What’s she like?”

There weren’t enough words to describe Natasha. Any attempt would be pathetic. “Amazing. She’s a single mum with a little girl about Finn’s age.” I let out a breath. “It’s been a week, and I think I’m in love.”

“I’ve heard that one before.” He reached out and gripped my shoulder. “I’m happy for you. I hope it all works out.”

“Yeah, me too.” I swallowed. “I’ve not felt a connection like that since …”

Matt’s expression grew serious. We hadn’t really discussed my relationship with Ella; it never felt right with the man who was now married to her. “Dude, that’s awesome. You and Ella had such a spark when you first met.” A grin curled his lips. “Of course, I was more like the TNT to your sparkler.”

I shrugged his hand off, and chuckled. “Bro, that is such a shitty thing to say.”

“I’m only saying it because I love you.”

I shook my head. “Things are almost back to normal with us, aren’t they?”

He nodded. “They’re getting there. I try not to talk about my relationship with Ella, and I think you try not to talk about your relationship with her, but other than that I think we’re doing fine.”

“I’ll do you a deal. You can tell me whatever you want and I’ll do the same, but the past stays in the past.”

Matt’s shoulders shook as he laughed. “Deal.”

I shrugged. “We’re smart. We’ll make it work.”

“Are you heading back to Auckland now?”

“I’ve got a date with my girls.”

He lifted his chin. “Enjoy.”

“See you next weekend.”

“What? I gotta put up with you next weekend too?”

I laughed as I walked back to the car, feeling more settled than I had in ages. At home, Natasha and Paige were expecting me. Here, I had Matt back, and having my best friend by my side after so long was wonderful.

For the first time in a long time, I looked forward to going home.

Natasha is a single mom who escaped an abusive marriage. Her daughter goes to the same school that Sam works at and one day a broken grocery bag brings the two of them together. They are both intrigued by the other person, but their pasts make them hesitant to get involved. But a chance meeting at a pub changes everything. Natasha and Sam end up spending the evening together and before the end of the night Sam is absolutely smitten with her. From there things move pretty quickly (if the above excerpt didn't give that away already) and they find themselves in a pretty serious relationship.

God, I loved this book so much. So many wonderful things happened that made me so ridiculous happy. We get plenty of Ella and Matt (*sigh* Matt *sigh*) and their adorable little family. They are still living their happily ever after out on the farm and have no problem welcoming Natasha and Paige into their family. Then there's Vanessa who is as sassy as ever and made me laugh every time she showed up.

But most of all, with every little thing Sam did, whether it was spending quality time with Natasha and Paige, having a nice moment with Matt and Ella or being a friend/father to Finn, it was obvious that Sam was a changed man. I'm so glad that Ariadne wrote Sam's story. I didn't think it was possible, but she made me a Sam fan. (Don't worry Matt! You're still my #1 man. ❤)
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,054 reviews320 followers
April 11, 2024
I hated Sam by the end of In a Lifetime, he redeemed himself a little in In an Instant and I fell in love with him reading In the End. I think some of his transformation happened during In a Heartbeat (which I haven't read yet). Warning this book contains spoilers for In a Heartbeat, though when I do get around to reading it I know I'm going to love it.

Sam was back to the loving, kind and sexy guy we met at the start of In a Lifetime. In this book he meets Natasha and her daughter Paige. Natasha has had an awful 5 or 6 years and unsurprisingly has trust issues. I can't blame Sam for keeping his secret because I don't think Natasha would have stuck around if he'd said anything sooner. I like that Ariadne Wayne wrote some chapters from Matt's POV - it really lends another aspect to the book and deepens the story.

Some of the couples in Ms Wayne's books can appear a little too loved up and free of any conflict, but this is always balanced with plenty of angst, heartache and misery too. I always know that my emotions will be put through the wringer when I read one of her books. There are always so many strands to these books, all of which are woven together into a rich tapestry of a good book.

I like the style of writing, it flows smoothly, is easy to read, has good pace and natural dialogue. The editing is always good too. I read this book through in one sitting, and I know these characters will be ones I remember long after the book has been closed.
Profile Image for wendy Shelton(obsessedbybooks).
2,554 reviews27 followers
April 21, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. Sam has put his love life on hold to get to know his son Finn, who he hopes one day to have Finn come and visit him, so patient is a must, that's why Sam has been single til he meets Natasha. Natasha hasn't had a pleasant past but she's working on starting a new for her and her daughter, trust is a big thing and her ex husband shattered that when he cheated, but now she's met Sam and he's knocking down those walls til his secrets surface and Natasha isn't sure she can get past it.
Profile Image for Shell Giallo.
31 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2017
I absolutely recommend readers to read the series in their order
In The End is the final book for the Lifetime series. I absolutely recommend readers to read the series in their order.

Sam - I was not a fan of his at all in the previous books but he worked his way into my good graces in this book so it was lovely to see him get his own HEA!

Natasha - so strong depsite all she'd been through.

Thank you Ariadne for this fantastic book. I love your writing.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,582 reviews70 followers
April 11, 2017
In The End by Ariadne Wayne is the third installment in the Lifetime series.
For better understanding I recommend to read the books in order.

Sam, Ella and Matt decided to tell Finn that Sam is his bio father.
He´s a teacher and lives hours away, but visits regulary.
Finn has mixed feelings, understandable.
Sam´s love life was on hold, but now he meets Natasha, a single mother with her adorable daughter.
Both feel a connection and it is so sweet to read how they develop their relationship.
Everything could be sunshine, but there are a few twists and turns who endanger Sams relationship with Natasha.

In The End is a sweet love story with great characters. I liked how mature they act and how they love each other.
4,5 Stars and Thank you Ariadne Wayne!
Profile Image for Kate.
77 reviews5 followers
April 20, 2017
4 stars. Great read for the the third book which should be the last one of the series though I hope there might me a novella so we can revisit these characters. I loved following Matt, Ella, Sam and and even Vanessa story. The star that is missing from this review is I still have questions that I feel didn't get answer not major ones. I would have liked to have read more with Sam and Finn together So I could feel their relationship growing not just be told that it is happening. I felt the end of the book wrapped up very quickly and would have liked to have had more Sam and Finn together.
Great book that had you on the edge of the seat. Action suspense laughter tears this book has it al
76 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2017
When I received the ARC for this book, I wasn't aware that it was the last in a series. I have discovered that I own at least one of the other titles in the series, I read this obviously without having read the others. I would recommend reading all the books in the series. I spent a bit of time at first trying to figure out who was who and what was going on. After I had the characters straight, it was a great read. I basically read this in a day. While I was reading and thinking about writing a review, all I could think of was: you're going to need to go through detox at the end--it is just so SWEET. Everyone is just so in love with their spouse, the entangled lives of the characters where they all got along famously. I did get involved in the story, wanting to see what 'tragedy' would happen. It was interesting to have a hero. If you're looking for a decent read with a HEA that is so very sweet you might get sick from all the sugar, this one's for you.
Profile Image for Beth Grim.
8 reviews
April 16, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of In the End. It was awesome. I loved that we got to read about Matt & Ella & Connor & Vanessa as well as Sam's happily ever after. All the characters ended up where they were meant to be and it was a perfect ending to their stories.
1,056 reviews18 followers
April 17, 2017
This can be read as a standalone since this is about Sam; however, the full story of his background on his history in full detail can be found in book one of this series. Had I not read the full series and picked up this book, I feel you could follow along just fine once you know the characters. From a personal opinion, Sam is more likable in this book than in book one and has fully redeemed himself for his mistakes even though I still cannot figure out why he chose this route. Oh, yeah, maybe cause men take forever to grow up lol.
Sam has made a huge mistake years ago and the time has come for the truth about who the father is to Finn now that he is older. Surprisingly, Finn took this better than I thought and I loved how Sam didn’t rush him and when the time came he made him feel like it was his room. Sam had put his love life on hold for a few years leading up to knowing his son. When he meets single mom, Natasha or Tash as he calls her and Paige you see an instant connection either was not ready for. He treats her and Paige the way he should have treated his ex-wife, Ella and Finn (his son). This is one of his redeeming points, but the one thing that scares Tash to be with Sam is one he is guilty of and she needs to figure out if she wants to push this aside.
Tash has it hard, but she is doing the best she can as a single mom. Her ex-Dean, wowzer, you deserved your payback tenfold. Sorry, but my lips are sealed on a few twists thrown in this story. We see quite a few and one will have your heart pumping and hoping that it doesn’t stop. You will fall in love with her daughter Paige too! You want to know the bonus to reading this book, not only do we get a dual POV on Sam and Natasha, but we get a POV on Matt/Ella’s life too. It allows us to come full circle to see what transpires with all and just how smoothly this complex yet dysfunctional family makes it work. When I say dysfunctional I don’t mean in a bad way either, I mean in the way the blended families come together to raise Finn. We also get a to see Vanessa/Connor’s wedding on the farm. That’s a shocker coming from Nessa, but it was something this whole family needed.
As you will see this is going to be an emotional story, but in the end, it works out and each character couple is meant for each other. The love for each one is amazing and while we see some irony with Sam’s present and past including a snippet irony with Matt/Ella it worked out how it should have. You will fall in love with these characters even if you have only read this book and nothing else in the series. A perfect ending to this series and I can only hope we see them in the future. Maybe a spin-from the children. I will gladly say that even though I don’t see Sam as Salmonella (like a poison) anymore, I am happy that Matt ended up with Ella as he was always meant to be with her. Sam just had to grow up and meet his someone at that right moment and that was with Tash. The history between Sam/Ella was meant to happen at that time and gave them Finn. So, it was a win-win for all years later once all was said and done. You will laugh, cry and be holding your tummy when a twist has us wondering where this story is headed. Whew! In the End, it left us smiling and loving this whole blended family. This is how grownups should handle these types of situations when it comes to kids. I highly recommend this book or series to those who enjoy these types of reads.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,574 reviews89 followers
April 20, 2017
A very well written book, digging deep down into the emotional upheaval caused by past mistakes and attempting to regain trust. One forgets that men have feelings. For the most part they hide behind their facade of stoicism, but that doesn't mean that their feelings aren't involved. The interaction between Sam, Ella and Matt is incredible, given their history and as they work together for the good of Finn, one can only admire such a relationship. Finn's confusion is understandable; because the one thing small children cannot deal with is divided loyalties. When Sam meets Natasha and Paige, he falls in love again. However, his past mistakes are a stumbling block in his new relationship. It takes more than "I'm sorry" to fix Natasha's hurt, but with his friend's help Sam is there for Natasha and Paige when they need him most. This is a deeply emotional story about broken people who find their way to healing and forgiveness and become family in the truest sense of the word. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
940 reviews7 followers
April 20, 2017
This was a brilliant conclusion to this Lifetime Series. Seven years have gone by since we last read about best friends Sam and Matt and the girl they both loved Ella. Sam has spent the last three years alone trying to atone for past mistakes by soley focusing on being there for his son Finn. However, between himeslf Matt and Ella, they have decided to let Finn know that even if he sees Matt as his dad, that Sam is also his dad too. Kids are so resiliant, and even though he was confused at first, your heart will melt the first time Finn calls Sam his Daddy. There is also a chance meeting that becomes something more when Sam meets Natasha and her seven year old daughter Paige. They are by no means a functional family, but the honesty and beautiful bonds that lead to them all being one giant extended family will bring tears to your eyes. This felt so realistic and I am so glad that we got to see Sam grow into the man we all know he could be.
Profile Image for Esther Haddie's Haven.
904 reviews60 followers
April 20, 2017
DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC of this book for honest review.

Golly, I can't. Don't ask me what it is 'I can't' because I don't even know why I can't. I was a bit skeptical going in, because I have not read any of the other books in this series and I thought it would be a continuing story. But I was proved wrong. You do get a bigger and better picture of Sam's backstory by reading the first book of the series, but this can be read as a complete stand-alone. Oh my gosh.
Profile Image for Amymargarita.
221 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2017
This is my first book by Ariadne Wayne and I was completely BLOWN AWAY! This book had me laughing, weeping and just completely entrenched in Sam's story. Because really it's about him growing up and making things right for his son, Finn. And when a chance encounter with Natasha leads to something with potential...this story really takes off.

The different POV's of Sam, Matt and Natasha adds so much depth and feeling to the story that you cannot help but become completely swept up in the story. This book is about redemption, love and family and it's beautifully done!

A definite must read for those who enjoy a sweet redemption story that is somewhat raw, real, gritty and completely heartwarming!

I voluntarily received an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
April 21, 2017
While this is the last in the series and can be read as a standalone story, I believe that you will garner much more enjoyment from the tale if you have read the previous stories, especially Sam, much of what you need to know about what makes him the guy he is can be found in book one and I think that having read what he was like previously gave me the opportunity to form a more rounded opinion of him now.
Sam has been building a relationship with Finn, his son, a delightful little guy that has, up until now always thought that Matt was his dad but that takes the news that, that isn’t actually the case in his stride.
I thought the author clearly showed just how we as adults can be guilty of perceiving problems that often never materialise, of overthinking and complicating matters, children don’t have that gene, they take things at face value and they deal with what is before them and Finn was the perfect example of that because by the time their relationship had developed and Finn called Sam “daddy” for the first time I was totally smitten with this little guy!
But being a parent didn’t mean that Sam needed to be a monk, even though he had effectively put the brakes on any semblance of a love life while he got to know his boy, but when he meets Natasha and her daughter Paige, he couldn’t walk away, finally he had a shot at a happiness that so far had eluded him, he had the chance to have what Matt and Ella has a beautiful family, of course it wasn’t going to be as easy as that but the connection that they all formed and shared was one that gave them all room to grow and gave me the opportunity to see Sam for the guy he truly had the potential to be and I was thankful for that.
I liked Natasha, she was a strong woman doing everything she could to ensure that her daughter had the life that she deserved, and that her ex, Dean was kept at arms-length. Please pay attention to this waste of space because Dean will have your teeth on edge! I was spitting chips at just how much I disliked this guy!
The time we spend with Sam and Natasha and Matt and Ella had me captivated as they moved forward to ensure that each of their families were fulfilled. Emotionally this was an read that had me teetering on the edge, I wanted to know that Sam and Finn were going to be ok and that eventually that Sam would find the happiness that he wasn’t able to keep when he was younger, this was a lesson learnt and that was one that I appreciated.
Profile Image for Crystal.
2,719 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2017
In the End is the final book in the Lifetime series. I made a mistake by grabbing this book without reading the others first. I was able to read it, but it took my awhile to figure out all the characters, and who's with who. I would recommend starting at the beginning which is what I will be doing.
I did enjoy this well written story, and I found the characters likeable.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews136 followers
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December 26, 2018
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Blurb:
The time has come for Finn to find out the truth about his father. When he seems to take it in his stride, Matt, Ella, and Sam are relieved. But nothing’s that simple when you’re seven years old.

Sam’s love life has been on hold while he gets to know his son. Meeting single mother, Natasha, rocks his world. She’s not had an easy life and he has to navigate through her past to make her see a future. The one thing that scares her, Sam’s guilty of. Love’s never easy, especially when there are secrets involved.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews