Ford and Brynn a story doomed from the start. Brynn was the one who got away and many years later, her feelings hasn’t changed. When she though that Ford has moved on, she was quickly to understand that it wasn’t one sided. It faded, just keeping growing throughout the years.
Instead of this awkward reunion, they immediately clicked again like they never left each other.

This second chance romance was definitely sweet.
Now it was time to fight for the other, all truths revealed. Ford was a bit of alpha, geek at heart and totally hopeless when it comes to Brynn, the sports nut, beautiful with a vibrant personality.

I enjoyed their story, when they might have to learn again how to trust someone, to show them every side, flaws and all.

NOW AND THEN - Mira Lyn Kelly

#3 in the Dare to Love romance series

Friends to Lovers - 3.5 stars

Plot - 3.5 stars - This is is sweet romance about two college lovers who meet each other again now that they're both successful professionals. Brynn broke off their relationship with no warning 10 years ago, and now that they've run into each other, Ford is pushing her to resume their sexual heat. She's having a hard time resisting.

Writing - 4 stars - Kelly writes in a nice, easy style, building appealing characters with good back stories.

Characters - 3 stars - Brynn is a professional sports cameraperson, having built a strong career after college. But she has some family secrets that are keeping her from having a fulfilling relationship or even a happy life. Ford, a successful game-creator and business owner is determined to keep her safe, not letting her go. But Brynn is equally determined to keep him safe by keeping him away from her father. They are both strong-willed and loving, but rather than working together, they feel they each know best for the other, refusing to consider any other options. It became especially frustrating when Brynn continued to play the "I know what's best for you" game. And when Ford has the nerve to be guilty about what he's said and done, I was annoyed. I liked these characters in general, but in a couple specific instances, they drove me absolutely crazy. Problems of their own making, guilt of their own design, and just not enough communication between them. They both seem so young--thinking that each problem is insurmountable and unchangeable.

Title - 4 stars - I like the title. First, Brynn and Ford were together in the past, during college, and had a hot and heavy relationship. And now, 10 years later, we are getting more details about how they were Then and how they've reconnected Now. Plus the differences...and what's still the same.

Cover - 3 stars - Sweet cover. Pretty typical of this genre. Nothing to particularly draw the eye.

Overview - 3.5 stars - This book is basically in two sections--the Now first, followed by the Then. In present day, we find Brynn and Ford to have a hot sexual chemistry, with Ford definitely pushing for more. After they inevitably get together, the second half of the book talks a lot more about Then, explaining the difficulties Brynn is having with continuing their relationship. There's definitely a connection between her actions before and her actions now, with history repeating itself. But Ford is planning to change that and hope for his HEA. Some good action and more than just a typical second-chance romance. And a very cute Epilogue to finish things back on a sweet note.

Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Not as great/emotionally touching as Ava's story, but still relatively strong. I think with Ford and Brynn there just wasn't as much of a connection. Yes, they dated in college, but there was something about their relationship that didn't seem as real and connected as I wanted it to be. And the whole thing with her father just felt like an odd device to keep them apart. I didn't quite understand what was happening with all the players involved.

I'm now wondering who, if anyone, is going to be able to tame Tony. Because he comes across as kind of a tool.

Unfortunately, I lost interest before I got around to this title.