This Time, Maybe by Ali Morgans

 

Summary (from the publisher): Cat knows what it means to lose everything. First her brother. Then the fragile hope she once held in Logan, his best friend. And finally, herself—piece by piece—in a marriage that left her broken.

Now, newly free, Cat is determined to start over. Her first step back into the world of possibility leads her to an unexpected a date with a stranger at Logan’s bar. Time hasn't dulled the pull between them. But old wounds run deep, and trust isn't something Cat gives easily anymore.

As sparks flicker back to life, she must decide if she's ready to open her heart again-not just to the man who once walked away, but to the version of herself who deserves to be loved.

A story of healing, hope, and the kind of love that waits for a second chance.

Review: A huge thank you to author Ali Morgans for an ARC of her book in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a strong debut! It was giving major Windy City by Liz Tomforde vibes for me. I love a second chance romance and Cat and Logan delivered. The pair has really been through it, especially Cat. After losing her brother, her friend, and also Logan all in a short span of time, it was natural that she was hesitant to trust or open up to him again easily. I loved how patiently he earned her affection back. This was steamy in a great way. I loved all the bar scenes but also the tender moments on Cat's boat and in each other's homes. 

This started slow, but as the story built, I was suddenly all in and ended up loving their story. Logan scares me - in a good way? NO one is going to mess with his girl. Eff around and find out. I love how protective he is, even though the weapons freaked me out lol. Given Cat's history, she deserves someone who wants to protect her and go out of their way to make her feel safe. Logan also makes every effort to be accountable for his own actions, something that stands out to Cat because she hasn't experienced this in partners in the past. In Logan, she finds someone not only with a shared history but great chemistry and healthy 

I cannot wait to get other stories from this world in the next books! The author did such a good job of introducing Car and Logan's friends and teasing at other stories to come. Cat has great friends and they really show up for her in this book: "But that's one of the best parts of being a girl - the time spent getting ready together before a night out. It makes me feel like we're eighteen again, with no cares in the world." Will absolutely be keeping my eye out for Mallory's story next. I love a good interconnected romance series and this one promises to really deliver on that front. 

I do wish the author had just scrapped the opening chapters where Cat and Logan are together. It wasn't long enough to really flesh out their relationship. I think it would have felt more natural to just open in the present day and slowly tell their story and history as the plot unfolded. I also wish a little more detail had been given about Cat's relationship and how she wound up married so quickly after things broke off between her and Logan initially. But - these are minor quibbles. 

Just an FYI that this has some major trigger warnings - sexual and domestic assault, PTSD, suicide, etc. 

Stars: 4