The Casella Cousins Novella 2: SethHe took her for granted in their young life together but now he wants her back. She’s having none of his pleas for a second chance, not after he broke her heart in a million different ways.Legal Aid Attorney Seth Casella is a truly good guy. Or so everybody thinks. But he’s got a darker side, one that surfaced when he repeatedly betrayed his former girlfriend, … former girlfriend, Julianne. He tells her he’s changed, but she doesn’t buy it.
Music therapist Julianne Ford is sick of being the forgiving, good girl next door. Not only does she reject Seth’s overtures—again!—but she’s taking her own walk on the wild side now, and she likes it. Most of the world sees them as defenders of the poor and neglected, and they are, but together they just can’t get it right.
A heart-breaking legal aid case for Seth and the challenge of helping her dysfunctional students using her beloved music background complicate their search for the way back to each other and a reunion that will last forever.
Don’t miss all The Casella Cousins Books: Hayley, Seth, Finn, Alessia, Gideon and Ronan from the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author Kathryn Shay.
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This is the second book in Kathryn Shay’s “Casella Cousins” series. The major part of the book involves Seth and Julianne’s relationship, who grew up together. Eventually, they dated in high school and part of college. Unfortunately, at that time, Julianne discovered that Seth had cheated on her. They eventually reconcile and become engaged. However, as Julianne is planning their wedding, Seth cheats again.
This time, Julianne wants nothing to do with Seth even though she still loves him very much. Seth continues to profess his love for her, but he has no idea why he keeps on sabotaging their relationship. Julianne refuses to get back together again unless Seth goes into therapy to help him find out why he keeps hurting the girl he loves.
There are also two subplots in this story. Julianne tries on-line dating. Unfortunately, one of her dates is stalking her. This is a mystery that needs to be solved.
In the other subplot, Seth, who is a Legal Aid attorney, tries to help a young man who wants to become foster father to two young children who are neglected by their parents.
I did not really like Seth’s character because he didn’t understand, or even care about, how much he hurt Julianne when he cheated. However, this plot makes for an interesting story. At first, I found it difficult reading about a main character who cheats on the love of his life. It is made even harder because Julianne is a very likeable, caring person.
However, at the very end of the book, Ms. Shay explains her reasons for writing about this touchy situation. I found her reasons interesting, even though it expresses the feelings of many people. However, I think Julianne forgives Seth more quickly than she should have. I think readers should read this book and make up their own minds.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This story was a little hard for me to read especially after it was revealed what Seth’s dark secret it. What I liked the most, was the fact that this book made me really feel for Julianne Ford. What Seth put her through really would have been a no go if it were me. This book was such an emotional roller-coaster ride for me.
The author did a fabulous job in keeping me glued to my e-reader. The second (really more like the fourth or fifth) chance at a first love was wonderfully written. The plot flowed beautifully. Little pieces of the characters’ history was just enough that it kept me intrigued along with the other mystery and intrigue of the plot. There were several threads it the story that were such an added bonus. Like would John Cordello get the two foster kids?
Julianne is a music therapist. She is a busy lady. She teaches at a school; she has her own music business plus she tutors. She has done some on-line dating but her heart still breaks for Seth. Seth was stabbed in the prior book (Hayley). He works as a lawyer at a non-profit organization, Legal-Aid. He is currently living with his mother while he recuperated from his injuries. Unfortunately his mother lives right next door to Julianne. He asks Julianne to drive him to an appointment since his doctor’s orders don’t permit it. When they get back, Julianne discovers her house has been broken into. The mystery of who, what and why surround the B&E and make for a gripping story.
The story was one that kept me glue to my e-reader. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story especially as it was written in a multiple POV format. I adored seeing prior characters making appearance here.
This is a sexy read without being erotica. I would highly recommend this book to anyone over the age of 18. While you can read this as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend starting with “Take Me Back (Hidden Cove Firefighters Book 9). That really introduces the Casella family and the cousins.
A second chance romance, or should I say many chances. Seth, legal aid can not remain faithful to long time girlfriend, Julianne. Julianne, is a music therapist is tired of being hurt and has entered the on line dating scene. While Seth is home recuperating, their romance rekindles but Julianne needs changes from Seth.
This is a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Great character development and dialogue. Love the reoccurring characters from previous stories. This is a part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Seth is book 2 in the Casella Cousins series by Kathryn Shay and am so enjoying this series!
Seth and Julianne were sweethearts but after numerous betrayals by Seth, she had enough. Now as Seth is recovering and she has been around more and more he know that Julianne is the “one”. The problem is she want no parts of him…
Can he prove to her he has changed and win her back forever or will she just let him go??
I love Kathryn Shay’s books, but this one seems “thin” to me. I also don’t buy Seth’s cheating explanation. Realistically, he would have to go to counseling sessions more than a couple of times for Julianne to trust him after the number of times he betrays her. Both Cassella cousin novels are too short to be well developed.
This book reflects two people who have loved each other since they were children. Every time they were closest to each other, he cheated on her. She finally decided to give up on him, but can’t seem to find anyone else. This story is filled with the relationships between the cousins.
I loved the subplots about his supporting a young man’s attempt to adopt two children and her support of a girl’s desire enter Juilliard’s music program.
This book is a well written romance that demonstrates that relationships come in many forms, and can survive when they differ from the norm.
Seth has made numerous mistakes in his relationship with Julianne over the years. They grew up next door to each other and started dating when they were young – a relationship that evolved from their deep childhood friendship. While Seth is back home living with his mother after being stabbed at his Legal Aid office, he and Julianne are thrown together as she still lives next door to the Casella family home. Neither can deny they still have deep feelings for each other but Julianne is nervous to open her heart yet again to Seth after the last time he betrayed her. Seth shows his strength and devotion to Julianne during times when she has some odd things happening at home and at work. With the help of the other Casella cousins, these two longtime lovers see if they can take another change at forever.
I was so glad that Seth’s book was next up after how things ended for him in the first book! I really liked how this book had plenty of laughs, some romance, family, danger, flawed characters and some good twists. I was really surprised at Julianne and Seth’s past and to be honest at times they both made me a but angry with the whole glutton for punishment in their past, I do also get how hard it is to let go of those you love so I was waiting with bated breath to see how things would pan out for them as well as who was behind all the vandalism and what would happen with Johnny!
Seth is the second book in the Casella Cousins Series. I highly recommend you read the books in order as you’ll get a better feel for the characters and more appreciation for the series.
Seth and Julianne were high school sweethearts and were actually planning a wedding when Seth’s actions destroyed them.
He now wants her back. Once I read what Seth had done I had a hard time letting Julianne forgive him as if it happened to me I’d be crushed. It’s a good thing she didn’t take advice from me.
These two are good together and I was happy to see that Julianne didn’t let him walk all over her and had some great conditions for Seth to work on before moving forward.
Seth (The Casella Cousins Book 2)” is the 2nd book in the series of the Casella Cousin. You will meet Seth & Julianne in the story. They have a long history together in which Seth always does something to break them up.
Seth is still in love with her and regards all that he has done to hurt her. He wishes, longing & hoping for another chance with her. While Seth is at his mom recuperating from a stabbing (at the legal aid clinic he works at )his ex girlfriend walks into his mom home. Julianne and his mom have remain close and get together often. Seth is surprise to see her. While Julianne is deciding if she should give him another chance she wants Seth to seek help in finding out why he always savatoge their relationship. See if they can overcome the past and make a future together. I have been given an advance copy for my honest review. Can’t wait for the next in the series
“Seth and Julianne’s story was heartwarming. They had a past and not the good type. Hearts and trust were broken but fate gave them a second chance. Forced to worked together things aren’t quite easy between them. The thing about second chances it’s that you just have to trust. A jump of faith trusting your feelings but things aren’t always that easy. This was a great story with family issues, heartbreaking moments and a happily ever after well deserved.”
The writing style flows well and the characters have depth. There are a number of characters that pop in from other books as well. I found the story line quite interesting and I liked how the author handled issues with online dating and working in unsavory areas.
I had been intrigued by the allusions to Seth’s backstory/character in previous books. I was glad to finally learn his story. I always love coming “back into the fold” with characters from the Hidden Cove series of books. It’s like returning to a favorite place and catching up with old friends and some acquaintances. It seems that all is not as one would think with Seth. We learn more about his past relationship with Julianne and how that relationship affected both of them.
Spoiler alert:
I do need to mention that I would have liked to had more information about the resolution with the break-in at Julianne’s house and the person responsible. I also felt that the scene about the revelation of who keyed her car seemed a bit “rushed” and could have been expressed a little differently; if only from my own point of view. In addition, I think Seth’s therapy could have been concluded a little better as well; perhaps it will be addressed in subsequent books.I en
4.5 Stars
Seth Casella and Julianne Ford grew up together and dated in high school and in college; unfortunately, Seth sometimes cheated. This broke Julianne’s heart. She finally gave up on him and started dating others. Seth has been staying with his mother while recuperating from a stab wound he received from a crazy man at work. His mother lives next door to Julianne, so he’s been seeing her a lot and really missing what they used to have. He knows he messed up with her, but he’s trying to improve. Meanwhile, Julianne gives music lessons to students and helps other students through he use of music therapy. Unfortunately, her home is broken into and her car is keyed, so someone has it in for her.
This is a quick and easy read. There is enough tension to keep readers engaged, and the introspection that occurs within both protagonists, adds depth and heart to this story. There are multiple family interactions that add beauty, and the side story of how Seth fights for one of his clients is encouraging and delightful. This is a warm and wonderful story in many ways!
SETH…Kathryn Shay
Seth being at his mother’s home while recuperating, and seeing the neighbor Julianne everyday. He regretted their breakup and he was at fault, wanting to try again, but it was a no go with her. What would it take to win her again, he was willing to do. Learning to trust one another, and being true to one self, was a big step for him. Being part of the Casella family with marriages and babies coming. . The stories show love, and family we enjoy reading about. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Seth and Julianne have been in love with each other since they were five years old. Yet Seth has a problem that comes between him and Julianne since they were teenagers.
Julianne is trying to forget about Seth but that is proving to be impossible. As she begins to rekindle old friendships and establish new friends, will Julianne be able to put Seth out of her mind forever or will she take him back for the final and forever everlasting time?
This is a complete story that is also a chronological continuation of the series. There are several tough subjects touched on in this book/series and Ms. Shay handles them beautifully. I only wish this book were a full novel as opposed to a novella. I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
Seth and Julianne have been on again off again for years. She’s given him numerous chances and he always hurts her, making her break up with him again. But when he’s hurt, she’s one of the first to show up. She’s close to his family because his mom and hers have been friends forever and his mom is like another mother to her, especially since hers now lives out of state. She’s tried dating but nothing has ever lasted and she really is just trying to stay away from him because her feeling are still very strong for him. When she has someone break into her house she starts spending more time with Seth and the two grow closer again. It takes some time and forgiveness on her part, however they are meant to be together. This is the 2nd book in the series and can easily be read as a standalone. This is another great family with strong ties and characters beautifully developed by Ms. Shay. Very quick and enjoyable read. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Seth Casella has broken Julianne Ford’s heart for the last time. She ignores his pleas to give him another chance and she is having none of it. Seth is a great guy, does wonderful work in his office as a Legal Aid Attorney, even got shot by a very angry guy, but when it comes to his former girlfriend he just can’t get it right.
This is the second book in this series about the Casella cousins and book 2 is even better than book 1 which was a great start to this series. The author does such a lovely job when it comes to telling stories that surround a loving and strong family. There are tears and lots of laughter surrounding this great big, fun family. Seth is a beautiful story about second chances and happy ever after. There is also a sub-plot where some very sweet kids get a second chance at finding happiness. The plot is strong, the H&H are very well balanced and the secondary characters add lots of fun and depth to the story.
I love these novels by Kathryn Shay. It is so good to have stories where you catch up with different family members yet reveal an in depth story focusing on a single individual. Seth is no different. This is a bit of an unusual romance for him. He has disappointed long time girlfriend and ex fiancé Julianne several times. She is the ultimate girl next door. Can they get beyond their troubling past and come out with a happily ever after? Kathryn Shay definitely gets us there with a few challenges. I really enjoy the Casella cousins series.
Julianne is a woman who has been in love with Seth through multiple breakups for more than half their lives. Seth also loves Julianne but he is a serial cheater even though he is a great guy in all other areas of his life. Seth is there for Julianne as she becomes a victim of criminal activity. They decide to give their love one more try. This time Seth seeks help to find the cause of his cheating. Personally, all of his cheating did not endear him to me.
This is the 2nd book in this series and is Seth and Julianne’s story. These two have a history and no matter how much Seth says he has changed she is not prepared to give him a 2nd chance to break her heart, now matter how much chemistry is between them. Seth is a legal aid attorney and Julianne is a music therapist, and when they are forced to work together on a case, will they be able to move on from the past? This is a beautifully written story which is heartfelt and filled with heartbreak and love. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I highly recommend for all.