Review: A good read, I like this one
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 25, 2013
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.Nora Montgomery fled to New York four years ago after she was left heartbroken and confused by the actions of her boyfriend at the time Jake Harris. Now she is returning home to Beaufort, South Carolina for the first time since she left to be maid of honor at her best friend Susie's wedding. It isn't long before Nora sees Jake again, as he is not only the best friend of the groom to be Ethan but also his best man. It's pretty clear when they first meet the feelings and the chemistry that they have for each other is still there. Nora and Jake are going to have to confront their past if they have a chance for a future.Nora has been making choices that have made her parents happy rather than herself. She went to study Law because the father wanted her to instead of music, which was her passion. She was a strong and confident character, who wanted to take back control of her life, and I loved her, but every so often she did frustrate me when she was a little uncertain of feelings and didn't stand up to her parents.Jake Harris, was a sweetheart, he is patient and caring. He made one silly choice four years ago that wasn't honestly his fault, but he has regretted ever since, he has made lots of changes in his life and now with Nora back home he was going to make things right. Jake is so in love with Nora she was and is his world. He was so romantic I loved the secretive dates that he planned for Nora.I like the storyline it was one about second chances and forgiveness, it was low on the drama and angst, had a few anxious moments, plenty of humor and some sexy bedroom scenes. It was told from Nora and Jake's POV, which as you know is a favorite of mine. I thick I enjoyed reading Jake POV more that Nora's as you got to see how heartbroken he was and what he went through after Nora left.This wasn't a long book, and that always worries me as I have said before I tend to find that when a book is shorter, the story can feel rushed, and bits are missing, but with this one I didn't have those feelings. That meant that any drama or misunderstandings were sorted out quite quickly. I liked that you found out early into the story what happened on that night four years ago, it wasn't drawn out over lots of chapters. I must admit that I have a sneaking suspicion about what may have occurred, that didn't make my enjoyment of the book any less. The story wasn't one about will or won't they get back together it was about what choices, changes and decision they are going to make in order to have the future together that they both know they want.This one had some secondary characters that I loved such as Susie and Ethan the type of best friends that you want. Jake' parents are lovely they have such a great relationship also giving Jake such wonderful words of advice. However Nora's parents I didn't warm at the start as her father is too controlling and Lindsey I just wanted to punch.Overall this was an enjoyable easy read Ellie Grace debut novel was one of those books that after I had finished it I was left with a big fat grin on my face. There wasn't a big cliffhanger just one sweet epilogue and HEA. If like me, you have been reading a lot of books lately heavy storylines and big cliffhangers then I highly recommend This Time Around. It will be a refreshing change, and I don't think you will be disappointed. Ellie also leaves you with details about her next book Break Away that is Olivia's story Nora's friend from New York. But what really made me add this one to my TBR list was that is also about Dex Porter a sexy tattoo former marine. Enough said ☺This time around gets 4 stars from me.Some quotes."In that moment I could feel all the walls that I'd built up around me over the last four years begin to crack and crumble. Everything just felt.... right. For the first time since I left Beaufort I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be." ~ Nora`Baby I was broken. I was completely shattered! There was not a single day that went by that I didn't think of you. I've been yours since the day we met.... yours and only yours," ~ Jake`Didn't anyone tell you that love doesn't make sense? Sometimes when you meet the right person, you just know; and you stop looking for anything else `cause you know you have already found her," Jake's dad