When You're Ready (Ready #1) - #review

When You're Ready (Ready #1)

by J.L. Berg (Goodreads Author)

Years after suffering the tragic loss of her husband, Ethan, which left her alone to raise their young daughter, Clare Murray still holds the last letter he wrote with the words "When You're Ready" written in his familiar messy handwriting, unable to break its weathered seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare had accepted a life without him, without love. Until years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with a stormy-eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.

Son of a billionaire, Logan Matthews has spent his life trying to make his absentee father proud. Without a family to depend on, all he's ever wanted is a place to call home. After a failed marriage, Logan believes he's unworthy of love...until he meets a woman who awakens his spirit and transforms his entire life in an instant.

But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? Can his love mend the pieces of her grieving heart?

When their love is tested, is Clare ready to put her whole heart on the line again? Can Logan learn the true meaning of love, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness? When a second chance at love is given, Clare and Logan learn you are never truly ready until you're ready to risk it all.

ADD TO GOODREADS

BUY: AMAZON | B & N | KOBO | iBOOKS (Canada)

Source: Kindle
Genre: Adult Contemporary

My Review...

This book had me booked from the first page and I could NOT put it down. 

 ...If love finds you again, don't fight it. Don't let grief hold you back. Love is a risk, there are no guarantees. But, in the end, it is always, always worth it.

This was a beautiful story about a woman trying to move on from a terrible loss but has to move forward every day for the sake of her sweet sweet daughter.. 

Clare's only focus is her daughter Maddie, so when Maddie gets sick one day Clare is forced to face her demons by taking her to the hospital.  Sitting there with puke all over herself the last thing she expected was to meet her very own Dr. McSteamy.

Ethan is a player not wanting a relationship.  He believes he is incapable of being able to love being brought up by a cold, loveless billionaire father. So, why try a relationship when its going to go no where fast.  Well, those were his thoughts until one night through the smell of vomit he sees a precious little girl and her mother who instantly change his world. 

Another random meeting and Ethan and Clare try to give this new found relationship a go. I love how they actually moved forward with this instead of the typical fiction insecure miscommunication bullshit that normally entails prolonging the eventuality of the relationship.

"Clare, this...what we're doing. It has to be all or nothing. And I want all of you. When you cry, I want to be the one holding you. No matter the reason. So please, let me hold you,"

As things are moving along Clare and Ethan are dealing with their own issues so they can have a stronger relationship.  Things start to look like they are on the home stretch to their happiness then BAM J.L. Berg throws you for a big ol' wrench into their journey. 

"I don't compare you to him, Logan. I don't keep a checklist trying to figure out which one of you will win 'Clare's Great Love' contest. Ethan, as much as I will always love him," her voice faltered," is gone. And I can't live my life married to a ghost. You are here with me now. And I want all of you."

However, this wrench which could be considered cruel (but let's face it reality is a cruel bitch sometimes) it forces Clare to jump over her last hurdle so she can be truly free.

"I've loved you Clare, every minute of every day, since the very first day."

I LOVED the story, Loved Maddie, Loved Clare and Ethan's friends, Loved Clare and Ethan and loved the ending.  This was my first J.L. Berg book and it will definitely will not be my last.  I
can't wait for Leah and Declan's story.




4.5 Beautiful Thumbs up!
. 5 
Lauren