#ContemporaryRomance #EnemiestoLovers #Forbiddenlove #BossEmployee #SecondChanceRomance #WorkplaceRomance #BestFriendsSibling #SecretRomance
Running from your problems only brings you hurtling face first into even worse baggage.
After experiencing a brutal trauma in New York that I'd rather bury than address, escaping to a new job in London seems like the perfect solution. That was before I was introduced to my new boss, who is none other than my brother's best friend. You know, the one I've been head-over-heels in love with forever.
Jack Merrick had been my crush since I knew what one was. For years we fought the feelings; I didn't want to humiliate myself and his excuse was not betraying my brother or parents, who had accepted him as their own. Then, the night of my college graduation party, he undressed me in my childhood bedroom and confirmed that there was no one else on this earth for him but me.
When I woke the next morning he was gone, off to take a job as a coder halfway around the world. Four years and a mangled heart later, Jack is the last person I expect to see in London, and something close to fate is tricking me into thinking this is more than a coincidence. Our shared love of programming has always connected us, but now it's the thing we're weaponizing to get back at each other.
Until one night, when the emotional scars from my attack resurface and he's the only one to witness a massive breakdown. He coaxes out my secrets and swears to love and protect me like he couldn't before. But with everything stacked against us, I'm not sure we can ever have what we've always dreamed of.
Except just as we're beginning to tackle those obstacles, I learn the truth of why he left all those years ago. And suddenly there may be no future for us at all.
My Thoughts:
If you love a good second chance romance, you'll want to dive into this book that primarily takes place across the pond. It sets up a fun dynamic as the pair is discovering new things not only about where they are living and working, but also themselves. They get to cut out the nonsense of interfering (though often well-meaning) family and loved ones. Minus one particular co-worker, Taylor and Jack have support from their team, even though they try to keep their relationship a secret from them.
Jack really made me want to hate him from the beginning. But once they start communicating, he's easily a likeable character. Taylor is sweet, albeit a little naïve. I couldn't understand why she would hide what she experienced. But when her family discovers the secret and puts the blame on Jack, the closed-door reaction is understandable. Their reaction is a bit overboard, thus resulting in more heartbreak than necessary. But I love that it's written this way for the realistic feel that not all families are open and accepting.
The flip on the fertility issues is unique as we more often see women who struggle with this. I hope we see more on how Jack and Taylor navigate this in a future book!
Together, this couple is a beautiful balance. They have plenty of steam/heat in the bedroom and a balance in a work setting that most couples often can't accomplish. I loved their friendships formed amongst the team (except Sally....ugh. She deserved so much more than what she got!). Penny was a fun character who really helped Taylor open up.
Overall, I give this a solid 4 stars because I love a second chance and brother's best friend trope combo.
I received a complimentary ARC for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! http://mybook.to/OnceForbiddenTwiceShyBook Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3bkiSIR
Meet the Author!
Author of romance novels such as Fool Me Twice and Love at First Fight, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. A former journalist, she prefers the love stories of her imagination, and the athleisure dress code, much better.
When she isn't writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in the suburbs of New Jersey with her husband, two children and ninety-pound rescue pup.
Connect with Carrie
Website | www.authorcarrieaarons.com
Goodreads | https://goodreads.com/carrieaarons
Amazon | https://amzn.to/3do0EDf
Facebook | https://facebook.com/carrieaarons
Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/2DDt1xX
Instagram | https://instagram.com/authorcarriea
Twitter | https://twitter.com/authorcarriea
Bookbub | https://bookbub.com/profile/carrie-aarons
TikTok | https://bit.ly/3fzcrkI
Newsletter | https://bit.ly/authorCAnewsletter