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Saltwater Springs
Built To Last
At seventeen, the small town of Saltwater Springs had been everything to Scarlett Devereaux—as had her boyfriend Luke. Never had she imagined she’d have to leave them both behind—until the night that changed everything. A decade after skipping town Scarlett returns to start over in the only place that ever really felt like home. But when nothing goes as planned, she’s forced to turn to Luke for help.
With a drunk for a dad and a mom making pocket change at the local diner, no one ever thought Luke Garrity would amount to anything. After building a successful contracting business he’s proven everyone wrong professionally, but things in his personal life are upside down. Making it the exact wrong time for Scarlett to return to Saltwater Springs.
With a history of devastation and heartbreak between them can Scarlett and Luke make amends, or will secrets from the past threaten the foundation of Scarlett’s new life? Were Luke and Scarlett really built to last?
With a drunk for a dad and a mom making pocket change at the local diner, no one ever thought Luke Garrity would amount to anything. After building a successful contracting business he’s proven everyone wrong professionally, but things in his personal life are upside down. Making it the exact wrong time for Scarlett to return to Saltwater Springs.
With a history of devastation and heartbreak between them can Scarlett and Luke make amends, or will secrets from the past threaten the foundation of Scarlett’s new life? Were Luke and Scarlett really built to last?
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2015
About the author
Elisabeth Grace
26 books976 followersUSA Today Bestselling author, Elisabeth Grace, has a soft spot for romance novels with happily ever afters and a hot spot for alpha males! She currently lives outside Toronto, Canada with her hubby and two small children. Life is busy, but never too busy for a good story and to share her love of reading and writing with others.
For more of the lowdown feel free to visit her author website at http://www.Elisabeth-Grace.com
For more of the lowdown feel free to visit her author website at http://www.Elisabeth-Grace.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 25, 2015
'Lettie, I remember everything' - Luke
If you enjoy a second chance romance then this book will hit the mark for you. It is a great weekend read that can be enjoyed in one sitting so that is exactly what I did.
Scarlett left her hometown 10 years ago and thought she would never return. She left her friends, her family home and her heart behind too. Her boyfriend Luke was devastated when she left him behind with no explanation. He thought that all the dreams they had shared about marriage and children meant something to her, obviously he was wrong.
After a really tough year, Scarlett decides to return to Saltwater Springs and realise her dream of opening her own business. The tables have now turned. When she comes face to face with Luke again, all those familiar feelings between them rise to the surface but she knows that she can't tell him the real truth behind her sudden departure.
The attraction between them is simmering away and pretty soon Scarlett will have to decide whether or not to cross that line and give in to him, which means fessing up some truth or to let go of Luke forever.
'How was she ever going to be able to resist this man and do what was right by him?'
Will Luke be able to deal with the truth or it time to really let the past go? This was a really sweet story.
If you enjoy a second chance romance then this book will hit the mark for you. It is a great weekend read that can be enjoyed in one sitting so that is exactly what I did.
Scarlett left her hometown 10 years ago and thought she would never return. She left her friends, her family home and her heart behind too. Her boyfriend Luke was devastated when she left him behind with no explanation. He thought that all the dreams they had shared about marriage and children meant something to her, obviously he was wrong.
After a really tough year, Scarlett decides to return to Saltwater Springs and realise her dream of opening her own business. The tables have now turned. When she comes face to face with Luke again, all those familiar feelings between them rise to the surface but she knows that she can't tell him the real truth behind her sudden departure.
The attraction between them is simmering away and pretty soon Scarlett will have to decide whether or not to cross that line and give in to him, which means fessing up some truth or to let go of Luke forever.
'How was she ever going to be able to resist this man and do what was right by him?'
Will Luke be able to deal with the truth or it time to really let the past go? This was a really sweet story.
November 14, 2015
Scarlett Deveareux has returned to Saltwater Springs, SC to start her own bakery. She finds herself in need of help and it comes in the unlikely form of her former boyfriend, Luke Garrity, who now owns his own construction firm. Unfortunately, she left him ten years ago with no explanation and broke his heart. And Luke is still harboring some anger, and they both have unresolved feelings and secrets.
They find themselves interacting on a daily basis after a decade apart. Their attraction is still there and it only grows stronger the more time they spend together.
Luke is kind, protective charming and loves hard. He is still confused and hurt over their past as he was blindsided when she left. He felt inferior as a younger man, but has worked hard to build a life and take care of those he cares about.
Scarlett was wealthy and controlled when younger. But now she is independent minded, starting over, and trying to follow her dreams. But she is fearful of her secrets getting out, hurting Luke further, and of being gossiped about in the small town. She has her own feelings of inferiority and insecurities. And the reason she left still impacts her present and future.
Luke wants to come in and save the day and help her recover from some recent questionable choices. It is hard to resist his help and their attraction. They have a connection, history, and chemistry. But she is determined to keep her heart out of it because she is fearful that it cannot lead anywhere permanent. What will happen when all of her secrets come out? Will that be the final thing that will make Luke give up on her?
I liked the small town feel and the fun, quirky characters. I could see more stories with some of the side characters like her friends Layla, Shelby, Savannah, local cop Graham and there was even a tease of a mysterious bar owner. Mrs. M was a funny "Old bitty" who delivered some great one liners. I liked getting both points of view.
I loved Luke even when he did overreact at times. He could be thoughtful, sweet, and swoony, and also had that sexy alpha male vibe. I liked Scarlett too even when she was guarding her heart and I wanted her to spill her truth. She was caring and kind, but also had a lot of worries. They had the potential to be really great together again, but they had some pitfalls to navigate.
This was a sweet second chance story with some heartbreak and pain and secrets, but also joy and hope. I had figured out her big secrets, but there were a couple of things that did surprise me. The epilogue was not what I expected, but I loved it.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
They find themselves interacting on a daily basis after a decade apart. Their attraction is still there and it only grows stronger the more time they spend together.
Luke is kind, protective charming and loves hard. He is still confused and hurt over their past as he was blindsided when she left. He felt inferior as a younger man, but has worked hard to build a life and take care of those he cares about.
Scarlett was wealthy and controlled when younger. But now she is independent minded, starting over, and trying to follow her dreams. But she is fearful of her secrets getting out, hurting Luke further, and of being gossiped about in the small town. She has her own feelings of inferiority and insecurities. And the reason she left still impacts her present and future.
Luke wants to come in and save the day and help her recover from some recent questionable choices. It is hard to resist his help and their attraction. They have a connection, history, and chemistry. But she is determined to keep her heart out of it because she is fearful that it cannot lead anywhere permanent. What will happen when all of her secrets come out? Will that be the final thing that will make Luke give up on her?
I liked the small town feel and the fun, quirky characters. I could see more stories with some of the side characters like her friends Layla, Shelby, Savannah, local cop Graham and there was even a tease of a mysterious bar owner. Mrs. M was a funny "Old bitty" who delivered some great one liners. I liked getting both points of view.
I loved Luke even when he did overreact at times. He could be thoughtful, sweet, and swoony, and also had that sexy alpha male vibe. I liked Scarlett too even when she was guarding her heart and I wanted her to spill her truth. She was caring and kind, but also had a lot of worries. They had the potential to be really great together again, but they had some pitfalls to navigate.
This was a sweet second chance story with some heartbreak and pain and secrets, but also joy and hope. I had figured out her big secrets, but there were a couple of things that did surprise me. The epilogue was not what I expected, but I loved it.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2015
Built to Last is a powerful second chance romance that is perfect for all lovers of second chances. This is an emotional and beautiful read that was hard to put down!
Luke and Scarlett haven’t seen one another for ten years, when Scarlett broke Luke’s heart and ran off to college and never looked back. When Scarlett shows back up in town, she never expected to run back into Luke. The chemistry between these two is still as strong, if not stronger than it was all those years ago. Both of these characters were hesitant to be around one another. Scarlett is hiding a secret, and Luke doesn’t want to have his heart shattered again.
Throughout the book, you figure out what Scarlett‘s big secret was, and I understand why she was hesitant to tell Luke (even though he very much deserved to know). She believes she can’t give Luke the life he dreamed of, but the love between them is too strong that nothing can come between it. Luke and Scarlett dance around each other for a long time, and when they finally decide to give it a go, even with Scarlett‘s persistence that it is only for a short term, you know they will make it.
I did disagree with Scarlett‘s decision to not come clean with Luke. What she went through was horrible, but Luke had the right to know all those years ago why she did what she did, and would have been there for her. She made a decision without ever thinking about Luke’s feelings, and that was awful in my opinion. Luke when he finally finds out the truth was rightfully angry, but it was how he came to terms with it that was beautiful.
Seeing the town embrace Scarlett back into the fold was awesome. Her friends were there for you, and I loved the small town gossip that she had to deal with. Mrs. M has me laughing anytime she was in the book, and her other friends were understanding and just happy to have Scarlett back and pushed her towards Luke even though she resisted. This book showed that no matter how long you are apart from the important people in your life, they will always be there for you, if the friendship was meant to be.
I adored the back and forth between Luke and Scarlett and loved how their story ended. There were parts of the story I felt drug on a bit, but overall this is a beautiful second chance love story that will definitely pull at your heartstrings.
Luke and Scarlett haven’t seen one another for ten years, when Scarlett broke Luke’s heart and ran off to college and never looked back. When Scarlett shows back up in town, she never expected to run back into Luke. The chemistry between these two is still as strong, if not stronger than it was all those years ago. Both of these characters were hesitant to be around one another. Scarlett is hiding a secret, and Luke doesn’t want to have his heart shattered again.
Throughout the book, you figure out what Scarlett‘s big secret was, and I understand why she was hesitant to tell Luke (even though he very much deserved to know). She believes she can’t give Luke the life he dreamed of, but the love between them is too strong that nothing can come between it. Luke and Scarlett dance around each other for a long time, and when they finally decide to give it a go, even with Scarlett‘s persistence that it is only for a short term, you know they will make it.
I did disagree with Scarlett‘s decision to not come clean with Luke. What she went through was horrible, but Luke had the right to know all those years ago why she did what she did, and would have been there for her. She made a decision without ever thinking about Luke’s feelings, and that was awful in my opinion. Luke when he finally finds out the truth was rightfully angry, but it was how he came to terms with it that was beautiful.
Seeing the town embrace Scarlett back into the fold was awesome. Her friends were there for you, and I loved the small town gossip that she had to deal with. Mrs. M has me laughing anytime she was in the book, and her other friends were understanding and just happy to have Scarlett back and pushed her towards Luke even though she resisted. This book showed that no matter how long you are apart from the important people in your life, they will always be there for you, if the friendship was meant to be.
I adored the back and forth between Luke and Scarlett and loved how their story ended. There were parts of the story I felt drug on a bit, but overall this is a beautiful second chance love story that will definitely pull at your heartstrings.
November 8, 2015
**I read Built to Last a few chapters at a time in Elisabeth's newsletter.**
This is the first book I have read by Elisabeth Grace and she has a fan for life now! What an amazing second chance love story!
Luke and Scarlett were high school sweethearts until Scarlett leaves town very unexpectedly. When Scarlett returns to town many years later, she gets more then she bargained for. Will Luke be the one to save her? Will Scarlett finally tell Luke why she left town and never contacted him again? I guarantee you're heart will break as you read this story (at some point). But never fear, it all works out in the end one way or another. I felt my heart sink several times while reading and found myself a little teary a time or two as well. (Maybe I'm just over emotional.) Elisabeth sure knows how to pull at your heartstrings and I found myself angry with Luke as well as Scarlett a time or two.
Elisabeth did an awesome job of making me feel like I knew these characters personally, and like I was right there with them watching this story unfold. Well done Elisabeth, well done!
I found myself thinking as I was reading this book a few chapters at a time that it would make an excellent movie or weekly TV show!
This is the first book I have read by Elisabeth Grace and she has a fan for life now! What an amazing second chance love story!
Luke and Scarlett were high school sweethearts until Scarlett leaves town very unexpectedly. When Scarlett returns to town many years later, she gets more then she bargained for. Will Luke be the one to save her? Will Scarlett finally tell Luke why she left town and never contacted him again? I guarantee you're heart will break as you read this story (at some point). But never fear, it all works out in the end one way or another. I felt my heart sink several times while reading and found myself a little teary a time or two as well. (Maybe I'm just over emotional.) Elisabeth sure knows how to pull at your heartstrings and I found myself angry with Luke as well as Scarlett a time or two.
Elisabeth did an awesome job of making me feel like I knew these characters personally, and like I was right there with them watching this story unfold. Well done Elisabeth, well done!
I found myself thinking as I was reading this book a few chapters at a time that it would make an excellent movie or weekly TV show!
November 12, 2015
Ok who's with me? Because this girl is moving to Saltwater Springs after reading Scarlett and Luke's story! What a whirlwind of a story and roller coaster ride.... But such a fun one at the same time! Scarlett, or Lettie as Luke calls her, (ps I love the name Lettie) go on an adventure that really started 10 years ago. Much has happened but really nothing has changed after 10 years. Luke and Lettie may have grown up but they haven't moved on and Luke sets out to prove that to Lettie. There is love, laughter, and heartbreak but hey there's also something called a second chance! And Luke and Scarlett are a perfect example of love and second chances!!!
November 11, 2015
A beautiful second chance love story that will pull at your heart and keep you anticipating.
Scarlett & Luke have never stopped loving each other. But Scarlett has a secret, a secret that is holding her back and could tear them apart. Through Elisabeth’s touching writing you feel Luke & Scarlett’s apprehensions as well as how deep their love runs. They have such a beautiful bond. This story has many ups & downs and will touch you emotionally.
Another elegantly written story by Elisabeth Grace that you don’t want to miss.
Scarlett & Luke have never stopped loving each other. But Scarlett has a secret, a secret that is holding her back and could tear them apart. Through Elisabeth’s touching writing you feel Luke & Scarlett’s apprehensions as well as how deep their love runs. They have such a beautiful bond. This story has many ups & downs and will touch you emotionally.
Another elegantly written story by Elisabeth Grace that you don’t want to miss.
April 14, 2016
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Built to Last is a sweet contemporary standalone from Elisabeth Grace. This book was charming and I really enjoyed the second chance at love for Scarlett and Luke. I loved the characters here and the town of Saltwater Springs was adorable. If you are a fan of small town contemporary romance stories and second chances, this is one you are going to want to check out!
Scarlett Devereaux and Luke Garrity were in love as teenagers and planned their life together. But one night changed everything, and Scarlett left town without ever looking back or letting Luke know why she left. Now ten years later, her life is a mess and she will do whatever it takes to turn things around. Back in Saltwater Springs, Scarlett is determined to open up her own bakery and when her first contractor scams her she is desperate to find another. But when the only option left turns out to be none other than her first love Luke, she knows that things are bound to be anything but easy. Luke wants answers for what happened years ago, but more than anything what he wants is to make Scarlett his once and for all. But can they have a chance at a future when the reason Scarlett left is big enough to destroy everything between them?
I liked Luke a lot. Scarlett was likable as well, but I did have issues with her. While I did have some mixed feelings here though, Scarlett and Luke were good together. It was so easy to see the love they had for one another. Time and distance had done nothing to lessen their connection, and the chemistry between them was very strong. These two were clearly meant for one another, and I hated that they had spent so long apart when it was obvious they were supposed to be together. Luke was a really good guy, and I loved how hard of a worker he was. He had made something of himself when a lot of other people would have just accepted the circumstances they had been born into. He was also great with his family, and had this really sweet side to him. Scarlett had been through a lot and I really felt for her. She had allowed her parents to push her into a life that she didn't want, and left her with a mess to clean up after they passed. The one thing I didn't like when it came to Scarlett though was the fact that she was so against telling Luke the truth. She spent almost this entire book knowing that she still loved him and admitting that she needed to tell him the truth, and yet she just kept putting it off while trying to convince him that they just couldn't be together. I felt like with ten years already gone, she should have been able to admit the truth and communicate like an adult. The fact that she couldn't made her appear a bit weak and childish to me. Especially considering that she wouldn't let her friend even bring Luke up during the ten years she was gone, yet she was mad at the same friend in the present for never having told her certain things that Luke had going on in his life. I wanted to shake her a few times and tell her to grow up.
Overall, this was a good book that I enjoyed reading. It wasn't one that really broke any new ground or changed my life, but I did like it and it was a sweet story. I have to say that Scarlett's big secret wasn't one that shocked me, and though I didn't know all the specifics ahead of time, it was one that I had seen coming from a mile away. I knew what had made her run, and it was predictable. I was so mad at her for not talking to Luke, and I really felt like she was to blame for the years they spent apart. Luckily I did like her and I was glad that Luke was as good of a guy as he was and that he was able to move forward with her after everything that she had done. I think that this book is a good one if you are looking for something sweet and enjoyable, and like the contemporary genre. I will read more from Elisabeth Grace in the future, and I liked her writing style a lot. It was really easy to get into the story here, and I look forward to seeing what she will come up with in the future, especially if it is set in this sweet little town.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
Built to Last is a sweet contemporary standalone from Elisabeth Grace. This book was charming and I really enjoyed the second chance at love for Scarlett and Luke. I loved the characters here and the town of Saltwater Springs was adorable. If you are a fan of small town contemporary romance stories and second chances, this is one you are going to want to check out!
Scarlett Devereaux and Luke Garrity were in love as teenagers and planned their life together. But one night changed everything, and Scarlett left town without ever looking back or letting Luke know why she left. Now ten years later, her life is a mess and she will do whatever it takes to turn things around. Back in Saltwater Springs, Scarlett is determined to open up her own bakery and when her first contractor scams her she is desperate to find another. But when the only option left turns out to be none other than her first love Luke, she knows that things are bound to be anything but easy. Luke wants answers for what happened years ago, but more than anything what he wants is to make Scarlett his once and for all. But can they have a chance at a future when the reason Scarlett left is big enough to destroy everything between them?
I liked Luke a lot. Scarlett was likable as well, but I did have issues with her. While I did have some mixed feelings here though, Scarlett and Luke were good together. It was so easy to see the love they had for one another. Time and distance had done nothing to lessen their connection, and the chemistry between them was very strong. These two were clearly meant for one another, and I hated that they had spent so long apart when it was obvious they were supposed to be together. Luke was a really good guy, and I loved how hard of a worker he was. He had made something of himself when a lot of other people would have just accepted the circumstances they had been born into. He was also great with his family, and had this really sweet side to him. Scarlett had been through a lot and I really felt for her. She had allowed her parents to push her into a life that she didn't want, and left her with a mess to clean up after they passed. The one thing I didn't like when it came to Scarlett though was the fact that she was so against telling Luke the truth. She spent almost this entire book knowing that she still loved him and admitting that she needed to tell him the truth, and yet she just kept putting it off while trying to convince him that they just couldn't be together. I felt like with ten years already gone, she should have been able to admit the truth and communicate like an adult. The fact that she couldn't made her appear a bit weak and childish to me. Especially considering that she wouldn't let her friend even bring Luke up during the ten years she was gone, yet she was mad at the same friend in the present for never having told her certain things that Luke had going on in his life. I wanted to shake her a few times and tell her to grow up.
Overall, this was a good book that I enjoyed reading. It wasn't one that really broke any new ground or changed my life, but I did like it and it was a sweet story. I have to say that Scarlett's big secret wasn't one that shocked me, and though I didn't know all the specifics ahead of time, it was one that I had seen coming from a mile away. I knew what had made her run, and it was predictable. I was so mad at her for not talking to Luke, and I really felt like she was to blame for the years they spent apart. Luckily I did like her and I was glad that Luke was as good of a guy as he was and that he was able to move forward with her after everything that she had done. I think that this book is a good one if you are looking for something sweet and enjoyable, and like the contemporary genre. I will read more from Elisabeth Grace in the future, and I liked her writing style a lot. It was really easy to get into the story here, and I look forward to seeing what she will come up with in the future, especially if it is set in this sweet little town.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
July 31, 2016
People who were/are able to buy this book as a whole story are lucky. I read this through Elisabeth's newsletter, so it took ten months to get all of Luke and Scarlett's story. TEN. MONTHS. I fell in love with them pretty much instantly, so it was a long ten months.
Scarlett and Luke were very much in love when they were younger. They even went as far as to talk about their future, but then tragedy struck and Scarlett left town. Now it is years later and Scarlett has returned to open a bakery. After losing most of her money thanks to a bogus contractor, Scarlett is in desperate need of help and turns out Luke is the one to give her that help. At first things are quite strained between them, but it doesn't take long for the two of them to become close again. Luke never did find out why she left, so once they start to rekindle their romance we find out that Scarlett in holding on to a big secret. The result of that is her holding back just a little because she knows that she can't give Luke everything they used to dream about.
It was very obvious that despite their time apart, Scarlett and Luke still loved each other. There were moments in the book where the two of them would reminisce about the past and I liked those moments the most. We were give glimpses into their young love and when Luke helped Scarlett relive some of those moments they used to have, it made me love him even more.
**Sigh** I love Luke. He's just so darn sweet.
If you love a good second chance romance, this is a must read. Especially if you are fan or Elisabeth's work. Or if you have never read one of her books, this is a great one to start with!
Scarlett and Luke were very much in love when they were younger. They even went as far as to talk about their future, but then tragedy struck and Scarlett left town. Now it is years later and Scarlett has returned to open a bakery. After losing most of her money thanks to a bogus contractor, Scarlett is in desperate need of help and turns out Luke is the one to give her that help. At first things are quite strained between them, but it doesn't take long for the two of them to become close again. Luke never did find out why she left, so once they start to rekindle their romance we find out that Scarlett in holding on to a big secret. The result of that is her holding back just a little because she knows that she can't give Luke everything they used to dream about.
It was very obvious that despite their time apart, Scarlett and Luke still loved each other. There were moments in the book where the two of them would reminisce about the past and I liked those moments the most. We were give glimpses into their young love and when Luke helped Scarlett relive some of those moments they used to have, it made me love him even more.
"Open your eyes, Lettie." Slowly, she opened one, then the other, squinting against the sunlight, which hurt her eyes after having been in darkness for so long. When her vision grew accustomed, she took in her surroundings and sucked in a sharp breath.
Luke had brought her to their spot by the riverbank. Back when she was in high school, they used to come here all the time—they'd hang out, drink beer, fish, and sometimes even make love in the grass beside the water. Back then, neither of them had had the luxury of having their own place, so some of their best and most intimate moments happened right in this spot.
"I can't believe you remembered how to get here," she said softly.
Luke had stumbled upon the spot when they first started dating and had taken great pride in showing it to her for the first time. The river was pretty shallow but still wide at this point, with tall trees looming over the opposite side of the bank. The side they were on had a small clearing where Luke had pulled his truck up beside the water. It was the perfect vantage point to watch the river bend in the distance and disappear.
"I'd never forget how to find this place." He paused for a moment, his expression growing serious. "I came here a lot after you left."
"Right. What was I thinking?" Scarlett chewed on her bottom lip. Of course. She'd been stupid to assume that he wouldn't have ever brought anyone else here after she left.
Luke must’ve been able to tell what she was thinking. "Not like that. I’ve never brought anyone else here. I would never do that." He gazed down at her intently, the blue in his eyes deepening.
"Why did you come here then?" she asked around the lump in her throat.
Luke brought his hand up to rest on her cheek and brushed his thumb slowly back and forth. "Because it helped me to feel closer to you when you were no longer in my life."
Tears sprang to her eyes because Scarlett knew the feeling well. While she'd been living in Boston, she would often pull out old letters that Luke had written her or listen to songs the two of them used to enjoy for the same reason.
"I don't know what to say," she whispered.
"You don't have to say anything, Lettie. I'm just happy to be back here with you again …and not just with the memories of you."
**Sigh** I love Luke. He's just so darn sweet.
If you love a good second chance romance, this is a must read. Especially if you are fan or Elisabeth's work. Or if you have never read one of her books, this is a great one to start with!
December 16, 2015
4-1/2 stars.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Ahhh! I loved this book! Second chance romances are some of my favorites. Throw in a sexy Southern guy, and Elisabeth Grace hit it out of the park with this one.
After leaving her high school sweetheart, Luke, ten years ago, Scarlett comes back home. She runs into her former flame when she needs a contractor to finish up the work so her bakery can open on time. Their chemistry is off the charts, right from the beginning, but there's still a lot of hurt between them--especially on Luke's part since he never got over her leaving him without explanation.
Luke was sweet, and I just loved him. He didn't always react the way I expected him to, but he was authentic. And hot.
The way he is with his niece, Gabbie, definitely puts him in DILF territory. He was a standup guy, and he said (and did) some swoony things.
Scarlett...I liked her. I thought her feelings about Luke were realistic. When she came back to town and was shocked to find him still living there, I love that she didn't want to know what was going on in his life, afraid that he had gotten married and moved on. Her secret was very predictable, but I'm okay with that.
The setting was perfect. And I loved Mrs. Montgomery (grin). I can definitely see other characters getting their own story, despite the fact that there is a future epilogue.
So what didn't I like? I didn't love that Luke called Scarlett "Lettie"--that name just annoyed me. It's petty, I know. Also, like I said, I thought things were slightly predictable, but I guess I can't really complain about that. This was a fun read that I just couldn't put down.
This story reminded me a little of Sweet Home Alabama. Small town romance lovers and fans of Jill Shalvis and Bella Andre are going to love Elisabeth Grace's Built to Last. If you haven't read anything from her before, now is the best time to get started.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Ahhh! I loved this book! Second chance romances are some of my favorites. Throw in a sexy Southern guy, and Elisabeth Grace hit it out of the park with this one.
After leaving her high school sweetheart, Luke, ten years ago, Scarlett comes back home. She runs into her former flame when she needs a contractor to finish up the work so her bakery can open on time. Their chemistry is off the charts, right from the beginning, but there's still a lot of hurt between them--especially on Luke's part since he never got over her leaving him without explanation.
Luke was sweet, and I just loved him. He didn't always react the way I expected him to, but he was authentic. And hot.
"I've been wanting to do that for a decade."
The way he is with his niece, Gabbie, definitely puts him in DILF territory. He was a standup guy, and he said (and did) some swoony things.
"Sometimes you need to let the people who love you be there when things go to hell in a handbasket. And for the record, let me make something perfectly clear...I will always be there to support you. Always. There is nothing you could do or say that will change that.
Scarlett...I liked her. I thought her feelings about Luke were realistic. When she came back to town and was shocked to find him still living there, I love that she didn't want to know what was going on in his life, afraid that he had gotten married and moved on. Her secret was very predictable, but I'm okay with that.
The setting was perfect. And I loved Mrs. Montgomery (grin). I can definitely see other characters getting their own story, despite the fact that there is a future epilogue.
So what didn't I like? I didn't love that Luke called Scarlett "Lettie"--that name just annoyed me. It's petty, I know. Also, like I said, I thought things were slightly predictable, but I guess I can't really complain about that. This was a fun read that I just couldn't put down.
This story reminded me a little of Sweet Home Alabama. Small town romance lovers and fans of Jill Shalvis and Bella Andre are going to love Elisabeth Grace's Built to Last. If you haven't read anything from her before, now is the best time to get started.
November 16, 2015
Lately I've been on a kick of highly emotional reads and Built to last is the change of pace that I've been needing. Elisabeth Grace perfectly captured the charm of a small town in this romance. It was stocked full of humor and heart. And some good ol' southern sayings that took me back to the summers I spent there as a child.
I was hooked from the beginning and found myself rooting for Scarlett to succeed. This woman is equal parts brave, strong, sultry and sensitive. She has returned home after a decade away and is trying to make her once dream a reality. With her hopes dwindling as fast as her funds, she stakes her last prayer on the contractor she finds on a whim. What she wasn't expecting was for her biggest regret to walk into her unfinished bakery, Luke Garrity.
Oh, that Luke- insert swoon. The years have been good to him. He is running a successful business and has everything he ever wanted; except Scarlett. I think he was just as shocked as she was to come face to face. Years of hurt, anger, wondering and lost memories seem to fall away as they spend time working together on the bakery. Luke is determined to have his Lettie back and will do anything to make that happen. I loved seeing this big guy show off his even bigger heart. Seeing him with his mom and niece just melted my heart. And his patience and understanding where Scarlett was concerned was just what she needed to lower her walls.
When Luke surprises the socks out of Scarlett she lets it all out. Her reasons for leaving all those years ago...My heart absolutely broke for Scarlett. For what she had endured and found a way to move past (for the most part, you don't ever get over something like that). For having to relive it all again. For shattering Luke's dreams of their future. I wasn't quite expecting Luke to react the way he did but I got it, truly I did. And when Scarlett finds herself in quite the sticky situation my heart was pounding. WOW! I didn't see that coming at all and I'm down a thumbnail to prove it.
Overall, Built to Last was a fast paced story that was jammed packed with all the feels. Elisabeth Grace balanced the drama, hurt, steaminess, fear and hope very well. There was also a hearty dost of humor at the hands of the secondary characters. Those one liners had me in stitches. But most of all, I felt the love between Luke and Scarlett. Beyond the hurt and heartache, there was the unrelenting, unconditional love. And that ending, left me with a happy, satisfied smile.
I was hooked from the beginning and found myself rooting for Scarlett to succeed. This woman is equal parts brave, strong, sultry and sensitive. She has returned home after a decade away and is trying to make her once dream a reality. With her hopes dwindling as fast as her funds, she stakes her last prayer on the contractor she finds on a whim. What she wasn't expecting was for her biggest regret to walk into her unfinished bakery, Luke Garrity.
Oh, that Luke- insert swoon. The years have been good to him. He is running a successful business and has everything he ever wanted; except Scarlett. I think he was just as shocked as she was to come face to face. Years of hurt, anger, wondering and lost memories seem to fall away as they spend time working together on the bakery. Luke is determined to have his Lettie back and will do anything to make that happen. I loved seeing this big guy show off his even bigger heart. Seeing him with his mom and niece just melted my heart. And his patience and understanding where Scarlett was concerned was just what she needed to lower her walls.
When Luke surprises the socks out of Scarlett she lets it all out. Her reasons for leaving all those years ago...My heart absolutely broke for Scarlett. For what she had endured and found a way to move past (for the most part, you don't ever get over something like that). For having to relive it all again. For shattering Luke's dreams of their future. I wasn't quite expecting Luke to react the way he did but I got it, truly I did. And when Scarlett finds herself in quite the sticky situation my heart was pounding. WOW! I didn't see that coming at all and I'm down a thumbnail to prove it.
Overall, Built to Last was a fast paced story that was jammed packed with all the feels. Elisabeth Grace balanced the drama, hurt, steaminess, fear and hope very well. There was also a hearty dost of humor at the hands of the secondary characters. Those one liners had me in stitches. But most of all, I felt the love between Luke and Scarlett. Beyond the hurt and heartache, there was the unrelenting, unconditional love. And that ending, left me with a happy, satisfied smile.
November 30, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I just loved this sweet and emotional second chance romance set in a small town. Small town contemporary romances are some of my favorite types of books to read. Right from the beginning I felt like was reading a Jill Shalvis novel! The town of Saltwater springs feels charming, cozy, warm, and inviting. I want to runaway and live there!
We first meet Scarlett when she has moved back to her hometown to settle her parents financial affairs and start her own business of running a bakery which she has longed to do since she was a child. While looking for a contractor to help her renovate her store space, she runs into her first love, Luke Garrity. Luke still harbors some animosity towards Scarlett from mysteriously leaving him 10 years earlier without a word. From their first meeting on the pages you could see and feel the spark of chemistry between them. Even as they fought and I just loved getting to see that.
Scarlett clearly still has feelings for Luke, but refuses to really confront them for fear of Luke finding out why she really left him all of those years ago. She also believes that there isn’t any hope for her and Luke having a future together because of the secret that she is keeping from him. She doesn’t want to hurt him anymore than she already has. Luke still believes that they are meant to be together, even after all of this time, so they start spending time together.
The supporting cast of characters are wonderful too! From the elderly Mrs. M with her nosy and gossipy nature, to Scarlett’s long time BFF, Layla. I especially loved Shelby, Scarlett’s friend who runs the local flower shop. She has the funniest southern sayings that made me chuckle.
This book is a wonderful story about forgiveness and learning to lean on those who love and care for you. It even has a little bit of mystery and suspense thrown in for good measure. Definitely add this book to your TBR and get to it as soon as you can. This was my first Elisabeth Grace book and it won’t be my last.
xoxo, Rach
For more reviews ---> https://bookspieandcoffee.wordpress.com
I just loved this sweet and emotional second chance romance set in a small town. Small town contemporary romances are some of my favorite types of books to read. Right from the beginning I felt like was reading a Jill Shalvis novel! The town of Saltwater springs feels charming, cozy, warm, and inviting. I want to runaway and live there!
We first meet Scarlett when she has moved back to her hometown to settle her parents financial affairs and start her own business of running a bakery which she has longed to do since she was a child. While looking for a contractor to help her renovate her store space, she runs into her first love, Luke Garrity. Luke still harbors some animosity towards Scarlett from mysteriously leaving him 10 years earlier without a word. From their first meeting on the pages you could see and feel the spark of chemistry between them. Even as they fought and I just loved getting to see that.
Scarlett clearly still has feelings for Luke, but refuses to really confront them for fear of Luke finding out why she really left him all of those years ago. She also believes that there isn’t any hope for her and Luke having a future together because of the secret that she is keeping from him. She doesn’t want to hurt him anymore than she already has. Luke still believes that they are meant to be together, even after all of this time, so they start spending time together.
The supporting cast of characters are wonderful too! From the elderly Mrs. M with her nosy and gossipy nature, to Scarlett’s long time BFF, Layla. I especially loved Shelby, Scarlett’s friend who runs the local flower shop. She has the funniest southern sayings that made me chuckle.
This book is a wonderful story about forgiveness and learning to lean on those who love and care for you. It even has a little bit of mystery and suspense thrown in for good measure. Definitely add this book to your TBR and get to it as soon as you can. This was my first Elisabeth Grace book and it won’t be my last.
xoxo, Rach
For more reviews ---> https://bookspieandcoffee.wordpress.com
November 18, 2015
Scarlett and Luke had plans for a family, plans for their future, and plans for happiness. Scarlett was the daughter of a respected judge, living a life of privilege. Luke was the son of the town drunk and a waitress, but found peace in his relationship with Scarlett. They were the centers of each other’s worlds, until the night Scarlett had to leave it all behind.
A decade later, Scarlett returns to town with plans to open a bakery. What she doesn’t plan on is running into Luke so soon. Or having all her old feelings brought front and center once again.
I loved Luke. Though he was often quick to react, and didn’t always think through his responses before speaking, I loved what he had made of himself and the loyalty he showed to his family. Watching him with Gabbie was so sweet and made me love him even more.
Scarlett was one of those characters who had to grow on me. I figured out fairly early on what had made her leave so suddenly, and so in my mind she had to prove herself not only to Luke, but to me as a reader as well. She succeeded, but I had a hard time with some of her reasoning behind the 10 year silence.
I liked watching them reconnect. The bakery and his construction was a great fit and great reason for them to have to spend time together and work through the hurt of the past. These two have each been holding on to those hurts for so long without addressing any of the questions, that it was only a matter of time within those shop walls before answers would be given.
I enjoyed the characters and the small town feeling of Saltwater Springs. The side characters made for some great scenes, particularly the strings Layla pulled in the beginning to ensure Scarlett and Luke ran into each other once again. This was a sweet, fast, second chance love story. Even when I can guess the reasons for the time apart, I am a sucker for a second chance story. This was an easy one to read and fall in love with.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A decade later, Scarlett returns to town with plans to open a bakery. What she doesn’t plan on is running into Luke so soon. Or having all her old feelings brought front and center once again.
I loved Luke. Though he was often quick to react, and didn’t always think through his responses before speaking, I loved what he had made of himself and the loyalty he showed to his family. Watching him with Gabbie was so sweet and made me love him even more.
Scarlett was one of those characters who had to grow on me. I figured out fairly early on what had made her leave so suddenly, and so in my mind she had to prove herself not only to Luke, but to me as a reader as well. She succeeded, but I had a hard time with some of her reasoning behind the 10 year silence.
I liked watching them reconnect. The bakery and his construction was a great fit and great reason for them to have to spend time together and work through the hurt of the past. These two have each been holding on to those hurts for so long without addressing any of the questions, that it was only a matter of time within those shop walls before answers would be given.
I enjoyed the characters and the small town feeling of Saltwater Springs. The side characters made for some great scenes, particularly the strings Layla pulled in the beginning to ensure Scarlett and Luke ran into each other once again. This was a sweet, fast, second chance love story. Even when I can guess the reasons for the time apart, I am a sucker for a second chance story. This was an easy one to read and fall in love with.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2015
If you love second chance love stories, then this is the book for you!
Scarlett Devereaux found the love of her life when she was teen, but life threw her a couple of curve balls. Life changing curve balls. So she took off without notice, leaving behind a lot of unanswered questions.
Luke Garrity has been trying to forget the woman that broke his heart so many years ago. He's made a name for himself, so much different than what people expected. Things over the years haven't always been easy, but he's persevered and has everything he could ask for except someone to share his life with. Can there be someone out there for him? Someone other than the woman that still holds his heart?
Life has brought Scarlett back to Saltwater Springs and this time she's home for good. She's opening a bakery but the place needs a little renovation, but the last person she hired took her money and then took off. Now she's on a tight budget and in a time crunch. She's at a loss at what to do when she spots a number for a contractor, her last hope. But when he arrives, Scarlett is taken aback to see it's Luke. And he, in return, is just as stunned.
Now that they have been brought together, can they work through their past issues and come to terms with their feelings? After all is said and done, will the past stay in the past? Or will they be able to build a future, like they once dreamed of?
Built to Last is one of Elisabeth's best work. It is full of emotion and heart. The struggles that Scarlett and Luke face are struggles that anyone can relate to. The passion that flows between Scarlett and Luke is dynamic and felt by reader with each passing page. As you read this book, you will laugh, cry, and fall in love along with each character.
If you love second chance romances, sweet sensual romances, or heart-warming story, then this book is defiantly for you. Elisabeth's got a knack of pulling you into the heart of a story and leave you with a smile.
Scarlett Devereaux found the love of her life when she was teen, but life threw her a couple of curve balls. Life changing curve balls. So she took off without notice, leaving behind a lot of unanswered questions.
Luke Garrity has been trying to forget the woman that broke his heart so many years ago. He's made a name for himself, so much different than what people expected. Things over the years haven't always been easy, but he's persevered and has everything he could ask for except someone to share his life with. Can there be someone out there for him? Someone other than the woman that still holds his heart?
Life has brought Scarlett back to Saltwater Springs and this time she's home for good. She's opening a bakery but the place needs a little renovation, but the last person she hired took her money and then took off. Now she's on a tight budget and in a time crunch. She's at a loss at what to do when she spots a number for a contractor, her last hope. But when he arrives, Scarlett is taken aback to see it's Luke. And he, in return, is just as stunned.
Now that they have been brought together, can they work through their past issues and come to terms with their feelings? After all is said and done, will the past stay in the past? Or will they be able to build a future, like they once dreamed of?
Built to Last is one of Elisabeth's best work. It is full of emotion and heart. The struggles that Scarlett and Luke face are struggles that anyone can relate to. The passion that flows between Scarlett and Luke is dynamic and felt by reader with each passing page. As you read this book, you will laugh, cry, and fall in love along with each character.
If you love second chance romances, sweet sensual romances, or heart-warming story, then this book is defiantly for you. Elisabeth's got a knack of pulling you into the heart of a story and leave you with a smile.
November 17, 2015
Built to Last is a new, standalone contemporary romance by Author Elisabeth Grace. It is sweet goodness in the form of second chance love.
"He was a steak and she hadn't eaten for a week."
Scarlett Deveareux has had a run of bad luck recently. Dealing with family issues and trying to bring balance to her life is proving to be a hard task. Luke has his own set of reality to handle. He certainly isn't prepared for Scarlett's return, and neither of them are prepared for the impact they will have on each other.
"I finally got the wrecking ball through, and I'm not about to let you mortar the bricks back in place."
Told in third person point of view, Built to Last was like the rereshing feeling you get when sitting down to a glass of iced tea on a hot day. It was charming and exactly the right amount of sweet. I can't count the number of times that I said "aww" when reading. There were just such tender and thoughtful moments. The secondary characters helped better define Luke and Scarlett and gave us some cool laughs along the way. The ease of the story lasted throughout, even in the rough patches, a silver lining was always present. Luke and Scarlett made my reader heart feel it had been given a precious moment in time.
"The world was filled with rainbows and unicorns."
"He was a steak and she hadn't eaten for a week."
Scarlett Deveareux has had a run of bad luck recently. Dealing with family issues and trying to bring balance to her life is proving to be a hard task. Luke has his own set of reality to handle. He certainly isn't prepared for Scarlett's return, and neither of them are prepared for the impact they will have on each other.
"I finally got the wrecking ball through, and I'm not about to let you mortar the bricks back in place."
Told in third person point of view, Built to Last was like the rereshing feeling you get when sitting down to a glass of iced tea on a hot day. It was charming and exactly the right amount of sweet. I can't count the number of times that I said "aww" when reading. There were just such tender and thoughtful moments. The secondary characters helped better define Luke and Scarlett and gave us some cool laughs along the way. The ease of the story lasted throughout, even in the rough patches, a silver lining was always present. Luke and Scarlett made my reader heart feel it had been given a precious moment in time.
"The world was filled with rainbows and unicorns."
February 8, 2017
I love a second chance romance with a happy ending and this story is no exception. Luke and Lettie had the young love of a lifetime until Lettie left town without a second thought or explanation to anyone as to why. Then 10 years later she returns home to open a bakery. She has some complications with her construction and unknowing calls Luke's company to help her reach her opening deadline. Sparks fly, but Lettie struggles to let Luke back in romantically because her reason for leaving SaltWater Springs is still weighing on her. Luke is swoon-worthy and I as cheering for him since the beginning. I loved this story so much and I recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet second chance romance!
November 17, 2015
I can't even say how much I love this story! Luke and Scarlett were together as teenagers and never really stopped loving each other, Scarlett left and comes back 10 years later. They of course can only be friends for so long before rekindling their romance, I just love second chance romance!! Elisabeth wrote it so well!!
November 12, 2016
This story had a bit of everything that a second chance should with a bit of humor, angst, sorrow and love that stands the test of time. The story was fast paced and oh so enjoyable to read. Well-done Elisabeth Grace!
June 9, 2016
This a definite love story about second chances. I love love stories of characters being able to re connect and work through tragedies. There were some moments were i was crying but for the most part it was a light-hearted HEA story.
November 14, 2015
This book gave me all the feels!
I loved it!
I was wondering what was going to happen to Scarlett & Luke with all the twists and turns this relationship took! So so good!
I loved it!
I was wondering what was going to happen to Scarlett & Luke with all the twists and turns this relationship took! So so good!
December 15, 2015
4.5 Stars. Enjoyable small town, second-chance romance with all the feels.
January 21, 2020
Another beautiful story by Elisabeth Grace.... she never fails to impress me. A story about second chances and true love. After walking away without a word 20 years ago, Scarlett tries so hard to protect Luke from her past decision... one that would have changed everything for the both of them. Luke has been waiting for answers for ten years as to why the love of his life walked out.. and his feelings haven't changed since the days she left him. Beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful and exciting.. HIGHLY recommended!!
February 10, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After 10 yrs of being away Gabbie moved back home to sell her family’s home and open her own bakery. Never forgetting her first love… But she left with a secret she had been keeping.
Luke had made a good life for himself but never forgot his first and only love. He had spent last 10 yrs really building his business and thinking he would never seen Gabbie again. 💔
This books was a really easy read I felt nothing was drawn out it was just written so perfectly for this book. It was so sweet and natural I loved it so.
I loved the characters and how they had progressed through life how they just fitted together. I love how each chapter was switch to the other point of view was really amazing writing and easy to keep track of …
After 10 yrs of being away Gabbie moved back home to sell her family’s home and open her own bakery. Never forgetting her first love… But she left with a secret she had been keeping.
Luke had made a good life for himself but never forgot his first and only love. He had spent last 10 yrs really building his business and thinking he would never seen Gabbie again. 💔
This books was a really easy read I felt nothing was drawn out it was just written so perfectly for this book. It was so sweet and natural I loved it so.
I loved the characters and how they had progressed through life how they just fitted together. I love how each chapter was switch to the other point of view was really amazing writing and easy to keep track of …
July 18, 2017
Loved it
What a great book. This book had a chemistry between them from when they were young. They were meant for each other. Even after everything. Love is amazing
What a great book. This book had a chemistry between them from when they were young. They were meant for each other. Even after everything. Love is amazing
November 14, 2019
Entertaining
Loved Mrs M and Betty’s attitudes and characters. The book club scene was certainly funny and interesting. All the characters were so lively.
Loved Mrs M and Betty’s attitudes and characters. The book club scene was certainly funny and interesting. All the characters were so lively.
December 22, 2020
Really cute and also emotional love story that I really enjoyed.
November 25, 2015
4.5 Stars - If you’re looking for a feel good romance that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face then Built to Last definitely hits the spot! Elisabeth Grace has written something truly sweet, heartfelt, and full of feels with Built to Last and I enjoyed every second of it. Luke and Scarlett had an intense connection that was obvious from the start. Throw in their complicated history and unresolved feelings and it made for a tension between them that was incredibly intoxicating. They had an ease about them that made it impossible not to root for this couple and a chemistry that heated up the pages of this novel. Elisabeth Grace completes Scarlett and Luke’s story with a variety of secondary characters, each of which made Built to Last a more vibrant, fun, and emotional journey. In true Elisabeth Grace fashion, she delivers heart-wrenching moments right alongside love and laughter, taking readers on a fulfilling journey that comes full circle.
Luke was totally swoon-worthy. His small town charm, intelligence, success, and chiseled physique were quick to win me over, but it was his incredibly kind heart that just had me melting. Although we don’t get to see him as a boy, Elisabeth Grace makes it known how far he’s come from where he started and I loved seeing the life he’d worked so hard to build for himself. Scarlett pretty much broke my heart from the beginning. The loss that eventually led her back home and the deeply painful circumstances that drove her away in the first place made my heart ache. Once she was back in town it seemed like she just couldn’t catch a break. Despite everything, there was a strength there that allowed me to really connect with Scarlett. She pushed through each of the obstacles in her way, determined to make her dream happen. The growth we see as a result of this perseverance gave Built to Last a sense of poignancy that added to the weight of this beautiful story.
I really enjoyed the storyline, caught up in the potential awkwardness and inevitable emotional impact of working alongside the one who got away. The pacing was spot on, allowing for a fluidity that kept me from putting this book down until I was finished with it. Sometimes with second chance romances, it’s hard for the reader to get a complete picture of the characters without the basic details you get from first meetings, but Elisabeth Grace did a fantastic job at educating the reader on both Scarlett and Luke, who they were before and what it was they shared back then. It gave their current love story a strong foundation and a sense of progression that kept it from falling into the controversial category of insta-love. Built to Love was sweet and satisfying, giving me the emotional connection I craved without losing the overall hopeful tone. With Built to Last, Elisabeth Grace has written another great love story that will make you feel and leave your heart full.
Luke was totally swoon-worthy. His small town charm, intelligence, success, and chiseled physique were quick to win me over, but it was his incredibly kind heart that just had me melting. Although we don’t get to see him as a boy, Elisabeth Grace makes it known how far he’s come from where he started and I loved seeing the life he’d worked so hard to build for himself. Scarlett pretty much broke my heart from the beginning. The loss that eventually led her back home and the deeply painful circumstances that drove her away in the first place made my heart ache. Once she was back in town it seemed like she just couldn’t catch a break. Despite everything, there was a strength there that allowed me to really connect with Scarlett. She pushed through each of the obstacles in her way, determined to make her dream happen. The growth we see as a result of this perseverance gave Built to Last a sense of poignancy that added to the weight of this beautiful story.
I really enjoyed the storyline, caught up in the potential awkwardness and inevitable emotional impact of working alongside the one who got away. The pacing was spot on, allowing for a fluidity that kept me from putting this book down until I was finished with it. Sometimes with second chance romances, it’s hard for the reader to get a complete picture of the characters without the basic details you get from first meetings, but Elisabeth Grace did a fantastic job at educating the reader on both Scarlett and Luke, who they were before and what it was they shared back then. It gave their current love story a strong foundation and a sense of progression that kept it from falling into the controversial category of insta-love. Built to Love was sweet and satisfying, giving me the emotional connection I craved without losing the overall hopeful tone. With Built to Last, Elisabeth Grace has written another great love story that will make you feel and leave your heart full.
December 16, 2015
This review is also posted on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Ahhh! I loved this book! Second chance romances are some of my favorites. Throw in a sexy Southern guy, and Elisabeth Grace hit it out of the park with this one.
After leaving her high school sweetheart, Luke, ten years ago, Scarlett comes back home. She runs into her former flame when she needs a contractor to finish up the work so her bakery can open on time. Their chemistry is off the charts, right from the beginning, but there's still a lot of hurt between them--especially on Luke's part since he never got over her leaving him without explanation.
Luke was sweet, and I just loved him. He didn't always react the way I expected him to, but he was authentic. And hot.
The way he is with his niece, Gabbie, definitely puts him in DILF territory. He was a standup guy, and he said (and did) some swoony things.
Scarlett...I liked her. I thought her feelings about Luke were realistic. When she came back to town and was shocked to find him still living there, I love that she didn't want to know what was going on in his life, afraid that he had gotten married and moved on. Her secret was very predictable, but I'm okay with that.
The setting was perfect. And I loved Mrs. Montgomery (grin). I can definitely see other characters getting their own story, despite the fact that there is a future epilogue.
So what didn't I like? I didn't love that Luke called Scarlett "Lettie"--that name just annoyed me. It's petty, I know. Also, like I said, I thought things were slightly predictable, but I guess I can't really complain about that. This was a fun read that I just couldn't put down.
This story reminded me a little of Sweet Home Alabama. Small town romance lovers and fans of Jill Shalvis and Bella Andre are going to love Elisabeth Grace's Built to Last.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
Ahhh! I loved this book! Second chance romances are some of my favorites. Throw in a sexy Southern guy, and Elisabeth Grace hit it out of the park with this one.
After leaving her high school sweetheart, Luke, ten years ago, Scarlett comes back home. She runs into her former flame when she needs a contractor to finish up the work so her bakery can open on time. Their chemistry is off the charts, right from the beginning, but there's still a lot of hurt between them--especially on Luke's part since he never got over her leaving him without explanation.
Luke was sweet, and I just loved him. He didn't always react the way I expected him to, but he was authentic. And hot.
"I've been wanting to do that for a decade."
The way he is with his niece, Gabbie, definitely puts him in DILF territory. He was a standup guy, and he said (and did) some swoony things.
"Sometimes you need to let the people who love you be there when things go to hell in a handbasket. And for the record, let me make something perfectly clear...I will always be there to support you. Always. There is nothing you could do or say that will change that.
Scarlett...I liked her. I thought her feelings about Luke were realistic. When she came back to town and was shocked to find him still living there, I love that she didn't want to know what was going on in his life, afraid that he had gotten married and moved on. Her secret was very predictable, but I'm okay with that.
The setting was perfect. And I loved Mrs. Montgomery (grin). I can definitely see other characters getting their own story, despite the fact that there is a future epilogue.
So what didn't I like? I didn't love that Luke called Scarlett "Lettie"--that name just annoyed me. It's petty, I know. Also, like I said, I thought things were slightly predictable, but I guess I can't really complain about that. This was a fun read that I just couldn't put down.
This story reminded me a little of Sweet Home Alabama. Small town romance lovers and fans of Jill Shalvis and Bella Andre are going to love Elisabeth Grace's Built to Last.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
January 1, 2016
To read this review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
Hooray for second chances! I have read Elisabeth Grace before, so I knew going into this book I would probably enjoy it. Another thing that worked for me in this book was that it was a REAL small town romance, where everyone knows everything and good luck keeping any kind of secrets. I don't know why but I really like small town romances, I think it might have something to do with how it hypes up the drama when everyone is in your business.
So when we start the story we get to meet our heroine first, and she is not in the best place. Scarlett is back in her hometown after her parents passed away and she is trying to make her dream of owning a bakery come true. As if it wasn't hard enough dealing with her parents death, and the reality of the debt they left behind, her contractor basically scammed her, took her money, and did none of the work. So to say Scarlett was in a bit of bind when the book started would be an understatement. Now as for Scarlett, I liked her for the most part, although to be honest, she cried a little bit too much for my level of enjoyment. That being said, she is holding on to one particular secret, that let me tell you is a big one, and I fully understand where she is coming from, and why she kept it to herself for so long. I do have to respect her for going for her dream, and for handling what life throws at her with a lot of grace.
Now our hero in this book is Luke, and let me tell you this is just a really nice good guy. He holds a lot confusion and anger towards Scarlett because of the way she just left when they were together when they were young. But even after all this time he still truly loves and cares about her, and you can just tell when the two of them are in the room together that they are good together and care about each other. I really liked Luke, and how good of guy he is, I mean, takes care of his mom who has cancer, helps out with his niece whenever at all possible, and he is just an all around nice guy. He makes for one heck of a hero.
There are a few fun hot and heavy scenes, but honestly some of the funniest and most enjoyable parts of the book are the parts where the small town gossip mill is at work. I loved the townspeople and how they interact with each other. I think part of what I liked so much about the small town is how they interact with each other, they say some of the funniest things. Overall I thought this was a pretty enjoyable book for me. If you like small town romances as much as I do this might be a book you should check out.
Hooray for second chances! I have read Elisabeth Grace before, so I knew going into this book I would probably enjoy it. Another thing that worked for me in this book was that it was a REAL small town romance, where everyone knows everything and good luck keeping any kind of secrets. I don't know why but I really like small town romances, I think it might have something to do with how it hypes up the drama when everyone is in your business.
So when we start the story we get to meet our heroine first, and she is not in the best place. Scarlett is back in her hometown after her parents passed away and she is trying to make her dream of owning a bakery come true. As if it wasn't hard enough dealing with her parents death, and the reality of the debt they left behind, her contractor basically scammed her, took her money, and did none of the work. So to say Scarlett was in a bit of bind when the book started would be an understatement. Now as for Scarlett, I liked her for the most part, although to be honest, she cried a little bit too much for my level of enjoyment. That being said, she is holding on to one particular secret, that let me tell you is a big one, and I fully understand where she is coming from, and why she kept it to herself for so long. I do have to respect her for going for her dream, and for handling what life throws at her with a lot of grace.
Now our hero in this book is Luke, and let me tell you this is just a really nice good guy. He holds a lot confusion and anger towards Scarlett because of the way she just left when they were together when they were young. But even after all this time he still truly loves and cares about her, and you can just tell when the two of them are in the room together that they are good together and care about each other. I really liked Luke, and how good of guy he is, I mean, takes care of his mom who has cancer, helps out with his niece whenever at all possible, and he is just an all around nice guy. He makes for one heck of a hero.
There are a few fun hot and heavy scenes, but honestly some of the funniest and most enjoyable parts of the book are the parts where the small town gossip mill is at work. I loved the townspeople and how they interact with each other. I think part of what I liked so much about the small town is how they interact with each other, they say some of the funniest things. Overall I thought this was a pretty enjoyable book for me. If you like small town romances as much as I do this might be a book you should check out.
December 30, 2015
Second chances are sometimes better than the first. You know what you are missing and you fight for what you had. The love story evolves into something more and the second time around is even sweeter than the first. BUILT TO LAST is a story of second chances and true love winning in the end. This story was sweet, short, and filled with a tale that makes you sigh. I love this subgenre. It is no secret that I love watching two people get a second chance for the happily ever after they had no chance of before. I love the character development that allows them to recognize what they want and the passion to make it happen.
This story is short. I was shocked when I finished it so quickly. It is a very quick read but it is full of sweet moments that you will not want to miss. Scarlett has returned home to a world she knew so well, one that was full of love, memories, and heartache. This woman is dealing with quite a bit in the beginning. She has lost her parents and life does not seem to be going her way. She is trying to find her footing on shaky ground, attempting to find her place, start her own dream business, and make a home. When she hits rock bottom and needs help, fate leads her to the one she left behind, Luke. There is so much tension and chemistry between these two. Their unresolved conflict and relationship adds angst to the story. There are moments when they seem to revert back to who they once were. Other times they are filled with anger and hurt as a result of their severed ties so many years ago. I enjoyed watching these two fight against the past and fall in love again.
The flirty moments in this book are well balanced by the heartache. You have quite a spectrum of emotions and the past history you glean from this book adds to that depth. Second chances are not to be taken lightly and these two latch onto one another quickly. There is a spark that never died. But when the truth comes out and Scarlett’s reasons for leaving 10 years ago are learned, it is almost too much for these two to get over.
I am hoping we see more of the Saltwater Springs clan in the future. One of the things I enjoyed in this story was the cast of characters surrounding these two. They are friends and frenemies from the past and present, people who give this story something fun and substantial. BUILT TO LAST will steal you away for a short trip down memory lane and give you an opportunity to hope for the second chance this couple deserves.
This story is short. I was shocked when I finished it so quickly. It is a very quick read but it is full of sweet moments that you will not want to miss. Scarlett has returned home to a world she knew so well, one that was full of love, memories, and heartache. This woman is dealing with quite a bit in the beginning. She has lost her parents and life does not seem to be going her way. She is trying to find her footing on shaky ground, attempting to find her place, start her own dream business, and make a home. When she hits rock bottom and needs help, fate leads her to the one she left behind, Luke. There is so much tension and chemistry between these two. Their unresolved conflict and relationship adds angst to the story. There are moments when they seem to revert back to who they once were. Other times they are filled with anger and hurt as a result of their severed ties so many years ago. I enjoyed watching these two fight against the past and fall in love again.
The flirty moments in this book are well balanced by the heartache. You have quite a spectrum of emotions and the past history you glean from this book adds to that depth. Second chances are not to be taken lightly and these two latch onto one another quickly. There is a spark that never died. But when the truth comes out and Scarlett’s reasons for leaving 10 years ago are learned, it is almost too much for these two to get over.
I am hoping we see more of the Saltwater Springs clan in the future. One of the things I enjoyed in this story was the cast of characters surrounding these two. They are friends and frenemies from the past and present, people who give this story something fun and substantial. BUILT TO LAST will steal you away for a short trip down memory lane and give you an opportunity to hope for the second chance this couple deserves.
November 19, 2015
This was my first time reading a book by Elisabeth Grace, despite the urging of my blog partner to read her books. I'm an idiot and should have listened because I really enjoyed this one and if that's any indication of what to expect of her other books, I've been missing out.
A sweet second chance romance set in the charming small town of Saltwater Springs, this story had me smiling and swooning the whole way through.
I enjoy when an author just dives right into the story, keying us into the couple's past through snippets of memories and through conversations between characters rather than trying to describe it all in a few chapters at the beginning. The way that Luke goes after Scarlett full force from pretty early on could come off as too much too soon but when you understand the history they share, it actually makes it perfect and necessary.
Luke is the perfect combination of hard-working manly man and sensitive romantic that will have you swooning over him in no time. If you're like me you'll be frustrated with Scarlett and the way she disappeared from town ten years prior but you'll also admire her for doing what she thought was the right thing. The road to their HEA is paved with resentment, confusion, misunderstandings and heartbreak but in the end it's all worth it.
If this is the type of story I've been missing out on by not picking up Elisabeth Grace's other books, then I really deserve a nice slap to the head from my blog partner...and Elisabeth when we meet again at the next signing.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
A sweet second chance romance set in the charming small town of Saltwater Springs, this story had me smiling and swooning the whole way through.
I enjoy when an author just dives right into the story, keying us into the couple's past through snippets of memories and through conversations between characters rather than trying to describe it all in a few chapters at the beginning. The way that Luke goes after Scarlett full force from pretty early on could come off as too much too soon but when you understand the history they share, it actually makes it perfect and necessary.
Luke is the perfect combination of hard-working manly man and sensitive romantic that will have you swooning over him in no time. If you're like me you'll be frustrated with Scarlett and the way she disappeared from town ten years prior but you'll also admire her for doing what she thought was the right thing. The road to their HEA is paved with resentment, confusion, misunderstandings and heartbreak but in the end it's all worth it.
If this is the type of story I've been missing out on by not picking up Elisabeth Grace's other books, then I really deserve a nice slap to the head from my blog partner...and Elisabeth when we meet again at the next signing.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
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