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If I Could Do It Again
Romance novelist Victoria Clarke seems to have it adoring husband, successful career, beautiful home. At least that’s what outsiders think.
In reality, her husband is emotionally abusive, and their marriage is falling apart. Victoria is miserable but suffers in silence until she encounters the charming Joshua Larson while researching a new book.
She meets him in the most unconventional way—through a prisoner pen-pal website. Though Victoria is hesitant at first, she’s drawn to this intriguing, misunderstood man. He was charged with murder for his part in a bar fight, implicated for wearing the colors of his motorcycle club. She believes him when he says it was self-defense.
The two exchange letters and then talk on the phone. Joshua gives Victoria everything she’s been missing—support, confidence, affection, and passion.
Victoria can’t help but ponder a new life, leaving her awful husband and Canada behind for her new friend in the United States. After all, Joshua will be free in four years, and she’s beginning to believe that he’s the love of her life.
If she takes a leap of faith, will Joshua turn out to be her soul mate, or is he hiding something sinister?
In reality, her husband is emotionally abusive, and their marriage is falling apart. Victoria is miserable but suffers in silence until she encounters the charming Joshua Larson while researching a new book.
She meets him in the most unconventional way—through a prisoner pen-pal website. Though Victoria is hesitant at first, she’s drawn to this intriguing, misunderstood man. He was charged with murder for his part in a bar fight, implicated for wearing the colors of his motorcycle club. She believes him when he says it was self-defense.
The two exchange letters and then talk on the phone. Joshua gives Victoria everything she’s been missing—support, confidence, affection, and passion.
Victoria can’t help but ponder a new life, leaving her awful husband and Canada behind for her new friend in the United States. After all, Joshua will be free in four years, and she’s beginning to believe that he’s the love of her life.
If she takes a leap of faith, will Joshua turn out to be her soul mate, or is he hiding something sinister?
- GenresContemporaryRomance
ebook
First published September 26, 2016
3 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Stoyanoff
21 books703 followersRomance author Ashley Stoyanoff is the recipient of two Royal Dragonfly Book Awards for young adult and newbie fiction. Her first book, The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, came out in 2012. Her other passions include reading and shopping for the latest fashions. Learn more about Ashley and her work at ashleystoyanoff.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 27, 2016
Unfortunately, I should have DNF after the the heroine allows the hero to berate her and call her a bitch because she missed his phone call from prison. It just felt so cringe to read about a woman writing and speaking to an inmate that immediately after the first letter exchange asks her personal relationship questions. Not only that, he was extremely disrespectful and overly hostile because she missed his call. Personally, id have been extremely fearful after seeing how quickly his personality flipped. She already has an asshole of a husband at home so why would she accept that shit from a guy in prison she has never met? Where's the poop emoji when you need it?
The entire book is them either talking on the phone or chitchatting about bullshit in the prison visitation room and him randomly calling her a bitch.
Towards the end of the book he gets placed in a prison work program and they manage to sneak in sex in the bathroom. Directly afterward he tells her to go to some address and pick up a duffle bag for him. When she opens the bag there's drugs in it. This guy who is in fucking prison tells you to go pick up a duffle bag full of drugs and YOU DON'T FUCKING RUN?When she demands an explanation he tells her he's done with the conversation and he expects her to do what he says, and she better come see him at the prison later that day. Ugh...bitch, bye!
She's mad for 2 minutes until he has his parents send her a ring in the mail and then she goes to the prison and says yes. Insert epilogue where he's finally released from prison The end. Wait what?! LOLOL so explanation about the fact that he's still drug dealing for his biker gang or anything.
Lol so ridiculous
The entire book is them either talking on the phone or chitchatting about bullshit in the prison visitation room and him randomly calling her a bitch.
Towards the end of the book he gets placed in a prison work program and they manage to sneak in sex in the bathroom. Directly afterward he tells her to go to some address and pick up a duffle bag for him. When she opens the bag there's drugs in it. This guy who is in fucking prison tells you to go pick up a duffle bag full of drugs and YOU DON'T FUCKING RUN?When she demands an explanation he tells her he's done with the conversation and he expects her to do what he says, and she better come see him at the prison later that day. Ugh...bitch, bye!
She's mad for 2 minutes until he has his parents send her a ring in the mail and then she goes to the prison and says yes. Insert epilogue where he's finally released from prison The end. Wait what?! LOLOL so explanation about the fact that he's still drug dealing for his biker gang or anything.
Lol so ridiculous
September 18, 2016
Stoyanoff is definitely thinking outside the box with this one. She had me laughing, crying, and ready to throttle the characters in turn. The emotional high was fantastic. She contrasts things at their lowest with the warmth that comes from those who truly care. The seamless writing draws you in while the evocative dialogue brings the entire story to life. And the spicy parts? They really add to the story and the relationship between the main characters.
This is the type of story that shows you what real friends are for. The contrast between Joshua wanting to show Victoria the best version of herself and Richard not wanting her to see that there is a good version of herself was striking. Throughout it all, I was floored by how genuine Joshua's character seemed.
This is one novel that definitely packs a punch. This emotionally hard hitting novel is one that I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for a one of a kind, outside the box romance.
This is the type of story that shows you what real friends are for. The contrast between Joshua wanting to show Victoria the best version of herself and Richard not wanting her to see that there is a good version of herself was striking. Throughout it all, I was floored by how genuine Joshua's character seemed.
This is one novel that definitely packs a punch. This emotionally hard hitting novel is one that I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for a one of a kind, outside the box romance.
September 23, 2016
I was given this arc for honest review. I totally loved this story the emotion and character of each individual was really awesome I loved how the plot unfolded. I really really loved this story.
September 15, 2016
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 “beautiful” Stars!
The Review:
If I Could Do It Again was a truly delightful surprise!
This isn't your traditional romance. I was completely captivated by it's unique and unconventional plot and it's exceptional storytelling. I didn't expect to fall in love with the characters as much as I did and I certainly didn’t want it to end when I hit the last page! Just an all around amazing read!
Story/Characters...
Romance author Victoria Clarke writes about love and fantasy, however her home life is anything but romantic. Her husband is distant, to say the least and though they've only been married a few short years, things have become strained and stale. Victoria decides she's had enough of his abusive words and cold stare so she tells Richard she wants out. While her home life is in shambles, she nervously awaits contact from a prison inmate she has written to, after finding him on a website while researching a book.
Her reaching out to a complete stranger, let alone to a man serving time for murder, wasn't something she thought she would ever do, but that one action leads to an unusual yet extraordinary turn of events in her personal life.
Joshua Larson is in prison for murder. His days are filled with an unchanging, strictly regulated life within four uncompromising walls. Receiving a letter from a shy, somewhat introverted beauty, changed everything for him. His regimented days were suddenly filled with sweet letters and sexy phone calls.
And love begins to bloom in the most unlikely of places.
I loved this story. The author invites you into the private letters of Victoria and Joshua as they connect on a level that supersedes physical. They start out writing honest, get-to-know-you confessions that gradually turns into sexy, steamy phone calls that quickly transforms into sweet but intense visits. There’s something undeniable happening between Joshua and Victoria and it quickly transforms into a solid but wistful love as they navigate how to be together without a physical connection.
Victoria is notably hesitant as she’s just coming out of a painful relationship where her trust in a man who was supposed to support and love her is fractured. Trusting a man in prison for a heinous crime such as murder isn’t an easy feat and there are a minefield of complications to overcome. But I loved Victoria’s strength. She sees past the labels and is able to find the man beneath it all. Joshua brings out something incredible in her. He finds her in the dark place her husband has left her and he pulls her out while also leaving himself open to love. He knows what it’s like to see life pass him by, watching through metal bars as the world keeps turning without him actively participating in it. He doesn’t want to waste a moment. He wants to live free, with Victoria. Now he just has to convince her he’s worth waiting for and worth taking the risk on.
But sometimes our pasts can catch up with us if we aren’t careful. These two have to decide if they have what it takes to overcome such obstacles.
The Wrap Up:
Like I said, this was an unconventional read, which are the kinds of reads I love. This one had me hooked and still hasn’t let me go. I’m a fan of this author and I loved that she stepped out of her normal range with this one. I’m definitely recommending this one to my friends.
I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 “beautiful” Stars!
The Review:
If I Could Do It Again was a truly delightful surprise!
This isn't your traditional romance. I was completely captivated by it's unique and unconventional plot and it's exceptional storytelling. I didn't expect to fall in love with the characters as much as I did and I certainly didn’t want it to end when I hit the last page! Just an all around amazing read!
Story/Characters...
Romance author Victoria Clarke writes about love and fantasy, however her home life is anything but romantic. Her husband is distant, to say the least and though they've only been married a few short years, things have become strained and stale. Victoria decides she's had enough of his abusive words and cold stare so she tells Richard she wants out. While her home life is in shambles, she nervously awaits contact from a prison inmate she has written to, after finding him on a website while researching a book.
Her reaching out to a complete stranger, let alone to a man serving time for murder, wasn't something she thought she would ever do, but that one action leads to an unusual yet extraordinary turn of events in her personal life.
Joshua Larson is in prison for murder. His days are filled with an unchanging, strictly regulated life within four uncompromising walls. Receiving a letter from a shy, somewhat introverted beauty, changed everything for him. His regimented days were suddenly filled with sweet letters and sexy phone calls.
And love begins to bloom in the most unlikely of places.
I loved this story. The author invites you into the private letters of Victoria and Joshua as they connect on a level that supersedes physical. They start out writing honest, get-to-know-you confessions that gradually turns into sexy, steamy phone calls that quickly transforms into sweet but intense visits. There’s something undeniable happening between Joshua and Victoria and it quickly transforms into a solid but wistful love as they navigate how to be together without a physical connection.
Victoria is notably hesitant as she’s just coming out of a painful relationship where her trust in a man who was supposed to support and love her is fractured. Trusting a man in prison for a heinous crime such as murder isn’t an easy feat and there are a minefield of complications to overcome. But I loved Victoria’s strength. She sees past the labels and is able to find the man beneath it all. Joshua brings out something incredible in her. He finds her in the dark place her husband has left her and he pulls her out while also leaving himself open to love. He knows what it’s like to see life pass him by, watching through metal bars as the world keeps turning without him actively participating in it. He doesn’t want to waste a moment. He wants to live free, with Victoria. Now he just has to convince her he’s worth waiting for and worth taking the risk on.
But sometimes our pasts can catch up with us if we aren’t careful. These two have to decide if they have what it takes to overcome such obstacles.
The Wrap Up:
Like I said, this was an unconventional read, which are the kinds of reads I love. This one had me hooked and still hasn’t let me go. I’m a fan of this author and I loved that she stepped out of her normal range with this one. I’m definitely recommending this one to my friends.
September 21, 2016
Victoria Clarke has it all. A loving husband, beautiful house and a successful career as a romance writer. Except her life with her emotionally abusive husband, Richard, isn't as wonderful as it looks. Even though they have only been married a couple of years their marriage is not going well. Richard ignores Victoria most of the time but when he does talk to her, he's very critical about her weight and looks.
While doing research for one of her books, Victoria sees a prisoner pen-pal website. She wrote to Joshua Larsen who was charged with murder. This starts the exchange of letters, telephone calls and eventually visits. As the two get to know each other, Joshua boosts Victoria's confidence in herself which is easy since he has developed strong feelings for her.
I loved this unusual romance. By reading the letters Victoria and Joshua share we find out so much about them and their growing feelings for each other. And the phone calls. Wow! They are hot!! It's easy to see how a couple can fall in love without having a physical relationship. The smooth writing style made me feel the connection between this pair. I loved the way we saw how Richard looked so wonderful but was really a jerk and Joshua, in prison for murder so should have been the bad guy was really fantastic.
This book has great characters. Victoria is strong enough to stand up to her husband and leave him in order to have a better life. Joshua is a good man who didn't stop living just because he was in prison. He was kind and giving to Victoria helping her see the wonderful woman she was.
I highly recommend this romance with it's unusual plot to all romance readers.
While doing research for one of her books, Victoria sees a prisoner pen-pal website. She wrote to Joshua Larsen who was charged with murder. This starts the exchange of letters, telephone calls and eventually visits. As the two get to know each other, Joshua boosts Victoria's confidence in herself which is easy since he has developed strong feelings for her.
I loved this unusual romance. By reading the letters Victoria and Joshua share we find out so much about them and their growing feelings for each other. And the phone calls. Wow! They are hot!! It's easy to see how a couple can fall in love without having a physical relationship. The smooth writing style made me feel the connection between this pair. I loved the way we saw how Richard looked so wonderful but was really a jerk and Joshua, in prison for murder so should have been the bad guy was really fantastic.
This book has great characters. Victoria is strong enough to stand up to her husband and leave him in order to have a better life. Joshua is a good man who didn't stop living just because he was in prison. He was kind and giving to Victoria helping her see the wonderful woman she was.
I highly recommend this romance with it's unusual plot to all romance readers.
September 24, 2016
Ashley outdid herself on this book. I absolutely loved it. This book has some wonderful characters in it and made me laugh as well as cry. It was a unique love story that will pull you right into the characters lives. I can't wait to see what Ashley comes up with next.
January 5, 2020
I felt like there needed to be...more?
There wasn't enough plot development. I like the story, I kind of like the charactersbut there wasn't enough. We don't get enough character development of either main. We get teased with it, but not NEAR enough follow through. I didn't fully believe that hero.
Also, I have questions?? **SPOILERS AHEAD**
1) why did Richard give in so easily? Not believable after his escalating threats. He gives in and then doesn't try to get back at her or undermine her or anything? Just leaves her alone? Riiiiight.
2) why were the club members so rude to her when helping her move?
3) was the name calling necessary? I love MC romance (of which this isn't but it could've been with more development) but the b*tch never felt organic, it just felt rude.
4) why did she marry Richard? Was never fully explained. Neither was the breakdown of the marriage fully explained IMO.
5) why would he have her pick up that duffel bag?? I know no one else could've since it would've been a violation of his work release to have contact, but what was HE gonna do with the contents? That makes absolutely no sense.
I have more questions, but I'll leave it at that.
TL; DR : book was short on plot development, character development, and word count. It had the skeleton of a good story, but it just wasn't fleshed all the way out. I didn't hate it, but won't be rereading.
There wasn't enough plot development. I like the story, I kind of like the charactersbut there wasn't enough. We don't get enough character development of either main. We get teased with it, but not NEAR enough follow through. I didn't fully believe that hero.
Also, I have questions?? **SPOILERS AHEAD**
1) why did Richard give in so easily? Not believable after his escalating threats. He gives in and then doesn't try to get back at her or undermine her or anything? Just leaves her alone? Riiiiight.
2) why were the club members so rude to her when helping her move?
3) was the name calling necessary? I love MC romance (of which this isn't but it could've been with more development) but the b*tch never felt organic, it just felt rude.
4) why did she marry Richard? Was never fully explained. Neither was the breakdown of the marriage fully explained IMO.
5) why would he have her pick up that duffel bag?? I know no one else could've since it would've been a violation of his work release to have contact, but what was HE gonna do with the contents? That makes absolutely no sense.
I have more questions, but I'll leave it at that.
TL; DR : book was short on plot development, character development, and word count. It had the skeleton of a good story, but it just wasn't fleshed all the way out. I didn't hate it, but won't be rereading.
April 7, 2018
Too straight forward
This book was a banal read. Simple plot with absolutely no twists or turns. Very basic and straight forward.
This book was a banal read. Simple plot with absolutely no twists or turns. Very basic and straight forward.
May 18, 2019
Mmm I don't know what to say.. I'm speechless... the female characteris a freaking pushover... and Joshua and Richard the male characters are freaking asshole on different level...
September 27, 2016
If I Could Do It Again is an interesting story. It was different from anything I've ever read. The author takes you on an emotional journey with the heroine as she find love in the most unlikely of places. This well-written novel held my attention until the end and there were times I wasn't too sure how this story would end. I loved the characters and the storyline. There were some really steamy scenes and I loved the ending. I really loved this novel and I would definitely recommend it.
September 28, 2016
No.
Just No.
.
.
.
.
That is all...
I mean I could, but I really don't want to rant this early. <---- that is how much I didn't agree with this read at all. I feel like the message is all wrong for women.
So nope..
Just No.
.
.
.
.
That is all...
I mean I could, but I really don't want to rant this early. <---- that is how much I didn't agree with this read at all. I feel like the message is all wrong for women.
So nope..
December 10, 2016
If I could do it again by Ashley Stoyanoff a book I am giving Five stars and one book I would definitely do again. This book is a stand-alone HEA, it’s a slight change of direction for the author and at times I was wondering if she had made the right decision but once the book kicked off, I had no doubt she kicks it in these topics.
The book centres on two main characters, Romance novelist Victoria Clarke and Convicted felon Joshua Larson or Swag as he is known to his Motorcycle Crew. They are both in the wrong place to start something, but as you know the course of true love never did run smooth. Victoria is married to a man she doesn’t know if she ever truly loved, he was determined and she was young and naïve, working as a waitress, he was a wealthy business man who made her give up the waitressing job she loved to become a writer as he doesn’t think it’s appropriate for his wife to be a waitress. This leads to her pretty much living in her office as it’s the only place she feels comfortable, and means that she is incredibly lonely and when she is researching for one of her books she comes across a website for prison pen pals, and she decides to do it, she is honest about it and tells her husband who thinks she is crazy but doesn’t care enough either way, until she starts to stand up for herself.
The person that Victoria writes to Joshua who is half way through an 8-year sentence for killing someone in a bar fight, that he claims was self-defence. Joshua is very different from Victoria; he sees woman as possessions and I could have happily chocked him at times when I was reading this book, and at times I did want to reach in and grab Victoria and shake her shoulders as Joshua and his friends leave a lot to be desired.
But the relationship between them develops and they keep trying, and the story is great, I waited for this book for ages and read it from cover to cover pretty much in one sitting. I can only hope that Ashley Stoyanoff keeps writing like this.
The book centres on two main characters, Romance novelist Victoria Clarke and Convicted felon Joshua Larson or Swag as he is known to his Motorcycle Crew. They are both in the wrong place to start something, but as you know the course of true love never did run smooth. Victoria is married to a man she doesn’t know if she ever truly loved, he was determined and she was young and naïve, working as a waitress, he was a wealthy business man who made her give up the waitressing job she loved to become a writer as he doesn’t think it’s appropriate for his wife to be a waitress. This leads to her pretty much living in her office as it’s the only place she feels comfortable, and means that she is incredibly lonely and when she is researching for one of her books she comes across a website for prison pen pals, and she decides to do it, she is honest about it and tells her husband who thinks she is crazy but doesn’t care enough either way, until she starts to stand up for herself.
The person that Victoria writes to Joshua who is half way through an 8-year sentence for killing someone in a bar fight, that he claims was self-defence. Joshua is very different from Victoria; he sees woman as possessions and I could have happily chocked him at times when I was reading this book, and at times I did want to reach in and grab Victoria and shake her shoulders as Joshua and his friends leave a lot to be desired.
But the relationship between them develops and they keep trying, and the story is great, I waited for this book for ages and read it from cover to cover pretty much in one sitting. I can only hope that Ashley Stoyanoff keeps writing like this.
February 16, 2017
Great new storyline... I can relate on body weight... Don't like the fact of Vic being called a bitch or slut... wrong .. the ending is way to fast.. he's out and that's it 99.8% of the time he's in prision.... Seriously I like longer endings
October 1, 2016
This was a tough read. Somebody needed to talk some sense into Victoria. I thought her parents would and they just let it happen. I wanted to give up on this story but Ms. Stoyanoff kept me turning the pages. Sadly, the ending didn't make me feel any better. If it was suppose to be happy, it didn't seem that way to me. This story will pull at all of your emotions.
October 17, 2016
Just No
Not for me at all. Victoria is no naive and has no personality. Joshua is a complete jerk and I'm so happy I didn't spend a penny on this book.
Not for me at all. Victoria is no naive and has no personality. Joshua is a complete jerk and I'm so happy I didn't spend a penny on this book.
February 4, 2017
This book made me sick. It had the potential to be a great story but it was disgusting
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews