A passionate story of personal struggle, tragedy, and triumph. A touching, Romantic tale of family, Faith, and forgiveness. Ric Pallindino and Megan O'Dwyer. Their seemingly chance meeting, inevitable. Megan O'Dwyer is a beer and burger girl, practical and grounded. Forced to abandon the innocence of childhood far too soon, she stumbles along the path she chose. Her dreams and goals are on pause until further notice, while she works two jobs. For Megan, Love has left a deep cut on her soul. It doesn't gape, but it hasn't healed. Love came again, with an ultimatum, a price she refused to pay. Megan expected her life to be lonely, it went with the territory. Regardless, she loved her decision and shame would never be allowed to taint it. Except, Ric Pallindino stormed into her life, disrupting her world and flooded her with hope. Everything she had wished for, promised in his warm brown eyes, in his touch. Ric Pallindino takes a hard turn and veers away from his brother's shadow. From the maneaters that prey on his attention. Convinced the younger Pallindino brother must be as notorious and reckless as the older. Ric's existence has been held hostage by remorse and guilt. His past haunts him. A determined reminder, he is undeserving of peace, and that Karma always collects. In spite of the darkness, Ric is struck by Megan's light. Her exquisite beauty and a glimpse of what could be, demands he escape his private hell and pursue what his heart desires. Her.Brought together by Fate. Broken by Fury. Can their newly ignited love, their reality, withstand a devastating truth? Can Fate be defied, when Love has a plan?
"What if, true love tenderly touches your Soul long before it strokes your sex drive?" Melanie has a romantic heart, writing sweet to sensual, intrigued with that one pivotal moment, and the concept of soul mates. Melanie strives to give her characters a home and space of their own, but they are challenged by Murphy's Law and struggle in their quest to find a HEA. Her characters wrestle with aspects of life that touch us all in a storyteller style that will draw you into an emotional, heartfelt ride. While Melanie’s parents were both avid readers, she was taught love and appreciation of books and the magic within, at an early age. Melanie's greatest love is her family and she is happily married, a dedicated daughter, a proud mother of three, step-mom of two, and a loving grandmother. Connect with her: Subscribe: https://mailchi.mp/fe03005b1706/subsc... MeWe: mewe.com/i/melaniebennett MeWe: Goodreads Authors & Readers. https://mewe.com/join/goodreadsauthor... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniebenne... BookBub: https://bit.ly/2ksRtpZ ~Bennett's Bookish Beauties~Authors Promote. ~Come for the Books. Stay for the Friendships.~ Facebook :https://bit.ly/2TKs5zY **
Sometimes people come into your life for a reason. Call it Fate, call it love, call it meant to be. Megan wasn’t expecting her knight in shining armor to rescue her from the life she has chosen. Nor did she expect he would be everything she needed, embracing her life, her baggage and all that was dear to her.
Ric isn’t the player his looks would suggest. He is a prisoner to his past, a nightmare he will never forget or forgive himself for. How could he possibly think he could deserve someone like Megan? One thing for sure, he needs her, he needs her world, but when his past stares him in the face, he knows he could lose her in the time it takes to tell her the truth of who he is.
Long ago, one action destroyed lives, but now, one action could lead to redemption and a future filled with light and love.
JUST FOR MEGAN by Melanie Bennett is “that” love story. There is pain, loss, discovery and hope for two people deserving of more than life has given them, but were Fate and Cupid just waiting for the right moment?
Ms. Bennett tells her tale in a slightly different way. I noticed there was almost a veiled quality to the budding romance between the feisty Megan and the tortured Ric. There is no big machismo, no over-wrought heroine, these two feel alive and real. This isn’t a floodgates-opening romance, it is one to watch blossom until the harsh realities of their lives cut like a razor’s edge.
If you’re looking for a romance with some sweetness, humor, and high-power tension, but NEED to know that Fate has a heart, too, this is one to pick up and get lost in.
I received a complimentary copy from Melanie Bennett!
Series: Passion - Book 2 Publisher: Melanie Bennett (April 26, 2018) Publication Date: April 26, 2018 Genre: Contemporary Romance Print Length: 204 pages Available from: Amazon For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
I received an ARC from the author. This had a very sweet second-chances story, of Megan and Ric getting another shot at love despite their pasts, of the accidental connection they shared because of Ric’s accident, and helping each other move on from their pasts. They had an instant attraction and love connection, and Ric bonded right away with Megan’s daughter. The scenes between Ric and Alana were some of my favorite. Lots of feel-good vibes and little nudges from higher powers above.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
One evening on a stretch of Highway named Devil’s Tail Road (because of all of the twists and turns), a young man nearly loses his life. He’s saved by an older man’s sacrifice while Fate and Death watch from the sidelines.
This is the love story of Ric and Megan but it’s also a story about fate and coincidence. It’s thought provoking in it’s twists and turns (like Devil’s Tail Road), making the reader question whether they believe in simple coincidence or if fate along with human choice guides us to where we are supposed to be.
From the moment Ric meets Megan he feels this overpowering sense that she is meant to be his. He’s such a good, decent and hardworking man. Megan has lived through some rough times in her life but she pushes through and is selfless in her love for her family. The feelings that Ric inspires in her scare her in the beginning but she can’t fight them for long. He works tirelessly to prove to her that he is the man she deserves.
I loved little Allanah. She was so adorable and so deserving of the life she ended up with. With two epilogues into the future, I got to see where this adorable family ended up.
There were a few editing issues but as this was an ARC, I’m assuming they’ll be taken care of prior to release. At first the writing and some of the wording was hard to get into but the overall message in this book was worth pushing through the few things that bugged me. Every woman should hope for and wait for a man like Ric to come into their lives and to never settle for less.
An ARC was received from the author for an honest review.
"Just for Megan" intertwines the various forces and entities that control our lives: Fate, Love, and Free will.
Things I Liked: *MILD SPOILERS*
Megan's character. I sometimes find female leads can be whiny, bitchy, over-dramatic and/or stuck-up. Megan has none of those qualities. She isn't self-deprecating or unrealistic. Megan is entirely real, if I had to use one word to describe her. She is a very grounded character who knows where her responsibilities and loyalties lie. There is a scene in chapter 6 where Ric and Megan are standing in the rain outside his truck, and to me this scene KILLED ME because the strain of being a single, hardworking mother felt much too real in that second. Megan's devotion to her daughter is exactly how I think every mom should be, and Ric's understanding of Megan's hesitance to date was refreshing and respectful. Super like.
The Irish/Celtic motifs. Down to the last names of the characters, the constant references to green spaces or greenery, the imagery, the restaurants the characters frequented... the whole book just felt somewhat mystical, very much like Irish folklore. There was an ethereal vibe to the prose and the flow of the text, whimsical in a way that reminded me of faery gardens and old Irish tales of loves lost and loves found... *MILD SPOILER ALERT* The tie-in of Megan's father also really brought back the Irish whimsical vibe. The gaps between narrative contribute to this flow as well - they don't appear to be gaping or awkward; rather, they made me think of the story as flowing from one perspective to the next, like there are multiple "Beings" watching over our every move.... again, very mystical and ethereal feeling.
Hotness Factor: There were some steamy moments, but the text overall felt innocent, in a way. There was a type of reverence in the passion the characters felt, and the steamier moments never felt awkward, forced, or unanticipated. Rather than being plopped into the book for shock value or a quick dose of your daily book boyfriend porn, the brief scenes and moments of intimacy between Ric and Megan furthered their relationship and acknowledged their growth as partners to each other.
Things I Didn't Like:
In the dialogue, the characters too often said one another's names. For example, Ric would be talking to Megan and in his dialogue would say something like, "A gift, Megan, you gave your Mom a gift...." and vice-versa. The author does a great job of balancing dialogue and prose, which is difficult to do, but in doing so, the use of the character's names in the dialogue is repetitive and holds the dialogue back. This did remove me from the story a little bit, as I began to feel like I was eavesdropping on a conversation rather than being a part of it.
We briefly had a glimpse into Megan and Matt's relationship, but I wanted a bit more, maybe a bit more spread out than just those one or two scenes right after one another.
Overall: I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever struggled with accepting a tragedy. If you ever think about what could have been, or why something horrible had to happen, or even why something wonderful happened, Ric and Megan's story can put those wandering thoughts to rest.
I received an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
An absolutely beautiful love story!! Author Melanie Bennett has a way of weaving her way into your heart with this breathtaking story of passion and fate. I don't want to give away too much but in the first 10 to 15 pages I already had goosebumps and felt my heart squeeze with emotion. Her descriptions and characters are flawless and sucked me into the pages.
I was super lucky and won book 1 "Only for Makayla" & book 2 "Just For Megan" on an instagram giveaway, so cool. I am totally new to Melanie Bennett and I am shocked that more folks have not checked her reads out??! shocking??! I must say ... don't tell my American authors this, shhh!! between u and me .. and all the folks reading this. lol ... but my Canadian authors are way cooler (now American authors don't get your panties in a bunch, i love you too, but there are tons more of you, so the love is massive, they need our love, 'cause there are less of them and we need to share that love, book love, author love, keep writing please.) ... I just love finding new Canadian authors ...they are so few and far between ... so kind and just the best writing styles ever!! and i get really excited when i find a new one ... Melanie is one. love it! please check her out. she rocks!! I know it happens, to pick a fave ...so I gotta say I felt I did connect a bit more with book 2 ... "Just For Megan" ...wish I could tell u why? it is not that easy to explain ...u know that feeling u get!??! fate, chemistry ...there is steam in these reads ...if that bugs ya or maybe u enjoy it? u make the decision??! I am curious why there are more reviews on book 2 than 1? must reads for sure ... I look forward to more from Melanie soon enough!! all the best my author friend!! To my north friend ... we love you guys/girls, u r fab!!! take care.
I finished Just for Megan over the weekend and can tell you I simply fell in love with this book! I read Only for Makayla, which is book one, but both books are completely standalone books. Just for Megan is Ric and Megan's story, Ric being Raf's brother from book one. I love how this book was a lot more descriptive and detailed than Only for Makayla (although I did love that one as well). If you read Only for Makayla, then you know a little bit about how Melanie Bennett weaves a plot that brings these characters together in a way that they are destined to be together- no matter how much they fight it. Just for Megan is no different! I absolutely love the backstory behind Ric and Megan and how there was heartbreak, but at the same time, inspiration and even a bit of mystery! You really pull for these two to make it work and you know they deserve happiness! Ric is one of those characters that is sexy, but in a way that he doesn't even really know it, and Megan is beautiful and caring, but guarded. When they meet, they have a connection that cannot be denied and as a reader, you get to see their story unfold and it honestly makes you wonder if this is how life really works. It makes you think! I definitely hope there's more to come in this series because I want to see a certain brother (um...Gavin) get his story!!!
It was fate…. This story has all the feels and an HEA- what more can you ask for?
This is my first read by his author and I loved it.
When fate, love, death, hope and free will all play a part in a romance you know you are in for a ride-
Ric Pallindino young and somewhat reckless is set on a path of tragedy and lose that changes his life causing the death of another.
Megan O’Dwyer a stubborn, single mother who lost her father years ago is not looking for love.
7 years later fate leads him to his life and his forever love (Megan) but, not without putting them to the test. Struggles that will either bring them closer together or further apart. A connection is felt, a love grows for not only Megan but for her daughter (Alannah) as well. Ric has never forgotten the accident that changed his life. The man who saved his life and when this threatens his future with Megan all he can do is give her time.
When an event happens that could cost them to lose Alannah; Ric and Megan have to admit to themselves that they cannot live without eachother.
Megan O'dwyer worked two jobs to pay her bills after her dad died and support her daughter and make them proud of her. Ric had been in a serious car accident and the man that saved him died after helping Ric to stay alive and those memories were never far from his mind. Ric watched a child fall off there bike and he ran over to help only to get a shock when he looked into the eyes of the most beautiful women he had ever seen and the shock to his system was something that he has never felt before. Chemistry zapped between Megan and Ric but will it be enough when all the secrets are revealed. Omg this book takes you on a spiritual journey that is so emotional that it breaks your heart and then puts it back together and it is so freeing, so make sure you have your tissues ready because you will definitely need them as you go through all the ups and downs of life and everything that happens through this book. This is the first book that I have read by Melanie Bennett but definitely not the last as it was so addictive and a real page turner and you have to keep reading to see what will happen next. I definitely recommend you read this book as it was so well written and an amazing book. I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy of this book.
This is the perfect story where tragedy and fate collide. Ric and Megan fall fast and hard for each other, but he also falls in love with Megan’s daughter and he has no problem making it known he’s in it for the long haul. But there are events from their past that could tear them apart. Can these two figure out a way to move on from the past and not destroy their future together? That’s about as much as I can give without spoiling anything. This is a beautiful and emotional read and you will root for Megan and Ric and not to mention Megan’s precious little girl.
This was an enchanting read. There was twists of life, bumps and undulations along the way, but love always finds a way. This was a well written, smooth read. The characters touched my heart and made me smile. This is a must read. I received it from booksprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
3.5 stars.. Not what I expected. Different book than Only For Makayla. I liked this book about as much (actually I just checked and I rated Only For Makayla 4 stars and this wasn't a 4 star book for me, but almost.), but it may not appeal to the same reader.
For starters, the fantasy part was surprising. It wouldn't have been so startling if you didn't read the first book which didn't have any fantasy aspects. I liked the hope and destiny woven into the story. Also, there was much less sex in this book, only one tame sex scene. Not a big deal for me, but if you liked the heat in the first book, you will be disappointed. The InstaLove in this book was sudden and intense. And lastly, Makayla and Raf were barely in this book except a few mentions, but thank goodness there were some scenes with Makayla's lovable gay best friend, Travis. I also have a couple of minor comments.
There were lots of things to like in this book. The full circle aspects were very cool. Megan's maternal devotion was sweet and Ric's affection for Alanna was adorable. I wish their were more Alanna just being cute scenes, she sounded like a sweetie. Mikayla's best friend, Travis was great again
With-reservations: tragedy, death, depression, guilt, sexual situation, child endangerment
I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but I'm not dull. Maybe fools rush in, but only a dumbass would rush by.
Just for Megan is an emotionally sweet and melancholy romance that works beautifully. The infusion of mystical and spiritual entities gives this story an additional layer of meaning. Megan O'Dwyer is a single mother of a two-year old daughter, Alannah. At 13 years of age, Megan lost her father in a terrible car crash and hasn't come to terms with it yet. Her father, Brady, was a good man who saved someone's life in that crash, but Death came for him. The fate of Ric Pallindino changed in that very moment. Seven years after that crash, Megan is on her way to her second job and her Jeep refuses to move. She has no choice but to ride her old, half-broken down, bike and hope for the best. On her way home, it starts to pour and Rico Pallandino spots her trying, and not really succeeding, to keep the bike upright. He tries to stop her and is stunned by her electric blue eyes. "Fate held her breath." The more they see of each other, they are sure that this is going to go somewhere. It's not all smooth sailing. Megan worries that, if she falls for Ric, will he be able to love Alannah as a father would? For Ric, the coming month is going to be really difficult for him. He has some skeletons in his closet that he hasn't addressed yet. If he doesn't face them, it might be too damaging for his relationship with Megan. Melanie Bennett has crafted a wonderful book in which she uses ethereal prose within and between chapters that adds so much to its feeling and timelessness.
The story opens with a horrific accident that nearly snatches the hero before it begins. Fate intervenes and Ric is given a second chance at life, but with a price, it seems. A trade off is made behind the scenes and his rescuer dies. The survivor's guilt is a constant reminder for Ric and it follows him daily.
Megan is a beautiful, young woman who seems unattached. She too has her owns box of secrets and carries it as heavily as he.
Fate steps in yet again, this time in tandem with Cupid. Love is a challenge for them both, but it grows daily as they overcome the obstacles as they come. Will this man be right for her and her daughter? Will she forgive his seemingly unforgivable secret? Can he ever live without his guilt?
My favourite chapter is where they are on the verge of a sexual moment when she shys away. Her body is scarred by the pregnancy and she is ashamed of her looks. He responds awesomely with uplifting words of encouragement and compliments for her scars, telling her to never be ashamed of their beauty. It was a sweet moment that was perfect.
It reminds me greatly of one of my favourite novels, Magnificent Obsession, with a quite a bit more steam. I enjoyed it very much!
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
WOW this is one emotional rollercoaster of a ride that will draw you in and won't spit you out until the very last page
Ric Palladino made a wrong decision that sent his life on a spiral and caused the death of someone Seven years later he meets Megan a single mum of a daughter and his life changes yet again. This is basically a story about redemption and fate about how our life is preordained and there is no way to change it Kismet is the word i believe There is a slight mystical feel to this entire story. Thoroughly recommend there is plenty of emotion in this story line
The circle of life, fate, call it want you want. When it's meant to be, it will happen. The author took us on a journey from start to finish, the pieces all fell into place and I had an understanding of what the beginning was about by the end of the book. Ric, Megan and the little one were a family waiting to happen. The chemistry was there, strange events were drawing them together. I enjoyed this magical moments in the back of this story. All up an entertaining tale.
What happens when you meet someone and instantly you feel those sparks? You kiss them and you see fireworks? You know it's meant to be, but yet you're still afraid that it's too good to be true. What happens when you discover that the perfect person has a past that affected your life? Just For Megan is a beautiful story about fate, love, forgiveness and chances.
Megan and Ric take you along in their journey of love. Fate puts them together and through the ups and downs they share a wonderful story. This book had me in tears a few times but I loved it!
An intriguing second chance romance story, it is captivating and emotional. Strong chemistry with the characters and a well-written book. The pleasure to read this book.
What a great love story. Fate plays a huge part in this book, and helping two ppl find love. Ric trying to get thru life working and trying to find love, Megan is working so many jobs just to stay above water. These two meet on a rainy day and the story just begins.
Megan is a very young single mom trying to make her way. Ric and she are linked by friends and family—and other ways they don’t know about. Love Ric—when he goes in, he is all in. Love their friends and family—working to get them together and then keep them together.
She had loved and lost once before and now she works two jobs keeping to herself thinking she does not deserve anything else. He is trying to get away from his brother shadow. He has had too many women who want to use him. Then he sees her and he thinks he may just have another chance. Will he get it? Will they find they are made for each other? See if they are
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⚖️⚖️ ONE HEARTFELT JOURNEY⚖️⚖️ Incredible! Melanie hit the ground running with this delectably delicious deep dish delight, serving up some hard knocks, knee benders and heartbreaking pasts, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, catapulting this gem to staggering heights. Continence and dynamics in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so profoundly until everything else ceases to exist, wrapping this gem up sleek, shiny and tight. A churning multitude of vexing mishaps and unexpected events, noting the intimidating struggles and heart soaring triumphs, unveiling the dramatic twists and hairpin turns, putting our characters through their pacing, putting our characters through their pacing, blasting this baby into the eye of the storm, kicking it into a tailspin with astonishing impacts. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Melanie, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Loved this story. Megan single mom working 3 jobs, living with her mom. She is strong and determined to make the best life possible for her daughter. Ric on his 21st birthday was in a bad accident and the man who saved him died at the sceen, of a heart attack. Now 7 years later his brother is in love and Ric so wants that in his life. He meets Megan on a rainy day and feels an immediate connection. This is their story, fate has a strong hand in their lives. Watch as it unfolds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book is a good romance read. The story is well written, and smooth read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is a good love story read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I got this book under the 'Read it & Reap' Program in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating: 3.8 stars
This is a love story of Megan and Ric (whom we briefly saw in ).
Megan is a single mother working two jobs to provide for her family. And has no interest in finding love. Ric is a hard-working guy with some serious weight from the past, but a great desire to prove his love for Megan.
I thought this would be something like the first book in terms of writing, but the author decided to add a supernatural element to the story. And although it is relevant and understandable why it was done, it still was a bit odd for me. So, I can say that this is the one thing that I did not like.
What I liked: 1. the relationship between Megan and Ric. I admire Ric for learning a lesson from his brother and listening to the numerous advice he was given from close friends and family and making the right choices to build a strong relationship with Megan (although I must admit, he seems to be a little bit too perfect). And I liked Megan for being mature enough and also acting on a piece of great advice from her mother. 2. the dynamics. The story is fast-paced and does not get boring, because something interesting is always happening (and not necessarily something good, which makes it close to real life) 3. the ending. Again, a bit overly sweet for my taste, but I liked how we got to see this family's future through so many years. I think all of us like to imagine what our life would be like in 20 years.
Overall, a great story to follow, I really enjoyed reading it.