Published by Self-Published on May 23, 2021
Pages: 295
Format: ARC
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Amazon
From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jewel E. Ann comes a novel so heartfelt and real it redefines the meaning of love.
I’m the wrong guy in the right place the night I steal Tatum Bradshaw from another man. When she mistakes me for her blind date, I decide she deserves a man who shows up on time … like me. Emmett Riley, Mr. Punctual.
Once I confess my true identity and convince her I’m not a creep—just a thief—it’s only a matter of time before my sexy smile and quick wit claim her heart, her hand in marriage, and the perfect life.
Unfortunately, perfection is an illusion, like the promises of our wedding vows. No one can prepare for the unimaginable—the heartbreaking exception to all the rules in life.
When thirty seconds destroys everything, I have to find a new existence and keep my promise to always love our daughter, Lucy, the most.
For Lucy, I will keep a secret, and I will watch my wife drift into the arms of another man.
Given the chance … can I reclaim my wife and the pieces of our life?
Getting a 5-star review from me these days is like drawing water from a stone. For Lucy, though, had me captivated from Chapter One, and I knew in my soul that I was on the road to 5 stars.
I have not found another author who can dredge up the depth of emotions in me as Jewel E. Ann. When my heart wasn’t gripped tightly in the palm of her hand it was lodged in my throat. There are no words to describe how acutely poignant and profound this book is. Yes, there are romantic and delightfully charming moments (the meet cute is enchanting), but primarily there are difficult subject matters to address between two people who love each other deeply.
Who can measure up to Emmett? Nobody, I tell you. I adored everything about him. I loved Emmett’s wry sense of humor, his ability to hold his tongue instead of lashing out, and the ease with which he puts his wife and daughter before everything else. I was a teensy bit jealous of Tatum. She has a 24-hour handyman who doesn’t need a Honey Do List to get stuff done. I kid, I kid! Sort of. Even though he was determined to hold onto his role as martyr, I couldn’t help but respect him and his massive heart.
Tatum is an extremely complex lady, and honestly I didn’t like her very much most of the time. But I came to understand her thought process, which was key to accepting her. Her decisions come from a place of pain, preservation, and love, not maliciousness.
Lucy is pure sunshine, and I laughed at her attempts to make her dad happy. She is wise beyond her years.
For Lucy is not a simple story. Nobody is completely right nor 100% wrong. These are flawed characters, and I still find myself analyzing their actions from different angles. This tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and blame has lingered with me and left my heart full. And aren’t those some of the greatest compliments you can give an author?
Recommended for fans of:
Second chance romance
Hot chocolate with extra whipped cream
Selfless acts of kindness
Tear jerkers
** I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read and review **
Ugh! All the reviews (including yours) have me wanting to read this, but I just don’t know that I’m up for it emotionally!