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Second Chances #1
Compass
Compass, a second chance romance novel from New York Times bestselling author, Deborah Bladon.
Gage Burke was supposed to be my happily-ever-after.
When he dropped to one knee on my twenty-first birthday, I saw the promise of forever in his soulful green eyes.
I picked the venue, bought the perfect wedding dress, and chose my favorite flowers for the bouquet.
Every detail was arranged, but just days before the ceremony, my fiancé set sail on a new adventure without me.
I picked up the pieces of my shattered heart and patched it back together.
I left sunny California and headed east, unaware that Gage felt the same pull to New York City that I did.
When he walks into the bridal boutique I own, time stops.
He tells me that I'm his true north and that fate crossed our paths again.
I tell him to go to hell and to take fate with him.
I can't forget what happened between us in the past, even if Gage is determined to chart a new course toward our future together.
Gage Burke was supposed to be my happily-ever-after.
When he dropped to one knee on my twenty-first birthday, I saw the promise of forever in his soulful green eyes.
I picked the venue, bought the perfect wedding dress, and chose my favorite flowers for the bouquet.
Every detail was arranged, but just days before the ceremony, my fiancé set sail on a new adventure without me.
I picked up the pieces of my shattered heart and patched it back together.
I left sunny California and headed east, unaware that Gage felt the same pull to New York City that I did.
When he walks into the bridal boutique I own, time stops.
He tells me that I'm his true north and that fate crossed our paths again.
I tell him to go to hell and to take fate with him.
I can't forget what happened between us in the past, even if Gage is determined to chart a new course toward our future together.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2019
728 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Bladon
101 books2,338 followersDeborah Bladon had never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She was a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you could often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan was definitely her second home.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 2, 2019
🌟🌟1/2 stars
Katie’s fiancé broke off their engagement and followed his ex to another state so he could be close to his daughter. He never told Katie about the baby or why he was leaving. He proclaimed he always loved her and yet he made little effort to find her in all those years.
By chance, he runs into her and professes that he never stopped loving her. Did I believe him? Yeah… in a pathetic way. I mean, I’d never let a man treat me that way and still be with him afterward, but that’s me and I’m a cold bitch sometimes.
I was hesitant to even read this, but once I found out the heroine hadn’t been frozen sexually while the dead beat hero went off and played daddy to another woman’s child, I felt I could stomach it. To my great satisfaction, the heroine had other lovers while the hero remained celibate during their five year separation.
BUT… when I got to the part about the heroine's big secret, I wanted to scream at the author.
Safety: Gage had plenty of lovers before he hooked up with Katie. He was 21 at the time. Katie had been a virgin, but after the break up she went on to acquire some new sexual skills. *You Go Girl* Gage absolutely hated knowing she'd been with other men while he hadn't been with any women during their separation. Her new experience really pained him. *Thank you author for flipping that... I really appreciate it*
Katie’s fiancé broke off their engagement and followed his ex to another state so he could be close to his daughter. He never told Katie about the baby or why he was leaving. He proclaimed he always loved her and yet he made little effort to find her in all those years.
By chance, he runs into her and professes that he never stopped loving her. Did I believe him? Yeah… in a pathetic way. I mean, I’d never let a man treat me that way and still be with him afterward, but that’s me and I’m a cold bitch sometimes.
I was hesitant to even read this, but once I found out the heroine hadn’t been frozen sexually while the dead beat hero went off and played daddy to another woman’s child, I felt I could stomach it. To my great satisfaction, the heroine had other lovers while the hero remained celibate during their five year separation.
BUT… when I got to the part about the heroine's big secret, I wanted to scream at the author.
Safety: Gage had plenty of lovers before he hooked up with Katie. He was 21 at the time. Katie had been a virgin, but after the break up she went on to acquire some new sexual skills. *You Go Girl* Gage absolutely hated knowing she'd been with other men while he hadn't been with any women during their separation. Her new experience really pained him. *Thank you author for flipping that... I really appreciate it*
Want to read
April 28, 2019
Thanks Raj!
April 28, 2019
I’m usually a fan of this author but this has got to be the DUMBEST book I have ever read in my entire life.
***spoiler***
Gage left Katie years ago on their wedding day because he found out he had a daughter. He and Katie planned to never have kids so he took off, never telling her a word. Later it’s revealed that he ISNT EVEN THE BIOLOGICAL father of Kristin. Therefore the whole situation could have been avoided had he just gotten a DNA test and told Katie the truth about what was going on. All the crap that happened was so unnecessary. Katie was even pregnant with his baby and went through the loss ALONE.
Later in the books when he gets Katie back he’s actually mentally debating about it ending again because he could leave NYC for California because his daughter and baby momma are moving back.
The whole concept was so stupid. Such a waste of time.
***spoiler***
Gage left Katie years ago on their wedding day because he found out he had a daughter. He and Katie planned to never have kids so he took off, never telling her a word. Later it’s revealed that he ISNT EVEN THE BIOLOGICAL father of Kristin. Therefore the whole situation could have been avoided had he just gotten a DNA test and told Katie the truth about what was going on. All the crap that happened was so unnecessary. Katie was even pregnant with his baby and went through the loss ALONE.
Later in the books when he gets Katie back he’s actually mentally debating about it ending again because he could leave NYC for California because his daughter and baby momma are moving back.
The whole concept was so stupid. Such a waste of time.
August 23, 2021
2.5 “not for me” Stars
Compass is the type of book I hate to rate. Was the writing bad? No. Did it keep me invested enough to finish? Yes. But Did I enjoy it? Not really. Would I recommend to readers that share my taste in books? Probably not, I honestly think you’ll be bored. In a nutshell, I feel like this is the perfect second-chance romance for readers concerned with equal relationship power, safety, and drama-lite because there’s no cheating, his “sins” are quite small, he’s very remorseful, takes all the blame, tried to locate her for years… and the BIG one…. He was celibate while she had FIVE lovers over the 6 year separation. Basically, there are zero anger inducing conflicts.
My problem is that I read second-chance romance because I love FEELS, and to really generate those sought-after feelings… I need shit to happen, which usually means someone needs to fuck up, and as a rule of thumb… the bigger the fuck up… the bigger the feels. So in this scenario, where everything is so nice and remorseful, it wasn’t really working for me.
Bottom Line- This is watered down chicken soup, and I preferred the condensed version. The “conflicts” were far-fetched and not logical to make a small impact. All the t’s were crossed, and i’s dotted for an all-encompassing HEA for all. I blame my boring life because I’d rather live the heartache and drama-llama through fictional characters, and keep the real shit stable. The only part that even had a whiff of drama, with the instigator of the conflict, was dispatched quickly with zero confrontation. It just poofed away.
Compass is the type of book I hate to rate. Was the writing bad? No. Did it keep me invested enough to finish? Yes. But Did I enjoy it? Not really. Would I recommend to readers that share my taste in books? Probably not, I honestly think you’ll be bored. In a nutshell, I feel like this is the perfect second-chance romance for readers concerned with equal relationship power, safety, and drama-lite because there’s no cheating, his “sins” are quite small, he’s very remorseful, takes all the blame, tried to locate her for years… and the BIG one…. He was celibate while she had FIVE lovers over the 6 year separation. Basically, there are zero anger inducing conflicts.
My problem is that I read second-chance romance because I love FEELS, and to really generate those sought-after feelings… I need shit to happen, which usually means someone needs to fuck up, and as a rule of thumb… the bigger the fuck up… the bigger the feels. So in this scenario, where everything is so nice and remorseful, it wasn’t really working for me.
Bottom Line- This is watered down chicken soup, and I preferred the condensed version. The “conflicts” were far-fetched and not logical to make a small impact. All the t’s were crossed, and i’s dotted for an all-encompassing HEA for all. I blame my boring life because I’d rather live the heartache and drama-llama through fictional characters, and keep the real shit stable. The only part that even had a whiff of drama, with the instigator of the conflict, was dispatched quickly with zero confrontation. It just poofed away.
May 5, 2019
I think all the h’s parents and brothers out there need to grow up and stop living in their patriarchal dreamland.
I liked this book enough. I’m not going to go into much details, but I’ll give out a massive spoiler.
H was stupid, yes. But he caught up with his stupidity within couple of days and came back to the apartment that he shared with h. The h within that very small window packed all her belongings, changed her number and changed town. So no, as a mature adult I CAN NOT in good sense lay the blame on the H’s door. Not me, not the feminist in me, not the double standards in me. HE. TRIED. HIS. DAMN. BEST. Life threw him lemon, he tried to make lemonade. Yes he should have tried to do that in partnership, but he WAS in shock, he made a mistake, went away to calm down for couple of days, a week tops. The h uprooted ad relocated herself in that short time. He had to think of a blameless tiny human in the meantime. However he never stopped looking. Her mother disconnected his calls, her father threw a choice of words at him and the brother out and out refused to budge, lie and manipulate so they never meet. Cause the h is “hurting”. It doesn’t matter that a conversation with H may have healed her, sent her to revive or let her let go of the past. No. They don’t care. THEY DON’T CARE WHAT SHE WANTS DAMMIT! She may be an adult but they’ll handpick the information she receives. They’ll dictate her life instead of the H now. They know the best. So just like the H, they took any choices out of her hands and watched her suffer for FIVE YEARS.
He called every couple of weeks to harass the brother about h’s whereabouts, the brother NEVER even uttered a word but the family rather told the h she should move on as he never looked back or looked for her. That is an outright lie. He did. He still was after five years. Yes, he hasn’t yet hired a private investigator, but his life is a MESS. He had to think of a child here. Cut this guy some slack.
Do I blame the h? No. But I also don’t blame the H. He has begged her relatives, who decided THEY can make decisions for HER and really? THEY were the reason for a five year separation, NOT the MCs. After his initial break up? Not even the hero’s. He did and still was looking for her.
I liked this book enough. I’m not going to go into much details, but I’ll give out a massive spoiler.
H was stupid, yes. But he caught up with his stupidity within couple of days and came back to the apartment that he shared with h. The h within that very small window packed all her belongings, changed her number and changed town. So no, as a mature adult I CAN NOT in good sense lay the blame on the H’s door. Not me, not the feminist in me, not the double standards in me. HE. TRIED. HIS. DAMN. BEST. Life threw him lemon, he tried to make lemonade. Yes he should have tried to do that in partnership, but he WAS in shock, he made a mistake, went away to calm down for couple of days, a week tops. The h uprooted ad relocated herself in that short time. He had to think of a blameless tiny human in the meantime. However he never stopped looking. Her mother disconnected his calls, her father threw a choice of words at him and the brother out and out refused to budge, lie and manipulate so they never meet. Cause the h is “hurting”. It doesn’t matter that a conversation with H may have healed her, sent her to revive or let her let go of the past. No. They don’t care. THEY DON’T CARE WHAT SHE WANTS DAMMIT! She may be an adult but they’ll handpick the information she receives. They’ll dictate her life instead of the H now. They know the best. So just like the H, they took any choices out of her hands and watched her suffer for FIVE YEARS.
He called every couple of weeks to harass the brother about h’s whereabouts, the brother NEVER even uttered a word but the family rather told the h she should move on as he never looked back or looked for her. That is an outright lie. He did. He still was after five years. Yes, he hasn’t yet hired a private investigator, but his life is a MESS. He had to think of a child here. Cut this guy some slack.
Do I blame the h? No. But I also don’t blame the H. He has begged her relatives, who decided THEY can make decisions for HER and really? THEY were the reason for a five year separation, NOT the MCs. After his initial break up? Not even the hero’s. He did and still was looking for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
4 ! Loved Gage and Katie
(This is my 2020 review. I’m just shelving the book for certain categories)
When I read the blurb, I was so excited to start it. I love reading second-chance books, especially when the h resists and resists until she can’t resist anymore lol.
5 years ago, Katie and Gage were engaged in California and then out of nowhere, Gage breaks up with Katie and sets sail on a journey, leaving Katie heartbroken with the love of her life gone and no answers. In the present time, Katie owns a bridal dress boutique in New York and, one day, Gage walks in as the best man of a wedding. They see each other and the connection is sizzling. He keeps pursuing her since he wants to explain what happened 5 years ago and she keeps resisting telling him she has moved on. But their connection is so intense that it’s obvious neither have moved on. And maybe they both need to clear the air and maybe she needs to see if she really has moved on.
I really loved the storyline. *spoiler* I especially loved that for ONCE, the H is the one that was celibate and the h had other relationships *end spoiler*
Communication is so important in a relationship, and Gage didn’t follow through, which is why they’ve lost 5 years of being together.
The times when he told her “you want this” and she would say “no” but she really did want it were my favorite! I love it when a man is confident and knows what the woman wants even if she doesn’t want to admit it.
So why 4 stars? I didn’t like the way the chapters were formatted. I mean, we are in the middle of a scene, the chapter ends, and then the new chapter continues from the end of the previous chapter. Why does the chapter have to end there when it’s the same scene?? I get it when the perspective is changed (it’s told from alternating points of view) but not when it’s still in Katie’s perspective and it’s still the same scene.
The other thing is that I wish it was longer. Ugh. I know I’m being greedy but I was sucked in! There were times when their past is referenced, but I felt like it could’ve been more detailed. Like, when he mentions “do you still like this/do this” and then she’ll think “oh yeah I used to love that/do that”; she acknowledges it and then moves on. Because their past relationship is such a huge focal point in this story, that being shown more would’ve made it a full 5 starts for me.
Regardless, i still enjoyed it.
(This is my 2020 review. I’m just shelving the book for certain categories)
When I read the blurb, I was so excited to start it. I love reading second-chance books, especially when the h resists and resists until she can’t resist anymore lol.
5 years ago, Katie and Gage were engaged in California and then out of nowhere, Gage breaks up with Katie and sets sail on a journey, leaving Katie heartbroken with the love of her life gone and no answers. In the present time, Katie owns a bridal dress boutique in New York and, one day, Gage walks in as the best man of a wedding. They see each other and the connection is sizzling. He keeps pursuing her since he wants to explain what happened 5 years ago and she keeps resisting telling him she has moved on. But their connection is so intense that it’s obvious neither have moved on. And maybe they both need to clear the air and maybe she needs to see if she really has moved on.
I really loved the storyline. *spoiler* I especially loved that for ONCE, the H is the one that was celibate and the h had other relationships *end spoiler*
Communication is so important in a relationship, and Gage didn’t follow through, which is why they’ve lost 5 years of being together.
The times when he told her “you want this” and she would say “no” but she really did want it were my favorite! I love it when a man is confident and knows what the woman wants even if she doesn’t want to admit it.
So why 4 stars? I didn’t like the way the chapters were formatted. I mean, we are in the middle of a scene, the chapter ends, and then the new chapter continues from the end of the previous chapter. Why does the chapter have to end there when it’s the same scene?? I get it when the perspective is changed (it’s told from alternating points of view) but not when it’s still in Katie’s perspective and it’s still the same scene.
The other thing is that I wish it was longer. Ugh. I know I’m being greedy but I was sucked in! There were times when their past is referenced, but I felt like it could’ve been more detailed. Like, when he mentions “do you still like this/do this” and then she’ll think “oh yeah I used to love that/do that”; she acknowledges it and then moves on. Because their past relationship is such a huge focal point in this story, that being shown more would’ve made it a full 5 starts for me.
Regardless, i still enjoyed it.
Want to read
March 5, 2023SAFETY INFO WITH SPOILERS
H broke his engagement with h bc he found he had a kid with ow 4 years before he met h. Ow was his gf and everyone thought he would have ended up with her. Even his parents. In fact they told h and H that. Yuck. He broke the engagement and left without telling h about daughter. He come back after thinking for a week and h had left.
h was a virgin. H wasn’t (obv) H never come back to ow. h with OM during separation. And this is what H says about separation: (imo this is not celibacy for him)
Her eyes search mine for something. She’s looking for a sign that I’m speaking the truth. The fact that my cock is hard as stone should be her first clue that I haven’t fucked a woman in half a decade. I tried. Jesus, did I try. I never got past a kiss or a handful of a clothed tit. Not one of the women I’ve met since I left California could compare to my Katie.
H broke his engagement with h bc he found he had a kid with ow 4 years before he met h. Ow was his gf and everyone thought he would have ended up with her. Even his parents. In fact they told h and H that. Yuck. He broke the engagement and left without telling h about daughter. He come back after thinking for a week and h had left.
h was a virgin. H wasn’t (obv) H never come back to ow. h with OM during separation. And this is what H says about separation: (imo this is not celibacy for him)
Her eyes search mine for something. She’s looking for a sign that I’m speaking the truth. The fact that my cock is hard as stone should be her first clue that I haven’t fucked a woman in half a decade. I tried. Jesus, did I try. I never got past a kiss or a handful of a clothed tit. Not one of the women I’ve met since I left California could compare to my Katie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
not-interested
May 3, 2019Because of reason of separation. Of course is a 2nd chance done horribly. Except the part heroine wasn’t celibate and hero was. But unfortunately this would not save the book for me
This man child could not be dumber. Meaning the plot is really dumb. #sorrynotsorry
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This man child could not be dumber. Meaning the plot is really dumb. #sorrynotsorry
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 4, 2019
3.5 really but I am giving credit for the author subverting the celibate heroine trope. I liked the way that whole aspect was done, because it proves having a guy abstain from sex can make sense. Since I complain so often about celibate heroines I wanted to give this author her due for not going that route in hope that we can encourage authors to not always follow the celibate heroine/man needs sex trope.
The plot itself was a little on the weak side, it all felt very contrived, and the reasons for their separation weren't built on a strong enough foundation for me. I liked the heros devotion to the heroine though, he did look for her and try to contact her, but her family would never tell him where she was. He considered it fate that he ran into her. The twist of his daughter was....in some ways I appreciated it because of my triggers, but then in some ways it felt kind of dumb so idk Then the twist with the heroine, again it all just felt very contrived, but I was able to buy in to their love for each other.
All in all it held my interest, and I wanted to support an author who went against the grain. I hope she continues to do so.
The plot itself was a little on the weak side, it all felt very contrived, and the reasons for their separation weren't built on a strong enough foundation for me. I liked the heros devotion to the heroine though, he did look for her and try to contact her, but her family would never tell him where she was. He considered it fate that he ran into her. The twist of his daughter was....in some ways I appreciated it because of my triggers, but then in some ways it felt kind of dumb so idk Then the twist with the heroine, again it all just felt very contrived, but I was able to buy in to their love for each other.
All in all it held my interest, and I wanted to support an author who went against the grain. I hope she continues to do so.
April 29, 2019
Soooooo bad. So bad. Soooooo bad !
Terrible H. Lame excuses and the worst- doormat h.
I'm fuming that I read such a poor excuse for a book.
Terrible H. Lame excuses and the worst- doormat h.
I'm fuming that I read such a poor excuse for a book.
May 5, 2019
This was pretty good, the hero redeemed himself and guess what he stayed celibate. And the heroine actually moved on as she was under the impression he dumped her because he did not love her.
August 23, 2019
I love Deborah Bladon. I am ALWAYS pleased with whatever I am reading of hers. She has a way of keeping me immersed in the story the entire time. I am thinking about the story even when I am unable to read. I just want to sit and read her books uninterrupted from cover to cover.
This book was wonderful and why some people didn’t rate it higher, I don’t understand but I personally loved it. I love the way characters from her other books find their way into the current storyline and it helps to enhance the character development for me.
Both the Kate and Gage were great characters.
Now I just want MORE Bladon books!!!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
This book was wonderful and why some people didn’t rate it higher, I don’t understand but I personally loved it. I love the way characters from her other books find their way into the current storyline and it helps to enhance the character development for me.
Both the Kate and Gage were great characters.
Now I just want MORE Bladon books!!!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
May 2, 2019
I'm torn. I didn't like Gage running away instead of telling Katie. I didn't like him not asking for a DNA test especially since she kept it from him for four years. Why by the way did she wait until she heard he was getting married? I think that was a bitch move especially since she knew she slept with her former lover. Why ruin someone's future if you're not sure? It was actually nice hearing that Katie slept with others and he remained celibate. Usually the guy whores it up. I'm really hoping the baby momma doesn't get a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2020
I normally don't get into details about a book but this story really ticked me off and I'm being nce here. Gage is nothing but a selfish person. He leaves the love of his life a few days before their wedding for his daughter, no explanation, then finds out he's not even the father. He continues to fight for visitation to see this little girl when the biological father comes into the picture. That was weird. When he finds Kate (the woman he left) again and reveals how much he loves her, blah blah blah, every decision he is making his based on the daughter that isn't even his. He planned on asking Kate to give up her life again and move cross country and she was planning to do just that. What the hell? This was the most bizarre story and I regret wasting my time. In case you didn't figure it out I did not like this book.
May 28, 2019
I wasn’t feeling it. And the decisions of both Gage and Katie throughout the book were dismal. It wasn’t flat out bad but still..
April 28, 2019
THANK YOU Deborah Bladon for my ARC of Compass in exchange for an honest review!
•
I love Deborah Bladon and her romance novels. If you haven’t read her books before you should check them out. Also LOOK AT THAT COVER 😍😍 I’m in love with it!
•
This is a quick read that sucks you in from the very beginning. If you have a soft spot for romance novels I’d recommend reading this one.
•
What do you do when fate gives you a second chance at love?
•
Katie is about to find out when her ex-fiancée Gage walks into her bridal boutique in New York. She thought she had it all 5 years ago until Gage called off the engagement. Gage believes fate puts them back in each other’s path for a reason. He wants to explain and he wants her back but Katie wants him to go to hell and take fate with him. What happened all those years ago? Will fate win or will they miss out in their second chance?
•
Compass will be exclusive to Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Go grab yourself a copy romance lovers!!
•
I love Deborah Bladon and her romance novels. If you haven’t read her books before you should check them out. Also LOOK AT THAT COVER 😍😍 I’m in love with it!
•
This is a quick read that sucks you in from the very beginning. If you have a soft spot for romance novels I’d recommend reading this one.
•
What do you do when fate gives you a second chance at love?
•
Katie is about to find out when her ex-fiancée Gage walks into her bridal boutique in New York. She thought she had it all 5 years ago until Gage called off the engagement. Gage believes fate puts them back in each other’s path for a reason. He wants to explain and he wants her back but Katie wants him to go to hell and take fate with him. What happened all those years ago? Will fate win or will they miss out in their second chance?
•
Compass will be exclusive to Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Go grab yourself a copy romance lovers!!
April 8, 2020
Do I like the book ? Yes
Would I re read it? No
Katie owns a bridal boutique that has very high end customers. Along comes her ex-fiance Gage, that dumped without giving her a reason.He explained that he has a kid and left her so he could take responsibility for his child.But only a few days later he realized the gravity of the mistake he made and came back to her.Only to find an empty apartment and no way of finding out where she is.
It was actually nice hearing that the heroine slept with others and hero remained celibate a nice change of pace.
And thus began their second chance.But even this time Gage was prepared to repeat the same mistake and that was the thing that didn't sit well with me in the book .Even though Gage is a sweet and charming guy I feel as though Kate deserves more.
Would I re read it? No
Katie owns a bridal boutique that has very high end customers. Along comes her ex-fiance Gage, that dumped without giving her a reason.He explained that he has a kid and left her so he could take responsibility for his child.But only a few days later he realized the gravity of the mistake he made and came back to her.Only to find an empty apartment and no way of finding out where she is.
It was actually nice hearing that the heroine slept with others and hero remained celibate a nice change of pace.
And thus began their second chance.But even this time Gage was prepared to repeat the same mistake and that was the thing that didn't sit well with me in the book .Even though Gage is a sweet and charming guy I feel as though Kate deserves more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
This book was ok. And while the mcs got back together, I wanted someone else for Katie. The end was too nicely wrapped up, not due to Gage’s choices or actions. Katie deserved a man who would put her first.
Want to read
February 10, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/10/2020)! 🎁
June 3, 2019
Full review to come
November 8, 2022
I gave this book 3 stars because she wasn't celibate and he was which makes a refreshing change but she was too quick to take him back.
May 12, 2019
Deborah has been one of my favorite authors for the past few years, I first read Risk and loved it since then shes held my interest with every one of her books. Her story telling is fantastic. This one no doubt did. It's an emotional roller coaster ride full of surprises.
Compass entails a great second chance romance with some twists and turns. In this novel you get to Kate and Gage, who were about to married five years in the past from the present date of the book. Gage practically leaves her at the alter since it's only five days from the set date. He gives her no explanation and just packs up and leaves. Since then she has picked up and moved on, she has a bridal shop in Manhattan, where she tries to make all of her customers dreams come to, even if didn't get her fairy-tale wedding.
But fate has other plans for these two. They have a chance meeting at Kate's bridal shop and thus begins the rocky road to redemption for Gage. Kate has no plans to let him back into her life. But he makes it so hard for her not to want to give in to her feelings. Gage is relentless in his quest to win back her heart. He has secrets, and wants to give her an explanation about what happened all those years ago.
I do think if had sat her down and talked everything through, all their heartache could have been avoided. I do think he was a selfish ass to do what he did. Actually correction, I think he was selfish quit a bit in the novel. I know he had good intentions but you can't act like a moron when you supposedly are in love with someone.
It was also great to see Tilly and Sebastian make appearances in this book. You seriously need to check out her other books! Give Compass a shot, you won't be disappointed in the drama department but also in the heart department. Thank you, Deborah for the ARC in exchange for a honest review!
★★★★ Fantastic Heartfelt Stars
Compass entails a great second chance romance with some twists and turns. In this novel you get to Kate and Gage, who were about to married five years in the past from the present date of the book. Gage practically leaves her at the alter since it's only five days from the set date. He gives her no explanation and just packs up and leaves. Since then she has picked up and moved on, she has a bridal shop in Manhattan, where she tries to make all of her customers dreams come to, even if didn't get her fairy-tale wedding.
But fate has other plans for these two. They have a chance meeting at Kate's bridal shop and thus begins the rocky road to redemption for Gage. Kate has no plans to let him back into her life. But he makes it so hard for her not to want to give in to her feelings. Gage is relentless in his quest to win back her heart. He has secrets, and wants to give her an explanation about what happened all those years ago.
I do think if had sat her down and talked everything through, all their heartache could have been avoided. I do think he was a selfish ass to do what he did. Actually correction, I think he was selfish quit a bit in the novel. I know he had good intentions but you can't act like a moron when you supposedly are in love with someone.
It was also great to see Tilly and Sebastian make appearances in this book. You seriously need to check out her other books! Give Compass a shot, you won't be disappointed in the drama department but also in the heart department. Thank you, Deborah for the ARC in exchange for a honest review!
★★★★ Fantastic Heartfelt Stars
November 23, 2021
Two Lives Destined To Be -
When Kate moved to New York, it was to start a new life and get over the pain of being jilted by her fiancé, just before the wedding. However, what she didn’t expect, was to bump into him years later in the middle of her shop. Gage’s life was turned upside down after he broke off his engagement to Kate, but what he didn’t count on was that fate would give him another chance.
The connection between them was still burning bright, but Kate’s weariness made it difficult for Gage when he started his pursuit and it would take Gage’s perseverance and determination, as well as his explanation of the events that caused the breakup, for Kate to give him a chance. In addition, spending time together, made them remember why they were meant to be together.
This was an emotionally challenging story, with a couple of difficult topics, that in my opinion, Deborah Bladon dealt with very well. The intriguing storyline kept me turning the pages, as I wanted to find out what happened in the past, whilst rooting for Kate and Gage to get their happily ever after. This book is really worth your time and money.
When Kate moved to New York, it was to start a new life and get over the pain of being jilted by her fiancé, just before the wedding. However, what she didn’t expect, was to bump into him years later in the middle of her shop. Gage’s life was turned upside down after he broke off his engagement to Kate, but what he didn’t count on was that fate would give him another chance.
The connection between them was still burning bright, but Kate’s weariness made it difficult for Gage when he started his pursuit and it would take Gage’s perseverance and determination, as well as his explanation of the events that caused the breakup, for Kate to give him a chance. In addition, spending time together, made them remember why they were meant to be together.
This was an emotionally challenging story, with a couple of difficult topics, that in my opinion, Deborah Bladon dealt with very well. The intriguing storyline kept me turning the pages, as I wanted to find out what happened in the past, whilst rooting for Kate and Gage to get their happily ever after. This book is really worth your time and money.
April 29, 2019
Gage and Kate's second chance romance did not disappoint. It was heartbreaking but fate brought them face to face after 5 years after they were slated to get married.
I love a good second chance romance. This had the heartbreak, the love, the silent chemistry, the dilemma, the need to be with each other, the forgiveness, the sacrifice. Kate wants to stay away from Gage because she doesn't know if she could trust him again, but there is a pull to each other she can't turn her back on. While he completely obliterated her heart years ago, they start to build after all the secrets come out, she knows she never completely got over him. Being around him just reminds her that her heart beats for him. I loved his need, his want, his love for her. While he was trying to figure out his current issue, a major life concern may tear him apart from his love again.
I loved this story and I can't wait for Dylan and Myles story!!!!
I love a good second chance romance. This had the heartbreak, the love, the silent chemistry, the dilemma, the need to be with each other, the forgiveness, the sacrifice. Kate wants to stay away from Gage because she doesn't know if she could trust him again, but there is a pull to each other she can't turn her back on. While he completely obliterated her heart years ago, they start to build after all the secrets come out, she knows she never completely got over him. Being around him just reminds her that her heart beats for him. I loved his need, his want, his love for her. While he was trying to figure out his current issue, a major life concern may tear him apart from his love again.
I loved this story and I can't wait for Dylan and Myles story!!!!
April 30, 2019
Fate find a way
I absolutely love Deborah's story telling. Compass is a great second chance romance with a couple of twists.
Kate owns a bridal shop in Manhattan, she loves making the bride's dreams come true. Kate's dream didnt but that didn't mean she wasn't happy for everyone else. Left days before her wedding 5 years ago was devastating, she thought she was going to live happily ever after with a man she loved more than life itself.
Gage own a bar in Greenwich Village called The Tin Anchor, he bought it and moved to New York about 6 months ago when is ex moved their daughter to London with her current husband. His only worry now is trying to get visitation with Kristen. His only worry until he walk into a bridal shop with his best friend and saw the last person he ever expected, Katie, his Katie!
Gage will stop at nothing to talk to her, to get her back! It's been 5 years since he has seen her or talked to her. This is fate! Fate brought them back together!
I absolutely love Deborah's story telling. Compass is a great second chance romance with a couple of twists.
Kate owns a bridal shop in Manhattan, she loves making the bride's dreams come true. Kate's dream didnt but that didn't mean she wasn't happy for everyone else. Left days before her wedding 5 years ago was devastating, she thought she was going to live happily ever after with a man she loved more than life itself.
Gage own a bar in Greenwich Village called The Tin Anchor, he bought it and moved to New York about 6 months ago when is ex moved their daughter to London with her current husband. His only worry now is trying to get visitation with Kristen. His only worry until he walk into a bridal shop with his best friend and saw the last person he ever expected, Katie, his Katie!
Gage will stop at nothing to talk to her, to get her back! It's been 5 years since he has seen her or talked to her. This is fate! Fate brought them back together!
April 9, 2020
Cute but problematic.
Fate is kind of a weak excuse to leave the woman you supposedly love to think you didn't want her anymore.
For half a decade.
And then leaving vital parts of why you left her out of your explanation so you had more time to weasel your way back into her life.
And she's just like, yeah, okay, let's bang, that makes everything better.
Disappointing.
...
I don't buy it.
And there wasn't nearly enough grovelling .
That man's knees should've been shredded from the endless prostrating.
Not using innuendos to flirt his way back into her knickers.
...
This was cute, though.
Very easy read but pleasing in my disbelief of the entire plot.
I dunno.
I'll read another Deborah Bladon and see if this weak male, pushover heroine thing is a consistent trope in her writing.
Fate is kind of a weak excuse to leave the woman you supposedly love to think you didn't want her anymore.
For half a decade.
And then leaving vital parts of why you left her out of your explanation so you had more time to weasel your way back into her life.
And she's just like, yeah, okay, let's bang, that makes everything better.
Disappointing.
...
I don't buy it.
And there wasn't nearly enough grovelling .
That man's knees should've been shredded from the endless prostrating.
Not using innuendos to flirt his way back into her knickers.
...
This was cute, though.
Very easy read but pleasing in my disbelief of the entire plot.
I dunno.
I'll read another Deborah Bladon and see if this weak male, pushover heroine thing is a consistent trope in her writing.
August 2, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much here are some of the reasons! Katie owns her own bridal shop and loves helping the bride to be pick out the perfect dress. Her ex-fiancé Gage happens in to her bridal shop one day as a best man to the bride she was helping. Gage had left Katie five years back of a broken engagement days before the wedding! No reason why? Gage is really trying hard to get back into Katie life and tell her the reason he left her. The flower scene at the bar was my favorite! If Gage had just come out and told her he was a father maybe he wouldn’t have had to break up!
Gage actually remained true blue to Katie but she had to keep trying g to find the right man! HeHeHe! Usually the other way around. But again all of the heartaches could have been avoided if he had only ask for the DNA test. Great book and fun for a quick read.
Gage actually remained true blue to Katie but she had to keep trying g to find the right man! HeHeHe! Usually the other way around. But again all of the heartaches could have been avoided if he had only ask for the DNA test. Great book and fun for a quick read.
February 1, 2024
💔💕🥹
Gage and Katie’s story is a beautiful tale of second chances. I have enjoyed getting to know Katie in several other books but now I love her so much more. So thankful they didn’t allow the past dictate their future.
Gage made an awful decision to not tell Katie everything that was going on as soon as he found out. Then he made another decision that shattered his an Katie’s lives. Thankfully he makes better choices next time.
Katie is a determined, passionate and loyal person. However she’s still heartbroken 💔 and killing herself to keep her mind off her heart. Thankfully she has amazing friends who lover her and become her family.
Gage and Katie’s story is a beautiful tale of second chances. I have enjoyed getting to know Katie in several other books but now I love her so much more. So thankful they didn’t allow the past dictate their future.
Gage made an awful decision to not tell Katie everything that was going on as soon as he found out. Then he made another decision that shattered his an Katie’s lives. Thankfully he makes better choices next time.
Katie is a determined, passionate and loyal person. However she’s still heartbroken 💔 and killing herself to keep her mind off her heart. Thankfully she has amazing friends who lover her and become her family.
September 15, 2024
Compassion (Love in Manhattan Book 4)
As soon as I started to read this story, turning the pages to one of the best stories I have read for awhile now. Enjoyed reading this book from this author, Deborah has been doing justice for these books in the series! The chemistry of the people who were in this story made this book come alive in everyway possible. I am very excited to read more in this series, because this one was outstanding, written well too. Hot and more hot for the couple who were in love with each and finally after 5 years they finally got their lives together and feel in love again. Exciting to see a ending as good as this one! ENJOY!!☺
As soon as I started to read this story, turning the pages to one of the best stories I have read for awhile now. Enjoyed reading this book from this author, Deborah has been doing justice for these books in the series! The chemistry of the people who were in this story made this book come alive in everyway possible. I am very excited to read more in this series, because this one was outstanding, written well too. Hot and more hot for the couple who were in love with each and finally after 5 years they finally got their lives together and feel in love again. Exciting to see a ending as good as this one! ENJOY!!☺
April 29, 2019
You know you will always get a very emotional story filled with loss, tension, mixed emotion and plenty of miscommunication. In this case, Katie and Gage spend five years apart after a broken engagement before fate crosses their path and Gage ends up inside Katie's bridal boutique. He wants her back, but knows he made the biggest mistake of his life letting her go. She must now decide if she can forgive him or not. His reasons for leaving could have been avoided if they had talked it out, however that is always the beauty of hindsight. I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
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