I’ve spent the last two decades putting my dreams on hold to raise my daughter.But now opportunities arise that I can’t deny myself from going after. And a chance meeting with Carly only sweetens the deal.She says she can only offer me friendship.That she’s not capable of giving anything more than that.If she thinks it will stop me from pursuing something more, she’s underestimated my level of … underestimated my level of patience when it comes to getting what I want.
When the secret she’s so carefully kept hidden threaten to destroy everything she’s built, I’ll stop at nothing to protect her and her son.
She’s built walls to protect herself, but I’ll break them down and get her to join me in a better place.
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I don’t know what it is abut Jennifer’s books, but once I start them, I become fully invested in the characters as if they are my own family and I can’t stop reading until I finish. I worry and fret and cheer for them. Maybe it is because the author’s characters are real people, no millionaires, no celebrities, just real people who could be your neighbor or co-worker, adults you’d love to have in your life and whose kids you’d love to be friends with your own. Carly and James story is an “insta love” story in that they both are connected immediately but it’s a slow dance toward their perfect together and ultimate happy ever after. The waxing scene has to be one of the funniest I’ve read in forever. James’ conversation with is ex wife about missing the little things and the boring things and about those being the things that make up a life – perfect. Just loved this book.
Finally a blue collar series with charters over 30
A slow burn that turns explosive!
I loved this small-town romance with the most fantastic slow burn! James and Carly have instant chemistry but because of past heartache, Carly is a little gun shy. When these two finally commit, the fireworks are so bright, and I loved seeing their blended families succeed. Oh, and the suspense was so well balanced with all the funny bits! A well-crafted romance!
Somehow, I managed to miss Jennifer Van Wyk’s first two books. But after finally reading From the Ground Up a couple of weeks ago, I simply had to read A Better Place. I can now proudly say, I’ve read, and adore, ALL of her words to date!
A Better Place is James and Carly’s story. We first met James in From the Ground Up. He’s Tess’s brother and saves the day when Barrett needs someone to watch the kids so he can sweep his wife off her feet once again. James has put his dreams on hold while he raised his daughter, Lily, as a single father. And he hasn’t regretted it for a moment. But now that Lily is nearly finished with college, it’s time for him to work on his dreams for his future. Carly fled an abusive marriage and has spent the last three years rebuilding herself and her life for her son, Jack. When the past rears its ugly head, can James be the superhero he needs to be and save the day?
NICUnurse’s Rating: Seriously…I’ve totally fallen in love with the way Jennifer Van Wyk tells a story. There’s a little bit of suspense, a lot of laugh out loud moments, some sexy moments, and some angsty moments. It’s like the best of all the worlds rolled into one great book each time. While I did adore James and Carly, their story didn’t resonate with me the way From the Ground Up did, but it was definitely a great read. It’s a standalone book, but I love that we get glimpses of everyone we came to love in previous books in these stories. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this author and her books. You simply can’t go wrong with any of them and A Better Place was no exception!
I give A Better Place by Jennifer Van Wyk 4.5 out of 5 stars!
When I first discovered Jennifer Van Wyk a few months ago (after reading From the Ground Up- if you haven’t read it, then get to it!), she has become a one-click author for me. Her books have serious and realistic plots that many can relate with. A Better Place hit the mark!
A Better Place tells the story of James and Carly, who meet when James drops off his niece at school. Both of them are single parents who haven’t been out there trying to find love, but are suddenly overcome with feelings that they can’t deny. But their pasts haven’t completely gone away, and they have a lot to work through.
The characters that Jennifer Van Wyk write are like friends and people you know (or would like to get to know). It was great catching up with Tess and Barrett and their brood, as well as all their quirkiness. This was a great (really great!) book!! I cannot wait to read Andy and Christine’s story next!!
Loved this slow burn and the characters.
10+++++ stars! Y’all, this story is AMAZING! Absolutely a favorite! A page-turner from the very first page, Carly’s strength is awesome. The meet-cute w/ “Captain” James is hilarious. And there are MANY, MANY Laugh Out LOUD moments!
The friendship to romance is so well-written, the relationships nuanced and heartfelt. And there’s no unnecessary relationship angst! These characters are in their 40’s, and they act it. They are mature w/o being “mature” – and the struggles that ARE there feel REAL, and genuine.
The supporting characters (Jack & Lily, especially) are fleshed out & fantastic. Tess & Barrett bring more LOL moments, and I realized that I somehow haven’t read book 1, so I will do that soon.
I could seriously gush about this book for pages, but I’ll leave you w/ this – THIS BOOK IS WORTH A READ! : )
What an amazing story! Jennifer Van Wyk keeps readers turning the pages with this book!
James and Carly are wonderful together. Both have pasts that have left them single parents and parenting has been their priority! Until Carly falls- literally into James!
James is what every woman wants- he knows he wants Carly and he fights for her. He values her for herself and makes her realize she deserves to be loved- even with a horrible past relationship.
This book continues with the relationships of friends and family from the debut book of From the Ground Up. These characters are real and true to everyday life struggles and reading- you fall in love with James and Carly as a couple, as parents and as friends and family. This book is full of swoon, laughter, struggles and honesty!