AmbreyMy last name was royalty in New Orleans, at least, I guess to those who mattered. But to me…my last name was a curse.High society. Expectations. Old money. Politics. Everything I despised.If only they could see what happened behind those high-society closed doors. The same doors my daddy paid a lot of money to keep closed.Deceit. Destruction. Bribery. You name it, my family was guilty of it. family was guilty of it.
My father’s throne was built on lies. Our family was the epitome of faux royalty.
Then, I fell in love and oh what a fool I was. I was just a pawn in my father’s game. And to use the man who claimed to love me…
Five years ago, I walked away, and left my father to his riches.
And that man who left me in broken, jagged pieces?
Well, what goes around, comes around.
Grey
Four years in a prison cell changes a man.
I spent those five years fighting to survive.
When I emerged, I was nothing like the man who had walked through those cell doors all those years ago.
I overcame things that I never imagined I’d be faced with..
The one person who promised to never leave, did.
The life I thought I knew, gone.
The future I once thought I had, up in smoke.
Like so many things in my life, my story and my future were stolen from me.
Sure, it’s made up of the usual parts…a beginning and an end. But just like every story, there’s a hero, there’s the villain…and then there’s me.
And this is the beginning of the end.
more
A second chance romance that tugs the heart strings with little girl included. Amberly and Grey’s relationship ended up collateral damage when Amberly’s father decided that the boy was just not good enough for his daughter. Amberly finds out who her father really is, and leaves town without looking back.
Fast forward to the start of the book where we see just how far Amberly has come into her own, and continues to be her own person. After a lot of work she is finally doing what she has always wanted, and that is to help other people. Grey is a single father finally reaping the rewards of all his hard work in starting a business. They reconnect when Grey ends up at Amberly’s office for his daughter. After that they can’t seem to get away from each other as they try to keep things civil.
These two cannot deny their chemistry, and the love that pulls them together. They have to navigate a crazy one night stand, and sift through all the “truths” they thought they knew from so long ago.
This book was a great break from the bully romances that I have been reading lately. These two definilty have to fight for their relationship, but it is great to see two people who are willing to admit when they were wrong to get to the good stuff! Plus Grey’s little girl is to cute not to love!
“My moon, my stars… everything in between.”
This book was magic. Childhood sweethearts, second chance, single dad – MAGIC!!
Ambrey Landry and Grey Benoit – I loved everything about these characters. It was like no matter what challenges they faced, both together and apart, fate led them back to one another.
“…no matter how far either of us ran, I’d always know him. I’d always see him. In a crowded room, my soul would seek his out.”
My heart broke for Grey, for everything he went through. I could tell how powerful this storyline was going to be early on, and yet I was melting in a puddle over this man trying to braid his daughters hair.
Emily Kate, Grey’s 3 year old daughter who is sweeter than candy and SASSSSSY beyond words! I loved the connection between her and Ambrey and watching that grow into something more throughout the story.
This book was swoony, angsty, SEXY, and just the most emotional, feel good story. You need to read this!!
R. Holmes is one of the sweetest authors and I really enjoyed her writing before so I really wanted to read all her books.
Ambrey and Grey’s story had it all and I just loved to see how perfect they were for each other even after 8 years apart. I also loved baby Emily; she was an amazing add, so adorable and funny.
My other favorite characters were without a doubt Bishop and Madi. What a ride these two were! I just wanted to see more of them (alone and together) and I was so happy when I saw that R. is going to write a book about them.
Overall, this is a really good read and I end up enjoying this book much more than I was expecting.
Oh my- what a touching love story. Ambrey and Grey just stole my heart, while reminding me just how epic and circuitous the path to love can be. R Holmes brings such emotion to their story- while also bringing such amazing NOLA vibes that make my Southern heart so happy.
This is a second chance story with star-crossed themes- the poor badboy with the rich princess, connected by their soul but restrained by their backgrounds. But, true love can not be contained- and these two fall hard for each other, only for their obstacles to get in the way. Now older, and both free of the societal burdens that limited them in the past, can these two find a way back to each other? Their path isn’t easy- its full of angst and mistrust and heartbreak, but they have a love worth fighting for.
Grey is such a swoon-worthy hero- he’s survived so much and has every reason to grumble and be bitter, but he keeps fighting for a better life. His resilience and focus are admirable, and his inner strength makes him such a grounding and magnetic character. He’s certainly scarred by his adversity, but he’s not defined by it. And him with his daughter- UUUUUGH I can’t even with the adorableness. He melted my heart every time- R Holmes so beautifully uses these moments to articulate the depths of his character, the beauty of his heart.
And I sure felt for Ambrey- despite growing up in a life where she should have everything, despite having the family that Grey didn’t, she too has suffered. Her father is corrupt, truly horrible, and her mother is negligent. But, she, too, hasn’t let this define her- she’s a beautiful soul. She’s loving, and open, and authentic- even though she too bears the scars of her emotional neglect- which makes opening herself up to Grey so scary, her heart is so vulnerable. That causes her to mistrust in ways that I can empathize with, even if I didn’t always fully understand her choices – choices in particular that hurt them in the past.
Their connection is so tender, so intimate and soulful. These two just fit- they belong, despite their emotional baggage. R Holmes is such a wonderful character writer- which results in such compelling chemistry. We slowly start to understand these two, but from the beginning we feel their nuances, the emotional complexities that the past, insecurities, and maturity have amplified. This is a couple you root for- a couple you adore.
What a sweet, angsty, and emotional love story- and a story of self-actualization. That’s the power of soul-mate love- its a love that helps you be more you. And that love is worth the journey- as long and challenging as it may be.
4.5 stars
The Beginning of the End is a sweet second chance romance. Ambrey and Grey fell in love as teenagers only to have their happily ever after ripped away from them. They reconnect eight years later, under the most unlikely of circumstances, and struggle to come to terms with what really caused the demise of their relationship. This story is told through a mix of “present” and “past” events. I liked that you don’t know exactly what caused their relationship to fail the first time and it definitely had me turning the pages to find out! One small complaint I would have with this story is Emily. Her dialogue didn’t fit her age in my opinion. I actually wish she had played a smaller part in the book because after a while her scenes became too unbelievable and distracting.
” .
‘ .
, ”
Second chance romance
Single loving dad
Bad boy with tattoos, good heart
Royal family drama
Intense chemistry (steamy too)
This was very sweet and deep flaming story! It was abit angtsy and some family drama involved. When you meet Grey you’ll be swooned over and can we have a laugh over the dirtiness/profanity Bishop personality is you gotta love him though, both him and Madison have strong loyalty to eachother’s friends. Which also I ship these two! (I’m sensing they might have a book of their own maybe? )
The chemistry between Ambrey and Grey was undeniably strong, yet they kept trying to push eachother way…leave what they had in the past. Try to keep their distance and hands off eahcother, but it seems fate has a way of getting what it wants. The promises and future they both had was taken away from them but in a sense oblivious to why and how. The angtsy was heartaching, the cliche story where the villian (Grey but not really him) plays the role of doing his time in jail and becoming a better man…sexy and more loving than ever.
Are Ambrey and Grey willing to put what they went through behind them and give it another go? Or is one’s pride & grudge gonna keep them apart for good? Read to find out!
Thank you so much R. Holmes for this opportunity to read this, I loved it very much I look forward to more writing in the future!
A second chance romance involving a single dad? Is the sky blue? Hell yeah, was I excited to get my hands on this.
High school sweethearts, Ambrey and Grey from New Orleans, involved in a love so fated and genuine, separated by toxic family members and the powers that be. It’s your usual rich girl who falls for the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. It just wasn’t meant to be. Fast-forward eight years later, there are a lot of unresolved issues, when Ambrey moves back to her hometown and surprises Grey. But Grey has a surprise of his own. He’s now a single dad to gorgeous three-year-old girl Emily Kate, and not only has he changed over the years but so have his priorities.
I would’ve liked for there to be a bit more depth, and at times, the writing felt jilted in certain areas, but the rest of the book, the development of the characters, and the complexity of the plot more than made up for it. This book made my heart so happy. I literally swooned from beginning to end (apart from the parts I raged and cried) and watching the dynamic between all the characters, had me dyingggggg. Especially between Grey and EK.
I also need a book for Bishop and Madi ASAP, the tension between them is off the charts hot. Imma need that pronto! This is my first read from this author, I don’t know why, but I’m so glad I’ve found her. I’ll definitely be reading more of her work. If you’re looking for a lovely read about second chances, love, and family battles, this is the book for you.
Second chance, single dad romance. Ambrey and Grey started their forbidden romance as kids with Ambrey being the good rich girl and Grey being the poor bad kid. Lots of stuff goes down and Grey goes to prison and Ambrey leaves home only to come back 8 years later to Grey out of prison and a single dad to a little girl. The couple has a lot of chemistry and the characters (all of them not the main) make this book worth reading. First time reading R. Holmes would definitely read more.
**I was provided with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review**
The Beginning of the End by R. Holmes
5 STARS
#bookreview #arc2020 #marydbo
The Beginning of the End was my first read from author R. Holmes. It is written in dual POV and tells the story of Ambery & Grey.
I was very surprised that I loved every word of the story, the plot, the main character and the secondary characters as well, which made the story even more beautiful.
I don’t usually enjoy second chance romance, but this story was very good.
New Orleans fascinates me. I really wish that maybe one day I can visit it.
Amber’s family name was royalty in New Orleans. Her father was an important judge. He was the law, he made the law, but not the perfect husband or father. He was perfect only in public. He was awful in reality, but he liked to save the appearance.
One day, Amberley discovered what kind of man her father realy was. She knew he was bad, but not that bad. Only, he was a monster. He destroyed her life & her happiness, and she didn’t even knew about it, until years later.
Grey had to pay the price. Now, he is not the stupid young boy who was years ago. Now he is an important business man, he has money, he has a beautiful daughter, but he isn’t happy. His daughter is his life, his everything, and he is willing to do everything in his power to keep her safe.
Now, a spark came back in to his life. Is he willing to forgive, to open his heart?
For me, this book was perfect. It was an easy read, a perfect weekend read.
I highly recommend it
An angst filled second chance romance about a woman scorned by her love and a man who gave up his life for the one he loved.
This was my first R. Holmes book and I am in love with everything this story is.
Ambery and Grey’s story was the best kinda heart wrenching, angsty and emotional story and I didn’t know I needed it so much.
Grey is such an amazing father. I just couldn’t help but adore him with his daughter. These two were so cute and my heart was swooning so much. He is exactly the kind of father I need to see more of in stories. Also, he is definitely the best kinda person to fall in love with.
I loved Ambrey for getting out of the situation with her parents. She was so badass for that. But when I found out the reason why she left, I was so annoyed with her. I think that’s the only instance where I wanted to shake her and scream at her face.
This story is has amazing characters with a very surprising twist and I honestly devoured the book. It’s right to say that I am a R. Holmes follower now and I can’t wait to see what’s next from her.
The Beginning of the End is a second chance romance from author R. Holmes. It focuses on the characters Ambrey and Grey who from page one, you know that they have a history. Ambrey is moving back to New Orleans after many years away making her mark and staying away from her influential parents. But everything has changed and now she has to come face to face with the man who she thought had left her behind, but sometimes the truth hurts more than the lies.
Ambrey and Grey’s relationship is intense from the get go and both their lives have changed through circumstances that were out of their control. Ambrey, although a strong character was downtrodden by her parents and definitely came to be manipulated by them on various levels. Even though she is back in NOLA doing good things, it isn’t until her and Grey communicate that you actually find out how bad her parents were (no spoilers!). Her connection to Grey’s little girl is so overwhelming, especially when she is trying hard to overcome both her own issues and those that also seem to plague Grey.
Grey is such a uniquely strong male character, in the sense that he has endured so much in his life, but has come back out trying to make a life for him and his daughter. We see through his eyes that there is nothing that he won’t do for his little girl and we experience how hard it is for him to be in Ambrey’s presence throughout the book, yet he can’t stay away.
The book has a definite push and pull between the two main characters and it is heart-breaking to read certain scenes between them, especially when things that come out have been so influenced by other people. The scenes where they both talk it out are heart-breaking due to the history and drama that has ensued. But, overall, this book is about that deep-seated love that people will fight for if given the chance.
The author does so well in you being invested in these characters, that you want them to have their happily ever after. This story is beautifully written and one I think many will enjoy!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com