Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Rules We Break #2

Don't Mess with the Ex

Rate this book
For years, I've lived by one simple Don't Mess With The Ex.

It was an easy rule to follow when Laurence Kensington III was on the other side of the country.

Now that he's shown up out of the blue? Not so much.

I followed my heart into a whirlwind romance with him once, and it led to disaster. I've vowed to never be so impulsive or reckless again. But when he brings me a proposal that will help me achieve my dreams for Granville *and* refuse his entitled family something they want, I'm once more put to the test.

Laurie is as handsome as I remember, but more generous than I ever gave him credit for. His sweet gestures, generous spirit, and open heart make it a challenge to stick to my rule.

But then, maybe messing with the ex isn't all bad. Maybe it's time to write new rules.

Is it really so wrong to follow my heart if my heart was right all along?

Don't Mess With The Ex is Book 2 of Rules We Break, a spin-off series from Games We Play, set in the small, quirky town of Granville, where nosy residents meddle in one another's lives, great friendships are made, and silly innuendos are a way of life.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2023

316 people are currently reading
466 people want to read

About the author

D.J. Jamison

78 books943 followers
DJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.

DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.

Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany

Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany

Follow her on Ko-Fi for bonus content: www.ko-fi.com/ReadingDJ

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
466 (38%)
4 stars
501 (41%)
3 stars
212 (17%)
2 stars
33 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
Profile Image for kaye taz.
414 reviews309 followers
January 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤/5

This was another fun story in the quirky town of Granville.

I really liked the plot. Second chance romance doesn’t always work for me, but I liked the backstory of how they were broken up by Laurie’s family. Very Romeo and Juliet of them.

Laurie and Tucker were very sweet characters. They had chemistry from the very beginning and I enjoyed seeing their feelings grow for each other for the second time. I loved how much Laurie came to love Tucker’s hometown and how he just fit in so well.

I’ll be honest though, I did get bored around the 60% mark. Things were drawn out for quite awhile. The “suspenseful” moments just didn’t do it for me. I think we could’ve cut out some of all that.

But overall, another fun story and the setup for the next book with Wes and Beck got me super excited. Really living for this town and the found family vibes.
Profile Image for Jamie.
757 reviews118 followers
September 16, 2024
bit of a bore tbh

In other news- why do I always read books like this and think I would love to move to a small quirky town where everyone knows everyone and hangs out together - but then I remember that I dont really like talking to people or leaving my house lol
Profile Image for Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva.
927 reviews91 followers
July 11, 2023
DJ Jamison knows how to write amazing, funny, sexy, small-town MM romances. I always have so much fun reading her books and I know they will always be great. Tucker and Laurie’s story was exactly that! I don’t usually read too many second-chance romances but I really loved the concept with this one and thought it was done really well.

This was a slow-burn because the characters had to reconnect but it was full of sexual tension and I didn’t feel like anything was missing at all. The chemistry between these two was awesome. But their relationship was absolutely not all about that. They both showed their love for each other in wonderful ways.

This could technically be read as standalone but characters from book 1 in this series as well as from the Games We Play series all show up in this book (and pretty much the whole town at one point) that you’d have a much better experience if you’ve read all the books. I absolutely recommend all of these books and cannot wait for the next book in this series! Stepbrothers! Wohoo!
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,503 reviews104 followers
July 13, 2023
"I'd done exactly one impulsive, rash, foolish thing in my life - and now he was staring me in the face. My husband."


When we got the shock at the end of Don't Date a DILF revealing the existence of Tucker's secret husband I was already salivating for this book. Tucker has always been portrayed as a solid guy who puts his all into the town he manages. For him to have a long-lost secret hubby, I just knew there had to be a juicy story there. And I was right.

Almost right from the start I loved Laurie. Being in his head was insightful. It helped convince me how sincere he was about his feelings for Tucker. What happened to them 20 years ago was a tragedy. Anyone with two eyes could see how much those two adored each other. Not only that, but their tastes in the bedroom also seemed to perfectly align as well which led to some seriously steamy scenes.


"Fuck!... I forgot how wild you are."

"No, you didn't."



Tucker and Laurie's romance was incredibly romantic, despite the fact that Laurie's family was a threat throughout most of the book. The difference is now these men are older, wiser. Laurie has a determination in him and a plan, something he didn't have their first go around. Like Tucker, I believed him when he said this time would be different. And I'm glad I did because he was right. Their love and devotion to one another proved it could withstand anything thrown their way.

I loved all the funny moments that are littered throughout this series. The visits to Glazed Holes with its terrible tasting coffee gets me every time. Miles is a scream. I'm also excited that next in line for their story are the bros from the trivia group."Straight" dude-bros who also happen to be stepbros, what more could you ask for?
Profile Image for Carol.
3,609 reviews130 followers
August 21, 2024
Tucker and Laurie got married 20 years ago, but due to Laurie's family, they thought they had had their marriage annulled. When Laurie finds out that is not the case, and spurred by an inheritance battle with his family, he arrives in a spectacular way, trying to show Tucker how much he loves him and wants to fight for their relationship.

A secret marriage that is used as a way to get an inheritance isn’t a new topic for authors to use, but in this one Laurie and Tuck turn it upside down immediately since Laurie tells Tucker everything right off and entices him with the idea of money that could be used for the small town of Granville. Laurie is like a marshmallow with legs. He's hurt and obviously dying to have the love of his life back and Tucker has never stopped loving Laurie. Their mutual pining worked, and they finally caved in.

Laurie’s horrible, rich family are still trying their best to take Laurie & Tuck down. I hoped they'd just give up and go count their money. The two guys do have the love and support of Tucker's a wonderful family, all their friends, along with a needy dog. We have a "smorgasbord of deliciousness" in the end.
Profile Image for Achim.
1,280 reviews81 followers
August 17, 2023
2.5
Sometimes it's nice to drift through the cozy cliche of a small town, to listen to the quirky inhabitants and grin about the usual silly names and puns, revel in a world that never was but there is a small line where it becomes too much, where the plot or the romance have to balance all that coziness or where's some action to deflect. Unfortunately I couldn't believe the part of the plot where Laurie made Tucker to sign their annulment and twenty years later everything is easily forgiven and that all the people they have to tell are only interested how their marriage happened but not how it ended. Might be because it also took a longer time to get over the annoyance Laurie created by barging in, calling Tucker his husband and actively dreaming about being taken to bed. The quarrel with Laurie's family had some potential to spice things up but in the end it was too less too late.
Profile Image for ✨Lucy  IntheSky☄️.
1,150 reviews196 followers
July 24, 2023
1.75⭐

This book was so completely and uttetly boring.

I could hardly make my way to the 50% with thinking all the time if I should just stop reading it.

If you've read the first few chapters and you don't know what to do, go to 77% of the book and read the rest - you haven't missed anything!

The story is about Tucker, Granville's city developer and Laurie, a rich guy from New York, who asked Tucker to marry him 20 years ago and had to break it off, but now, faced with inheriting a large sum of money and having to be married to get it, he seeks out Tucker again.

🟣 MMCs in their 40's, a second chance romance
🟡 They've been married for the past 20 years, but broke it off because of Laurie's family
🟢 Laurie is very rich, he's gay, but his family doesn't approve
🌶️ The spice was scarce, most off-page, the spice we had was good, but not that interesting
🔴 Laurie is a bottom; Tucker is a top in this story, but otherwise vers
🔵 The dialogues were boring, the story uneventful
🟠 The usual quirkiness of the people of Granville wasn't funny (enough)


My biggest WTF moments of the book were Laurie's twirking;

*️⃣ "But no twerking," I said. He laughed. "I think I can live with that, as long as you let me twerk for you in private."

"Yes," I said emphatically. "It's a plan. You should twerk all over me as soon as we get home."


*️⃣ "Yeah," I agreed, easing off his lap and turning to place my ass in his face. "Now, then. Time for the private twerking we were talking about!"
Tucker laughed as I shook my ass in his face.


*️⃣ Tucker's cum leaked from me, trickling down my thigh. Mental note : twerk after cleaning up next time.


When you think this can't get any more whatever. 🤦

I usually adore my over 40, mature MMCs and the premise here was pretty good, but then Laurie comes back into Tucker's life like it's just another Tuesday and there's no tension or pining or any kind of intense feelings between them, it's just an average want of maybe patching things up and being together, they were boring most of the time and had mundane dialogues.

This book seemed like it tried to rest on the laurels of Granville and the other characters we've met so far.


I really hope the stepbros' book'll be good.
Profile Image for The Secret Librarian.
655 reviews93 followers
July 23, 2023
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
MM | second chance | opposites attract | small town

I adored this second chance romance! Laurie and Tucker were so sweet and even after being estranged for twenty years, the connection between them was still unmistakable.

I really enjoyed being back in Granville and finding out more about Tucker’s mysterious husband that appeared in the epilogue in the last book. I loved seeing Laurie and Tucker reconnect, while also getting to know some of their history and past together. They were just so adorable together, and while it was a bit of a slow burn, once they reconciled the steam really went up…

I definitely smiled my way through Laurie and Tucker’s story, and even though there was some drama with Laurie’s family, it was still a low angst story. While I didn’t love the drama, it ended up being quite entertaining and I did enjoy the outcome of it.

Don’t Mess With The Ex was a sweet and fun read, written in DJ Jamison’s usual style, perfect for when you’re looking for a lighthearted and cute small town romance!
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,815 reviews116 followers
October 19, 2024
Another wonderful read by D.J. Jamison. I love the way she writes and I love her stories. Hunter and Laurie were great, but the crazy people of often steal the scenes. To make it even better it’s available on hoopla and Iggy Toma is the narrator.
Profile Image for Carra.
1,732 reviews31 followers
July 21, 2023
I’ll just put it out there right up front—I was very suspect of Laurie when he first rolled into town in his approach to Tucker and explanation of why he was there. Not because I didn’t think he was sincere in his feelings, even after all this time. From the start I thought his emotion was genuine, and their whole backstory immediately sparked that “ultimate second chance romance” feel. Just the thing with his family was the part that had me grumbling just a bit.

But guess what? The author backed up that second chance romance with a solid gets-you-in-the-feels tale, and had me wanting to continually prod Tucker until he would wholeheartedly get on board ASAP. The feelings from both men felt genuine, and for me how Laurie fell for the small town of Granville was just an extra perk.

I’ve got to say, over the course of all of the stories this author has set in Granville, the town has almost become it’s own character, backed by such a great array of residents with so many inappropriate but awesomely funny location names that give so much support to the meaning of double entendre. And for those of you who’ve been following this authors stories set in this town, LeRoy’s evolving situation will put a smile on your face.

As for Laurie and Tucker? Everything about them gives me the happy sighs…and makes me blush. Okay, maybe they didn’t have ME blushing (that’s a tall order), but thing did get pretty spicy with these two, and those scenes were really well written. *fans self*

The peak of the dramatic part with Laurie’s family though? Incredibly satisfying. Pretty much made my grumbles at the beginning worth it.

Don’t Mess with the Ex was a 4.5-star read for me, and is a great story that any M/M romance fan will love. Now I can’t wait to read the third book that is coming in the series, but until then a re-read of this one will definitely be on the schedule.
Profile Image for Ana.
709 reviews
October 6, 2024
I wanted something sweet and heartwarming and that is exactly what you get.
I think this whole book could have been said and done with a couple of pages less (I would have been fine by 60%) and the big showdown at the end felt a little meh but I'll be looking forward to the stepbrothers and waking up in Vegas.
Profile Image for ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ .
1,512 reviews100 followers
January 7, 2024
good

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2024...

***Spoilers here and there***


I like this book I enjoyed it as well. I hate how Laurie grandfather did him. All over an inheritance. The things someone would do for money and among other things. Is crazy; I’m glad that Laurie gotten from under his grandfather thumb and made his own way. As he should; not only that got his man back.
Profile Image for M.J. Calabrese.
Author 13 books85 followers
October 16, 2023
A wonderful second chance story

Laurie and Tucker were always meant to be together and after a 20 year separation they reunite. Loved the quirky characters of Granville. In the end, their support helped both of the main characters get back together. I highly recommend this. Just the right amount of spice and a HEA makes a perfect MM romance.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,117 reviews25 followers
July 21, 2023
Interesting Second Chance Romance

I'm rounding this up from 3.5 because I had a little trouble starting this one. I had to put it down for a bit. I did come back to it though and I enjoyed reading it.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
8,879 reviews509 followers
August 1, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars


This is a sweet and sexy reconnection romance between mature men who’ve been pining for “what might have been” for a long, long time. Tucker’s family is initially upset about the secret marriage, but they adopt Laurie immediately, all wooed by his charming manners and good looks–and his willingness to help out their Granville family. Laurie’s angel investing gets him some big attention, especially as there’s a huge campaign, that Tucker’s spearheading, to bring investments into their neighborhoods to keep their small town vibrant ads stop the exodus of young folks to bigger cities. Laurie’s generosity of spirit is what wins Tucker over, however. Making Tucker breakfasts and dinners, popping in with lunches, and taking care of his dog and neighbors while Tucker works long hours demonstrates Laurie’s commitment and selflessness, and that does more than a number on Tucker’s heart.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for Laina Gruver.
1,220 reviews55 followers
September 21, 2023
4 stars

This book made me realize that you need to be careful what you wish for. When I read books that are 300+ pages, I’m usually wishing the author would have left out all the ‘mundane’ details and the ‘day-in-the-life-of” stuff. But, when I read novellas (under 175 pages, I’m usually wanting more details. This book was right on the edge of ‘too-much’.

I loved that Laurie and Tucker were getting to know each other again and that while Tucker was willing to act as Laurie’s husband, he took his time recommitting. The only part of the story I had a hard time believing was that they had been separated for 20 years. Tucker and Laurie acted like they were in their late 20’s MAYBE early 30’s (except for the occasional ‘body aches’ and ‘I’m not as young as I used to be’).

I read reviews that stated that the ‘non-annulment’ wasn’t believable but, considering Tucker and Laurie were married in one of the only states that had legalized same-s3x marriage and that the Kensingtons probably figured other states would not suit, I can believe that they wouldn’t have thought it necessary to make sure the paperwork was filed.

*****
POV… multi first person

Standalone or series… book 2 in series CAN be read as standalone

Hangover… no

Recommend… yes

Reread… maybe
962 reviews23 followers
September 11, 2024
story of Tucker and Laurie

This is a second chance romance, featuring Tucker and Laurie, and is the second book in the Rules We Break In Granville series.

This book was all kinds of sweet. I love a good second chance. The time apart for Tucker and Laurie did nothing to stop their love for each other, it was so lovely to see them unite and work together.

This book was beautifully write , it’s funny, heart warming, has a bit spice and dirty talk and full of found family characters who were hilarious. I want to visit this town.

The narration was fantastic, but Iggy Toma is one of my favs so he can do no wrong in my eyes. Highly recommend this series. I’m jumping into book three already.

Things to expect in this MM romance are:
Exes still married
Second chance romance
Right person wrong time
Meddling grannies
Punny names
🐔blocking dog
Low angst
Forced proximity
Spice and dirty talk
Found family
HEA
Profile Image for Reading Rommance.
653 reviews14 followers
October 7, 2024
Okay I am in love with Laurie. He is so sweet, kind, generous, and loving. I'm obsessed. He gives and gives and all he wants in return is Tucker's love. Tucker is wonderful, too. He's hard working, understanding, forgiving, and thoughtful. I really enjoyed these two getting back together. Not only was the second chance aspect fun, but the added suspense of Laurie's family trying to sabotage the relationship and get the inheritance was exciting, too. I love the small town moments with friends and neighbors being entirely too invested in their relationship and everyone helping each other out. I really liked how Tucker's family immediately welcomes Laurie, unlike his family. This was a cute, quick read.

Notes: 2/5 spice levels, second chance, small town, fake relationship, family issues
Profile Image for Jeanette Buck.
373 reviews15 followers
July 17, 2023
Aww, this was such a lovely story. It's a low angst second chance story. Laurie and Tucker married 20 years ago after a whirlwind relationship but was forced apart from Laurie's family and filed for an annulment but it turns out it was never filed. When Laurie's beloved aunt dies and as a part of the will, he has to be married to inherit. Laurie never got over Tucker so this gives him a chance to win back again. Tucker is reluctant at first but agrees to help him but Laurie's toxic family makes it difficult for them. But as they spend time together they remember how much they love each other. I thought it was a sweet story and I loved reading it 💜
Profile Image for RedsBookReads.
475 reviews20 followers
July 18, 2023
This is the second book in the series and while it does pick up at the point the last book left us, it absolutely can be read as a stand-alone.

I loved this book so much. I loved how dedicated Laurie was to winning Tucker back as well as seeing Tucker slowly open himself up to more. The drama from Laurie’s family was so well done and the residents of the town absolutely make this series. I can’t wait for the next book now!
Profile Image for Renee.
207 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2023
Let's head back to Granville

This book was such a delightful revisit to Granville, home of gossiping grannies, our favorite doughnut shop, and Tucker and Laurie.

I adore getting to see characters from other books while getting to know our new 'besties'. I really enjoyed this fun read and definitely recommend it!
Profile Image for Cindaren.
393 reviews
August 5, 2023
I'm enjoying this series a lot! I also liked seeing a cameo from a Beth Bolden character. I had to stop and think whose series I was reading; that was really cute. I just love knowing that DJ Jamison is always going to bring a sweet romance with great characters and no angst. I like angst now and then but I prefer the light stuff if I'm honest.
Profile Image for Beaumont.
788 reviews
April 7, 2025
4.5 stars

I love a story with MCs who are both in their mid-40s without making a big deal of it or assuming they’ll be dead in a year or two of old age. I only ever get to see an MC in his 40s if the other guy or the FMC is in their 20s or MAYBE 30s…I just don’t like age gaps 99% of the time. It’s fun to have two characters with their age and generation in common! And super rare in romance most times.

I almost didn’t read this because I tried and DNF’d the first book. Then when I read the summary I at first thought this book sounded like a blast and wanted to try it. Then I wasn’t too sure when I started it (it started kind of awkward for me). Then I really got into it about 50% through! The narrator helped smooth out some of the wonky writing, for me.

Laurie is a 44 year old cis white gay man. Hes described as lean and tall. He’s wealthy. He has a history as a “rich playboy.” He fell head over heels for Tucker 20 years ago. He’s outgoing and a bit over the top, but very sweet and loyal and cares deeply for the people who matter to him. His family is cruel and homophobic and very rich. His family threatened to ruin Tucker and his family of Laurie didn’t break up with him. Laurie never told Tucker this, because he knew Tucker would be stubborn and try to stay together. Laurie knew his family had enough power to destroy Tucker’s family, and Laurie couldn’t protect him, so he let him go. Laurie feels a lot of guilt for breaking Tucker’s heart and works hard to show he is trustworthy and putting Tucker first. He ends up breaking away from his family almost entirely after that. Several years before the book starts, Laurie comes to find Tucker to make things right and finds that Tucker is dating someone else, so he left without saying anything because Laurie refused to mess up Tucker’s happiness again.

Tucker is a 44 year old cis white bisexual man. He’s a “small town/country boy.” Hes described as fit but a bit bulky. He’s an urban planner. He’s often serious and practical, but has a bit of a wild edge when he feels comfortable. He’s protective of his loved ones. He got his heart crushed by Laurie but also understood (or thought he did) why Laurie chose to end their relationship. His family is caring and a bit overbearing but mean well and love one another deeply. Tucker hates how Laurie’s family treats him, and hates they tried to force Laurie to marry a woman even though it’s impossible for Laurie to love or be attracted to a woman. Once he lets his guard down, he works hard to show Laurie he’s loved and wanted and important, everything Laurie’s family told him he wasn’t.

The MCs got married in Massachusetts (since that was one of the few states that allowed legal marriage between two people of the same sex at the time. They broke up quickly when Laurie’s homophobic family threatened Laurie and Tucker if he insisted on being married to a man instead of a woman. His family didn’t follow up to make sure the annulment went through because no other states recognized marriage equality back then.

I adored that they were both so protective of one another. I loved that even when he insisted he wanted nothing to do with Laurie, Tucker’s avoidance tactic was to work in his garage on making a new desk for Laurie so he could work from home, lol! I really liked that Laurie’s homophobic family didn’t get let off the hook or forgiven, even the ones who were awful because they thought they had to be (too many times it’s out on queer characters to forgive and make peace). I adored that the MCs started to be together for real about halfway though so we could see their relationship develop and deepen!

Contains:
—whoops, we’re still married
—married for 20 years without knowing it
—married when only one state in the USA allowed marriage equality (only a man and a woman could get married back then)
—cruel, rich family
—kind, working class family
—country boy x city boy (light)
—explicit but limited sexual content
—anal sex with limited prep (lube only), consensual and asked for (Laurie enjoys bottoming without any stretching first - this is completely possible and enjoyable for some people)
—very mild jealousy and possessiveness (mostly for comedic purposes)
—brier clothes sharing (Laurie borrows a shirt one day and Tucker likes it)
—second chance romance
—very super mild pain play during sex (brief pinched to thighs, limited stretching prep, and biting lips sometimes - Laurie likes just a bit of pain)
—explicit sex scenes
—mildly rough sex

Other:
—first person dual POV
—cheating: no (both MCs have had nebulous sex and relationships with other people while they were separated, but it’s never detailed and they both thought they were divorced)
—romantic rival: no
—breakup: not during the course of the book
—kids: no
—sex: strict roles on page. Laurie is an “unapologetic bottom,” and Tucker is versatile but says “topping you will always be my greatest pleasure.” Laurie is willing to top if Tucker wants him to, but has no desire to do so for himself. Tucker doesn’t feel a need to have Laurie do that.
—HEA: yes




The idea of giving his family a big fuck-you was appealing though. They’d shoved me out of Laurie’s life without even giving us a chance. That they’d hurt me wasn’t what got to me the most. I was a stranger to them. It was the way they’d hurt Laurie, hurt one of their own, by forcing him to bend to their will. By telling him to deny his sexuality—which unlike me, had been totally, one hundred percent gay—leaving him with no good options for love.

When Laurie stood before me, redressed in his own jeans but with one of my T-shirts on, just a little looser than his own, and a designer jean jacket, I wanted to strip him right back out of those clothes. I had never considered myself possessive, and goodness knew it would be a terrible idea to get more entangled with Laurie than I already was, but I wanted to touch, kiss, and lick every inch of that body. I wanted to map him out and recommit every part of him to memory. And then I wanted to hear him say that he was mine.

“You should have told us, Tucker,” his father, Mitch, said. “Even if we couldn’t be there, we’d be with you in spirit. I hope it wasn’t because you chose a groom rather than a bride. We’ve always loved you unconditionally.”

Wes turned with a shit-eating grin. “My bad. Laurie, care to dance?” Laurie tilted his head, gaze panning up and down Wes’s fine form, while Beckett looked skyward and shook his head, as if he was not the least bit surprised by Wes’s shit-stirring.
“Don’t even think about it,” I practically growled as I pushed my chair back and grabbed Laurie’s hand. “He’s dancing with me.”
Laurie chuckled good-naturedly, allowing me to drag him around the table. “I’ll have to send Wes a thank-you card.”
“For inviting you to dance?” I asked in disbelief.
“No,” he said, smiling up at me as we took our position on the dance floor. “For making you jealous enough to go all caveman on me.”

Laurie had lived within easy driving distance. He’d seen me, seen that I was dating. Thought I was happy without him.
“That must have been painful,” I said after the server had left.
“It was, but…” He shrugged one shoulder. “I tried to be happy for you. You, of all people, deserved better than what you got from me.”
“I didn’t blame you.”
“But you should have,” Laurie said. “Even if you understood why, it wasn’t good enough, Tuck. I failed you.”

He hesitated. “ I, uh…even lived in Omaha briefly.”
“You did not,” I said, stunned. “Why didn’t you look me up?”
He looked sheepish. “I did, actually.”
“No, you… I would remember.”
“I didn’t talk to you,” Laurie said. A wave of indignance went through me, and I must have looked pissed, because Laurie winced and held up a hand. “I wanted to, Tucker, but you were seeing someone.” The pain in his voice snapped me back to reality. “I didn’t want to disrupt your happiness after you’d moved on.”
“I didn’t move on though. I don’t know who I was seeing, but… I can assure you, I didn’t move on. I never really could.”

“But I hurt you and that’s inexcusable to me. So…please accept my apology, and I hope I can earn your trust again. I want you to believe me when I say that I will never put anything or anyone ahead of you again.”

Laurie was finally home, in my town, in my house, in my bed, in my arms.

“I’m sure she was kidding about sending me to Alexis.”
“You know his name,” I grumbled.
He kissed me again. “But I don’t know his taste.”
I pulled him into my lap, wrapping him up tight as we kissed. “You’re here now, and you can’t ever leave.”
“I don’t want to leave.”
“Good.” I slid my hands down to his ass, squeezing. “Because you’re mine.”

I pulled him in for a deep kiss, one hand cupping the back of his head, fingers tangled in his hair. “You’ll always be mine,” I muttered into his ear. “I’m not giving you up ever again.” Laurie shivered.

I opened the box with trembling fingers.
“Don’t you dare propose to me right now, Laurie Ellis,” he said sternly.
My heart sank, but before I could close the ring box, Tucker was on his knees beside me. He snatched the box from my hand and turned it toward me. “I’ve been searching for the right moment for days to ask you, Laurie. Will you be my husband again? I don’t want a sham marriage for the sake of beating your family, though I’ll fucking enjoy watching them go down.”
A shaky burst of laughter escaped me. “W-what is happening right now?”
“Pay attention. I’m proposing a real marriage,” Tucker said. “I know we’re legal on paper, but I want more than that. I want to love and cherish you, to promise you a life together through the good and the bad. What do you say, Laurie? Will you be my real husband…again? Or still? Whatever is accurate in this crazy scenario.”
I laughed, tears springing to my eyes. “I can’t believe you stole my re-proposal!”
“You got the first one,” Tucker said with a crooked smile. “Seems only fair I get the do-over.”



This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa.
858 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2023
When Laurie shows up in Granville to get Tucker, his estranged husband, on board to help him dupe his horrible family into getting the inheritance he was given by his great aunt, Tucker isn’t sure what to think. He agrees because Laurie’s family is the reason he and Laurie had to split up in the first place but he’s not ready to trust his heart to Laurie again. While they are pretending, Tucker’s friends and family accept Laurie into the fold and the community of Granville really shows Laurie what being a part of something so supportive is like. He falls hard for the town and has never gotten over Tucker, so he’s hoping Tucker will eventually give him a real chance and when they finally get to that point again, the heat is undeniable. I loved this story so much, I truly love the community and the hilarity that is the characters of Granville. Also can’t wait for Wes and Beckett’s story because hello… stepbrothers! ❤️
Profile Image for ❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ).
832 reviews89 followers
July 24, 2023
3.5 rounded up

This is a second chance Romance, which I hate but I didn’t hate it as much here. Both characters have been with others during their 20 years apart but Laurie claims to still love Tucker. They were each other’s “ one that got away”.

It was sweet, low angst buuuuuut I was expecting more. Laurie’s family is the reason they broke up all those years ago and they were still causing problems here so I was thinking they were going to be a real issue in the story but that’s not the case, everything is resolved so easily that it felt like it was a non-issue.

. . . .
Just like the previous story in this series, I appreciate that the couple is an a actual relationship during the story but since these two still feel the fireworks after being apart for so long I expected that once they came together again things would be very intense but to me, it just felt lukewarm instead of burning passion. Tucker was hesitant and scared to put his heart on the line again so Laurie was the main pursuer, once Tucker gave in I was expecting Laurie to be overwhelmed and possessive and super clingy worried Tucker would change his mind but it was just a sweet coming together instead.

To me, it was missing some oomph but that’s because it takes a lot for me to enjoy a second chance.
. . .
This story has the same overall vibe as the last book so if you liked that one I’m sure this one will be just as good. ☺️

My ratings always reflect my enjoyment of the story.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.