Since I've not been living completely under a rock for the past several years, I have heard of Aurora Rey but I've never picked up one of her books. I think she was getting popular as I was moving away from solidly reading wlw books and was pretty well burned out on them. My reading tastes are much more varied than back then but I still read plenty of wlw romances. Mostly as a way to balance out the true crime and murdery thrillers and mysteries I love. But I tend to stick to favorite old books or authors I've previously read and enjoyed. I don't often take a chance on someone who is new to me. After reading You Again, I'm going to be adding Aurora Rey to my list of authors to choose from when I need a fix.

My favorite romance trope is the second chance at love one. I absolutely adore it. When it's done well, that is. And this book was damn near perfect. The reason for the separation, the reason for the return to the hometown, the hurt, the angst, the chemistry, and the family - it was all on point and believable. Even the plot point that creates the final drama and resolution was well done and not the dreaded miscommunication or lack of communication or secret. There's little I hate more than something so that could be so easily resolved or prevented being used in such a way. It tends to feel lazy and emotionally manipulative and I want more than that. Yes, I'm demanding and have high expectations but still...

I feel like You Again has earned a spot on my reread list and I'm not lying when I say that I'm legitimately going to miss Sutton and Kate and Harper. Mostly Sutton though. She really spoke to me as a character and she had my heart aching a few times. I felt for her so much. *sigh*

I better wrap this up before I get lost in my own head rehashing the story. Big thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to finally read Ms. Rey. ( )

A Heartwarming Second Chance Romance

Sutton has a high powered job in Atlanta, far from the small town of Duchesne, Louisiana where she grew up. After leaving college, broken hearted, she thought she'd never return.

Now, her Dad, Albin, faces double knee replacement surgery and she agrees to take off three months to nurse him through rehabilitation. But she must face her past.

Aurora Rey has created a lovely story about the value of family, friendships and, most importantly, telling the truth.

As Sutton goes home and faces her history with Kate, much is learned about the real meaning of happiness and the compromises we often make to our own detriment.

I loved the sweetness and light of this book, as well as the ending. So much of life is hard these days, You Again lifted my spirits and brought a smile to my face. ( )