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Never Too Late #1
Rewrite
Once upon a time, a girl loved a boy and he loved her back. They lived happily ever after.
But our story was never that simple.
I loved Josh with all I had, right until the day he left. Now, all these years later, he was back—and wanting me the way I’d always longed for him. Except now, I belonged to someone else. Someone who never left me the way Josh had. I figured that was the end of our story. I couldn’t alter the past.
I didn’t want to rewrite my future.
Brianna was always more than my best friend. She was the shining light in my black hole of an existence, and I loved her with every cell and bone in my body. I wasn’t good enough for her, though—more the villain than the hero in our fairy tale. When I had to leave, I vowed to come back a better man—for her. But when I finally did return, she wasn’t waiting for me anymore. She had someone new, her very own Prince Charming. Did that mean our story was over? I couldn't change our past.
It was time to rewrite our ending.
But our story was never that simple.
I loved Josh with all I had, right until the day he left. Now, all these years later, he was back—and wanting me the way I’d always longed for him. Except now, I belonged to someone else. Someone who never left me the way Josh had. I figured that was the end of our story. I couldn’t alter the past.
I didn’t want to rewrite my future.
Brianna was always more than my best friend. She was the shining light in my black hole of an existence, and I loved her with every cell and bone in my body. I wasn’t good enough for her, though—more the villain than the hero in our fairy tale. When I had to leave, I vowed to come back a better man—for her. But when I finally did return, she wasn’t waiting for me anymore. She had someone new, her very own Prince Charming. Did that mean our story was over? I couldn't change our past.
It was time to rewrite our ending.
Unknown Binding
First published April 17, 2018
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1,729 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Rose
29 books2,913 followersStephanie Rose is a badass New Yorker, a wife, a mother, and lover of all things chocolate. Most days you'll find her trying to avoid standing on discarded LEGO or deciding which book to read next. Her debut novel, Always You, released in 2015 and since then she's written several more—some of which will never see completion—and has ideas for hundreds to come.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
October 19, 2017
“From the beginning, it was love.” A perfect quote from a perfect friend to lovers, second chance romance. A gorgeous standalone novel that provided me with best kind of romantic escapism and emotion in my heart. Rewrite has characters who are so easy to fall in love with, and a narrative littered with pure emotion and constructed with an easy effortless style. Rewrite is a story of second chances, loving forever and never giving up hope.
Brianna and Josh are the hero and heroine at the heart of this contemporary romance. Told from the first-person narrative the prose toggles between the perspective of these two characters, giving full access to their thoughts and feelings. Allowing readers to see their affable natures and their vulnerabilities, endearing me to them and causing me to route for their happy ever after. I knew they should be together, a view that will undoubtedly be shared by all who experience this story.
The book shows glimpses of the past with fluid transitions allowing the reader a deeper understanding of the relationship shared by the male and female protagonist, their bond and deep connection to each other, the reasons why and how they came to be apart and how each character feels about their circumstance. The author highly engages the characters with their audience, she gets into their heads and makes them authentic in the way they behave and react drawing emotion to a higher level as a result. The reader will get a deep sense of their belonging but there are circumstances that hinder this development, heart breaking occurrences that give this story an extra edge and layer of emotion that took Rewrite to a higher level for me.
Stephanie Rose has a style that is effortless to read and Rewrite is perfect depiction of this. A love story steeped in romance. Sexy, totally dreamy and full of emotion, as I said earlier, the best kind of escapism and I highly recommend to all romance lovers!
Read the prologue here--> https://goo.gl/fXmz6a
Beta copy provided for my honest feedback and review *
★ Graphics created by me with stock photos I purchased from deposit photos ★
September 22, 2017
**Rewrite generously provided as an early arc in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "Forget about me, Cupcake." Stars
Stephanie Rose writes lovely contemporary romance. It's so easy to fall into her stories of love, loss, and redemption for a few hours. You feel the characters and their plights immensely, rooting for them from start to finish. Her writing simply conveys the emotional journey's her characters take and affords you the opportunity to feel each and every step along the way.
Rewrite is a contemporary, standalone novel with a second chance love story wrapped within it's prose. Set in the characters angsty present with some scenes from a youthful past intertwined, Stephanie Rose sets up Josh Falco and Brianna Morgan for lifetime love. Their beautiful friendship is everlasting as the weave through the trials and tribulations of Josh's troubled youth and Brianna's painful presence with him removed from her immediate life. The friendship connection between the two of them left me in awe the most from the story. I loved their easy camaraderie and steadfast defense of each other. Josh and Bri are connection wholly and reading of them navigating that connection was bliss.
If you're a romance reader and you enjoy the contemporary, second chance trope you'll really enjoy Stephanie Rose's newest standalone Rewrite. It's full of sweet moments and honest real life portrayals of two friends who have been dancing around each other for years. There's a great twist-like part of the story that test both characters that I found both particularly vulnerable and incredibly strong. To the point, Rose has written a story that you'll want to read in one sitting it's that easy to fall for these two. I immensely enjoyed both characters and their journey together. It's simply great romance and escapism reading.
5 "Forget about me, Cupcake." Stars
Stephanie Rose writes lovely contemporary romance. It's so easy to fall into her stories of love, loss, and redemption for a few hours. You feel the characters and their plights immensely, rooting for them from start to finish. Her writing simply conveys the emotional journey's her characters take and affords you the opportunity to feel each and every step along the way.
Rewrite is a contemporary, standalone novel with a second chance love story wrapped within it's prose. Set in the characters angsty present with some scenes from a youthful past intertwined, Stephanie Rose sets up Josh Falco and Brianna Morgan for lifetime love. Their beautiful friendship is everlasting as the weave through the trials and tribulations of Josh's troubled youth and Brianna's painful presence with him removed from her immediate life. The friendship connection between the two of them left me in awe the most from the story. I loved their easy camaraderie and steadfast defense of each other. Josh and Bri are connection wholly and reading of them navigating that connection was bliss.
If you're a romance reader and you enjoy the contemporary, second chance trope you'll really enjoy Stephanie Rose's newest standalone Rewrite. It's full of sweet moments and honest real life portrayals of two friends who have been dancing around each other for years. There's a great twist-like part of the story that test both characters that I found both particularly vulnerable and incredibly strong. To the point, Rose has written a story that you'll want to read in one sitting it's that easy to fall for these two. I immensely enjoyed both characters and their journey together. It's simply great romance and escapism reading.
February 3, 2019
4.5 stars
Rewrite was a fantastic best friends to lovers story. It was my first book by Stephanie Rose, but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed it immensely and I’m looking forward to reading more by her!
Josh and Brianna became friends in kindergarten when Brianna would share her lunch with Josh. Their friendship continued all the way through high school until Josh started hanging with a different crowd and getting involved in things he didn’t want his Brianna involved in. It’s been years since they’ve seen each other, but they’ve kept their friendship alive with their letters. Josh joined the Military and always stayed in contact. When he comes back to town, he comes back for Brianna, things don’t go quite as planned.
Brianna is seeing someone, but my god, I’ve never rooted for a couple to break up as hard as I did for her and her bf. She and Josh belong together. It was clear as day for anyone to see. Their journey isn’t easy, but eventually they find each other right where they belong. Where they’ve always belonged. With each other.
Towards the middle/end, this book got really hard for me to read. I felt like this couple had already been through so much, to hit them with not just one, but two huge things was a little cruel. My heart broke. The way it worked out in the end was great, but I wish things would have been a bit easier for them.
I listened to the audio book of Rewrite and it captivated me from the start. I never wanted to press pause while listening. The narrators did a great job voicing the characters and bringing them to life. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers romance, second chance stories, and emotional reads, I highly recommend this one!
Rewrite was a fantastic best friends to lovers story. It was my first book by Stephanie Rose, but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed it immensely and I’m looking forward to reading more by her!
I met the love of my life when I was five years old. Before I knew about romance, lust, and words to love songs that are supposed to describe that “feeling.” All I knew was that Josh Falco was my everything. Maybe I didn’t know what to call it at the time, but from the beginning, it was love.
Josh and Brianna became friends in kindergarten when Brianna would share her lunch with Josh. Their friendship continued all the way through high school until Josh started hanging with a different crowd and getting involved in things he didn’t want his Brianna involved in. It’s been years since they’ve seen each other, but they’ve kept their friendship alive with their letters. Josh joined the Military and always stayed in contact. When he comes back to town, he comes back for Brianna, things don’t go quite as planned.
Brianna is seeing someone, but my god, I’ve never rooted for a couple to break up as hard as I did for her and her bf. She and Josh belong together. It was clear as day for anyone to see. Their journey isn’t easy, but eventually they find each other right where they belong. Where they’ve always belonged. With each other.
Towards the middle/end, this book got really hard for me to read. I felt like this couple had already been through so much, to hit them with not just one, but two huge things was a little cruel. My heart broke. The way it worked out in the end was great, but I wish things would have been a bit easier for them.
I listened to the audio book of Rewrite and it captivated me from the start. I never wanted to press pause while listening. The narrators did a great job voicing the characters and bringing them to life. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers romance, second chance stories, and emotional reads, I highly recommend this one!
You can't run from your heart and soul - because it always comes with you.
October 22, 2017
Another 5******* star book by Stephanie Rose
I can’t even begin to tell you how much this story went straight to my heart. Josh and Brianna’s story starts when they are kids and it’s the first time my heart broke. As their journey continues through the years, there’s more heartbreak, more laughing, more fun, more concern, more anger...just everything more!
Their story is so unique and special that you cheer for them right from the beginning and don’t want anything bad to happen. But as is the nature of second-chance romance, there are a couple of bumps in the road.
Josh and Bri became like close friends right from the beginning. The things they have to deal with are things that we all can relate to one way or another. That’s the beauty of Stephanie Rose writing on top. She creates every day characters that you can relate to so very much. And their story is very real and something I can absolutely relate to. A subject that is breaking my own heart time and time again, so I knew very well what it all meant to them.
Brianna is strong woman who stands on her own feet and doesn’t need anyone to support her. Josh was this troubled boy who grew up to be the man to do right by his woman. He has this caring and loving nature that was there from the beginning and just adds to his grown up personality. I loved him. And I also liked her a lot. I might have wanted to kick her a time or two, but I knew where she was coming from.
I absolutely adored this book from beginning to end.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much this story went straight to my heart. Josh and Brianna’s story starts when they are kids and it’s the first time my heart broke. As their journey continues through the years, there’s more heartbreak, more laughing, more fun, more concern, more anger...just everything more!
Their story is so unique and special that you cheer for them right from the beginning and don’t want anything bad to happen. But as is the nature of second-chance romance, there are a couple of bumps in the road.
Josh and Bri became like close friends right from the beginning. The things they have to deal with are things that we all can relate to one way or another. That’s the beauty of Stephanie Rose writing on top. She creates every day characters that you can relate to so very much. And their story is very real and something I can absolutely relate to. A subject that is breaking my own heart time and time again, so I knew very well what it all meant to them.
Brianna is strong woman who stands on her own feet and doesn’t need anyone to support her. Josh was this troubled boy who grew up to be the man to do right by his woman. He has this caring and loving nature that was there from the beginning and just adds to his grown up personality. I loved him. And I also liked her a lot. I might have wanted to kick her a time or two, but I knew where she was coming from.
I absolutely adored this book from beginning to end.
October 15, 2017
This is absolutely one of Stephanie's BEST books!
I swear a Stephanie Rose book changes the tempo of my heart beats every time I read one. There's something to be said about the worlds Stephanie creates, the characters she develops. It's not always easy to pull the kinds of emotions she does from a reader but each time I get the privilege of reading her books I know that I'm in for a stunning experience. Her words are exhilarating, heartfelt, sweet, passionate, addictive, and always genuine.
Brianna has loved her best friend Josh since she can remember. They've been inseparable since they first met in kindergarten. Throughout the years the incredible bond between them only grew stronger and they became everything to each other.
"I met the love of my life when I was five years old."
Josh had a rough child hood and that's putting it lightly. He had to make decisions someone his age shouldn't have to make and was forced to grow up way too fast. Because of those choices, because of his background and his family he thougt he was never good enough for Bri and he thought all he would bring her was pain. So he came to a conclusion and his ultimate decision not only changed his life but Bri's forever.
“I’m poison, Brianna,” Josh whispered. “Just admit it.”
Now it's years later and Josh is back! He wants what he thought he never deserved but always longed for. Although they've stayed in touch with letters throughout the years things are different. The biggest difference? Scott. Brianna's boyfriend.
"Brianna was my center."
I rooted for Bri and Josh SO HARD! I wanted true love to prevail, I wanted to see Bri's happily ever after and while I was in my swoony cotton candy covered love bubble riding a Pegasus and drinking chocolate milk Stephanie totally throws in a MAJOR twist that I NEVER SAW COMING!! Gah! My anxiety and stress level was on HIGH!!
“You were my light, Bri,” he went on. “Then and now. I pushed you away because I thought you were better off, but I belong with you. Even in the darkest times, all the fights and shitty decisions , that’s the one thing I knew with absolute fucking certainty.”
I'm not going to lie, I am OBSESSED with Rose's men because they love with their whole heart, with everything that they are. Josh and Bri's story is so alluring, steamy, real and beautiful. I literally placed two fingers on my wrist at one point because I felt like my pulse was elevated. I know that everyone says that Stephanie is the queen of second chance romances and she definitely IS but to me Rewrite was more than that..... Josh wanted redemption, absolution, forgiveness and had the strength and courage to go after something he never thought he deserved.
"I loved Josh again. Who the hell was I kidding? I loved him still. I loved him always. It was a permanent affliction I’d never been able to shake, no matter how I tried or who I was with."
My favorite part about a Stephanie Rose book is that it's ok to believe in forever & always.
I swear a Stephanie Rose book changes the tempo of my heart beats every time I read one. There's something to be said about the worlds Stephanie creates, the characters she develops. It's not always easy to pull the kinds of emotions she does from a reader but each time I get the privilege of reading her books I know that I'm in for a stunning experience. Her words are exhilarating, heartfelt, sweet, passionate, addictive, and always genuine.
Brianna has loved her best friend Josh since she can remember. They've been inseparable since they first met in kindergarten. Throughout the years the incredible bond between them only grew stronger and they became everything to each other.
"I met the love of my life when I was five years old."
Josh had a rough child hood and that's putting it lightly. He had to make decisions someone his age shouldn't have to make and was forced to grow up way too fast. Because of those choices, because of his background and his family he thougt he was never good enough for Bri and he thought all he would bring her was pain. So he came to a conclusion and his ultimate decision not only changed his life but Bri's forever.
“I’m poison, Brianna,” Josh whispered. “Just admit it.”
Now it's years later and Josh is back! He wants what he thought he never deserved but always longed for. Although they've stayed in touch with letters throughout the years things are different. The biggest difference? Scott. Brianna's boyfriend.
"Brianna was my center."
I rooted for Bri and Josh SO HARD! I wanted true love to prevail, I wanted to see Bri's happily ever after and while I was in my swoony cotton candy covered love bubble riding a Pegasus and drinking chocolate milk Stephanie totally throws in a MAJOR twist that I NEVER SAW COMING!! Gah! My anxiety and stress level was on HIGH!!
“You were my light, Bri,” he went on. “Then and now. I pushed you away because I thought you were better off, but I belong with you. Even in the darkest times, all the fights and shitty decisions , that’s the one thing I knew with absolute fucking certainty.”
I'm not going to lie, I am OBSESSED with Rose's men because they love with their whole heart, with everything that they are. Josh and Bri's story is so alluring, steamy, real and beautiful. I literally placed two fingers on my wrist at one point because I felt like my pulse was elevated. I know that everyone says that Stephanie is the queen of second chance romances and she definitely IS but to me Rewrite was more than that..... Josh wanted redemption, absolution, forgiveness and had the strength and courage to go after something he never thought he deserved.
"I loved Josh again. Who the hell was I kidding? I loved him still. I loved him always. It was a permanent affliction I’d never been able to shake, no matter how I tried or who I was with."
My favorite part about a Stephanie Rose book is that it's ok to believe in forever & always.
October 19, 2017
Before going into this I sneaky peaked at the reviews, and one after the other, boom boom boom was an army of 5 stars staring at me, finishing this I can fully understand why!!
REWRITE: Is a standalone contemporary romance novel by new to me author Stephanie Rose. ‘Spoken in Dual Perspectives’
Once upon a time... I wish I could rewrite our story, I'd fix it so I'd never lose him in the first place, and we'd never hurt anyone on our way back to each other.
THEN: In this we meet Josh Falco and Brianna who have been best friends since they were just five years old. Even then they felt a love they couldn’t comprehend or understand, the minute he stood up for her and punched a fellow class mate she was smitten. For him it was the simple task of sharing her lunch with him daily she fast became his cupcake!!
She took care of me from the beginning, when I didn't have a mother to pack me a real lunch for school. I probably loved her even then; I just didn't know what the hell it was.
THIRTEEN YEARS OLD: Josh was spiralling out of control, not turning up to school, fighting, doing underhanded deals to keep him and his father afloat saw him rubbing shoulders with the wrong crowd.
Josh and I were together, the rest of the world faded away.
EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD: A sullen angry teen with a chip on his shoulders. To save Brianna he had to walk away, but to save himself he enlisted in the military solely to avoid jail time, telling Brianna to forget about him was his biggest regret in life.
"Do us both a favour. Just move on. Go to prom, go to college, have a good life without me around to ruin it for you. Forget about me Cupcake."
TO NOW: Both twenty eight years old. She’s moved on and in a long term committed relationship, now he’s back to run his uncle's motorcycle shop and making something of himself, the time has finally come for him to claim his girl. But is he too late?
He’d cleaned up his life but still looked every inch the bad boy. Tattoos covered his arms from his biceps to his wrists. His hair was buzzed short with a couple of days stubble covering his cheeks. But he had the same twinkling eyes and crooked smile as the five year old boy who stole my heart.
This exceeded all my expectations, it wasn’t just about two childhood friends reconnecting after years apart, it was so so much more, these two were soul mates, the highs and lows just made them stronger even though distance kept them apart. They shared an undeniable bond like no other, breakable when younger but unbreakable once they knew what they had was worth fighting for.
I had so many emotions running through my blood stream with this, I giggled, I swooned, I fell so hard for these two and even though this was my first read by this author the way she pulled me into their story so effortlessly this book won’t be the last I read of hers. Truly amazing!!
I devoured this, I savoured this, I inhaled this, I freaking LOVED this, I highly highly recommend this!! Think you’ve read a friends to lovers book before? Think again!! This is by far the best of the best, I can’t gush about this book enough, an unputdownable read!!
October 19, 2017
5 Cupcake Stars
Sweet, Sentimental, Touching, Second Chance Love that was Always First Love Meant to Be.......Rewrite was all that. A beautiful story of First Love that got misguided but found its way back to were it was suppose to be.
This story is a sweet and beautiful journey of two best friends that knew since their first meeting that they were each special to one another. Brianna and Josh meet in Kindergarten. Yes it’s young but sometimes the heart just knows. They would grow up to be best friends but never acted on feeling deep inside. After high school, the friends must separate but those deep feeling remain as they remain close through good ole fashion letter writing (how I miss that art). Fast forward 10 years and it’s time, the ease of being best friends is there but that “other feeling” simmering for years is starting to boil......time for these two to see if the feelings they have for one another is real, true and forever. They must navigate other people and difficult situations in order to be together. It is hurtful and painful but when it’s meant to be it’s meant to be.
This story is just a feel good story. The writing is meaningful and graceful. Josh and Brianna’s story will make you smile, have some heartache, and make you fast feel that wonderful feeling of love that is meant to be. And that Epilogue....simply the best ever❤️❤️❤️!!!
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Sweet, Sentimental, Touching, Second Chance Love that was Always First Love Meant to Be.......Rewrite was all that. A beautiful story of First Love that got misguided but found its way back to were it was suppose to be.
This story is a sweet and beautiful journey of two best friends that knew since their first meeting that they were each special to one another. Brianna and Josh meet in Kindergarten. Yes it’s young but sometimes the heart just knows. They would grow up to be best friends but never acted on feeling deep inside. After high school, the friends must separate but those deep feeling remain as they remain close through good ole fashion letter writing (how I miss that art). Fast forward 10 years and it’s time, the ease of being best friends is there but that “other feeling” simmering for years is starting to boil......time for these two to see if the feelings they have for one another is real, true and forever. They must navigate other people and difficult situations in order to be together. It is hurtful and painful but when it’s meant to be it’s meant to be.
This story is just a feel good story. The writing is meaningful and graceful. Josh and Brianna’s story will make you smile, have some heartache, and make you fast feel that wonderful feeling of love that is meant to be. And that Epilogue....simply the best ever❤️❤️❤️!!!
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
September 27, 2017
Rewrite is a wonderful friends to lovers/second chance romance. My goodness! I swooned throughout this entire heartwarming story. Josh and Brianna are fabulous as friends and even more so as lovers. I loved how I was introduced to them when they first met when they were in the same kindergarten class. It sets the tone of story beautifully and I was immediately intrigued. With both of them and how their story would evolve.
I enjoyed how involved they were in each other’s lives when they were kids. They truly were best friends and it hurt me how they slowly started to drift away from one another mainly because of the choices Josh made. Throughout it all Brianna remained loyal and supportive. How they remained in contact with each other throughout their years apart was sweet and it will continue to play a huge part in their lives especially with them finding their way back to one another.
Brianna is a strong woman who loves with all her heart. That never wavered one second. Not when they were kids or when her and Josh’s were apart. When Josh reappears Brianna has to question herself and her feelings. What does she want? Josh knows what he wants and that’s his best friend and the love of his life back. He was incredible in his pursuit to get Brianna back. He wooed, swooned and groveled and I loved every minute of it cause Brianna was definitely struggling. With his charms, delicious inked arms and her own emotions.
Of course there’s a twist and I actually enjoyed it cause it added more layers and growth to Josh and Brianna. It also solidified how strong they were together when facing obstacles in their lives. They are a unit and can overcome anything as long as they’ve each other.
Rewrite delivers flawlessly when it comes to romance and a little angst. Definitely a must read for readers who love friends to lovers stories cause Rewrite has it all. Beautiful and flawless prose and a strong and well developed story.
5 BadAssDirtyCupcakeStars
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
I enjoyed how involved they were in each other’s lives when they were kids. They truly were best friends and it hurt me how they slowly started to drift away from one another mainly because of the choices Josh made. Throughout it all Brianna remained loyal and supportive. How they remained in contact with each other throughout their years apart was sweet and it will continue to play a huge part in their lives especially with them finding their way back to one another.
Brianna is a strong woman who loves with all her heart. That never wavered one second. Not when they were kids or when her and Josh’s were apart. When Josh reappears Brianna has to question herself and her feelings. What does she want? Josh knows what he wants and that’s his best friend and the love of his life back. He was incredible in his pursuit to get Brianna back. He wooed, swooned and groveled and I loved every minute of it cause Brianna was definitely struggling. With his charms, delicious inked arms and her own emotions.
Of course there’s a twist and I actually enjoyed it cause it added more layers and growth to Josh and Brianna. It also solidified how strong they were together when facing obstacles in their lives. They are a unit and can overcome anything as long as they’ve each other.
Rewrite delivers flawlessly when it comes to romance and a little angst. Definitely a must read for readers who love friends to lovers stories cause Rewrite has it all. Beautiful and flawless prose and a strong and well developed story.
5 BadAssDirtyCupcakeStars
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
July 25, 2018
3,5 stars, really
The Prologue of this book begins in a very touching way:
They say when you meet the love of your life, it’s a day you’ll never forget. Your soul sings and your body hums, all because you “know.” That innate instinct telling you, you finally found your person. Maybe it’s a look of longing across a crowded bar. Or the gasped breath you take as you slide into your seat in class next to the man of your dreams. That thunderbolt could hit you anywhere, at any time. The lightning singes you to your core where you stand, and there’s no going back. The thunderbolt found me in Mrs. Ruiz’s kindergarten class.
I met the love of my life when I was five years old. Before I knew about romance, lust, and words to love songs that are supposed to describe that “feeling.” All I knew was that Josh Falco was my everything. Maybe I didn’t know what to call it at the time, but from the beginning, it was love.
Their story is both heartwarming and painful. Then, we get the glimpses of Brianna and Josh’s friendship from age 5 to 17, all sweet and emotional, up until the day when he leaves her to join a boot camp, which is unfortunately his only other choice rather than go to jail.
I am not a good reader of 2nd chance romance books. I don't believe you can leave a person if you love them that much as they later try to make the other party believe. So you can ask me why I (from time to time) read them. Well, I am a glutton for punishment, I guess, so please ignore my rant in between my comments about this book. The only thing that made me go on reading this book was how much it made me feel with its beautiful writing.
A boy meets a girl in kindergarten. She’s sweet and pretty and he wants to beat up anyone who makes her cry. And he does. She laughs and she gives him her lunch. They don’t know it yet, but they fall in love. For life.
...
The boy grows up, and he’s trouble. Scary trouble. But the girl doesn’t leave him. Even though she should. It’s because of her he’s not in jail or maybe even dead. One day, he has to leave her, and he hates it. He wants to tell her how much he loves her and to wait for him, but he can’t do that. The best thing he could do is tell her to forget him. But she doesn’t.
Why did Josh leave her?
Josh’s mother had left them when he was a little child and his father wasn’t a responsible one. So to be able pay the bills, Josh found himself doing illegal things for quick money at a very young age, when he was supposed to be concentrating on his school and lessons. When he was caught, he had no other option than leave but he also wanted Brianna, his Cupcake, to hate him and forget about him because he thought he didn't deserve her and by leaving her with no promise for future he thought he was doing something good for her.
Brianna couldn’t move on for a long while. And when she finally did, no one felt like Josh but she couldn’t have Josh.
Some time after he left, Josh started writing letters to her but he never let it go further from writing letters to each other. He even refused to talk on the phone.
10 years pass.
Josh is finally at peace with his life. He has been able to set up a new and good life for himself. Now, he has only one thing missing: the love of his life. And he decides to get her back. Only he is faced with the harsh reality that she belongs to someone else now.
Brianna is very happy to have Josh back in her life again as a friend but the more time she spends with him, the more she understands that all her feelings for him are rushing back.
For a few months, Brianna suffers from feeling guilty towards her boyfriend, as she has feelings for Josh. She doesn’t want to cheat on him so she resists the temptation but she cannot easily decide to leave him, feeling she would upset him.
If she stays with his boyfriend, she would be settling, which is no good for either of them, so eventually, one thing leads to another and she leaves him.
Then, after a little groveling, Josh gets his girl back. I really believed how much they loved each other, but I would have liked Brianna giving more hell to him before she took him back. A little more groveling wouldn’t hurt.
2 plot twists that I hated!
Anyways, seeing they are so very happy at %60 of the book and realizing there are at least 100 more pages to read, I expected a nasty plot twist. I went on reading it, feeling uneasy and waiting for it to happen. It could have been anything, an accident, an illness, an ex from his past or a child from an ex, anything that would ruin their happiness and cause trouble for the rest of the book.
While I was waiting for a nasty plot twist, there came not one, but two of them, both being my least favorite ones - the plot twists that I hate and always avoid if I know a book involves it...
Yeap, as you can imagine, I dropped the book right there and then!!!!
I really really hate it when the writer of a romance novel pulls this kind of a plot twist out of nowhere. I was so angry with the writer.
I normally dislike second chance romance as I have a hard time forgiving the one who leaves. While I was fighting with myself to be able to forgive Josh for leaving her for so long, I wasn’t strong enough for that plot twist at all.
So… that would be my review if only I didn’t pick up the book later, from where I left it.
This is rare that I go back to a book that I have dropped but I did want to go on because I loved the heroine, Brianna too much lo leave, and Josh was slowly winning me, too. I needed their happy end...
So, despite the fact that I hated the direction the book took now, I went on reading.
Unfortunately, one drama after another is thrown at their feet, until they get their kind of happily ever after.
The writing
The writing is good. We have a dual point of view. I think the beauty of its writing and the way it made me feel are two reasons why I went on reading it despite all my anger and resentment.
If that plot twist is not your trigger or something you also hate as much as I do, then the book could easily be a 5-star read for you. However, because I disliked how the story evolved, I can give it maximum 3.5, but not 4, unfortunately.
SPOILERS about the plot twists
Do not uncover the spoiler if you want to try this book because I will be telling you what the plot twists are in those spoilers…
So, proceed with caution!!!!!!!
WARNING:
This book is not for the safety gang as there are other people involved even when they are in love with each other.
Josh has casual hook ups with girls after he leaves Brianna for good and she has a boyfriend when he comes back 10 years later, changing his mind, feeling regretful and trying to win her back.
Well, despite the fact that it is hard to process all that the book involves, it is still written well, making you feel it. Here is the proof to it...
She was my girl long before she was anyone else’s. Too bad I never told her.
***
A decade ago, he asked me to forget him and told me to move on. It took years before I stopped going through the motions and gave it a try. Josh only existed on the written pages he sent me, and pining for someone who would never come back didn’t make sense—no matter how many years I spent alone because no one compared to the boy I lost.
***
“The guy you look at like you’re looking at that cupcake will be a lucky bastard.”
I fell back in to my chair, breathless and wanting to scream, "I’ve looked at you like that my whole life, idiot."
***
“You mean everything to me, Cupcake.” The cracking in his voice killed me. “You should be mine, but I fucked that up, too.”
***
I loved Josh again.
Who the hell was I kidding?
I loved him still.
I loved him always.
It was a permanent affliction I’d never been able to shake, no matter how I tried or who I was with.
***
This was how it always should have been. I wished I could REWRITE our story. I’d fix it so I’d never lose him in the first place, and we’d never hurt anyone on our way back to each other.
***
“You were everything to me. I watched you spiral out of control, and it broke my heart. But what gutted me, what destroyed me, was when you told me to forget you.”
“Cupcake—”
Brianna lifted her hand and shook her head. She wasn’t done.
“For almost a decade, letters were all I had from you. I saved each one like it was gold. Within those slips of paper over the years, you opened up and became my best friend again. The Josh I remembered. I was happy. But sad, too. Always sad because the boy I loved didn’t love me the same way. What choice did I have but to move on?” She shrugged.
“I never really wanted you to move on—”
“But you never said that, did you?” A humorless laugh fell from her lips. “I was supposed to read your mind? Now, you’re here. With your hand holding and Cupcake and blinding kisses and it’s my dream come true. But on your time, when you felt you were ready. It didn’t matter where I was in my life. You figured I’d drop everything for Josh Falco because I’m that pathetic and needy, right?” She crossed her arms over her chest as if she were erecting a barrier between us.
“No, Bri. Never. I just . . . never thought I deserved you.”
“That was my choice to make. And, as usual, you took my choices away.”
“Bri?” I tapped on the door as I inched it open. Brianna’s head jerked up from where it was laying in her hands. Her eyes were red and swollen and when her mouth fell open to speak, no words came out. I raced to the bed and sat beside her, crushing her into my chest and rocking her back and forth.
“I’m sorry, baby,” I pleaded into her hair. “So fucking sorry.”
“It’s just . . .” She swallowed as she lifted her gaze to mine. “I’ve been afraid of this.”
***
“Again? You’re going to make us wait again?” She yelled before stalking toward me and jamming her finger into my chest. “You make me wait any longer or tell me it’s for my own good, I swear to God I’ll punch you right in the junk, Falco!”
I laughed and pulled her toward me, giving her a soft kiss as she relaxed in my arms. “I love you, Brianna Marie. With all that I am and all that I have.”
***
“We’re okay?” I raised a tentative brow. She shut her eyes and nodded.
“We will be.”
The Prologue of this book begins in a very touching way:
They say when you meet the love of your life, it’s a day you’ll never forget. Your soul sings and your body hums, all because you “know.” That innate instinct telling you, you finally found your person. Maybe it’s a look of longing across a crowded bar. Or the gasped breath you take as you slide into your seat in class next to the man of your dreams. That thunderbolt could hit you anywhere, at any time. The lightning singes you to your core where you stand, and there’s no going back. The thunderbolt found me in Mrs. Ruiz’s kindergarten class.
I met the love of my life when I was five years old. Before I knew about romance, lust, and words to love songs that are supposed to describe that “feeling.” All I knew was that Josh Falco was my everything. Maybe I didn’t know what to call it at the time, but from the beginning, it was love.
Their story is both heartwarming and painful. Then, we get the glimpses of Brianna and Josh’s friendship from age 5 to 17, all sweet and emotional, up until the day when he leaves her to join a boot camp, which is unfortunately his only other choice rather than go to jail.
I am not a good reader of 2nd chance romance books. I don't believe you can leave a person if you love them that much as they later try to make the other party believe. So you can ask me why I (from time to time) read them. Well, I am a glutton for punishment, I guess, so please ignore my rant in between my comments about this book. The only thing that made me go on reading this book was how much it made me feel with its beautiful writing.
A boy meets a girl in kindergarten. She’s sweet and pretty and he wants to beat up anyone who makes her cry. And he does. She laughs and she gives him her lunch. They don’t know it yet, but they fall in love. For life.
...
The boy grows up, and he’s trouble. Scary trouble. But the girl doesn’t leave him. Even though she should. It’s because of her he’s not in jail or maybe even dead. One day, he has to leave her, and he hates it. He wants to tell her how much he loves her and to wait for him, but he can’t do that. The best thing he could do is tell her to forget him. But she doesn’t.
Why did Josh leave her?
Josh’s mother had left them when he was a little child and his father wasn’t a responsible one. So to be able pay the bills, Josh found himself doing illegal things for quick money at a very young age, when he was supposed to be concentrating on his school and lessons. When he was caught, he had no other option than leave but he also wanted Brianna, his Cupcake, to hate him and forget about him because he thought he didn't deserve her and by leaving her with no promise for future he thought he was doing something good for her.
Brianna couldn’t move on for a long while. And when she finally did, no one felt like Josh but she couldn’t have Josh.
Some time after he left, Josh started writing letters to her but he never let it go further from writing letters to each other. He even refused to talk on the phone.
10 years pass.
Josh is finally at peace with his life. He has been able to set up a new and good life for himself. Now, he has only one thing missing: the love of his life. And he decides to get her back. Only he is faced with the harsh reality that she belongs to someone else now.
Brianna is very happy to have Josh back in her life again as a friend but the more time she spends with him, the more she understands that all her feelings for him are rushing back.
For a few months, Brianna suffers from feeling guilty towards her boyfriend, as she has feelings for Josh. She doesn’t want to cheat on him so she resists the temptation but she cannot easily decide to leave him, feeling she would upset him.
If she stays with his boyfriend, she would be settling, which is no good for either of them, so eventually, one thing leads to another and she leaves him.
Then, after a little groveling, Josh gets his girl back. I really believed how much they loved each other, but I would have liked Brianna giving more hell to him before she took him back. A little more groveling wouldn’t hurt.
2 plot twists that I hated!
Anyways, seeing they are so very happy at %60 of the book and realizing there are at least 100 more pages to read, I expected a nasty plot twist. I went on reading it, feeling uneasy and waiting for it to happen. It could have been anything, an accident, an illness, an ex from his past or a child from an ex, anything that would ruin their happiness and cause trouble for the rest of the book.
While I was waiting for a nasty plot twist, there came not one, but two of them, both being my least favorite ones - the plot twists that I hate and always avoid if I know a book involves it...
Yeap, as you can imagine, I dropped the book right there and then!!!!
I really really hate it when the writer of a romance novel pulls this kind of a plot twist out of nowhere. I was so angry with the writer.
I normally dislike second chance romance as I have a hard time forgiving the one who leaves. While I was fighting with myself to be able to forgive Josh for leaving her for so long, I wasn’t strong enough for that plot twist at all.
So… that would be my review if only I didn’t pick up the book later, from where I left it.
This is rare that I go back to a book that I have dropped but I did want to go on because I loved the heroine, Brianna too much lo leave, and Josh was slowly winning me, too. I needed their happy end...
So, despite the fact that I hated the direction the book took now, I went on reading.
Unfortunately, one drama after another is thrown at their feet, until they get their kind of happily ever after.
The writing
The writing is good. We have a dual point of view. I think the beauty of its writing and the way it made me feel are two reasons why I went on reading it despite all my anger and resentment.
If that plot twist is not your trigger or something you also hate as much as I do, then the book could easily be a 5-star read for you. However, because I disliked how the story evolved, I can give it maximum 3.5, but not 4, unfortunately.
SPOILERS about the plot twists
Do not uncover the spoiler if you want to try this book because I will be telling you what the plot twists are in those spoilers…
So, proceed with caution!!!!!!!
WARNING:
This book is not for the safety gang as there are other people involved even when they are in love with each other.
Josh has casual hook ups with girls after he leaves Brianna for good and she has a boyfriend when he comes back 10 years later, changing his mind, feeling regretful and trying to win her back.
Well, despite the fact that it is hard to process all that the book involves, it is still written well, making you feel it. Here is the proof to it...
She was my girl long before she was anyone else’s. Too bad I never told her.
***
A decade ago, he asked me to forget him and told me to move on. It took years before I stopped going through the motions and gave it a try. Josh only existed on the written pages he sent me, and pining for someone who would never come back didn’t make sense—no matter how many years I spent alone because no one compared to the boy I lost.
***
“The guy you look at like you’re looking at that cupcake will be a lucky bastard.”
I fell back in to my chair, breathless and wanting to scream, "I’ve looked at you like that my whole life, idiot."
***
“You mean everything to me, Cupcake.” The cracking in his voice killed me. “You should be mine, but I fucked that up, too.”
***
I loved Josh again.
Who the hell was I kidding?
I loved him still.
I loved him always.
It was a permanent affliction I’d never been able to shake, no matter how I tried or who I was with.
***
This was how it always should have been. I wished I could REWRITE our story. I’d fix it so I’d never lose him in the first place, and we’d never hurt anyone on our way back to each other.
***
“You were everything to me. I watched you spiral out of control, and it broke my heart. But what gutted me, what destroyed me, was when you told me to forget you.”
“Cupcake—”
Brianna lifted her hand and shook her head. She wasn’t done.
“For almost a decade, letters were all I had from you. I saved each one like it was gold. Within those slips of paper over the years, you opened up and became my best friend again. The Josh I remembered. I was happy. But sad, too. Always sad because the boy I loved didn’t love me the same way. What choice did I have but to move on?” She shrugged.
“I never really wanted you to move on—”
“But you never said that, did you?” A humorless laugh fell from her lips. “I was supposed to read your mind? Now, you’re here. With your hand holding and Cupcake and blinding kisses and it’s my dream come true. But on your time, when you felt you were ready. It didn’t matter where I was in my life. You figured I’d drop everything for Josh Falco because I’m that pathetic and needy, right?” She crossed her arms over her chest as if she were erecting a barrier between us.
“No, Bri. Never. I just . . . never thought I deserved you.”
“That was my choice to make. And, as usual, you took my choices away.”
“Bri?” I tapped on the door as I inched it open. Brianna’s head jerked up from where it was laying in her hands. Her eyes were red and swollen and when her mouth fell open to speak, no words came out. I raced to the bed and sat beside her, crushing her into my chest and rocking her back and forth.
“I’m sorry, baby,” I pleaded into her hair. “So fucking sorry.”
“It’s just . . .” She swallowed as she lifted her gaze to mine. “I’ve been afraid of this.”
***
“Again? You’re going to make us wait again?” She yelled before stalking toward me and jamming her finger into my chest. “You make me wait any longer or tell me it’s for my own good, I swear to God I’ll punch you right in the junk, Falco!”
I laughed and pulled her toward me, giving her a soft kiss as she relaxed in my arms. “I love you, Brianna Marie. With all that I am and all that I have.”
***
“We’re okay?” I raised a tentative brow. She shut her eyes and nodded.
“We will be.”
October 27, 2017
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
5 "You, it's been you, always you" Stars!!!
Oh my word. Oh, the feelings are rushing out of me. This friends to lovers romance was done oh-so-right. It was a story filled with sweet moments. But, it also sucker punched you with the emotions. It was so endearing and heartfelt.
Josh and Brianna have been friends since kindergarten. And even at that young age without knowing exactly what love is, Bri felt it for the green-eyed little boy. There's no denying the immense connection between Josh and Bri. As they grow up feelings are developed, but never expressed. Josh's life has been a hardship and it starts falling apart. And in his mind Bri will be better off without him in her life so, he does the only thing he can do, he leaves. Though, without each other in their lives it doesn't diminish the fact that their still connected to one another.
"I loved him from the deepest part of my soul, but in silence."
After 10 years, Josh returns. He's back, but nothing is the same. So much time has passed, but at the same time when they see each other, it's as if it hasn't. The reconnecting of Bri and Josh was beautiful to read. I felt their chemistry. I felt their sadness and sorrow. I felt their happiness. They were always meant to be. But, with that said could it be enough, or would all those years apart take a toll on them?
"I wished I could rewrite our story. I’d fix it so I’d never lose him in the first place, and we’d never hurt anyone on our way back to each other."
My heart is so full. My love for Josh knows no bounds. He is the perfect book boyfriend. The love and devotion he has is beyond. I loved how caring he was. I loved that above anything he was there for Bri. He was the ultimate. And Bri, oh gosh how I adored Bri. I admired her selflessness and strength. Josh and Bri were two souls that were always meant to be. If two people were made for each other, it was Josh and Bri.
"There was never a single second I didn’t belong to you. All I ever wanted was you."
Stephanie, this was an absolute gem. I loved Josh and Bri's story. It was beautiful, inspiring, and consuming. Thank you for writing it and giving us Josh and Bri.
5 "You, it's been you, always you" Stars!!!
Oh my word. Oh, the feelings are rushing out of me. This friends to lovers romance was done oh-so-right. It was a story filled with sweet moments. But, it also sucker punched you with the emotions. It was so endearing and heartfelt.
Josh and Brianna have been friends since kindergarten. And even at that young age without knowing exactly what love is, Bri felt it for the green-eyed little boy. There's no denying the immense connection between Josh and Bri. As they grow up feelings are developed, but never expressed. Josh's life has been a hardship and it starts falling apart. And in his mind Bri will be better off without him in her life so, he does the only thing he can do, he leaves. Though, without each other in their lives it doesn't diminish the fact that their still connected to one another.
"I loved him from the deepest part of my soul, but in silence."
After 10 years, Josh returns. He's back, but nothing is the same. So much time has passed, but at the same time when they see each other, it's as if it hasn't. The reconnecting of Bri and Josh was beautiful to read. I felt their chemistry. I felt their sadness and sorrow. I felt their happiness. They were always meant to be. But, with that said could it be enough, or would all those years apart take a toll on them?
"I wished I could rewrite our story. I’d fix it so I’d never lose him in the first place, and we’d never hurt anyone on our way back to each other."
My heart is so full. My love for Josh knows no bounds. He is the perfect book boyfriend. The love and devotion he has is beyond. I loved how caring he was. I loved that above anything he was there for Bri. He was the ultimate. And Bri, oh gosh how I adored Bri. I admired her selflessness and strength. Josh and Bri were two souls that were always meant to be. If two people were made for each other, it was Josh and Bri.
"There was never a single second I didn’t belong to you. All I ever wanted was you."
Stephanie, this was an absolute gem. I loved Josh and Bri's story. It was beautiful, inspiring, and consuming. Thank you for writing it and giving us Josh and Bri.
January 19, 2022
As long as I had Josh, I didn’t need anyone else. I fell in love with Josh the minute he punched someone solely for making me cry; I just didn’t know it until I was much older.
Right before I lost him.
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October 29, 2017
Stephanie Rose never ceases to amaze me with her portrayal of real people. The drama and angst isn't lacking but it feels soooo organic and natural. Like you're hanging out with friends and living alongside their struggles. Josh and Bri felt like friends I wanted to be with and help find their happiness.
I'm typically not a huge fan of books that start with then main characters are children. IDK, I just don't seem to connect as quickly and the fickle nature of children make it hard for me to believe long-lasting anything can exist unless the kids are living rightnext to each other for years and years. In this situation, it worked, mostly because Stephanie's prose is so fluid and effortless.
There were some ups and downs on the road to the HEA, of course, but I didn't find anything so outlandish it made me suspend disbelief. I'm a firm believer in the idea that simply because I might have reacted differently to a situation, doesn't mean that I can't get on board with how the characters react. So long as it's believable, I love the idea of exploring life through fiction and no two people, in life or otherwise, are going to react to something the same way. I love that about stories, and I loved how these situations unfolded.
Stephanie Rose gets stronger every book she writes, but she's already a go-to author if you want the kind of book that makes you feel warm and good, and believe in true love.
I'm typically not a huge fan of books that start with then main characters are children. IDK, I just don't seem to connect as quickly and the fickle nature of children make it hard for me to believe long-lasting anything can exist unless the kids are living rightnext to each other for years and years. In this situation, it worked, mostly because Stephanie's prose is so fluid and effortless.
There were some ups and downs on the road to the HEA, of course, but I didn't find anything so outlandish it made me suspend disbelief. I'm a firm believer in the idea that simply because I might have reacted differently to a situation, doesn't mean that I can't get on board with how the characters react. So long as it's believable, I love the idea of exploring life through fiction and no two people, in life or otherwise, are going to react to something the same way. I love that about stories, and I loved how these situations unfolded.
Stephanie Rose gets stronger every book she writes, but she's already a go-to author if you want the kind of book that makes you feel warm and good, and believe in true love.
April 25, 2018
Re-Read 4/2018
I listened to the audiobook for this re-read and loved Tristan Wright and Devra Woodward's performances! Both Devra and Tristan gave such amazing performances! Some of the scenes were so emotional and heartbreaking, but the narration really took it to the next level. Every feeling - joy, anger, frustration, elation, etc - was so much more profound. This is my first time listening to Tristan Wright, but I was really impressed by his heartfelt and charismatic narration. My heart nearly exploded hearing him say "cupcake" for the first time! I've listened to Devra Woodward one time previously and have loved her both times. Her voice actually reminds me a lot of Julia Roberts! Both narrators did fantastic with male and female voices as well. Even if you've read the book, you need to experience the audiobook!
*****
Stephanie Rose is the Queen of second chance romances! No one can pull you in with such endearing characters and then gut punch you right when you get comfortable the way that Stephanie can. Every one of her books is heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully honest. Rewrite is no exception.
This childhood friends to lovers story hooked me from the start and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened next. The connection between Josh and Brianna is undeniable and you will mourn right along side them for the well intentioned, but heartbreaking decisions that kept them apart.
The heavier moments are balanced perfectly with plenty of swoon and steam, as well as fantastic secondary characters like Josh and Bri's other best friend, Reid. He brought some much needed levity to the more emotional scenes and was the best friend we all hope for, providing clarity and support in the most critical of times. There are some twists that I didn't see coming that really almost tore my heart out, but it's in these moments that we see our characters really shine. You definitely don't want to miss this incredible story of first loves and second chances!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
I listened to the audiobook for this re-read and loved Tristan Wright and Devra Woodward's performances! Both Devra and Tristan gave such amazing performances! Some of the scenes were so emotional and heartbreaking, but the narration really took it to the next level. Every feeling - joy, anger, frustration, elation, etc - was so much more profound. This is my first time listening to Tristan Wright, but I was really impressed by his heartfelt and charismatic narration. My heart nearly exploded hearing him say "cupcake" for the first time! I've listened to Devra Woodward one time previously and have loved her both times. Her voice actually reminds me a lot of Julia Roberts! Both narrators did fantastic with male and female voices as well. Even if you've read the book, you need to experience the audiobook!
*****
Stephanie Rose is the Queen of second chance romances! No one can pull you in with such endearing characters and then gut punch you right when you get comfortable the way that Stephanie can. Every one of her books is heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully honest. Rewrite is no exception.
This childhood friends to lovers story hooked me from the start and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened next. The connection between Josh and Brianna is undeniable and you will mourn right along side them for the well intentioned, but heartbreaking decisions that kept them apart.
I loved him from the deepest part of my soul, but in silence.Told in dual point of view, in both the past and present, readers are slowly able to piece together Josh and Brianna's painful history. There will be times that you laugh at their easy going and playful banter, but also times when your heart will ache for all the missed moments and what ifs. The longing and yearning is palpable and you won't be able to stop yourself from rooting for these two to find their way back to each other.
I loved you then. I love you now.
I loved you all the years in between.
The heavier moments are balanced perfectly with plenty of swoon and steam, as well as fantastic secondary characters like Josh and Bri's other best friend, Reid. He brought some much needed levity to the more emotional scenes and was the best friend we all hope for, providing clarity and support in the most critical of times. There are some twists that I didn't see coming that really almost tore my heart out, but it's in these moments that we see our characters really shine. You definitely don't want to miss this incredible story of first loves and second chances!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
Want to read
October 2, 2017This one sounds amazing ❤
October 24, 2017
As always, Stephanie Rose delivers all the feels with Rewrite. Josh and Brianna's sweet and steamy best friends to lovers story is jam packed with many swoony moments as well as some "are you freaking kidding me?" kindle tossing instances. With that said, this was a very enjoyable journey, full of surprises, and these relatable, charming characters are not to be missed.
Josh and Brianna's unwavering love for each other spans decades, and even though their story is "over" I can imagine these two have (and deserve) that "until we're old and gray" kind of love.
Josh and Brianna's unwavering love for each other spans decades, and even though their story is "over" I can imagine these two have (and deserve) that "until we're old and gray" kind of love.
September 11, 2017
Couldn't put it down! Just wonderful! Full review to come.. but Josh and Bri FOREVER!!
October 20, 2017
4 Cupcake stars..
Oh how I love second chance romances.. every time you feel their devotion to each other, hurt, pain but ultimately their LOVE!!
And this is no different...
Josh and Brianna met each other from an early age, but because Josh’s upbringing wasn’t an easy road to be on he felt he wasn’t a good guy, and mostly wasn’t deserving of sweet Brianna so he left. But he left a very upset Brianna whom loved him know matter what... years later we now fine Josh coming back a MAN and taking what he wanted in the first place....
What I loved
I’m not going to divulge too much more into the plot. But say that this was one hell of a gorgeous love story about taking another chance and giving in.. It is also very much about connections, and family and friendships but MOSTLY about HEALING.. and it was such an easy and enjoyable read that didn’t take me long once I started I just couldn’t stop and thought about them both when I wasn’t resting, they’re the best reads right?!!
Plus their chemistry was just so raw and beautiful.. it didn’t take too much thinking to understand them..
Anyhoo I’m going to leave it there, and let you enjoy it yourselves. But if you enjoy second chance romances then this is sure to tick all those boxes for you..
That is all..
Enjoy Xoxo
ARC generously gifted in exchange for a honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
Oh how I love second chance romances.. every time you feel their devotion to each other, hurt, pain but ultimately their LOVE!!
And this is no different...
Josh and Brianna met each other from an early age, but because Josh’s upbringing wasn’t an easy road to be on he felt he wasn’t a good guy, and mostly wasn’t deserving of sweet Brianna so he left. But he left a very upset Brianna whom loved him know matter what... years later we now fine Josh coming back a MAN and taking what he wanted in the first place....
What I loved
I’m not going to divulge too much more into the plot. But say that this was one hell of a gorgeous love story about taking another chance and giving in.. It is also very much about connections, and family and friendships but MOSTLY about HEALING.. and it was such an easy and enjoyable read that didn’t take me long once I started I just couldn’t stop and thought about them both when I wasn’t resting, they’re the best reads right?!!
Plus their chemistry was just so raw and beautiful.. it didn’t take too much thinking to understand them..
Anyhoo I’m going to leave it there, and let you enjoy it yourselves. But if you enjoy second chance romances then this is sure to tick all those boxes for you..
That is all..
Enjoy Xoxo
ARC generously gifted in exchange for a honest review
For more reviews and blog posts
Shelved as 'no-way-jose'
July 26, 2018Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler SPOIIIILLLEERRR
I despise when the plot twist is about a child that shows up out of thin air from a hookup times ago. This is LAZY WRITING. And to make it worse it seems heroine can’t get pregnant. How nice right?! Let’s be content with some other woman child with your husband. You can’t have one... so, let’s settle. NOPE
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I despise when the plot twist is about a child that shows up out of thin air from a hookup times ago. This is LAZY WRITING. And to make it worse it seems heroine can’t get pregnant. How nice right?! Let’s be content with some other woman child with your husband. You can’t have one... so, let’s settle. NOPE
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2017
Rewrite gripped me from the start and never let me go. My heart was all twisted up while rooting for these two, I couldn't put it down until I was done! What a beautiful and somewhat unsuspecting story for Josh and Bri, childhood friends who always wanted to be something more to each other. Ugh, I simply love when childhood friends reunite as adults, and OMG THE FEELS with these two. The misunderstandings, the second chances, and that unexpected twist that makes you stop and go "whhhhhaaaat, noooooo, okkkkaayyyy finnnnee, but what about....?" you get my drift.
"Second chances and opportunities aren't meant to be squandered just because they aren't easy." YAAAASSSSS.
Thank you, Stephanie Rose for this BEAUTIFUL and heartwarming second chance story I will never forget.
"Second chances and opportunities aren't meant to be squandered just because they aren't easy." YAAAASSSSS.
Thank you, Stephanie Rose for this BEAUTIFUL and heartwarming second chance story I will never forget.
October 27, 2017
I liked their history together and I just loved how sweet he was when he got his life together and came back.
October 19, 2017
Arc➡review ➡release day➡❤
Sweet, tender, perfect
This friendship story is more than perfect, is real, is evident, is unbreakable, untouchable and unconditional...
They always said friendship is impossible between a woman and a man....well 99% that's right, but that 1%, yes that small part could make the difference....and then, there are friendships and friendships, each one is unique and can't be compared to another one.
What Josh and Brianna have is more than an ordinary friendship, it's way to far, it's an deep an unbreakable bond, they understand each other without words, they perfectly know what the other think or feel, it's a telepathic communication, that makes their friendship stronger and stronger. It will let you speechless, really cause it is so real, it will be impossible to miss it! Usually when I write a review I find myself saying so often how much I loved the characters or the story, or how beautiful they are together....well in this case I fell in love with their friendship!!!! I really wish to have such a great and intense bond with some guy out there!!!
Let's just spend a few words about the other side of this AMAZING FRIENDSHIP! Yes, that's right! It's called LOVE!!! Love for them it always been there, owning a huge part of their hearts! Because from the first moment they met, in kindergarten they destined to be together, as BF and as lovers! They belong together! Neither time, distance, people, can put them apart!! And I LOVED THAT!!!!
Sweet, tender, perfect
This friendship story is more than perfect, is real, is evident, is unbreakable, untouchable and unconditional...
They always said friendship is impossible between a woman and a man....well 99% that's right, but that 1%, yes that small part could make the difference....and then, there are friendships and friendships, each one is unique and can't be compared to another one.
What Josh and Brianna have is more than an ordinary friendship, it's way to far, it's an deep an unbreakable bond, they understand each other without words, they perfectly know what the other think or feel, it's a telepathic communication, that makes their friendship stronger and stronger. It will let you speechless, really cause it is so real, it will be impossible to miss it! Usually when I write a review I find myself saying so often how much I loved the characters or the story, or how beautiful they are together....well in this case I fell in love with their friendship!!!! I really wish to have such a great and intense bond with some guy out there!!!
Let's just spend a few words about the other side of this AMAZING FRIENDSHIP! Yes, that's right! It's called LOVE!!! Love for them it always been there, owning a huge part of their hearts! Because from the first moment they met, in kindergarten they destined to be together, as BF and as lovers! They belong together! Neither time, distance, people, can put them apart!! And I LOVED THAT!!!!
September 29, 2017
Stephanie Rose has done it again! I loved it from beginning to end. There were so many plot twists that I was flipping the pages like they were on fire. Just when I thought it was smooth sailing for this couple, Stephanie threw something in their way that was so unexpected that I threw the book down but then picked it up again because I needed to know what was going to happen. I just needed to know.
Swoony Josh and head strong Brianna were meant for each other. There's no denying the attraction that they have for each other and their destiny to be together. Second chance romances are my absolute favorite tropes to read.
Bravo Stephanie! This is your best one yet <3 <3 <3
Swoony Josh and head strong Brianna were meant for each other. There's no denying the attraction that they have for each other and their destiny to be together. Second chance romances are my absolute favorite tropes to read.
Bravo Stephanie! This is your best one yet <3 <3 <3
December 8, 2020
First of all I want to thank Coco who always helping me financially by reminding me every of my to be read list on Freebie
It’s a 3.5 ⭐️ reaching to 4 ⭐️ read for me
Nonetheless I know the challenge to make from friends to lovers plot book is quite tough
This book have many bittersweet moment what I don’t like most is the way h dragging her present boyfriend for much too long , whether he is an selfish person or lack of attention he doesn’t deserves your disloyalty not that she kisses the H passionately while still on relationship with him but girl stop comparing him and the man your desire that’s a big no no
I’m giving author credit by not making exhausting drama while OW appears to have daughter of H
I think her reaction towards h & H are quit tolerable reminding she is the one who raised the girl alone for 8 years
Anyway , this book worth to read I just hope for a better epilogue, here is a hopeless romantic reader which demanding HEA to top notch
It’s a 3.5 ⭐️ reaching to 4 ⭐️ read for me
Nonetheless I know the challenge to make from friends to lovers plot book is quite tough
This book have many bittersweet moment what I don’t like most is the way h dragging her present boyfriend for much too long , whether he is an selfish person or lack of attention he doesn’t deserves your disloyalty not that she kisses the H passionately while still on relationship with him but girl stop comparing him and the man your desire that’s a big no no
I’m giving author credit by not making exhausting drama while OW appears to have daughter of H
I think her reaction towards h & H are quit tolerable reminding she is the one who raised the girl alone for 8 years
Anyway , this book worth to read I just hope for a better epilogue, here is a hopeless romantic reader which demanding HEA to top notch
October 3, 2017
This second chance romance nails all the emotions only a true love story can make you feel. I devoured this story and these two destined characters. Through the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, no amount of time can truly tear apart what was already rewritten.
Loved this one.
This story is so much more than a second chance love story, it’s a story about what the meaning of true, heart felt love means.
This author knocked it out if the park with this lovely story.
Loved this one.
This story is so much more than a second chance love story, it’s a story about what the meaning of true, heart felt love means.
This author knocked it out if the park with this lovely story.
October 19, 2017
This book man this book... what can I say? It hit me right in the feels... josh and cupcake are just perfect for each other.. friends since they were little and their feelings grew up as they did.. circumstances kept them apart for 10 years, but when life gives you a second chance to rewrite your story.. do you take or do you let destiny rewrite it for you? Be prepared to swoon, laugh and cry within this pages... this author is known for giving you the feels and I think this is her best book out of all her books
October 18, 2017
Our love was primal and raw, the kind of stuff people wrote about.
Oh, my heart! It’s gone and fallen completely and utterly in love with Josh. And Brianna. And, actually, the entirety Rewrite by Stephanie Rose.
You guys, I did that thing where I said I’d read just a few chapters, and the next thing I knew it was 1am and my whole self was a satisfied happy mess. I was tired but smiling, sleepy but content. I was feeling good, because that’s what this book is—a feel good romance with deep emotion and unashamed love.
I love, love, LOVE second chance romances and this is one I will not be forgetting anytime soon. Ms. Rose hit on all points—including a believable story arc, where this couple meet at age five and are inseparable until . . . they’re not. Josh and Bri just have that feeling of destiny, and through it all, though I knew they’d find their way back to each other (because they simply had to; there was no other way about it), I ached and shook and wanted to cry as they overcame life’s obstacles.
But there again, I also laughed along with them, smiled in joy for them, rolled my eyes at them.
And it was perfect. Rewrite was one of those books that ran the gamut from high to low and, I confess, I was super worried about it being too angsty for my poor, weak heart.
Nope. Wrong.
It was, in fact, just the right levels of all the things because this book? IT. IS. ALL. THE. THINGS. All of them—which is, no doubt, the reason my heart went and fell in love with a troubled bad boy and the girl that’s loved him forever. *Sigh*
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Waiting long?”
“Just my whole life.”
~ FIVE Cupcake STARS ~
Oh, my heart! It’s gone and fallen completely and utterly in love with Josh. And Brianna. And, actually, the entirety Rewrite by Stephanie Rose.
You guys, I did that thing where I said I’d read just a few chapters, and the next thing I knew it was 1am and my whole self was a satisfied happy mess. I was tired but smiling, sleepy but content. I was feeling good, because that’s what this book is—a feel good romance with deep emotion and unashamed love.
I love, love, LOVE second chance romances and this is one I will not be forgetting anytime soon. Ms. Rose hit on all points—including a believable story arc, where this couple meet at age five and are inseparable until . . . they’re not. Josh and Bri just have that feeling of destiny, and through it all, though I knew they’d find their way back to each other (because they simply had to; there was no other way about it), I ached and shook and wanted to cry as they overcame life’s obstacles.
But there again, I also laughed along with them, smiled in joy for them, rolled my eyes at them.
And it was perfect. Rewrite was one of those books that ran the gamut from high to low and, I confess, I was super worried about it being too angsty for my poor, weak heart.
Nope. Wrong.
It was, in fact, just the right levels of all the things because this book? IT. IS. ALL. THE. THINGS. All of them—which is, no doubt, the reason my heart went and fell in love with a troubled bad boy and the girl that’s loved him forever. *Sigh*
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Waiting long?”
“Just my whole life.”
~ FIVE Cupcake STARS ~
October 1, 2017
Get ready for Josh and Brianna to steal your heart!!! The only thing I love more than a childhood romance is a second chance romance, and Rewrite is the perfect combination of both. <3 Stephanie weaved a beautiful story of first love, crushing heartbreak, and the sweetest, sweetest redemption. I’m such a fan of Stephanie Rose, and she blows me away with each book—Rewrite is no different. Definitely must read. Five soul-squeezing stars!!
October 20, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll be honest. My favorite genre is romance. So I can easily say that I’ve read them all. Every trope. Circumstance. Twist. But when it comes to Stephanie Rose’s writing, there’s always something fresh about it. THIS. BOOK. Her writing is remarkably romantic. Her characters embed themselves in the heart of the reader. Every declaration of love left me with chills. Overwhelming. Exhilarating. Rewrite was the love letter one writes in never forgetting about their first love.
"I met the love of my life when I was five years old."
Josh and Brianna have been friends since they can both remember. They’ve always had this intense connection. Neither one acted upon it for fear of ruining what they have. Despite Josh’s leave over the years they remain closer than ever. Josh left to be come a better man. And when he returns, Brianna is in the arms of another. There’s something different this time. Worthy or not, Josh isn’t willing to give up. This wasn’t the end of them. There’s more to their story. And he’s determined to change their ending.
"I loved him from the deepest part of my soul, but in silence."
This is so much more than a second chance romance. It echoes the beauty in finding the one the heart loves the most. Without going into detail, this is no love triangle. Josh and Brianna never tell you about their love. They allow you to feel it through their words and actions. These two have the kind of love that will have set your literary heart a flutter. Their love is infinite. Unwavering. Their love persevered. Through each obstacle, twist and turn their love remained absolute. Their story consumed me. Palpable. Unequivocal. This story is love in it’s most honest form.
"There was never a single second I didn’t belong to you. All I ever wanted was you."
Exquisitely written, Rewrite is a manifestation of one of the greatest love stories ever told. My heart is racing just thinking back at just how this story moved me. The emotional journey of their love story is one I will never forget. Flawless in it’s delivery, the story is skillfully written by an author with immense talent in romance writing. This is demonstrated in not only the crafting of the storyline, but in the development of her characters. You can’t help but root for Josh and Brianna from the beginning because the author simply places you in the depths of every emotion displayed. To put it simply, the author’s incomparable talent of producing such intimate and relevant storylines remains the reason why she will forever be on my must read now shelf. If anyone were to ask me the book that left me breathless this year? I’d recommend this one. Unreservedly.
I’ll be honest. My favorite genre is romance. So I can easily say that I’ve read them all. Every trope. Circumstance. Twist. But when it comes to Stephanie Rose’s writing, there’s always something fresh about it. THIS. BOOK. Her writing is remarkably romantic. Her characters embed themselves in the heart of the reader. Every declaration of love left me with chills. Overwhelming. Exhilarating. Rewrite was the love letter one writes in never forgetting about their first love.
"I met the love of my life when I was five years old."
Josh and Brianna have been friends since they can both remember. They’ve always had this intense connection. Neither one acted upon it for fear of ruining what they have. Despite Josh’s leave over the years they remain closer than ever. Josh left to be come a better man. And when he returns, Brianna is in the arms of another. There’s something different this time. Worthy or not, Josh isn’t willing to give up. This wasn’t the end of them. There’s more to their story. And he’s determined to change their ending.
"I loved him from the deepest part of my soul, but in silence."
This is so much more than a second chance romance. It echoes the beauty in finding the one the heart loves the most. Without going into detail, this is no love triangle. Josh and Brianna never tell you about their love. They allow you to feel it through their words and actions. These two have the kind of love that will have set your literary heart a flutter. Their love is infinite. Unwavering. Their love persevered. Through each obstacle, twist and turn their love remained absolute. Their story consumed me. Palpable. Unequivocal. This story is love in it’s most honest form.
"There was never a single second I didn’t belong to you. All I ever wanted was you."
Exquisitely written, Rewrite is a manifestation of one of the greatest love stories ever told. My heart is racing just thinking back at just how this story moved me. The emotional journey of their love story is one I will never forget. Flawless in it’s delivery, the story is skillfully written by an author with immense talent in romance writing. This is demonstrated in not only the crafting of the storyline, but in the development of her characters. You can’t help but root for Josh and Brianna from the beginning because the author simply places you in the depths of every emotion displayed. To put it simply, the author’s incomparable talent of producing such intimate and relevant storylines remains the reason why she will forever be on my must read now shelf. If anyone were to ask me the book that left me breathless this year? I’d recommend this one. Unreservedly.
October 19, 2017
Rewrite is my first Stephanie Rose book and I adored it! I don't know why I waited so long to read this lady. (Egh Bloggers problems!) Now that I have, I plan on reading more of her books. I loved her easy, breezy writing style. Rewrite has an effortless flow that kept me turning the pages. Stephanie's dialogue between characters is spot on. She writes how people speak, which made the story and characters perfectly relatable. This book is drenched in sweetness. Who doesn't love, best friends, who turn into first loves then eventually need a second chance??!!! omg all of my favorite troupes in one! Josh & Brianna had me hooked from the beginning. The love between the two was incomparable and endless.
Josh was just a kid when he had to become the parent and bread winner in his household. A mother who left him and a father disabled. It all fell on him. All the while Josh & his best friend Brianna were falling in love... Brianna was afraid to tell Josh and Josh never felt good enough for her. Leaving many things unsaid between them. Things went horribly wrong for Josh and he found himself in major trouble. His only way out was enlisting in the army. Ultimately having to leave Brianna behind. In return leaving them both broken hearted ...
Years later Josh is back to get his girl. Is it too late? Did he wait too long? Does true love ever die? All these questions were swirling.
I fell so in love with Josh. Every girl deserves a guy as wonderful as he is! As for my girl Brianna, I have a girl crush. She's real, loyal and down to earth! Someone you would treasure as a friend. Her and Josh's journey was beautiful to witness, even if it wasn't always easy. Their story will renew your faith in soulmates and true love. It had me smiling and giddy. If you are looking for a feel good story. Rewrite is for you ;)
Josh was just a kid when he had to become the parent and bread winner in his household. A mother who left him and a father disabled. It all fell on him. All the while Josh & his best friend Brianna were falling in love... Brianna was afraid to tell Josh and Josh never felt good enough for her. Leaving many things unsaid between them. Things went horribly wrong for Josh and he found himself in major trouble. His only way out was enlisting in the army. Ultimately having to leave Brianna behind. In return leaving them both broken hearted ...
Years later Josh is back to get his girl. Is it too late? Did he wait too long? Does true love ever die? All these questions were swirling.
I fell so in love with Josh. Every girl deserves a guy as wonderful as he is! As for my girl Brianna, I have a girl crush. She's real, loyal and down to earth! Someone you would treasure as a friend. Her and Josh's journey was beautiful to witness, even if it wasn't always easy. Their story will renew your faith in soulmates and true love. It had me smiling and giddy. If you are looking for a feel good story. Rewrite is for you ;)
July 30, 2023
All the feels!! I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time!
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