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The Taylored Men #2
Destined Lovers
I KNEW FROM A YOUNG AGE THAT ONE DAY I WOULD MAKE HIM MINE.
WHAT I DIDN'T REALIZE WAS THAT I WOULD FIRST HAVE TO RUN AWAY TO SAVE US BOTH.
Ten years ago, on one of the worst days of my life, I dug the dagger into my heart a little deeper when I consciously broke a promise to my childhood sweetheart.
And instead of moving to be with him, I haven’t made contact since.
Then one night, I glance across the bar and see the man I still deeply love and care for, Declan Buckley.
He wasn’t supposed to find me…yet.
It’s too soon.
I’m not ready to explain why I left.
But Declan is nothing if not persistent and–for now–agrees to leave the past in the past.
That is as long as he can spend time with me while he’s here in Ireland.
What he doesn’t know is that it’s still not our time to be together, and I will do anything to protect him from my complicated life–even if it hurts him in the process.
I have to believe we will find our way back together once again and that his love for me hasn’t lessened so we can start the life we never got all those years ago.
Thankfully, we have the luck of the Irish on our side.
Or at least, I hope.
Authors Note:
Book two is a complete standalone, although there are spoilers from book one.
WHAT I DIDN'T REALIZE WAS THAT I WOULD FIRST HAVE TO RUN AWAY TO SAVE US BOTH.
Ten years ago, on one of the worst days of my life, I dug the dagger into my heart a little deeper when I consciously broke a promise to my childhood sweetheart.
And instead of moving to be with him, I haven’t made contact since.
Then one night, I glance across the bar and see the man I still deeply love and care for, Declan Buckley.
He wasn’t supposed to find me…yet.
It’s too soon.
I’m not ready to explain why I left.
But Declan is nothing if not persistent and–for now–agrees to leave the past in the past.
That is as long as he can spend time with me while he’s here in Ireland.
What he doesn’t know is that it’s still not our time to be together, and I will do anything to protect him from my complicated life–even if it hurts him in the process.
I have to believe we will find our way back together once again and that his love for me hasn’t lessened so we can start the life we never got all those years ago.
Thankfully, we have the luck of the Irish on our side.
Or at least, I hope.
Authors Note:
Book two is a complete standalone, although there are spoilers from book one.
- GenresRomance
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2022
About the author
J.R. Gale
7 books120 followersJ R Gale is a contemporary romance author obsessed with the happily ever after.
She is a native New Yorker, residing in New York City with her husband and rescue German shepherd, Cali.
When she’s not thinking of your next alpha book boyfriend, you can find her traveling the world—romance book in hand.
She is a native New Yorker, residing in New York City with her husband and rescue German shepherd, Cali.
When she’s not thinking of your next alpha book boyfriend, you can find her traveling the world—romance book in hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 2, 2022
This is the first book I have read from this author so I don’t know if this is her regular writing style or something new for her. For me personally this book fell short of my expectations and I had a really hard time getting attached to the characters with the way the book was written and I found that it was filled with a lot of filler instead of substance and could have been half as many pages.
As soon as you meet the characters Nora’s family is moving away so you don’t get a glimpse of their relationship and the four year age gap and how that impacted everyone. You know Declan loves her but as a reader I never was attached to either of these characters at that time.
When Declan finds Nora she is shocked but it doesn’t take long for the two of them to have sex even though they had been apart for 10 years. I found that things almost happened to fast as they were never together sexually at the beginning of the book and neither really knew what they other was up to over the years.
The book continues with lots more sex and it’s not until over half way through the book that you begin to find out what happened to Nora in the past. Half way doesn’t seem like much but it had taken me around 3hrs to get to that point and I am a very fast reader.
Declan becomes more protective over Nora and things very slowly begin to fall into place but everything seemed to take forever and I was really losing interest in the book. It felt like the book was very repetitive and when she needed to add something in she turned to sex.
The end resolved things for the two of them in a good way and I was glad but it could have been a much shorter read to keep me more invested in the story.
As soon as you meet the characters Nora’s family is moving away so you don’t get a glimpse of their relationship and the four year age gap and how that impacted everyone. You know Declan loves her but as a reader I never was attached to either of these characters at that time.
When Declan finds Nora she is shocked but it doesn’t take long for the two of them to have sex even though they had been apart for 10 years. I found that things almost happened to fast as they were never together sexually at the beginning of the book and neither really knew what they other was up to over the years.
The book continues with lots more sex and it’s not until over half way through the book that you begin to find out what happened to Nora in the past. Half way doesn’t seem like much but it had taken me around 3hrs to get to that point and I am a very fast reader.
Declan becomes more protective over Nora and things very slowly begin to fall into place but everything seemed to take forever and I was really losing interest in the book. It felt like the book was very repetitive and when she needed to add something in she turned to sex.
The end resolved things for the two of them in a good way and I was glad but it could have been a much shorter read to keep me more invested in the story.
November 29, 2022
Destined Lovers by J. R. Gale.
Thank you J. R. Gale for the ARC!
Destined Lovers is the second book in The Taylored Men series. This one is so hard for me to find the words for. I felt it deep in my soul. I just loved it so much. Declan and Nora meet as kids and eventually fall in love. They are separated unexpectedly and years pass. Fate brings them back together, before Nora is ready. They reconnect and it’s fireworks. Only for them to part again. There is so much love but also so much hurt in their story. They are true soulmates that share a love so deep you will feel it. I cried at the sweetness of Declan’s love for Nora and I ugly cried at other moments. And it’s not just their love but the warmth and support from their best friends. This book brought me so much joy and warmed my heart. Definitely a top fav of 2022 for me. I can’t stop thinking about it. Get this book!!
“From the land and sea to the stars in the sky….” “There will ever only be you and I,”
“I've waited what feels like a lifetime to find you again. I can wait forever for all the rest."
“It’s just you and I.”
"You, Declan, are my perfect canvas,"
"A stór mo chroi." He whispers- treasure of his heart.
"Let's get one thing straight, angel. You may be the boss outside the bedroom, but inside these walls, I'm the one in charge."
“I looked into her eyes and saw all of my tomorrows.” Mark Anthony
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Description:
I knew from a young age that one day I would make him mine.
What I didn’t realize was that I would first have to run away to save us both.
Ten years ago, on one of the worst days of my life, I dug the dagger into my heart a little deeper when I consciously broke a promise to my childhood sweetheart.
And instead of moving to be with him, I haven’t made contact since.
Then one night, I glance across the bar and see the man I still deeply love and care for, Declan Buckley.
He wasn’t supposed to find me…yet.
It’s too soon.
I’m not ready to explain why I left.
But Declan is nothing if not persistent and–for now–agrees to leave the past in the past.
That is as long as he can spend time with me while he’s here in Ireland.
What he doesn’t know is that it’s still not our time to be together, and I will do anything to protect him from my complicated life–even if it hurts him in the process.
I have to believe we will find our way back together once again and that his love for me hasn’t lessened so we can start the life we never got all those years ago.
Thankfully, we have the luck of the Irish on our side.
Or at least, I hope.
Thank you J. R. Gale for the ARC!
Destined Lovers is the second book in The Taylored Men series. This one is so hard for me to find the words for. I felt it deep in my soul. I just loved it so much. Declan and Nora meet as kids and eventually fall in love. They are separated unexpectedly and years pass. Fate brings them back together, before Nora is ready. They reconnect and it’s fireworks. Only for them to part again. There is so much love but also so much hurt in their story. They are true soulmates that share a love so deep you will feel it. I cried at the sweetness of Declan’s love for Nora and I ugly cried at other moments. And it’s not just their love but the warmth and support from their best friends. This book brought me so much joy and warmed my heart. Definitely a top fav of 2022 for me. I can’t stop thinking about it. Get this book!!
“From the land and sea to the stars in the sky….” “There will ever only be you and I,”
“I've waited what feels like a lifetime to find you again. I can wait forever for all the rest."
“It’s just you and I.”
"You, Declan, are my perfect canvas,"
"A stór mo chroi." He whispers- treasure of his heart.
"Let's get one thing straight, angel. You may be the boss outside the bedroom, but inside these walls, I'm the one in charge."
“I looked into her eyes and saw all of my tomorrows.” Mark Anthony
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Description:
I knew from a young age that one day I would make him mine.
What I didn’t realize was that I would first have to run away to save us both.
Ten years ago, on one of the worst days of my life, I dug the dagger into my heart a little deeper when I consciously broke a promise to my childhood sweetheart.
And instead of moving to be with him, I haven’t made contact since.
Then one night, I glance across the bar and see the man I still deeply love and care for, Declan Buckley.
He wasn’t supposed to find me…yet.
It’s too soon.
I’m not ready to explain why I left.
But Declan is nothing if not persistent and–for now–agrees to leave the past in the past.
That is as long as he can spend time with me while he’s here in Ireland.
What he doesn’t know is that it’s still not our time to be together, and I will do anything to protect him from my complicated life–even if it hurts him in the process.
I have to believe we will find our way back together once again and that his love for me hasn’t lessened so we can start the life we never got all those years ago.
Thankfully, we have the luck of the Irish on our side.
Or at least, I hope.
November 30, 2022
The second book in the Taylored Men series and it’s an amazing story of first love and second chances when teenage lovers Nora and Declan are torn apart after Nora’s parents move to the US taking the sixteen year old Nora with them. They promise to wait for each other until one day Nora stops responding to his letters and when Declan goes looking for her he finds their house up for sale and all traces of the family gone. Years later having never given up hope of finding her, he walks into a pub in Ireland where the barmaid is eerily familiar.
It’s difficult to write this review without giving away too much of the plot but the reasons and ongoing effects behind Nora’s disappearance will break your heart and have you holding back the tears before putting it back together again with how sweet Declan is to her. But their love is the kind that they write songs about so it was inevitable that they would find their way back to each other despite facing a minefield of obstacles. Their chemistry is off the charts but also so tender despite Declan’s caveman tendencies but Nora is no shrinking violet and is more than a match for him…. well she is a red-headed Irish woman so it stands to reason she’d have a fiery temper! With a fantastic cast of secondary characters, some new but most of whom were introduced in the first book in this series so it was great catching up with Sadie and Will, this is a fantastic love story with an epilogue that’ll make you swoon. Next up hopefully it’ll be Jackson and Belle’s book and I’m expecting fireworks from this pair.
It’s difficult to write this review without giving away too much of the plot but the reasons and ongoing effects behind Nora’s disappearance will break your heart and have you holding back the tears before putting it back together again with how sweet Declan is to her. But their love is the kind that they write songs about so it was inevitable that they would find their way back to each other despite facing a minefield of obstacles. Their chemistry is off the charts but also so tender despite Declan’s caveman tendencies but Nora is no shrinking violet and is more than a match for him…. well she is a red-headed Irish woman so it stands to reason she’d have a fiery temper! With a fantastic cast of secondary characters, some new but most of whom were introduced in the first book in this series so it was great catching up with Sadie and Will, this is a fantastic love story with an epilogue that’ll make you swoon. Next up hopefully it’ll be Jackson and Belle’s book and I’m expecting fireworks from this pair.
December 13, 2022
Declan Buckley fell in love with Hanora King when he was young but as he was four years older than her he knew he must wait until the time for them to be together was acceptable. But when she and her family move to the United States it puts an obstacle in their way but he knows he can survive and they will be together soon.
But when Nora and her family vanish without a trace he will stop at nothing to get her back, paying whatever cost is necessary to find her. But when he finds her again will she let him know what has been happening or is she destined to run again?
This is the first book I have read from this author so I don’t know if this is her regular writing style or something new for her. For me personally this book fell short of my expectations and I had a really hard time getting attached to the characters with the way the book was written and I found that it was filled with a lot of filler instead of substance and could have been half as many pages.
As soon as you meet the characters Nora’s family is moving away so you don’t get a glimpse of their relationship and the four year age gap and how that impacted everyone. You know Declan loves her but as a reader I never was attached to either of these characters at that time.
When Declan finds Nora she is shocked but it doesn’t take long for the two of them to have sex even though they had been apart for 10 years. I found that things almost happened to fast as they were never together sexually at the beginning of the book and neither really knew what they other was up to over the years.
The book continues with lots more sex and it’s not until over half way through the book that you begin to find out what happened to Nora in the past. Half way doesn’t seem like much but it had taken me around 3hrs to get to that point and I am a very fast reader.
Declan becomes more protective over Nora and things very slowly begin to fall into place but everything seemed to take forever and I was really losing interest in the book. It felt like the book was very repetitive and when she needed to add something in she turned to sex.
The end resolved things for the two of them in a good way and I was glad but it could have been a much shorter read to keep me more invested in the story.
3 Stars- Rebecca
But when Nora and her family vanish without a trace he will stop at nothing to get her back, paying whatever cost is necessary to find her. But when he finds her again will she let him know what has been happening or is she destined to run again?
This is the first book I have read from this author so I don’t know if this is her regular writing style or something new for her. For me personally this book fell short of my expectations and I had a really hard time getting attached to the characters with the way the book was written and I found that it was filled with a lot of filler instead of substance and could have been half as many pages.
As soon as you meet the characters Nora’s family is moving away so you don’t get a glimpse of their relationship and the four year age gap and how that impacted everyone. You know Declan loves her but as a reader I never was attached to either of these characters at that time.
When Declan finds Nora she is shocked but it doesn’t take long for the two of them to have sex even though they had been apart for 10 years. I found that things almost happened to fast as they were never together sexually at the beginning of the book and neither really knew what they other was up to over the years.
The book continues with lots more sex and it’s not until over half way through the book that you begin to find out what happened to Nora in the past. Half way doesn’t seem like much but it had taken me around 3hrs to get to that point and I am a very fast reader.
Declan becomes more protective over Nora and things very slowly begin to fall into place but everything seemed to take forever and I was really losing interest in the book. It felt like the book was very repetitive and when she needed to add something in she turned to sex.
The end resolved things for the two of them in a good way and I was glad but it could have been a much shorter read to keep me more invested in the story.
3 Stars- Rebecca
November 30, 2022
𝔸𝕞𝕡𝕖𝕕 𝕌𝕡 𝔼𝕞𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝, 𝔸𝕞𝕡𝕖𝕕 𝕌𝕡 𝕊𝕖𝕩𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕊𝕦𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕖 😻😻
✔️Romantic Suspense
✔️Second Chance Romance
✔️Super Angsty, Emotional roller-coaster
✔️The Forever kinda love
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
This one was definitely a super charged emotional and Suspense filled ride.
Right from when I started this book, Nora just pulled me for what she had to keep a secret and wait her time.
Nora shocked me and had me in awe of her, for not only her belief but for being such a strong girl after going what she goes through.
Declan and Nora have been best friends since childhood and in love and crazy about each other.
But just before Nora's eighteen birthday her family has to move away.
Nora and Declan make promises and plans for the future.
The twister though Nora never comes back and completely disappears off the face of earth.
Declan keeps on searching for her and even now after a decade he's adamant on finding her.
Yet never did he expect to find her where he least expects her. Soon he realises that she's hiding something but promises Nora he would let her take her time.
Nora's plans are hindered when Declan finds her unexpectedly. But she's not come so far just like that, she remembers her end game even if it means hurting the one person she loves the most.
AHH.. The back and forth emotional moments had my tummy twisting and I was feeling so much for both Declan and Nora.
THE FREAKING INTIMATE SCENES ARE JUST SOMETHING ELSE. SO FREAKING REAL FEELS AND SO DAYUMMMM HOTTT.... MY KINDLE WAS MELTING AND ALONG WITH IT SO WAS I. 🥵🌶️🌶️🔥🔥
The suspense with back to back twists had me shocked as I so didn't see that coming. I was absolutely pleasantly stunned as I never ever saw this angle coming out.
I can't speak enough about the friends of both Nora and Declan that are actually like a family to them and I loved spending time with all.
Definitely a Gorgeously, Emotional and Sexy ride. Loved loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
✔️Romantic Suspense
✔️Second Chance Romance
✔️Super Angsty, Emotional roller-coaster
✔️The Forever kinda love
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
This one was definitely a super charged emotional and Suspense filled ride.
Right from when I started this book, Nora just pulled me for what she had to keep a secret and wait her time.
Nora shocked me and had me in awe of her, for not only her belief but for being such a strong girl after going what she goes through.
Declan and Nora have been best friends since childhood and in love and crazy about each other.
But just before Nora's eighteen birthday her family has to move away.
Nora and Declan make promises and plans for the future.
The twister though Nora never comes back and completely disappears off the face of earth.
Declan keeps on searching for her and even now after a decade he's adamant on finding her.
Yet never did he expect to find her where he least expects her. Soon he realises that she's hiding something but promises Nora he would let her take her time.
Nora's plans are hindered when Declan finds her unexpectedly. But she's not come so far just like that, she remembers her end game even if it means hurting the one person she loves the most.
AHH.. The back and forth emotional moments had my tummy twisting and I was feeling so much for both Declan and Nora.
THE FREAKING INTIMATE SCENES ARE JUST SOMETHING ELSE. SO FREAKING REAL FEELS AND SO DAYUMMMM HOTTT.... MY KINDLE WAS MELTING AND ALONG WITH IT SO WAS I. 🥵🌶️🌶️🔥🔥
The suspense with back to back twists had me shocked as I so didn't see that coming. I was absolutely pleasantly stunned as I never ever saw this angle coming out.
I can't speak enough about the friends of both Nora and Declan that are actually like a family to them and I loved spending time with all.
Definitely a Gorgeously, Emotional and Sexy ride. Loved loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
December 7, 2022
3.5 Stars-Romance and All Kinds of Other Stuff!
Destined Lovers is the second book in The Taylored Men series and the only one I have read. This book follows along with Declan and Hanora (Nora) finding their way back to each other.
While the blurb says it all, there is quite the backstory to Declan and Nora. They were young when they realized they had feelings for each other and before they could act on them, Nora’s family moved from Ireland to America. With the young love promises to keep in touch, Declan instantly doesn’t hear from her for ten years. Surprising to him, he stumbles upon her in a bar while visiting his hometown from England.
For some reason, I didn’t connect with either of these characters. I liked them as individuals, but definitely not together. It seemed like a guy in his position wouldn’t be fawning over a girl ten years later. Wondering about her? Sure. And Nora was just odd. She was written as a little girl lost, but is in her late twenties. I get that she’s got quite the past, however her personality was something that I wasn’t getting over.
The book is well written, however it took the long way around the storyline. At 40% we still weren’t to the nitty gritty of this couple. I think shortened up, this would be a great angsty read, as you know there’s a reason Nora acts the way she does, we didn’t get there fast enough for my taste. That said, Destined Lovers reads well as a standalone with a nice epilogue into the future.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog
Destined Lovers is the second book in The Taylored Men series and the only one I have read. This book follows along with Declan and Hanora (Nora) finding their way back to each other.
While the blurb says it all, there is quite the backstory to Declan and Nora. They were young when they realized they had feelings for each other and before they could act on them, Nora’s family moved from Ireland to America. With the young love promises to keep in touch, Declan instantly doesn’t hear from her for ten years. Surprising to him, he stumbles upon her in a bar while visiting his hometown from England.
For some reason, I didn’t connect with either of these characters. I liked them as individuals, but definitely not together. It seemed like a guy in his position wouldn’t be fawning over a girl ten years later. Wondering about her? Sure. And Nora was just odd. She was written as a little girl lost, but is in her late twenties. I get that she’s got quite the past, however her personality was something that I wasn’t getting over.
The book is well written, however it took the long way around the storyline. At 40% we still weren’t to the nitty gritty of this couple. I think shortened up, this would be a great angsty read, as you know there’s a reason Nora acts the way she does, we didn’t get there fast enough for my taste. That said, Destined Lovers reads well as a standalone with a nice epilogue into the future.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog
May 23, 2023
Destined Lovers by JR Gale is a heartwarming and captivating romance novel that will make you believe in the power of true love. The story follows the journey of childhood sweethearts Declan and Nora, who fall head over heels in love with each other and face numerous obstacles to be together.
From the moment they meet as young kids, Declan and Nora feel a special connection that grows stronger with time—their innocent friendship blossoms into an intense love affair that transcends distance, time, and challenges. However, fate has other plans for them, and they are forced to separate due to extenuating circumstances.
Despite the distance and years apart, Declan and Nora's love for each other never fades. They keep each other in their hearts and minds, and their paths cross again in unexpected ways. As they reconnect and rediscover their feelings, they face new obstacles and old wounds that threaten to tear them apart again.
JR Gale's writing style is poetic, emotional, and evocative, and the plot is rich in detail, symbolism, and imagery. The characters are complex, nuanced, and relatable, and their struggles and triumphs resonate with the reader deep down. Declan and Nora's love story is both timeless and contemporary, and it will make you laugh, cry, and root for them until the very end.
Overall, Destined Lovers is a beautiful and unforgettable romance novel that will make you believe in the power of true love. It's a perfect read for anyone who has fallen head over heels in love or hopes to find their soulmate.
From the moment they meet as young kids, Declan and Nora feel a special connection that grows stronger with time—their innocent friendship blossoms into an intense love affair that transcends distance, time, and challenges. However, fate has other plans for them, and they are forced to separate due to extenuating circumstances.
Despite the distance and years apart, Declan and Nora's love for each other never fades. They keep each other in their hearts and minds, and their paths cross again in unexpected ways. As they reconnect and rediscover their feelings, they face new obstacles and old wounds that threaten to tear them apart again.
JR Gale's writing style is poetic, emotional, and evocative, and the plot is rich in detail, symbolism, and imagery. The characters are complex, nuanced, and relatable, and their struggles and triumphs resonate with the reader deep down. Declan and Nora's love story is both timeless and contemporary, and it will make you laugh, cry, and root for them until the very end.
Overall, Destined Lovers is a beautiful and unforgettable romance novel that will make you believe in the power of true love. It's a perfect read for anyone who has fallen head over heels in love or hopes to find their soulmate.
November 30, 2022
Having read London Lovers i've been looking forward to more from this author! As soon as this book was announced i wanted to read it. I picked it up and got back into The Taylored Men Series! I so enjoyed this story!
Nora and Declan's journey pulled me in! When your heart finds it's person it's not something it forgets which childhood sweethearts Nora and Declan know all too well. Ten years have passed since these two have seen each other as everything between them comes rushing back. Can they fight for what their hearts have always known? or is too late?
I really liked how Nora and Declan were childhood sweethearts and the way they were reunited. I didn't know everything to expect in their story which i enjoyed. I was so glad that i got to jump into both of their minds and dig deeper with them. From the past to their present, these two had me feeling so much! The connection and chemistry between Nora and Declan was so great!
It was fun being back in The Taylored Men Series!
With Destined Lovers, Ms.Gale has created such a good read that'll bring the feels directly to your heart! I am so looking forward to diving back into this series with the third installment, Secret Lovers!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
Nora and Declan's journey pulled me in! When your heart finds it's person it's not something it forgets which childhood sweethearts Nora and Declan know all too well. Ten years have passed since these two have seen each other as everything between them comes rushing back. Can they fight for what their hearts have always known? or is too late?
I really liked how Nora and Declan were childhood sweethearts and the way they were reunited. I didn't know everything to expect in their story which i enjoyed. I was so glad that i got to jump into both of their minds and dig deeper with them. From the past to their present, these two had me feeling so much! The connection and chemistry between Nora and Declan was so great!
It was fun being back in The Taylored Men Series!
With Destined Lovers, Ms.Gale has created such a good read that'll bring the feels directly to your heart! I am so looking forward to diving back into this series with the third installment, Secret Lovers!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
June 21, 2023
“Tell me what I want to hear, Pip.” I take a deep breath, then speak the words he’s waiting for. “From the land and sea to the stars in the sky…” “There will only ever be you and I,” he finishes
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Declan & Nora are the epitome of star-crossed, destined lovers. From a young age, they know with certainty that the other is “it” for them. And even when ripped apart by circumstance & a heart-breaking choice….destiny can’t help but bring them back to one another. We get to follow them while they reacquaint themselves with one another & touch back to the deep love they have for each other.
J R Gale has gifted us with another exceptionally well laid out love story. As well as sprinkled in some surprising plot twists! Won’t lie…chapter 26 & 27 had me tearing up, gasping & more. Declan is low key climbing my Favorite #bookboyfriend ladder.
And who doesn’t love the cameos (& new character intros!) of some of our FAVORITE Taylored Men characters! 🥰🥰 I mean does it ever get old seeing Wills be all mega-alpha or Jackson being cheeky at every turn?! I didn’t think so either.
This is such a great story - do yourself the favor & meet, get to know, & ultimately fall in love with Declan & Nora! ❤️
“I can feel the love seeping out of every inch of his body, a love so strong and unconditional that I could live a million lives and still be loved by this man.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Declan & Nora are the epitome of star-crossed, destined lovers. From a young age, they know with certainty that the other is “it” for them. And even when ripped apart by circumstance & a heart-breaking choice….destiny can’t help but bring them back to one another. We get to follow them while they reacquaint themselves with one another & touch back to the deep love they have for each other.
J R Gale has gifted us with another exceptionally well laid out love story. As well as sprinkled in some surprising plot twists! Won’t lie…chapter 26 & 27 had me tearing up, gasping & more. Declan is low key climbing my Favorite #bookboyfriend ladder.
And who doesn’t love the cameos (& new character intros!) of some of our FAVORITE Taylored Men characters! 🥰🥰 I mean does it ever get old seeing Wills be all mega-alpha or Jackson being cheeky at every turn?! I didn’t think so either.
This is such a great story - do yourself the favor & meet, get to know, & ultimately fall in love with Declan & Nora! ❤️
“I can feel the love seeping out of every inch of his body, a love so strong and unconditional that I could live a million lives and still be loved by this man.”
December 7, 2022
This is the second book in the Taylored Men series and is a perfection of second chance, first love, alpha MC, suspense and angst, and one hell of an emotional ride!
Nora and Declan were childhood best friends and first loves. Circumstances lead them to being apart when Nora is sixteen - but that is no barrier for them, its when Nora is eighteen that something happens that leaves Nora making a huge sacrifice and breaking both their hearts.
This story really picks up from 10-years later, and Declan spots Nora in a pub while he is in Ireland. Nora is not ready to see Declan yet, she is still dealing with her past and she cant bring Declan close, even if it means hurting both of them in the process. The difference is, Declan is now 10-years older and is all man!! he does not give up now that he has her back in his world. The stakes for Nora are too high and she has come so far in achieving her goal, that there is no choice but to destroy Declan in the worst way, knowing they may never be able to come back from it.
There is so much emotion and angst in this, I was desperate for them to be find a way through to each other. The story is filled with suspense and twists and turns, working out who to trust and if the decisions were worth it. I was so invested in Nora being getting the justice she was after.
The chemistry between Nora and Declan was off the charts! the scenes between the two of them were hot hot hot!
Great additions from the gang in this book and cannot wait for the next book!
I read this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Nora and Declan were childhood best friends and first loves. Circumstances lead them to being apart when Nora is sixteen - but that is no barrier for them, its when Nora is eighteen that something happens that leaves Nora making a huge sacrifice and breaking both their hearts.
This story really picks up from 10-years later, and Declan spots Nora in a pub while he is in Ireland. Nora is not ready to see Declan yet, she is still dealing with her past and she cant bring Declan close, even if it means hurting both of them in the process. The difference is, Declan is now 10-years older and is all man!! he does not give up now that he has her back in his world. The stakes for Nora are too high and she has come so far in achieving her goal, that there is no choice but to destroy Declan in the worst way, knowing they may never be able to come back from it.
There is so much emotion and angst in this, I was desperate for them to be find a way through to each other. The story is filled with suspense and twists and turns, working out who to trust and if the decisions were worth it. I was so invested in Nora being getting the justice she was after.
The chemistry between Nora and Declan was off the charts! the scenes between the two of them were hot hot hot!
Great additions from the gang in this book and cannot wait for the next book!
I read this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 6, 2022
if you asked me to describe this book in one word it would be journey! Because Nora and Declan’s story is definitely that! A very long one that filled with loss heartache, secrets, angst and mystery. Emotions run wild with this one!
From the start your intrigued and your curiosity will be one of many things to keep you turning the pages.
Declan loves Nora so deeply, he’s understanding,
so loving and gentle but woah is he hot!
Their sex life goes from 1-100 in a blink! Full speed of pure passion and steam!
Forgiving!!! And he forgave too easy, the first re-union was very quick and very little explanation (i mean you’ll find out later in the book why) but this frustrated me a little. After 10 years i would have expected more anger and more grovelling.
Then as quick as the reunion happens with a loved filled trip of memories to treasure, Norah ups and leaves again and your heart breaks for Declan.
this time secrets are revealed and the angst triples then near the end the twist happens and it’s hold your breath edge of your seat reading!
From the start your intrigued and your curiosity will be one of many things to keep you turning the pages.
Declan loves Nora so deeply, he’s understanding,
so loving and gentle but woah is he hot!
Their sex life goes from 1-100 in a blink! Full speed of pure passion and steam!
Forgiving!!! And he forgave too easy, the first re-union was very quick and very little explanation (i mean you’ll find out later in the book why) but this frustrated me a little. After 10 years i would have expected more anger and more grovelling.
Then as quick as the reunion happens with a loved filled trip of memories to treasure, Norah ups and leaves again and your heart breaks for Declan.
this time secrets are revealed and the angst triples then near the end the twist happens and it’s hold your breath edge of your seat reading!
November 30, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author. The blurb of the book intrigued me without giving too much away. While I do not normally mind when the author doesn’t give us the full picture right away, I had a hard time connecting with the characters. While we do get to see a little of the past it was not enough to help me feel the heartbreak they felt when Nora left. I think if we got to see more of their relationship before/after she moved maybe it would have been better. Also, while I understood the author wanted the reader to find out at the same time as Declan, it made me less interested in the story. I couldn’t understand why Nora was hiding who she was and it frustrated me. Now as much as all of that bothered me, I had to keep reading so I could find out what happened to make her run. In all honesty I had mixed feelings but probably won’t read it again.
Thank you for the ARC!
Thank you for the ARC!
December 15, 2022
"𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝔀𝓪𝓲𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽."
Destined Lovers is the second book in The Taylored Men Series and can be read as a standalone.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, not know where it would end up.
Declan and Nora meet as kids and eventually fall in love. They are separated unexpectedly and reconnect after quite some time only to be separated again. The angst and hurdles that they had to face kept me on my toes and you could feel the chemistry and love that these two have for each other. There were moments that made me cry and question what was happening, but their deep love and connection warmed my heart.
So many emotions!!!
This book was heartbreaking at times as well as heartwarming. Really enjoyed Declan and Nora's love story.
Thankyou J R Gale for allowing me to read this ARC.
Tropes
💚First Love
💚Second Chance
💚Soul mates
💚Long lost friends to lovers
💚Alpha Hero
Destined Lovers is the second book in The Taylored Men Series and can be read as a standalone.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, not know where it would end up.
Declan and Nora meet as kids and eventually fall in love. They are separated unexpectedly and reconnect after quite some time only to be separated again. The angst and hurdles that they had to face kept me on my toes and you could feel the chemistry and love that these two have for each other. There were moments that made me cry and question what was happening, but their deep love and connection warmed my heart.
So many emotions!!!
This book was heartbreaking at times as well as heartwarming. Really enjoyed Declan and Nora's love story.
Thankyou J R Gale for allowing me to read this ARC.
Tropes
💚First Love
💚Second Chance
💚Soul mates
💚Long lost friends to lovers
💚Alpha Hero
December 15, 2022
Nora and Declan grew up together and when they were older became boyfriend and girlfriend. Nora had to move away to America with her family because of her fathers job. They stayed in contact and visiting one another. Until suddenly Nora was just gone..
Declan is seriously one of the best characters. He has so many layers to himself and I love each of them.
Nora is such a spitfire and damn she has a dirty mouth too! Which caught me by surprise but I loved it!
When Declan and Nora do find each other again. It’s like no time has been lost. The connection is beyond anything else. Hot damn the steamy moments are amazing 🥵🔥.
I have to say I was really surprised at all that craziness in this book I felt like at any moments something could change again.
It is a longer book which I don’t mind because I feel like you get all these little details to the story.
Declan is seriously one of the best characters. He has so many layers to himself and I love each of them.
Nora is such a spitfire and damn she has a dirty mouth too! Which caught me by surprise but I loved it!
When Declan and Nora do find each other again. It’s like no time has been lost. The connection is beyond anything else. Hot damn the steamy moments are amazing 🥵🔥.
I have to say I was really surprised at all that craziness in this book I felt like at any moments something could change again.
It is a longer book which I don’t mind because I feel like you get all these little details to the story.
November 30, 2022
Declan and Nora are everything! Childhood sweethearts separated by unexpected circumstances. One thinks the other disappeared into think air, the other staying away to protect the one they love. Chance has their paths crossing earlier than expected and the chemistry they’ve always had turns up ten fold. Soulmates are always destined to find their other half, no matter where they may be or what they may be going through. Declan is swoony and romantic with a naughty side behind closed doors. Nora is a feisty survivor used to having to fend for herself who realizes she likes his adventurous side. She’s been waiting for him and he’s been searching for her, destined to one day live their happily ever after.
November 29, 2022
This is the second book in this series, and this is Declan and Nora’s journey. These two were childhood sweethearts, until circumstances and tragedy tore them apart, breaking both their hearts in the process. Now 10-years later, fate has destined them to cross paths again, and the sparks fly, but while Declan is determined to get answers, Nora feels she is not ready to justify why she left. This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with friendships, drama, intrigue, tension, heartbreak, and love, which leads to a compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
December 4, 2022
An amazing second chance romance
One of the best emotional roller-coasters I've ever been on ❤ This is the story of childhood friend's to lovers Declan and Nora torn apart by tragic circumstances. But even though they spent years apart they forgot the love they shared and both equally yearned for the other.
I absolutely loved the devotion they had for each other. Their connection was strong and felt through the pages. The chemistry was off the charts and the spicy scenes extremely hot 🔥 I cried, swooned, laughed and had my heart ripped then put back together again. An amazing second book in The Taylored Men Series and can't wait for next 😍
One of the best emotional roller-coasters I've ever been on ❤ This is the story of childhood friend's to lovers Declan and Nora torn apart by tragic circumstances. But even though they spent years apart they forgot the love they shared and both equally yearned for the other.
I absolutely loved the devotion they had for each other. Their connection was strong and felt through the pages. The chemistry was off the charts and the spicy scenes extremely hot 🔥 I cried, swooned, laughed and had my heart ripped then put back together again. An amazing second book in The Taylored Men Series and can't wait for next 😍
November 28, 2022
Declan and Nora, reading this book for the time it stretches and how as they say it's written in the stars, this is it , Declan and Nora are!!! Time truly tests them. And the curve ball thrown in!!! Don't want to give out spoilers, but man, Destined lovers for sure!!!! I had to slowly read this book for the only reason I didn't want to finish it fast. Savoring it slowly and enjoying their love for each other. This book broke my heart and fixed it back and i want more. Love this!!!
January 4, 2023
Such a beautiful story
A story of love, friendship, loss, pain, and spice! The perfect combination (in my opinion) for a romance book. Truly loved the journey and love between these two. Declan is book husband material for absolute sure! You will root for this couple form beginning to end and the friend group/side characters are the kind that will have you begging for their stories as well!
So glad I picked this book up! Highly recommend
A story of love, friendship, loss, pain, and spice! The perfect combination (in my opinion) for a romance book. Truly loved the journey and love between these two. Declan is book husband material for absolute sure! You will root for this couple form beginning to end and the friend group/side characters are the kind that will have you begging for their stories as well!
So glad I picked this book up! Highly recommend
January 11, 2023
I’m actually not sure how to properly rate this book.
The story had so much potential but the book was so long that i was like omg please get to the point lol
I really did like the story between Declan and Nora - they met as young kids & fell in love then Nora moved far away and they were apart for 10 years and were accidentally reunited. The side characters were also fun & kept the story interesting.
The story had so much potential but the book was so long that i was like omg please get to the point lol
I really did like the story between Declan and Nora - they met as young kids & fell in love then Nora moved far away and they were apart for 10 years and were accidentally reunited. The side characters were also fun & kept the story interesting.
December 15, 2022
I absolutely loved this!
Declan and Nora were written in stars. Yea, this book is heartwarming and heartbreaking but it’s also got that all important spice factor 😉.
Declan and Nora were always meant to be together, from their time spent together as children in Ireland. However, when Nora hits 18 she suddenly disappears. Declan spends years trying to find her to no avail.
Declan and Nora were written in stars. Yea, this book is heartwarming and heartbreaking but it’s also got that all important spice factor 😉.
Declan and Nora were always meant to be together, from their time spent together as children in Ireland. However, when Nora hits 18 she suddenly disappears. Declan spends years trying to find her to no avail.
June 21, 2023
I really wasn't expecting this to hurt as much as book 1 but it really did. The pain was real. Why oh why? I was an emotional wreck. But saying that, these two together were absolutely stunning. The love and care they shared was beautiful. What a story full of twists and turns and gasp out loud moments! Another great story in this series
Read
October 25, 2024I'm in tears
What an absolutely amazing love story. Very unusual and I just willed and hoped that Declan and Nora would finally overcome all the issues and find each other.
I'm not going to give spoilers as I wouldn't want to stop anyone else enjoying the travels these two went on to be together.
Read it please, but tissues ready
😍
What an absolutely amazing love story. Very unusual and I just willed and hoped that Declan and Nora would finally overcome all the issues and find each other.
I'm not going to give spoilers as I wouldn't want to stop anyone else enjoying the travels these two went on to be together.
Read it please, but tissues ready
😍
January 19, 2023
This was a good read. Didn’t want to put it down once i got started. With this love story Its hard to imagine how they both delt with the10 years they went with out each other. Very happy with the second chance. When Noras left again it broke my heart.Wonderful couple and good ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
December 22, 2022
I loved this. LOVED IT. There was some repetition in parts but Declan and Nora are amazing. Loved them. Excited for more.
April 11, 2023
Declan & Nora
Although I gave this three stars in general it was still a good read for me.
I don’t know if it was that Wills and Sadie were just absolute perfection for me or if it was that I just did not vibe with Nora.
Declan was mysterious to me in book one and I was excited to read this book but it just seemed a little flat to me.
That all being said I still enjoyed it. I thought the road trip was really done well and how Nora came to be part of the group. I also really liked his relationship with Sadie.
I really enjoy JR Gales writing and will definitely be reading more of her books in future.
Although I gave this three stars in general it was still a good read for me.
I don’t know if it was that Wills and Sadie were just absolute perfection for me or if it was that I just did not vibe with Nora.
Declan was mysterious to me in book one and I was excited to read this book but it just seemed a little flat to me.
That all being said I still enjoyed it. I thought the road trip was really done well and how Nora came to be part of the group. I also really liked his relationship with Sadie.
I really enjoy JR Gales writing and will definitely be reading more of her books in future.
November 29, 2022
🍀𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖🍀
Dᴇsᴛɪɴᴇᴅ Lᴏᴠᴇʀs ʙʏ JR Gᴀʟᴇ
I have to say that Destined Lovers has been a part of my world for much longer than the few days that the ARC has been out and this story has formed a place in my heart that is set aside for those stories that you think back on weeks, months and years later. My love for this couple and their journey runs deep…almost as deep as my love for their Author🖤
Childhood sweethearts, Declan and Nora find themselves torn apart by circumstance and then by tragedy not seeing each other for many many years. Alone they each tried to make it day by day knowing their heart was outside of their body beating somewhere else.
J R brings you on an emotional rollercoaster of the best kind. There is heart and intrigue, spice and drama and a swoon worthy alpha and feisty, independent babe.
Their story is so wonderfully written while also allowing for an underlying storyline that keeps you wanting more and more just to see what happens on the next page.
Alone they are so broken due to the past they have had to endure but together the fire and passion that they have can be felt off of the page. You can truly feel the love that they have for each other.
For me a bonus was getting to see some of my most favorite characters from the first book of the Taylored Men Series, 𝕃𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕠𝕟 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤. I loved getting to catch up with my crew and see how they are progressing.
This story was everything I look for and more. Easily a top read for me and ALL the ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Dᴇsᴛɪɴᴇᴅ Lᴏᴠᴇʀs ʙʏ JR Gᴀʟᴇ
I have to say that Destined Lovers has been a part of my world for much longer than the few days that the ARC has been out and this story has formed a place in my heart that is set aside for those stories that you think back on weeks, months and years later. My love for this couple and their journey runs deep…almost as deep as my love for their Author🖤
Childhood sweethearts, Declan and Nora find themselves torn apart by circumstance and then by tragedy not seeing each other for many many years. Alone they each tried to make it day by day knowing their heart was outside of their body beating somewhere else.
J R brings you on an emotional rollercoaster of the best kind. There is heart and intrigue, spice and drama and a swoon worthy alpha and feisty, independent babe.
Their story is so wonderfully written while also allowing for an underlying storyline that keeps you wanting more and more just to see what happens on the next page.
Alone they are so broken due to the past they have had to endure but together the fire and passion that they have can be felt off of the page. You can truly feel the love that they have for each other.
For me a bonus was getting to see some of my most favorite characters from the first book of the Taylored Men Series, 𝕃𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕠𝕟 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤. I loved getting to catch up with my crew and see how they are progressing.
This story was everything I look for and more. Easily a top read for me and ALL the ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
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