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Love is Messy #2
Twice Burned
I’ve been burned before.
Once by love, twice by fire.
And I don’t know which hurt worse.
For years, I’ve been playing with fire. Both in the sheets and in the streets. But after a life changing accident, something had to give. Moving from Chicago to New York to live with my estranged brother is less than ideal, but it’s only temporary. To make it through the next year without killing each other, I need to stick to a few simple rules: no dating, no drama, no getting in each other’s business. Easy enough, right?
Then I met her, and the rules went out the window.
Problem is, he met her first.
TWICE BURNED is the highly anticipated finale to the Love is Messy Duet.
Once by love, twice by fire.
And I don’t know which hurt worse.
For years, I’ve been playing with fire. Both in the sheets and in the streets. But after a life changing accident, something had to give. Moving from Chicago to New York to live with my estranged brother is less than ideal, but it’s only temporary. To make it through the next year without killing each other, I need to stick to a few simple rules: no dating, no drama, no getting in each other’s business. Easy enough, right?
Then I met her, and the rules went out the window.
Problem is, he met her first.
TWICE BURNED is the highly anticipated finale to the Love is Messy Duet.
280 pages
First published March 1, 2017
About the author
Emily Goodwin
77 books3,827 followersEmily Goodwin is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over a dozen of romantic titles. Emily writes the kind of books she likes to read, and is a sucker for a swoon-worthy bad boy and happily ever afters.
She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she's not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.
Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency.
www.emilygoodwinbooks.com
facebook.com/emilygoodwinbooks
emily@emilygoodwinbooks.com
She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she's not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.
Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency.
www.emilygoodwinbooks.com
facebook.com/emilygoodwinbooks
emily@emilygoodwinbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
May 17, 2018
2,5 stars
My review for both books in the duet is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review for both books in the duet is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 9, 2017
What a sweet conclusion!
The Love is Messy Duet is an angsty, yet fun read, a nice lesson of love, forgiveness and that it's okay to let things go and allow yourself to be happy. We only live once!
It had everything from a single mom, tattooed bad boy, asshole brother, sibling rivalry, weird ex, secrets and lies to that sweet HEA. (And can we please talk about how beautiful these covers are?!)
I get that Luke made the same mistake over again, but I took away a star because of Lexi. She realized he's the love of her life, yet she kept doubting him...?!
The Love is Messy Duet is an angsty, yet fun read, a nice lesson of love, forgiveness and that it's okay to let things go and allow yourself to be happy. We only live once!
It had everything from a single mom, tattooed bad boy, asshole brother, sibling rivalry, weird ex, secrets and lies to that sweet HEA. (And can we please talk about how beautiful these covers are?!)
I get that Luke made the same mistake over again, but I took away a star because of Lexi. She realized he's the love of her life, yet she kept doubting him...?!
December 30, 2017
The first book was cute & sexy this one was filled with drama & angst involving all three characters.
Lexi was annoying as shit in this story. So gullible and easily influenced by everyone around her. Just simple communication with one another and it could have all been avoided. Plus how many times does the author need to tell us how tired Lexi is??? We get it she’s a single mom who works full time. I still love Luke but he was a total ass running back and forth to Chicago from NY for days at a time without even telling Lexi of his plans. I couldn’t keep track with how many times they broke up.
Lexi was annoying as shit in this story. So gullible and easily influenced by everyone around her. Just simple communication with one another and it could have all been avoided. Plus how many times does the author need to tell us how tired Lexi is??? We get it she’s a single mom who works full time. I still love Luke but he was a total ass running back and forth to Chicago from NY for days at a time without even telling Lexi of his plans. I couldn’t keep track with how many times they broke up.
August 11, 2017
Story picks up where book 1 ended with Cole being a douche and drunkenly kissing her and Luke catching them. While he knows it was all Cole he isn't mad but when a simple 2 word text is read from his phone his world is thrown into upheaval. He has left her once and now after he has promised to never do it again he may do it again.
Sweet conclusion to the story, emotion, tears, but also happiness, smiles and laughs.
Cant say much dont want to ruin the plot.
4 stars
Sweet conclusion to the story, emotion, tears, but also happiness, smiles and laughs.
Cant say much dont want to ruin the plot.
4 stars
July 5, 2017
I was slightly dissapointed. I still stand by my initial review of Hot Mess. It was a sweet, entertaining read.
Things I didn't like:
*I found it ironic that the h is a book editor, but there were quite a few mistakes in this book. :)
*I liked the h, but she bordered on being a little pathetic at times in this book.
*I love drama and intrigue and a good twist if it is part of the story line and contributes to it. I do not like drama because of bad communication or stupidity. (h believed a scenario which could have been explained easily had she discussed it with the man she was in a relationship with and not his brother who tried putting a wedge between them from the start. The brother believing for such a long time that his brother was having an affair with his ex. Leaving various times without telling the h - a simple text would have sufficed to let her know where he was. The incident thinking he was the father of Caroline's baby could have been cleared up quickly with a conversation.)
* I hate loose ends: she got woken up a few times at night by a knock on her door-never explained. Her daughter had nightmares of a man standing in her ròom-never explained. Yet it seemed as if the author was toying with the idea of making it into something in the book but decided against it. The h's ex. He wanted to sue for custody but the story just sort of progressed without him. Cole, the brother. I would have liked to see a proper apology and maybe see some effort on both sides to build the relationship.
It just kind of fell flat for me. I did like the characters though. I just felt more could have been done with them. The whole single mom thing was portrayed very well. Life with kids is hectic at times and not always glamorous. I liked that there was more interaction in this book between the kids and the main characters. It felt real. As if that would actualy happen.
Enjoyable enough to not be a waste of time. :)
Things I didn't like:
*I found it ironic that the h is a book editor, but there were quite a few mistakes in this book. :)
*I liked the h, but she bordered on being a little pathetic at times in this book.
*I love drama and intrigue and a good twist if it is part of the story line and contributes to it. I do not like drama because of bad communication or stupidity. (h believed a scenario which could have been explained easily had she discussed it with the man she was in a relationship with and not his brother who tried putting a wedge between them from the start. The brother believing for such a long time that his brother was having an affair with his ex. Leaving various times without telling the h - a simple text would have sufficed to let her know where he was. The incident thinking he was the father of Caroline's baby could have been cleared up quickly with a conversation.)
* I hate loose ends: she got woken up a few times at night by a knock on her door-never explained. Her daughter had nightmares of a man standing in her ròom-never explained. Yet it seemed as if the author was toying with the idea of making it into something in the book but decided against it. The h's ex. He wanted to sue for custody but the story just sort of progressed without him. Cole, the brother. I would have liked to see a proper apology and maybe see some effort on both sides to build the relationship.
It just kind of fell flat for me. I did like the characters though. I just felt more could have been done with them. The whole single mom thing was portrayed very well. Life with kids is hectic at times and not always glamorous. I liked that there was more interaction in this book between the kids and the main characters. It felt real. As if that would actualy happen.
Enjoyable enough to not be a waste of time. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2017
Hero(s) rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 2 stars
Sexual tension rating: 3 stars
Sex scenes rating: 3 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3 stars
Plot rating: 2 stars
Dialogue rating: 3 stars
Storytelling rating: 3.5 stars
Story ending rating: 3 stars
Other woman/men drama:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
**********************************************
Overall rating: 3 stars
Sigh.
I really wanted to like this one...
I had high hopes...
But, no
Damnit, Lexi. Why did you have to go and ruin it all for me?
Let me back up. This was the continuation of book one, Hot Mess, Lexi and Luke's story. Previous book ended in a cliffhanger, leaving you with all sorts of questions that needed to be answered.
Well, we get answers and so much more other stuff that left me feeling like a had a hangover.
This book was chockfull of drama, unnecessary back and forth, not needed time apart and left my hand twitching to smack some sense into the h, Lexi.
The girl believed every and anything someone told her. Made her own assumption about things as opposed to asking Luke in the first place and quite frankly, I was team Luke all the way. The girl gave him so much whiplash ("I love you", "We can't be together", "I want you", "I can't do this").
I'm not going to bash the book because the underlying story was delivered (eventually) and they do get a HEA, but I really could've done without all of the drama that ensued. I could've used more of the H and h growing and not with roll of issues that kept popping up.
Heroine rating: 2 stars
Sexual tension rating: 3 stars
Sex scenes rating: 3 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3 stars
Plot rating: 2 stars
Dialogue rating: 3 stars
Storytelling rating: 3.5 stars
Story ending rating: 3 stars
Other woman/men drama:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
**********************************************
Overall rating: 3 stars
Sigh.
I really wanted to like this one...
I had high hopes...
But, no
Damnit, Lexi. Why did you have to go and ruin it all for me?
Let me back up. This was the continuation of book one, Hot Mess, Lexi and Luke's story. Previous book ended in a cliffhanger, leaving you with all sorts of questions that needed to be answered.
Well, we get answers and so much more other stuff that left me feeling like a had a hangover.
This book was chockfull of drama, unnecessary back and forth, not needed time apart and left my hand twitching to smack some sense into the h, Lexi.
The girl believed every and anything someone told her. Made her own assumption about things as opposed to asking Luke in the first place and quite frankly, I was team Luke all the way. The girl gave him so much whiplash ("I love you", "We can't be together", "I want you", "I can't do this").
I'm not going to bash the book because the underlying story was delivered (eventually) and they do get a HEA, but I really could've done without all of the drama that ensued. I could've used more of the H and h growing and not with roll of issues that kept popping up.
April 5, 2024
Wow! Ms. Emily knows how to bring the drama.
First, all the guys in this story need to grow the hell up! Cole, Randall and Luke you know who you are! Thank God the women are sane and know how to get things done.
I loved the way Caroline reached out to Lexi because she really didn't have to. Also Lexi is a book editor and that side story was super interesting and kept the pacing really flowing. It was extremely difficult for Lexi to balance her career, her family and her idiot ex-husband but she hung in there and never gave up. Great story!
First, all the guys in this story need to grow the hell up! Cole, Randall and Luke you know who you are! Thank God the women are sane and know how to get things done.
I loved the way Caroline reached out to Lexi because she really didn't have to. Also Lexi is a book editor and that side story was super interesting and kept the pacing really flowing. It was extremely difficult for Lexi to balance her career, her family and her idiot ex-husband but she hung in there and never gave up. Great story!
July 9, 2017
Couldn't hold my interest. I think the story could have been told in one book.
March 13, 2017
**ARC received voluntarily for review**
After reading Book 1, I couldn't wait for Book 2 and I was not disappointed.
Luke was more swoony, Lexi was an awesome mom and Cole and Russell were competing for biggest douche.
It was refreshing to read where the story left and picked up immediately and didn't prolong them from resolving their issues. This book had lots of emotional moments and mild drama/misunderstandings that could have clearly been avoided. I still hated how Lexi ex spoke to her but that was just him.
Lexi, Luke and her girls, ❤️. Loved it!!! The way he treats those girls is so beautiful and Lexi standing up for herself from time to time was good. Loved the ending and it's exactly what they deserved.
After reading Book 1, I couldn't wait for Book 2 and I was not disappointed.
Luke was more swoony, Lexi was an awesome mom and Cole and Russell were competing for biggest douche.
It was refreshing to read where the story left and picked up immediately and didn't prolong them from resolving their issues. This book had lots of emotional moments and mild drama/misunderstandings that could have clearly been avoided. I still hated how Lexi ex spoke to her but that was just him.
Lexi, Luke and her girls, ❤️. Loved it!!! The way he treats those girls is so beautiful and Lexi standing up for herself from time to time was good. Loved the ending and it's exactly what they deserved.
March 20, 2017
Holy moly it's finally taken me this long to finally start and finish the duet to this series. FYI the first book is this series needs to be read first otherwise you will be left thinking uh what is happening.
The first book ended on a massive Cliffy and I was left with my mouth opening thinking what who is awake. Answers finally will be answered and I was so shocked to learn the story behind it all.
The second book brings a roller coaster ride of emotions. It's bumpy from start to finish but the ending couldn't be more perfect. This book definitely brings angst to the table.
I absolutely love Lexi and Luke so much. They are a couple who are just meant to be. I was left feeling happy, sad, turned on throughout this book. I might have even had a goofy smile throughout scenes throughout this book.
I really wanted to punch Cole Luke's brother in the face a few times for the way he acts but I cannot wait to find out more about him when he gets his own book.
I know what your all thinking the sex scenes right , they were definitely hot and steamy and can make a girl wish she had someone like Luke. Luke can come and snuggle me anytime.
If you haven't read this book then I suggest you pick this series up and get cracking.
The first book ended on a massive Cliffy and I was left with my mouth opening thinking what who is awake. Answers finally will be answered and I was so shocked to learn the story behind it all.
The second book brings a roller coaster ride of emotions. It's bumpy from start to finish but the ending couldn't be more perfect. This book definitely brings angst to the table.
I absolutely love Lexi and Luke so much. They are a couple who are just meant to be. I was left feeling happy, sad, turned on throughout this book. I might have even had a goofy smile throughout scenes throughout this book.
I really wanted to punch Cole Luke's brother in the face a few times for the way he acts but I cannot wait to find out more about him when he gets his own book.
I know what your all thinking the sex scenes right , they were definitely hot and steamy and can make a girl wish she had someone like Luke. Luke can come and snuggle me anytime.
If you haven't read this book then I suggest you pick this series up and get cracking.
June 18, 2018
No es que esta continuación sea mala, de hecho me gustó el libro. Pero la sinopsis generó ciertas expectativas de un triángulo amoroso y conflictos entre los hermanos que no se realizaron... o no como yo preveía.
Por suerte, después de demasiado dramatismo Alexis y Luke tuvieron HEA. Así que terminé la lectura contenta.
Por suerte, después de demasiado dramatismo Alexis y Luke tuvieron HEA. Así que terminé la lectura contenta.
January 19, 2018
I cant even with all these emotioms
What an emotional roller coaster. Emily didn't disappoint at all! This is such an amazing story! I need more! Lexi & Luke make the perfect couple!
What an emotional roller coaster. Emily didn't disappoint at all! This is such an amazing story! I need more! Lexi & Luke make the perfect couple!
February 28, 2017
Twice Burned is the second installment in the Love is Messy Duet by Emily Goodwin.
This is not a standalone and for better understanding you should read book one Hot Mess first.
Twice Burned picks up where Hot Mess ends.
Luke and his best friend Jose are firefighters and were in a horrible accident. Luke has scars, visible and invisible, but Jose was not so lucky.
Alexis-Lexi is at the gala and Cole is drunk. Luke fights with him and gets a message: "He´s awake."- and there ended Hot Mess.
Luke disappears and Alexis follows him. Finally Luke confesses what happened and what is on his mind.
Alexis loves him deeply, but she has to protect two little girls and has to guard her own heart.
Both are torn and uncertain. The one thing they know with certainty is they love each other.
But can love be enough?
There are misunderstandings, guilt, lies, break up, love, twists and unexpected turns and drama.
And what is Cole´s goal?
Is there a HEA?
So many questions and only one way to find out.
Twice Burnt is a heart wrenchingly but beautiful story of two people destined to be together.
I loved Hot Mess and I also loved Twice Burnt.
Reading this book I could feel the characters emotions in the words. I laughed, I cried, I suffered with the characters and I loved every second of it.
5 stars and Thank you Emily Goodwin!!
This is not a standalone and for better understanding you should read book one Hot Mess first.
Twice Burned picks up where Hot Mess ends.
Luke and his best friend Jose are firefighters and were in a horrible accident. Luke has scars, visible and invisible, but Jose was not so lucky.
Alexis-Lexi is at the gala and Cole is drunk. Luke fights with him and gets a message: "He´s awake."- and there ended Hot Mess.
Luke disappears and Alexis follows him. Finally Luke confesses what happened and what is on his mind.
Alexis loves him deeply, but she has to protect two little girls and has to guard her own heart.
Both are torn and uncertain. The one thing they know with certainty is they love each other.
But can love be enough?
There are misunderstandings, guilt, lies, break up, love, twists and unexpected turns and drama.
And what is Cole´s goal?
Is there a HEA?
So many questions and only one way to find out.
Twice Burnt is a heart wrenchingly but beautiful story of two people destined to be together.
I loved Hot Mess and I also loved Twice Burnt.
Reading this book I could feel the characters emotions in the words. I laughed, I cried, I suffered with the characters and I loved every second of it.
5 stars and Thank you Emily Goodwin!!
March 1, 2017
The angst! There was a lot of it in this book, but it make Luke and Lexi fighting for the relationship that much sweeter. Luke had a lot of baggage to work this way through, but he knew what he was prize if he did. It was hard not to love him, even when he made the same mistakes over and over.
August 10, 2018
3.5 STARS
NO SPOILERS!
I loved the first book in the Love is Messy Duet, Hot Mess, and I had high hopes that Twice Burned would be just as good, if not better. Sadly, however, it wasn’t what I expected or hoped it would be. I loved Luke, Lexi, her kids, and a few others, but there were two characters in particular that I truly loathed. There were a lot of frustrating and annoying moments, and paired with all of the drama and angst, I was in an emotional upheaval throughout the entire book. The second half was better than the first, and I was pleased with the ending, but overall Twice Burned was disappointing. I hated to even say any of that because I’ve loved Emily Goodwin’s previous books, but Twice Burned just wasn’t for me.
For more reviews and other book news, please visit: https://theromancebibliophile.com
NO SPOILERS!
I loved the first book in the Love is Messy Duet, Hot Mess, and I had high hopes that Twice Burned would be just as good, if not better. Sadly, however, it wasn’t what I expected or hoped it would be. I loved Luke, Lexi, her kids, and a few others, but there were two characters in particular that I truly loathed. There were a lot of frustrating and annoying moments, and paired with all of the drama and angst, I was in an emotional upheaval throughout the entire book. The second half was better than the first, and I was pleased with the ending, but overall Twice Burned was disappointing. I hated to even say any of that because I’ve loved Emily Goodwin’s previous books, but Twice Burned just wasn’t for me.
For more reviews and other book news, please visit: https://theromancebibliophile.com
March 12, 2017
This is the continuation of The Love is Messy Duet and after the ending of book 1 I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.
I loved the conclusion of Luke and Lexi's story this was a couple I was routing for throughout both books. It has elements of everything from a hard working single mum, two cute as a button girls, a stupid who doesn't realise was he lost and a hot but tortured new man and as an extra bonus he's a fireman ❤️
reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
I loved the conclusion of Luke and Lexi's story this was a couple I was routing for throughout both books. It has elements of everything from a hard working single mum, two cute as a button girls, a stupid who doesn't realise was he lost and a hot but tortured new man and as an extra bonus he's a fireman ❤️
reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
March 24, 2017
What a perfect ending to this duet.
Luke and Lexi were just the most amazing and loving couple ever!!
They had their shortcomings and a lot of misunderstandings that needed to be worked on but in the end they proved that love is worth it, no matter how messy it gets.
Luke and Lexi were just the most amazing and loving couple ever!!
They had their shortcomings and a lot of misunderstandings that needed to be worked on but in the end they proved that love is worth it, no matter how messy it gets.
April 17, 2017
Happy sweet story
What a sweet story. I had hard get though the first book, but it was all me. This book has me in tears, not a consistent cry. Just some stray tears throughout the book.
What a sweet story. I had hard get though the first book, but it was all me. This book has me in tears, not a consistent cry. Just some stray tears throughout the book.
February 19, 2018
Only reason this book lost a star was because I thought the back and forth between Luke and Lexi was a bit much. And I wanted to smack Lexi when she kept listening to Cole. Anyhoo, still amazing and I couldn’t put it down. Finished both books in one day.
December 6, 2022
Why can't Lexy just ask questions? Why does she always have to assume the worst? She makes the story so hard to read, because she's always making stupid assumptions based on rumors instead of fully communicating.
TALK TO EACH OTHERS!
Urgh.
Otherwise, it was fine.
TALK TO EACH OTHERS!
Urgh.
Otherwise, it was fine.
July 2, 2017
4.5 Stars
September 21, 2017
This book?! Pure perfection! So much angst yet it was so incredibly sweet. I didn't think it would be possible, but I fell even more in love with Luke and Lexi!!
November 15, 2018
Great conclusion to this story. Luke and Lexi had a lot of things going on between them with all of Luke's baggage but thankfully things worked out between them.
March 24, 2022
I so enjoyed this duet. It totally sucked me in and gave me a wonderful ride. I can’t wait to start Cole’s duet.
April 15, 2022
I smirk at the highlight I have for this one. This one was more angsty (a bit too angsty). But it was nice to get closure. Frustration fueled my reading but overall I liked it.
January 13, 2018
I still dislike Cole! And Lexi worked my nerves....
June 29, 2017
Great book! I loved it!
March 5, 2017
At the end of Hot Mess and Luke left your heart was broken along with him and for Lexi too. What had started out as a one night stand turned into a love affair between two strangers BUT we all know sometimes life gets in the way of happiness. Two cities, one best friend, one tragedy, two brothers and a whole lot of anger tension and love between all of these characters.
Lexi also has to worry about her two little girls because they too are falling for Flynn Ryder aka Luke also. But when it comes to the matter of what the heart wants you will do anything and proven it all to make sure your heart won't be broken twice. Lexi does everything in her power to prove Luke is telling the truth about all the the tension and hate he and Cole have for each other and to be the best man he can for his best friend Jose.
When the truth finally prevails you know nothing will stop the love these two have for each other. They mold perfectly together like a family should !
This series was incredible and the strength and love of everyone of these characters where true to the heart !! Lexi strong independent single mom and Luke the no one can break me firefighter fit like a glove !! Wish I could give it more than a 5 star because Disney is the happiest place on the earth and so are these characters !!
Lexi also has to worry about her two little girls because they too are falling for Flynn Ryder aka Luke also. But when it comes to the matter of what the heart wants you will do anything and proven it all to make sure your heart won't be broken twice. Lexi does everything in her power to prove Luke is telling the truth about all the the tension and hate he and Cole have for each other and to be the best man he can for his best friend Jose.
When the truth finally prevails you know nothing will stop the love these two have for each other. They mold perfectly together like a family should !
This series was incredible and the strength and love of everyone of these characters where true to the heart !! Lexi strong independent single mom and Luke the no one can break me firefighter fit like a glove !! Wish I could give it more than a 5 star because Disney is the happiest place on the earth and so are these characters !!
March 16, 2017
QueenZany 4 Star Review
Twice Burned
Emily Goodwin
Twice Burned is a super sexy angsty love affair! That will make you cave in and dive head forward to Lexi and Luke's story! Finding the path and answers to all the why’s and heartache! Where true love lies and destiny takes it’s place!
Twice Burned
Emily Goodwin
Twice Burned is a super sexy angsty love affair! That will make you cave in and dive head forward to Lexi and Luke's story! Finding the path and answers to all the why’s and heartache! Where true love lies and destiny takes it’s place!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews