Childhood neighbors get a chance at love in Should’ve Been You, an achingly romantic novella in Nicole McLaughlin’s Man Enough series! National Guardsman Jase Beckford wants to live a quiet life raising cattle and taking care of his mother. His childhood friend and neighbor Hannah is still his best friend, but when he walks into the Walters house one morning and sees her twin sister Becca for … sister Becca for the first time in five years, he wonders if he missed out on something special.
Becca Walters has nursed a secret crush on Jase since childhood, but he always preferred Hannah, so she buried her feelings assuming her sister and Jase would one day turn their flirtation into a real relationship. And this Christmas, she is anticipating a proposal of her own, so Jase’s reappearance in her life doesn’t mean anything. Much. Okay, maybe more than Becca would like to admit.
However, when Becca’s sister gets engaged to someone who’s not Jase, Becca and Jase find themselves spending more together. And when secrets are revealed, suddenly those dormant feelings come back to life; but is the possibility of something between them worth risking the happiness of everyone they love?
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This was a great romantic story. It was very easy to get into the book and I was engrossed in the plot almost immediately. There are several plots going on in the story. Of course since this is a romance book, there is that major plot going on. Becca and Jase had a rocky past, with Becca’s twin causing some friction between them, but they were meant to be together and found that out eventually. (I especially love romantic stories of couples finding love after they gave up on it.)
Becca and her twin, Hannah had a rocky relationship also, but during the story they find that misunderstandings can be forgiven and a new bond can be made.
Their father, Tim is moving on with his life, after many years since his wife had passed away. Evelyn will help to bring joy to his life.
Jase had an awful childhood, but with determination grew into a strong, kind man. The man he became had a lot to do with Tim, his wife and their twins.
This was the first book that I read by Nicole McLaughlin. I loved her writing style immensely. I am a big fan of Susan Mallery and I believe this book would be enjoyed by her fans. The characters were well developed and true to life. They all have good and bad qualities and I cared about them and wanted a happy ending. Since this is a romance book, it gave me what I was seeking. I was able to escape real life for a while and enjoy a world where there is truly a happy ending.
I was given the ARC for this book by St. Martin’s Press and thank them for the wonderful gift of this story and also introducing me to a new author.
This was an ok story to me. It was cute and had some sexy moments but I didn’t really care for Jase and Hannah’s relationship. It kind of bordered on unhealthy to me which almost ruined Jase and Becca’s relationship. Yes, Hannah is not the heroine of this story, her twin sister Becca was. Overall, it was a very enjoyable story. I just couldn’t relate to the characters as much as I would have liked.
I really enjoyed this. I have not read the first two book in there series and you don’t need to, to enjoy this book. I find it funny how something said at the age of 12 can change how two people view each other. It is amazing as kids how we do that to ourselves. I enjoyed getting to know Bella and Jase. This was a quick read, I read it in less then 2 hours but it is a satisfying read. The scene with Jase and Bella in his room is HOT!! Also this book has hot Military men turned rancher so what’s not to love! I would read more in this series.
*Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this for my honest opinion*
What ifs may keep life interesting, but what about the meant to bes. Should’ve Been You navigates the nostalgia of first love to present day heartache and possible new beginnings. There are times when it’s nice to walk down memory lane, Ms. McLaughlin walks readers through the secrets of the past and presents the treasures of the future. From child abuse to domestic violence and hidden agendas, Becca and Jase have endured it all. Will love be the most risky endeavor of them all? Second chances are anything but easy, but an enduring love is worth fighting for.
What to think when your sister – twin – is your biggest rival?
Becca has always been in love with Jase. But her sister Hannah who was his best friend, and by a miscommunication (a lie told for some futile reason?), Becca thought she would never have any chance with him, just as Jase thought the same.
Becca decided to move on with her life, but is that when Hannah announces her engagement … to someone else?
Becca and Jase have the opportunity to spend more time together … as new friends, but this time perhaps the truth may come out, as well as the feelings long buried.
Family, rivalry, second chance, impossible loves. Themes to make your reading more entertaining.
4 stars
I know that there are quite a few people that didn’t feel this book because of the triangle between Jase, Becca, and Hannah. But it really felt pretty true to life to me. It’s so easy to understand why Jase and Hannah kept moving along in a kind of limbo, especially when everyone seems to expect them to be a couple at some point. Plus those old habits and feelings are pretty hard to turn off. It does seem like Hannah takes advantage of him but part of that are her issues just as much his. With his abusive background it’s easy to imagine why he would be drawn to someone that he can take care of and protect.
Poor Becca never had a chance while the two of them are dancing around the what-could-be’s of their relationship. Especially once we find out some of the tricks Hannah used to keep him as hers. There’s a lot of hurts and history and hang-ups at play but it is satisfying when they finally get things figured out. Unfortunately the timing is pretty darn bad. Or good depending on how you look at it 🙂 I’m curious to see Hannah’s story because she definitely didn’t play well here, but we also get glimpses of some issues that explain things some. Not that it excuses her actions but it at least shows a reason for the things she does.
There’s a decent amount of drama with all of the misunderstandings and miscommunication, but it helps to deliver an enjoyable secret crush/friends (kinda) to lovers romance. I was so pleased when Jase and Becca finally figure things out and some decades old feelings finally get their chance to shine.
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Should’ve of been you was a really enjoyable story that has a storyline that I really enjoyed. It is about two people who have known each other since they were kids and Becca having a crush on Jase. I love reading stories about characters that get together with their childhood crushes and was one thing that I really enjoyed about this story. I found that the characters were engaging .
Sometimes we miss what’s been right under our nose as we go through life. Jase has been in love with Hannah Walters for ever. The time has just never been right for them. Now that he’s back home from service & raising his own cattle, maybe things will be different. He’s living with his mom & leasing Hannah’s father’s land. So when he walks into Tim Walters’ house, the way he has for a million times, & catches a woman in a state of undress, why did his heart start to race? Becca, Hannah’s sister, never really liked him so nothing would come of it, right?
Becca couldn’t believe it. Home to visit her dad & Jase catches her in her sleeping clothes in the kitchen. She’s never been so embarrassed. Even though he’s treated her rotten, she’s always been in love with him. Why couldn’t she move on?
Sweet cute romance with some sibling drama. A misunderstanding from their past comes to light & manages to pave a way to a future. The characters are well developed & realistic. The plot moves quickly. The relationship are tricky & difficult but that creates tension in the story. Good book.
I’m giving this a pass, but it’s more between a pick and a so-so…one of those. The writing is fine, the characters are fine (albeit they seemed a bit immature for 30ish), but the story was simply too predictable and really brought nothing new to the “sisters-loving-the-same-man” trope. While one sister comes to see that she and he are more like siblings, the other has been crushing on him since childhood. 3.75/5
Should’ve Been You is my first book by Nicole McLaughlin. Ms. McLaughlin has delivered a well-written, smooth read. Jase grew up in a home filled with violence. Becca has loved Jase forever but thanks to her sister’s shenanigans, they were never able to get close. Their story will warm your heart. Jase and Becca’s story is loaded with drama, spice and humor. I enjoyed reading Should’ve Been You and look forward to reading more from Nicole McLaughlin. Should’ve Been You is book 3 of the Man Enough Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.
Should’ve Been You by Nicole McLaughlin
Book starts out with Jase and he’s tending his herd as he reminisces as to how he got to this point in his life.
Becca is back for a day or two and her father isn’t home yet. Her father had rescued Jase from the beating his father had given him one Christmas eve. Since then her family had taken care of him and the others in his family.
Twins: Becca and Hannah-both so different but he’s been close to Hannah but she’s now engaged to be married.
Becca hopes to be engaged to Brian soon.
Jase left for the army then realized what he wanted in life so headed back to start the cattle farm.
She was a mid school history teacher in town.
Love how the story follows them each and their separate and together moments over the years.
Steamy sex scenes. Misunderstandings and moving forward. Love the holiday celebrations and how they are carried on.
I received this review book from St. Martin’s Press via Net Galley and this is my honest opinion
#Should’veBeenYou #NetGalley
I really enjoyed reading this book, loved the storyline and these characters, loved the chemistry between Becca & Jase. I will be reading more of this author in the near future, love her writing style.
First time reading this author and I absolutely loved it. It’s funny, sweet, romantic and just plain good. Sort of friends to lovers story. I teared up a little bit and got slightly hot during the sex scenes. Becca is a teacher and has a fraternal twin sister Hannah. She has a boyfriend for two years and comes home ahead of him for Christmas. Jase is their next door neighbor and Becca has loved him forever. The only problem, her sister Hannah and Jase are best friends. They’ve never had sex but they are each other’s “ go to “ person. Becca is quiet and reserved while Hannah is outgoing and needs all the attention. When Jase and Becca kiss after Hannah announces her engagement, she feels guilty and goes back home to tell her boyfriend. But he tells her something that shocks her and they break up. Becca decides to give single life a try until she comes back home after Valentines day. She hadn’t talked to Jase since Christmas and she realizes how bad she missed him and hopes he feels the same. I can’t wait to read about Hannah even though she was a little witch at first. * Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
Favorite Quotes:
Turkey Bacon… I have an open mind about many things, I’ll have you know. But the sanctity of pork fat is not one of them.
I was just thinking that if you’d been my middle-school teacher, I would not have been able to focus… All men— no matter their age—can appreciate a beautiful woman. Even teachers are fair game for the spank bank.
Aiden was a big guy. Goatee, shaved head, enough muscles for three men.
Sometimes I miss having a man around. I mean . . . obviously they have their uses.
My Review:
I enjoyed this quick and entertaining tale of a recent veteran who had returned to his small rural Kansas community while continuing to serve with the National Guard while establishing his new venture into cattle. His human relationships proved to be a bit trickier and considerably more complicated. I had not read the previous books in the series and apparently did not need to as was never confused, although I was feeling the prickling of curiosity as his fellow guardsmen sounded interesting and quirky. The premise was interesting and relevant, the storylines were easy to follow and engaging, and characters were likable and endearing. I was satisfied with the happy for now ending to the blossoming romance and would be interested in continuing the series with all the previous and future installments.
Should’ve Been You by Nicole McLaughlin, book three in her A Man Enough Romance series is a girl next door story. I really enjoyed this story about a guy, Jase, finally opening his eyes and seeing the girl next door, Becca, and wondering what he missed by spending time only with her twin sister. It didn’t hurt that Becca had crushed on Jase since they were kids. It isn’t until secrets and old lies are revealed as well as an unhealthy relationship is ended before these two have the opportunity for their own happy ever after.
I loved reading this story. Ms. McLaughlin is an excellent storyteller, keeping me interested in this story so that I had trouble putting it down. I highly recommend this outstanding book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Becca Walters has been harboring a serious crush on her twin sisters best friend Jase for years, but in all that time he has seemed oblivious to her existence, and it hurts more than she cares to admit. She has constantly wondered what it is about her sister that he loves so much, they have always had this bond that seems to overshadow everything else around them, including her, and just once she would like for him to see her, like really “see” her. But then fate hands her a little gift… her sister finds her “one,” and it’s not Jase, so suddenly that bond seems to have become fractured, which means she may finally have her chance with him. Little by little they begin to find themselves spending more time with one another, and soon her secret wish of him finally seeing her starts to happen… as well as some unexpected sparks being igniting too! But can she really step in and take her sister’s place in his life…
Former National Guardsman Jase Beckford has moved home and is taking over the family ranch, it has been a dream of his for the last few years, and he is more than ready to make it a reality. He has the makings of a perfect new life, his dream job, a nice place to live and settle down, now all he is missing is love… not that he is quite ready for it, but it’s definitely on his list of maybe’s. When he runs into an old friend he begins to see her in a whole new light and starts to think that all the years they spent growing up together, he wasted an opportunity of really getting to know her… probably because he was always spending time with her sister instead. But now things are a little different, and he wants to see where this thing brewing between them can go, but she has her reservations about wandering into someone else’s territory.
Should’ve Been You is a delightful little tale that is brimming with passion, desire, hope and drama! The story line captivated my attention right away and had me flipping the pages just as quick as I could read through them, it’s one of those stories that will tug on the heartstrings and have you blushing a time or two!! I really enjoy reading second chance love stories and I have to say this one hit the mark, it was well crafted and the characters had amazing palpable chemistry that could be felt throughout! I highly recommend you add this one to your reading list, it’s sure to warm your heart and leave you with a smile on your face!
Although I have some of the author’s other books on my TBR list, this is the first one that I have actual read. I received a free advanced copy from netgalley.com
Jase Beckford, had grown up in the rural town of Pierson, Kansas. The son of an abusive father and enabling mother, he couldn’t wait to get away. He joined the army, and when stationed in Germany befriended a German cattle farmer. Helping the farmer out, Jase realized that he liked the cattle business and the land around Pierson would be good for that. Once his final deployment in the Middle East was up, and his father dead, he returned to Pierson, bought himself a seventeen hundred pound bull named Pitch and some cows and heifers, after his long time neighbor and surrogate father, Tim Walters, offered to lease him land. It was Tim, who rescued Jase from his father and the Walters family became more a family to him then his own. Both of their twin daughters, Hannah and Becca, had a crush on Jase, but unbeknown to Becca and Jase, Hannah was jealous of Becca and told some lies that kept Jase and Becca apart for eighteen years, each crushing on the other, but believing the other felt the opposite. Becca also left Pierson as soon as she could, while Hannah had remained, being Jase’s pen pal, buddy and back up. Both girls became teachers. Both have boyfriends, who are somewhat jealous of their girlfriend’s friendship with Jace. When Becca comes home alone for Christmas, she and Jase finally talk and realize what Hannah had done to them years ago. When Becca’s relationship with her boyfriend goes south, will she and Jase have a second chance?
I felt the story was especially strong in character development and very realistic. The author’s writing flows in an appealing manner. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Should’ve Been You by Nicole McLaughlin
Man Enough #3
Fraternal twins Hannah and Becca Walters have been friends with Jase Beckford for nearly two decades. Hannah and Jase have always been there for one another and Hannah has done her best to keep Jase for herself even though her sister had the original interest in him. When Hannah accepts the proposal of a man she has been dating Jase finally feels free and begins to see Becca in a new light. Hannah is jealous of course and Becca’s squeeze of two years puts another creates another issue to deal with but in the end true love conquers all and Becca’s childhood crush becomes her HFN with a definite HEA in the works.
I have liked every book in this series but perhaps still like book one the best. This is a simple story of friends finding out they care for one another more than they realized and also realizing that the friendship that could have been more all along was hampered by something said by another when both were much younger. A feel good story with almost spontaneous combustion one the gloves came off…might not have worked if the two had not known one another so long and if Becca had not been crushing on Jase for almost two decades.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Swerve for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Nicole McLaughlin has come up with some pretty interesting characters in Should’ve Been You which is the third book in her A Man Enough series. I enjoyed meeting Jase Beckford in the previous stories. He is a really good guy. His relationship with Hannah is a bit confusing since she seems to use him, but things are different with Becca Walters. Becca is Hannah’s twin sister. I enjoyed how they managed to come together after trying to avoid each other for years.
The storyline here flowed well and the pace was decent. Nicole Flocton has a good sense of writing realistic but interesting characters. I liked reading this story and seeing Jase and Becca have a happy ending.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
There was definitely chemistry between Jase
and Becca but Becca’s twin put a wedge
between them when they were very young.
Will they be able to put the past behind them
to move forward?
The main characters were well fleshed, realistic
and relatable main characters. The supporting
characters were well written adding flavor to
the story.
This is intricately woven story that will delight
and entertain the reader.
A magical, heartwarming story!!!
I volunteered to read Should’ve Been You.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press via Net Gallery for
the opportunity. My opinion is my own.