All That Glitters by Kate Sherwood
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from publisher Dreamspinner Press; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add to Goodreads): No matter what he tells himself, wealthy NYC architect Liam has never been able to forget his first love, Ben. But as he approaches midlife and realizes something is missing, can he forgive himself for the worst mistake he ever made—the one that left a hole no amount of career success can fill? Or will fear keep him from the full life he really wants?
Liam and Ben were childhood sweethearts, then college boyfriends. But when Liam cheated on Ben, Ben forced himself to cut ties and move on. He’s still living in the small town where they grew up, teaching, but it’s not the life he imagined for himself as a younger man. Still, when Liam returns, he can’t risk his heart again. He certainly can’t allow himself to love Liam again after fighting so hard to get over him.
Neither man wants to let go of the past and face their apprehension at starting over. They don’t want to fall in love a second time—but sometimes love happens whether it’s wanted or not.
Review: Normally I love a second-chance romance, but I can’t say I was entirely wowed by All That Glitters. While I definitely liked Liam and Ben, and I wanted them to make things work, I wish there was more of their backstory included. We get details but it’s more told, not shown, and I think that kept me from fully understanding how they worked in the past and why they would be a good fit now.
For example, and this is in the summary so not a big spoiler, Liam cheated on Ben and that’s why they broke up years ago. However, there wasn’t enough about this moment in the book and I wish there was, not that I could yell at Liam for being an idiot (though I probably would have) but because it would have helped me understand the why a bit more.
So I didn’t love All That Glitters, but it wasn’t awful by any means. If you’re curious about the author, I would suggest her Common Law series which I really loved!
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Ahhhh, I’m the opposite, I usually struggle so hard with second-chance romances. I feel like I’ve there have been some lot more published in the last year or so. I’m sorry you didn’t love this book, Lauren!
Have a wonderful day. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Well that sucks bc I fell in <3 with that blurb 🙁
Love the cover for this! So sorry the story wasn’t what you were hoping it would be.
Sorry you didn’t end up liking this one as much! That totally happens though sometimes, a synopsis sounds promising and then doesn’t turn out to be what we expect.
Sounds emotional so too bad it didn’t’ entirely work for you Lauren,
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
I hate being disappointed by a story, you get so invested and then it’s not what you’re hoping for.
I really like the cover art! Sorry it wasn’t what you had expected it to be.
Ah yes I can understand what you mean
Too bad this one didn’t fully deliver because the synopsis is so promising.
Sorry this wasn’t all that you wanted, because it does sound quite good!
I really like the cover of this book! Ahh, second chance romances are tough. Sounds like it was an ok read.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I hate when a lot of the back story is glossed over and the reader is left to piece it together. I need the details to love the book.
I love second chance romances but that sucks that this was a dud!
I get it. Just being told about the relationship between characters who have history can leave you feeling lacking and struggling to feel the connection between them. Glad it wasn’t a bad book though.
I’m sorry to hear this one didn’t quite work out for you. I hope your next read is more enjoyable.
I was excited when I saw this was a second chance romance but I don’t know how I feel about a second chance romance following cheating. Especially if the cheating itself isn’t ever properly explored in the narrative. I’m not sure I’ll give this one a go. I’m sorry you didn’t love it, Lauren!
Aww, sorry to hear this one wasn’t quite up to her other series. I do think it sounds like they should have addressed the infidelity more.
I’m definitely going to need a lot of backstory when it’s a second chance romance. It’s kind of hard to root for them if you don’t know a lot about where they came from!
I think that I would need to know more as well. I mean Liam has already cheated on Ben. I need to know what happened and why he should be trusted now. Great review!
Great review! ♥️ With that cover, you hoped for a great story too. Sounds like you loved the author’s previous series. Sorry it didn’t work out.
I love how honest your reviews are, thanks for the heads up about the backstory issue! sounds like a quick read rather than a slow indulgence!
I love that you book reviews are very honest. Many reviewers will not share what they didn’t like about a book and simply sugar coat their review. It sounds like a story that could’ve been great, too bad it didn’t quite live up to its blurb.
Hope you’re having a good summer, Lauren and enjoying more books 🙂
OK, I just read two books you need to read; The Smoke Thieves and Witchmark. I really think you would like them. I did 🙂
I’m with you on this one. I don’t feel like either time was fleshed out enough to really ‘get’ the connection between the characters, and again, like you, I really enjoyed Common Law!
Great review. 🙂