Beauty for ashes is how I would describe this story. The author has used the beautiful backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina as a place of second chances for Avila should she decide to take it. With the loss of her mother and the inheritance of her childhood home Avila is left with choices that have the potential to change the lives of her and her daughter.

Throughout the book I was begging her to lean in the direction I felt was best for her. The author kept me glued to the story hoping for a satisfactory ending. I recommend this book for readers that don’t mind a slow burn that’s worth the read.

Thank you Avon books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

3 ☆
I felt like this story had so much potential, but it wasn't delivered at all. Ávila was a very unlikable character to me! She was just dramatic and over-the-top for no reason. I understand she has abandonment issues, but she needed therapy. Trevor was a likable character, but I didn't like how once he saw Ávila, they picked up whatever they had years ago. I'm like at least try to get the know the older Avila since she has a daughger. The romance just wasn't romantic like I wanted. I feel like this book dragged on as well. This book just wasn't for me. I would still recommend if you want second chance romance.

•Dual POV
•Dual Timeline (Past and Present)
•Second Chance Romance
•Black Love

Thank you, Netgellay, and Harper Publishing for the e-book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

I LOVED this book! It was a bit slow in the beginning but then boom I was hooked!! I finished it in one sitting! My first by this author but will not be my last!!

I received this book from NetGalley to read and review. I will say I really enjoyed this book. Avila made me mad most of the book. She is the poster child of childhood trauma manifesting into your adulthood. She was dealing with abandonment issues from her dad and not having the best relationship with her mom. She is forced to return home due to the untimely passing of her mom. She is so determined to do everything herself that she alienates herself and her daughter from everyone. She sees it as protecting her heart. Her childhood best friend, Terence, is determined to break through the guard she has up, and she fights him every step of the way.

I have never read a book where the FMC frustrates me so much. Most of my highlights from the book are to tell this lady to go to therapy. I understood her wanting to protect herself, but she was hurting her child in the process. Little Ms. Ebony got her mama together a few times, and I loved it. Terence had the patience of Job to keep dealing with Avila, and I applaud him for that. I liked this book a lot, and I'm glad a HEA. I was afraid it wouldn't happen the way Avila was fighting the love everyone was trying to give her.

2.5⭐️

Tristemente, no me gustó el libro y ninguno de los protagonistas me cayó bien.

Ávila es una madre soltera atrapada en lo que su vida pudo haber sido si no se hubiera quedado embarazada. Su personaje me resultó muy egoísta.

Ávila y Terence eran mejores amigos, pero cuando ella estaba lista para ir a la universidad de sus sueños y convertirse en actriz, se enojó con él porque no quería que él hiciera lo mismo (ir a la universidad de su elección). Ella quería que él se quedara cerca, inscribiéndose en cualquier universidad cercana a la suya, porque temía quedarse sola y creía que nadie la cuidaría como él. Como él no accedió a su deseo, ella dejó de hablarle y no se volvieron a ver hasta la muerte de su madre, cuando tuvo que regresar para el funeral.

A lo largo de todo el libro, Ávila se queja constantemente de lo sola que está y de lo mucho que le gustaría tener a alguien a su lado para criar a su hija, pero, al mismo tiempo, se encarga de alejar a todos. Todo esto por daddy issues.

Al principio, sentí pena por Terence, ya que estaba enamorado de ella desde joven. Cuando regresó, vio la oportunidad de estar juntos, pero ella solo lo utilizaba para que la ayudara en todo, y lo único que obtenía a cambio eran excusas para luego alejarlo. Esto ocurrió varias veces, y en un punto deseaba que él tuviera más carácter y la dejara, pero no lo hizo.

Por cierto, no creí que Ebony (la hija) realmente amara el teatro. Si bien creo que le gustaba, lo hacía más porque Ávila la obligaba, ya que era su sueño frustrado.

No entendí por qué tanto misterio con las exesposas y las exnovias de Terence.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5⭐️ this book had potential but didn’t deliver.

Terence (Trevor?) was blinded by his love for Avila. He tried to rush back into how things were without simply letting love happen.

Avila was the opposite. Constantly pulling away without real reason.

Ebony was the annoying teenager.

It felt like slight issues were overly dramatized. There was just a disconnect. Also, T’s willingness to change so much about his life without even the slightest hint from Avila is wild to me.

Williams captures their journey with such warmth and authenticity, making it impossible to put down. The blend of past pain and newfound hope is both poignant and uplifting. I was completely enchanted by this tender, romantic tale that’s all about opening your heart to the possibilities of love again.