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The Day He Came Back

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It was the summer of my life.
I’d met the guy of my dreams.
Unfortunately, he was the son of my uppity employer—and very much off-limits.
But Gavin was a rebel. He knew his mother would disown him if she found out about us; in his eyes, we just had to be careful.
He never treated me as his mother did—like hired help.
Instead, Gavin put me on a pedestal and loved me harder than I’d ever been loved in my life.

What a summer it was.
Until it all ended—badly.

I was never supposed to see Gavin again.
That didn’t stop me from thinking about him every day for ten years.
I knew little about his life now, just that he was an entrepreneur living an ocean away.

When a twist of fate had me working again in the very place our love affair started a decade earlier, I knew it was only a matter of time before I might see him again.
But I wasn’t prepared.
What if he hated me?
What if he loved someone else now?
I wasn’t prepared for all the unknowns.

And most of all, I wasn’t prepared for today to be the day he came back.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2019

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About the author

Penelope Ward

84 books24.7k followers
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over 2-million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.

In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).

Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,425 reviews
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,338 reviews9,351 followers
August 15, 2019
Image and video hosting by TinyPic when-he-came-back MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

THE DAY HE CAME BACK: is a full length romance novel by Penelope ward. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'

Even though this has been done many times before when it came to the storyline it still ended up being an enjoyable read. This was so easy to get into, the story flowed effortlessly and the characters were easy to connect with on all levels. A slow burn second chance romance that will get its hooks into you before you know it.

Raven is the girl born on the wrong side of the tracks, her mother works for Gavin's family as their long term head housekeeper at Palm Beach, and Gavin is the boy born with a silver spoon in his mouth. But don't let that fool you. He doesn't act entitled, he's down to earth and just wants to live life however he chooses. He's over all the fakeness of Palm Beach.

Gavin and Weldon (brothers) are on summer break, Gavin was twenty-one years old and Weldon was a few years younger. Gavin had just recently graduated from Oxford and Weldon attended boarding school.

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It's inevitable whilst Ravin's employed as a part time housekeeper for the Masterton's that she meets Gavin. Straight away they are attracted to each other, he likes how she speaks her mind and she's drawn to his movie star looks. Gavin Masteron bled charm through his smile alone. He was drop dead gorgeous. Honestly he looked like a movie star.

Spending time in each other's company whenever they could sneak away they noticed how easily their conversations flowed, they clicked straight away, they wanted to know as much as possible about the other, they wanted to spend every waking moment with each other. Neither had felt this way before.

It escalated quickly from just friends to so much more.

It's a recipe for disaster when his mother is against such a reunion. She has it in her head that both boys will run their father's law firm when their schooling is officially finished with hopes that they might one day marry one of the Fab Five. There are five families with daughters who are just as rich as the Mastertons.

But what's a boy to do when he’s so attracted to her that his insides are all scrambled up?

He's falling and he's falling fast. And so is she. The more time they sneak around and see each other, the harder they fall.

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But when a spanner is thrown into the works and they are forced apart both go their separate ways.

TEN YEARS LATER: A twist of fate has Ravin back in the one place she never thought she'd step foot in again. But it's in completely different circumstances. Now she's employed as a part time nurse to care for Gavins father who requires round the clock care. And the boy that she once lost her heart to, is no longer a boy he's now a man who still owns a piece of her heart.

It's not long before the two fall under the love spell again..

* Teasers used are off the authors facebook page *

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Profile Image for Pavlina Read more sleep less blog  .
2,434 reviews5,107 followers
August 19, 2019
LIVE https://fave.co/2NcLeGh

5 STARS

If you haven't read a book from Penelope Ward this is the book you must read!It was simply perfect from page one till the end!All the feels, and the relationship between Gavin and Raven was both flawed and perfect to epic proportions!The Day He Came Back is so addictive, once you start it you can't put it down until you finish it!

description

“I will give you as much time as you need. But I want you. Only you. Not tomorrow—right fucking now, Raven. I don’t need time. I need you back.”

I'm sure I'm going to think a lot about Gavin and Raven.Their romance has everything I wanted, angst,slow burn,sweet moments,intense and hot!This is a second chance romance with all the feels!It was real,I was filled with such intense emotions!

This is a must read, this couple is going to touch you with their love story!I highly recommend it to everyone!

 


  
Profile Image for Vi Keeland.
Author 104 books32.4k followers
August 13, 2019
My favorite type of book by Penelope Ward is second chance, and this one made my heart melt! I loved Gavin from the first page. It's refreshing to read a hero who is kind and knows what he wants.
Profile Image for Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog.
1,260 reviews10.1k followers
August 18, 2019
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}



I had no chance to prepare myself. Before I knew it, I turned around and stared into the shocked eyes of the only guy I’d ever loved, one I hadn’t seen in a decade. I’d never dreamed that today –a random Wednesday—would be the day he came back.






The latest by Penelope Ward is a forbidden/second chance romance. Gavin Masterson is the oldest son of a powerful and affluent family, while Raven is the only child of the Masterson family’s maid. When Gavin returns home after graduating from Oxford University, he becomes instantly bewitched by Raven much to the horror of his uptight and controlling mother. The two carry on a secret romance for about a month but then Raven abruptly breaks up with Gavin and doesn’t tell him the real reason for her decision to end things. Ten years later, the two cross paths again. The attraction is still there but has time erased the pain suffered from a broken heart? Will the truth come out and even if it does, is it too late for these two to rekindle their romance?






I have been a huge fan of Penelope Ward’s for years now, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. The cover of ”THE DAY HE CAME BACK” is visually stunning! The plot was decent but I wasn’t crazy in love with either character. When we get towards the last 30% of the book, it felt a bit rushed. All of the issues that the couple had to face seemed to be quickly and neatly resolved. I did like that the first half of the book was devoted to the couple’s past and the last half jumped to the present. The switching from past to present every other chapter is getting old in romances, so this was a refreshing change for me.



Here are my overall ratings:

Hero: 4
Heroine: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Angst: 4
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 4.5



”THE DAY HE CAME BACK” releases on August 19th.


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Profile Image for Penelope Ward.
Author 84 books24.7k followers
Read
August 23, 2019
★ ★GOING, GOING, GONE! THIS IS IT!★ ★
I am changing the special release price of THE DAY HE CAME BACK VERY shortly. Get this emotional, second-chance romance while it's still $3.99 (US). It's moving to $4.99 permanently after release and will not be on sale ever again. It also will NOT be going into Kindle Unlimited. Grab it now before the price goes up!
Amazon ➜ https://fave.co/2NcLeGh
Amazon UK ➜ https://amzn.to/2NcX8jr
Apple Books ➜ https://fave.co/2ScFey5
Nook ➜ https://fave.co/2MKredQ
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Paperback ➜ https://fave.co/2xzNIFX
Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,394 reviews1,464 followers
August 28, 2019
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

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Raven Donatacci is a 20 yr. old girl from Florida. Her mom works as a housekeeper for the Masterson’s, a rich, powerful family in Palm Beach. They have two sons whose futures have already been mapped out for them. The oldest Gavin is enjoying his last summer home before law school when he lays eyes on the strikingly beautiful Raven. He couldn’t get her out of his head, and wanted to get to know her better. His parents had a plan for his life that didn’t include the girl from across the bridge. They tried to control and dictate his choices, but Raven had made a big impression on him in a short amount of time. They came from different worlds, but she saw the real him.

Raven has an unforgettable summer where she allows herself to get completely lost in Gavin. His kisses are addictive, and she can’t resist him or his smile. She knew his mother would never accept her, but she didn’t want their time together to end. Then everything spirals out of control. Sacrifices are made, secrets are kept, and she’s left heartbroken and with regrets.

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Ten years later she finds herself back working at the Masterson's, and coming face to face with the one that got away. The only guy she's ever loved is back.

Gavin returns home from London for the first time in a year. He's completely blindsided to see Raven again. All his old feelings come flooding back at the sight of her, and he realizes his heart never healed or forgot her. They were young when they fell in love, and their paths went separate ways. Neither is prepared to handle the unbreakable connection that still exists between them.

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-Raven had the kind of beauty that made a man lose his mind, made him risk everything.

-Every second she looked in my eyes, she owned a little more of me. These feelings were not going away.

-I was still blinded by her beauty. I couldn't help the physical attraction. It was undeniable and palpable. I doubted my body would ever stop reacting to her.

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The Day He Came Back by Penelope Ward is a sexy, forbidden, standalone second chance romance about heartbreak and first loves. It's a beautiful love story full of angst and emotion. I really loved this book, these characters, and adore this author's writing!

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Profile Image for Ellen ✦ Book Bellas ✦.
1,618 reviews338 followers
August 18, 2019
2.5 STARS

Overall this was a lovely, second-chance romance with two very likable main characters.

I wanted to love this book, but much of the story felt rushed, glossed over, a lot of tell and not show...and a fairly simplistic story line that in my opinion was not very imaginative or original.

Raven and Gavin had great chemistry together but my main issue with the book is that the author picked a locale (Palm Beach, Florida) for no apparent reason, and then tossed around place names as if to give it authenticity. Most readers would not notice the mistakes, but as a native Floridian, they took me right out of the story. 🙁

I enjoyed the alternating POV's but the drama seemed a little over the top for me. Once again, Penelope Ward did write enjoyable secondary characters, and a very sweet Epilogue. With that said, this one just wasn't for me.

(ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,304 followers
Shelved as 'author-i-don-t-read'
July 25, 2019
I hope this poor girl wasn't celibate for 10 years or had only bad sex.
I could bet she did, but I don't care.
Another one... 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Grecia Robles.
1,591 reviews407 followers
October 24, 2019
Este libro lo leí por pura curiosidad porque Penelope Ward y yo nomas NO.

Odio que todas sus historias son iguales, second chance, la primera parte prometedora pero la segunda decepcionante y lo que más gordo me cae es que tengan novi@, simplemente su estilo no me gusta y yo la había descartado.

Y ya sé que se preguntaran Grecia entonces para que lo lees masoquismo puro amigos, la verdad es que leí la sinopsis y necesitaba saber cómo terminaba.

Y sí la historia es el mismo formato que ella viene manejando pero por primera vez él libro me entretuvo y no estuvo tan malo.
Y la historia va así, si has visto las novelas de Thalia, tal cual.
Es un drama telenovelezco de las historias rosas de televisa, chica pobre, chico rico, mamá mala que los separa pasan los años se vuelven a encontrar y felices para siempre FIN.

Esa es toda mi reseña bye.
Pd mi calificación es 2.5 pero soy bien generosa.
Profile Image for Christy.
4,105 reviews34.6k followers
January 28, 2022
3.5 stars

I enjoyed this one, even if it was a bit predictable for me.

Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Sebastian York
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 7h 24m
Profile Image for Kristen.
841 reviews4,968 followers
February 9, 2020
1.5 Stars
This author is hit or miss for me and this book was a big time miss. To be honest, I just got bored and had to force myself to finish...and that required a bit of skimming to accomplish. I think some of my issue was there was too much time spent in their past (past/present not my favorite) and not enough time spent in their present. I didn’t feel a connection to the love story or the characters. That said, many seemed to enjoy this story so it may work for you.
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,545 reviews1,506 followers
Want to read
August 21, 2019
Covergasm ... I really don't know if I should just lose myself in the cover or dare to read it. I am not a very good reader of second chance romance but... this cover... it makes me want to read it :)

Christian Hogue -> good choice :)




ONE QUESTION:

Can any of my friends who have read it please tell me if there is unplanned pregnancy or secret child trope in it? Thanks a lot in advance :)
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
962 reviews76 followers
August 25, 2019
Raven and Gavin and the banana sticker...

As everything I read written by Penelope this is a hot with me. I loved Gavin.. I loved how sexy he was portrayed. The minute he saw her and her wise remark in the kitchen he was hooked. Raven was beautiful. But not in his mother's eyes. Would they have a life. ??
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,396 reviews2,119 followers
August 18, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
3.75 stars



One magical summer, Raven Donatacci and Gavin Masterson had the best time of their young lives. Things were not meant to be when they were pulled apart and left their hearts in pieces. Years went by and neither of them thought they would ever see each other again. When a situation brought them back together, old wound reopened and they had to face the truth or forever suffer the consequences.



I have to say Part One of the book was dated. I loved both of them then and it was lovely seeing their beginnings but the plot lines had every cliche there could be for the trope. Thankfully, I liked Part Two much better. It was a slow burn, but the angst helped propel the story.

But all the feelings I’d ever had for him were still there, and a part of me wished he felt the same—even just a little.


Gavin was such a nice guy. I liked how he was considerate without letting people walk all over him. I admired Raven’s sacrifices but sometimes I just wanted to slap her face for her to wake her up. My favorite character was actually a secondary one. The character evolved and made me cared and changed my opinion.

You know how when people lose a limb, they say they can sometimes still feel it, even though it isn’t there? That happens with a broken heart, too.


The Day He Came Back is a story of love and sacrifices. It would appeal to readers who enjoy second chance romance with a significant time gap.

Note 1: If you plan to read this, avoid reading the blurb because it says too much.
Note 2: The bath scene was my favorite 😆.






🔸💛🔸. . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . 🔸💛🔸





For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,217 reviews1,286 followers
August 18, 2019
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Palm Beach, Florida.

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Raven and Gavin.

He's the rich boy - College in England, Yale in the fall.

She's the daughter of the maid. From the wrong side of the bay.

But as soon as they meet for the first time when they're 20 and 21 it's like/love/lust at first sight.

His mother is mega against them and threatens jobs and inheritances et cetera.

After that one amazing summer they won't be seeing each other for ten years.

But now Raven is back at the mansion as a nurse - to take care of Gavin's dad.

And Gavin is suddenly back from wherever he was living his rich entrepreneur life in Europe.

What will happen?

Is this now finally their time?

Or are there still mean moms and other things/people against them?

READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺

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I loved this book!

I kinda hate books where we go back in time constantly! But we didn't do that here exactly. We get a now prologue and then we hear the whole story from ten years ago. The second half of the book takes us back to the present time. I always prefer the present time - even though I always end up loving (and hating) whatever happens in the back-in-time moments too. Grrr. ☺ This time I loved the back-in-time moments, but the book's title had me hoping for more present time action. And we just get this little second half of the book for that. It wasn't enough for me. I wanted more of them falling back in love again - or discovering their feelings again. With a title like that, the story should've concentrated more on the present time.

But I still really loved this book. It was really nothing new or über-excitingly innovative or original.

It's your typical rich boy / poor girl - son of the house / hired help - second chance cinderella love story.
But we love those, right? I definitely do.

I hated his mother - ugh, what a b-word person!

We hate that they haven't spent the last ten years together - that we wasted all that time!
I really hated that. It should've been a bit shorter!

I hated what broke them apart. That was so lame and unoriginal and I really expect better from my romance authors.

And then another thing. I'll put it in a spoiler thingy!



I loved Gavin and Raven. They're so adorable together. They can be real with each other. Talk about hopes and dreams and joke with each other. I really liked reading their together-chapters. At least those in the past - the present time ones were just too short and cheaty. (Don't worry - there's no cheating, but still ... )

I was not a huge fan of either of their hobbies. Both not something I would ever want to do - his is the worst thing that I could imagine having as a hobby! ☺☺

And I don't love the whole location. I hate Florida. I'm a winter person - so anything hot, sunny and humid is the worst for me.

BUT - that doesn't really have anything to do with the story. That's just me. The story was cute and fun and sexy and heartbreaking and frustrating. I still kinda loved it - even if my review makes it seem like I hated everything! I didn't!!!! There were just some major half-hard-reading-limits in here for me.

The cover though! Beautiful!

The writing ....it was a bit weird. Not sure if I never noticed it before. I remember Penelope's last book had weird writing too - but before that?? I can't remember. It's nothing major, but it's a bit weird here and there. Like too formal. Not like two twenty year olds would talk to each other.
But that's probably just me and my weird brain!

THE DAY HE CAME BACK was a really adorable second chance cinderella love story with some very heartbreaking & frustrating moments! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Gavin - this one is MINE!!!
and I mean the Gavin in the book and the Christian on the cover!!! ☺

description




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Profile Image for Ainhoa.
422 reviews17 followers
July 19, 2022
Once again I ignore all the books from my tbr (they probably left already to find someone better than me) to read a random find whilst scrolling on GR.

And once again, not my best decision in life.

It was an okay book. They loved each other so much, they hurt so much and all that stuff. I guess I’m just heartless because it didn’t grip me and didn’t make me sob.
Profile Image for Wil Loves Books!.
1,256 reviews474 followers
October 10, 2019
"You can’t give your heart to someone when it belongs to someone else. You’ve always had my heart, even though you didn’t know it.”

I loved this one a lot. Probably my favorite Penelope Ward book to date. The Day He Came Back is an amazing second chance romance. I devoured this one and read it in one sitting. I simply loved everything about Gavin and Raven and their love story.

"I’ve looked for you in every woman I’ve ever met, trying to find that same connection, those emotions I felt when I was with you, but that was never possible, because there’s only one you.”

This is a true, rich boy, poor girl, star-crossed lovers story. Is very Cinderella-ish. Gavin falls completely in love with Raven, who is the daughter of the housekeeper. But his family, especially his mother won't accept that. Something (or someone) happens that separates them. Now, 10 years later, Gavin and Raven find each other again under unexpected circumstances and their love is pretty much still there, it's just a matter of overcoming their past and finding their way to each other. I love the way the story is told, and I simply appreciate the background and flashbacks. I also loved that Penelope paced the book so perfectly that you kept finding things out as the story went that made the story way more interesting. Both main characters are extremely likeable and well developed. And that epilogue is everything! If you are a lover of second chance romance like I am, then you must read this one!

A decade was gone, but she was still my dream girl. That beautiful long, black hair that framed her porcelain skin. That button nose. Those big, green eyes. That beautiful soul. The girl who always saw me for me. My Raven. Ten years ago, I’d been willing to give up everything. That still held true today. I had given up my life as I knew it for her. And I’d do it again.
51 reviews41 followers
November 27, 2020

Finally, I have finished reading this. It was just 300 pages but it seemed to go on forever. I just wanted the characters to finally see what was right in front of them from the very first page and be done with it.

Part of the reason this book seemed to go on forever because I didn't get a lot of time to read the past few days and it took me 4 days to finish this book.

I knew from the very beginning what was going to happen and didn't get excited about anything in particular. The whole reading experience was pretty monotonous.

In the last few months, I've just read a lot of Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland books. Maybe that's just it . I've read so many of her novels that they've started to all blend in together; the stories and characters have become a blur in my head, and the recurring themes have become too predictable.

I need to explore new authors. ASAP
Profile Image for Dali.
1,932 reviews546 followers
August 21, 2019
With The Day He Came Back Ward provides a delectable romance that balances sweetness, angst and sexiness in a wonderfully unputdownable read.
Every second she looked in my eyes, she owned a little more of me. These feelings were not going away.

When Raven was twenty years old she got a summer job helping out at one of the wealthiest estates in Palm Beach where she met the very off-limits Masterson brothers. That didn’t stop her from falling for Gavin, the charming rebel.
“I plan to be good—unless you beg me to be bad.” ~ Gavin to Raven

It was love at first sight for Gavin who had never met a more vibrant, genuine and down-to-earth girl. Even though he knew his mother was dead set against her sons associating with anyone outside of their elevated social circle, Gavin was determined to win Raven. They just had to make sure his mother didn’t find out.
She knocked me on my @ss both literally and figuratively, and I never wanted to get up. Ever.

They had the summer of their lives, falling deeply in love. Sadly though, it ended in heartbreak. Ten years later, Raven has been hired to work at the place that started it all, and sooner or later she’s bound to run into Gavin. How had that decade affected them?

I was completely swept away by this story. Written with an effortless pace and delightful characters, I was hooked from start to finish. Gavin was a swoon worthy book boyfriend with irresistible charm who wore his feelings on his sleeve while Raven was strong, honest and didn’t take any B.S. from anyone.

Because they came from very different backgrounds they had a few minor bumps and one major one in their journey towards finding happiness, but I enjoyed every moment of their fun, sexy and touching story.

The Day He Came Back is a full length standalone contemporary romance by author Penelope Ward. It’s written from both points of view with a lovely happy ending and no cliffhanger.

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

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Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,841 reviews1,440 followers
August 19, 2019
Full disclosure: I struggle sometimes with second-chance books that are set up like this. Where we get the first part of the relationship in one half, and then the “second-chance” in the second half. I like to have lots of time with the couple building their romance or settling into it or actually being together and – this set-up doesn’t always allow for that. And in truth, it did take me a while to settle into this one. I mean, the writing is engaging and it was easy to read, but I felt a little on edge and emotionally detached from it for a while.

Until I didn’t.

Admittedly, it happened during the “second chance” portion, but there was a distinct moment where I went from passively enjoying this book to actively dying to know what happened next. And it wasn’t a moment I would have expected from myself – which was an odd, but pleasant surprise, and perhaps one of my favorite things about it.

It’s sexy, and compelling, and it’s not hard to love a Cinderella story. It was a bit of a mixed bag for me. It didn’t pack quite the emotional punch that I was looking for, but I also couldn’t put it down and have zero regrets about the time I spent with Raven and Gavin (and frankly, Weldon, whose scene stealing antics provided some of my favorite moments). If you like your second chance romance packed with angst and laced with the forbidden factor, this is one to check out! ~ Shelly, 3.5 Stars

***

The Day He Came Back is a sweet, sexy, second-chance romance between a wealthy and privileged man and the woman from the wrong side of town he fell in love with ten years ago.

Gavin and Raven met the summer before he was heading to law school and instantly connected. Though they grew up under vastly different economic situations, neither Gavin nor Raven felt like they weren’t worthy of each other. That they couldn’t really love each other and have a future.

Until Gavin’s mother interceded. And then their relationship fell apart—their love wasn’t enough to keep them together when so much was at stake.

And then Fate interceded ten years later. Now Raven is spending her days at Gavin’s family home. She’s a trusted, beloved caregiver and is completely caught off guard the day Gavin comes home unannounced.

She never expected to see him again. Never expected to have the feelings she’s kept suppressed for ten years rise to the surface. She never expected that she’d still be in love with Gavin after all this time.

And Gavin never expected to feel the same things either.

The Day He Came Back takes us to ten years ago when Raven and Gavin fell in love and fell apart and then back to the present day when things get real for them. Honestly, I loved the flashback to seeing young Raven and Gavin together. Watching them sidestep their feelings until they just couldn’t help themselves. And then being devastated when they were pulled apart.

However, I missed that same connection between them when they saw each other again. I didn’t feel the insta-connection, the lingering love. Sure, I was told it was there, but I missed the spark from their earlier relationship. That in addition to some of the ancillary side stories, kept me from fully engaging in their reunion, until the epilogue. Which was fantastic. Though, if Weldon's story is written, I am all in!~ Missy, 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Lisa.
248 reviews27 followers
February 6, 2020
I was left very unsatisfied and underwhelmed. I’ve read soooo many of Penelope’s books and it’s usually so moving and pulls you in, but sadly this was not her best work.

This was told in dual POV and past and present. The past was the first half of the book and I got bored and the present is where I was conflicted and left me disappointed. The reunion is where I should have really got the feels but the third party distraction really derailed it for me and yes it was still lukewarm. I couldn’t even muster up some anger for making this a triangle because frankly this triangle wasn’t even edgy. Lol. The love between any one of them was drab, I mean I don’t even think they believed it! Also the writing was very dialogue-y. Most things said between each other and their reactions were respectful and honest and really the right thing but there was something hollow and missing about this story almost like their were programmed to “do things the right way”. Yeah I liked Raven enough and sort of liked goody two shoes Gavin but it was all so bland. So much dialogue and talking....and talking with so much honesty. I love second chance love stories but what I didn’t expect was one with a third party and I didn’t like how it made me feel given our H professed his love of said third party. Very eerily reminded me of Penelope’s other book “Step brother dearest” - similar theme and now that I’m thinking of it, I hated that part of that book too. What was up with the second half and the crazy emotional drivel going on. It didn’t pack quite the punch it could of had but everyone was crying - too much, to quickly. The h would cry every chapter, then the H had tears. The best friends and even the brother. I was force to try to connect through emotional manipulation. I was hoping she would run away with the brother. More suited. It wasn’t totally dreadful but it was not the best. Barely 2.5 sad and honest stars.
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,195 reviews320 followers
August 18, 2019
Good story.
Separation lasts 10 years.
Dual POV.
During separation both are with others.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
Hero is engaged to other woman when the Hero and heroine see each other again.
Hero says he loves his fiance but it's a different love to the intense love he had for the heroine years before.
Heroine broke it off under pressure from his mother, she blackmailed her into doing it, the reasons the heroine gives in are valid.
The Hero comes back to see his father, the heroine is his father's nurse, the Hero fiancee suprise visits while the heroine is there.
He doesn't pursue the heroine until he sorts things with his fiance.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Robyn.
713 reviews41 followers
August 25, 2019
4.25 My Queen Stars

I’m never disappointed with P. Ward’s words! This books had the angst, palpable emotion, and the bits of humor that I’ve come to expect with her books.
Profile Image for Mariagcri.
312 reviews17 followers
February 9, 2021
Tre meno..
Posso dire,meno male che è finito?una noia pazzesca!😒 sottolineo una scena in particolare che considero del tutto fuori luogo e senza senso...del tutto inutile al contesto della storia e che mi ha lasciato basita!😶
Assolutamente delusa,non mi è piaciuto,stile piatto e semplicistico,per niente accattivante o piacevole,non so manco perché l'ho letto tutto...🤔forse pensavo avrebbe avuto un guizzo,qualcosa prima della fine,ahimè,così non è stato.😑
September 4, 2019
4 ⭐'s

This is a second chance, rich boy-poor girl romance. Gavin and Raven meet when they're younger and ~sort of~ grow up together with her mother being their housekeeper.

It's now ten years later and circumstance have changed greatly. Raven is Gavin's father's care giver and Gavin shows up unexpectedly.

The story is broken up into two parts - the past and the present. While I enjoyed the past, I think too much time was spent on it. I really wanted more of them in the present.

There are some good angst moments in both parts and there are some funny parts. The part with Gavin's dad in the tub was super awkward and funny as hell.

I was happy with how things worked out but I'm really intrigued with Gavin's brother, Weldon. I hope Penelope Ward writes his story.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,711 reviews529 followers
August 19, 2019
Not my favorite from an author I am always ready to one-click on any release. This one really disappointed me. I didn't really feel there was much depth or enough time spent on relationship building -- and most likely because of the big gap in time between first young love and then a second chance ten years later. It was pretty much a twofer insta-love situation in the making, both past and present. I felt short-changed all the way around.

Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,415 reviews232 followers
August 24, 2019
Raven and Gavin met as teenagers, her mother worked as a housekeeper for his family and Raven helped out part time on occasion. They come from completely different worlds but there is something about Raven that draws Gavin in. She is so easy to talk to and Gavin loves how relaxed he feels when he spends time with her.

‘When you’re in a room, your shine brighter than anyone else.’

Before too long Raven and Gavin have fallen in love and spend every spare moment of their summer together. This is all done in secret as Gavin’s mother forbids them being any more than friends. There is no way her son will ever end up with a girl like Raven. When things begin to unravel in Raven’s home life she finds herself dependent on Gavin’s family for help. This turns out to be a double edged sword as someone uses her misfortune to their advantage by manipulating Raven into making a heart breaking decision. One that will forever change both Gavin and Raven.

Years later, Raven finds herself once again working back at Gavin’s family home, taking care of his father. She has been doing so for the last six months when she was posted here in her role as a community nurse.

Gavin came back to be there for his father and is shocked to see Raven. She is equally as shocked to see Gavin, she has been caring for his father the past six months as his dementia has been slowly taking his memory. Looking after Gunther is her way of honouring her mother’s memory and a way for Raven to pay him back for his kindness and generosity she was shown when her mother was dying.

She is shocked when Gavin arrives back to see his ailing father. Initially he is angry at seeing Raven in his family home again, this is the girl that completely wrecked him living him heart broken for many years. However, when he sees how much happiness she brings to his father he reluctantly puts his anger aside. Gavin is shocked by his depth of feelings for Raven, it is still as strong as it always was. It took him years to let go and find happiness with someone else but now it feels like he is cheating on Raven. He is feeling conflicted and guilty.

Raven’s feelings for Gavin have never wavered. Seeing that he has moved on with his life gives her mixed feelings, she is happy for him and devastated for what could have been. She mourns the life they should have together, had it not been for a malicious manipulator. She has never moved on from him, after losing her mother she eventually found a career path but there has been no one special.

Gavin’s visit is temporary and feels torn between his life in the UK and being with his father..And then there is Raven. When Gavin finds out Raven’s reasons for leaving him all those years ago he is devastated. Could his life get any more complicated? He is filled with so much sadness and regret. He has no idea what to do now.

‘You’re not just some girl. You’re the girl. And if I was with anyone else, it was only because I believed I couldn’t have you. I will give you as much time as you need. But I want you. Only you. Not tomorrow - right fucking now, Raven. I don’t need time. I need you back.’

So a nice dose of angst, a nasty book villain and the promise of second chance love underpins this heartfelt story. Can these two works things out and reclaim the life they were destined to have and deserve or is the past better left behind them? This was a very addictive read that was the star of my reading party on Saturday night!
Profile Image for Pilar S.C..
Author 9 books236 followers
April 26, 2022
Aunque suene feo, lo que más me ha gustado del libro ha sido la portada.

Por lo demás, hay párrafos muy buenos, pero en su mayoría la historia me ha dejado igual. Quizás ha sido más emotiva al final con las respectivas situaciones familiares.

Ningún personaje ha destacado, y tampoco hay giros inesperados.
Profile Image for Jessica.
536 reviews16 followers
August 18, 2019
Background noise

Know how when you're doing something you keep a show or movie playing for background noise? That's what this book felt like for me - background noise. It didnt resonate with me, I didnt feel anything and I didnt wish for anything to happen except for the book to end. After the reunion, I was actually kinda hoping Weldon and the h got together. Total miss for me.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
2,851 reviews12 followers
August 14, 2019
ARC received for an honest review

Helloooo hot cover guy. I am not really one to bother with covers, however the orange makes this one stand out. And what is it with Penelope Ward (and her collabs with Vi Keeland) and their covers that are always so lickable?

The premise of this story is nothing new - rich boy/not rich girl/works for him scenario. We have read about this a thousand times already. However this did not stop me enjoying The Day He Came Back.

I just wished that there was more of when he came back, and not so much of way back then. Don't get me wrong, we needed the then, however maybe not so much? This is probably just a me thing though.

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship going on with our guy Gavin. I don't know, most of the time I adored him, but other times I wanted to shank him lol.

Good on Raven for doing things she does throughout.

This book had me longing, had my frustrated and annoyed, and a couple of tears may have been shed.

However, there is this "thing" that always happens in a Penelope Ward book. I was reading along, thinking "please don't do that thing" and then BAM, there is was. The dreaded "thing". It is predictable that this is going to happen and we don't need it!

Let's hope the next book it isn't there lol

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