Review of Now and Then

Synopsis

Now Emmaline Carson has settled into her career as a graphic designer, though she’d rather be painting or shopping with her sister Layla. But then – in the years before she went to art school in Paris – she was a shy, awkward teenager with frizzy hair, a flat chest and a massive crush on the boy across the street, Cole Marlowe. Too bad her incredibly hot neighbor only had eyes for Layla.

Cole is now a confident, laid-back attorney who’s even hotter than he used to be. He’s planning to stay single while working his way up the corporate ladder – until he’s knocked off course by a chance run-in with Emma.

Everything is different between Cole and Emma now. He finally sees her in a way she only dreamed of, and their hot chemistry is fueled by a growing friendship. But Emma’s deception of her sister – who wants Cole for herself – and the secret Cole’s been keeping for more than a decade threaten to tear apart what’s only just begun. Because sometimes the only thing standing in the way of now is then.

Review

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in New Adult I forget how much I enjoy a good old fashioned contemporary romance. This book just hit the spot. The story of Emma and Cole is told through current time and their past. It is fun to see how the childhood crush Emma had evolves into love when they two are reunited.

Emma has always allowed herself to live in the shadow of her older sister Layla. Until she left for Paris, she viewed herself as Layla’s ugly younger sister. With Cole, Emma feels these same emotions. She feels like Cole can never like her, let alone love her. She feels like he must be using her to get closer to her sister.

The story focuses on Emma overcoming her younger sister feelings before she sabotages her future. She has to realize that she is just as good as Layla. She lies to her family about her relationship; feeling like everyone wants Cole and Layla together.

The story is entertaining, adding an additional element when the families are involved. The parents have their own agendas and Cole’s hidden pain adds to the story. It is enjoyable to see how good for each other Emma and Cole are. It is evident that the two need each other despite everything.

Layla’s reaction to Cole and Emma’s relationship disappointed me. It was sad to see a sister act like a spoiled little kid. Emma was the younger sister, but on many levels she acted far older than Layla.

I highly recommend this story for readers who enjoy a story where the characters have a past connection. It is entertaining to see as Cole and Emma grow from children into adults where their futures are intertwined. They never forget the important moments from their pasts; instead they embrace them making the people that they are today.

Try it for yourself! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

Amanda