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The Way We Loved
792 likes
blakespeaks Eleven years ago, I watched my hometown—and him—fade in the rearview mirror. It’s been one hundred and thirty-two months since his lips kissed mine. I’ve moved on, gotten over it. Haven’t I? After four thousand and seventeen days, one cheating fiancé, and one backstabbing best friend, Calvin is the last person I should be thinking about. I’ve only been home for twelve hours, and I can’t help but wonder if time wasn’t enough to heal old wounds.
#oldflame #freshstart #younglove #timeforachange #mypast #myfuture #hiseyes #cowboytakemeaway #giddyup #countrygirlatheart #lovestory #noregrets #movingon #homesweethome #cowboylover #herides #secondchance #cantgethimoffmymind
13 likes
cowboycal She was my best friend and the love of my life until she chased her dreams all the way out of town, leaving scraps of my heart littered along the highway. I never thought I’d see her again—wasn’t prepared to. How the hell am I supposed to work with her everyday when the sound of her laugh stops me in my tracks?
#shemightlooklikeheaven
#shesmakingmylifehell
blakespeaks Eleven years ago, I watched my hometown—and him—fade in the rearview mirror. It’s been one hundred and thirty-two months since his lips kissed mine. I’ve moved on, gotten over it. Haven’t I? After four thousand and seventeen days, one cheating fiancé, and one backstabbing best friend, Calvin is the last person I should be thinking about. I’ve only been home for twelve hours, and I can’t help but wonder if time wasn’t enough to heal old wounds.
#oldflame #freshstart #younglove #timeforachange #mypast #myfuture #hiseyes #cowboytakemeaway #giddyup #countrygirlatheart #lovestory #noregrets #movingon #homesweethome #cowboylover #herides #secondchance #cantgethimoffmymind
13 likes
cowboycal She was my best friend and the love of my life until she chased her dreams all the way out of town, leaving scraps of my heart littered along the highway. I never thought I’d see her again—wasn’t prepared to. How the hell am I supposed to work with her everyday when the sound of her laugh stops me in my tracks?
#shemightlooklikeheaven
#shesmakingmylifehell
314 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2019
About the author
Tinley Blake
20 books297 followersTinley Blake is Cancer. She is irrational, whiny and needy as all get out, but she understands emotions and puts everything she feels into her characters.
When Tinley's not writing you can find her soaking up the sun beachside with book in one hand and a stiff drink in the other.
She currently lives this side of the Mississippi with her kids, husband and seventy hundred animals.
When Tinley's not writing you can find her soaking up the sun beachside with book in one hand and a stiff drink in the other.
She currently lives this side of the Mississippi with her kids, husband and seventy hundred animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 22, 2019
SUPER, DUPER, EXTRA LIGHT.
I liked it. It had drama, but nothing actually got too deep, I mean, if you like drama, but not really, this is for you.
Something that kind of bothers me is
It felt too easy, but it was fine, I would have liked a little more depth in that.
Habian partes en las que me super emocionaba.
Blake's backstory wasn't much neither.
Calvin es super cuteeee.
But the heart wants what the heart wants, and mine has always wanted her.
Agg the cutest.
I liked it. It had drama, but nothing actually got too deep, I mean, if you like drama, but not really, this is for you.
Something that kind of bothers me is
It felt too easy, but it was fine, I would have liked a little more depth in that.
Habian partes en las que me super emocionaba.
Blake's backstory wasn't much neither.
Calvin es super cuteeee.
But the heart wants what the heart wants, and mine has always wanted her.
Agg the cutest.
October 5, 2019
Horses And Heros
I loved this story! It puts a different spin on small towns and young love. This is the first book I've read by this author. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
I loved this story! It puts a different spin on small towns and young love. This is the first book I've read by this author. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
October 15, 2019
What a fun read! I really enjoyed Blake and Calvin’s story and their playful relationship. Great cast of supporting characters and the ending certainly had me wanting more! The chapter titles were so witty and fun - they were a great added touch.
October 8, 2019
How many second chance love stories can I read before I get sick ? A billion. I love them and this one was really cute with some sexy moments (need more of them in the next one!). But - and I only have one "but" - the end was rushed and to me it was too silly.
I loved that even if they were some miscommunication, the author didn't drag the drama for the sake of it and how the characters solved theirs problems easily (like adult people would).
Ok I have another "but". I have absolutely no idea how Blake makes money - and how she makes that much money. I don't know if I'm stupid, but she doesn't seem to work at all ? She posts on Instagram and Facebook, but we don't know about what ? We don't know if she works with brands, how many brands, what kind of brands ? Is she a beauty guru ? A lifestyle guru ? A DIY guru ? Does she go to any social events ? She has a podcast but is it free ? If so, how can she afford 3 employees ? That is a lot of employees if I'm honest for just an influencer. What do they do ? A podcast surely doesn't require that much.
I don't think I read a lot of books about characters working as influencers, but I haven't learn anything in this one, and it's a bummer.
I loved that even if they were some miscommunication, the author didn't drag the drama for the sake of it and how the characters solved theirs problems easily (like adult people would).
Ok I have another "but". I have absolutely no idea how Blake makes money - and how she makes that much money. I don't know if I'm stupid, but she doesn't seem to work at all ? She posts on Instagram and Facebook, but we don't know about what ? We don't know if she works with brands, how many brands, what kind of brands ? Is she a beauty guru ? A lifestyle guru ? A DIY guru ? Does she go to any social events ? She has a podcast but is it free ? If so, how can she afford 3 employees ? That is a lot of employees if I'm honest for just an influencer. What do they do ? A podcast surely doesn't require that much.
I don't think I read a lot of books about characters working as influencers, but I haven't learn anything in this one, and it's a bummer.
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May 14, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/1/2020)! 🎁
October 8, 2019
Unexpected and enjoyable
What a great debut from this author. I have to admit, based on the cover and blurb I was expecting this to be a very different book, but I really enjoyed this second chance romance. While the heroine does use social media in her work, there’s no tweeting or texting in the story. It’s a modern love story set in a small town, with characters that are easy to like and a hero who can’t be described as anything other than a great guy.
The story follows Blake, a woman who fled her hometown in Alabama the moment she turned 18. While she found the love of her life as a child, she always knew she’d be leaving town at some point - and when Calvin didn’t follow, she shut him out of her mind. Eleven years later, she has a successful business and what seems to be a great life... until she catches her fiancé cheating. It’s the wakeup call she needs to open her eyes and realize everything might not be as great as she thought. Blake decides to take some time to regroup and head home to Alabama for a while, working on an old friend’s ranch. She’s knows it’s inevitable that she’ll run into Calvin again, but until the two come face to face, she doesn’t realize how much that will effect either of them.
I don’t always love second chance romances because they can be heavy and angsty, with one of them inevitably using sex to bury their feelings. It was so refreshing to discover that’s not the case here; Blake and Calvin act like two people who once loved each other completely, and while there’s some resentment for the way they left things, they both acknowledge that it needed to happen. There’s tension and some feuding, but also a whole lot of love. I will say that I was sometimes confused by Calvin’s intentions, but I think he was also working things out for himself along the way. If there’s one thing I didn’t like about the book it’s the pacing, but that’s a minor complaint. Overall, it’s a solid debut with a writing style that’s easy to read, characters I was rooting for, an interesting plot, and a secondary character I’d love to see find his own happily ever after. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout (then purchased it for my collection) and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a great debut from this author. I have to admit, based on the cover and blurb I was expecting this to be a very different book, but I really enjoyed this second chance romance. While the heroine does use social media in her work, there’s no tweeting or texting in the story. It’s a modern love story set in a small town, with characters that are easy to like and a hero who can’t be described as anything other than a great guy.
The story follows Blake, a woman who fled her hometown in Alabama the moment she turned 18. While she found the love of her life as a child, she always knew she’d be leaving town at some point - and when Calvin didn’t follow, she shut him out of her mind. Eleven years later, she has a successful business and what seems to be a great life... until she catches her fiancé cheating. It’s the wakeup call she needs to open her eyes and realize everything might not be as great as she thought. Blake decides to take some time to regroup and head home to Alabama for a while, working on an old friend’s ranch. She’s knows it’s inevitable that she’ll run into Calvin again, but until the two come face to face, she doesn’t realize how much that will effect either of them.
I don’t always love second chance romances because they can be heavy and angsty, with one of them inevitably using sex to bury their feelings. It was so refreshing to discover that’s not the case here; Blake and Calvin act like two people who once loved each other completely, and while there’s some resentment for the way they left things, they both acknowledge that it needed to happen. There’s tension and some feuding, but also a whole lot of love. I will say that I was sometimes confused by Calvin’s intentions, but I think he was also working things out for himself along the way. If there’s one thing I didn’t like about the book it’s the pacing, but that’s a minor complaint. Overall, it’s a solid debut with a writing style that’s easy to read, characters I was rooting for, an interesting plot, and a secondary character I’d love to see find his own happily ever after. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout (then purchased it for my collection) and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2020
A great debut novel and wonderful second chance story. I loved Blake's confidence and Calvin's devotion. They had chemistry that sparked and sizzled on the page. The author found a clever way of injecting modern day into a small town storyline that worked well to spin the trope into something fresh and new.
Not only is this a second chance story, but it's about the strong bonds of friendship and family. There are tons of little of moments that showcase how deep the bonds are between Calvin & Blake. It's emotional, tender, and heartbreaking in parts. (I absolutely loved Beau and his calm nature and level head.)
/I received an early edition of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the story or content of my review./
Not only is this a second chance story, but it's about the strong bonds of friendship and family. There are tons of little of moments that showcase how deep the bonds are between Calvin & Blake. It's emotional, tender, and heartbreaking in parts. (I absolutely loved Beau and his calm nature and level head.)
/I received an early edition of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the story or content of my review./
October 7, 2019
3 1/2*
Blake isn’t expecting to return home & catch her fiancé Brad with her best friend Cindy.
Beau’s call for help has Blake returning to her home town but unsure of the reception her ex Calvin will give her after leaving him 11 years ago.
Calvin lost her before but is determined to keep her this time.
A love worth fighting for.
A new author for me & I’m looking forward to reading more. Beau’s book is next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Second chance story.
Blake isn’t expecting to return home & catch her fiancé Brad with her best friend Cindy.
Beau’s call for help has Blake returning to her home town but unsure of the reception her ex Calvin will give her after leaving him 11 years ago.
Calvin lost her before but is determined to keep her this time.
A love worth fighting for.
A new author for me & I’m looking forward to reading more. Beau’s book is next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Second chance story.
October 7, 2019
I Loved this Story!!
I was astounded to discover this is a debut novel for this author. I found this story to contain all the aspects which keep me enthralled and relating to all the main characters.
A broken engagement, a trip home after 11 years, and facing the person whose heart was at one time yours. Touching and humorous, believable and romantic. Small town, second chance at its very best!!
I couldn’t put it down!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
I was astounded to discover this is a debut novel for this author. I found this story to contain all the aspects which keep me enthralled and relating to all the main characters.
A broken engagement, a trip home after 11 years, and facing the person whose heart was at one time yours. Touching and humorous, believable and romantic. Small town, second chance at its very best!!
I couldn’t put it down!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
October 11, 2019
I am always in search of a good cowboy love story. This was that along with a second chance love story that lasted more than a decade. However, it was just okay for me. I felt like the words were jumbled as much as the characters. It dragged out in some parts and in some areas it just was too much details and not enough dialogue. Although, I had a hard time reading it I will read the next book and I know that this author has some good potential.
3 STARS
3 STARS
October 1, 2019
First time reading this author and I have to.say I loved this book.Blake left her small home town and her first love breaking his heart .She finds out the hard way that the one you think would never betray you does !!! She returns to her home town and meets up with Calvin the man whose heart she broke .Is there a chance for them ? Read it when it comes out and find out !! 😊
October 4, 2019
Absolutely loved Blake and Cals awesome beautiful intense emotional broken heart stopping l2nd chance love story
So ready for more
Are we getting Beaus story
So ready for more
Are we getting Beaus story
October 7, 2019
This is a decent second chance story. I liked Blake and their friends. Cal took longer to get used to but I did like him after a while.
October 8, 2019
This second chance romance was the perfect combination of funny, sweet, and steamy. I can't wait to read more from Tinley Blake.
November 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
I know I’ve never read this story before, I did read the second one first accidentally, but I can’t help feeling I knew EXACTLY what was going to happen when. Maybe it was like a Hallmark Movie Moment for me but it didn’t make me feel good.
The story itself was good, but was very predictable since I felt like I’ve read something similar, and I like a book with a good surprise.
Blakelynn returns to her hometown after discovering her fiancé with her best friend. And she’s reminded of the good memories prior to leaving the town at 18. Her childhood lover is still there but all man rather than boy. I liked their story a lot... but that predictable aspect is what marked stars down for me.
I know I’ve never read this story before, I did read the second one first accidentally, but I can’t help feeling I knew EXACTLY what was going to happen when. Maybe it was like a Hallmark Movie Moment for me but it didn’t make me feel good.
The story itself was good, but was very predictable since I felt like I’ve read something similar, and I like a book with a good surprise.
Blakelynn returns to her hometown after discovering her fiancé with her best friend. And she’s reminded of the good memories prior to leaving the town at 18. Her childhood lover is still there but all man rather than boy. I liked their story a lot... but that predictable aspect is what marked stars down for me.
August 29, 2020
Como uma boa apaixonada por capas, essa que imita o perfil do Instagram me pegou.
E o livro é muito bom.
Preciso ler outras coisas dessa autora asap. <3
E o livro é muito bom.
Preciso ler outras coisas dessa autora asap. <3
October 9, 2019
No Place Like Home
This is a fantastic debut novel. It was a hometown second chance at love. The characters Blakelynn ran from home the moment she turned 18 on to bigger and better things, She made it she runs a successful company and shares her opinions with the world until she finds her fiance and best friend in her house. Blake needs a place to think and she returns home to Alabama and her childhood best friends who run a ranch. She wants to help put these guys on the map, as well as figure out what went wrong with her, and why she isn't so disappointed by the end of her relationship.
Calvin Hunt goes to work one day to discover a ghost, his girl, the one who he has always loved is back, Blakelynn, The one who left for 11 years, and never looked back. He is angry and hurt and confused because he still can't quit Blakelynn and all the feelings she brings back. Calvin has a wall up just wondering when she is going to leave again.
This was a heartwarming read that invoked so many feelings especially from Calvin, he was a hurt man and his feelings never went away. I love to see the whole childhood banter and ease that Blakelynn, Beau, and Calvin had. Some of the flow was a little off for me but everything else worked and just an exceptional enduring love story.
This is a fantastic debut novel. It was a hometown second chance at love. The characters Blakelynn ran from home the moment she turned 18 on to bigger and better things, She made it she runs a successful company and shares her opinions with the world until she finds her fiance and best friend in her house. Blake needs a place to think and she returns home to Alabama and her childhood best friends who run a ranch. She wants to help put these guys on the map, as well as figure out what went wrong with her, and why she isn't so disappointed by the end of her relationship.
Calvin Hunt goes to work one day to discover a ghost, his girl, the one who he has always loved is back, Blakelynn, The one who left for 11 years, and never looked back. He is angry and hurt and confused because he still can't quit Blakelynn and all the feelings she brings back. Calvin has a wall up just wondering when she is going to leave again.
This was a heartwarming read that invoked so many feelings especially from Calvin, he was a hurt man and his feelings never went away. I love to see the whole childhood banter and ease that Blakelynn, Beau, and Calvin had. Some of the flow was a little off for me but everything else worked and just an exceptional enduring love story.
October 3, 2019
What an amazing debut novel. Okay, truth I may have skipped through some of the scenes these two seemed to be good at but I really enjoyed the story. She ran as soon as she could to get away from the pain of her mother's death. She never looked back until her world imploded and she needed an escape. He helped her pack when she left but he always hoped beyond hope that she would come back. She had been his world and no one had been able to fill the space she left. A wonderful second chance romance and a great story. This debut novel shows this author has plenty of potential and will fit in well with characters that reach in and wrap themselves around your heart. As a plus the editing is on point and it's refreshing to read a book without errors. I did love the heat and angst, of course the drama added to the read and gave us someone to sneer at. For her to find home while helping out a friend and being reminded of what she left behind, being reminded of the way they loved and the realness of it just was icing on the cake.
October 8, 2019
A heart warming, sweet second chance romance! Blake and Calvin are brought back into each other’s lives after so many years apart.
There’s so much emotion in this story, from the reason Blake left home at 18, her returning home, to her having to figure out what direction she wants to take in life. Then there is Calvin having to deal with his anger and feelings upon Blake’s return, and working along side her on the ranch. There is so much passion and fire between Blake and Calvin. I love their interactions and seeing those feelings resurface and grow into so much more.
We also have Beau, who brings that kind hearted, loving, playful friendship into the mix. His straight talk and shoulder to lean on, made the story even more enjoyable.
Overall, this is a lovely, well written, swoon worthy read with so much heart! I’m so happy Blake and Calvin get their HEA, and I look forward to Tinley’s next book!
There’s so much emotion in this story, from the reason Blake left home at 18, her returning home, to her having to figure out what direction she wants to take in life. Then there is Calvin having to deal with his anger and feelings upon Blake’s return, and working along side her on the ranch. There is so much passion and fire between Blake and Calvin. I love their interactions and seeing those feelings resurface and grow into so much more.
We also have Beau, who brings that kind hearted, loving, playful friendship into the mix. His straight talk and shoulder to lean on, made the story even more enjoyable.
Overall, this is a lovely, well written, swoon worthy read with so much heart! I’m so happy Blake and Calvin get their HEA, and I look forward to Tinley’s next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2019
This was my first time reading Tinley Blake.
I really liked the premise and the storyline. I liked both characters a lot.
However, I felt like there was too much information about unnecessary things and not enough where we needed it.
One of my main issues was the lack of discussion about safe sex. The scenes were great and well written but not once was the subject handled. I’m not saying protection was to be used but some sort of acknowledgment was needed.
Her job. What exactly did she do? It seemed to vary a bit and became confusing.
Communication. The lack of communication in one part was so unnecessary and caused conflict that was worthy of a head shake.
Did this book have potential? Definitely. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like it was executed well.
I received an advance reader copy for an honest review.
I really liked the premise and the storyline. I liked both characters a lot.
However, I felt like there was too much information about unnecessary things and not enough where we needed it.
One of my main issues was the lack of discussion about safe sex. The scenes were great and well written but not once was the subject handled. I’m not saying protection was to be used but some sort of acknowledgment was needed.
Her job. What exactly did she do? It seemed to vary a bit and became confusing.
Communication. The lack of communication in one part was so unnecessary and caused conflict that was worthy of a head shake.
Did this book have potential? Definitely. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like it was executed well.
I received an advance reader copy for an honest review.
October 3, 2019
This is a great book that is well-written and has amazing characters. Blake and Calvin grew up together became teenage lovers then she left leaving Cal behind. Eleven years later after finding fame with social media, a little bit for fortune, and her cheating fiancee with her best friend she heads home to Alabama. Home is what she found and an angry Cal without opening arms. Life gives them a second chance to see if they can find love again. I loved the feelings and steamy affection this couple had for each other as they reconnect while dealing with drama thrown their way. I'm looking forward to the next book about Beau their best friend.
October 6, 2019
Running home!
After leaving her hometown 11 years before after her mother’s death, Blakelynn returns after catching her fiancé in bed with her best friend. Although she thinks she’s ready to start over, her thoughts turn to Cal. What is he doing? Has he forgotten her? Will he forgive her for leaving him? Cudos to Ms. Blake on her debut offering!
P.S. I bought the book for my collection and am looking forward to adding more.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
After leaving her hometown 11 years before after her mother’s death, Blakelynn returns after catching her fiancé in bed with her best friend. Although she thinks she’s ready to start over, her thoughts turn to Cal. What is he doing? Has he forgotten her? Will he forgive her for leaving him? Cudos to Ms. Blake on her debut offering!
P.S. I bought the book for my collection and am looking forward to adding more.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
October 6, 2019
Tinley Blake has given us a great second chance romance for her debut book. This tells the story of Blake and Cal. They were in love when she left, but what’s going to happen now that’s she’s returned to Alabama? She’s come back to help Beau and Cal with the Point of Retreat ranch. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say, I really enjoyed this book. I hope we’ll get to read Beau’s story next.
October 9, 2019
Blake and Calvin fell for each other when they were kids, but Blake new she would one day leave their small town. Now eleven years later Blake decides it is time to come home and she and Calvin cross paths again. Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and emotion. This is an entertaining second chance romance.
October 1, 2019
ARC review For honest review. Blakelynn is back in her home town Greentown Alabama after find her fiancee and best friend together to go home to her ex that she left heartbroken years ago to find that she finds herself and her heart again .beautiful 10 stars
October 7, 2019
I love a second chance romance. Blake and Calvin don't disappoint. I felt bad for Blake and what she went through with Brad after she left Arizona behind her to return home. Looking forward to reading what's next.
October 25, 2019
I really get how when something bad happens you try to escape everything and everyone that you love. The only thing I didn't like is how quickly they come together. But overall great story looking forward to the next installment!
October 12, 2019
Sweet
This was a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. I liked the characters and their chemistry and connection
This was a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. I liked the characters and their chemistry and connection
November 19, 2019
So sweet! Loved it! Looking forward to book 2 ❤️
October 4, 2025
Blake is back in town after needing time for herself to heal from a bad relationship and to help a friend. She didn't count on how she would feel about seeing her ex, Cal in town. When her ex comes back into the scene, it creates more of a problem for Blake and her newly formed relationship with Cal. I thought it was a good book- started off well, but kind of leveled out from there. I liked seeing Blake and Cal relearning how to be with each other again, but didn't really feel their connection.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews