One More Round

Shelli Stevens

Feb 2018 · The McLaughlins Book 1 · Tule Publishing

About this eBook

When Sarah Rawlings fell for her best friend's older brother in high school, she knew he was trouble. But she couldn’t resist his pull and the sweetness she sensed underneath his protective bad boy persona. Their relationship was everything she had ever dreamed of, until she was rocked by his painful betrayal.  Eleven years later, Sarah must return to Whidbey Island following her beloved grandmother's death. She knows she must stay away from Ian, but he’s not making that easy and every time she sees him, she’s reminded of what might have been.

 

One look at Sarah stirs up memories regrets that still linger in Ian McLaughlin's heart. She was the love of his life and he still can’t understand how he blew it and how she could have also hurt him so badly in return. He plans to steer clear of Sarah while she’s on Whidbey Island, but that’s impossible when she’s often at his family’s pub. Thinking to indulge in a little casual seduction for fun, neither is prepared when the embers burst into flames.

 

So many years and secrets separate them. Can their powerful attraction also include understanding and forgiveness?

Previously titled Good Girl Gone Plaid

Ratings and reviews

This is a very sweet and touching romance about second chances. In this case, it’s the story about Ian McLaughlin and Sarah Rawlings. HS sweethearts that were separated not only by a betrayal but also by a family transfer. Eleven years later, divorced and a single Mom, Sarah is back in Whidbey Island. She has inherited her grandmother’s house . Her goal is to stay the month required by the will , put it up on sale, and leave before she runs into Ian. Plus , she has secrets she doesn’t want to reveal. Little did she know that she that she would see him before she reaches the town. The attraction is still there but history has a way of getting in the way, as well as old hurts. The engaging plot and complex characters will keep your interest throughout the book. This is not only a story about second chances, but also about family, loyalties, misunderstandings, and hope. Looking forward to the next book in this series. I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

The story in general is an interesting read. Boywhore falls in love with the girl until one party night that he for all appearances, cheated on her. Girl moved away until her grandmother died leaving her house to her and she came back to sell it. Girl met again the boywhore turned manwhore. Not much has changed except for the secret the girl is hiding from the island. Very poor situation all around, all kinds of toxic issues from the past going on to the present. The man was justifiably angry for her harboring her secret but you can understand her reticent attitude when his being a felon comes into play, not a very good influence so to speak. Cheater, felon, manwhore. The man sure had a bad rep and the girl had the right to be cautious and look out for her well being. Though she wasn't without fault as well, plus her father basically tried all he could to separate them as well. Will they ever overcome the obstacles and clear through the messes and stubborn pride? Guaranteed HEA.

One More Round by Shelli Stevens is book one of the McLaughlins Series and has me looking forward to reading more about the McLaughlin family. One More Round is a complicated romance of two people who are in love but have many obstacles in their path to happiness. Sarah Rawlings is a single mom who inherits her grandmother’s house with the stipulation that she has to live in it for a month before she sells it. The home is on Whidbey Island. Sarah had lived on the island while in high school and met her first love there, Ian McLaughlin. Sarah thought she could live on the island for a month and escape before anyone found out her secret. Ian McLaughlin is the high school “bad-boy” that all the girls want to date. He’s never grown up and has no plans for tying himself to a woman. Ian has made mistakes in his life and refuses to make excuses to people for judging him without knowing the full story. He finds out Sarah is on the island and, like a moth drawn to a flame, he keeps seeking her out. Their chemistry is still off the charts and soon they are spending more and more time together. Sarah can’t get over the past and the mistakes Ian has made. As a single mom, she doesn’t feel Ian is a good influence to have in her child’s life. But once Ian finds out Sarah’s secret, will he ever forgive her?? Poor Sarah and Ian! Just when you think they could forgive and forget and start over, something else happens! The book was a constant back and forth of Ian doing something to make Sarah mad, then Sarah doing something that makes Ian mad. I wish there were more blissful moments in the story and less strife. Ian needs to get over himself and tell Sarah how he truly feels, instead of acting like a heartless guy. I would highly recommend you read this book. In the end, it’s a sweet love story with a HEA. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series starring Ian’s brother, Colin. 4 stars