Theirs was a forever kind of love, until it was stolen.

Been There Done That, an all-new second-chance romantic standalone by debut author Hope Ellis, is available now!

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Excerpt

My Grandmother Leffersbee used to say, “Life isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes it so interesting.” Then she’d wink before adding, “Do you want interesting? Or do you want boring?” Right now? I could use some boring perfection. Just a little. Just a smidge. Please.

“Zora.” A vaguely familiar-sounding voice said my name from someplace in the vicinity of my office doorway. I ignored it, hoping they’d take my silence as an invitation to go away. You’re almost out of time. My eyes stung, but I wasn’t going to cry. There is no crying in clinic communication research; there is only more research, more grant applications, more trying, more doing. But, damn, I really thought we had this one in the bag. Folks’ livelihoods depended on it. My tenure, my job, depended on it. Not to mention the research itself was important—so incredibly important.

“Zora,” that voice said again, firmer this time. Closer. Given my present state of mind and eau de sweat fantastique, I can’t help barking out, “Now isn’t a good time.”

The man didn’t respond for a beat, but then once more said, “Zora,” this time with a hint of grit and impatience. My glare cut away from the offending rejection email and I opened my mouth to volley something scathingly polite and dismissive, but then every nerve and muscle in my body seized. The clouds outside my office window parted at that very moment, emitting a biblical shaft of light that illuminated my overstuffed bookcases—and the breathtaking specimen of man standing in my office doorway on the fifth floor of the medical research building.

What the . . .? Shock choked me. I couldn’t breathe.

The cracked vinyl of the office chair’s armrests bit into the tender flesh of my palms. I recognized him immediately even though he looked very, very different. All the awkward lankiness and unformed promise of his youth had been ruthlessly fulfilled in the intervening years. But after twelve years of empty, aching absence, of wondering and worrying, of resignation and sadness . . . he was here. Was he real?

“I thought . . . I thought you were dead.” The whispered words left my mouth at the same time they formed in my brain. Nick Armstrong stood silent and unmoving, a stolid sentry, looking at me. Just . . . looking. The width of his shoulders filled the doorway, leaving scant space between his head and the door frame.

I couldn’t help devouring the sight of him, half-wondering if he were a mirage. Despite being as fashion challenged as I was, I easily identified the perfect fit of a bespoke suit, noting how the high-quality fabric closely followed the muscled bulk of his shoulders and arms. The unassuming dark jacket, white dress shirt, and trousers did little to hide his tapered waist and well-developed thighs. His hulking presence alone ensnared my attention, but his face arrested it. He was striking. Thick, ink-black hair just starting to curl over his collar matched the dark stubble shadowing his square jaw. His slightly off-center nose, likely the result of a break, ruined the pure symmetry of his features. But his eyes were a startling shade of green, the same showy, verdant hue of summer leaves under an ominously gunmetal sky. So unsettlingly familiar. And yet . . . No, it couldn’t be him. There was no way it was Nick. Not after all these years. This isn’t possible.

I lurched up and made a spectacle of myself as I struggled to stand. Panic weighted my feet. Disbelief severed any connection with my brain’s higher processing, leaving me stuck to my chair with my mouth hanging ajar. “Letting in flies,” as my Grandma Leffersbee would have said.

I blinked back confusion as I stared at him, captured by a whisper, an echo of a memory. “Who . . . ?” His mouth moved, like maybe he was going to introduce himself. But instead, he repeated my name for a fourth time, “Zora . . .” This voice was different from the Nick I had loved. Deeper. But the way he said my name, slowly, as if savoring the taste of something rich? I could never forget that. It is him.

RATING:

REVIEW

“Zora, that’s us. It always has been. No matter what space, problems, or people were between us. We belong together. Fate wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Right off the bat, I was so excited about this book when it was announced. I’m a sucker for the second chance romance trope. The fact that this is set in a small town and also serving the childhood best friends to lovers trope just enticed me even more.

Nick and Zora are childhood friends turned lovers who got separated. They meet again 12 yrs later because Nick’s company is working on a project with the help of the hospital Zora works for. Ofcourse, Nick wanted more than that — he wants to reconnect with Zora.

I think Zora is a strong female character. She’s caring, intelligent, independent and she would put other people’s needs before her own. I can see how passionate she is with helping others and making a difference in their lives as seen in her work.

Nick is a male lead I’ve come to admire. There’s something so satisfying about characters like him who endured so many struggles in his life and yet managed to prosper. He’s ambitious, selfless, and cares deeply about the people in his life.

They are both characters who are trying to make a difference in the world through their careers. It always makes me emotional when I read about characters who are pursuing something that’s inspired by something they’ve gone through. They didn’t have the best experience, so they want to help others.

As for their relationship, obviously Nick and Zora had issues to work out because of the separation, but as I was reading I never doubted the love they had for each other. There were angst and heartbreak over what happened in the past but also romantic steamy scenes brought by the tension and chemistry they still have. Nick is also consistently trying ~~(and sometimes, failing, but he makes up for it)~~ to do what is best for Zora.

The side characters are also amazing!!! I love Zora’s mom, Ellie Leffersbee. Her love for Zora and Nick is so strong, she has always treated Nick like family. Leigh is another highlight - she is so funny!! She’s an amazing friend to Zora and I love her personality. I would love to see her more in the next books (especially if that scene at the end is any hint to what’s coming). If you've read Winston Brothers, you'd also enjoy Jackson James here. I can't wait to read his story as well!!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I’m adding it to my list of favorite reads this year and I’m looking forward to reading more from this series and the author.

ARC provided by Smartypants Romance in exchange for an honest review.