Is second time’s a charm?

Synopsis

Eva Mathers is a successful woman, except for when it comes to matters of the heart. When she returns home to Yorkshire as a pending divorcee, she realises her childhood friend and first love Damon Evans is also newly single. It’s a pity he’s never noticed her romantically and had no idea that she was in love with him at school. But at least they can support each other as friends again.

Damon is attempting to adjust to life sharing the kids with his ex. His reconnection with Eva is strong, but she was always too good for him and made her indifference clear after they drifted apart during their younger years. In any case, she still seems to be hung up on her charismatic ex-husband. Eva is hiding things from Damon, secrets from her past. He wants to be there for her, so why can’t she let him in?

Eva is dealing with trauma, but she won’t confide in her loved ones. Can Damon help her break down her walls before it’s too late and they miss their second chance at first love?

My review

After her divorce, Eva Mathers returns back home to her parents. Not only did her marriage not make it, but she is still dealing with a trauma.
The last thing she needs is match-making mothers, trying to not too subtle to make Eva meet with Damon Evans. Especially when Damon is her first, but also unrequited love.
Damon is also adapting to his new life, after divorcing his wife and not being able to spend as much time with his kids as he used to.
Quickly Eva and Damon become friends again, even if neither of them know what they meant to each other in the past. And it’s obvious that the attraction is still there. But can these two people with broken hearts get a second chance at their love? Or is the past truly in the past and are the walls too high to break down?

As this was a rather short story, compared to what I am used to read, I was a bit afraid the pace would be too fast.
But I had no reason to worry, because it was just perfect!

Eva is the kind of character you immediately like and make a connection with. Of course her current situation isn’t a happy one. She is “freshly” divorced, is living back with her parents, and then there is this big unknown trauma she is also carrying around.
And having a meddling mother, playing Cupid doesn’t help things. Especially when the mother is matching Eva with her old crush.

And it’s her old crush that makes this story so recognizable! Each and every one of us had that one crush that was unrequited! So it’s obvious that some of those old feelings resurface when Eva and Damon meet again.
However not only the old feelings resurface, but also the insecurities… And also that is that many readers can relate to! Are my feelings growing too fast? Is he/she feeling the same way or does he/she only see me as someone to pass time with? And is he/she not out of my league? No matter how old/ young you are, these questions are always playing around in your mind.
And reading how the counterparty is struggling with the same questions, was some kind of relief, knowing that even the hottest guy around is the same!

Damon truly is the hottest guy around, and yet there is this vulnerability around him, because he is not afraid to show and express his feelings. He does not hide how hard is struggling with not being around his kids. But he also shows what an amazing man he is, by reassuring Eva, but also showing how kind he is, even if it involves his ex – wife.

There are a few misunderstandings, and also when Eva’s trauma is revealed, heart – breaking moments. Yet there are so many sweet moments, that made my heart melt.
But this story shows us that it’s never too late for a chance at love, even a second chance at love!
And the author manages to explain that communication is the key to everything. If the characters dare to ask questions, dare to express their feelings, the reward can be exceptionally big.

I found this a lovely story about two people in a not so great moment in their lives, but finding each other again is the start of something new. And before I knew, I found myself devouring this sweet story!