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linzvonchillinstein's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ingenioussups's review
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pale_atlantis's review against another edition
2.0
i think the focus on covid made this hard for me to get through, and also i felt like there was a lack of intimacy (emotional and physical) between beth and byron :(
ajsgbf's review against another edition
5.0
This was a well written book that addressed so many real world issues such as (1) professional goals and reality, (2) the issues associated with drinking and (3) navigating life post the Coronavirus outbreak. The fact that each of these issues was addressed within this genre while keeping the book relatively lighthearted appealed to me greatly.
Eve Dangerfield’s writing style is captivating and is able to draw you in. I liked the fact that this book was set in Australia and enjoyed learning new things about the country while reading the book. This is my second Dangerfield book and I appreciate the fact that the author frequently uses sports teams as a way for her female protagonists to meet new people and acquire friends.
The storyline itself was good and the male love interest seemed to have a great personality and depth. I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
Eve Dangerfield’s writing style is captivating and is able to draw you in. I liked the fact that this book was set in Australia and enjoyed learning new things about the country while reading the book. This is my second Dangerfield book and I appreciate the fact that the author frequently uses sports teams as a way for her female protagonists to meet new people and acquire friends.
The storyline itself was good and the male love interest seemed to have a great personality and depth. I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
xobooktrovert's review against another edition
4.0
4 'New Beginnings' Stars
Beth has been struggling with dating through the pandemic. Finally out of lockdown, she feels free. So free that she ends up catcalling the most gorgeous man she has ever laid eyes on. Without even getting his name, they agree to meet up for drinks.
Their date is full of attraction and mysterious banter. Despite her recent sobriety, Beth doesn't mind that her handsome date is a little buzzed. All she can think about is going home with him at the end of the night. She is certain that she has found the perfect guy to end her dry-spell when he invites her back to his home. A huge mansion in the nice part of town? Things only get weirder when, after freshening up in the restroom, Beth finds her date passed out drunk in his bedroom - begging her not the leave him. Best worst date ever?
She finally breaks free of his strong embrace and sneaks out. That should have been one of worst dates she has ever been on, but how come its not? And why the hell can't she stop thinking about the mysterious Byron Thomas?
Alright, I will admit that I was a little hesitant to give this book a shot. Reading a book that mentions COVID restrictions, quarantine, and lockdown fairly consistently made me legit shudder. But I can confirm that this book only uses the pandemic to help keep to the theme of this book - to Begin Again, Again. Rest assured, there is no talk of how devastating this virus is nor does any characters talk about having/had the virus or losing loved ones to the virus. However, the author does not downplay the seriousness of it either. I do understand that reading this may not appeal to everyone, but I wanted to help clarify for those that are openminded to it.
And I hope everyone decides to give this one a chance because it is really good. The romance focuses on two characters trying to overcome very different but impactful situations. Age differences aside - our heroine is slightly older - they have both been dealt some of life's tough cards. But when they are together their luck doesn't seem so terrible. And every scene these two share together is explosive. Byron's dirty talk is superb. Ha!
The supporting cast of characters are great as well. We have a pro-athlete friend, and non-binary sister, and two couples that are already established. I really cannot wait to see some of their stories unfold in the next few books.
Special thanks to the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Beth has been struggling with dating through the pandemic. Finally out of lockdown, she feels free. So free that she ends up catcalling the most gorgeous man she has ever laid eyes on. Without even getting his name, they agree to meet up for drinks.
Their date is full of attraction and mysterious banter. Despite her recent sobriety, Beth doesn't mind that her handsome date is a little buzzed. All she can think about is going home with him at the end of the night. She is certain that she has found the perfect guy to end her dry-spell when he invites her back to his home. A huge mansion in the nice part of town? Things only get weirder when, after freshening up in the restroom, Beth finds her date passed out drunk in his bedroom - begging her not the leave him. Best worst date ever?
She finally breaks free of his strong embrace and sneaks out. That should have been one of worst dates she has ever been on, but how come its not? And why the hell can't she stop thinking about the mysterious Byron Thomas?
Alright, I will admit that I was a little hesitant to give this book a shot. Reading a book that mentions COVID restrictions, quarantine, and lockdown fairly consistently made me legit shudder. But I can confirm that this book only uses the pandemic to help keep to the theme of this book - to Begin Again, Again. Rest assured, there is no talk of how devastating this virus is nor does any characters talk about having/had the virus or losing loved ones to the virus. However, the author does not downplay the seriousness of it either. I do understand that reading this may not appeal to everyone, but I wanted to help clarify for those that are openminded to it.
And I hope everyone decides to give this one a chance because it is really good. The romance focuses on two characters trying to overcome very different but impactful situations. Age differences aside - our heroine is slightly older - they have both been dealt some of life's tough cards. But when they are together their luck doesn't seem so terrible. And every scene these two share together is explosive. Byron's dirty talk is superb. Ha!
The supporting cast of characters are great as well. We have a pro-athlete friend, and non-binary sister, and two couples that are already established. I really cannot wait to see some of their stories unfold in the next few books.
Special thanks to the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
tabberz77's review against another edition
3.0
Eve sent me a copy of her book and I am so grateful!
Begin Again Again begins with Bethany cat-calling Byron. Definitely not something she has ever done, especially with a man as gorgeous as Byron. But what develops between them is an interesting dynamic.
Bethany is slightly older and is at a stage in her life where she is trying to find her way back to herself after moving from New Zealand to Australia and living in the spare room of her best friend's house (who also has a husband and infant). She also has gone sober after realizing that alcohol was making her into someone she didn't like. And then the lockdown happens and all the plans that Bethany had for herself in this move are all put on hold.
Byron is a mystery. He rarely shares much of his personal life and only gives small glimpses into himself. He lives in a large house and his roommate is a famous rugby player.
Beth and Byron dance around each other for a large portion of this book. Sharing small nuggets but never whole truths. At first, you realize that this is something that many people do when first dating. But after a while, it becomes tired and you don't understand why they can't really talk about what is happening.
Bethany has a journey a lot of us have, trying to found ourselves, trying to better ourselves and trying to look out for ourselves. Byron's journey to letting go of something that is no longer for him takes much much longer. At times I thought that Byron just using Bethany or more like she was letting him. I sometimes felt like she deserved much more. However, by the end they find the right paths for themselves and with each other. So there's still a happy-ever-after.
Begin Again Again is set in our current predicament of COVID. This is the first book I've read that has anything to do with the pandemic so it was an adjustment for me to get into that mindset. I think when I read I like the escape and being reminded about the pandemic and quarantines really takes the fun out of it. While I think that Eve has done it in a good way, it still wasn't easy for me to adjust.
What I really appreciated about this book is how she portrays LGBTQ+ characters. Byron's sister is non-binary and goes by they/them. Their journey in this book is one that I'm sure so many in that community go through. They just want to be loved and accepted for who they are. I think Eve handled that whole storyline with great sensitivity.
While I have enjoyed Eve's work in the past, this was a little harder for me because of the setting. I think maybe in a few years I'll be okay with reading a book set in the pandemic, but right now, I still like my romance separate from our real world. And even though I'm saying that, I'm still curious to read Derek's book.
Begin Again Again begins with Bethany cat-calling Byron. Definitely not something she has ever done, especially with a man as gorgeous as Byron. But what develops between them is an interesting dynamic.
Bethany is slightly older and is at a stage in her life where she is trying to find her way back to herself after moving from New Zealand to Australia and living in the spare room of her best friend's house (who also has a husband and infant). She also has gone sober after realizing that alcohol was making her into someone she didn't like. And then the lockdown happens and all the plans that Bethany had for herself in this move are all put on hold.
Byron is a mystery. He rarely shares much of his personal life and only gives small glimpses into himself. He lives in a large house and his roommate is a famous rugby player.
Beth and Byron dance around each other for a large portion of this book. Sharing small nuggets but never whole truths. At first, you realize that this is something that many people do when first dating. But after a while, it becomes tired and you don't understand why they can't really talk about what is happening.
Bethany has a journey a lot of us have, trying to found ourselves, trying to better ourselves and trying to look out for ourselves. Byron's journey to letting go of something that is no longer for him takes much much longer. At times I thought that Byron just using Bethany or more like she was letting him. I sometimes felt like she deserved much more. However, by the end they find the right paths for themselves and with each other. So there's still a happy-ever-after.
Begin Again Again is set in our current predicament of COVID. This is the first book I've read that has anything to do with the pandemic so it was an adjustment for me to get into that mindset. I think when I read I like the escape and being reminded about the pandemic and quarantines really takes the fun out of it. While I think that Eve has done it in a good way, it still wasn't easy for me to adjust.
What I really appreciated about this book is how she portrays LGBTQ+ characters. Byron's sister is non-binary and goes by they/them. Their journey in this book is one that I'm sure so many in that community go through. They just want to be loved and accepted for who they are. I think Eve handled that whole storyline with great sensitivity.
While I have enjoyed Eve's work in the past, this was a little harder for me because of the setting. I think maybe in a few years I'll be okay with reading a book set in the pandemic, but right now, I still like my romance separate from our real world. And even though I'm saying that, I'm still curious to read Derek's book.
folkofthebook's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“You can’t just change once and expect everything to improve. You have to keep going. Keep making changes to suit where you are in the moment. Like the seasons!”
while i still enjoyed this one, it was my least favorite of the series. since i read it in essentially backwards order, i can really see how eve's writing has grown and changed through each book to the last. this one lacked some (not all) of her humor (i think it comes out stronger and more often in the other books), and has the least spice. however, there still is a strong foundation of character work there. i really appreciated the fmc's journey of sobriety by choice, as someone who relates to that. i also really liked the mmc working through the heartache of losing a great love (not a lover).
pippa__rr's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
thepuncess's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ssrosepetal's review
4.0
This is a new to me author and I went into this book blind. It was raw, it was honest, and it was emotional. It was beautifully written. I only had one issue with it and it was just a personal reflection on my side. This book is Australian based by an Australian author. I have little to no experience with Australian slang, labels, locations, etc. So without looking things up it was hard to comprehend some of what was being said or described. But once I looked past all of that I could get into the nitty gritty and I fell in love with these lost souls and their journey to "begin again, again."
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*