I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This was actually the first romance book I'd read of Annabelle's as I had become aware of this author when I read her historical fiction series, Windswept. And honestly, I was unsure how anything "good" could come of this storyline. Everything that could possibly go wrong for this bride-to-be was happening! Plus, it was sooo close to the wedding date! Again, I was able to engage fully with the main characters and feel every emotion they were experiencing. It made me want to read the others in the series since I obviously started with book 3, instead of reading in order.

Highly recommend!

I really loved this story and connected well with the characters. Second chance romance.

Quite emotional and you feel invested in their story.

When I started reading this story, I couldn't put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I cannot wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.

This was a such an easy read for me. I’m a sucker for second chance romances so I knew this was going to be an instant hit. I really loved the dynamics between Avery and Dan. The story is on the longer side but I still really enjoyed it!
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Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters, I loved Dan and Avery and I always find myself getting really invested in second chance romance stories, so much that I usually cry!

Lovely story and lovely characters, I just wanted them to get their happy ever after!

Highly recommend

This was a wonderful romance. The characters were lovable and relatable. I was hooked on finding out if they would find their happy ever after!

This was a little bit too long but I enjoyed it. Dan and Avery clearly never lost feelings for one another but everyone else got in their way. I think that both of her parents are quite shitty and she should not have contact with them for a while. Dan is the right person for Avery and I love that they found their way back to each other.

In Annabelle McCormack's captivating novel, "Once We Met," readers are transported to the serene landscapes of Brandywood, Maryland, and introduced to a charming cast of characters entangled in a web of love, loss, and second chances. At the heart of the story lies Avery Moretti, a young woman whose dream of a perfect wedding at the Serendipity Lake Lodge turns into a nightmare when she discovers that the venue has been sold and her plans are in jeopardy. Fate takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Dan Klein, the new owner and the man who once held her heart. Dan, a former police officer seeking a fresh start, finds himself caught between his lingering resentment towards Avery and a lingering desire to help her salvage her wedding. As they navigate one disaster after another in their quest to make Avery's dream a reality, unresolved emotions resurface, challenging their ability to move forward. The story delves into the complexities of relationships, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love amidst the backdrop of a picturesque lake lodge. McCormack's writing is both heartfelt and humorous, capturing the nuances of human emotions with sensitivity and wit. Her characters are relatable and well-developed, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs. The author's vivid descriptions of the Serendipity Lake Lodge and the surrounding countryside transport readers to a place of tranquility and beauty, creating an immersive experience. "Once We Met" is more than just a love story; it's a journey of self-discovery and healing. Through Avery and Dan's experiences, readers are reminded of the importance of letting go of past hurts, embracing second chances, and finding the courage to love again. With its engaging plot, endearing characters, and thought-provoking themes, Annabelle McCormack's novel is a delightful read that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies, heartwarming stories, or simply great storytelling, "Once We Met" is a book that should not be missed.

Thank you to Annabelle McCormmack, Victory Editing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of “Once We Met” for an honest review.

This was an entertaining book about two people who met and had a one week whirlwind romance at 18 with fallout that affected them (and others) 12 years later when they meet up again.

Avery Moretti is determined to have her fairytale wedding at Serendipity Lodge, a place she and her family visited every summer since she was small. Dan is an ex-cop and new owner of the dilapidated Serendipity Lodge. Through some miscommunication, Dan was never told of Avery’s reservations for the two weeks and also was stunned when she showed up after 12 years. She was equally thrown for a loop. The Avery he once knew has been supplanted by a fearful and controlled woman due to her fiancé.

The story delved into issues of friendship, trauma, parental relationships, first love, and how a controlling person/people can create lasting damage.

I think the book had a ton of promise. The main issue for me was twofold: 1) I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the two main characters, and 2)there was a disproportionate telling to showing and that may be why I didn’t feel the chemistry.

I think this could be edited into a much tighter book, with less of Avery going back and forth in her head over the same things multiple times. We know she is torn and that her justification of her fiancé’s behavior is due to her mother’s over-controlling of Avery. I think it was overdone and more subtly would have had a great impact-at least with me.

However, this is just one reader’s opinion. All the other reviews I see are very positive and so I am in the minority with my review. I have not read any of her other books that take place in this story’s universe so maybe if I had, it would have landed better with me.

he storyline was pretty darn interesting; the characters were alright; I had a good time even tho it was long

This is a heartwarming romance story that takes place at the beautiful Serendipity Lake Lodge in Brandywood, Maryland. The novel follows the story of Avery Moretti and Dan Klein, two former lovers who are reunited when Avery returns to the lodge to finalize the details of her dream wedding. However, their reunion is far from what they both expected, as the lodge is under new ownership and undergoing major renovations, and Avery's wedding is not even on the books. Avery has always dreamt of getting married at the Serendipity Lake Lodge, as it holds a special place in her heart and has been her family's vacation spot for years. But with the new owner being none other than her first love, Dan, things become complicated and emotions from the past resurface. Dan, who left his job as a police officer to start fresh, is now faced with the task of making the lodge work for Avery's wedding. He is still bitter about the way their relationship ended and is reluctant to help her, but the chemistry between them is undeniable.
As Avery and Dan work together to salvage her wedding plans, old feelings start to resurface, and they are forced to confront the unresolved issues from their past. The author does a fantastic job of portraying the complex emotions and tension between the two characters, making the reader feel invested in their story. The chemistry between Avery and Dan is palpable, and their interactions are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
One of the things I loved about this book is the setting. The Serendipity Lake Lodge is described in such vivid detail that it becomes a character in itself. The picturesque backdrop of the lodge adds an enchanting element to the story and makes it even more romantic. The author's writing style is captivating and engaging, making it hard to put the book down. This is a story about second chances, forgiveness, and the power of true love. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance novel with a beautiful setting and well-developed characters.

This book.... it is just wonderful. A great second chance romance. Annabelle wrote such a touching story. It literally melted my heart. Dan and Avery met when they were 18 years old. They fell hard for each other, but as things happen they drifted apart. Years later (12) Avery runs into Dan again as he owns the place where her wedding is set to take place. But like when they first met they keep falling hard. What will Avery do?
Such a great second chance romance. You will love this story!

Avery. If you look up people pleaser in the dictionary you'll see her picture. She's spent her entire life being who others want her to be. That's why Brandywood's Serendipity Lodge is so special, it's her favourite vacation spot & the only place she's every felt herself.

Dan. He's one of Brandywood's finest in men in blue, until his ex ruins his name causing him to quit the force. Now jobless he buys the Serendipity Lodge where he worked as a teen. The beautiful farmhouse lodge is set on the outskirts of town, making it the perfect place to retreat.

Years ago, when they were both 18, they met at the Serendipity. They spent one amazing week falling hard & fast. But one-night leads to mistakes that changes the course of their lives.

Twelve years later Avery returns to find Dan is the new owner of her wedding venue, the Serendipity. They try to keep their distance, but like years before they're drawn to each other. The more time they spend together the more she realizes it's time to stop people pleasing & finally start making choices that make her happy. Is her pending marriage really what she wants or just what's expected of her?

This was my first Annabelle McCormick read & I absolutely LOVED it. It's second chance romance done right. I never felt bad for Avery's fiancé, I was too busy routing for her & Dan. It's dual POV, which I love, but also dual timeline. The flashbacks are so well done & kept me hooked. Each chapter works toward what tore them apart & with each one I realized it wasn't going to be what I expected. It was even better because damn, Dan is so much more selfless than I thought. There's also an amazing slow burn and we see a quick love triangle when the fiancé actually shows up for the wedding.

If you like second chance, smalltown, slow burns you'll wanna read this one. And while you're at it add the rest of the series to your TBR, because I know I am.

Once We Met is book 3 in the Brandywood Series by Annabelle McCormack.
I loved reading All This Time. I have not read I’ll Carry You so that’s next on my list to buy.
But I can tell just by reading the two previous titles that this series is going to be a fun time.
I was so in love with this small town romance.

Thank You NetGalley and Victory Editing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

It’s just brilliant. A whole host of characters which you just can’t help and not fall in love with, engaging plot line that will keep you on your toes and a lot of juicy sexual chemistry for you get your teeth stuck into. I loved the banter, their dynamics and the love that rolls off of the pages. It had me in tears on various occasion.

Some of the heart to hearts literally melted me from the inside out. I was one big melted, swooning puddle of infatuated gloop. Plus, Avery was one of the best heroines in the history of book heroines! She was strong, relatable, witty and loveable. I loved her sense of humour. I found her instantly easy to connect with. Tho, I could go on and on about this book all day long. I will definitely be putting this on my re-read list and will be getting the paperback. It was totally breathtaking. There’s nothing more to say. Other than… add it to your tbr and pre-order it!

Welp, there goes a piece of my heart. Ngl, this story broke a little piece of me. Having read other stories by Annabelle McCormack, I knew from the get-go that the angst factor in this story would probably eat me alive. But, I also knew that I would fall in love with the characters!

Avery is the proverbial rich-girl FMC. She lives the high life, with her cardiologist(?) fiancé, graphic designer job and seemingly-perfect-everything. But, we find out pretty quickly, that just like the rest of us mere mortals, she, too, has a "one-that-got-away".

Dan. Sweet, patient, kind, Dan. He might be my favorite MMC of this series so far. Avery was his first love, but the consequences of their short, but intense relationship have left him a shell of the man that he could've become, and a seemingly a little lost.

Avery and Dan first fell in love one Summer when they were 18. Despite being from opposite sides of the tracks, they were drawn to each other and fell in love in the span of a few days.

Of course, the week that they spent together ended in disaster, crushing Avery, destroying Dan's future and tearing them apart forever... Or so they thought.

It's twelve years later that Avery decides to get married at a quaint little lodge, only to find out that Dan is the new owner of the place. And the sparks that existed twelve years ago spring back to life almost instantly.

I won't give too much away, but Dan acknowledges his feelings for her almost instantly. Despite the fact that she supposedly destroyed his future and friendships with a single lie, he just can't see her as the enemy. Avery is a lot more hesitant, mistaking her attraction to him as nerves about getting the lodge ready in time for the wedding.

Now, I absolutely detest the misunderstanding/misinformation trope. But, in this case, it worked out pretty well, because it ended up making Avery's parents the real antagonists of the story, and happened at no fault of the MCs.

This story had so many realistic ups and downs, and while I was impatient about Avery taking forever to acknowledge her feelings for Dan, my heart hurt for her. She didn't deserve to bear the brunt of the hurt that her parents had caused. They were the absolute worst. And even though the author tried to make them somewhat redeemable in the end, I couldn't be convinced.

4 ⭐️