I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book had an amazing plot, but I felt the characters were a bit hard to connect to.

Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

I love a second chance book, which is odd because I'm usually happy with just the one chance and things being perfect. I suppose it's because in the event that things don't go perfectly, there's a chance to fix it. This book pretty much ticks those boxes.

There's definitely chemistry in this, but I also feel it glossed over a pretty significant issue. That said, it still worked and was an enjoyable read.

This is a typical 2nd chance love story. Sutton and Kate fell in love as teenagers in school and thought they would be together for life.. Sutton was going off to college to grasp her dreams and Kate would wait for her back home, Best laid plans. Sutton comes back from school and Kate is pregnant and that’s the end of that.
10 years later, Sutton’s Dad needs knee replacement and Sutton comes home for the summer to take care of him. Sutton comes home a success. She’s not real thrilled to run into Kate but knew it would happen. What she hadn’t expected is Harper, Kates young daughter.
The characters were well developed. This was just an enjoyable book to read

When it comes to wanting to put your feet up and read a nice romance, then look no further than 'You Again'

Old sparks reignite and they set the house on fire.

I really needed a nice romance to pick up the weekend and I fell in love with our MC Kate and Sutton. I just felt it had the right notes there to turn around an old situation.

Don't delay picking this book up

Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read this for an honest review

Since I've not been living completely under a rock for the past several years, I have heard of Aurora Rey but I've never picked up one of her books. I think she was getting popular as I was moving away from solidly reading wlw books and was pretty well burned out on them. My reading tastes are much more varied than back then but I still read plenty of wlw romances. Mostly as a way to balance out the true crime and murdery thrillers and mysteries I love. But I tend to stick to favorite old books or authors I've previously read and enjoyed. I don't often take a chance on someone who is new to me. After reading You Again, I'm going to be adding Aurora Rey to my list of authors to choose from when I need a fix.

My favorite romance trope is the second chance at love one. I absolutely adore it. When it's done well, that is. And this book was damn near perfect. The reason for the separation, the reason for the return to the hometown, the hurt, the angst, the chemistry, and the family - it was all on point and believable. Even the plot point that creates the final drama and resolution was well done and not the dreaded miscommunication or lack of communication or secret. There's little I hate more than something so that could be so easily resolved or prevented being used in such a way. It tends to feel lazy and emotionally manipulative and I want more than that. Yes, I'm demanding and have high expectations but still…

I feel like You Again has earned a spot on my reread list and I'm not lying when I say that I'm legitimately going to miss Sutton and Kate and Harper. Mostly Sutton though. She really spoke to me as a character and she had my heart aching a few times. I felt for her so much. sigh

I better wrap this up before I get lost in my own head rehashing the story. Big thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to finally read Ms. Rey.

I love all books by this author, can highly recommend. Just wonderful. The main characters are well developed and its so well written you feel personally involved in the journey.

I really like this story. It makes you feel good and give you hope for a better future. I call this also instant family because, there is nothing better than getting what you dream off and it is family.
Both characters had their own issues they had to get over. The distance between them did not help and also the time it took them to get back together.
There is nothing better than happy ending.

Great story.

I haven't had time to read in months and I'm glad I saved this book for exactly this time where I was free to enjoy my favourite author fully. I was not disappointed, this book was lovely and romantic and exactly what I wanted.

Sutton and Kate dated in high school but after Sutton went away for college the two had a messy breakup. Now, years later, Sutton has returned home for three months while her Dad recovers from knee replacement surgery. In a small town it's nearly impossible to avoid bumping into her once girlfriend Kate and all the baggage that comes with it. The two women work to put the past behind them and become friends, but neither were expecting the same desire and affection they once had for each other to be rekindled as well. But Sutton's life and career is still far away from Kate and the town where they grow up. Will their relationship survive a second time.

Kate and Sutton have an incredible chemistry, they were very sexy together. You could feel that their comfort level with each other too came from both past and present. That just felt very natural and reflected how much they were meant to find each other again. Their baggage from their breakup added the tension for that will-they-wont-they/push and pull that kept these destined for each other characters apart. I think their past was well written and well worked through by the characters as they communicated properly as mature adults. It was very low angst and not at all a frustrating. Harper was just darling, she added a joyful, youthful levity to the book, especially at the beginning when things were tense between Sutton and Kate. Sutton's Dad, Kate's family, as well as their old friends really created a cosy atmosphere of a close knit community and family. This book was an all around sweet story, with a cozy (but sexy) romance. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect book.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a 2nd chance love story. Sutton and Kate fell in love as teenagers and planned a life together. Sutton was going off to college to take on the world and Kate would wait for her. Best laid plans. Sutton comes back from school and Kate is pregnant and that’s the end of that.
10 years later, Sutton’s Dad needs knee replacement and Sutton comes home for the summer to take care of him. Sutton comes home a success. She’s not real thrilled to run into Kate but knew it would happen. What she hadn’t expected is Harper, Kates young daughter. Harper was written very well. Spunky, outspoken and kind. She stole Sutton’s heart and my heart also. They thought that they might have a fling until someone falls in love.
The writing was excellent. The characters were well developed. This was just an enjoyable book to read.

Sutton left for college and Kate stayed behind in their small town. Being young that they are both made mistakes when apart and Sutton couldn't forgive Kate. Years later Sutton is back home to help her father with his knee surgery and she meets Kate again.

Kate now has a daughter and Sutton is faced with the question of she made a mistake all those years ago. The two get to know each other again while Sutton questions her life choices.

Ufffff (Spanish sound effect). Where to start? Kate made a stupid mistake when she was young. A mistake that had several consequences that still affect her to this day. One of the consequences is that Sutton couldn't get over Kate's betrayal and broke up with her.

Now Kate returns to her hometown, daughter in tow, to help her father. When she encounters Sutton, memories that have haunted her became real. Long dormant feelings start to resurface.

We all know where this is going. It is a romance after all, but Rey keeps the readers engaged with their story: past, present, and future.

I’ve read one or two of Rey’s previous books and this is much like the others. It’s well written and is a smooth read. “You Again” is a steamy second chance romance about Sutton and Kate. They were high school loves until Sutton left to go to college while Kate still had her senior year to finish out. Now it’s 10 years later and Sutton is back in town to help her dad through his knee surgeries and rehab.

Kate never left their hometown and is now raising her 9-year-old daughter, Harper. She’s running her family’s hardware store and seems happy and content with her life. Sutton is working in Atlanta in a high paying tech job. She loves her work but otherwise finds her life dull and boring.

Kate is a strong femme character and Sutton is a soft butch, which is Rey’s go to. I really liked Sutton; she is sweet and shy although a little bit of a doormat. Kate comes across as the outgoing girl next door kind of person. And, I really enjoyed this right up until the 80% mark or so. After that, it completely fell apart for me.

I’ll put this in the spoiler tag because although it’s explained pretty early on, I don’t want anyone to get mad reading this. While this isn’t a story where anyone cheats in the current storyline, it did happen in their previous relationship. I really didn’t like how Kate never took ownership of her cheating and acted like Sutton breaking up with her (or abandoning her as she refers to it) is the bigger betrayal.

She says sleeping with person B was “stupid and impulsive” but she never admits to it being wrong or how hurtful it was to Sutton. Apparently, because it results in Harper, it wasn’t that big of a deal and Sutton should’ve just been okay with her breaking Suttons trust or their commitment? In my books, buying $300 shoes is stupid and impulsive. Sutton didn’t abandon Kate…she broke up with her, which most people would’ve also done. Somehow, all the blame for the past break up is put at Sutton’s feet and she just accepts it.

Frankly, with Kate’s attitude about it all, I would be worried she’d cheat again if Sutton ever has to leave for an extended period of time for work. They also seem to lack communication skills with one another about a lot of important things or simply jump to conclusions.

This was a disappointing read for me because I really love second chance romances. And I did love this until the cheating stuff is finally talked about. Kate’s true character comes out then and I found I just didn’t like her after all and wanted better for Sutton.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes the past is worth revisiting!

First off, this is Aurora Rey, so I knew I would like this book because she writes stories that I love to read. Her winning formula of butch woman that falls for strong femmes ticks so many boxes for me.

I adored Sutton and Kate from the beginning, but I really loved Harper, Kate's Daughter. She was the kind of girl I'd love to have as my daughter, brave, kind and intelligent! She was a beautiful addition to this story and all my favourite moments had Harper in them. 

I loved watching Sutton brick by brick take Kate's walls down. It's clear from the beginning that the love between them has never died, especially for Sutton. 

Once Kate finally lets down the walls, you realised that they are soul mates and that the story would always end with them finding each other again. 

The epilogue in this book was possibly the best I have read this year, and I finished this book knowing that these characters were set on the road to happily ever after.

So, in the beginning, Sutton and Kate are already attracted to one another because they've been in a relationship before, but with age comes wisdom, and it's like the chemistry they had before is doubled even though they approach it with caution. When they do fall into bed, it's combustible… like the pot has been on a simmer for the years they've been apart, and then it boils over the moment they kiss. 

I felt like Kate never really took responsibility for her side of the breakup. Yes, they were both at fault, but there was a part of me that wondered if I was Sutton if I could have gotten over the circumstances that broke them up. I kept thinking of the 'Sex In The City' scene where Aiden shouts to Carrie, "YOU BROKE MY FUCKING HEART!" and how much it was a gut punch to everyone watching it. I kept waiting for that moment to happen where Sutton would snap, and Kate would see the force of the hurt Sutton felt.

I really enjoyed You Again, and honestly, if Aurora Rey keeps writing, I will keep showing up to read. She's one of my favourites, and I get excited every time a new book is announced. I know this one will be on my reread list very soon.

5/10

Why do I let myself have such high expectations for books?

Yes, I was very disappointed with this one. I thought it'd be a 5 star read when, in reality, it turned out to be almost a two star one. Oops.

A big oops, indeed.

So, this story turned out to be an unneeded big a*s drama over simple cheating from a decade ago. And Sutton is the bad guy. Why is she constantly getting so much hate for leaving her ex girlfriend when that girl cheated on her and got pregnant. WHY IS SUTTON THE BAD GUY??

And Kate, the cheater, is acting as if she didn't really do a bad thing. Because - HOW COULD YOU LEAVE ME LOOK AT YOU LEAVING ME AGAIN.

Such a weird vibe.

Even with all the supossed very forced conflict it felt too unbelievable, weak and flat.

I feel like a lot of characters just don’t really communicate with each other. So annoying.

I really had trouble believing a nine year old talks like that and it felt weird and unbelievable. But if nine year olds really talk like Heather does then - my bad.i just lack experience.

This is my first book by Aurora Rey and while I liked her writing and the initial idea for the story I didn’t like how the story unfolded and most of the characters. As it turned out - I didn’t like a lot of things.

So - why did I put it in the “it was okay-ish” and not in the “i didn’t like it” shelf?

Well, weirdly, I did like it. Kind of.

I liked Bryce the most, definitely. I liked Kates daughter, too.

If I looked pass all the negative things that annoyed me the story and their little family was cute.

So, yes. This wasn’t something I enjoyed but I almost always encourage someone to read it themselves since everyone’s opinions are different. And I’m doing it now, too. This book probably just wasn’t my cup of tea.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Home is where the heart is. And this truth is driven home in "You Again" when Sutton returns to her hometown to find that her first love, Kate still lives in the same town. As much as she would like to avoid seeing Kate, living in a small town makes it difficult for them not to run into each other. And then, there is Harper, Kate's daughter who is determined to help Sutton and Kate re-kindle their friendship. As Sutton & Kate spend more time together, they both discover that they still have strong feelings for each other. But would past decisions hinder any chance of them creating a future together?

As usual, Aurora Rey delivered a compelling story and I absolutely loved Harper!. I completely understand why Sutton felt hurt and betrayed by the decision Kate made when they were younger. However, what I could not completely wrap my head around is the "abandonment" Kate accused Sutton of. Given the bad decision Kate made, how else did she expect Sutton to react at that time? This was definitely an interesting story.

4.5 out of 5 stars
Can love be recaptured again? This book is a second chance love story. The topic is often presented to readers and, of course, those who root for happy endings want to see success.

In this story Ms. Rey has Sutton Guidry returning to her hometown in Louisiana to help her father during his double knee replacement surgery. She has only come home a few times since high school graduation. In the interim she graduated from college and has been extremely successful in the IT field.

Sutton always thought that her high school girlfriend, Kate Cormier would be with her forever. Kate was a year behind Sutton in high school and stayed home to complete her high school studies. Unfortunately, events occur during their first year apart which lead to their breakup. Kate made a bad decision during her senior year in high school, became pregnant and has a daughter named Harper.

When Sutton returns home, she runs into Kate several times. They agree that it would be better to start fresh and try to build a friendship. Of course, underlying feelings and physical attraction grow. Can it be something that can last into a forever relationship? This is what the readers will want to know and will drive them to turn each page to learn if it is possible.

I have always enjoyed Ms. Rey’s books. She is able to tell a story which is interesting and believable. The characters she creates are likeable, and you will build a strong connection with them as the story unfolds. I recommend this book and rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love this author but I really struggled with the main theme in this one. One of the main characters, Kate, cheated on the other, Sutton, and got pregnant as a result, which I really struggled to get over. Very few people in the world would have been able to forgive that, and I had issues with the fact that Sutton got blamed for not accepting that and for leaving to go to university somewhere else. The two had good chemistry and the book was well written but I just couldn’t warm up to Kate for that reason. My favourite characters were Harper and Sutton’s dad.

What a nice book to enjoy over the weekend. I have read several novels by this author and have always lived them, this story is no different. Predictably romantic with a hint or anxt and the ending one could only hope for.

𝗠𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲.

Okay. Let's just call a spade, a spade. Kate cheated on Sutton when she was 18 and Harper is a product of infidelity. Kate is not a bad person. She had her reasons and she made a mistake. So I don't see why this had to be sugarcoated. Kate cheated and Sutton left, plain and simple. And I really don't like it that Sutton gets blamed for leaving. I mean, come on. Exactly how many people would stick around for this? And realistically speaking, it was probably a good thing she didn't too because it's one thing to face the pain of betrayal 10 years later. It's an entirely different story when memories are fresh. And Kate is all "I was impulsive" and "I'll never regret Harper's existence". Yeah, whatever.

You know, it made the world of a difference that Harper is a pleasant kid, really. Because regardless of how decent a person Kate is (which she is) or how sweet Kate and Sutton are together (which they are), I would have hated this book if Harper turned out to be nightmare. But Harper and Sutton got along so well and I enjoyed the interactions and private moments between them.

And Sutton is so great about everything. And so sweet, I don't even know what to say...

Four stars.
I'm a sucker for second chance, and I think Aurora Rey took a fantastic crack at it. The backstory was understandable from both sides, although I was a little surprised. I don't think all of us could be forgiving after such an incident. The way that Sutton's father was revealed to be involved was a little icky to me, but I can see how it would have made quite a difference.
Chemistry, good writing, fleshed out protagonists, fleshed out side characters. Check to all of the boxes. Now let's get to the plot. The build-up was clearly visible, which I always appreciate when there's a particularly frustrating 80% angst scene. The problem was with their colliding approaches to their newfound relationship, and we can see it a mile away, which is not a bad thing! Sutton's actions seem a little irrational when the moment comes: why drive all the way and immediately jump into going back? It felt like we were missing a chunk of her thought process there. With that said, nobody wants to see several chapters of sulking. It was nice that Sutton didn't get caught up in the "I did it all for you!" argument for a while.
As always with these return-to-hometown tropes, I felt that the hometown character, Kate, could have been a little more proactive about it. I sympathized less with her in general, although I did admire her.
So yes, this was pretty much everything I expected out of it. Not my favourite by Aurora Rey, but still consistent with the quality that I've learned to expect from her.