This is better than book 1, mainly because the heroine in this book is far more likeable and sensible above all. In fact, the multiple mentions of book 1's heroine in this book (best friend of this heroine) made me seeth with fury still, but I have already done my rant on her, so let's keep the focus on on Libby and Greyson.

Libby grew up in the Chapman household, her parents serving as housekeeper and chauffeur for Greyson's family. She became close friend of Greyson's twin brother, while Greyson himself always hovered nearby, but never close enough to join in their lighthearted games and interactions. Nevertheless, Libby was infatuated with this serious and aloof boy from a young age until he callously told her to stop shadowing him.

Fast forward ten years and she is no longer the help's daughter but a beautiful and talented chef. Greyson recognises her instantly at a party, and this time he is the one on the prowl and she is his willing prey. A short courtship is followed by marriage, but the honeymoon period never transpires. Instead, after the initial lustful haze clears somewhat, jealousy and hurt soon infiltrates their still tentative relationship. When Libby announces her pregnancy, instead of mending their marriage it tears them further apart as Greyson withdraws emotionally and physically, culminating in him walking out on her on the night of their daughter's birth. Libby, still exhausted and weak from the labour, has to be confronted with the shocking accusation that she has cuckolded her husband. As soon as she is able to, the new mum hightails out of town with her bub, determined to forge an independent life away from the man who rejected them both. It doesn't take Greyson long to come to his senses, especially with his irate twin brother breathing down his neck and giving him some bruising reality checking. It does take him several more months to go chasing after his wife and daughter after taking some extended self-flagellation time-out. By then, Libby is busily forging a new life for herself and baby Clara - new town, new restaurant, and most of all new toughened exterior. And we're in for some wonderfully, unadulterated grovelling of the most humble and patient kind from Greyson - not just token gestures but a complete, 180 turnaround make-over. What was even sweeter for me was the way Clara enraptured him from the first photo, the first contact, the first smile. The other great thing was that the author and all the characters, including Greyson himself, called out Greyson's unjustified behaviour as utterly moronic. <spoiler> He thought he was infertile, but never got himself tested and instead accused Libby of betraying him with his twin, even though she was a virgin when they first slept together only 2 months prior to her conceiving. </spoiler> There was no softening that fact or excusing it. It was the unconditional, sincere grovelling and the determined self-improvement that enabled Libby and the reader to forgive him.

Libby herself was fabulous, fierce lioness protective of her cub and her own heart. No self-pitying moments for her, for she is a mother, and so she picks herself up and dusts herself, and off she goes to do what she must do to survive. Solid writing.

I shed a few tears during my journey with Greyson and Libby. Oh, this duology made me cry, they are emotional-heavy. I love both books, the first one broke my heart and this second book shattered it completely.

Both stories are about second chances, singles and married. You see how, in each relationship, the characters coped with their different life challenges. There are unique personalities and you experience how each one reacts to their individual expectations and disappointments.

Every reader will definitely find a character or a situation they could relate with. In my perspective, the series is about having hope and keeping the faith. They are educational and inspirational, you’d sure pick-up life lessons.

3 stars

Unfortunately, this wasn't my favorite from Natasha. I felt disconnected from the characters.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2780648627

Nothing But This was the ultimate second chance romance! There was no denying how absolutely painful it was for these characters to find their way back to each other. You could just feel the hurt oozing out of these pages.

From the very first few chapters, I was totally invested in Libby and Greyson’s story. I thought it was so unique, the way their marriage started and their history with each other. I remember thinking immediately though, that it was never going to work! No way, no how.

The problems between these two were shocking and that’s when my feelings sort of went the other way. Everything became a bit far fetched and the same fights just kept dragging on and on! I put it down a few times, I have to admit that but in the end? Like I said before, I was just too invested not to finish!

My feelings for Libby and Greyson and the other characters kept me going. Libby, so sweet and innocent in all of this and Greyson, the ultimate alpha male! By the end of it though, he had my heart in a puddle.

Thankfully I was satisfied with the ending and truly happy I stuck with this story until the very end. I loved how much feeling Natasha Anders brought to Nothing But This, so I would defiantly read more from her! If you are a sucker for some gut wrenching second chance romances then I would still recommend picking this one up!

A wonderful, deeply emotional book about troubled marriage written in the unique Natasha Anders’ style.
If you have read the blurb, I am sure that you already in Libby’s team. I totally was. However, while reading I gravitated more and more to Greyson, and after the first half of the book I was completely Team Greyson. If somebody told me this before I began to read the book, I would not believe it. I can blame it only on author’s writing style and ability to create such beautiful and real story.
The hero is a strong-willed person uncomfortable with expressing his emotions. He makes mistakes, he jumps to conclusions, but he owns his mistakes, he is genuine in his efforts to make everything right, even if this “right” does not include him any more in happily ever after. I deeply respect people who recognize their mistakes and do all possible to fix them.
What I admire in Olivia’s character is the capability to forgive neglect, abandonment and lost of trust during the most difficult and important time in women’s life. I couldn’t and wouldn’t do it. Because of my pride and stubbornness. And I am not proud about it. Both these characters are not perfect, they have their own flaws, and it is exactly what makes this story great.
I highly recommend this book to all readers who appreciate well-written emotional novels.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for a kindly provided review copy!

RATING: 2 STARS
2019; Montlake Romance

This is a series review for both book one and two of Broken Pieces. As you all know I am super picky about romances, especially contemporary. I think because they are more "realistic" than other romances, they seem, to me, less fantasy. I did like the premise of both books being about redemption, as we know love and relationships rarely go smooth sailing. Unfortunately, both books were a DNF for me. I made it through 30% of the first book, and about 25% of the second one. I could not force myself to finish them. I wanted to as I had agreed to do a book blog tour. I wrote to let them know that these books did not work for me and I was not going to do the blog. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to do a spotlight as I didn't want to recommend them. She was kind and said they appreciated the dialogue, good or bad for the book and would leave it up to me to write a review or blog about it. I spent a week thinking about it and they are correct about dialogue. Also, as a reviewer it has always been important to me do give my honest opinion.

I am. not going to bash the books, as Natasha Anders wrote these books with love and was able to get them published. That is an accomplishment many do not get. I will state that the reason these books did not work for me were the characters. I did not feel invested in them or the story to read any further. I found the men were scooted to the "bad guy" realm but then not given enough rope to come back. I didn't skim the book to see if I was correct, as I wasn't that curious. As I always say, read other reviews and see what works for you.


***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***

My Novelesque Blog

I was super excited to read another marriage book by Natasha Anders because I’ve loved every single other book of hers that’s come into my hands. And her writing did not disappoint with this one, I enjoyed it a lot and it sucked me right in.

I did make a dumb mistake by thinking this was the first book in the series instead of the second one, and throughout the book, I was so excited for the next one because Harris and Tina’s story seemed so intriguing and awesome, I was DYING for it… turns out, that one’s already out and yes, I am absolutely going to be reading it as soon as I can LOL If any of my views would’ve been different by me reading their book first… my apologies?

As for the main characters and the story… After finishing Nothing but This —even while I was reading it, really —, I had some very mixed feelings about it.

Basically, the entire beginning of the story did not click for me at all. The characters’ actions were super out of the blue, I didn’t feel the connection between them that I was supposed to, and I really feel the author should have explained way better the previous relationship they had, because they clearly had a connection in the times that take place before the book begins and I didn’t even realize that until about way in the middle of the book.

I love it when the main couple has a previous connection before we meet them… or when they are in love already and so the first couple of scenes with them when we start reading are pure fire or tension or just completely romantic. The first scenes with these two were none of that, it was just awkward… and yes, I guess they were hot. But the scenes being steamy along with the characters’ behavior afterward just didn’t do it for me at all.
Especially when the main conflict in the story at first (him being sterile, she being pregnant) seems to be because they never connected enough, trusted enough or simply didn’t know each other enough —when, again, we later realized that was not entirely the case. It was also totally a miscommunication problem, a very simple and stupid one, and that was just super frustrating and a little bit unbelievable for me. It made the hero look like a complete stupid asshole, that’s for sure…

Now, there was definitely some drama here, as well as a super cute growing baby that we got to see connect with her father. There were a lot of scenes with Grayson and his baby daughter… we see him getting to meet her and I absolutely adored each and every one of these moments. It was amazing to see that relationship unfold.

There was also a lot of groveling made by the hero (something that this author never fails to deliver perfectly) which, if you know me at all, you know I’m a sucker for. I absolutely loved that. Our heroine was pretty cool in regards to that as well: she was not easy to win over, she didn’t just go back into his arms as soon as he apologized, she made him work for it and work hard. And I loved that because what he did was NOT nothing.

Now, even though the hero was not a likable character at all in the beginning, the author managed to get the reader to eventually REALLY love him and feel for him on his journey. To root for them. He learns and tries and repents and really gets us on his side.

We really see Greyson grow and mature. There’s a great true character development for him and a very healing journey for his and Libby’s relationship and marriage. That was very nice to read.

So, there were good and bad things but in general, I did like the book. Let me know what you guys think of it!

Release Date: July 30, 2019
Broken Pieces #2
Montlake Romance
Contmporary Romance
Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

Wowza! This book put my heart through the wringer. Natasha Anders does angst like a boss! All her books always make me snot and bawl. This one wasn’t any different.

Libby is shattered by her husband’s accusations. He’s crushed her heart and essentially made her hate him. I seriously can’t blame her. Greyson, her husband, is an absolute ass. What he accuses her of, and the words he slings at her are unforgivable. Libby is a better than I am, because I’m not sure I could ever get over it.

The road to forgiveness is not easy for Libby. Buried under all the hurt and anger, she still loves Greyson. See, better woman than I! Even though I had a full on hate for this guy, I was still cheering him on. I’m a sucker for a jerky hero who has to grovel. And holy shit, does Greyson ever grovel. Yay! Not gonna lie, I loved every second of that!

Like I said, I hated Greyson for a while in the book, but as he was proving himself to Libby, I definitely warmed up to him. His love for Libby was palpable.
This book wasn’t overly sexy. I mean, there was some sexy times, but it was short and rather tame. I could have used more heat, but I was so invested in the characters and plot, that it didn’t bother me too much.

I ripped through this book quickly. It was beautifully written and wonderfully heartbreaking. This is a true story of forgiveness and redemption.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (B+)

This book was so good and everything you look for in a second chance romance. She delivers a heartbreaking story of a marriage falling apart. Once I started this book I could not put it down.

Libby and Greyson have grown up together. Time passes and with interaction between them until Greyson sees Libby at a party. They end up married and things are good until she ends up pregnant and he isn’t excited. Greyson tells Libby there is no way that baby can be his. She decides to take her daughter and live a life away from Greyson.

This book broke me and had me on the edge of my seat. I loved these characters so much. I knew after reading Natasha Anders More Than Anything I knew I had to get my hands on this book. I highly recommend this book!

i had some issues with the first book in this series, though i have loved several of anders' other books. i knew i wanted to read this one but was hoping that it wouldn't be told concurrently with book 1 - unfortunately, it was. i just feel like too much was revealed in book 1, there was no mystery in this one. of course it's not a mystery book and we all read romance because of how predictable they are, but it's hard to feel the angst when you know *exactly* what is coming. so that's my main complaint. however, i did end up enjoying it more than book 1 - the trope, the characters, i liked it more. anders always does a fantastic job at making us hate the hero and then making us love him when he does some grade A grovelling. i'm here for it. all in all, this series wasn't my favourite of hers but i'll still read anything she publishes :)

The basic outline of Nothing But This is the story of Olivia and Greyson. Olivia had a crush on Greyson from childhood on but it's only after an encounter as adults that they get together. But a false belief that Greyson holds leads to devastating results after Olivia gives birth to their daughter Clara. I must admit, I did find it hard to initially take to either of the characters. I found them frustrating and wasn't sure where the storyline could go. But as the many layers of Greyson were revealed I became more invested in their story and was rooting for their happy ending. Nothing But This teaches us that honesty and communication are essential features of any healthy relationship. Without those things there is nothing solid to build a foundation on. Over time, Olivia and Greyson get to know one another intimately as they never had before. Ultimately, what I took from this story is that it is brave to be vulnerable, and the rewards are infinite. A sweet and very sexy book with a satisfyingly happy ever after.

This a story about second chances. Greyson and Libby have known each other most of their lives. However, it is years before they reunite at a party did their relationship becoming romantic. Marriage quickly follows. When Libby announces she is pregnant, everything chances. Grey is sterile. Greyson believes that Libby has betrayed him in the worst way. Greyson never confronts her, but instead distances himself from her physically and emotionally.

When Greyson realizes he has made a mistake, Libby has moved on. Moving away, and creating a new life for herself and her daughter. When Greyson shows up, Libby is understandably angry about his presence in her new life. Greyson though, is determined to win back Libby, and become a family.

I thought this book was okay. It is dramatic enough to keep a reader interested but not so dramatic that it is overwhelmingly. I found Libby to be a very strong character, not giving into Greyson easily, despite how hard he was trying. The supporting characters, Greyson’s brother, Harris and Libby’s best friend, Tina, were also a great addition to this book. I was intrigued by their story, but not distracted by it.

I am happy that I gave this book a chance.

I couldn’t even finish this one. I really don’t like leaving negative reviews, but what was I reading?

Grayson is a grade-A alphahole. And not even the type that I was cheering for to win his wife back. The whole start of their relationship was ridiculous, whether they knew each other as kids or not.

I couldn’t get past his horrid treatment of his wife, and at that point didn’t care if he groveled for her to take him back.

I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and voluntarily left a review.

Amazing story and so well deserving of 5 Stars! What a story of such strife and trial, this couple goes through it all and in the end their love is stronger than the struggles thrown at them. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it!

Ever since Natasha Anders introduced Grey and Libby in More Than Anything, I’ve been completely enamored and invested in their story. If there’s one thing that I love more than a hero that royally screws up with his woman, it’s watching him grovel to get back into her good graces again. And this book? It’s one long, delicious, and emotional grovel.

Now I love a good alphahole as much as the next girl, but this book didn’t focus on that. You get plenty of Grey’s generally cold disposition in the first book. Enough of it to know that when the man makes a mistake, it’s the biggest mistake of his life. This book focuses on him dealing with the repercussions of that mistake and trying to grovel his way back and somehow make amends. You get flashbacks of what transpired to bring Grey and Libby to the point where they are now. I loved that Libby really grew into herself in this book. She goes from a besotted girl to a woman that’s not afraid to make him work for it. She’s not willing to forgive and forget, nor should she. I mean, the man thought their child was the result of an affair.

The flow is really organic and the pacing is superb. It highlights every bump along their road and twists and turns your heart right along with them. Their journey is painful and emotional and totally enrapturing.
Nothing But This was a painfully beautiful story of second chances. It was sweet, funny, and utterly gut wrenching in parts. It wasn’t an overly angsty read but it was certainly an emotional one. I really loved this book. It was a gripping and charming and hits every single feel.

A story of second chances, “Nothing But This” shares Libby Lawson and Greyson Chapman’s journey on how to rekindle a love that has always been there but had been neglected.

Their story began when they were still children. Though not childhood sweethearts, Libby and Greyson had always had their eyes on each other. It was a complicated relationship.

First, Greyson was several years older than Libby; and when they were very young, those several years felt like a lifetime. Second and more important, Libby’s parents worked for the Chapmans.

Though Greyson was not a snob, if he showed any interest to Libby, it could easily be misconstrued that he was taking advantage of her.

Things changed when they grew up and met in London. All of a sudden, they were on equal footing. A whirlwind courtship was followed by a wedding and an unexpected pregnancy. Libby and Greyson should have been on top of the world.

But, that was not the case. Greyson claimed he was sterile and accused Libby of infidelity. Hurt and feeling abandoned, Libby left their marital home and moved outside of Cape Town to a small town 6 hours away by car.

Together with her friend Tina, Libby began a new life. But, one morning, she found Greyson on her doorstep. Will their long history keep them together or will it keep them apart?

“Nothing But This” is the second book in “The Broken Pieces” series, the first one being “More Than Anything.”

Though it was not explicitly mentioned, I think of these two books as a duet, the story of the Chapman twins Harris and Greyson. They should be read in tandem, i.e., I highly recommend that you read both books.

“More Than Anything,” the story of Harris and Tina was published first and logically, it should be read first. After reading “Nothing But This,” I realized that like the characters, the books are twins. Both are standalone novels. Still, to get the full enjoyment, you have to read both.

“Nothing But This” is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance is strongly advised due to the topic of divorce.

I absolutely LOVED this story and couldn’t put it down once I started reading! A marriage in crisis, as long as it’s not too angsty, is one of my favorite troupes. Greyson screws up spectacularly, and at first the whole f-up seems to be his fault, but as I read on, I discovered not everything was as simple as it appeared. I loved digging in, learning all the complex layers that made up Greyson and Libby; how their past led up to Greyson’s assumptions, and their parting. It brought out all the feels, and I found myself tearing up while reading several times. Greyson was definitely the supreme idiot in the beginning, but I grew to love him.

This is labeled “book 2” in the Broken Pieces series, but I didn’t read the first book, More Than Anything, which is focused on a separate couple, Greyson’s brother, Harris and Libby’s best friend, Tina. IMO it wasn’t necessary to read it to enjoy Nothing But This. As a side note, Harris and Tina also sort things out in this installment, and I was happy getting bits of their story thrown in here, too. This is the first time I’ve read a story by Natasha Anders, but it won’t be the last!

Nothing But This is Book 2 of Natasha Anders' Broken Pieces series. I have been looking forward to reading this one since I finished the first book. I do feel the author did a good job refreshing the back story that while I would recommend Book 1, I don't think it's necessary to read this one.

This was a great second chance romance that drew me in from the start and I finished very quickly. Even though I despised Greyson after Book 1, the author did a superb job redeeming him this time around. I also enjoyed a different perspective on the situation between the characters in the first story.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

Libby & Greyson’s journey was full of ups & downs and moments that hurt my heart to read. Natasha Anders knows how to take a reader on an emotional rollercoaster. Her writing makes me want to stop, but I couldn’t and I had to keep reading. I’m glad that I kept going because Libby & Greyson’s journey was worth it in the end.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

Please note: I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley from Montlake Romance in exchange for a honest review. This does not influence my opinions in any way.

Nothing But This runs parallel to More Than Anything, but it follows Greyson Chapman and Olivia Lawson, or Libby as she’s known to her friends. They’re childhood friends, right alongside Harris and Tina, but while Greyson is more quiet and reserved, Libby is loud, open and friendly. Which is why she gets along better with his twin Harris, despite always trailing after him. Though Greyson likes her back, she’s the daughter of the house-help and so off-limits. That is until he comes across her again years later when her parents have retired and she’s an independent woman. Then all bets are off. Greyson and Libby quickly find themselves married, but within a few months, their marriage falls apart after Greyson accuses Libby of cheating on him. Only to realize he had made a terrible mistake right after. Now can he save their marriage or has he lost Libby forever?
Can I just say, I truly despised Greyson at the beginning. Even though I knew what was coming thanks to book one, reading his accusations here was just as shocking, not to mention more painful and difficult. Especially see how his words hurt Libby. But Anders takes you on a journey and shows you where those words came from, why he’d think that, so we could understand Greyson better. She shows us his numerous efforts to fix his mistakes, pushing past his feelings of inadequacy to be better. To make Libby’s life easier, even at the cost of his own comfort and well-being. And it was truly admirable. I was rooting for him by end of act one! I honestly don’t know how Natasha Anders does it. I think she is the only writer I’ve found (aside from Susan Elizabeth Phillips) who’s able to satisfyingly redeem an asshole of a hero every single time. (Knock on wood! Cause I don’t want to jinx it.)
Despite Greyson’s considerable efforts to right his wrongs and make life easier for Libby, I’m glad Libby doesn’t easily give into Greyson and forgives him. He had hurt her terribly and she’s understandably hesitant to trust him again. Despite keeping her pride and dignity, she at the same time manages to be considerate and kind to Greyson. Through that we got glimpses of her residual feelings for Greyson and, at the story continued, her growing hesitation and confusion on how to move on with her life. In the end, her decision didn’t feel at all sudden, since Anders brought it about little by little. The ending felt properly earned and left me smiling with joy.
It was wonderful seeing Harris and Tina from book one again, albeit from the outside perspective. And everyone from Anders’s previous series, who became such good friends with Greyson!
Also, how can I forgot, Clara was so adorable!
I’m so glad I got a chance to read this! If you like angsty romance with a good grovel, this is definitely for you!