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Ready #1
When You're Ready
Before my husband Ethan died, he wrote me a letter.
For three years, it’s sat unopened in my bedside table... waiting.
As a widow and a single mother, I’d made peace with a quiet life.
After all, I lost the love of my life. No one could ever replace him.
But then, I met Dr. Logan Matthews and everything changed.
He appeared like a white knight, caring for my injured daughter as he slowly mended the pieces of my broken heart.
The letter Ethan left me has three words written on the envelope, When You’re Ready.
So, I guess the question is...
Was I ready... to love again?
For three years, it’s sat unopened in my bedside table... waiting.
As a widow and a single mother, I’d made peace with a quiet life.
After all, I lost the love of my life. No one could ever replace him.
But then, I met Dr. Logan Matthews and everything changed.
He appeared like a white knight, caring for my injured daughter as he slowly mended the pieces of my broken heart.
The letter Ethan left me has three words written on the envelope, When You’re Ready.
So, I guess the question is...
Was I ready... to love again?
444 pages, ebook
First published July 18, 2013
About the author
J.L. Berg
28 books2,250 followersJ.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready series, the Walls duet and the Lost & Found series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her cuddled up, watching a movie with her family, obsessing over minions or devouring anything chocolate! J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,057 reviews
May 2, 2016
4 stars
When You’re Ready was equal parts sweet, emotional and heartwarming. I love stories like this. I listened to the audio version and after only an hour in I could tell this book was going to be a win for me. Single mom who has been widowed and a hot single doctor with a bit of a reputation.
The story starts with Clare taking her daughter, Maddie, to the emergency room. The doctor they get happens to be handsome Dr. Logan Matthews. When they meet, sparks fly from both ends. There are many complications, though. Clare hasn’t dated in the 3 years that her husband, Ethan, has been gone. And Logan has overdone it a bit in the last few years after his divorce. But when they bump into each other again later that week, it’s like it’s meant to be.
It does take Clare a while to warm up to the idea of really being with Logan, but I think that’s normal under the circumstances. I loved watching both of these characters grow together. Especially Logan, who went from being perpetually single, to not being able to see his life without Maddie and Clare. Logan and Clare were great together, but you know I’m a sucker for the guy with a kid. I loved Logan and Maddie’s relationship. So sweet.
Now to the When You’re Ready part of the story- Clare’s husband left her a note that she’s never opened. On the envelope, it only says ‘When You’re Ready’. And when she was ready to read that letter, I cried like a baby. I loved the feels in this story!
I love reading books where both characters are a little damaged and find healing in each other. Both of these characters found a second chance at love that they never thought possible. It was a great read and a plus- the narration was good, too!
Sweet, emotional, with just enough sexy. When You’re Ready is a book that will make you smile, make you tear up, and leave you happy! 4 stars!
When You’re Ready was equal parts sweet, emotional and heartwarming. I love stories like this. I listened to the audio version and after only an hour in I could tell this book was going to be a win for me. Single mom who has been widowed and a hot single doctor with a bit of a reputation.
The story starts with Clare taking her daughter, Maddie, to the emergency room. The doctor they get happens to be handsome Dr. Logan Matthews. When they meet, sparks fly from both ends. There are many complications, though. Clare hasn’t dated in the 3 years that her husband, Ethan, has been gone. And Logan has overdone it a bit in the last few years after his divorce. But when they bump into each other again later that week, it’s like it’s meant to be.
It does take Clare a while to warm up to the idea of really being with Logan, but I think that’s normal under the circumstances. I loved watching both of these characters grow together. Especially Logan, who went from being perpetually single, to not being able to see his life without Maddie and Clare. Logan and Clare were great together, but you know I’m a sucker for the guy with a kid. I loved Logan and Maddie’s relationship. So sweet.
Now to the When You’re Ready part of the story- Clare’s husband left her a note that she’s never opened. On the envelope, it only says ‘When You’re Ready’. And when she was ready to read that letter, I cried like a baby. I loved the feels in this story!
I love reading books where both characters are a little damaged and find healing in each other. Both of these characters found a second chance at love that they never thought possible. It was a great read and a plus- the narration was good, too!
Sweet, emotional, with just enough sexy. When You’re Ready is a book that will make you smile, make you tear up, and leave you happy! 4 stars!
May 7, 2015
5/7/15 FREEBIE on AMZ- http://amzn.to/1RfGV7E
5 Fabulous, Emotional Stars!
Wow! This is the kind of read that made me fall in love with books! I seriously loved this story! When You're Ready is the love story of Clare and Logan. Clare, a young widow, meets the dashing Dr. Logan Matthews in the emergency room when her daughter Maddie takes a fall and has a possible concussion. Clare is completely covered in stinky puke when this handsome doctor walks in and sets her world on fire.
Clare's husband died of cancer three years ago. Before Ethan died, he wrote her a heartfelt letter, simply writing, "When You're Ready" on the envelope. Clare finds this envelope after Ethan has passed away but has yet to read it. It sits on her nightstand waiting for the day, for the courage, to finally open it. It's becoming tattered from her grasping it while sleeping alone, the scent of his cologne long gone. Even after three years, she's still not ready...
Logan is a notorious son of a investment billionaire. He's also a divorced man-whore, vowing he doesn't know how to love. Frankly, he's never been taught. His father was an uncaring, detached excuse for a man and Logan's scars run deep. Easy one night hook-ups work best for him...at least they did. Until the night the red-headed mother enters his ER with her adorable daughter Maddie. Suddenly, his heart warms and he finds himself caring...
When I read the book blurb, I seriously thought this book was going to gut me. Don't get me wrong, it's quite emotional, especially the prequel (Ethan's POV), but the bulk of the book is a fantastic love story of two people getting a second chance in life for happiness. Clare has been through so much after losing Ethan but Logan Matthews is gradually warming her to the idea that she may, in fact, have a second opportunity at true love in her lifetime...an all-encompassing love.
Clare's daughter Maddie was such an endearingly cute character. I absolutely loved her. I think Logan fell for that little munchkin before Clare and I don't blame him one bit! She was so stinking adorable!
When You're Ready is the perfect book for readers who want a bit of tug on the heart strings. It may or may not make you cry but it promises to make your heart clench at times. I was also pleasantly surprised that it had a decent dose of steamy scenes. There's a plot twist at the end, and although I was ready to throttle Logan for the choices he made, I understand where his heart was coming from so I can't fault him for that.
I got this book on an Amazon freebie (thank you, Book Vigilante Reviews) and I'm hooked! Can't wait to read book 2- Leah and Declan's story!
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March 2, 2015
Reading reviews and the blurb I sure thought I would be a blubbering mess while reading this. Now, I don't think I am a cynical c**t BUT this book just read like a cliche to me. It was a nice read. Characters were nice. I was expecting way more from this book than I got. I was quite disappointed.
I read some reviews that said they shed tears with this one. Yikes, nope, not me.
It had the cute kid, the sexy doctor, the beautiful widow.
Think it was a case of me not them. I read a few books there recently with the same theme and found them way better than this one...
Ah, well, you can't win 'em all. Onwards and upwards. Just as well this one only cost me about $2 or thereabout. Would have been seriously pissed off if it had been more.
I really liked her friend, Leah, so, you never know, I may end up reading it at some stage.
I read some reviews that said they shed tears with this one. Yikes, nope, not me.
It had the cute kid, the sexy doctor, the beautiful widow.
Think it was a case of me not them. I read a few books there recently with the same theme and found them way better than this one...
Ah, well, you can't win 'em all. Onwards and upwards. Just as well this one only cost me about $2 or thereabout. Would have been seriously pissed off if it had been more.
I really liked her friend, Leah, so, you never know, I may end up reading it at some stage.
June 10, 2016
I listend to the audio version of this book and the narration isn't my favorite, but I did love the story. It's an emotional story about a woman starting over after losing her husband. I love stories with kids, they are my jam. So naturally I loved those moments with her and her daughter, but I really loved them with Logan. I love how they transformed him and gave him a place to belong.
This story is well written, sweet, swoon worthy and sexy, but never over the top. Definitely recommend!
This story is well written, sweet, swoon worthy and sexy, but never over the top. Definitely recommend!
September 9, 2015
Written March 3, 2015
3.2 Stars - Super über sweet and maybe too 'perfect' — nevertheless heart-touching
I read a happy review about this book, got interested, took a chance and "clicked". Contemporary m/f romances in this genre can be both unexpected success readings or real lows for me. I started with crossed fingers and great hope.
Nine audiobooks hours later...
I'm perhaps slightly disappointed but still in a good mood. Perhaps the time has run out and I've outgrown this kind of romances. Absolutely not bad but I wanted a bit more.
***********************************************************
When You're Ready is a very sweet, romantic and a bit melodramatic story about a young beautiful grieving widow, with an adorable daughter, who meets the man in all our dreams.
Once again gets Clare Murray a chance for love when she meet the ER doctor and billionaire son, Logan Matthews. Logan is a man with a failed marriage, a sad loveless childhood and way too many one-night-stand women in his life. Then Clare and her cutie Maddie awakens Logan's spirit and transforms his entire life in an instant.
***********************************************************
The audiobook, the narrators...
I listened to the 8:48 hrs audiobook narrated by Carly Robins and Scott Aiello. These narrators were both good enough. I must admit though that I liked it best when the male voice, and Logan's point of view, told me this story. I don't know why but I often prefer male voices in my ears (hmmm!?!?).
***********************************************************
Not happydancing but....
I'm not sure, maybe this author tried to squeeze in "everything" in this book. It was just too amazing cute, too melodramatic, too heartbreking romantic, too much unnecessary angst, too smexy steam, etc. I wish that some parts had been peeled off. I don't think we romance readers require a completely fuzzy, cute, pink book-world to be happy. Not everything has to be wonderfully cute, beautiful, best etc etc.
To be honest this romance was a bit too fluffy and sugary sweet for me. But I liked the cute little girl, the characters, the main plot AND I sobbed, laughed, was touched and enjoyed most of it nevertheless. ~ You never know how your fragile romance reading heart will react. I'm quite surprised.
***********************************************************
I LIKE - ...hmmm..yeah I guess I did
3.2 Stars - Super über sweet and maybe too 'perfect' — nevertheless heart-touching
I read a happy review about this book, got interested, took a chance and "clicked". Contemporary m/f romances in this genre can be both unexpected success readings or real lows for me. I started with crossed fingers and great hope.
Nine audiobooks hours later...
I'm perhaps slightly disappointed but still in a good mood. Perhaps the time has run out and I've outgrown this kind of romances. Absolutely not bad but I wanted a bit more.
***********************************************************
When You're Ready is a very sweet, romantic and a bit melodramatic story about a young beautiful grieving widow, with an adorable daughter, who meets the man in all our dreams.
Once again gets Clare Murray a chance for love when she meet the ER doctor and billionaire son, Logan Matthews. Logan is a man with a failed marriage, a sad loveless childhood and way too many one-night-stand women in his life. Then Clare and her cutie Maddie awakens Logan's spirit and transforms his entire life in an instant.
“She came to me, and I wanted to be her healer and protector … I needed a night taking care of the little girl who had stolen a piece of my heart.”
***********************************************************
The audiobook, the narrators...
I listened to the 8:48 hrs audiobook narrated by Carly Robins and Scott Aiello. These narrators were both good enough. I must admit though that I liked it best when the male voice, and Logan's point of view, told me this story. I don't know why but I often prefer male voices in my ears (hmmm!?!?).
***********************************************************
Not happydancing but....
I'm not sure, maybe this author tried to squeeze in "everything" in this book. It was just too amazing cute, too melodramatic, too heartbreking romantic, too much unnecessary angst, too smexy steam, etc. I wish that some parts had been peeled off. I don't think we romance readers require a completely fuzzy, cute, pink book-world to be happy. Not everything has to be wonderfully cute, beautiful, best etc etc.
“Clare, you have noticed I’m a guy, right? Because if not, I can pull this car over right now and make that abundantly clear.”
To be honest this romance was a bit too fluffy and sugary sweet for me. But I liked the cute little girl, the characters, the main plot AND I sobbed, laughed, was touched and enjoyed most of it nevertheless. ~ You never know how your fragile romance reading heart will react. I'm quite surprised.
***********************************************************
I LIKE - ...hmmm..yeah I guess I did
October 29, 2017
I adored this emotional, sweet and beautiful book! J.L. Berg wrote another amazing story and I can’t wait to read Never Been Ready. Logan and Clare are incredible characters. Clare is a caring, insecure, loving woman. She lost her husband a few years ago and has dedicated her life to raising their daughter, Maddie, ever since. She isn’t really loving her life. Logan is a smart, caring and hardworking man. He’s amazing and so adorable with Maddie. He wasn’t looking for love and he never wanted a family, but that changes slowly after meeting Clare. Logan and Clare belong together. I loved the characters, the way they met, the way they met again, how the story progressed and their HEA. That epilogue was perfect!
August 13, 2013
I really do enjoy an emotional story that I can fully lose myself in, to get to know and love the characters and share with them their happiness and despair and lows and highs and that’s exactly what I got with When You’re Ready. I have to confess I cried multiple times during this – so many tear-jerking moments. It’s an emotional roller-coaster and also an incredibly beautiful love story that truly moved me. I’d love to see this one made into a film – I’d sob all the way through it.
Our central couple are Clare, who was widowed three years ago when her husband, Ethan, died of a brain tumour and she’s been left to raise their adorable daughter as a single parent and we have Logan, an ER doc with a playboy reputation. One fall from a ballet barre and a mild concussion later has a vomit-covered Clare rushing Maddie to the ER where the attending Doc is, of course, Logan. They share an immediate and intense connection to one another not to mention an incendiary attraction! Logan is taken aback by his fierce need to care for Maddie, much stronger than he is accustomed to feeling for most of his patients and is even more shaken by his sudden attraction to her beautiful red-haired mother. They bump into one another a few days later at a store and the relationship builds from here.
When I say emotional, I mean emotional with a capital E. Ethan has left a letter for Clare that he wrote when he was dying – the envelope is sealed and just says ‘When You’re Ready’ on the front. Get the Kleenex on standby for when she does finally read that letter. Clare has never yet considered herself ready and her pain at the loss of the apparent love of her life is really palpable. Despite all this, Clare’s made a wonderful life for herself and Maddie and I admired her strength and her resilience in how she dealt with her situation. She’s honest, open, caring, has loving friends and family and is just about ready to fall in love again although she’s not aware of this yet.
Logan is the son of a cold unfeeling billionaire who is far more concerned with keeping up appearances than actually caring for his son. After an upbringing devoid of love and a messy divorce, Logan has indulged in a long line of casual sexual encounters and has never allowed himself to have feelings for any of these women. Clare has an uncanny ability to penetrate that invisible barrier Logan has created around his heart and he’s finally allowing himself to thaw out and let her in.
This was such a beautiful love story as we watch how both Clare and Logan are able to heal each other as they both slowly let go of all that pain and hurt and allow themselves to love again. It’s full of heart-melting tenderness and I fell, big time, for Logan. I loved he way he just melted around Maddie and how she bloomed like a little flower in his presence – there’s no doubt that they bring out the best in each other. And, how lovely for Clare, after all the sorrow of the past, to finally see her beautiful daughter in the arms of a man she loves and trusts. It’s a great second-chance love story and a real roller-coaster as we experience laugh out loud moments, beautiful tenderness, raw and carnal passion and even heart-stopping shocks when I wanted to scream at the author for putting them through yet more trauma together after all they’d been through already.
If you’re looking for an emotional read with a beautiful love story, When You’re Ready completely delivers.
4.5 emotional stars
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews or visit us on Facebook.
Our central couple are Clare, who was widowed three years ago when her husband, Ethan, died of a brain tumour and she’s been left to raise their adorable daughter as a single parent and we have Logan, an ER doc with a playboy reputation. One fall from a ballet barre and a mild concussion later has a vomit-covered Clare rushing Maddie to the ER where the attending Doc is, of course, Logan. They share an immediate and intense connection to one another not to mention an incendiary attraction! Logan is taken aback by his fierce need to care for Maddie, much stronger than he is accustomed to feeling for most of his patients and is even more shaken by his sudden attraction to her beautiful red-haired mother. They bump into one another a few days later at a store and the relationship builds from here.
When I say emotional, I mean emotional with a capital E. Ethan has left a letter for Clare that he wrote when he was dying – the envelope is sealed and just says ‘When You’re Ready’ on the front. Get the Kleenex on standby for when she does finally read that letter. Clare has never yet considered herself ready and her pain at the loss of the apparent love of her life is really palpable. Despite all this, Clare’s made a wonderful life for herself and Maddie and I admired her strength and her resilience in how she dealt with her situation. She’s honest, open, caring, has loving friends and family and is just about ready to fall in love again although she’s not aware of this yet.
Logan is the son of a cold unfeeling billionaire who is far more concerned with keeping up appearances than actually caring for his son. After an upbringing devoid of love and a messy divorce, Logan has indulged in a long line of casual sexual encounters and has never allowed himself to have feelings for any of these women. Clare has an uncanny ability to penetrate that invisible barrier Logan has created around his heart and he’s finally allowing himself to thaw out and let her in.
“I love you.” I told her without hesitation, saying the words I’ve been holding inside of me for far too long, “I’ve loved you Clare, every minute of every day, since the very first day.”
This was such a beautiful love story as we watch how both Clare and Logan are able to heal each other as they both slowly let go of all that pain and hurt and allow themselves to love again. It’s full of heart-melting tenderness and I fell, big time, for Logan. I loved he way he just melted around Maddie and how she bloomed like a little flower in his presence – there’s no doubt that they bring out the best in each other. And, how lovely for Clare, after all the sorrow of the past, to finally see her beautiful daughter in the arms of a man she loves and trusts. It’s a great second-chance love story and a real roller-coaster as we experience laugh out loud moments, beautiful tenderness, raw and carnal passion and even heart-stopping shocks when I wanted to scream at the author for putting them through yet more trauma together after all they’d been through already.
If you’re looking for an emotional read with a beautiful love story, When You’re Ready completely delivers.
4.5 emotional stars
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews or visit us on Facebook.
April 11, 2016
This is the debut novel from J L Berg and after loving When You're Ready I will definitely be reading her future books.
I needed a good book to get me over a book I just read that I disliked, I was NOT disappointed with When You're Ready I loved this book.
The story has everything you need for a great read,
super sexy Doctor Logan Metthews
strong widow Clare
and a super cute little ballerina Maddie
and a great group of friends.
This story is sweet, romantic, sexy, hot and sad (I cried).
Looking forward to book 2 in the series Leah and Declan's story.
I needed a good book to get me over a book I just read that I disliked, I was NOT disappointed with When You're Ready I loved this book.
The story has everything you need for a great read,
super sexy Doctor Logan Metthews
strong widow Clare
and a super cute little ballerina Maddie
and a great group of friends.
This story is sweet, romantic, sexy, hot and sad (I cried).
Looking forward to book 2 in the series Leah and Declan's story.
August 1, 2013
So when you have to excuse yourself from your family to go upstairs and sob while reading a book, you know you've hit the literal jackpot.
I loved LOVED this book!
I loved LOVED this book!
October 2, 2013
Reviewed for Totallybookedblog.com
So there I was in a bit of a reading conundrum. I had no idea what I wanted to read next but I did know I was in the mood for something romantic. Something that was going to melt my heart, make me feel all gooey inside, keep me invested and hopefully make me cry and I have to say, When You’re Ready certainly ticked all these boxes.
This is a beautiful story. No doubt about it. I am an absolute sucker for second chance romances, throw in a cute 4 year old who stole my heart, a wonderfully determined and beautiful heroine, a knock out, drop dead gorgeous hero and well…..I was sold!
This was such a heartfelt story about Clare, widowed for the past three years, faced with life as a single parent and putting her life on hold, after the passing of her husband Ethan, to care for their daughter.
“I felt like I’d lost a part of me, the part that made me feel like a woman, and I needed it back to feel whole again.”
Still grieving the loss of her husband, Clare has thrown herself into being the best Mum she can to gorgeous little Maddie but she misses the man who she loved with all her heart and whom she expected to live a long and happy life with.
“He’s never going to be here to take her to a ballet, or pick her up from school. He won’t walk her down the aisle or see her children. These are all things I know, and have known. And I’d made peace with that.”
Clare was so strong, so caring and I connected with her completely, she was a fun character despite the tragedy that had befallen her. Enter Logan inter her life and this man ignites a part of her that has lain dormant for so long. The ‘woman’ in Clare surfaces around Logan and although these two have sexual chemistry in spades, it is the meeting of the hearts that has you melting and turning the pages of When You’re Ready.
“Clare, this…what we’re doing. It has to be all or nothing. And I want off of you. When you cry, I want to be the one holding you. No matter the reason. So please, let me hold you.”
Logan has always been closed off emotionally. Raised by a cold, heartless father, more interested in reputation than being a loving parent to Logan, has convinced Logan is convinced he is incapable of feeling and giving love. Logan has thrown himself into his work and meaningless one night stands as a coping mechanism.
Clare and Maddie enter Logan’s life and show him that love is possible and it really does knock him for six. The intensity of his feelings towards Clare and Maddie is foreign to Logan and his desire to protect and become a part of their lives begins to drive him and makes him realise this has what has been missing in his life.
“And there it was, the new reason for my existence. To make her happy. No matter what.”
I was completely invested in Logan, Clare and Maddie. They stole my heart without completely. The story never felt morose, in fact, despite the subject I felt uplifted as I followed these two beautiful characters through the ups and downs of their relationship. They certainly had their fair share of obstacles to deal with and faced many challenges in their new relationship.
“Those emotions you just felt. I need you to remember all of them. Every heart crushing moment.”
Logan and Clare communicated. They would speak their minds and although their relationship moved pretty quickly it didn’t feel like “insta love” because we had time to get to know these two, to understand each personality and as a result, you actually felt the love blossoming between them. As this was told in alternating POV’s between Clare and Logan you are afforded the opportunity to feel and hear both voices which only served to enamour me further to these characters. Logan was divine. Witnessing him open up, grasping the emotion he felt over his love for Clare captivated. The scenes with him and Maddie….arrgghhh…well, you can just scoop up my melted heart off the floor!
The author really did take us through our paces with this story. I cried and my heart ached in parts, I giggled in others, I swooned constantly throughout and in between the heartache I felt, I read this book with a goofy grin on my face because it really did hit all the right spots.
I’m here, making new memories with you and that erases the bad”
There were a couple of issues with past/present tense but this in no way affected my overall enjoyment of this story. This book was exactly what I needed. If you’re after a beautifully told romantic story about loving, losing, healing and finding that second chance, and in the process finding yourself, then be sure to pick up When You’re Ready. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
So there I was in a bit of a reading conundrum. I had no idea what I wanted to read next but I did know I was in the mood for something romantic. Something that was going to melt my heart, make me feel all gooey inside, keep me invested and hopefully make me cry and I have to say, When You’re Ready certainly ticked all these boxes.
This is a beautiful story. No doubt about it. I am an absolute sucker for second chance romances, throw in a cute 4 year old who stole my heart, a wonderfully determined and beautiful heroine, a knock out, drop dead gorgeous hero and well…..I was sold!
This was such a heartfelt story about Clare, widowed for the past three years, faced with life as a single parent and putting her life on hold, after the passing of her husband Ethan, to care for their daughter.
“I felt like I’d lost a part of me, the part that made me feel like a woman, and I needed it back to feel whole again.”
Still grieving the loss of her husband, Clare has thrown herself into being the best Mum she can to gorgeous little Maddie but she misses the man who she loved with all her heart and whom she expected to live a long and happy life with.
“He’s never going to be here to take her to a ballet, or pick her up from school. He won’t walk her down the aisle or see her children. These are all things I know, and have known. And I’d made peace with that.”
Clare was so strong, so caring and I connected with her completely, she was a fun character despite the tragedy that had befallen her. Enter Logan inter her life and this man ignites a part of her that has lain dormant for so long. The ‘woman’ in Clare surfaces around Logan and although these two have sexual chemistry in spades, it is the meeting of the hearts that has you melting and turning the pages of When You’re Ready.
“Clare, this…what we’re doing. It has to be all or nothing. And I want off of you. When you cry, I want to be the one holding you. No matter the reason. So please, let me hold you.”
Logan has always been closed off emotionally. Raised by a cold, heartless father, more interested in reputation than being a loving parent to Logan, has convinced Logan is convinced he is incapable of feeling and giving love. Logan has thrown himself into his work and meaningless one night stands as a coping mechanism.
Clare and Maddie enter Logan’s life and show him that love is possible and it really does knock him for six. The intensity of his feelings towards Clare and Maddie is foreign to Logan and his desire to protect and become a part of their lives begins to drive him and makes him realise this has what has been missing in his life.
“And there it was, the new reason for my existence. To make her happy. No matter what.”
I was completely invested in Logan, Clare and Maddie. They stole my heart without completely. The story never felt morose, in fact, despite the subject I felt uplifted as I followed these two beautiful characters through the ups and downs of their relationship. They certainly had their fair share of obstacles to deal with and faced many challenges in their new relationship.
“Those emotions you just felt. I need you to remember all of them. Every heart crushing moment.”
Logan and Clare communicated. They would speak their minds and although their relationship moved pretty quickly it didn’t feel like “insta love” because we had time to get to know these two, to understand each personality and as a result, you actually felt the love blossoming between them. As this was told in alternating POV’s between Clare and Logan you are afforded the opportunity to feel and hear both voices which only served to enamour me further to these characters. Logan was divine. Witnessing him open up, grasping the emotion he felt over his love for Clare captivated. The scenes with him and Maddie….arrgghhh…well, you can just scoop up my melted heart off the floor!
The author really did take us through our paces with this story. I cried and my heart ached in parts, I giggled in others, I swooned constantly throughout and in between the heartache I felt, I read this book with a goofy grin on my face because it really did hit all the right spots.
I’m here, making new memories with you and that erases the bad”
There were a couple of issues with past/present tense but this in no way affected my overall enjoyment of this story. This book was exactly what I needed. If you’re after a beautifully told romantic story about loving, losing, healing and finding that second chance, and in the process finding yourself, then be sure to pick up When You’re Ready. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
September 22, 2013The beginning started off strong, but I got a little distracted. Something is just not jiving for me. So for now, I will finish later
When Clare Murray suffers the tragic loss of her husband Ethan, leaving her alone to raise their infant daughter, she feels the grief overwhelming her, seeping into her very soul. Weeks later, she stumbles upon an envelope with the words “When You’re Ready” written in Ethan’s familiar messy handwriting, but can’t bring herself to breach the seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare has accepted a life without him, without love. Until, years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with stormy eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.
Logan Matthews is the son of a billionaire who has spent his entire life trying to make his absent father proud. Years of living up to man who more ghost than father, and a public failed marriage has left Logan cold and emotionless until he walks into an exam room to discover a woman who stops his heart, makes his body burn with desire and leaves his entire world altered.
But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? 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 never know you are truly ready until you’re ready to risk it all
When Clare Murray suffers the tragic loss of her husband Ethan, leaving her alone to raise their infant daughter, she feels the grief overwhelming her, seeping into her very soul. Weeks later, she stumbles upon an envelope with the words “When You’re Ready” written in Ethan’s familiar messy handwriting, but can’t bring herself to breach the seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare has accepted a life without him, without love. Until, years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with stormy eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.
Logan Matthews is the son of a billionaire who has spent his entire life trying to make his absent father proud. Years of living up to man who more ghost than father, and a public failed marriage has left Logan cold and emotionless until he walks into an exam room to discover a woman who stops his heart, makes his body burn with desire and leaves his entire world altered.
But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? 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 never know you are truly ready until you’re ready to risk it all
August 6, 2013
4.5 stars
****This book was part of a blog tour I was given a copy for my honest review****
"I have so many things I want to say to you, so many words to write. But how do you fit a lifetime into a letter?"
Clare is surviving....barely. Left a single mother after the tragic death of her husband to cancer, emotions are still very raw, fear and panic a constant in her life.
She has not dealt yet with the loss keeping herself busy being a good mother to their daughter. A Letter marked " When you're ready" is still unsealed and she cannot bear the thought of opening it. Logan Matthews comes on the scene as the doctor to her daughter. He is a troubled man, who has had a sad and lonely life. Clare and her daughter awaken something in him immediately, something he never knew existed, a capability to love.
"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 an amazing story, I absolutely loved it. Emotional and gripping I finished it in practically one sitting and I ended it with a pile of tissues beside me. In saying that, I do not mean to say that this is a sad book. Most of the time I had a big smile on my face watching these two come together. Character, Logan is an amazing man, I loved his transformation from player to man in love. He sees something important and knows what he should do to keep it, I just loved him to bits. Clare is so strong and I understood every hesitation, every emotion. Ethan, the husband that Clare also had a POV, in this book and I admit to loving the snippet we got from him, especially the letter.
The steamy connection between these two was a big plus and the humorous conversations.
I just enjoyed the hell out of this love story and for a first novel from this author, I say well done!! Great job, wonderful writing, great flow. Cannot wait until the next book from this series.
****This book was part of a blog tour I was given a copy for my honest review****
"I have so many things I want to say to you, so many words to write. But how do you fit a lifetime into a letter?"
Clare is surviving....barely. Left a single mother after the tragic death of her husband to cancer, emotions are still very raw, fear and panic a constant in her life.
She has not dealt yet with the loss keeping herself busy being a good mother to their daughter. A Letter marked " When you're ready" is still unsealed and she cannot bear the thought of opening it. Logan Matthews comes on the scene as the doctor to her daughter. He is a troubled man, who has had a sad and lonely life. Clare and her daughter awaken something in him immediately, something he never knew existed, a capability to love.
"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 an amazing story, I absolutely loved it. Emotional and gripping I finished it in practically one sitting and I ended it with a pile of tissues beside me. In saying that, I do not mean to say that this is a sad book. Most of the time I had a big smile on my face watching these two come together. Character, Logan is an amazing man, I loved his transformation from player to man in love. He sees something important and knows what he should do to keep it, I just loved him to bits. Clare is so strong and I understood every hesitation, every emotion. Ethan, the husband that Clare also had a POV, in this book and I admit to loving the snippet we got from him, especially the letter.
The steamy connection between these two was a big plus and the humorous conversations.
I just enjoyed the hell out of this love story and for a first novel from this author, I say well done!! Great job, wonderful writing, great flow. Cannot wait until the next book from this series.
September 23, 2015
This is a gorgeously sweet ‘feel good’ romance with lots of swoony moments, very little angst and lots of heart.
Clare is a 28 year old single mother, raising her 4 year old daughter, Maddie, alone since the tragic death of her husband three years previously. Ethan was the love of her life and she misses him terribly, but she has accepted that she is now on her own and is doing her best to live a happy life for her and her daughter. I really admire her! She does have one remaining piece of Ethan – a letter that he wrote her before he died. In an envelope labelled ‘When You’re Ready’, Clare clings to the unread letter, unsure when she is supposed to open it, but also terrified of what it may contain.
Dr Logan Matthews has lived a privileged life, but one without love. After the breakdown of his marriage, he moves from New York to Richmond for a fresh start, but he continues his lonely existence, becoming a manwhore, and a self-declared asshole. He is tired of his meaningless life, but doesn’t see a way to move forward. Until he meets Clare and Maddie.
From the very beginning, there is raging sexual tension between Clare and Logan, and I love the steady progression of things between them. They both feel the attraction, they don’t hide their feelings, they are open and honest, and a beautiful relationship develops. Their flirting is gorgeous, with lots of laughter and sweet moments. There are no games, no stupid, they both just go with the flow and embrace what is happening between them, and I loved every minute of it.
It all feels very easy and natural, and over and over again Logan proves himself to be romance-hero worthy. He is romantic, thoughtful, understanding and patient, and he sprouts off lines like this…
Oh swooooooooooon! Plus he’s gorgeously hot, and the sexy time is smokin’! WIN!
I love these characters! With the story written dual POV, we get to watch up close and personal as Clare accepts Logan whole-heartedly and bravely moves on, and Logan undergoes some huge life changes as he claims Clare and Maddie as his own.
Maddie is absolutely adorable! She is very loving, and totally accepting of Logan’s new role in her life, and the relationship between the two of them is beautifully explored. Their moments together melted me.
Clare’s best friend, Leah, provides a dose of sass with her dirty mind and lack of shame, and I really liked her. There is an intro to her book, which is the next in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading more about her.
Even though the subject matter is heavy, there is some great humour throughout the story which provides a nice balance. There is a bit of drama thrown in at the end, but it ties in with Clare’s story, and provides the final push that she needs to move on. And when she finally reads that letter… have tissues ready! *sobs*. I thought that the ending was a little rushed, and would have like some key scenes to be fleshed out some more, but overall I was really happy with everything. It’s an easy read that I was easily wrapped up in, and it’s all tied off with a very sweet epilogue .
I really enjoyed it – 4 stars.
Clare is a 28 year old single mother, raising her 4 year old daughter, Maddie, alone since the tragic death of her husband three years previously. Ethan was the love of her life and she misses him terribly, but she has accepted that she is now on her own and is doing her best to live a happy life for her and her daughter. I really admire her! She does have one remaining piece of Ethan – a letter that he wrote her before he died. In an envelope labelled ‘When You’re Ready’, Clare clings to the unread letter, unsure when she is supposed to open it, but also terrified of what it may contain.
Dr Logan Matthews has lived a privileged life, but one without love. After the breakdown of his marriage, he moves from New York to Richmond for a fresh start, but he continues his lonely existence, becoming a manwhore, and a self-declared asshole. He is tired of his meaningless life, but doesn’t see a way to move forward. Until he meets Clare and Maddie.
From the very beginning, there is raging sexual tension between Clare and Logan, and I love the steady progression of things between them. They both feel the attraction, they don’t hide their feelings, they are open and honest, and a beautiful relationship develops. Their flirting is gorgeous, with lots of laughter and sweet moments. There are no games, no stupid, they both just go with the flow and embrace what is happening between them, and I loved every minute of it.
“I want a clean slate with you, Clare. You’re special to me. I don’t know what we’re doing or where it’s going but I’ve never felt anything like this, and I can’t mess that up by doing the same shit I’ve always done.”
It all feels very easy and natural, and over and over again Logan proves himself to be romance-hero worthy. He is romantic, thoughtful, understanding and patient, and he sprouts off lines like this…
“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.”
Oh swooooooooooon! Plus he’s gorgeously hot, and the sexy time is smokin’! WIN!
I love these characters! With the story written dual POV, we get to watch up close and personal as Clare accepts Logan whole-heartedly and bravely moves on, and Logan undergoes some huge life changes as he claims Clare and Maddie as his own.
“I was so afraid that I’d never be able to love anyone, and here I was, holding a child I desperately wanted to call my own and upstairs was a woman I would give my life for.
Turns out I was always capable of love, I just hadn’t found it yet.”
Maddie is absolutely adorable! She is very loving, and totally accepting of Logan’s new role in her life, and the relationship between the two of them is beautifully explored. Their moments together melted me.
“She came to me, and I wanted to be her healer and protector … I needed a night taking care of the little girl who had stolen a piece of my heart.”
Clare’s best friend, Leah, provides a dose of sass with her dirty mind and lack of shame, and I really liked her. There is an intro to her book, which is the next in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading more about her.
“Your rack looks fabulous in this dress. You should wear this one. He’ll lose his shit when he sees you in it.”
“You always know the right things to say,” I joked.
“I know. I’m like a super-hot version of Yoda.”
Even though the subject matter is heavy, there is some great humour throughout the story which provides a nice balance. There is a bit of drama thrown in at the end, but it ties in with Clare’s story, and provides the final push that she needs to move on. And when she finally reads that letter… have tissues ready! *sobs*. I thought that the ending was a little rushed, and would have like some key scenes to be fleshed out some more, but overall I was really happy with everything. It’s an easy read that I was easily wrapped up in, and it’s all tied off with a very sweet epilogue .
I really enjoyed it – 4 stars.
November 4, 2013
“You. I’m smiling because of you. You’ve taught me to smile again.”
First, can I just say I LOVE the title? “When You’re Ready”… it says so much and you know right away this is going to be an emotional read just be those three little words. I was instantly intrigued and wanted to know…. ready for what? When who’s ready? After reading the synopsis I just knew this would be my next book! I had to start it and once I did I could not put it down. I read it in one long sitting with a box of tissues.
“When You’re Ready” starts off right away sad; it begins with a short prologue in the point of view of Ethan, Clare’s husband who is dying from cancer. As chapter one begins it’s in Clare’s point of view three years later trying to get by as a 28 year-old widow raising her four year-old daughter. My heart was in pieces for Clare & Maddie and how they talk about their late husband/father. It was so sad to read. Clare is an amazing mother who puts her daughter first but is still struggling everyday for the past three years mourning the loss of her husband.
One night Maddie has an accident and Clare rushes her to the ER, scared to death her only link to Ethan is hurt… this is when we meet Logan. He is the ER doctor on call who takes care of Maddie and for the first time Clare catches herself thinking of another man. Logan has a dark past of his own; he comes from an extremely wealthy family and was raised in boarding schools without a loving home life. He married a woman he was suppose to marry, not one he loved. Since their divorce he moved to the smaller town in Virginia to become unnoticed and move on. He’s never loved a thing in his life but that all changes the moment he meets Clare & Maddie.
“I love you.” I told her without hesitation, saying the words I’ve been holding inside of me for far too long, “I’ve loved you Clare, every minute of every day, since the very first day.”
The book changes from alternating perspectives between Clare & Logan. I absolutely LOVED getting into both their heads because they both were dealing with so much and feeling so much for one another but scared to tell the other how they feel. They begin a friendship at first; Logan feels the need to protect her and Maddie. He feels the void Clare’s late husband left but they were never really friends deep down. They were so much more they just didn’t know it. They took their time getting together. Logan wanted to make sure Clare was ready to move on. I appreciate the author did not create the characters to have the instant “I love you” or have sex right away. It was realistic and made the moment so much better when Logan & Clare finally got together… and once they do their scenes are steamy!!
“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.”
I loved that “When You’re Ready” is an emotional read but it’s not long and dragged out, I really liked that! The book moves very quickly, sometimes too quickly at times but it had a really good flow to it and I loved being able to read it in one sitting. The author did a great job of connecting the reader to the characters. I felt very connected to both Logan & Clare and knew about their lives before and after they met. I also adored young Maddie. I will be honest, usually children in books annoy the heck out of me but Maddie was just too cute to be annoyed with. I absolutely loved the interaction between her and Logan. My heart broke for her because she never really knew her father since he died when she was so young but Logan filled that void for her, which only made me fall for Logan myself. The two of them together will melt your heart!
The ending I felt ended a little too quick and fast. The big climax of the book does not happen until about 90% in the book and is wrapped up quickly. There is an epilogue that I enjoyed but I would have liked the ending to be a bit longer. I was just didn’t want to see these characters go! J.L. Berg is a fantastic author who gave a beautiful, emotional story that is very well written. I love books that make you cry but also make your heart flutter and that is exactly what she did in “When You’re Ready.”
There is no cliffhanger as book two in the series is the story of two characters of who you meet in “When You’re Ready”. I am looking forward to their story; it seems completely different then Clare & Logan’s story.
I give When You’re Ready (Ready #1), 4 Stars.
Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
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First, can I just say I LOVE the title? “When You’re Ready”… it says so much and you know right away this is going to be an emotional read just be those three little words. I was instantly intrigued and wanted to know…. ready for what? When who’s ready? After reading the synopsis I just knew this would be my next book! I had to start it and once I did I could not put it down. I read it in one long sitting with a box of tissues.
“When You’re Ready” starts off right away sad; it begins with a short prologue in the point of view of Ethan, Clare’s husband who is dying from cancer. As chapter one begins it’s in Clare’s point of view three years later trying to get by as a 28 year-old widow raising her four year-old daughter. My heart was in pieces for Clare & Maddie and how they talk about their late husband/father. It was so sad to read. Clare is an amazing mother who puts her daughter first but is still struggling everyday for the past three years mourning the loss of her husband.
One night Maddie has an accident and Clare rushes her to the ER, scared to death her only link to Ethan is hurt… this is when we meet Logan. He is the ER doctor on call who takes care of Maddie and for the first time Clare catches herself thinking of another man. Logan has a dark past of his own; he comes from an extremely wealthy family and was raised in boarding schools without a loving home life. He married a woman he was suppose to marry, not one he loved. Since their divorce he moved to the smaller town in Virginia to become unnoticed and move on. He’s never loved a thing in his life but that all changes the moment he meets Clare & Maddie.
“I love you.” I told her without hesitation, saying the words I’ve been holding inside of me for far too long, “I’ve loved you Clare, every minute of every day, since the very first day.”
The book changes from alternating perspectives between Clare & Logan. I absolutely LOVED getting into both their heads because they both were dealing with so much and feeling so much for one another but scared to tell the other how they feel. They begin a friendship at first; Logan feels the need to protect her and Maddie. He feels the void Clare’s late husband left but they were never really friends deep down. They were so much more they just didn’t know it. They took their time getting together. Logan wanted to make sure Clare was ready to move on. I appreciate the author did not create the characters to have the instant “I love you” or have sex right away. It was realistic and made the moment so much better when Logan & Clare finally got together… and once they do their scenes are steamy!!
“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.”
I loved that “When You’re Ready” is an emotional read but it’s not long and dragged out, I really liked that! The book moves very quickly, sometimes too quickly at times but it had a really good flow to it and I loved being able to read it in one sitting. The author did a great job of connecting the reader to the characters. I felt very connected to both Logan & Clare and knew about their lives before and after they met. I also adored young Maddie. I will be honest, usually children in books annoy the heck out of me but Maddie was just too cute to be annoyed with. I absolutely loved the interaction between her and Logan. My heart broke for her because she never really knew her father since he died when she was so young but Logan filled that void for her, which only made me fall for Logan myself. The two of them together will melt your heart!
The ending I felt ended a little too quick and fast. The big climax of the book does not happen until about 90% in the book and is wrapped up quickly. There is an epilogue that I enjoyed but I would have liked the ending to be a bit longer. I was just didn’t want to see these characters go! J.L. Berg is a fantastic author who gave a beautiful, emotional story that is very well written. I love books that make you cry but also make your heart flutter and that is exactly what she did in “When You’re Ready.”
There is no cliffhanger as book two in the series is the story of two characters of who you meet in “When You’re Ready”. I am looking forward to their story; it seems completely different then Clare & Logan’s story.
I give When You’re Ready (Ready #1), 4 Stars.
Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
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January 2, 2021
2.5 🌟
A very average chick lit book. Was easy enough to get through and was mildy interesting however, it was so darn cheesy at times with its dialogue. You'd get to an emotional scene and all I could do was laugh out loud with the odd things the characters said at times. Only plus of this book is that it is available for free with audible.
A very average chick lit book. Was easy enough to get through and was mildy interesting however, it was so darn cheesy at times with its dialogue. You'd get to an emotional scene and all I could do was laugh out loud with the odd things the characters said at times. Only plus of this book is that it is available for free with audible.
December 29, 2015
“You. I’m smiling because of you. You've taught me to smile again.” I didn't think I would ever have anything to smile about again.
When You’re Ready is a story of letting go of the past and taking hold of the future. It’s a story of second chances and how to love again. It’s a story that deals with death in a fragile, yet blunt manner. It’s a story that will punch you right in the stomach and tug painfully at your heart.
P.S And not to get crass but Logan is really, seriously fuckable. I bet he'll make all the nuns go wild.
This book was provided as an ARC by the author in return for an honest review.
September 24, 2019
This book is categorize as super vanilla romance. Or super clean romance. Where the story every one is living in Happy place where your children is acting like cute sweet children. Not being brat. The hero is a knight in shinning armor riding on a perfect white horse. The heroine is that perfect damsel in distress.
If you not a fan of this kind of book, stay away. For me, now and then I do need super vanilla romance. Especially when my anxiety is flaring on my brain with no stop break in sight. I need it to clam my nerves. And this book delivers that. There is nothing original on the story line. Simple plot, no angst/ drama. The sex is hot, but not steamy. I think Miss Berg intend this book for NA audience.
Overall I do enjoy this book OK. It manages to distract me for about 9 hours.
3 stars
If you not a fan of this kind of book, stay away. For me, now and then I do need super vanilla romance. Especially when my anxiety is flaring on my brain with no stop break in sight. I need it to clam my nerves. And this book delivers that. There is nothing original on the story line. Simple plot, no angst/ drama. The sex is hot, but not steamy. I think Miss Berg intend this book for NA audience.
Overall I do enjoy this book OK. It manages to distract me for about 9 hours.
3 stars
August 9, 2013
This story is raw, it is full of emotion. It will grip you right from the beginning and not let you go until the end.
Clare has been left a single mother and is barely surviving.. Her husband suddenly passed away from Cancer and she is left alone to raise their infant daughter.She has not dealt with the death of her husband yet either. She has a Letter marked " When you're ready" and it is still unsealed and she cannot bear the thought of opening it.
She moves through the motions daily in her life with her daughter,and work. That is until Logan enter's her life. Logan is brought into the picture when she takes her daughter to the hospital, he is the doctor on call.
Logan has his own secrets although he is a doctor he is the estranged son of a multi billionaire, who is better known for his womanizing than his skills in the ER!
when these two meet in the Er they both feel an instant connection, and Maddie is the one who brings them together.
Everything is not easy for these two and we get heartache, laughs, and mending of hearts as well. Clare's Family and friends play a big roll in this story and they are what helps these two along the way.
"I have so many things I want to say to you, so many words to write. But how do you fit a lifetime into a letter?"
This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made my heart break, and it made my heart heal again. It is definitely a must read about second chance love and what happens when you find it.
"I love you." I told her without hesitation, saying the words I've been holding inside of me for far too long. "I've loved you Clare, every minute of everyday, since the very first day."
Clare has been left a single mother and is barely surviving.. Her husband suddenly passed away from Cancer and she is left alone to raise their infant daughter.She has not dealt with the death of her husband yet either. She has a Letter marked " When you're ready" and it is still unsealed and she cannot bear the thought of opening it.
She moves through the motions daily in her life with her daughter,and work. That is until Logan enter's her life. Logan is brought into the picture when she takes her daughter to the hospital, he is the doctor on call.
Logan has his own secrets although he is a doctor he is the estranged son of a multi billionaire, who is better known for his womanizing than his skills in the ER!
when these two meet in the Er they both feel an instant connection, and Maddie is the one who brings them together.
Everything is not easy for these two and we get heartache, laughs, and mending of hearts as well. Clare's Family and friends play a big roll in this story and they are what helps these two along the way.
"I have so many things I want to say to you, so many words to write. But how do you fit a lifetime into a letter?"
This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made my heart break, and it made my heart heal again. It is definitely a must read about second chance love and what happens when you find it.
"I love you." I told her without hesitation, saying the words I've been holding inside of me for far too long. "I've loved you Clare, every minute of everyday, since the very first day."
July 11, 2013
FIVE AWESOME STARS!!!
Got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was ecstatic when I opened my email and found an advance copy of this book. Again, thank you Jennifer!
"You're wrong, Clare. Nothing will ever keep me from you. I'll never stop chasing you."
I can honestly say this is the first book that I read that captured me from start to finish. I was with the characters all throughout. I was giddy when they first met, I was swept off with their first kiss, I was crying (and I'm not ashamed of it) during Ethan's death anniversary and I loved how they progressed with their first time together.
h: Oh, Clare, how things turned sour then sweet then sour again then uber sweet with your life. I loved how she was able to move on and have her second chance at finding her HEA.
H: I wish there are more doctors like Logan! Smart, independent, alpha and H-O-T-T hot!!! Logan, you melted my panties... You're my first book boyfriend.
I cant wait for the second book of this series!
Would I recommend this book? Abso-f*cking-lutely YES!
Got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was ecstatic when I opened my email and found an advance copy of this book. Again, thank you Jennifer!
"You're wrong, Clare. Nothing will ever keep me from you. I'll never stop chasing you."
I can honestly say this is the first book that I read that captured me from start to finish. I was with the characters all throughout. I was giddy when they first met, I was swept off with their first kiss, I was crying (and I'm not ashamed of it) during Ethan's death anniversary and I loved how they progressed with their first time together.
h: Oh, Clare, how things turned sour then sweet then sour again then uber sweet with your life. I loved how she was able to move on and have her second chance at finding her HEA.
H: I wish there are more doctors like Logan! Smart, independent, alpha and H-O-T-T hot!!! Logan, you melted my panties... You're my first book boyfriend.
I cant wait for the second book of this series!
Would I recommend this book? Abso-f*cking-lutely YES!
July 31, 2013
This book was sweet. I recommend it if you are looking for a simple beautiful read.
October 20, 2017
This was a heart warming sweet second chance book. It was funny and an easy read from beginning to end and very engaging. Clare and Logan relationship develops slowly and sweetly.
This is a touching book, you will be sure to enjoy.
This is a touching book, you will be sure to enjoy.
May 19, 2017
***3.5 stars***
This was such a sweet book. Dr. Logan Matthews was all kinds of swoony. He was so patient with Clare and so sweet with Maddie. This book really needed to be handled with care, and how Logan dealt with a widow and her 4 year old is something that could have gone very wrong, but Ms. Berg did a great job pacing their relationship, and building a bond betweent the three of them. It could have easily felt like Clare's deceased husband Ethan would always be first and Logan was just a replacement or second best, but that definitely wasn't the case. I loved this little family and any moments between Maddie and Logan, I just ate up. The author also did a pretty good job setting up the next book and sprinkling in interest for what may have happened with Leah and Declan (though sometimes it felt forced with a paragraph inserted for no reason during an odd time of Clare wondering what went on with them).
Leah - - Yeah, every girl needs a best friend like her! She cracked my shit up!! I can't wait to read her book and get into her head!!
I wasn't sure whether to round up or down, but a few reasons swayed me to round down:
(1)The book could definitely use some editing. The writing could be a little choppy at times. Some stilted dialogue where you could tell where the author wanted to go with a conversation, but just lost her flow. A decent amount of grammatical errors, where at times you're so wrapped up you overlook, but other times I needed to reread a sentence.
(2)At about the 95% point, the author put a plot twist in there that was absolutely unnecessary. I mean if she wanted a little bit of drama, she could have went in about a million other directions than the one chosen. And what made it even more apparent that it was possibly stuck in for drama's sake, was how glossed over it was in the epilogue.
(3) Finally, I'll put this behind a spoiler, though it's nothing major that will ruin the story line or anything, just my opinion of a certain decision made in the epilogue.
December 1, 2014
DNF at 55%
Seriously, I need to stop this now. I couldn’t keep this up anymore. I should have DNFed this at 10% but I see a lot of potential in this book, but it’s not working for me.
So let me just go straight to the things that I don’t like shall we?
The story is pretty predictable, plain and boring. Am I too cruel to say, that Maddie’s presence kinda pissed me off? (don’t judge me). Another thing is, the author is trying too hard to show Clare’s love for sweets. Everytime, sweet foods was mentioned, clare would be all grabby and snatchy. At first it was okay, but when she was constantly doing that it was kinda annoying. She was even being snatchy with her 4 years old. I mean, who is the child here? It’s not even cute anymore. *rolls eyes*
Oh and not to mention, INSTA-LOVE! Ugh! I hate insta love,lust whatever. When Logan and Clare first met, they already lusting with each others body.Gah! I feel like I want to pull my hair of off my head!!!
With that said, this book is not a winner for me.
Seriously, I need to stop this now. I couldn’t keep this up anymore. I should have DNFed this at 10% but I see a lot of potential in this book, but it’s not working for me.
So let me just go straight to the things that I don’t like shall we?
The story is pretty predictable, plain and boring. Am I too cruel to say, that Maddie’s presence kinda pissed me off? (don’t judge me). Another thing is, the author is trying too hard to show Clare’s love for sweets. Everytime, sweet foods was mentioned, clare would be all grabby and snatchy. At first it was okay, but when she was constantly doing that it was kinda annoying. She was even being snatchy with her 4 years old. I mean, who is the child here? It’s not even cute anymore. *rolls eyes*
Oh and not to mention, INSTA-LOVE! Ugh! I hate insta love,lust whatever. When Logan and Clare first met, they already lusting with each others body.Gah! I feel like I want to pull my hair of off my head!!!
With that said, this book is not a winner for me.
August 20, 2013
A little gem perfectly titled – “When You’re Ready” is a bittersweet second chance at love plot that is bittersweet and tender.
When her four year old daughter is rushed to the ER, Clare, a young widow still grieving the loss of her young husband, meets her future. Both Clare and Dr. Logan Matthews feel an instant attraction. But as they say, “it’s complicated” as they each struggle with feelings of devastating loss in their lives.
I am always thrilled to get POVs from both leading characters. For me, it helps to complete the circle. And readers are gifted with an up-close-and-personal POV from Ethan, Clare's deceased husband, through a touching and emotional letter he left for his wife to read “when you’re ready.”
One minor overload came near the end of the book. These characters were already dealing with so much and adjusting to problems beyond their control. To heap another dish of questionable fate upon them just seemed too much.
On the whole, I enjoyed J.L. Berg’s debut novel.
When her four year old daughter is rushed to the ER, Clare, a young widow still grieving the loss of her young husband, meets her future. Both Clare and Dr. Logan Matthews feel an instant attraction. But as they say, “it’s complicated” as they each struggle with feelings of devastating loss in their lives.
I am always thrilled to get POVs from both leading characters. For me, it helps to complete the circle. And readers are gifted with an up-close-and-personal POV from Ethan, Clare's deceased husband, through a touching and emotional letter he left for his wife to read “when you’re ready.”
One minor overload came near the end of the book. These characters were already dealing with so much and adjusting to problems beyond their control. To heap another dish of questionable fate upon them just seemed too much.
On the whole, I enjoyed J.L. Berg’s debut novel.
June 6, 2018
I almost DFN this one.
It was too sweet, to dramatic, too unreal. I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes. I didn't like Clare. It really bothered me that she wasn't such a great mom (once, she left her child alone in her home to visit Logan!). The ending felt fake and kind of rushed.
Nope. I didn't like this,
It was too sweet, to dramatic, too unreal. I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes. I didn't like Clare. It really bothered me that she wasn't such a great mom (once, she left her child alone in her home to visit Logan!). The ending felt fake and kind of rushed.
Nope. I didn't like this,
September 24, 2015
I tried so hard to enjoy this book but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. I thought the story had potential in a sugary sweet kind of way but unfortunately the authors writing didn't work for me and I found the story boring.
July 25, 2013
**ARC Received for honest review**
I'd been looking forward to this book and couldn't wait to start it. The prologue starts off three years earlier and is told from Ethan's POV. Ethan knows he doesn't have much time left and sits down to write his wife, Clare a letter for after he's gone. He puts it in an envelope marked "When you're ready"
Jump to three years later and Clare is in the Emergency room with her 4 year old daughter Maddie after she's fallen. It brings back horrible memories for Clare of Ethan being here, but her daughter is hurt and she has no choice. Enter Dr Logan Matthews:
"I found myself face to face with the real life version of Dr. McSteamy entering the exam room. Is this our doctor? Holly hell I think I just whimpered a little.
Tall and built like a swimmer, he was the sexiest thing I'd ever seen in a pair of scrubs."
"Oh shit, was I drooling? Did he just say something?"
As you all know I'm a fan of dual POVs and it alternates been Logan and Clare which is great because you get to see both their reactions to each other. There is an attraction for both of them, but nothing is acted upon then.
Days later Clare is at an home improvement store, completely not knowing what's she's doing and Maddie spots Dr. Matthews. They start talking and he offers to help and starts flirting.
"What did I just f**king say? Shit, I should not be allowed in public anymore. I had just dropped the lamest pick up line ever, in the middle of the home improvement store, right in front of Clare's daughter, no less"
It's obvious that they are both attracted to one another, but Clare never thought she'd love another but Ethan and isn't sure she's ready to move on.
Logan has his own past and issues. Son of a very rich well known man, there was a public scandal surrounding Logan's divorce and he hasn't spoken to his father since. On top of that since since his divorce he's steered away from relationships, feeling that he can't love, opting for one night stands instead and has a reputation for it. Now I must admit here that I thought here we go again, hot, rich womaniser, being tamed for a relationship, but I was so wrong and have begged JL's forgiveness, because Logan's story is nothing like I expected.
As I was reading I was thinking that this is a lovely sweet book, no drama, just one of those books where you watch love blossom between two people, sure there was tragedy with Ethan but watching Clare discover if she can love again and Logan realising that he could, teaching Clare and taking it slow it was lovely.
Clare about Ethan: " my heart still ached for him and I missed him every day, but Logan helped me heal and I felt my wounds closing tighter the longer he was around"
while this is going on Clare is trying to decide if she is ready to read the letter Ethan left 3 years earlier:
"Taking one last look, I placed the letter back in the draw, hoping one day I'd be ready for whatever lay sealed in the envelope. But it was not today."
But this isn't just a sweet romance book, there were some hot scenes too, we just had to wait for their relationship to develop a bit first:
"If I take you home with me Clare, I'm going to f**k you. Repeatedly" " I just want you to remember it. All of it. In vivid, technicolor clarity. And that can only be achieved when you're sober. When you and I come together for the first time, I want you to remember every touch" I ran my hand up her arm and down her back causing her to shiver. "Every moan".
She did just that as I leaned into her body, slowing kissing her neck and tugging on her earlobe with my teeth. "Every wave of pleasure"
And then BAM! At 88% this lovely sweet romance I thought I was reading got angsty! Although there was a clue something might happen earlier on in the book, it was a small one and JL did a good job of making you forget about it because you are so wrapped on in the here and now of their growing relationship.
Now those of you that have read some of our reviews before know I don't usually cry at books, and I didn't, but I could see that some people could find this book emotional.
This book wasn't quite perfect for me, so I'm giving it 4 stars, but I did really enjoy it and definitely recommend it. I cannot wait to get my hands in the next book, which I believe is going to be about Leah, who is Clare's best friend and is a funny sassy character.
for more of my reviews visit The Romance Cover
I'd been looking forward to this book and couldn't wait to start it. The prologue starts off three years earlier and is told from Ethan's POV. Ethan knows he doesn't have much time left and sits down to write his wife, Clare a letter for after he's gone. He puts it in an envelope marked "When you're ready"
Jump to three years later and Clare is in the Emergency room with her 4 year old daughter Maddie after she's fallen. It brings back horrible memories for Clare of Ethan being here, but her daughter is hurt and she has no choice. Enter Dr Logan Matthews:
"I found myself face to face with the real life version of Dr. McSteamy entering the exam room. Is this our doctor? Holly hell I think I just whimpered a little.
Tall and built like a swimmer, he was the sexiest thing I'd ever seen in a pair of scrubs."
"Oh shit, was I drooling? Did he just say something?"
As you all know I'm a fan of dual POVs and it alternates been Logan and Clare which is great because you get to see both their reactions to each other. There is an attraction for both of them, but nothing is acted upon then.
Days later Clare is at an home improvement store, completely not knowing what's she's doing and Maddie spots Dr. Matthews. They start talking and he offers to help and starts flirting.
"What did I just f**king say? Shit, I should not be allowed in public anymore. I had just dropped the lamest pick up line ever, in the middle of the home improvement store, right in front of Clare's daughter, no less"
It's obvious that they are both attracted to one another, but Clare never thought she'd love another but Ethan and isn't sure she's ready to move on.
Logan has his own past and issues. Son of a very rich well known man, there was a public scandal surrounding Logan's divorce and he hasn't spoken to his father since. On top of that since since his divorce he's steered away from relationships, feeling that he can't love, opting for one night stands instead and has a reputation for it. Now I must admit here that I thought here we go again, hot, rich womaniser, being tamed for a relationship, but I was so wrong and have begged JL's forgiveness, because Logan's story is nothing like I expected.
As I was reading I was thinking that this is a lovely sweet book, no drama, just one of those books where you watch love blossom between two people, sure there was tragedy with Ethan but watching Clare discover if she can love again and Logan realising that he could, teaching Clare and taking it slow it was lovely.
Clare about Ethan: " my heart still ached for him and I missed him every day, but Logan helped me heal and I felt my wounds closing tighter the longer he was around"
while this is going on Clare is trying to decide if she is ready to read the letter Ethan left 3 years earlier:
"Taking one last look, I placed the letter back in the draw, hoping one day I'd be ready for whatever lay sealed in the envelope. But it was not today."
But this isn't just a sweet romance book, there were some hot scenes too, we just had to wait for their relationship to develop a bit first:
"If I take you home with me Clare, I'm going to f**k you. Repeatedly" " I just want you to remember it. All of it. In vivid, technicolor clarity. And that can only be achieved when you're sober. When you and I come together for the first time, I want you to remember every touch" I ran my hand up her arm and down her back causing her to shiver. "Every moan".
She did just that as I leaned into her body, slowing kissing her neck and tugging on her earlobe with my teeth. "Every wave of pleasure"
And then BAM! At 88% this lovely sweet romance I thought I was reading got angsty! Although there was a clue something might happen earlier on in the book, it was a small one and JL did a good job of making you forget about it because you are so wrapped on in the here and now of their growing relationship.
Now those of you that have read some of our reviews before know I don't usually cry at books, and I didn't, but I could see that some people could find this book emotional.
This book wasn't quite perfect for me, so I'm giving it 4 stars, but I did really enjoy it and definitely recommend it. I cannot wait to get my hands in the next book, which I believe is going to be about Leah, who is Clare's best friend and is a funny sassy character.
for more of my reviews visit The Romance Cover
July 6, 2013
ARC was provided free for honest review - and I'm so glad it was!
This book has a little bit everything. Great friends, hot doctors (automatically went back to Dr Carter and Dr Ross in ER, guess I'm showing my age), happiness, sadness, life and death.
Clare hasn't had it easy, as a young widow and single mum, she has had to be everything in her daughters life, and her own life stopped. The story starts with every parents nightmare, having to rush your child into A&E, but for Clare this was worse than for most, this was the first time back in that waiting room since her husband died. Covered in her child's vomit, Clare comes face to face with the first man to make her heart beat in 4 years, none other than her child's doctor. Clare isn't the only one to feel this instant connection, Logan does to, but he's so much more than just a doctor. He's the estranged son of a multi billionaire, who is now better known for his womanising than his skills in the ER! Clare's daughter Maddie, having recovered from her concussion, is the unknowing matchmaker, when they happen to bump in Logan once again, whilst wondering lost around the hardware store. But is Clare ready to let another man into her heart when she is still in love with her deceased husband? Is she ready to let another man into Maddie's life? Is Logan able to let himself love when he has no idea what love is? Are either of them ready for their lives to change?
This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made my heart break, and it made it heal again. The two main characters are perfect, and as a once single mother I completely related to every one of Clare's conscious and subconscious dilemmas. It was so nice to have a 'real' female lead, someone who had survived life's hurdles in the most positive way.
But who says the path of true love ever ran smoothly? For this pair it most certainly hasnt and when you think things have finally got better, life has a cruel way of knocking you right back down, proving that lightening can definitely strike the same spot twice.
There is so much more to this story that the broken hearted being healed by love. Friends and family are a key part to this story and are what defiantly made this book all the more real for me. The love of a man can close old wounds, but without the love and support of friends and family those wounds would have been unfixable. everyone needs a mum and dad like clare's and everyone definately needs a Leah! i hope we get to hear her next!
Great debut novel and i cant wait for the rest of the series!i
This book has a little bit everything. Great friends, hot doctors (automatically went back to Dr Carter and Dr Ross in ER, guess I'm showing my age), happiness, sadness, life and death.
Clare hasn't had it easy, as a young widow and single mum, she has had to be everything in her daughters life, and her own life stopped. The story starts with every parents nightmare, having to rush your child into A&E, but for Clare this was worse than for most, this was the first time back in that waiting room since her husband died. Covered in her child's vomit, Clare comes face to face with the first man to make her heart beat in 4 years, none other than her child's doctor. Clare isn't the only one to feel this instant connection, Logan does to, but he's so much more than just a doctor. He's the estranged son of a multi billionaire, who is now better known for his womanising than his skills in the ER! Clare's daughter Maddie, having recovered from her concussion, is the unknowing matchmaker, when they happen to bump in Logan once again, whilst wondering lost around the hardware store. But is Clare ready to let another man into her heart when she is still in love with her deceased husband? Is she ready to let another man into Maddie's life? Is Logan able to let himself love when he has no idea what love is? Are either of them ready for their lives to change?
This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made my heart break, and it made it heal again. The two main characters are perfect, and as a once single mother I completely related to every one of Clare's conscious and subconscious dilemmas. It was so nice to have a 'real' female lead, someone who had survived life's hurdles in the most positive way.
But who says the path of true love ever ran smoothly? For this pair it most certainly hasnt and when you think things have finally got better, life has a cruel way of knocking you right back down, proving that lightening can definitely strike the same spot twice.
There is so much more to this story that the broken hearted being healed by love. Friends and family are a key part to this story and are what defiantly made this book all the more real for me. The love of a man can close old wounds, but without the love and support of friends and family those wounds would have been unfixable. everyone needs a mum and dad like clare's and everyone definately needs a Leah! i hope we get to hear her next!
Great debut novel and i cant wait for the rest of the series!i
July 8, 2013
Spoiler alert! Please no brick bats.....
Some things cannot be protected from storms. Life is all about weathering those storms, setting your sails on a different course when needed and grabbing tight to second chances when they fall into our lap. Not everyone is lucky enough to get those second chances....
"When You Are Ready" is just that..... a story of second chances, taking support from family and friends, remembering that there is still a lot of positive and good people left in this world, its alright to be selfish enough to be happy for self.....all when we are ready. And trust me when I say this from my heart and personal experience....
Clare and Logan - simple characters, plenty of pain and hurt, yet big enough to move beyond their past to turn a new page in their new life together, starting a new chapter, building new memories for their album of love and family, courageous to face any shadows lurking in their new lives.....simple, real and a very sweet story.......
For me the highlight of the whole story was for Logan to accept Clare with her love for Ethen. His asking and offering of "all or nothing" is so poignant and emotional...loved those few dialogues and the conversation between Clare and Logan at the cemetary...and Logan being diagnosed with cancer and Clare supporting him, is very personal to me.....that whole storyline was well written and concluded....am such a sucker for happy endings....
Things will always fall into place, we just have to let the heart know - "When You Are Ready"
Jennifer - a fabulous beginning to a new chapter in your life as a writer and wishing to see many more....thanks for the opportunity to put in my two cents :)
And I apologize if any readers feel that I've given out more of the story than needed...couldn't help it...sighhhh
Some things cannot be protected from storms. Life is all about weathering those storms, setting your sails on a different course when needed and grabbing tight to second chances when they fall into our lap. Not everyone is lucky enough to get those second chances....
"When You Are Ready" is just that..... a story of second chances, taking support from family and friends, remembering that there is still a lot of positive and good people left in this world, its alright to be selfish enough to be happy for self.....all when we are ready. And trust me when I say this from my heart and personal experience....
Clare and Logan - simple characters, plenty of pain and hurt, yet big enough to move beyond their past to turn a new page in their new life together, starting a new chapter, building new memories for their album of love and family, courageous to face any shadows lurking in their new lives.....simple, real and a very sweet story.......
For me the highlight of the whole story was for Logan to accept Clare with her love for Ethen. His asking and offering of "all or nothing" is so poignant and emotional...loved those few dialogues and the conversation between Clare and Logan at the cemetary...and Logan being diagnosed with cancer and Clare supporting him, is very personal to me.....that whole storyline was well written and concluded....am such a sucker for happy endings....
Things will always fall into place, we just have to let the heart know - "When You Are Ready"
Jennifer - a fabulous beginning to a new chapter in your life as a writer and wishing to see many more....thanks for the opportunity to put in my two cents :)
And I apologize if any readers feel that I've given out more of the story than needed...couldn't help it...sighhhh
June 18, 2015
4 SECOND CHANCE Stars
This was a sweet, second chance, read. Clare and Logan were both given a second chance at love when they found each other...she, because her husband had died 3 years previously and he, because he had recently gotten divorced. Clare, a single mother of a sweet four-year old, didn't think she could ever find love again since she had been married to her soul-mate. Logan, didn't believe he was capable of feeling love, so the idea of finding love was nothing he thought possible.
They met at the ER where he was a doctor and she, the mother of the patient, Maddie. Sparks flew instantly between them. His compassion for her daughter helped fuel the fire. They came into each others lives at the right time and they found solace in one another.
I liked that there was no unnecessary drama in this book...no cheating, no miscommunication etc. The Heroine was witty and smart - not a whiny basket case. The Hero, while he did have some self-defeating inner-dialogue, was protective and strong.
This was a sweet, second chance, read. Clare and Logan were both given a second chance at love when they found each other...she, because her husband had died 3 years previously and he, because he had recently gotten divorced. Clare, a single mother of a sweet four-year old, didn't think she could ever find love again since she had been married to her soul-mate. Logan, didn't believe he was capable of feeling love, so the idea of finding love was nothing he thought possible.
They met at the ER where he was a doctor and she, the mother of the patient, Maddie. Sparks flew instantly between them. His compassion for her daughter helped fuel the fire. They came into each others lives at the right time and they found solace in one another.
"You. I'm smiling because of you. You've taught me to smile again."
I liked that there was no unnecessary drama in this book...no cheating, no miscommunication etc. The Heroine was witty and smart - not a whiny basket case. The Hero, while he did have some self-defeating inner-dialogue, was protective and strong.
“I want a clean slate with you, Clare. You’re special to me. I don’t know what we’re doing or where it’s going but I’ve never felt anything like this, and I can’t mess that up by doing the same shit I’ve always done.”
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