Sebastian“Race me for it.”Four simple words. Five desolate years.Sebastian Kelly believes he isn’t worthy of redemption, of a chance to right his wrongs. But an unexpected trip home, the place he dreads most, calls in question everything he’s come to believe. And who knows, he may find exactly what he’s been waiting for.AutumnOne broken promise. Two pink lines.Autumn Norris knew in an instant her … promise. Two pink lines.
Autumn Norris knew in an instant her life would never be the same. Years have flown by in a flurry of sparkles and dress up, and Autumn has refused to let the anchor of regret pull her under.
Until she lays eyes on Sebastian, and the wave of “why,” “where,” and “how could you” flood her every thought.
Old hurt and new betrayal twist first love into a reluctant partnership, and theirs may be a bond even pigtails and butterfly kisses can’t mend. But the past five years have felt like a lifetime, and Seb is willing to wait as long as it takes.
Because the truth is, he’s always been waiting for Autumn.
Waiting for Autumn is stand-alone, second chance, small town romance.
more
Waiting for Autumn is an extended version that was originally found in the Begin Again anthology. JA DeRouen did a phenomenal job of taking the elements from that short story and developing it into a full-length novel!
Autumn and Sebastian have been in love for as long as they can remember. Sebastian and Autumn’s brother, Brady, have been friends since infancy. They played together and challenged each other constantly. Until it backfires and Sebastian is forced to leave. But five years later, they encounter each other again, and discover that they have one thing in common- a daughter that Sebastian didn’t know anything about.
I absolutely loved this book! JA DeRouen has such a way with words, and brings characters to life so well. These two had such chemistry! And Aria just stole the whole story! I cannot wait for more!
Good Lord, J.A. DeRouen can sure set up a scene. The opening scene on the four wheelers… it’s like she painted that scene visually with her words. DeRouen returned me to the days of my youth and those first tendrils of young love. Ahhh, the days of catching lightning bugs in jars, tether ball, and first kisses at the skating rink. The characters in Waiting for Autumn were so deep and complex. You can’t help but love them all. The secondary characters, Lexi and Brady, all I can see is opposites there but I’m humming the Paula Abdul’s Opposites Attract song and am seriously amused by them both through the entire story! They both offer a ton of sage advice throughout the story. Watching Seb fall in love with the little was so incredibly sweet. I seriously felt warm inside.
“Betting if you really think about it, you’ll have to admit that the only thing harder than doing it alone is letting someone help.” There is so much wisdom behind that statement. Really… DeRouen summed up life so well in one little sentence. Pride is such a fickle bitch!
You know, I saw this book on cover reveal day and thought wow, that’s really beautiful… I’m seriously a cover whore… I can’t help it I’m a graphic designer. So anyway, I see the sweet looking cover and check out the blurb, again… it sounds good and right up my alley. So I look through my kindle and see that I have never read J.A. DeRouen before. So I’m triple down! I had to read this! I love finding authors that take me away for a few days and DeRouen did just that, I spent the weekend in Haven with Seb and Autumn. I was in deep. DeRouen creates a really complex storyline. There were layers twined through layers. It was an intricate story and finding a clear path isn’t possible. But I enjoyed the path that Seb and Autumn created. I have to say, the pacing of the story could not have been better. There was no slow-to-stop area while Seb and Autumn are searching for solid ground. I really appreciated that… it kept on trucking and I was infatuated with every single character!
I’m always so thrilled when I take a chance on an author and it works out splendidly for me! I spend a day or so wrapped up in a story with characters that are completely new to me and situations that have a unique twist on them and they become a part of me… depending on the authors ability. I was thoroughly pleased with DeRouen’s ability to transport me back to a time when life was simple and love was easy and then to switch seamlessly into present time where everything was turned topsy-turvy and there were no answers, only questions.
DeRouen packed a lot of emotion into this sweet childhood love story with secrets. We see how life truly can change in the blink of an eye and it can alter several people’s paths. We have dreams ended in a field one hot summer day and everyone’s life is effected. Adults take drastic steps to protect theirs. So many bad choices, so many simple mistakes… when life just happens and it doesn’t go to plan.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
Once again, my first JA DeRouen book but nope…not gonna be my last…if only because I sooooo need to know Lexi’s story. The story grabs you by the throat from the prologue and doesn’t let go throughout the book. Some secrets kept, some surprises await you but Autumn and Seb’s story is one for the ages. Aria steals the show…I couldn’t help but laugh out loud (to some strange looks in the gym lol) whenever she was in the scene. There were some life affirming quotes in this book that just hit me in the feels…”There are five thousand different explanations on the way from right to wrong, and most things fall somewhere in between the two.”
*** 4.5 Stars ***
Waiting for Autumn by J.A. DeRouen is a contemporary, small town, coming of age, friends to lovers, second chance romance told in first person dual POV. The story takes place moving between scenes from the present and past.
Sebastian and Autumn were childhood friends and first loves. Growing up, the two of them along with Autumn’s brother, Brady, were inseparable until a terrible tragedy tore the trio apart sending Sebastian off in a completely different direction from the siblings. Five years pass before he returns to town and begins to learn that things may not be what they seem. When long-held secrets are revealed, will Autumn and Sebastian finally reconnect or will all hope of reuniting be destroyed?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and thought they were realistically flawed but still likeable. There were some situations I would have enjoyed more details about but overall it did not distract from the story at hand. I was hooked from the start and had a hard time putting it down. If I hadn’t read this during my work week I likely would have read it in one sitting. The story was a beautifully moving blend of angst, sweetness, and romance. This is the first J.A. DeRouen book that I’ve read and certainly will not be the last.
This was my first J.A. DeRouen’s book, and won’t be my last. OMG! This story is so beautifully written. This is a wonderful second chance to love. The back and forth, from the past to present, is well done and easy to follow. Sebastian and Autumn (I love her name!) are great characters. They share a beautiful love. Brady, Autumn’s brother, is also a great character, and I would love to have his story. Sebastian and Autumn’s story is heartbreaking, and breathtaking, but also heartwarming afterward. The storyline is filled with angst, and many twists and turns. I love their happy ending.
Jeremy York and Neva Navarre did a wonderful job with the narration. Jeremy York has a beautiful voice, always well paced. Neva Navarre is a new narrator to me. She has a great voice, also well paced. I like how they both bring this story to life, with all the feels required. I absolutely enjoyed my listening and totally recommend this audiobook. I will relisten to this story. I’m looking forward for more stories written by J.A. DeRouen, and narrated by Jeremy York and Neva Navarre.
Audible Review
This is a love story that takes several twist to get to the HEA. Autumn has loved her brother Brady’s best friend Sebastian her entire life. She has been the tag along with them and gotten into more mischief than a little girl should. When an accident happens all 3 of their lives will never be the same.
This story is both sweet and heart wrenching. I laughed and shed a few tears for them all but love wins out in the end. They just have some healing and time to get there. Just when you think you know why something happened you figure out there are always two sides to every story and that is definitely the case for Autumn, Seb, and Brady. This story is so well written, it has all the feels to it to keep you interested and it is believable. Loved all the characters and ups and downs this author took me on.
Neva Navarre and Jeremy York did a really good job telling this story. They kept my interest throughout the entire audio and I enjoyed listening to them. I received a code to listen and review and give my honest opinion. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it. I think there will be another book for Brady and Lexi and I look forward to listening to it.
I love secret baby second chance romances and this book did not disappoint! This book was sweet, heartbreaking, funny and a little frustrating at times. Sebastian is the ultimate deserver of second chances! Autumn took a little longer to win me over, but in the end I was totally rooting for her happiness also. This was my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read Brady and Lexi’s story!
Waiting for Autumn was my first J.A. DeRouen experience and let me tell you, it will not be my last. The emotions captured in this book hit me right in the feels! Together since childhood, Sebastian doesn’t remember a conscious decision to love Autumn – their love just was. Following a tragic accident they were broken and left separated for 5 years. When they see each other once again their new worlds collide – will their love persevere or will old hurts shatter them? Read and find out!!! ***Spoiler(ish) section. When Seb returns to Prosper and Brady asks him to go for a ride – I missed out on their reconciliation and the revelation that no one knew Mr. Norris had ran Seb out of town and threatened his family. I gathered that the mentioned scene resulted in reconciliation etc, but I feel like we the readers needed to be apart of this as it’s pretty important to the story. Brady’s acceptance of Seb was the key to bringing the characters back together. Additionally Autumn randomly knows Seb didn’t run out on her as she had thought but the information being imparted on her isn’t apart of the book. I feel like this would have only added to the story as well. Brady mentions things didn’t happen as she thought but nothing more. I’m also glad I didn’t thoroughly read the synopsis because I enjoyed not knowing that Autumn had been pregnant and enjoyed the *gasp* moment when Seb found out. It’s a major spoiler and could be left out for enjoyment of the reader. Alternatively I loooooved Sebastian’s character and the emotions he had over meeting and falling in love with his daughter. I’m glad the author made him work for Aria’s affections and didn’t give an insta-connection right away. This was more conducive to “real” life.
Waiting for Autumn is a lovely, angsty read, and I would recommend this book.
Sebastian and Autumn’s love began as children and I love ready now it evolved as they grew older. I’ve read a few of J.A DeRouen’s books before and this blew the others out of the water. I’m excited to read more!
This story tugged at all of my heartstrings. This book tells a great story of second-chance romance with a secret baby. I loved watching Sebastian grow and find himself worthy of all that he deserves with Autumn. I loved watching Autumn realize that Sebastian never forgot her nor left her. The secondary characters were phenomenal in this story. Sometimes I got frustrated with these characters, but it was so easy to love them. Another great read, and I cannot wait for more from these characters.
Ooh, I love J.A. DeRouen and I love her books! Check out her latest!!
The worst part of reading a J.A. DeRouen book is coming up with a review for it. There is something about her writing, her characters, her stories that is magical. And it feels next to impossible to review it even somewhat adequately.
It’s hard to put into words what I felt while reading this book. The push and pull between Seb and Autumn is the kind of angst I LIVE for. And Seb and Autumn are truly meant to be, but there are so many obstacles in their way. I wasn’t sure if (or how) they’d overcome them. I was wrapped into their story and their world from the beginning until the end and I never ever wanted it to end.
There are very few authors who I feel have the kind of talent that J.A. DeRouen possesses. Once again, I’m left speechless by one of her books. I hope there are so many more in the future (especially Brady, Lexi, and I’m holding out hope for my man Jeb from the Over Duet).
You won’t regret picking up Waiting for Autumn. J.A. DeRouen makes a brilliant return back to writing romance! I wish I could give this book all the stars because it deserves it!
I thoroughly enjoy reading this author’s books, and Waiting For Autumn was definitely worth the wait.
Wonderful characters: Seb and Autumn, Grady, Isaac and Aria.
The story had me from the start. Tragedy strikes. And the consequences are even more tragic. My heart broke for Seb and Autumn and Grady. “Time heals all wounds” does not necessarily equal the truth for these characters. Sometimes healing is forgiveness, including forgiving yourself. Sometimes it’s looking forward and not back. Sometimes it’s opening your heart and being vulnerable. Sometimes it’s as simple as love. A love so beautiful and sweet and innocent. A love of a lifetime. A love for someone who cared when it was what you needed most.
Waiting For Autumn brought me to my knees, yet seeing the strength of each of these characters, I found myself wanting to be equally as strong. This book has it all: loss, devastation, anger, loneliness, friendship, camaraderie, innocence, hope, and love.
I absolutely adored this book! Second chance romances are my jam and Waiting on Autumn is now on my list of favorites. I started this book and got lost it.
Sebastian, Brady and Autumn are like the three musketeers. They’ve been the best of friends since childhood. Tragedy strikes, threats are made, secrets are kept. Hearts are broken. Lives are torn apart. You could feel all of the emotions in this story. To me, that’s what takes a book from good to great.
Seb and Autumn get their happy ending, but the road to it isn’t paved. It’s a long winding dirt road full of pot holes and one Siamese Cat . Thank you for this fantastic read.
This book is beautifully written and will pull on your heartstrings. I quickly fell in love with Sebastian and Autumn. Love all the characters.
This is a great second chance romantic story that had all the feels. A sweet yet tragic story that made me fall in love with these great characters.
Sebastian and Autumn were best friends to lover. Brady is Autumn’s brother and Sebastian’s best friend. One tragic night ended all that. Now years later circumstances brings them back all together. Secrets are being revealed and now they need to forgive each other.
It was like reading 2 separate stories because it goes back in forth in time. The in the present story was excellent. It was beautiful and I loved the storyline. For reason I won’t mention in fear to spoil the plot, this story was way up my alley. Personally, I didn’t get into in the past story. The first few times were important to the storyline but then not so much.
The characters were amazingly created. Even secondary characters played an important part in the development of the story. I wish I get Brady’s story next.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I recommend this story.
Sweet second chance romance that shows not everything is as it seems. Sebestian, Autumn and Brady grew up being best friends, they did everything together. All the way up until the moment that changed everything in a heartbeat. If they could go back and change it, they would but you can’t go back, you can only go forward.
Sebestian and Autumn have went on their lives but felt that they were missing pieces of themselves. When circumstances throw them together again and the truth comes out will they be able to let the past go and build a future? Or will there be too much from the past in the present to give these two the second chance that they both desperately want.
This is a sweet book that has some really funny moments in it, some tear inducing moments in it. Loved meeting the secondary characters and cant’ wait to read their stories.
J.A. DeRouen absolutely knocked it out of the park with Waiting for Autumn. Every word on every page held weight and meaning, every character was worth rooting for. A must read!
A second chance with a first love and a four year old secret – sign me up!
I loved Seb and Autumn’s story. We get to see what happens at key points in the past and then get to move forward with the future. The story flowed off the pages and I wasn’t tempted to skim at any point. There are some great secondary characters too and I’m really hoping a couple of them get a story – hint hint.
But back to this story. One afternoon changes everyone’s life in ways none of the characters could have imagined. Fast forward five years and another tragedy brings Seb back to the town he left . Just a glimpse of the girl he left behind and he knows there is unfinished business. Could this be the start of a second chance or was their young love meant to remain in the past?
I really love J.A. DeRouen’s writing. She writes with so much heart and soul and I wish everyone knew about her books and got to experience them.
Waiting For Autumn is a small town, second chance with your first love, secret baby book with All.The.Feels! They go from inseparable childhood friends to more, than nothing to be reunited for rediscovery.
When I read the Begin Again Anthology I was Introduced to Seb and Autumn. Once I read the story I crossed my fingers for a full length book. …wish granted with an amazing book!
Aria, oh Aria…what a cutie that will steal your heart! There are so many wonderful supporting characters in the book that I want to know more about. I really, really want to read a full length book about Brady and Lexi! Shakes head up and down yes!