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xbrittanyreneereads_'s review
5.0
Love
How can you not love a good love story. Sexy, funny, well written book. I couldn’t ask for more. First by this author and I look forward to reading more.
How can you not love a good love story. Sexy, funny, well written book. I couldn’t ask for more. First by this author and I look forward to reading more.
scvallese1's review
5.0
When I first discovered Jennifer Van Wyk a few months ago (after reading From the Ground Up- if you haven't read it, then get to it!), she has become a one-click author for me. Her books have serious and realistic plots that many can relate with. A Better Place hit the mark!
A Better Place tells the story of James and Carly, who meet when James drops off his niece at school. Both of them are single parents who haven't been out there trying to find love, but are suddenly overcome with feelings that they can't deny. But their pasts haven't completely gone away, and they have a lot to work through.
The characters that Jennifer Van Wyk write are like friends and people you know (or would like to get to know). It was great catching up with Tess and Barrett and their brood, as well as all their quirkiness. This was a great (really great!) book!! I cannot wait to read Andy and Christine's story next!!
A Better Place tells the story of James and Carly, who meet when James drops off his niece at school. Both of them are single parents who haven't been out there trying to find love, but are suddenly overcome with feelings that they can't deny. But their pasts haven't completely gone away, and they have a lot to work through.
The characters that Jennifer Van Wyk write are like friends and people you know (or would like to get to know). It was great catching up with Tess and Barrett and their brood, as well as all their quirkiness. This was a great (really great!) book!! I cannot wait to read Andy and Christine's story next!!
justjoannak's review against another edition
5.0
I will be reading more from Jennifer soon because this book is amazing! I loved all the dynamics between the characters, whether they were primary, secondary or even minor characters. All of them impacted the flow of the novel and make it work effortlessly. I really loved how patient James was with Carly and wish I could find someone like that in real life (a girl can dream). Definitely will read the 2nd novel and more to come from this (hopefully) series.
djacknurse's review against another edition
3.0
It took a bit too long to get past her fears of getting involved. I loved the first parts but slowed too much after that for my tastes.
ladycivic's review against another edition
5.0
AMAZING read!! Carly has been to hell and back because of her ex. She and her son Jack left Vince, the "man" she was married to, and built new lives for themselves far, far away. Carly built walls, no, towers,
around herself so she would never be hurt again. And then she meets James. James seems to have the power to dismantle the tower.
I hate that Jack had to grow up too fast because of
his "dad", but I absolutely LOVE how he was able to help his mom become stronger. He helped her see that she would be able to take care of herself if she ever needed to.
This book was real, emotionally charged. This book is real life. Unfortunately I think too many people have been, or know someone who has been abused. I hate that it happened to Carly, but I love the woman she became. Another masterpiece of a novel!
around herself so she would never be hurt again. And then she meets James. James seems to have the power to dismantle the tower.
I hate that Jack had to grow up too fast because of
his "dad", but I absolutely LOVE how he was able to help his mom become stronger. He helped her see that she would be able to take care of herself if she ever needed to.
This book was real, emotionally charged. This book is real life. Unfortunately I think too many people have been, or know someone who has been abused. I hate that it happened to Carly, but I love the woman she became. Another masterpiece of a novel!
kara_hildebrand's review against another edition
5.0
A Better Place is my first book my Jennifer Van Wyk and she's made me a forever fan! It's one of my favorites of the year! It's so refreshing to read a new author and just love their words. Her writing is fresh and witty and I was laughing out loud and smiling most of the time. These characters are well developed, intelligent, funny and have strong chemistry. James has been living his life, raising his daughter by himself. It's time for him to do something for himself now. He hasn't met a woman who interested him until he sets eyes on Carly. There's something different about her. The way they meet is EPIC! I was dying! Carly hasn't looked at a man with interest in a very long time. But she can't keep her eyes off the sexy, tattooed man who walked into the room. She's having inappropriate thoughts about him in her classroom and it's hilarious!
James has to know everything about her and he's going to use his niece to get his intel. Once James finally spends time with her, that's it. He's a goner. But Carly isn't going to make it easy on him, but that's ok. He's relentless. In a good way. Can James show Carly how to live again? Will Carly trust in James and his big heart? I loved watching this story unfold! James is swoonworthy with his sexiness and his sense of humor! I love the dork in him! Carly is one strong leading lady! Overall, I loved every second of it and couldn't wait to see what James was going to say next! I want more from James and Carly. You hear me, Jennifer? Novella. Something? :)
“Why?”
“Yeah. Why? I mean, I’m nothing…”
“You’re everything.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“And yet I already know that you’re everything.”
Swoon.
“Never be sorry for sitting on me, or lying on me, basically touching me in any way.”
“You’re kind of wonderful, you know that?” I tell him.
“Nah, it’s pretty simple when I’m with you.”
James has to know everything about her and he's going to use his niece to get his intel. Once James finally spends time with her, that's it. He's a goner. But Carly isn't going to make it easy on him, but that's ok. He's relentless. In a good way. Can James show Carly how to live again? Will Carly trust in James and his big heart? I loved watching this story unfold! James is swoonworthy with his sexiness and his sense of humor! I love the dork in him! Carly is one strong leading lady! Overall, I loved every second of it and couldn't wait to see what James was going to say next! I want more from James and Carly. You hear me, Jennifer? Novella. Something? :)
“Why?”
“Yeah. Why? I mean, I’m nothing…”
“You’re everything.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“And yet I already know that you’re everything.”
Swoon.
“Never be sorry for sitting on me, or lying on me, basically touching me in any way.”
“You’re kind of wonderful, you know that?” I tell him.
“Nah, it’s pretty simple when I’m with you.”
debs_shelves's review
5.0
I will start by saying I loved From the Ground Up and couldn't wait for this one. And ... I loved this even more.
Carly ... single mom to Jack and school teacher. And she has a secret that she wants no one to know!
James ... a single dad who is visiting his hometown and staying with his sister's kids while she and her hubby are on a trip.
They meet at school where she "falls" for James. Okay, she actually falls INTO James (his crotch to be specific). Fireworks go off but she is afraid and not wanting to get involved.
God bless James for being patient and kind. (Note: You will fall in love with James!).
Such a sweet wonderful love story that shows us there really are "good guys", real gentlemen out there and to never give up on finding love.
Carly ... single mom to Jack and school teacher. And she has a secret that she wants no one to know!
James ... a single dad who is visiting his hometown and staying with his sister's kids while she and her hubby are on a trip.
They meet at school where she "falls" for James. Okay, she actually falls INTO James (his crotch to be specific). Fireworks go off but she is afraid and not wanting to get involved.
God bless James for being patient and kind. (Note: You will fall in love with James!).
Such a sweet wonderful love story that shows us there really are "good guys", real gentlemen out there and to never give up on finding love.
chronicaaaa's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
katrinamarie's review
4.0
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
Definitely pick this book up. I loved every second of it, and was sad when I closed the book.
5 reasons to read A Better Place
Definitely pick this book up. I loved every second of it, and was sad when I closed the book.
xbrittanyrenee_'s review
5.0
Love
How can you not love a good love story. Sexy, funny, well written book. I couldn’t ask for more. First by this author and I look forward to reading more.
How can you not love a good love story. Sexy, funny, well written book. I couldn’t ask for more. First by this author and I look forward to reading more.