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Synopsis
At fifteen, I fell in love with Luke Runyan.
With just one look, one touch, he became my world until he shattered my heart into a million pieces. No one meets their soulmate when they’re only a kid, yet convincing my heart to move on is a task I never mastered.
My heart has only ever belonged to one woman, Samantha Harris.
Sam had dreams; dreams I couldn’t deliver, which left me with only one choice… I walked away.
Whoever said time heals all wounds never lost the love of their life. And they don’t force you back to the same small town you’ve spent your entire adult life avoiding, especially when she’s everywhere you turn.
Review
“When your heart finds its soulmate, life will always find a way of bringing you back together.”
4 short and sweet stars
This is a short novella and a really quick read, but Riann C. Miller has managed to deliver a heartfelt second-chance-romance, and the story of a man struggling to come to terms with his past.
The book dives right into the story, 12 years after Luke broke Sam’s heart and left town. Now he’s home and recovering from an injury he earned while serving overseas, and his home care nurse is none other than the woman he’s never been able to move on from.
I gave up the life I wanted, for the life I needed and now I don’t have either.
Sam was left shattered when Luke left her, and she’s tried her best to move on. She’s not happy that he’s back in their small home town and all up in her life again, and though the draw they feel toward each other is still strong, they both try their hardest not to fall back into the emotion of the past.
My mind wants to wander to a time in my life when everything felt perfect, when she belonged to me but instead I force myself to stay in the present – a place where this beautiful creature hates me.
But it doesn’t take long for Luke to realise he’s been missing, and then everything changes as he begins to fight for the woman he still loves.
“Seriously Luke, what are you doing?”
“I’m doing what I should’ve done twelve years ago.” I take a step closer, reaching for her hand. “I’m fighting for the woman I’m meant to be with.”
This is a gorgeous romance. There is some drama, but it’s not over the top and makes sense to the story, and there’s no unnecessary angst or stupid. You know that Luke and Sam are meant to be together, and it’s just a matter of watching it all unfold.
“You’re it for me and I hope like hell that you give me a second chance to prove to you I’m the only person for you.”
Luke and Sam’s families are heavily involved in the story, and I loved the way they supported the couple in their own unique ways. The strong family themes are really nicely written and add a lot to the story, bringing the feels and I loved the additional depth it brought.
This is a great read. Again, even though it’s short, I was invested in the love story, and finished the book with a huge cheesy grin on my face.
“You were my first everything and I plan to make you my last everything.”
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Excerpt
Juggling the bags in my hands, I manage to get the back door open. My stomach grumbles from the sweet smell of warm cookies. I place the bags on the counter, ready to swipe a cookie from a cooling rack when Margie walks into the kitchen.
“Oh, you came. I wasn’t sure if you’d bring my order this week.”
“I don’t bail on people; you should know that by now.”
I wince when her mouth turns down with a frown.
“I don’t know what I would do without you, Sam. I guess I was just worried things would change now.”
I force a smile, hoping it doesn’t look nearly as fake as it feels. “Nothing is going to change unless of course, you want it to.”
She limps in my direction and pulls me in for a hug. I lost my mother when I was five and over the years, Margie has filled the void I’ve felt. Losing her isn’t an option, at least not one I can live with.
“I would understand if you didn’t want to come by.”
I open my mouth, ready to reply when he walks into the kitchen. The second Luke spots me he freezes, both of our bodies going stiff.
Margie’s eyes follow mine until they stop on her son. “Oh, I thought you were taking a nap.” Her voice shakes, probably expecting all hell to break loose, but I’m not about to act like a crazy ex-girlfriend.
“I couldn’t sleep.” Luke’s deep voice rumbles through me. He looks the same, just bigger, harder, tougher compared to the eighteen-year- old I remember.
I clear my throat and my wandering thoughts. “I didn’t check your order before bringing it to you. If you’re missing anything, let me know.” I lean forward, giving Margie a quick kiss on the cheek. “Have a great day.”
Without looking at either of them, I swiftly walk out the back door.
My entire life has been one messy situation after another. I shouldn’t be surprised that Luke of all people would return home and somehow magically become my patient, but damn if I don’t hate my new reality.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Riann. I’ve been obsessed with reading romance novels for close to five years. I love getting to know new people in the book community and I’ve met several people along the way that I consider true friends.
I’m happily married with two children. When I’m not reading or writing, I’m usually spending time with my family, friends or watching baseball.
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