From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.
It was the summer of my life.
I’d met the guy of my dreams.
Unfortunately, he was the son of my uppity employer¿and very much off-limits.
But Gavin was a rebel. He knew his mother would disown him if she found out about us; in his eyes, we just had to be careful.
He never treated me as his mother did-like hired … did-like hired help.
Instead, Gavin put me on a pedestal and loved me harder than I’d ever been loved in my life.
What a summer it was.
Until it all ended-badly.
I was never supposed to see Gavin again.
That didn’t stop me from thinking about him every day for ten years.
I knew little about his life now, just that he was an entrepreneur living an ocean away.
When a twist of fate had me working again in the very place our love affair started a decade earlier, I knew it was only a matter of time before I might see him again.
But I wasn’t prepared.
What if he hated me?
What if he loved someone else now?
I wasn’t prepared for all the unknowns.
And most of all, I wasn¿t prepared for today to be the day he came back.
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5 Stars
The Day He Came Back is the latest and incredible stand-alone novel by Penelope Ward. OH. MY. GOSHHH you guys, I don’t even have the words to describe just how amazing this story was. It was everything I’d come to expect from a Penelope Ward novel-addicting, sweet, and phenomenal characters. Second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes and The Day He Came Back reminded me why I love them so much.
I LOVED Gavin and Raven so much! With both of them coming from different sides of the track so to speak, I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to play out. Gavin had the biggest heart despite being raised in a privileged home. When he meets Raven, who was hired to help run the house, sparks flew off the pages. Their connection was beautiful. But how could it ever work? Now years later he’s back and everything has changed. Will the feelings still be there? Or will have time changed them?
“Sometimes you can still feel the love you had for someone inside your heart, even after they shattered it.”
I ADORED this book so much! The relationship between Gavin and Raven was complicated but oh so wonderful to read. Ms. Ward is a fantastic writer that is able to make you feel a part of her fictional world. I highly recommend reading it!
Second-chance romances done by a author who can do no wrong in her story telling. The little hidden gems of the story in the 10 year they were apart I loved the most, I just wish the it had not been so long of them being apart……10 years is a LONG time!
Yet another fantastic book by Penelope Ward! Such great chemistry between these characters, and not just the main two. Angst, love, and friendship, this book makes you believe that second chances are there. This book was a thing of beauty and I know I will be rereading this as it was so good!
4 stars!
The Day He Came Back was a wonderful read.
The author knows how to write a beautiful story, and I personally think her second chance romances are the best.
Gavin and Raven’s story was no different. It had me hooked from the prologue, I couldn’t read fast enough. It flowed smoothly and was filled with so many feels.
Raven’s mother works for Gavin’s family as their housekeeper. They know they shouldn’t start anything as Gavin is only there visiting for the summer. Also, his not-so-lovely mother is not too fond with the whole idea. They decide to just be friends, but that doesn’t last long. Try as they may to not cross that line, they just can’t resist their attraction.
Gavin and Raven had a great instant chemistry and the dialogue between them was on point. They had me laughing with their banter.
But, of course something happens to separate these two and that’s what the second half of this book was dedicated to.
I felt like the end was a little rushed and wrapped up rather quickly, but that didn’t keep me from enjoying the book
I was entertained reading this second chance romance. I’d recommend it!
I have read every one of Penelope Ward’s books and this one is by far the best she has ever written. This book has everything: happy times, sad times, romantic, steamy. You name it and it is in there. Absolutely fantastic read. True love never ending and reunited 10 years later. Nothing can keep true love apart. Raven and Gavin were separated for 10 years. Both always felt incomplete and could never truly move on. Part of their heart always belonged to the other. Nothing can get in the way of true love. Not social status, meddling mothers. NOTHING. If it is true then love will find a way. Escape into a world that proves true love always wins when you pick up The Day He Came Back. You will not be able to put it down. There aren’t enough stars for this book. Penelope Ward has truly outdone herself.
She isnt what hes used to, shes real in her thoughts and actions and doesn’t hold back. Shes like a breath of fresh air in his otherwise stale life.
Hes the son of her employer. She shouldn’t like him, shouldn’t melt or fawn over him, but hes perfect!
Their growing relationship is frowned upon. Social status is everything!
Is there any hope for such an innocent love…?
A prince and the pauper themed story of star crossed lovers, that outshine Romeo and Juliet!
Their love is powerful, and you can feel the heat between them. Their attraction, the atmosphere they create it’s all magical!
I swooned like a teenager, and cried like a baby but you know what, I wouldn’t want their story to be any different.
It’s perfect for them. Its beautiful, its poignant, its devastating yet theres serenity in it all.
Raven so selfless, and loyal. Her heart to those who need it. Shes mesmerising!
Gavin the guy who’s going places. His heart given to one. Hes the boyfriend we all want to bring home.
Tissues will be required whilst reading this, Its for me an ugly cry book. I couldnt control the tears but its more than worthy of them.
Theres nothing left to say now, except I have warned you, it is brutal but it’s also brilliant like the sunshine too.
Holy angst batman! I seriously devoured this book. I just kept reading until I couldn’t take it anymore. Which was the end. HAHA! This book was very emotional and gritty. The characters were very selfless, which ended up leading to their big downfall. Gavin was the IT guy. The popular guy everyone wanted to be with all the time. Unfortunately, he has a mother FROM HELL!!! I seriously wanted to throat punch a fictional character. This was a good read for sure and Penelope always has such a brilliant way with words so it’s hard not to fall in love with all of her stories.
AND…
Oh the angst and twisted heartbreak…I seriously couldn’t wait to find out how these two estranged lovers were going to deal with their reunion. Their young love was so sad and tragic. I didn’t even know what to think about their breakup. Why oh why!!!! To be apart ten years and then surprisingly brought back together. I wish Raven had been a stronger heroine. She definitely was a sweet, honest and caring girl. My favorite qualities in my lead girl but I wanted her way more feisty at times. Gavin…I loved his rugged good looks and willingness to fight for what he wanted. But then sometimes I wanted him to work a little harder. I love second chances though and these two had that deep connection that makes you swoon. The trademark of a Penelope Ward book that I look for every single read. Swoonworthy heroes that sweep the heroine off her feet and spoil her for any other men, Le sigh.
If you read one book this year, read THIS book!!!
Seriously. This is a STELLAR contemporary romance that so totally clicked with me on so many levels.
First, the emotions. Penelope did a fantastic job of writing all of the feels that had me on the verge of tears several times, and cracking a huge smile at others.
Next, the smart-ness; the characters didn’t pull any of that “well, I should say this out loud to avoid any confusion, but I’ll just keep it a secret anyway” stuff. Nope! These characters said what they needed to say, and the story worked around the real-ness of the characters saying what a real person would say in the same situation.
Oh, and the book is SMOKIN’. But it’s more than just sexy-hot because there’s so much emotion surrounding the sexytimes.
Sigh…I REALLY liked this book!
(I was given this book in consideration of my honest thoughts)
I’m always a sucker for a second-chance romance!
Have you ever been completely completely blown away by a book? A book you are still thinking about after you finished it ? A book that had so much emotion? Thats how I felt about this book. It’s is hands down one of my favorite reads in the last couple years. He is the perfect book boyfriend to me ! Ugh I can’t get over how much I loved it. Raven is also amazing. She is an amazing example of what someone is willing to do for those that she loves. Thank you so much for their story Penelope!!
Every once in awhile a book comes along that steals your heart
and consumes your thoughts.
The Day He Came Back by Penelope Ward is that book.
A book full of love, hate, heartbreak, tragedy and forgiveness.
A book that opens the heart and lets love return.
An Absolute Must Read *****
I love Gavin and Raven. Your worst nightmare is that the mother does not like you! Poor Raven only trying to do what was right in her heart! Gavin was determined and hell bent! Loved his kind heart and truth! This story is sure to keep your heart pumping and not slowing down until the last page! MORE MS WARD… PLEASE MORE!
This book was amazing! This book makes you laugh, cry and just feel so much for these characters. I absolutely loved Raven and Gavin. I didn’t want it to end.
Gavin and Raven are just simply perfect.
Gavin is the type of guy you never think you would land when you’re just the housemaid But when he makes up his mind he goes for it. It’s a rare thing to have a man at the age of 21 know exactly what he wants.
Raven is the housemaid who is working to help her mother and wants to put herself through nursing school. She never thought that when she saw Gavin and his brother that she would fall in love with him.
The second chance romance is basically something everyone needs to read. It doesn’t disappoint and it makes you Not want to waste 10 years to be with the person you love.
I voluntarily reviewed in advance complementary copy of this book.
If you are looking for a modern-day Cinderella story with twists and turns, angst and emotions, then The Day He Came Back is the book for you! This second chance romance had me turning the pages, ready for that HEA. A must read standalone contemporary romance!
Penelope Ward never disappoints, and this latest release is no exception. Angsty and emotional with lots of twists and turns, this is a story you really don’t want to miss.
This modern-day Cinderella story has all the makings of a page turner! Second chance, emotional, angsty, twisty with an HEA!!! YES!
Raven and Gavin grew up on the opposite sides of town and Raven’s mother worked for Gavin’s family. The young love that these two develop is powerful and all-consuming but it can’t withstand family pressure, obligation and doing what is right for the other person no matter how much it hurts your heart.
“Nothing is good enough. Nothing can make you happy.”
10 years go by before they see each other again, before the truth comes out, but can they reconcile, can they forgive, can they forget or should they just move one?
Full disclosure: I struggle sometimes with second-chance books that are set up like this. Where we get the first part of the relationship in one half, and then the “second-chance” in the second half. I like to have lots of time with the couple building their romance or settling into it or actually being together and – this set-up doesn’t always allow for that. And in truth, it did take me a while to settle into this one. I mean, the writing is engaging and it was easy to read, but I felt a little on edge and emotionally detached from it for a while.
Until I didn’t.
Admittedly, it happened during the “second chance” portion, but there was a distinct moment where I went from passively enjoying this book to actively dying to know what happened next. And it wasn’t a moment I would have expected from myself – which was an odd, but pleasant surprise, and perhaps one of my favorite things about it.
It’s sexy, and compelling, and it’s not hard to love a Cinderella story. It was a bit of a mixed bag for me. It didn’t pack quite the emotional punch that I was looking for, but I also couldn’t put it down and have zero regrets about the time I spent with Raven and Gavin (and frankly, Weldon, whose scene stealing antics provided some of my favorite moments). If you like your second chance romance packed with angst and laced with the forbidden factor, this is one to check out! ~ 3.5 Stars
The Day He Came Back is a sweet, sexy, second-chance romance between a wealthy and privileged man and the woman from the wrong side of town he fell in love with ten years ago.
Gavin and Raven met the summer before he was heading to law school and instantly connected. Though they grew up under vastly different economic situations, neither Gavin nor Raven felt like they weren’t worthy of each other. That they couldn’t really love each other and have a future.
Until Gavin’s mother interceded. And then their relationship fell apart—their love wasn’t enough to keep them together when so much was at stake.
And then Fate interceded ten years later. Now Raven is spending her days at Gavin’s family home. She’s a trusted, beloved caregiver and is completely caught off guard the day Gavin comes home unannounced.
She never expected to see him again. Never expected to have the feelings she’s kept suppressed for ten years rise to the surface. She never expected that she’d still be in love with Gavin after all this time.
And Gavin never expected to feel the same things either.
The Day He Came Back takes us to ten years ago when Raven and Gavin fell in love and fell apart and then back to the present day when things get real for them. Honestly, I loved the flashback to seeing young Raven and Gavin together. Watching them sidestep their feelings until they just couldn’t help themselves. And then being devastated when they were pulled apart.
However, I missed that same connection between them when they saw each other again. I didn’t feel the insta-connection, the lingering love. Sure, I was told it was there, but I missed the spark from their earlier relationship. That in addition to some of the ancillary side stories, kept me from fully engaging in their reunion, until the epilogue. Which was fantastic. Though, if Weldon’s story is written, I am all in! ~ 3.5 stars