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Starting Over

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The one that got away, Mason Fox, the love of my life, has just broken my heart… again.
He’s also the reason I’m homeless, jobless, and the target of his ex-wife’s vendetta.

Losing everything should be enough to stop me from thinking about the firefighter who stole my heart when he left town. Sadly, this isn’t the case.
He fled to L.A., cut me out of his life, his family has ruined me and show no signs of stopping, so why can’t I move on?

With my life in ruins and nothing left to lose, I fly across the country to find the man who crushed my heart, twice. I’m not sure if he deserves another chance but I need him to face up to his family so that I can rebuild my life. When he learns the truth of everything that’s happened to me, will he step up and stand by my side as we face down the challenges standing between us and our Happily Ever After?

Or are our differences too great to overcome?

If you like your second chance romances to be achy in all the right places, with a sprinkling of steam so hot this alpha firefighter almost can’t handle the heat, then download this older man, younger woman romance from best-selling author, Kat Catesby, today.

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2020

20 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

Kat Catesby

8 books101 followers
Kat Catesby is a lover of headstrong heroines with sass, sexiness and formidable inner strength. You won’t get the better of these ladies! Strong, beautiful women in all shapes and sizes deserve alpha men who know how to handle themselves and their lady. These book boyfriends don’t shy away from what they desire and hunt down what they want with fierce determination and a lot of passion. Join them on their deliciously dirty journeys with steam so hot you’ll be panting for more.
Kat Catesby lives in Plymouth, UK with Mr. Catesby, the Mini Catesby’s and their assortment of tropical fish (they’re low maintenance, what can I say)!
When not writing sinfully hot contemporary romances, Kat Catesby can be found running around after the Mini Catesby’s with Mr. Catesby. When the Mini Catesby’s allow it, she spends her time binge reading her favourite authors, singing and dancing with her local theatre group and dreaming of vacations, cocktails, and chocolate.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Nova.
2,710 reviews102 followers
November 7, 2020
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Kelsey has lost everything thanks to falling in love with Mason the extremely hot fireman. She agreed to sneaking around in order not to upset his soon to be ex wife but the strain was just too much to handle and their relationship just had to end. Never did she think Mason would leave her, disappear without a trace and leave her to his family and ex wife to destroy the life she had. She needs to find Mason and get him to stop her life being destroyed only thing is will she really be able to walk away from him when she does find him or has he smashed her heart to pieces so badly they have no chance together?

Mason loved Kelsey for six months but when his soon to be ex-wife discovers his secret he knows they have no choice but to end it. Getting distance from his family and his ex seemed like the best idea but he messed up when he didn’t tell Kelsey. Will she forgive him for leaving her alone and to fend for herself, will they get a second chance at forever?

I really loved this book there was heartbreak, drama and it’s seriously hot. Highly recommended read and trust me you’ll be hooked from start to finish. 5* read.

Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,921 reviews16 followers
October 25, 2020
What a mess! Mason has left everything behind, even the woman he loves to start over. He hasn't told her he's leaving or where he's going. He's a grown man, but can't seem to keep his parents or his soon to be x-wife out of his life. I like this line in this book "it's about admitting that you don't want to survive on your own." Kelsey can do it, but she doesn't necessarily want to. Mason wants to take care of Kelsey, so why shouldn't he? Near the end it's also enlightening to tell his parents that he should not have waited to get married to Kelsey, for them, they are not important, only Kelsey is. It took me a while to warm up to Mason, he was a grown man and he should have stood up to his parents and x sooner and the chaos would not have happened to Kelsey. In the end he did, and I breathed a sigh of relief. He was so sweet to arrange everything for a perfect day.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,191 reviews11 followers
October 30, 2020
So glad to finally get Kelsey and Mason’s story! Not to mention being able to see my faves, Lucy and Max, again.

Kelsey and Mason dated for a while before the book begins. It’s interesting because the black moment basically happens near the beginning. Both of them are hurt after their breakup and lost without one another. It takes rock bottom to finally bring them back together. Seeing them together is fascinating because they already know so much about each other, yet are constantly learning more.

The thing I love about this book is that the characters are extremely self aware. When things go wrong, they take responsibility for their part in it. And Mason has a lot to make up for. Kelsey is understandably upset. The two of them have a lot of emotional baggage, new and old, to work through before they can get their HEA. This book is filled with drama, emotions, and plenty of down and dirty sexy times.
Profile Image for Martha Watkins.
113 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2020
I received this ARC and let me tell you I loved every chapter

What can I say Kat catesby is becoming such a fav of mines as an author. I knew it was going to be Hot! sprinkled with a lot of Love/Laughs. Mason and Kelsey definitely had their ups and downs brought on by some drama but overall they found a way to overcome. I honestly believe what they faced made them stronger and you definitely saw that through their relationship and how it just got stronger and stronger. I am glad how everything turned out for these two! I also loved seeing snippets of Max and Lucy ( Love those two). I can't wait to see who may get a story next

I do not want to give anything away but lets just say that entrance towards the end had me standing clapping and cheering ! lol you will understand if you read the book !
260 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2020
I was honoured to get an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

Mason Fox fireman in Aspen moves to LA to get away from parents & ex-wife.
Kelsey Harper get in the cross hairs of this fallout so she gets fired because of Helen
Mason's parents being really nasty towards her making Kelsey's life a nightmare
There is an age gap between Kelsey & Mason but neither of them dont notice but others people do.
This book is so extremely hot and sexy you will not be able to put this down.
Profile Image for Katia Hatter.
69 reviews4 followers
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November 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, part of a larger series of books I’ve been fortunate enough to read by Kat Catesby.

After dating secretly for 6 months due to a vindictive ex-wife and meddling family, Mason and Kelsey go their separate ways when Mason decides to that “starting over” with a new job in a new city is the only way to escape the ties of his past. The problem is that he fails to share this plan with Kelsey, who is as in love with him as he is with her. He thinks they may find their way back to each other, but she’s left to pick up the pieces and mend a broken heart.

I enjoyed how real these two were. These were adults dealing with real life issues the way that adults deal with issues - some talking, some fighting, and some very sexy making up :) If you’ve read Kat’s books before, you know how steamy those making up scenes can be, and this book doesn’t disappoint. More importantly, it’s always great to see adults behaving like adults and not overgrown teenagers.

Highly recommend this book if you love firefighters, feisty, independent heroines and true love.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am pleased to give it my honest review.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,098 reviews31 followers
November 3, 2020
Their Escape To A Happily Ever After -
It is a beautifully written second chance love story, with the added benefit of a stalker and manipulative ex, that will definitely keep you entertained. Kelsey and Mason literally had to move to another state, get away from Mason’s ex. Unfortunately, just when they settle into their new life, Mason’s past rears it ugly head and tries to derail their relationship. It would take patience, true love, supportive friends, a great employer and an ultimatum, to ensure Mason and Kelsey can get their happily ever after.

This is a story that is realistic and believable, as it still happens within some wealthy families in the twenty first century. The off-the-charge intimate moment between Mason and Kelsey, will definitely leave your panties wet, but the storyline is exciting enough to keep your attention from the beginning until the end. This is a book that will definitely keep your company on a Friday night, if you decide to stay home and relax.

I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katslovesbooks.
1,028 reviews25 followers
November 6, 2020


Another fabulous story by Kat Catesby, I love her style of writing and Starting Over was just an amazing story about second chances and forgiveness.

Kelsey and Mason relationship has been complicated from the start, their age difference and social status differences its just a small part of their problem. Mason's ex-wife and his parents are the mayor problem.

When Mason decides he needs to leave and start fresh in a new state he never thought that by leaving Kelsey(who he still loves), her life will become a complete mess.

This couple goes trough so many ups and downs, but their love for each other never goes away. Like always Kat delivers a book with amazing characters and super hot scenes but also a love story that will melt your heart.
19 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2020
Kelsey and Mason are so in love with each other however, that wasn’t enough to keep Mason’s ex-wife and family from driving them apart. When Mason moves away unexpectedly, Kelsey is left behind to handle the fallout all alone with no way to contact Mason. As if losing the love of her life isn’t enough, Kelsey also loses her job, her apartment and almost all of her savings. Her best friend, Lucy, manages to convince her to travel to LA to seek out a fresh start with Mason far away from the destructive intrusion of his ex-wife.

Starting Over will have you feeling all the feels as Mason and Kelsey discover whether or not their love is strong enough this time around to conquer all the drama brought on by Mason’s ex-wife. As always, Kat takes us on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns that brings the heat and doesn’t disappoint! From the very first page to the last, Kelsey and Mason will capture your heart and have you rooting for their HEA.
Profile Image for Jill Green.
498 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2020
Mason and Kelsey have loved each other for over a year but after 6 months of sneaking around because he didn’t want his parents or soon to be ex wife to find out they broke up and have both been miserable since.

Mason thinks the solution is to move away so that they can’t find him and hopes it will mean he and Kelsey can be together again some day. His mistake was not in telling girl where he went either!

Their feelings never changed and if anything grow stronger and after a few unfortunate events which result In Kelsey becoming homeless they find themselves back in each other’s arms.

They love each other and the chemistry is there they just have to overcome some obstacles to live their lives as they want. A great read that I couldn’t put down and it was a bonus that we also get to read about max and Lucy again.
I received an ARC from the author and leave this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Pauline Cassie.
1,219 reviews59 followers
October 28, 2020
In Starting Over we have an age gap, second chance romance with a hot fireman. What's not to love?

Kat Catesby delivers on all fronts. We have a story that captures the reader’s attention from start to finish. We have loveable characters (and some you love to hate!) We have some hot as hell scenes that'll require the ac to be adjusted AND we have an HEA.

Mason needs to work his socks of though because Kelsey isn't any man's doormat. The scenes where Kelsey let's her normally even temper loose, are brilliantly and oh so eloquently phrased! (if only we all had the option of writing and editing our tirades, eh?)

All in all Starting Over is a quick sexy read that ticks lots of 'happy feelings' boxes.
4,307 reviews11 followers
October 31, 2020
What a fantastic read filled with drama, laughter, tears and love. The many ups and downs of Mason and Kelsey is almost spellbinding. There is heartbreak a couple of times that would leave a lesser woman to just walk away from men altogether, but Kelsey is confident, strong woman who has the love and support of friends who are willing to help her at any costs. I absolutely loved how both Kelsey and Mason finally confronted their parents, to show them the respect and care of how a parent should act. I thought this was a wonderful storyline, and nice to see some of the other characters Max and Lucy in how their relationship has progressed.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
629 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2020
Where to start, Holy cannoli the emotions in this book. I have honestly read all 4 books in this series, so dont get me wrong the rollercoaster rides in the others are ridiculously emotional compared to Kelsey and Mason but the anger and frustration. I was not expecting that, but it made it their story and the HEA was incredible and perfect and I totally get why it took Kat so long to get this one finished, but I'm so incredibly happy she did. It was perfect, and so all consuming that I read it all in one sitting. Went to bed after 2am but it was so incredibly worth it to finish it and find out how they get their HEA. I just hope that there are more to come in this series, she could just continue this series forever and I will always be ready ro read them.
15 reviews
October 29, 2020
Kat has done it again. As they say there's no smoke without fire, but this is a raging inferno. An absolute must read.

Mason and Kelsey dated for six months, but due to pressure, and to protect Kelsey from his ex-wife and parents, Mason ended their relationship. Six months later, nothing has changed so Mason left town for a new job. With Mason no longer around his ex-wife and parents set out on a mission to destroy Kelsey's life. With nothing else to lose, Kelsey follows Mason to not only build a new life but with hopes to build that life with him. Unfortunately the past doesn't stay in the past so will Mason and Kelsey be able to weather this fire storm for their happy ever after.
Profile Image for Anne (Izzie).
381 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2020
An enjoyable book with a lot going on - Mason and Kelsey got together six months after his marriage broke up, but to try to protect Kelsey from his vindictive wife, who was backed up by his parents, Mason and Kelsey kept their relationship secret. Unfortunately his wife did her best to make Kelsey's
life difficult, leading to Mason deciding to leave town and find a job elsewhere without telling anyone, including Kelsey, where he was going. This did not go down well with anyone - this story relates what happened, has some hot steamy moments, some amusing moments and some well deserved retribution. An enjoyable read.

11.6k reviews49 followers
November 12, 2020
Buckle up and hold on when you read this one

*** 4 1/2 Stars ***

Starting Over is the first book in the Second Time Lucky series and is the story of Kelsey and Mason. This story is a rollercoaster with a lot of twists and turns emotionally along the way. I am not going to lie as there were several times along the way that wanted to kick Mason so hard and also run over his ex-wife who is just a horrible character. But by the end he had finally redeemed himself and did right by Kelsey. I really enjoyed this couple as they find their way to a HEA that will melt your heart into a great big puddle of goo.
105 reviews
October 18, 2020
Well, if I thought Mason was yummy in "Her Firefighter", he's just scrumptious in this book!

The beginning of the book is heartbreaking, every emotion is wrung from you. This empathic journey continues throughout the story, until you are smiling with the characters at the end. It's very well written and the characters are strong and relatable.

This book also opened the doors to many potential stories - Teddy, Grayson and Ethan? Xander & Marlowe's story definitely intrigues - I would certainly read that!

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
562 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2020
This was a fun and easy read that was very hot! Mason and Kelsey were an unconventional couple in that he was older and in the process of getting a divorce before they started dating. Kelsey was someone who people trusted (with good reason) and dealt with problems in a mature, reasonable way, even when her heart was breaking. Mason was a good guy but there were a few times that I wanted to yell at him to “step up”. The good thing is that he eventually did and learned how not to make the same mistakes twice. Ms Catesby is becoming one of my go to authors.
1,665 reviews9 followers
October 30, 2020
Mason was still waiting for his estranged wife to sign the divorce papers after eighteen months and had fallen in love with Kelsey during this time. Helen and his parents had spread rumours and managed to get Kelsey fired from her job, trying to get Helen and Mason back together.
Kat Catesby has unknowingly, through the written word and without spilled blood, allowed us to get back at some conniving women. So glad I was able to enjoy the ending and have a good cackle.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
457 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2020
Starting Over is a second chance, age gap romance. I’m not really big on age gaps, but this one was done really well. I felt they were really well suited for each other and that the age difference didn’t make it awkward. Kelsey was my favorite, I loved her attitude and spirit. There’s loads of family drama, and a really toxic mean girl you love to hate. There’s also a great group of supportive friends, and just the right amount of steam. I really enjoyed Mason and Kelsey’s story.
Also, that cover is hooooot.
Profile Image for Vashti Brown.
2 reviews
November 12, 2020
Loved this book! The only reason I gave four stars instead of five is due to the angst level, but that’s just a reflection of my personal reading tastes at the moment,lol. 2020 has left me feeling angry enough. The book was well written and kept my interest throughout. Kelsey and Mason deserved to start over after so many obstacles in the path of their relationship, one of the biggest being Mason himself and his apparent inability to man up. Once he got his head on straight, he managed to give Kelsey the love she more than deserved! Happy reading!
Profile Image for Veronica Albertson.
537 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2020
This was such a great story! I’m so glad to have finally been able to read Mason and Kelsey’s story. I love Kat’s books are steamy with a real story behind it, there is love, action, and meaning wound in with all her stories, not like a lot of books out there where every chapter is just steamy romance, don’t get me wrong it’s great to read about steamy romance but it’s nice to read about an actual storyline within the books. Great job Kat!
Profile Image for Elaine Swinney.
2,207 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2020
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book through BookFunnel. I voluntarily chose to review it. I loved this book. It is well written and the characters are awesome. For me it was a good read not a quick easy read but I couldn't put it down. This is one worth your time. Give it a chance you will not be disappointed. Kat Catesby is becoming one of my go to authors. I get great stories from her on a regular basis. I will encourage you to get this one.
3,770 reviews12 followers
November 6, 2020
What a great book by this author! The plot is well written with great main characters that the reader can relate too. Also chemistry is sizzling! What an emotional ride I am right now. Mason at times was a jerk! He needed to stand up to his ex and his family. Poor Kelsey didn’t deserve all the pain she went through and all that she lost. But she’s strong with supportive friends. You’ll love this story! A very recommend book to read!
1,177 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2020
Kelsey and Mason have an amazing connection despite their age gap and all that life throws at them. Mason ends the relationship due to pressure from his family. When he leaves town he ghosts Lelsey after saying good bye.
All that Lelsey endures she still risks it all for love.
I enjoyed when Mason stepped up to the occasion to prove his love for Kelsey.
Emotional, steamy and dramatic. I am volunteering to leave a review for this book
698 reviews
November 6, 2020
I'm so glad to see Mason and Kelsey get their story and to continue in this universe!

What a fantastic story full of heartache, struggles and strength. Kelsey wouldn't accept anything less than what she deserved. If Mason wasn't going to step up she was ready to move on. Thankfully he was the man we hoped he would be!

Such a well written, captivating story. I cannot wait for the next
504 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book from the first paragraph to the last. I enjoyed it while I was sad and mad and happy and happier! I was so glad to see Kelsey and Mason find their happily ever after. It sure wasn't easy or fun but Kelsey is one strong woman and she makes sure that everyone knows it. Including Mason!
Profile Image for A Greenaway.
122 reviews
November 6, 2020
Great contemporary romance with a couple of twists and turns.
I must admit, I thought that there would have been a bit more of a climax between Mason, Kelsey and Helen. But overall I enjoyed the book. Great to catch up (briefly) with previous characters. Tastefully written for the age-gap genre.


I received an ARC and the above is my honest review.
Profile Image for Allicia Faber.
42 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2020
Well worth the wait! I had been dying for Mason's story for so long. I am so pleased with how it turned out. The story has an age gap, but the heroine is clever witty, brilliant, and can totally keep up with Mr. Fox. Facebook does deal with some ex drama But no cheating... just a crazy lady who can't seem to let go. These 2 really fought for their happily ever after and truly earned it.
623 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2020
This brings out all the emotions. Heartbreak happens in the beginning so watching Kelsey and Mason Navigate the interference of his ex, the hurt they carry and the bond that just won’t be broken for them keeps you on a roller coaster. I liked that the emotions weren’t written as cheesy cliche romance but were more real world feeling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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