Member Reviews
A BRAND NEW ENDING is the second instalment in Jennifer Probst’s contemporary, adult STAY erotic, romance series. This is twenty-eight year olds, writer Kyle Kimpton, and B&B owner Ophelia Bishop’s story line. A BRAND NEW ENDING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Ophelia is Ethan’s sister (The Start of Something Good #1)
Told from dual third person perspectives (Kyle and Ophelia), as well as memories of the past written as part of Kyle Kimpton’s novel, A BRAND NEW ENDING follows the second chance/rekindling romance between twenty-eight year olds, writer Kyle Kimpton, and B&B owner Ophelia Bishop. Ten years earlier, at eighteen years of age, childhood best friends and high school sweethearts left Gardner, New York for the bright lights and warm weather of Hollywood California where Kyle would make his fortune leaving Ophelia scrambling to pick up the remains of her fantasies and dreams of becoming a world famous singer. Fast forward to present day wherein Ophelia owns and operates Robin’s Bed and Breakfast in Gardner New York, and Kyle is a number one selling author and award winning screenwriter but Kyle has lost his writing muse, and struggles to put pen to paper in an attempt to write his next best selling novel. Kyle will return to his hometown in an effort to recapture all that was lost including the woman he hasn’t stopped loving for close to ten years. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Ophelia and Kyle, and the potential fall-out as Kyle must return to California in order to promote his latest release.
Ophelia Bishop struggles between head and heart with the return of the only man she has ever loved but old memories die hard as our heroine battles the what ifs and whys of their broken relationship, and everything that led them towards separate paths without one another. Kyle Kimpton had no idea the struggle Ophelia endured, a struggle she desperately tried to make Kyle understand but Kyle was so caught up in his own career he forgot about the woman he was leaving behind.
The relationship between Kyle and Ophelia is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between childhood best friends and high school sweethearts that was destroyed by a lack of communication, egos, and a loss of support. Kyle’s return to Gardner fuels Ophelia’s anger and rage at what was and what could have been as Kyle desperately tries to understand what happened and why. Ophelia’s is determined to keep Kyle out of her life believing his current need is temporary and short-lived. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Ophelia’s brother and his wife Ethan and Mia; Kyle’s struggling father Patrick Kimpton; as well as a large number of guests at Robin’s B&B.
A BRAND NEW ENDING is an engaging and emotional story of family and friendship; second chances and happily ever after. The premise is inviting and spirited; the characters are strong, animated and flawed; the romance is seductive and sassy. A BRAND NEW ENDING is an intimate look at success that comes at a cost-the cost of a broken heart and a damaged relationship.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
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I enjoyed this second chance romance and it has nice secondary characters about whom I’d love to know more. So, I believe it’s a series I’ll enjoy following.
The heroine for me was the real stand out. She was loyal and brave and really kind. The hero was a good guy, but skewed selfish. It is important to mention that he wasn’t intentionally so, I don’t think. Rather, his upbringing robbed him of joy and choices. So now that he’s charting his own path, he’s focused on personal success. Thankfully, he finds his true north in the nick of time and we end up with a very pleasurable HEA.
I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I haven't read a book by this author before so when it was offered, I decided to take a chance.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Ophelia was an interesting character. She seemed strong and able to stand up for herself (although I would have given Kyle a piece of my mind before just leaving). I enjoyed how she helped and took care of others. Kyle, on the other hand, was a bit of a jerk. I can't believe he was so blind to everything (and everyone) around him and that he just let Ophelia go. And then returns to their hometown years later to end his writer's block...by making their story into a screenplay. Talk about clueless...and self-centered.
Still, all in all, it was a good story with interesting characters, both main and secondary. And had a satisfactory ending. I have no doubt I will be reading more books by this author in the future.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher, Montlake, via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias.
After reading the first book in this series, I had high expectations for Ophelia and Kyle's story.
Kyle has returned home from Hollywood to write a new screenplay and reconnect with his past. Ophelia is adamant that there is no reconnecting to be done between them but eventually allows him to stay at the inn for the winter so he can write his script and then go back to California.
I think I set my expectations for this book too high. I wanted an explanation of why there was such a long separation between the two. I wanted Kyle to have more self awareness when he finally came home. Those things being said, I still really enjoyed Ophelia and Kyle's journey back to each other. I loved that even though they have known each other for so long, there are still things that they never knew and needed to learn. I loved that there were secondary characters that added to the depth of their story. I'm really looking forward to Harper's story and finding out what the deal is with her!!
*This is my voluntary review of advanced reader copy*
Kyle Kimpton is coming home after becoming a successful screenwriter in Hollywood. But not everyone in his home town is ready to welcome him with open arms. In fact, there at least one person who is decidedly UNhappy to see him. His former flame Ophelia. Not just his former flame but the woman who had gone to Hollywood with him to make it big. The same woman who left him without a word. And now she's refusing to let him stay at her B&B. But that's where Kyle needs to be, it's the place he can face his past.
Ophelia remembers a different past than Kyle. In her memory, she fought as hard as she could to make him understand her. She tried so many times to make him listen. But he left her. And now he's back, trying to act as though everything has changed. But has it?
I wish there had been a little longer ending but overall a very nice story.
Four stars
This book came out October 23
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley
This is a second chance romance that is truly worth the second chance. This second chance romance is definitely a winner in my eyes. It’s fun, and interesting to read. I like how we get to see the past and the present times. The characters are engaging, fun and relatable.
Ophelia for me I actually had to warm up to because her motivation for coming back didn’t make sense and the one thing that stopped me giving this book 5 stars was that the explanation fell a bit flat for me. I understand that she felt she wasn’t enjoying the experience but to just up and leave? It didn’t quite work for me.
Kyle himself was an interesting character to get to know. He didn’t have the same reservations about achieving his dreams but since he returned to write a new story, he realised that he didn’t want his dreams to be without Ophelia. His love for her is what saved this book for me. I fell in love with him and I wanted him to get the ending he truly wanted and also the ending I believe that he deserves.
Apart from the small niggle here and there, it’s a solid read and it’s worth it for sure!
I was so excited to get my hands on Ophelia's book. I knew from the first in this series that she had secrets. When they came to light as Kyle came to stay in her B&B I knew this was going to be a great story. Not only is she pissed that he came back, but she is even more angry he decided to come and stay at her place. To interfere with her life. Kyle will work hard to get back into her life while she is pushing back every step of the way.
** i received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
4.5 Stars for A Brand New Ending which is book 2 in the Stay Series although I have to say this book can certainly be read as a stand-alone and I know this because I haven’t read book 1 yet .
Kyle and Ophelia were childhood sweethearts and were best friends in fact they always believed they would be together forever so after graduation they ran off to California to start their careers they also decided to get married.........
Fast forward eight years and Ophelia is back in their hometown running the family Bed and Breakfast Inn because life in California didn’t live up to expectations and Kyle and her drifted apart so after filing for divorce a move back home was what was needed but she never really got over the love of her life, Kyle maybe her soulmate but that doesn’t mean she has to like him and when he books himself into the BB she does everything she can to try and get him to stay elsewhere. Kyle a successful screenwriter is back in his hometown to write but he also needs to speak to Ophelia he needs to find out why she left him when he thought everything they had was perfect.......
If you love second chance romance or friends to lovers this will be a must read, the characters share lots of witty banter and are easy to love, it’s an emotional read about a couple who haven’t had it easy and I have to say this author covered the issue of alcoholism with compassion. This is a beautifully written book with a story that flowed and I’m sure like me you won’t be able to put this love story about soulmates down.
A BRAND NEW ENDING (Stay #2) by Jennifer Probst is a second chance contemporary love story that could not be more perfect! I gave the first book in the Stay series, “The Start of Something New” 5 stars and I want to give this book even MORE! Jennifer Probst has now become a “Must Buy” romance author for me.
After high school, Ophelia Bishop and Kyle Kimpton knew they are meant to be together forever and they have big dreams. Ophelia wants to become a famous singer and Kyle wants to become a famous screenwriter. They take off together for Hollywood. As dreams begin to come true, not everything is the way they thought it would be. Ophelia returns home to run the family B&B and Kyle returns to their Hollywood apartment to find her gone.
Ten years have passed and Kyle feels he has to return to his hometown to write his current screenplay. He has built his fame and reputation on action films, but this project takes him in a new direction. He wants to write a love story. His and Ophelia’s story, but he wants to change the ending.
Ophelia still has feelings for Kyle, but he broke her heart before and she knows it could happen all over again if she lets him in. Can Ophelia forgive Kyle and learn to trust in his love again and can Kyle learn the reasons Ophelia returned home and understand her true feelings?
This is a beautiful second chance love story. Forgiveness is a major theme throughout, not only for the H/h, but also for Kyle and his recovering alcoholic father. Keep the tissues handy. Ophelia is such a multilayered heroine. Kyle has to learn to listen and actually see things from her point of view to understand the truth of their relationship problems. This story delves into the gray areas of a relationship and not just the black and white. I also enjoyed Kyle writing his romance story within this story. It highlighted and contrasted well with Kyle’s shifts in understanding from the past to the present. The sex scenes are explicit, appropriate to the story and fun.
Ophelia and Kyle’s story is heartwarming, funny, sexy, a tear-jerker and everything I want in a second chance romance. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first book in the series was also a great read that I recommend. I laughed at Hei Hei’s antics once again. I love the realistic secondary characters of this small town community and cannot wait to return for Harper’s story.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
Now I’m normally not a fan of second chance romances but JP is an auto-read author for me so I jumped in with both feet. Boy am I glad I did! Did a couple of tears escape at the ending? Yes and it was perfect.
. .
Our hero and heroine were childhood sweethearts and they ran away to the big city to explore big dreams before everything exploded. Now almost a decade later our heroine is running her mother’s B&B in a small town when our hero comes knocking on her door, needing a place to not only stay but write a screen play (of their love story). And of course he is going to try and win back the girl.
. .
I loved the characters and I think they both grew enough to be able to finally end with their HEA. The way it was written with parallel time frames was kind of poetic and the fact the history repeated itself actually seemed realistic because people do make the same mistakes or fall into the same patterns it’s realising you need to make a different choice that makes the difference. Overall a beautiful second chance romance.
Jennifer Probst has written an angst filled romantic story about two people who were once deeply in love until things got to hard for them and they went their separate ways. But despite the time that has gone by and the miles between them it is obvious the love they still carry for each other. This story really tells a beautiful second chance love story that had me enchanted from the moment that I started reading it.
Ophelia was a beautiful character that really cared about people and it was obvious with the way that she looked after her guest at her families B&B . I really loved the relationship she shared with her family and the relationship she had with each of her siblings.
Kyle was a total sweetheart throughout the book and my heart completely ached for him throughout the story with the memories he had from his childhood with the relationship he had with his dad. I really love the way he maintained a string friendship with Ethan and I love the way he cared for Ophelia.
A Brand New Ending is the second book in the Stay series and centres around the relationship of Ophelia and Kyle.
I've not read anything by Jennifer Probst before, but the blurb for <b>A Brand New Ending</b> interested me, so I decided to give it a try. Sadly, it didn't impress me all that much, although the secondary plotline - about the hero rebuilding his relationship with his recovering-alcoholic father - was truly poignant and very well done. The romance, however, was less impressive; there's no real relationship development or sense of two people who have been apart for almost a decade coming to know each other as they are NOW, which is what always draws me to second-chance romances. Plus, the central characters are fairly bland; I couldn't connect with the heroine who is Practically Perfect in Every Way (when it comes to her business, at least) and the hero isn't one I'm going to remember beyond the writing of this review.
I and one of my fellow reviewers at <strong>All About Romance</strong>, decided to team up for this one; she reads a lot of contemporary romances and I don't, so we though it would be fun to get some different perspectives on the novel. You can find our Pandora's Box review <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/2RbfyQF" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a></strong>.
Ophelia and Kyle were high school sweethearts who had dreams for their future and thought nothing could separate them. They headed off to Hollywood so that he could pursue his dream of being a screenwriter and she pursue singing however what she really wanted was to be with him. Two years later he has found success and she realizes that this isn’t the life she wants, no matter how much she loves him, so she heads home to manage her parents Bed and Breakfast.
Ten years later Kyle has returned to his hometown to help him get over his writer’s block and reclaim the man he was before Hollywood. Ethan, his best friend and Ophelia’s brother, offers to let him stay at the Bed and Breakfast which brings him and Ophelia in close contact.
The feelings between them haven’t lessened over the years but first he must handle his past and can two people with very different dreams and lifestyles have a second chance or are the differences too much to overcome?
This is a story of healing, second chances and realizing what is truly important in life. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is the second in Probst's Stay series and although there are returning characters, this can easily be read as a standalone (but I really enjoyed the first book and highly recommend it).
A second-chance romance, there's some angst (but not nearly as much as there could have been) and some heat when Ophelia and Kyle get back together. There's also some emotional family drama w/ Kyle and his alcoholic father, but it's not gratuitous and goes towards Kyle's character growth.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
This story had some on-page sex and cursing (including f-bombs) – neither overwhelmed the story but if those things will cause you to leave a bad review, this isn't the book for you. Although this is the second book in this series, you do not have to have read the first to read this one, it completely stands alone.
I really Ophelia and Kyle's story, and the creative way that Ms. Probst told the backstory via Kyle's soul-bearing manuscript. That kind of creativity is something that I love in Ms. Probst's books. Although this one had a few spots that were slower because these two seemed to talk to each other but never actually said what they really felt or meant, I never felt a disconnect from the story or characters because I was invested enough in them that I didn't mind a little tedium to get to the great stuff. And when they finally talked and got things on the table, it was really, really great.
The subplot with Kyle's father was nothing short of beautiful. It added so much to Kyle's character, but it also showed a side of Ophelia that was just wonderful. I absolutely loved her in those moments spent with Patrick.
Is it weird to say that a chicken is kind of my favorite side character? If so, I blame that on Jennifer Probst because while this book is loaded with side characters who are all wonderful, Hei Hei's limited appearances were scene-stealing. I absolutely love him! ***SPOILERS TO END OF PARAGRAPH*** The “bull” scene was perfection, and the moment where Ethan is trying to get out of the house for a night out on the town is HILARIOUS. I laughed out loud at both of them!
I cannot wait for the next book because I feel like Harper is going to be my favorite heroine of this series.
What a beautiful surprise. Ophelia and Kyle found first love as kids and decided to go to Hollywood to pursue their dreams. The problem with dreams, is that each person’s definition of living their dream is different. Ophelia returned to their hometown when she began to lose herself in the glitch and glamour of Hollywood which shocked Kyle who was thriving. Jump 10 years, Ophelia has found her true passion and calling, take care of her guests at the family bed & breakfast. When Kyle ends up on her doorstep, needing a room for 3 months, well, she isn’t very welcoming. Kyle has lost his muse so he returns home to ignite his writing spirit and maybe, get a second chance with Ophelia. I loved that they both pursued their passion even though the love they shared didn’t fit into those dreams. Now that they are older and wiser, is there room for the intense love they share? There is a lot of depth to the journey that Kyle must face, almost as if he had to wake up from the spell Hollywood put on him. Ophelia is an incredibly strong woman with a huge heart that she shares with her guests and anyone that she feels is in need. I was definitely swept up in this romance, wondering if love would succeed. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
4.5 Stars!
A Brand New Ending by Jennifer Probst, is an emotional and sexy novel. It is a fast-paced read, replete with a captivating plot, well-defined characters, and a very seductive romance. This book takes place in Gardiner, a small town in upstate New York. Ms. Probst is a terrific storyteller and I always look forward to her latest offering.
Ophelia Bishop and Kyle Kimpton fell madly in love at a very young age. After graduating high school, they moved out to California to pursue their artistic dreams. Ophelia's magical voice and Kyle's screenwriting skills were quickly recognized by Hollywood. However, as Kyle's dreams began to come true, Ophelia realized that she lost her true self en-route to becoming the next pop sensation. As a result, their relationship suffered and Ophelia moved back home to help her mother run the family's B&B. Now it is ten years later, and a successful Kyle returns to Gardiner to write a screenplay based on his and Ophelia's life together. He also has high hopes that Ophelia will forgive his past mistakes. Ophelia has made her own success as an innkeeper, and she enjoys making her guests comfortable and happy. Ophelia and Kyle rekindle the love that they lost, while discovering new things about themselves and those they care about.
I truly enjoyed this hot and emotional love story. Ophelia and Kyle have amazing chemistry, and Ms. Probst does an excellent job of combining scorching sexy times with raw emotion. The book is well-written and engaging, with a feeling of hope and optimism running through it. A few of the characters from the first book in the series provide the supporting cast, and it was so nice to spend time with them once again. This is the second book from the author's Stay series and it can enjoyed as a standalone. Don't pass on the opportunity to devour this meaningful romance.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Jennifer Probst has done it again. I loved Ophelia in Kyle's story, "the Start of Something Good", you could tell she had a story waiting to be told, especially with her singing. But to finally read Ophelia and Kyle's second chance story, and how their love really started and unfolded just warms my heart.
A Brand New Ending shared the history of this young lovers story, all of the lovers backstory and how two people truly in love, and now mature, can conquer any and everything. I'm glad old issues were resolved, and their relationship was able to be mended. It was good to read and understand more of Kyle's family history. And I'm glad Ophelia is still strong and found her way without needing the glitz and glamour to find happiness.
I love the fact that Jennifer always weaves a dog or two, or any kind of animal into a story. If a person can have love for an animal, they can love another human..... and I think that is part of the story that leads the reader to believe Patrick can be redeemed.
Now - will Harper have a story?????
I am loving second chance romances. I mean who does not love a second chance at love with the person you were meant to be, right? A Brand New Ending by Jennifer Probst had all the best second chance feels! Ophelia Bishop and Kyle Kimpton were bright eyed, happy and in love when they followed their dreams to Hollywood. But when things did not go as planned and choices had to be made, they went their separate ways.
Ophelia returned home broken-hearted and no longer that naïve girl who believed in fairytales. Instead she now runs a business and moved on. Kyle knows he hurt Ophelia and was wrong in letting her go, but can he show her they can have a new ending?
So much hurt and misunderstandings stand in their way, but feelings cannot be denied. Can Ophelia and Kyle find their second chance or is it too late? I have to say considering all their history and hurt feelings, this was a charming and sweet read. Ophelia was hurt, but her feelings for Kyle never disappeared. And Kyle is determined to show Ophelia what she means to him. A Brand New Ending was refreshing and engaging.
Happy reading!
I love a second chance romance and this one was particularly compelling because of painful emotional scars the characters will be forced to reveal that still feel as though they were inflicted yesterday instead of 8 years ago. Ophelia runs the family B&B in their small hometown where she finds fulfillment in providing her guests with a memorable experience. She’s happy with her life until her former husband Kyle arrives on her doorstep insisting that he can’t write his current screenplay anywhere else but where they both grew up and where their adventure together began. While there are two sides to every story it’s Kyle who comes to realize that he has to change to be the man that Ophelia truly deserves. I love reading stories about characters who grow through adversity and learn to appreciate the blessings in their lives. I read an early copy of this book provided by Montlake Romance through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.