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Just One Last Night
"One last night… The temptation of one last night of heady passion with her husband is too much for Melanie Masterson to resist… But in the morning she kisses his sexy mouth goodbye and turns her back on her marriage, believing Forde deserves someone better – someone who can be a good wife and mother. …has an unexpected consequence! Discovering Melanie is pregnant with his child pushes Forde Masterson to his limits. He will reclaim his wife and child even if that means playing dirty…with a sensual onslaught so powerful she will never want to leave his arms again!
135 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2012
About the author
Helen Brooks
376 books117 followersRita Bradshaw was born on 1949 in Northampton, England, where she was educated as a good Christian. She met Clive, her husband, at the age of 16 andnow the magic is still there. They have three lovely children, Cara, Faye, and Benjamin, and have always had a menagerie of animals in the house, which at the present is confined to two endearing and very comical dogs who would make a great double act on TV! The children, friends, and pets all keep the house buzzing and the food cupboards empty but Helen wouldn't have it any other way. She still lives today in Northampton with her family. Although having enjoyed some wonderful holidays abroad she has never been tempted to live anywhere else, although she rather likes the idea of a holiday home close to the sea one day.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming, and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in the sun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking of course!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as she approached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babies and hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latter an unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of pure joy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own but she loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth is stranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
Being a committed Christian and fervent animal lover she finds spare time is always at a premium, but long walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs, meals out followed by the cinema or theatre, reading, swimming, and having friends over for dinner are all fitted in somehow. She also enjoys sitting in her wonderfully therapeutic, rambling old garden in the sun with a glass of red wine, (under the guise of resting while thinking of course!)
For years, she was a secretary. She began writing in 1990 as she approached that milestone of a birthday 40! She realized her two teenage ambitions (writing a novel and learning to drive) had been lost amid babies and hectic family life, so set about resurrecting them.
Her first novel was for Mills and Boon and was accepted after one rewrite in 1992 as Helen Brooks, and she passed her driving test (the former was a joy and the latter an unmitigated nightmare!) She has written 50 novels as well as several sagas as Rita Bradshaw.
Since becoming a full-time writer she has found her occupation one of pure joy and often surprised when her characters develop a mind of their own but she loves exploring what makes people tick and finds the old adage "truth is stranger than fiction" to be absolutely true. She would love to hear from any readers care of Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 25, 2012
Just One Last Night is a very good and quick contemporary romance about an estranged married couple who have a very tragic event in their lives that causes a rift in their marriage.
Without spoiling readers, I would say that what happens to this couple was very devastating, and it would take two very devoted people in love to overcome it. Melanie is already carrying baggage from her childhood, on top of their recent tragedy, and this acts as the icing on the cake for her belief that she is poison to love. What I loved about this book is that Forde is a man who loves his wife enough to fight for her, and he loves her in spite of the way she pushes him away. When he made those marriage vows, he took them seriously, and is more than willing to fight for his marriage. A devoted hero is Helen Brooks' stock in trade, and she does it very well. One of my favorite kinds of heroes is a devoted one who will surmount any obstacle to win the woman he loves.
I could understand Melanie's emotional wounds. I could even give her some slack for how she was pushing Forde away, although she was admittedly being irrational about her past and how it affected her self-image. I mean, that's very human to be less than level-headed when it comes to emotions and their impact on our lives.
I especially enjoyed the cozy days around Christmas that Melanie and Forde shared, their feline companion(s), and the unique way that this couple becomes reunited. I'd have to be honest and admit I'm not big on stories with estranged married couples. However, Brooks acquitted herself admirably with this book. The execution was well-done, and Just One Last Night was a very good book to read in the month of December to get me in the Christmas mood.
I recommend it!
Without spoiling readers, I would say that what happens to this couple was very devastating, and it would take two very devoted people in love to overcome it. Melanie is already carrying baggage from her childhood, on top of their recent tragedy, and this acts as the icing on the cake for her belief that she is poison to love. What I loved about this book is that Forde is a man who loves his wife enough to fight for her, and he loves her in spite of the way she pushes him away. When he made those marriage vows, he took them seriously, and is more than willing to fight for his marriage. A devoted hero is Helen Brooks' stock in trade, and she does it very well. One of my favorite kinds of heroes is a devoted one who will surmount any obstacle to win the woman he loves.
I could understand Melanie's emotional wounds. I could even give her some slack for how she was pushing Forde away, although she was admittedly being irrational about her past and how it affected her self-image. I mean, that's very human to be less than level-headed when it comes to emotions and their impact on our lives.
I especially enjoyed the cozy days around Christmas that Melanie and Forde shared, their feline companion(s), and the unique way that this couple becomes reunited. I'd have to be honest and admit I'm not big on stories with estranged married couples. However, Brooks acquitted herself admirably with this book. The execution was well-done, and Just One Last Night was a very good book to read in the month of December to get me in the Christmas mood.
I recommend it!
March 29, 2019
A second chance story. H/h are on the brink of divorce. Heroine miscarried at 22 weeks and never got over the guilt or the nagging feeling that if she stayed with her husband something terrible would happen to *him.* She had a tragic childhood losing her parents, grandparents and friend all before she was out of her teens – so this fatalistic superstition after the miscarriage trauma makes some sort of sense.
Hero has the patience of a saint and gives her space until he realizes she is not getting better. He arranges for her to landscape his mother’s garden and while they are working out the details they have sex. Heroine falls pregnant. Hero then urges her to have counselling.
They eventually reunite for good on Christmas Eve after rescuing a pregnant cat.
I’m just giving the bare bones here. It’s a quiet story, kind of depressing, but ultimately touching as the H/h open their hearts to foster children in the epilogue after having four children of their own.
Hero is the star of this show – he has unconditional love for the heroine and he never ever gives up on her. His mother was a sweetie, too. Just a nice story.
Hero has the patience of a saint and gives her space until he realizes she is not getting better. He arranges for her to landscape his mother’s garden and while they are working out the details they have sex. Heroine falls pregnant. Hero then urges her to have counselling.
They eventually reunite for good on Christmas Eve after rescuing a pregnant cat.
I’m just giving the bare bones here. It’s a quiet story, kind of depressing, but ultimately touching as the H/h open their hearts to foster children in the epilogue after having four children of their own.
Hero is the star of this show – he has unconditional love for the heroine and he never ever gives up on her. His mother was a sweetie, too. Just a nice story.
March 7, 2016
Fantastic epilogue, one of the best ones I read in a while!!!!
August 3, 2012
Wonderful emotional second chance at love & saving their marriage story,Nell-Forde both meet fall in love and get married and were happy but the death of their first child brought their marriage crumbling down.Nell completely shut Forde out,left him and asked for divorce.Forde always stood strong for them both and fought to make Nell realize that they always belong together.
This was such tender sweet story,adored Forde so much,Nell sometimes frustrated me cause she kept Forde pushing away and hurting him again and again.Forde must say he was a PERFECT husband.Even after going through losing two people whom he loves so much,never once did he break down,he showed immence patience when it came to handling Nell.I really cried with Forde-Nell when they both together mourned their son's death.Actually liked the fact Forde never gave up,he respected his marriage vows,put in all efforts and made Nell realize that their love and marriage is worth fighting for.
This book played havoc with my emotions,i cried,smiled and even got angry at Nell but after going through so much they finally manage to get their much deserved HEA.The epilogue was cute.Overall a wonderful read.
Recommend it.
This was such tender sweet story,adored Forde so much,Nell sometimes frustrated me cause she kept Forde pushing away and hurting him again and again.Forde must say he was a PERFECT husband.Even after going through losing two people whom he loves so much,never once did he break down,he showed immence patience when it came to handling Nell.I really cried with Forde-Nell when they both together mourned their son's death.Actually liked the fact Forde never gave up,he respected his marriage vows,put in all efforts and made Nell realize that their love and marriage is worth fighting for.
This book played havoc with my emotions,i cried,smiled and even got angry at Nell but after going through so much they finally manage to get their much deserved HEA.The epilogue was cute.Overall a wonderful read.
Recommend it.
September 1, 2016
Melanie and Forde are married and deeply in love. But when Melanie loses her baby she abandons her husband and asks him for a divorce.
Forde is the perfect man! His love for his wife is unlimited and unconditional. His patience and pure real love is exactly what Melanie needs but won't allow herself to accept. He is so compassionate and loving towards Melanie and tried to see the situation from her point of view, putting her needs ahead of his own.
Melanie is full of doubts and fears and is wrapped up in her own grief. She is convinced that Forde would be better off without her and she believes she is a curse on those she loves. She knows her guilt and remorse have turned her heart inwards and that she is wrapped up in self-condemnation but she feels she deserves all the pain and heartbreak.
This was one amazing love story. Slow, sweet love story that was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming! I shed both tears of sorrow and tears of happiness!!
Forde is the perfect man! His love for his wife is unlimited and unconditional. His patience and pure real love is exactly what Melanie needs but won't allow herself to accept. He is so compassionate and loving towards Melanie and tried to see the situation from her point of view, putting her needs ahead of his own.
Melanie is full of doubts and fears and is wrapped up in her own grief. She is convinced that Forde would be better off without her and she believes she is a curse on those she loves. She knows her guilt and remorse have turned her heart inwards and that she is wrapped up in self-condemnation but she feels she deserves all the pain and heartbreak.
This was one amazing love story. Slow, sweet love story that was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming! I shed both tears of sorrow and tears of happiness!!
October 30, 2017
Vintage says it better (shocker!)
Where are those Fordes born? Reserve one for me, thank you.
I know what you're thinking: ningún chile me embona (something like "no chili fits me").
You can throw at my face all the times I've sayed in my reviews or commented on another's that some hs NEED therapy... she gets therapy here and I started skimming 😐
I know I should have been more understanding because she went through a lot and who am I to judge her when I throw a fit if my little cousins use my concha nácar soap to wash their hands... My point is I found her annoying when I should have been sympathetic.
By the way, just a warning for any future daughter in law I may have: I'm already 25 and really far away from having children... let's suppose I'll have them in let's say 10 years, when they're in age of dating and/or getting married I'll be in my fifties and if my daughter or son in law dares say this to me, I'll make him/her suffer until he/she is no longer my in law.
"'You’re a lovely old lady,’ she said, with a tenderness that brought moisture to Isabelle’s eyes.”
More likely those tears were because you called her old lady...
Where are those Fordes born? Reserve one for me, thank you.
I know what you're thinking: ningún chile me embona (something like "no chili fits me").
You can throw at my face all the times I've sayed in my reviews or commented on another's that some hs NEED therapy... she gets therapy here and I started skimming 😐
I know I should have been more understanding because she went through a lot and who am I to judge her when I throw a fit if my little cousins use my concha nácar soap to wash their hands... My point is I found her annoying when I should have been sympathetic.
By the way, just a warning for any future daughter in law I may have: I'm already 25 and really far away from having children... let's suppose I'll have them in let's say 10 years, when they're in age of dating and/or getting married I'll be in my fifties and if my daughter or son in law dares say this to me, I'll make him/her suffer until he/she is no longer my in law.
"'You’re a lovely old lady,’ she said, with a tenderness that brought moisture to Isabelle’s eyes.”
More likely those tears were because you called her old lady...
December 18, 2015
Not a perfect book, but the overwhelming love the alpa hero has for the heroine is what makes a romance so compelling. Forde is truly a hero for the ages. Patient, loving, adoring of Nell, he is also downright sexy. If you are sick of big meanies, then look no farther.
The heroine is a little hard to handle, but she has some serious issues to work through.
One surprise element that I have not seen in any Harlequin or recent romance, is the hero's reference to the heaven or the after-life. Not over-bearing, but very sweet.
The heroine is a little hard to handle, but she has some serious issues to work through.
One surprise element that I have not seen in any Harlequin or recent romance, is the hero's reference to the heaven or the after-life. Not over-bearing, but very sweet.
May 23, 2018
Forde is one of my fave H. I want one for me. This was such a sweet but sad story.
February 17, 2013
3.5 -4 stars
This is no sweet romance about falling in love, its an intense & emotional story about a marriage in peril. This is one of HB' trademarks. Same old ingredients : a damaged heroine & a loving hero full of determination & patience.
Melanie is damaged by her miserable childhood spent in foster house after foster house. She becomes accustomed to keeping everything deep inside her and presenting a façade to the rest of the world. After her miscarriage, she shuts Forde out, then leaves him & asks for divorce for his own sake. She unconsciously punishes herself for her baby's death. She thinks she brings misfortune on those she cares about. She believes there is some sort of jinx on her that touches those close to her. The death of her parents, her grandmother, her school friend, and then her unborn child.
HB heroes are out of this world. Big & tough with a soft center. I simply loved Forde. He is the perfect husband. He is so loving, so patient with Melanie.
This is no sweet romance about falling in love, its an intense & emotional story about a marriage in peril. This is one of HB' trademarks. Same old ingredients : a damaged heroine & a loving hero full of determination & patience.
Melanie is damaged by her miserable childhood spent in foster house after foster house. She becomes accustomed to keeping everything deep inside her and presenting a façade to the rest of the world. After her miscarriage, she shuts Forde out, then leaves him & asks for divorce for his own sake. She unconsciously punishes herself for her baby's death. She thinks she brings misfortune on those she cares about. She believes there is some sort of jinx on her that touches those close to her. The death of her parents, her grandmother, her school friend, and then her unborn child.
HB heroes are out of this world. Big & tough with a soft center. I simply loved Forde. He is the perfect husband. He is so loving, so patient with Melanie.
August 27, 2017
"Just One Last Night" is the story of Forde and Melanie.
This was an absolutely beautiful, angsty, tear-jerking read which involved an estranged couple in love, a husband fighting for his wife's love, a wife fighting for her husband's happiness, a supportive MIL, and just a lot of feels.
Melanie leaves her husband Forde after her premature child's death, and decides to move away so he can find a better wife. She has lived her whole life in foster homes, everyone she loves has been dead, and the baby is her last straw which pushes her over the edge.
7 months later, she works as a gardening supervisor..when her estranged husband returns..and their one night as consequences!
The author dealt with the subject of bereavement, miscarriage as well as post partum depression with great sensitivity which was appreciable.
The H was devoted, loving, and never gave up on his wife despite her consistently pushing him away due to her trauma- and you never hate Melanie because her pain and insecurities are so well written- you can't help rooting for these star crossed lovers.
Their love making scenes are beautiful, and the whole Tabitha and kittens scenes were just too sweet.
The epilogue..OMG. One of the best I've ever read. SO. GOOD.!!
I ADORED THIS BOOK.
Safe
5/5
This was an absolutely beautiful, angsty, tear-jerking read which involved an estranged couple in love, a husband fighting for his wife's love, a wife fighting for her husband's happiness, a supportive MIL, and just a lot of feels.
Melanie leaves her husband Forde after her premature child's death, and decides to move away so he can find a better wife. She has lived her whole life in foster homes, everyone she loves has been dead, and the baby is her last straw which pushes her over the edge.
7 months later, she works as a gardening supervisor..when her estranged husband returns..and their one night as consequences!
The author dealt with the subject of bereavement, miscarriage as well as post partum depression with great sensitivity which was appreciable.
The H was devoted, loving, and never gave up on his wife despite her consistently pushing him away due to her trauma- and you never hate Melanie because her pain and insecurities are so well written- you can't help rooting for these star crossed lovers.
Their love making scenes are beautiful, and the whole Tabitha and kittens scenes were just too sweet.
The epilogue..OMG. One of the best I've ever read. SO. GOOD.!!
I ADORED THIS BOOK.
Safe
5/5
May 8, 2013
3 1/2 stars. Could someone please buy Helen Brooks some commas for Christmas? This was mostly an excellent read, but it's not fun to continually have to stop to decipher a sentence.
Melanie and Forde are on the verge of divorce, a divorce she initiated and he fought against. When they wind up in bed one night and Melanie gets pregnant, Forde finally begins to understand the grief and guilt that's been driving Melanie to push him away.
Forde is a lovely man: tender, devoted, and determined. Melanie may seem annoying to some readers, but I found her backstory and subsequent emotional stunting relatable. This is a good read for those who like angst without any villains or external conflict; it was heading for 4 stars, but poor editing and a loss of tension in the last several chapters brought it down.
Trigger warning:
Melanie and Forde are on the verge of divorce, a divorce she initiated and he fought against. When they wind up in bed one night and Melanie gets pregnant, Forde finally begins to understand the grief and guilt that's been driving Melanie to push him away.
Forde is a lovely man: tender, devoted, and determined. Melanie may seem annoying to some readers, but I found her backstory and subsequent emotional stunting relatable. This is a good read for those who like angst without any villains or external conflict; it was heading for 4 stars, but poor editing and a loss of tension in the last several chapters brought it down.
Trigger warning:
April 18, 2014
This book has an interesting plot. It seems I'm in the mood for second-chance-theme lately.
Melanie and Forde were married in haste. First meeting, they're attracted to each other. First dating, Forde fell in love fast and hard. I wasn't sure about Melanie. Three months after that, they're married and Forde became a sweet, perfect husband. I still wasn't sure about Melanie.
Melanie wanted to start trying for a baby right away, Forde was fine, of course. What would a loving husband do anyway? So they live blissfully happy for eleven months and she's pregnant. Melanie had an accident, had a miscarriage, then walk out of her marriage. Just like that.
I realize that she had a terrible past as a child. But over a year living happily in love (this I was assuming, of course, because I really couldn't catch up with her feeling throughout the book), your husband adored you, at least you would still have to talk together, right? Face your griefs together. That's what a sensible person do as a couple in love marriage. Unless, you married for convenience only to feel being loved and only want to have your own family and when it hadn't happened as you wish, you simply decided to "okay, i've tried it and failed so that's it." Divorce just a click away.
What is the words by the way? You can't feel love unless you love yourselves? Well, something like that. I think those words could be applied in this heroine. She's pictured as a cold woman but in my eyes she's fallen to a very vulnerable woman category.
Still, it's a good story when she had a great husband who tried to convince her that she's not stupid. Ups. Sorry, can't hold it!
A mild romance to fill your time.
Melanie and Forde were married in haste. First meeting, they're attracted to each other. First dating, Forde fell in love fast and hard. I wasn't sure about Melanie. Three months after that, they're married and Forde became a sweet, perfect husband. I still wasn't sure about Melanie.
Melanie wanted to start trying for a baby right away, Forde was fine, of course. What would a loving husband do anyway? So they live blissfully happy for eleven months and she's pregnant. Melanie had an accident, had a miscarriage, then walk out of her marriage. Just like that.
I realize that she had a terrible past as a child. But over a year living happily in love (this I was assuming, of course, because I really couldn't catch up with her feeling throughout the book), your husband adored you, at least you would still have to talk together, right? Face your griefs together. That's what a sensible person do as a couple in love marriage. Unless, you married for convenience only to feel being loved and only want to have your own family and when it hadn't happened as you wish, you simply decided to "okay, i've tried it and failed so that's it." Divorce just a click away.
What is the words by the way? You can't feel love unless you love yourselves? Well, something like that. I think those words could be applied in this heroine. She's pictured as a cold woman but in my eyes she's fallen to a very vulnerable woman category.
Still, it's a good story when she had a great husband who tried to convince her that she's not stupid. Ups. Sorry, can't hold it!
A mild romance to fill your time.
October 28, 2015
I loved this story and it just kept getting better and better. Her husband just loved her so much and didn't give up. She really did need therapy for her depression earlier - but as in many cases unless something happens many people don't realize they need it. The author did a good job of showing how the husband realized it almost too late but it's a good thing he fought for it - since in the end it saved his wife and his marriage.
August 7, 2012
Decent storyline. It was emotional and chaotic at times but worth the read at other times. I really adored the ending of the novel, I even teared up a bit. Compared to the last book I read this one was really inventive and good to read.
March 17, 2013
Melanie and Forde are estranged for several months. She seems to be getting on well on her own with her business beginning to boom, as well. Forde contacts her for help with his mother, Melanie’s weakness. Melanie has some pretty thick walls that Forde has to chisel through. She blames herself for something that she had no control over and he, Forde, has a difficult time convincing her that he doesn’t blame her and she shouldn’t either.
I thoroughly enjoyed it because Forde was just so darn sweet and driven. He went after her! He had listened to some bad advice to begin with, and then he listened to his gut and proved that he should have listened to himself to begin with. I didn’t like that Melanie blamed herself for what she did, but I understood why she would, given her background and the foundation she held for that thought process. I found some similarities with the orphaned cat and Melanie and Forde’s relationship, as well. It seemed that the cat helped Melanie to heal as well as the professional’s help too. Melanie just had some deep seeded problems that she needed to untangle. Overall it was a romantic read because of Forde and his unconditional love :)
April 2, 2021
One last night… The temptation of one last night of heady passion with her husband is too much for Melanie Masterson to resist… But in the morning she kisses his sexy mouth goodbye and turns her back on her marriage, believing Forde deserves someone better – someone who can be a good wife and mother. …has an unexpected consequence! Discovering Melanie is pregnant with his child pushes Forde Masterson to his limits. He will reclaim his wife and child even if that means playing dirty…with a sensual onslaught so powerful she will never want to leave his arms again! (less)
March 25, 2019
Very boring.
I don't think I care much for the style of writing that has "his" point of view through out my romance reading. A little guessing, some little indication of what he is feeling is much more intriguing (just like in real life).
I don't think I care much for the style of writing that has "his" point of view through out my romance reading. A little guessing, some little indication of what he is feeling is much more intriguing (just like in real life).
August 11, 2018
What a heart wrenching story. So much sadness and yet so much love. the ending is absolutely amazing. Love it when an author sews up all the ends. Helen Brookes writes stories that are "full". She has you laughing and crying at the same time.
April 12, 2020
Protagonistas: Melanie & Matt
Profesiones: Empresario & Paisajista
Pais: Londres
Profesiones: Empresario & Paisajista
Pais: Londres
February 23, 2013
Forde and Melanie happily married for a year before conceive the child.
Then the accident happened, miscarriage brought sorrow to everyone, especially Melanie.
Couldn't cope with grief, Melanie decided that she should let's Forde go for his sake.
But Forde couldn't let her go, not when he love her so much.
He's tried to reach her, but Melanie always cut it down.
Until one night, Melanie's guard was down. They shared night with passion.
The consequence was unexpected, she pregnant again and Forde didn't have any intention to let's her or his baby go
4 star
I love the storyline. I always want to know the after HEA.
And this is it.
Melanie described her first year marriage (before miscarriage) as a heaven on earth.and after that it just turned to hell.
For Melanie, This line is describe her.
'You developed a defense mechanism to keep people at arm's length so you wouldn't be hurt'
I have a hard time to understand her. She had too much flaw,too much fear.
Her fear consumed all of her.
there's a time, I want to say.
For Forde,For your dedication
The story was great.This is very emotional. Not pure sweet.
This talked about life, lost, love and hope.
Great book to read : )
April 28, 2014
The storyline was v.painful and while I have read better renditions of the same trope, this left an impact. Melanie's insecurities are very believable, especially in light of her history and so is her behaviour after such a big trauma.
Forde, on the other hand, is not only a great, sensitive guy but he also realised when Melanie needed space and when she needed professional help. I loved how he put his needs on the back burner and focused his attentions on indirectly assisting her in building up her self-esteem and letting go of her unreasonable and unfounded guilt.
In the society around me not only would the woman be wrongfully condemned but she would also be left for a lost cause. Also, very few husbands can be so emotionally supportive, especially when such a lot of care, attention and time is required.
For Forde to understand how his unintentionally complacent behaviour contributed to the breakup of their relationship was huge for me. This take on such a trying time for a couple was very novel, so much so that it made me catch my breath. Two people are in a healthy relationship when they support each other in achieving their potential, when they help each other in overcoming their insecurities and fears and mostly when they are there for each other in times of need. The key is never to take someone for granted and to resolve the smallest of misgivings for it is these that fester later.
Forde, on the other hand, is not only a great, sensitive guy but he also realised when Melanie needed space and when she needed professional help. I loved how he put his needs on the back burner and focused his attentions on indirectly assisting her in building up her self-esteem and letting go of her unreasonable and unfounded guilt.
In the society around me not only would the woman be wrongfully condemned but she would also be left for a lost cause. Also, very few husbands can be so emotionally supportive, especially when such a lot of care, attention and time is required.
For Forde to understand how his unintentionally complacent behaviour contributed to the breakup of their relationship was huge for me. This take on such a trying time for a couple was very novel, so much so that it made me catch my breath. Two people are in a healthy relationship when they support each other in achieving their potential, when they help each other in overcoming their insecurities and fears and mostly when they are there for each other in times of need. The key is never to take someone for granted and to resolve the smallest of misgivings for it is these that fester later.
September 9, 2012
I have spent a few days reading this one, savouring each word. Nell and Forde are two people very much in love with each other but hurting over a tradegy. I love how the heroine had her past affecting her as it is something different. I wont spoil the book for people because you will want to discover and go on the journey yourself, but I recommend this book. 5 out of 5
January 3, 2015
I just couldn't get into this, about a third in I stalled in reading this for a good few months. My heart went out to the H, but the h with whom I would normally expect to have great sympathy with, left me unmoved. The circumstances of this 2nd chance romance have difficult themes of lost baby, depression and self worth yet I didn't engage.
June 10, 2016
What can I say abou this book? It took me several days to finish it because I wasn't in the mood for reading, but that didn't affect my rating. I gave it 5 stars because the H is the kind I love. He truely loves the h and Keeps telling her that he will always love her and fight for her no matter what.
November 11, 2012
I loved this book. The only thing I found fault with it was that the suspense/tension between the couple or the problem was solved way too early. The last two chapters were just pure "fluff." I prefer it when the author keeps the tension up until the last chapter.
June 18, 2016
At first, I don't actually understand why she left her husband but yeah...they're meant to be together though.
November 13, 2020
I was wary of this book at first due to the description on the back and reading a couple of reviews that indicated a tragedy that broke up the marriage...there is a tragedy which I will divulge at the end ONLY because I had worked up something a lot worse in my brain which was my reason for hesitating. Therefore, if you don’t want to know You can stop reading or you can stop reading now because I’m rambling......
Hero: First off, he is the total package “sigh”He is madly in love with his wife....he will not give up on her....he is tall, dark, handsome, rich, loves his mom, is kind to others, and is an animal lover!
Heroine: Orphaned at a young age with a life peppered with tragedy, she has “issues”. Basically, her self worth is the pits and she thinks she is a jinx. Therefore, after the tragedy in their marriage, she decides the best thing is to leave the people who love her the most as a way to protect them.
Other characters:
A very lovely mother in law......
A kindly housekeeper....
A very helpful therapist.....
A studly, garden assistant
🐈 🐈 cats
HEA....I love love love the epilogue!!! We get to see what happens to them over the next 10 years(estimating based on the information provided) NOW turn away if you don’t want to know the tragedy...read if you want to make sure you can handle it....
Tragedy: the heroine falls down the stairs while several months into her pregnancy causing their son to be stillborn. She wasn’t feeling well and went to bring a tray downstairs..the hero never blames her, and in fact has some guilt for going to work that day knowing she was sick(the housekeeper was there)....IT WAS AN Accident!!! I realize this was a terrible thing to happen...but it was better than my initial thoughts.
It said she left her husband because he deserved someone who could be a good wife and mother..I was thinking she must have been negligent in some way like leaving a child in a hot car, or unattended near a pool or bathtub while on the phone. These are accidents too, but I think personally I would have a hard time forgiving myself in the circumstances mentioned and would really not be able to look at my husband without overwhelming guilt. I would definitely need professional help!
Hero: First off, he is the total package “sigh”He is madly in love with his wife....he will not give up on her....he is tall, dark, handsome, rich, loves his mom, is kind to others, and is an animal lover!
Heroine: Orphaned at a young age with a life peppered with tragedy, she has “issues”. Basically, her self worth is the pits and she thinks she is a jinx. Therefore, after the tragedy in their marriage, she decides the best thing is to leave the people who love her the most as a way to protect them.
Other characters:
A very lovely mother in law......
A kindly housekeeper....
A very helpful therapist.....
A studly, garden assistant
🐈 🐈 cats
HEA....I love love love the epilogue!!! We get to see what happens to them over the next 10 years(estimating based on the information provided) NOW turn away if you don’t want to know the tragedy...read if you want to make sure you can handle it....
Tragedy: the heroine falls down the stairs while several months into her pregnancy causing their son to be stillborn. She wasn’t feeling well and went to bring a tray downstairs..the hero never blames her, and in fact has some guilt for going to work that day knowing she was sick(the housekeeper was there)....IT WAS AN Accident!!! I realize this was a terrible thing to happen...but it was better than my initial thoughts.
It said she left her husband because he deserved someone who could be a good wife and mother..I was thinking she must have been negligent in some way like leaving a child in a hot car, or unattended near a pool or bathtub while on the phone. These are accidents too, but I think personally I would have a hard time forgiving myself in the circumstances mentioned and would really not be able to look at my husband without overwhelming guilt. I would definitely need professional help!
October 24, 2022
A new author to me and I think I’ll look up more of her books. This was a very different Mills and Boon as it focussed on a very tragic and serious issue - late miscarriage. I wasn’t sure about the story for several chapters as I found the heroine Melanie or Nell, a really unpleasant, selfish character. Yes, I know she’d been through a lot - but somehow her responses, believing herself to be some sort of jinx and her insensitivity to the pain that Forde endured, made me really angry with her.
But Firde? What a fabulous hero, no cruel, angst ridden Greek billionaire or abusive sheikh - Fforde was a true hero. He loved Nell so much and was prepared to do everything he could to help her and get her back.
Having read a couple of Trish Morley’s books back to back, it was such a joy not to have a cruel, abusive hero who behaved so badly. Forde was a delight.
I loved the section where the pregnant cat intervened. This was so joyful and emotional as we finally got to the happy ending. I think this is a 4 star read.
But Firde? What a fabulous hero, no cruel, angst ridden Greek billionaire or abusive sheikh - Fforde was a true hero. He loved Nell so much and was prepared to do everything he could to help her and get her back.
Having read a couple of Trish Morley’s books back to back, it was such a joy not to have a cruel, abusive hero who behaved so badly. Forde was a delight.
I loved the section where the pregnant cat intervened. This was so joyful and emotional as we finally got to the happy ending. I think this is a 4 star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2019
This is a fairy tale complete with unicorn in the Harlequin land. This is the first H who is not a douchebag from the beginning to the end and has no alpha male idiot tendencies but is a true human who knows and understands love. Even when h had left him after the miscarriage he doesn't go off revenge tangent and when she declares she is pregnant considering they were parted for months and they had a one night stand and he thought she was on pill, he doesn't doubt the paternity. I liked the H through and through. I also understood where the h came from thinking everything she touched is jinxed considering all her life's experience has only taught her loss. The HEA feels like a miracle but you can see how h worked through her therapy and how H supported her in giving her space and unconditional love. So they truly deserved it and it was very natural. Very well written.
October 20, 2021
I feel almost guilty that the h annoyed me. I know I should feel more sympathy for her.
But she was so self-centered. She made everything all about her. It was all about her, about her pain, her loss. There was no room for the H to mourn the loss of their child.
She sets all the conditions and terms. She agrees to help the H’s mother, but only on condition of the H doing this and that and that. She agrees to go to therapy, but only if he does this and that and that. He has to jump through a lot of hoops.
She is the perfect martyr. She wants to protect the H by getting out of his life.
The H is a dream man. There are no words for the great love he has for the h. I feel sorry for him.
This isn’t a book I would want to read a second time, but it’s okay. So three stars.
But she was so self-centered. She made everything all about her. It was all about her, about her pain, her loss. There was no room for the H to mourn the loss of their child.
She sets all the conditions and terms. She agrees to help the H’s mother, but only on condition of the H doing this and that and that. She agrees to go to therapy, but only if he does this and that and that. He has to jump through a lot of hoops.
She is the perfect martyr. She wants to protect the H by getting out of his life.
The H is a dream man. There are no words for the great love he has for the h. I feel sorry for him.
This isn’t a book I would want to read a second time, but it’s okay. So three stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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