What do you think?
Rate this book
Drowning
Imagine orchestrating your divorce under false pretenses.
That's precisely what Cecilia Topps did. After receiving a disturbing diagnosis, Cecilia felt like she was drowning, unable to take a breath. She didn't want to bring her husband down with her, so she created a damaging lie.
Cameron Topps had been going through the motions for seven years. The betrayal he felt from his wife left him numb and unable to love again. His indifference led to hatred when he walked into his bar, seeing his wife again after unknowingly hiring her.
Secrets are exposed, lines are crossed, and Cameron finally learns the truth about his divorce. Is he willing to drown with Cecilia all over again, or will he move on for good?
That's precisely what Cecilia Topps did. After receiving a disturbing diagnosis, Cecilia felt like she was drowning, unable to take a breath. She didn't want to bring her husband down with her, so she created a damaging lie.
Cameron Topps had been going through the motions for seven years. The betrayal he felt from his wife left him numb and unable to love again. His indifference led to hatred when he walked into his bar, seeing his wife again after unknowingly hiring her.
Secrets are exposed, lines are crossed, and Cameron finally learns the truth about his divorce. Is he willing to drown with Cecilia all over again, or will he move on for good?
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2020
7 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Hope Jones
32 books91 followersHope Jones is the wife of her very own alpha male and the mother of four beautiful daughters. She lives in a small town in South Carolina, but was born in Brunswick, GA. She's always had a love for reading, even at a young age thrillers always interested her. As she got older, romance mixed with some thriller/suspense became her obsession.
If you can't find Hope glued to her Kindle, you'll usually find her chasing her girls around, running her hectic household, and plotting stories for the alpha men that have taken over her mind.
If you can't find Hope glued to her Kindle, you'll usually find her chasing her girls around, running her hectic household, and plotting stories for the alpha men that have taken over her mind.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 9, 2020
Hope Jones' Drowning shines much needed light on the silent battle so many suffer, in this relevant heartfelt story. Overcome by hopelessness after a life altering diagnosis, Cecilia fabricates a heart wrenching lie, in an attempt to spare her husband from further heartache. Thus, ending their marriage. Years later, as they are reunited by destiny, they embark on an emotional journey facing fears,baring truths, and revealing love. It was an absolute pleasure to read this novel!
www.marvelusreads.com
www.marvelusreads.com
July 2, 2020
Heavy and sweet
I have whiplash! This story does run hot and cold. There’s a ton of angst and push pull. It does talk about an incredibly important subject, one that our society doesn’t know enough about. There’s an HEA, but it is incredibly hard fought.
I have whiplash! This story does run hot and cold. There’s a ton of angst and push pull. It does talk about an incredibly important subject, one that our society doesn’t know enough about. There’s an HEA, but it is incredibly hard fought.
July 2, 2020
Dumb, dumb so dumb , that I lost some really good brain cells.
She has depression so she ruins her marriage to set him free and ties her tubes.
oh my god! SOOOOOOOOOO DUMB!
She has depression so she ruins her marriage to set him free and ties her tubes.
oh my god! SOOOOOOOOOO DUMB!
July 7, 2020
3.5 stars
Drowning by Hope Jones was an okay second chance romance. It felt a bit rushed overall and I didn't feel the soul-deep, fated lovers connection the main characters were supposed to have. Cecilia and Cameron were together for years and happily married, when Cecilia orchestrated a lie to force them to split. Cameron never got over her, and didn't understand why she would supposedly cheat on him since they were so in love. 7 years later, Cece is the best mixologist in the state, and is hired to help a new bar with their drink menu. The owner of the bar is Cam, but they both don't make the connection until after the first meeting. After this unexpected reunion, they both realize they still love the other, but Cece lied and Cam learns about this. He begins to pursue her again, but they encounter a number of problems along the way. While I liked the story, it was meh for me. Cece had depression and I felt like it wasn't depicted well until the very end of the novel. I didn't understand the total lack of communication this couple had throughout the novel and the hot and cold between them. There was no passion in the conversations they had and I just didn't feel a great connection. There were a number of good steamy scenes, but outside of that, I just wasn't feeling it. This was a pretty short book, and it could've been longer so we could have seen and experienced more of the emotional journey Cece and Cam went through. Everything just felt a bit too rushed. I liked the secondary characters for the most part, there weren't many issues there. I liked how Cece was pretty assertive in a number of scenes, especially with the decision that is revealed at the end of the novel. Overall, this wasn't a bad book, it just didn't work for me. It was an okay second chance romance.
3.5 stars
Drowning by Hope Jones was an okay second chance romance. It felt a bit rushed overall and I didn't feel the soul-deep, fated lovers connection the main characters were supposed to have. Cecilia and Cameron were together for years and happily married, when Cecilia orchestrated a lie to force them to split. Cameron never got over her, and didn't understand why she would supposedly cheat on him since they were so in love. 7 years later, Cece is the best mixologist in the state, and is hired to help a new bar with their drink menu. The owner of the bar is Cam, but they both don't make the connection until after the first meeting. After this unexpected reunion, they both realize they still love the other, but Cece lied and Cam learns about this. He begins to pursue her again, but they encounter a number of problems along the way. While I liked the story, it was meh for me. Cece had depression and I felt like it wasn't depicted well until the very end of the novel. I didn't understand the total lack of communication this couple had throughout the novel and the hot and cold between them. There was no passion in the conversations they had and I just didn't feel a great connection. There were a number of good steamy scenes, but outside of that, I just wasn't feeling it. This was a pretty short book, and it could've been longer so we could have seen and experienced more of the emotional journey Cece and Cam went through. Everything just felt a bit too rushed. I liked the secondary characters for the most part, there weren't many issues there. I liked how Cece was pretty assertive in a number of scenes, especially with the decision that is revealed at the end of the novel. Overall, this wasn't a bad book, it just didn't work for me. It was an okay second chance romance.
3.5 stars
June 22, 2020
I've read books by this author before and I always love how her book are page turners and I can never put her books down and it was the same with this book. WOW!! I felt every emotion in this book and I really felt what they were going through and at times you will be reaching for the tissues too and you will feel it all.
Cecilia and Cameron were once married until one day everything changed and now there not. Cecilia is a woman that loves her job as a mixologist and one day after a diagnosis she actually felt like she was drowning and made a decision that would affect both of their lives.
Cameron too felt like they had it all and he was completely in the dark about it all and thinks that she just threw them away that is until years later. Then as fate would have it they both meet again years later after being apart and no matter what, what is meant to be is meant to be.
This book literally had me gripped completely for the very first page and I couldn't put this book down until id finished it. It really does deal with some really deep issues that I've dealt with myself and I felt like this author did a fanatic job writing about what real people go through on a daily basis. The characters were really relatable and as the reader you can really connect to them and I was rooting for them both. I'm so glad they could see the love inside each other. This book really did have my emotions all over the place and I was feeling everything that was on the page.
This book is one of those books that will stay with you for along time after you have finished reading it and this book is so beautifully written that I cant wait to see what this author writes in the future.
This book is expected to be released on 2nd July 2020.
Cecilia and Cameron were once married until one day everything changed and now there not. Cecilia is a woman that loves her job as a mixologist and one day after a diagnosis she actually felt like she was drowning and made a decision that would affect both of their lives.
Cameron too felt like they had it all and he was completely in the dark about it all and thinks that she just threw them away that is until years later. Then as fate would have it they both meet again years later after being apart and no matter what, what is meant to be is meant to be.
This book literally had me gripped completely for the very first page and I couldn't put this book down until id finished it. It really does deal with some really deep issues that I've dealt with myself and I felt like this author did a fanatic job writing about what real people go through on a daily basis. The characters were really relatable and as the reader you can really connect to them and I was rooting for them both. I'm so glad they could see the love inside each other. This book really did have my emotions all over the place and I was feeling everything that was on the page.
This book is one of those books that will stay with you for along time after you have finished reading it and this book is so beautifully written that I cant wait to see what this author writes in the future.
This book is expected to be released on 2nd July 2020.
July 2, 2020
5 Stars!
This one hit DEEP.
What an emotional and angsty tale Hope Jones gives us in her brand new standalone romance. Drowning was an intense, gritty, deep, steamy second chance romance giving us the story of two exes that have nothing but secrets, betrayal, and hurt between them, even all those years later and what happens when life tosses them another shot at what was ALWAYS meant to be. It might be complicated and all twisted up but for love, anything is possible.
Cameron and Cecilia were two very flawed but so real characters. They were full of intricate layers, from page one to the last word, that peeled back the. whole. story. I was captivated by these two in inland most unputdownable ways and completely invested at seeing them work it all out. What they found along the way that life isn't easy and marriage is crazy hard but damn it is sooo worth it to find that forever kind of love.
Whew boy! This was THE good cry I needed after going through my own person struggles in life and seeing how you can succeed. I definitely did not go through the extremes these characters did by any means but Hope Jones hit deep with me in our heroine in this book and I can't wait to see what she delivers next.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
This one hit DEEP.
What an emotional and angsty tale Hope Jones gives us in her brand new standalone romance. Drowning was an intense, gritty, deep, steamy second chance romance giving us the story of two exes that have nothing but secrets, betrayal, and hurt between them, even all those years later and what happens when life tosses them another shot at what was ALWAYS meant to be. It might be complicated and all twisted up but for love, anything is possible.
Cameron and Cecilia were two very flawed but so real characters. They were full of intricate layers, from page one to the last word, that peeled back the. whole. story. I was captivated by these two in inland most unputdownable ways and completely invested at seeing them work it all out. What they found along the way that life isn't easy and marriage is crazy hard but damn it is sooo worth it to find that forever kind of love.
Whew boy! This was THE good cry I needed after going through my own person struggles in life and seeing how you can succeed. I definitely did not go through the extremes these characters did by any means but Hope Jones hit deep with me in our heroine in this book and I can't wait to see what she delivers next.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
July 3, 2020
Adult, Contemporary Romance, Psychological, Second Chance Romance
First Person, Dual-POV
This book is a standalone with HEA.
Contains issues and situations some may find triggering.
You claim to have loved me so much, but how could you love me that much and not see that I was drowning?
by Cecilia
A huge duality! This book is loving and very romantic, at the same time is tense and potent.
This was full of ups and downs. They hated each other one chapter, then they loved each other the next. Then, something would happened and they would be done with each other. I really loved the way it was written. It matched the heroine.
I wouldn't call this book dark, but it deals with dark problems. It is definitely for everything.
I loved it! It felt very real and I enjoyed how the author brought up such an important topic to life.
Second chance romance!!!
31/35 STARS – 4 STARS (between 28 stars and 31 stars)
Addictiveness: 4.5 Character: 5 Cover: 4.5 Freshness: 4.5 Plot: 4 Romance: 4 Writing Style: 4.5
Action 0/5 Angst 5/5 Darkness 2/5 Humor 0/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 1/5
Would I recommend? Yes, for readers that enjoy a plot with a psychological bend.
Would I re-read this book/series? Yes!
Would I read more from the author? Definitely!!!
Addictiveness: 4.5/5 The prologue was really good and totally hooked me. I knew it was going to be painful and I wanted to know more. As addictive as ice cream!!!
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 5/5, real 5/5 Very multifaceted characters that had layers and good background stories.
Cecilia was a good heroine. She had problems that were beyond her control, but she learned how to deal with them. She was strong and resourceful, but at the same time she was a bit irrational at times and too stubborn. I don't agree with her choices, but fear is a powerful feeling, that in a lot of times overcome rationality. Her actions and reactions to her issues is very common and normal. Her struggles felt real.
Cameron was a great hero. He was impulsive, prideful and used anger as a weapon. But at the same time, he was caring, loving and sexy. His first reaction wasn't usually the best option, but most of his actions were normal and expected. I liked how his character evolved and dealt with the unknown.
Secondary characters Great friends, caring mother, no shallow character here. I would love to read Mav's book.
Villain/antagonists There were no villains or antagonists here. Their problems were all of their own making.
Even though they were all complex, they were all easy to love, connect and understand!
Cover: art 4.5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, subtitle 0/5, background 5/5 buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. I always try to be true to myself, I buy so many books because of the cover and I have skipped many because of not very appealing art. Covers are part of the experience for me and I do like to understand them. I really loved this book's art. I love the darker color with sprinkles of color. It felt like a dark book with dots of hope. I loved the title and the wet feel that was given to the cover. I only miss a subtitle or a catching tag! I would easily buy this book by its cover without reading the blurb!
Freshness: 4.5/5 It felt unique. This was a contemporary romance, but the misunderstandings, the second chance romance and the important topic felt original and one-of-a-kind. As fresh as mint tea when you are dealing with a bad cold!
Plot: believable 5/5, conflict 5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 4/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 3.5/5, setting 4/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Amazing opening with a good ending. Realistic plot, with great dialogues and ok pace. Nice setting, interesting subplots with unexpected twists. Good level of enjoyment!
I loved the important message of this plot. I adored how realistic the struggles felt. I really liked how I felt all the emotions of the characters.
Romance: 4/5 I never questioned how much they loved each other. From the first moment, their chemistry was over the charts and their remembrances of the past were loving. But they were moody characters and their relationship was with lots of ups and downs. Intense romance!!!
Writing Style: 4.5/5 Ms. Jones was a new-to-me author that I will definitely be on the look out for more. Extremely realistic plot, multidimensional characters, hot romance and important topic, all this in a cohesive, clean writing. Great writing!!!!
Because I try to be very analytical and I don't really believe in perfection...
Plot: I really liked the epilogue, but couple of chapters before the ending, was too fast, too soon. I think it jumped too fast from the conflict to the resolution.
You MAY read this because you follow the author; you SHOULD read this because you like second chance romance; you MUST read this because it is very realistic and it has an important message!
Cameron was my first inhale. I wasn't drowning. We were swimming, together.
by Cecilia
September 3, 2020
I read a book from this author in March and I really enjoyed it, so I wanted to read more from her! I first saw this book on Facebook when the cover was revealed! The cover is absolutely stunning and I recognised the author's name, so I grabbed a copy as soon as this book released and read it once I had some free time! After reading, I can say that I enjoyed this book a lot! The plot kept me wanting to read on and find out what was going to happen next! It also only took me a few sittings to read because I didn't want to put it down as well! I loved the romance in the plot and that it was second chance! The romance allowed for a few seriously hot scenes as well! This book also dealt with depression and it was an important part of the plot and played a big role! I felt like the author did a really good job with a difficult topic and she did describe scenes and the characters went through situations that I'm sure people with depression go through! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Cecilia was the main female character, and I felt for her in this book because she did what she thought was right with her marriage and the frame of mind that she was in! I just wanted to wrap Cecilia in a massive hug because she was vulnerable at times and she had some dark thoughts! She also suffered with her depression and this did impact her a lot in her daily life! Cecilia had also made a name for herself when it came to her job and she had come a long way! Cameron was the main male character and love interest of Cecilia! I could understand why Cameron was hostile towards Cecilia when they reunited because he thought that he had been betrayed in the worst way! Once Cameron found out why Cecilia ruined their marriage, he was understandable and he wanted to help her as much as he could! This made me respect Cameron because I believe he would have stayed and helped Cecilia any way he could have! This book was written from both Cecilia and Cameron's point of views! I was expecting it to be because the synopsis gives the impression that it's going to be! I'm really happy that it was written from both characters point of views because it showed what someone with depression went through, but it also showed how helpless the people around about them felt! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot and for me to understand how they characters felt about each other! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! I would love to read more on Cecilia and Cameron, but the ending was left at the perfect place for them and it showed how far they had come as a couple and separately! I loved the ending a lot! I now can't wait to see what this author is going to release next! I've got one of her other books to read, which I can't wait to read, but I'm excited to find out about her next release! The cover for this book is absolutely stunning! It initially made me want to read the story behind it because of how pretty it is! I love how well it suits the feel of the book and the cover image suits a scene from the book!
July 2, 2020
4.5 stars
What an emotional ride! “Drowning” is my first book from the author. I didn’t really know when to expect. The synopsis doesn’t give us much, especially about the reason Cecilia broke their marriage. I’m happy with how depression was portrait. The author gave a pretty realistic view of what people battling with mental health are going through.
Six years ago, Cecilia decided to end her marriage. By doing so she broke both her heart and her husband’s, Cameron. She wanted to free him, so he wouldn’t how to live with her demons. Now they meet again. Without his knowledge, she’s hired as the mixologist for the club he’ll be opening soon. Their first encounter consists of an array of emotions: anger, frustration, loss, and a tiny bit of undying love. Even though what happened messed Cameron up, he can’t help but love her still. However, before he finds out the real reason behind their divorce, he’s cold and unkind towards her.
The story is not just two people getting their second chance. We get to see how depression can affect both the person’s life and their family’s. Even though Cecilia can’t see it, she has many people in her corner. Can Cameron be another one of those people? Can he be the man she needs by her side, through everything that is happening? I felt every emotion through the story, and it stayed with me for a while after finishing it!!
What an emotional ride! “Drowning” is my first book from the author. I didn’t really know when to expect. The synopsis doesn’t give us much, especially about the reason Cecilia broke their marriage. I’m happy with how depression was portrait. The author gave a pretty realistic view of what people battling with mental health are going through.
Six years ago, Cecilia decided to end her marriage. By doing so she broke both her heart and her husband’s, Cameron. She wanted to free him, so he wouldn’t how to live with her demons. Now they meet again. Without his knowledge, she’s hired as the mixologist for the club he’ll be opening soon. Their first encounter consists of an array of emotions: anger, frustration, loss, and a tiny bit of undying love. Even though what happened messed Cameron up, he can’t help but love her still. However, before he finds out the real reason behind their divorce, he’s cold and unkind towards her.
The story is not just two people getting their second chance. We get to see how depression can affect both the person’s life and their family’s. Even though Cecilia can’t see it, she has many people in her corner. Can Cameron be another one of those people? Can he be the man she needs by her side, through everything that is happening? I felt every emotion through the story, and it stayed with me for a while after finishing it!!
June 28, 2020
Drowning is a beautifully broken love story between two people who deserve a happily ever after
Your emotions will be taken through the wringer but Hope has a beautiful way with words that gives you all the feels. You feel everything that CeCe and Cam experience, the good, the bad, the sexy schmexy and the ugly. Hope sucks you in and you can’t put it down.
This story deals with a tough subject but Hope does so with grace and poise.
Your emotions will be taken through the wringer but Hope has a beautiful way with words that gives you all the feels. You feel everything that CeCe and Cam experience, the good, the bad, the sexy schmexy and the ugly. Hope sucks you in and you can’t put it down.
This story deals with a tough subject but Hope does so with grace and poise.
![Profile Image for Liz [reads books].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1668868475i%2F23423026._UY200_CR19%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 30, 2020
This was an okay book. Nothing amazing or terrible about it. CeCe ended her marriage years ago under false pretenses, and this is the story of two people finding each other and learning all about each other again. Overcoming obstacles to be together again.
It was slow to start and slow to end with some decent pacing in the middle. It came across pretty cheesy to me at times, but maybe I'm just too cynical 🤷
3½ stars
It was slow to start and slow to end with some decent pacing in the middle. It came across pretty cheesy to me at times, but maybe I'm just too cynical 🤷
3½ stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2020
Oh wow Drowning was such a good story , I'm fast becoming a fan of Hope Jones every book written by her just makes my emotions go on a roller coaster and I don't want to get off that ride .My heart really hurt for the characters the story line just drew me in from start to finish I didn't want to put my kindle down . I can't wait to read more by this talented author she really does set your emotions all over the place .
June 14, 2020
Be warned, you will tear up reading this book. Cecilia and Cameron once had it all, until lies tore them apart. After years of silence and never laying eyes on each other while trying to move on in life, they meet again by chance. And, as expected of a man, Cameron is less than kind at first. Cecilia won’t rock the boat, so she retreats to give them both peace. But this time, fate steps in to stop the pain and bleeding. But will it be enough to simply know the truth? Cameron thinks so and sets out to prove it. Then he’s thrown for a loop again and regresses to Angry Man Mode, crushing everything in his path. As for Cecilia, she’s just trying to survive this thing called life, and she’s prepared to do it alone. But the glorious thing about life is the fact that sometimes, going it together is so much sweeter. Can Cameron fix his mistakes while forgiving Cecilia for hers? Can Cecilia trust Cameron when her head tries to scream otherwise?
I feel like I get something completely different from this author with each read. She delved into the very difficult subject of chemical imbalance this time, and she left me reeling with the emotion I felt pouring from the pages. My head and heart hurt, I wanted to cry, I wanted to slap someone (cough, Cameron, cough), I felt hope and despair....and yet I still couldn’t get enough. I’m pretty sure that this author is going good places and I’m excited to see what she brings our way next.
I feel like I get something completely different from this author with each read. She delved into the very difficult subject of chemical imbalance this time, and she left me reeling with the emotion I felt pouring from the pages. My head and heart hurt, I wanted to cry, I wanted to slap someone (cough, Cameron, cough), I felt hope and despair....and yet I still couldn’t get enough. I’m pretty sure that this author is going good places and I’m excited to see what she brings our way next.
July 3, 2020
This book was an emotional turmoil and took a plunge into a mental health issue. It took two perspectives: the one who had the firsthand experience in depression and the one who's trying to help but couldn't do anything, being on the sideline. The story was somewhat prescriptive in describing how to deal and what's expected from the support system (closed friends, family, and loved ones).
As for the h's emotional struggle, it was bittersweet and sort of a rollercoaster though, personally, I think it was just touching the surface layer of the emotional chaos of the depressed h; but it was enough to give a glimpse of her and her support system's everyday struggle.
On the romance side, I don't know whether I can believe the said devotion and would-do-anything-for-love attitude from the H. I don't know, there was something amiss on the whole trying to-understand attitude because it felt that it's just that.
Second chance romance; divorced
Was high school sweetheart; both virgin
H was with OW during separation/divorced, h didn't
No cheating
Triggers: suicide attempt mentioned
Overall score: 3 second chance romance stars
As for the h's emotional struggle, it was bittersweet and sort of a rollercoaster though, personally, I think it was just touching the surface layer of the emotional chaos of the depressed h; but it was enough to give a glimpse of her and her support system's everyday struggle.
On the romance side, I don't know whether I can believe the said devotion and would-do-anything-for-love attitude from the H. I don't know, there was something amiss on the whole trying to-understand attitude because it felt that it's just that.
Second chance romance; divorced
Was high school sweetheart; both virgin
H was with OW during separation/divorced, h didn't
No cheating
Triggers: suicide attempt mentioned
Overall score: 3 second chance romance stars
July 2, 2020
She lied. She cheated. She betrayed him. That's what Cameron thought happened 6 years ago that led to his divorce with Cecilia. The girl who caught his eyes before he got the courage to talk to her in high school. They became high school sweethearts and eventually gotten married. She was his soulmate. He never thought she could ever do that to him.
There's a bunch of reasons why Cecilia did what he did to Cameron. Even after 6 years from their divorce, he is still angry towards her, for breaking his heart and ruining them. She was miserable too, she was scared. She just wanted him to have a better life, some semblance of normalcy and that's not possible if he is still married to her, so she let him go in the worst possible way.
For 6 years, Cameron never know the truth. When his bar manager recommended a highly sought-after mixologist to help with the menu, the last person he wanted to see is Cecilia. There's no way to hide the truth. What would he do when he knows the truth?
This is emotionally gripping. It talks about a very hard subject that is very common nowadays. It is so beautifully written and I would definitely read more from the author. And the ending really got to me.
There's a bunch of reasons why Cecilia did what he did to Cameron. Even after 6 years from their divorce, he is still angry towards her, for breaking his heart and ruining them. She was miserable too, she was scared. She just wanted him to have a better life, some semblance of normalcy and that's not possible if he is still married to her, so she let him go in the worst possible way.
For 6 years, Cameron never know the truth. When his bar manager recommended a highly sought-after mixologist to help with the menu, the last person he wanted to see is Cecilia. There's no way to hide the truth. What would he do when he knows the truth?
This is emotionally gripping. It talks about a very hard subject that is very common nowadays. It is so beautifully written and I would definitely read more from the author. And the ending really got to me.
June 30, 2020
'Drowning' is like nothing I have read before! It is an exceptional piece of romance writing taking on a delicate theme of an illness that nobody can see and everyone brushes under the carpet because they don't understand it! So well done to Hope Jones for tackling this in a great story.
7 years ago Cecilia sent her husband away in the worse way possible but she did it for all the right reasons now by accident Cameron is back in Cecilia life.
Cecilia is now a world-renowned mixologist she is commissioned to work for a new club developing some unique cocktails just for them what she wasn't expecting was the club to be owned by her ex husband.
Cameron never got over the heartbreak of losing Cecilia but over the years he has harden his heart and when he sees his ex-wife he wants her gone he does not want anything to do with her.
As secrets are revealed can Cameron forgive Cecilia and will Cecilia stick to her resolve of not letting Cameron in!
7 years ago Cecilia sent her husband away in the worse way possible but she did it for all the right reasons now by accident Cameron is back in Cecilia life.
Cecilia is now a world-renowned mixologist she is commissioned to work for a new club developing some unique cocktails just for them what she wasn't expecting was the club to be owned by her ex husband.
Cameron never got over the heartbreak of losing Cecilia but over the years he has harden his heart and when he sees his ex-wife he wants her gone he does not want anything to do with her.
As secrets are revealed can Cameron forgive Cecilia and will Cecilia stick to her resolve of not letting Cameron in!
July 1, 2020
Drowning was a very emotional read in my eyes, so I ran the gamut of all my emotions throughout. Cecilia & Cameron were in love & married before she divorced him under false pretenses, and he's been suffering for 7 years but fate steps back in as Cecilia is put in his path again. He hired her but didn't realize who he actually hired so when he sees his ex at his bar, he's livid. I understand to a degree some of his mean actions, but I still really felt for Cecilia though she could have done things differently in the past. She has secrets & once he calms his rage/hatred down, he sets out to reveal them. However, there comes a point when he lets his anger take over, which definitely had my rage taken up a notch. That doesn't mean that I didn't feel all the other pain dogging both of these two, so I stayed in emotional limbo while reading since I couldn't quite decide if I was going to flip out, or cry. Will they get past the past or finally call it quits forever?! hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 2, 2020
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first story from this author and well I was blown away how good this story was. It deals with some heavy issues like suicide and depression so its not a light read and its not really a fun story. But it is a really well written and poignant story and it deals with love and forgiveness and the lies we tell to protect the ones we love.
Cecelia and Cam met when they were teens and fell in love and married. They were young and had some issues. Cece had some really serious ones and she knew how much she was loved so to give her husband the life he deserved she made him leave and divorce her.
Now she is a mixologist and hired to work for a new bar when she meets Cam again and he is still so angry. The two of them as they work together need to face their past and their future and decide if they can forgive each other and learn if moving on togther, or alone is the right move for them.
This is my first story from this author and well I was blown away how good this story was. It deals with some heavy issues like suicide and depression so its not a light read and its not really a fun story. But it is a really well written and poignant story and it deals with love and forgiveness and the lies we tell to protect the ones we love.
Cecelia and Cam met when they were teens and fell in love and married. They were young and had some issues. Cece had some really serious ones and she knew how much she was loved so to give her husband the life he deserved she made him leave and divorce her.
Now she is a mixologist and hired to work for a new bar when she meets Cam again and he is still so angry. The two of them as they work together need to face their past and their future and decide if they can forgive each other and learn if moving on togther, or alone is the right move for them.
July 8, 2020
Rating: 0- 1 star
This is a new author to me and quite a disappointing read. I went into this slightly blind, meaning I knew it covered something about mental health.
Usually when a book involves my line of work- I’m a little bit more particular. The nuances that I typically would overlook I can’t- because I’m too busy pointing out the errors in the language or whatever.
For instance therapist and psychiatrist are not the same. It’s definitely something people mention interchangeably- but there’s a difference. And I suspect someone writing a book covering mental health to know that detail.
So seeing this in the book was a sign this book was not going to go well.
I liked the idea that author was aiming for. But this one missed the mark significantly for me.
Oh and also kitten heels aren’t 4 inches. By definition they are low, typically 1- 1.50 inch stiletto shoes. Another detail in this book that irked me.
This is a new author to me and quite a disappointing read. I went into this slightly blind, meaning I knew it covered something about mental health.
Usually when a book involves my line of work- I’m a little bit more particular. The nuances that I typically would overlook I can’t- because I’m too busy pointing out the errors in the language or whatever.
For instance therapist and psychiatrist are not the same. It’s definitely something people mention interchangeably- but there’s a difference. And I suspect someone writing a book covering mental health to know that detail.
So seeing this in the book was a sign this book was not going to go well.
I liked the idea that author was aiming for. But this one missed the mark significantly for me.
Oh and also kitten heels aren’t 4 inches. By definition they are low, typically 1- 1.50 inch stiletto shoes. Another detail in this book that irked me.
June 19, 2020
Just a fair warning! You will be gripped from the first page to the last page questioning if CeCe and Cam will make it through everything. Yikes! My heart couldn’t take it! I kept checking how far along I was in the book and the closer it got to the end the more my heart was palpitating. Geez!
This book does talk about tough issues that people deal with every day. I’m so glad Cam made it clear to CeCe how much he loved her regardless of what happened in the past or what the future could hold.
That ending just had me such a mess! I really want to see more from CeCe and Cam in the future. I want to see where they are 10 years from the where this book stopped. I just love this couple so much!
This book does talk about tough issues that people deal with every day. I’m so glad Cam made it clear to CeCe how much he loved her regardless of what happened in the past or what the future could hold.
That ending just had me such a mess! I really want to see more from CeCe and Cam in the future. I want to see where they are 10 years from the where this book stopped. I just love this couple so much!
July 1, 2020
Cecilia is given a devastating diagnose and feels that she is drowning, which leads to her making a decision which wrecks both her and her husband’s life. When fate steps in and 6-years later they meet again when she is hired as his mixologist, and Cameron does not take kindly to having to face his ex-wife and kicks her out of his bar. Will the finally come to light? This is a beautifully written story which is relatable and with engaging characters. This story is an emotional roller coaster throughout, which has secrets and love. This author has done an amazing job in penning this tale with such sensitivity regarding a tough subject. I look forward to reading more of her work and I highly recommend for all readers.
July 1, 2020
This was one emotional story. From the very first page it grips you from not knowing what was happening but also fearing what it was. Cecilia made a huge decision in her marriage and it's only years later when they see each other again, that you see her cracks. This touches on some hard truths and what anyone can be going through in real life at any one point. You never know what your neighbor, or even your loved one, can be dealing with. Cameron was just the sweetest and I felt for him as well. There were some moments where the internal dialogue did not make sense or was repetitive or didn't match with something said previously. But even in those moments, what keeps you reading, are the emotions from the characters. The side characters also bring that extra support you always need.
July 4, 2020
Whew!! Cam & CeCe have a very emotional story. I had a little trouble connecting w/ Cecelia at first, which I think is because she's struggling w/ her own connections. Her reasons for divorcing Cam are heartbreaking, and when they're thrown back together, their initial meeting doesn't go well at all. They have some struggles!!
I loved their hearts. The way they never lost their love for one another in all the years they were apart. I love their friendships w/ supporting characters, and the way those friends encourage them in their path back to one another. And the Epilogue? REALLY loved that!!! : )
I loved their hearts. The way they never lost their love for one another in all the years they were apart. I love their friendships w/ supporting characters, and the way those friends encourage them in their path back to one another. And the Epilogue? REALLY loved that!!! : )
June 24, 2020
I read Drowning on the premise that it was like any other contemporary romance I’ve read before... that statement is FAR from the truth and involves so much more than the blurb leads you to believe. Hope gives us a beautiful novel about overcoming your demons and provides a happy ending after turmoil and despair. I was honestly left speechless after I read it. It hit me on a reader level really hard and didn’t let me go until I reached the those two little words The End. Their are no stars I can give this book for what it deserves, you cannot put a label like that on it.
July 1, 2020
Drowning by Hope Jones was a beautifully written story dealing with some sensitive subjects and was a book I just didn't want to put down.
Cecelia and Cameron were married and in love to when Cece dropped a bombshell resulting in divorce Cameron thought that she would never see her again. Fast forward six years and she walks back into his life. Secrets and lies are revealed and all those old feelings are still there between them. Could they be getting a second chance at love?
A tearjerker of a story that I would definitely recommend.
Cecelia and Cameron were married and in love to when Cece dropped a bombshell resulting in divorce Cameron thought that she would never see her again. Fast forward six years and she walks back into his life. Secrets and lies are revealed and all those old feelings are still there between them. Could they be getting a second chance at love?
A tearjerker of a story that I would definitely recommend.
July 2, 2020
You truly will feel like you are Drowning with these characters. You get lost in the story and feel the emotions and journey Cecilia and Cameron endure while married and divorced. You will see why Cecilia did what she did and felt was best at the time. It is eye opening to you as you will see that we push marriages to the back many times. All married couples should read this book. There is not a book written by this author that you don't stop and think and can at times relate to. I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 4, 2020
Peace and Home
Again I am blown away by Hope's writing. This is the second book I've read by her and it didn't disappoint. I feel like those of us that don't suffer from a mental illness don't relays how much it can affect a person. Hope did a great job of giving you insight into that world in a respectful way. She showed the vulnerability, the heartbreak, and the power of having a person to help carry the burden.
I can't wait for more stories from Hope.
Again I am blown away by Hope's writing. This is the second book I've read by her and it didn't disappoint. I feel like those of us that don't suffer from a mental illness don't relays how much it can affect a person. Hope did a great job of giving you insight into that world in a respectful way. She showed the vulnerability, the heartbreak, and the power of having a person to help carry the burden.
I can't wait for more stories from Hope.
November 6, 2020
dnf@ 20%
I got from reviews the real reason for her breaking her marriage which is not so great either btw.
but....
in a broken marriage romances/second chance stories......readers should at least get some fight, overwhelming emotions, and angst....
and at 18% h's mom comes and tells H everything so now he re-hires her to fix their relationship...plzzzzzzzzz...don't waste my time.
#boring
I got from reviews the real reason for her breaking her marriage which is not so great either btw.
but....
in a broken marriage romances/second chance stories......readers should at least get some fight, overwhelming emotions, and angst....
and at 18% h's mom comes and tells H everything so now he re-hires her to fix their relationship...plzzzzzzzzz...don't waste my time.
#boring
June 19, 2020
Wow- Cecilia and Cameron OMG this book. Wow just wow. I cried a few times. This book was such a good read. I read it cover to cover last night. This book has a bit of a second chance theme which I love. I can understand Cameron's behavior but still at some points I really felt for Cecilia. Definitely recommend!!
June 29, 2020
Cecilia and Cameron were soul mates, until Cecilia made a decision that wrecked them both. Years later, they meet again and the truth comes out.
The book deals with some heavy subject matter that is prevalent today and is often times not treated properly. The writing was good, but I didn’t feel enough emotion in the words.
The book deals with some heavy subject matter that is prevalent today and is often times not treated properly. The writing was good, but I didn’t feel enough emotion in the words.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews