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Balsam Ridge #2
Fate After Fame
After years of hard work and saving all my pennies while working as Balsam Ridge’s librarian, my dream of opening a combination book store and cafe is finally coming to fruition.
Everything is on track until my old high school flame, Nashville’s trouble-making superstar Garrett Tuttle, comes back to town. His wild ways and out-of-control behavior caused his label to send him home while the chatter dies down. Garrett doesn’t know how to lay low, and his arrival turns my world upside down.
But I’m not the same broken-hearted girl he left all those years ago, and I’m the only woman on earth who’s not affected by his playboy charm.
Can I stand firm or will Garrett’s sweet lyrics make my heart soar again?
Everything is on track until my old high school flame, Nashville’s trouble-making superstar Garrett Tuttle, comes back to town. His wild ways and out-of-control behavior caused his label to send him home while the chatter dies down. Garrett doesn’t know how to lay low, and his arrival turns my world upside down.
But I’m not the same broken-hearted girl he left all those years ago, and I’m the only woman on earth who’s not affected by his playboy charm.
Can I stand firm or will Garrett’s sweet lyrics make my heart soar again?
294 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2022
About the author
Amber Kelly
38 books739 followersAmber Kelly is a romance author that calls North Carolina home. She has been an avid reader from a young age and you could always find her with her nose in a book completely enthralled in an adventure. With the support of her husband and family, in 2018, she decided to finally give a voice to the stories in her head and her debut novel, Both of Me was born. You can connect with Amber on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorAmberKelly, on IG @authoramberkelly or on twitter @AuthorAmberKel1.
http://authoramberkelly.com/
http://authoramberkelly.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
September 7, 2022
4 stars
Fate After Fame is another great small town romance in Amber Kelly’s Balsam Ridge series.
I was looking forward to reading about the bad boy/country music star, Garrett. Garrett and Ansley were high school sweethearts and she was willing to go anywhere to be with him and help him achieve his dreams, but he broke up with her in a bad way when he went to Nashville and made it big. Now, years have past and he’s back in town to clean up his image a bit.
Ansley is not happy about this. She’s opening her own business and living her own dream and Garrett coming back to town isn’t helping. She knows the effect he has on her and she doesn’t know if she can stay away. I love a good second chance romance and this was really good. I’m excited to read the next book in this series, since it’s Corbin’s! I’m enjoying these books so much and can’t wait to read more!
Fate After Fame is another great small town romance in Amber Kelly’s Balsam Ridge series.
I was looking forward to reading about the bad boy/country music star, Garrett. Garrett and Ansley were high school sweethearts and she was willing to go anywhere to be with him and help him achieve his dreams, but he broke up with her in a bad way when he went to Nashville and made it big. Now, years have past and he’s back in town to clean up his image a bit.
Ansley is not happy about this. She’s opening her own business and living her own dream and Garrett coming back to town isn’t helping. She knows the effect he has on her and she doesn’t know if she can stay away. I love a good second chance romance and this was really good. I’m excited to read the next book in this series, since it’s Corbin’s! I’m enjoying these books so much and can’t wait to read more!
May 15, 2022
I have not read the first book in this series, but you don't have to as this book can be read as a standalone novel. I really enjoyed this charming small-town romance. I wanted to "hate" Garrett for what he did to Ansley so many years ago, but I could not. Garrett turned out to be a bit misunderstood and to have a good heart; therefore, I felt for him.
Where Ansley is concerned, I instantly liked her a lot. In fact, I could picture myself as Ansley. She and I shared the same traits and mannerisms. So it was easy to warm up to Ansley. Where the romance and sparks between Ansley and Garrett are concerned, there was sparks but they did not have an "instalove" connection. I liked this based on their past history. Thus, when these two did finally become intimate it felt real. I look forward to continuing this series.
Where Ansley is concerned, I instantly liked her a lot. In fact, I could picture myself as Ansley. She and I shared the same traits and mannerisms. So it was easy to warm up to Ansley. Where the romance and sparks between Ansley and Garrett are concerned, there was sparks but they did not have an "instalove" connection. I liked this based on their past history. Thus, when these two did finally become intimate it felt real. I look forward to continuing this series.
November 22, 2022
The first book in this series was much better imo. I liked this story over all but there were a few parts of the story I couldn't over look. One too many hypocritical characters for my liking but the authors writing is one I easily connect with so I breezed through this one.
February 7, 2024
Balsam Ridge
Life After Wife —3.5 stars
Fate After Fame — 2 stars/DNF 53%
Rain After Fire — tbr
Love After Duty — tbr
Hope After Loss — tbr
Rise After Fall — tbr
I’m a big fan of AK’s previous series, Poplar Falls — it’s genuinely one of my favorite fictional places —. So after those, I didn’t see this dnf coming. I never even considered dnf-ing any other AK book before. I just couldn’t find the motivation to continue. The more I read the less I liked the H(especially) & h. The H seemed so immature & like a low-key creep. Generally speaking, a lkc in some ways can be worse than your garden variety creep because their behavior tends to get excused (‘…but he’s really a good guy underneath…blah blah blah’) or is barely addressed, if at all. Whereas the h seemed to be headed too far on a path of being a decisive doormat. 🤦🏻♀️ I’m not convinced finishing FAF would change my mind on either one.
So yeah, Fate After Fame was a miss for me, but I’ll be back to Balsam Ridge at some point. I’m in no way turned off by the series itself or the author & I’m certainly not aiming to influence anyone away from the rest of AK’s catalog. I still wanna know how the other Tuttle brothers’ love lives unfold. It’s really these 2 characters that are simply not my cuppa. So I just wouldn’t rec this particular book, if those character types lack appeal for you too.
Life After Wife —3.5 stars
Fate After Fame — 2 stars/DNF 53%
Rain After Fire — tbr
Love After Duty — tbr
Hope After Loss — tbr
Rise After Fall — tbr
I’m a big fan of AK’s previous series, Poplar Falls — it’s genuinely one of my favorite fictional places —. So after those, I didn’t see this dnf coming. I never even considered dnf-ing any other AK book before. I just couldn’t find the motivation to continue. The more I read the less I liked the H(especially) & h. The H seemed so immature & like a low-key creep. Generally speaking, a lkc in some ways can be worse than your garden variety creep because their behavior tends to get excused (‘…but he’s really a good guy underneath…blah blah blah’) or is barely addressed, if at all. Whereas the h seemed to be headed too far on a path of being a decisive doormat. 🤦🏻♀️ I’m not convinced finishing FAF would change my mind on either one.
So yeah, Fate After Fame was a miss for me, but I’ll be back to Balsam Ridge at some point. I’m in no way turned off by the series itself or the author & I’m certainly not aiming to influence anyone away from the rest of AK’s catalog. I still wanna know how the other Tuttle brothers’ love lives unfold. It’s really these 2 characters that are simply not my cuppa. So I just wouldn’t rec this particular book, if those character types lack appeal for you too.
May 23, 2022
Ansley and Garrett were so in love back in the day, but things change and fast forward so many years later, she's back in her hometown, and he's this famous singer. Second chances, celebrity, small town romance, Garrett is back home due to some bad publicity, and being home makes him realize a lot of things missing from his life, like family, honest people and the love of his life. It was an ok read for me, Garrett wasn't very likable IMO. I have my reasons, I don't want to spoil it for people who wants to read it, but nah, the way he left, his reasons yes, I understood, but no, the way he left, just no. Ansley was so sweet and likable but the grovel wasn't even a grovel and just made it way too easy for him to come back into her life. I just didn't feel their chemistry, but to each their own. I get where the story was going, but some of the stuff that was coming out of his mouth was not desirable. First person dual POV. Overall, it was an ok read for me.
May 20, 2022
I have been looking forward to this book. It is well written,interesting, and builds until all the answers are revealed. I love that kind of story typically. I love the town. I love Garrett’s family. I can’t wait to read about all the brothers.
My issue with this story is I struggle to like Garrett or Ansley. I absolutely hate her dad which if you read the story you might think is too strong of an emotion. His character triggers me. He is pastor who spent YEARS lying to his daughter. He also stood by and watch her feel abandoned. What a jerk. Ugh no. Just NO.
Truthfully Ansley was one dimensional and Garrett was a coward. I understand when he was younger but WTH, if he hadn’t gotten caught in trouble he still wouldn’t have come back for Ansley. I HATE that I feel so mad but I do.
Deep breath. Ok I am letting it go now.
This is just one reader’s opinion… so you all do you.
My issue with this story is I struggle to like Garrett or Ansley. I absolutely hate her dad which if you read the story you might think is too strong of an emotion. His character triggers me. He is pastor who spent YEARS lying to his daughter. He also stood by and watch her feel abandoned. What a jerk. Ugh no. Just NO.
Truthfully Ansley was one dimensional and Garrett was a coward. I understand when he was younger but WTH, if he hadn’t gotten caught in trouble he still wouldn’t have come back for Ansley. I HATE that I feel so mad but I do.
Deep breath. Ok I am letting it go now.
This is just one reader’s opinion… so you all do you.
November 24, 2022
Didn’t love this as much as the last one a little low on the angst and very little grovel.
You know what really annoyed me… the it’s always been you but it took me 10 years and countless apparently fill in women to come back and let’s be honest had he not been forced to return home and lay low I question if he would have in fact returned at all… and I’m still on the fence for their HEA.
You know what really annoyed me… the it’s always been you but it took me 10 years and countless apparently fill in women to come back and let’s be honest had he not been forced to return home and lay low I question if he would have in fact returned at all… and I’m still on the fence for their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2022
Fate After Fame is the perfect title for this book set in Balsam Ridge, Tennessee. This author sets a descriptive scene like no other and will easily transport you to the majestic mountains bordering this endearing small town with her words.
Garrett Tuttle left his high school sweetheart, Ansley, after high school to pursue a country music career and made it big. The story unfolds over time and readers will come to know the reasons he left, and why she was understandably hurt and confused. Ansley grew up to be the town’s sweetheart as well. She graduated with a master’s degree in library science, became the town’s librarian, and is now pursuing a new dream of opening up her own coffee shop that features book sales and encourages reading. You go girl!
While Garrett was traveling, living it up, and getting into trouble from time to time, she remained rooted and steadfast pursuing her goals which I admired. Ansley had a supportive, fun group of friends (Erin, Jena and Taeli) who always had her back, but was never really able to move on from her first love, who is now a world-wide heartthrob. When Garrett comes back to town and she runs into him by accident after 15 long years, they reconnect. Although she tried to avoid him, it’s hard for her to stay away, and all the old feelings come to the surface.
I liked all the scenes where they were getting to know each other again as adults, and how they could talk things through and feel like no time has passed. I liked how Garrett did mature and see the error of his ways, and how he felt at peace at home with his family and respected his parents and brothers when they gave him advice.
There isn’t much angst or drama in Fate After Fame, and the book moves at a great pace with lots of interactions from fabulous characters and of course steamy times. I just wish Garrett would have contacted her sooner knowing what he did to her when she was only 17. He lost hero points with me for this. He had ample opportunity to seek her out the other times he visited Balsam Ridge to apologize and he did not. And his current visit was not because he wanted to make things right...
Ansley was very forgiving; the heart wants what the heart wants, but I feel she deserved better. Garrett had his reasons and proved himself a changed man, was ever so charming, fun to be around, and down-to-earth, and I was ultimately glad they had gotten their second chance at happiness because they seem to be a natural fit.
I truly love the Tuttle family and can’t wait to continue on with this wonderful series to get know the rest of the family better. There are five Tuttle brothers in addition to Garrett: Graham, a widower and construction contractor, who was our hero in Life After Wife which I loved, and is now engaged to Taeli who has a son, Caleb; Langford is spearheading the new ski resort in Balsam Ridge; Corbin is the chief of Valley Fire and Rescue; Weston owns an organic CBD farm, and Morris, the youngest brother, is a college student who still lives at home.
I have a feeling Corbin is up next so he can move on from the toxic relationship with Susanna.
Garrett Tuttle left his high school sweetheart, Ansley, after high school to pursue a country music career and made it big. The story unfolds over time and readers will come to know the reasons he left, and why she was understandably hurt and confused. Ansley grew up to be the town’s sweetheart as well. She graduated with a master’s degree in library science, became the town’s librarian, and is now pursuing a new dream of opening up her own coffee shop that features book sales and encourages reading. You go girl!
While Garrett was traveling, living it up, and getting into trouble from time to time, she remained rooted and steadfast pursuing her goals which I admired. Ansley had a supportive, fun group of friends (Erin, Jena and Taeli) who always had her back, but was never really able to move on from her first love, who is now a world-wide heartthrob. When Garrett comes back to town and she runs into him by accident after 15 long years, they reconnect. Although she tried to avoid him, it’s hard for her to stay away, and all the old feelings come to the surface.
I liked all the scenes where they were getting to know each other again as adults, and how they could talk things through and feel like no time has passed. I liked how Garrett did mature and see the error of his ways, and how he felt at peace at home with his family and respected his parents and brothers when they gave him advice.
There isn’t much angst or drama in Fate After Fame, and the book moves at a great pace with lots of interactions from fabulous characters and of course steamy times. I just wish Garrett would have contacted her sooner knowing what he did to her when she was only 17. He lost hero points with me for this. He had ample opportunity to seek her out the other times he visited Balsam Ridge to apologize and he did not. And his current visit was not because he wanted to make things right...
Ansley was very forgiving; the heart wants what the heart wants, but I feel she deserved better. Garrett had his reasons and proved himself a changed man, was ever so charming, fun to be around, and down-to-earth, and I was ultimately glad they had gotten their second chance at happiness because they seem to be a natural fit.
I truly love the Tuttle family and can’t wait to continue on with this wonderful series to get know the rest of the family better. There are five Tuttle brothers in addition to Garrett: Graham, a widower and construction contractor, who was our hero in Life After Wife which I loved, and is now engaged to Taeli who has a son, Caleb; Langford is spearheading the new ski resort in Balsam Ridge; Corbin is the chief of Valley Fire and Rescue; Weston owns an organic CBD farm, and Morris, the youngest brother, is a college student who still lives at home.
I have a feeling Corbin is up next so he can move on from the toxic relationship with Susanna.
May 23, 2022
3.5 Stars
A quick read about a small town, a country singer who needs a time out, and his former love. Garrett has been sent home to Balsam Ridge to lay low, his label is not pleased with his latest actions, and he needs to stay out of the limelight to keep them happy.
Ansley is on the verge of all her hard work to make her dreams happen. Rumors are swirling that Garrett is coming home, and she will not be able to avoid him in this small town. Yet, her heart is still hurting when he left her without a word all those years ago.
I enjoyed the story. Garrett is determined to win Ansley back, to get that second chance. But as answers to the past came to light, I felt the story begin to unravel. In my opinion, there should have been more anger directed at others. Although I plan to continue reading the series, I am looking forward to Garrett's brother’s stories.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
A quick read about a small town, a country singer who needs a time out, and his former love. Garrett has been sent home to Balsam Ridge to lay low, his label is not pleased with his latest actions, and he needs to stay out of the limelight to keep them happy.
Ansley is on the verge of all her hard work to make her dreams happen. Rumors are swirling that Garrett is coming home, and she will not be able to avoid him in this small town. Yet, her heart is still hurting when he left her without a word all those years ago.
I enjoyed the story. Garrett is determined to win Ansley back, to get that second chance. But as answers to the past came to light, I felt the story begin to unravel. In my opinion, there should have been more anger directed at others. Although I plan to continue reading the series, I am looking forward to Garrett's brother’s stories.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
May 15, 2022
Such a great story. A couple of young kids take off in search of their dreams. Only to have it disrupted by her dad, and what he has to say about them taking off. Years later, Garrett is back in town, due to a scandal and needing cool down time, what will happen when he runs into the one he threw away? Beautiful story, reuniting with family and friends, making memories, amends, and getting second chances, great story.❤️
May 20, 2022
I was hoping I would love this book more than I did. I love second chance romance but there were a few things that just bothered me. First, I get so tired of reading about singers or athletes that are just manwhores. Like why do they have to be written this way. I understand that Garrett and Ansley were really young when they decided to run off together. But he left her at a motel alone without a goodbye at all. She was in an area unfamiliar to her with no way of knowing what happened to him. Then he goes off a becomes a star to never talk to her again. For over a decade. He was constantly getting himself into unfavorable situations only to say it’s the lifestyle.
Then he comes back home because of another mess he’s in and it takes Ansley no time to just fall all over him. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near him but she had no solid backbone when it came to Garrett. And there was one line that definitely should have been left out of the book when he was basically bragging to Ansley of an encounter he had with three women…disgusting.
I just get tired of women with zero willpower when it comes to the guy. And guys who sleep with anyone that gives them the time of day. How is that attractive at all or even remotely romantic. And then when he finally admits why he left like he did, I don’t feel like she reacted in a way that it warranted.
Hope the next one is better. Less manwhores and more women with backbones please.
Then he comes back home because of another mess he’s in and it takes Ansley no time to just fall all over him. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near him but she had no solid backbone when it came to Garrett. And there was one line that definitely should have been left out of the book when he was basically bragging to Ansley of an encounter he had with three women…disgusting.
I just get tired of women with zero willpower when it comes to the guy. And guys who sleep with anyone that gives them the time of day. How is that attractive at all or even remotely romantic. And then when he finally admits why he left like he did, I don’t feel like she reacted in a way that it warranted.
Hope the next one is better. Less manwhores and more women with backbones please.
May 19, 2022
"Perhaps now, you two are ready for each other. He needs the anchor and you need the sail."
Rating: 3.5/5
Fate After Fame follows on from Life After Wife. This time, the spotlight is focused on Garrett, Graham's brother, and Ansley, Taeli's friend. Garrett and Ansley were high school sweethearts, before he took off for Nashville to start his country music career without a backward glance.
Now, over a decade later, Garrett is back in town after a few too many scandals and Ansley is opening up a hybrid bookstore and cafe (the dream, am I right?). While Ansley doesn't want to pick up where they left things, Garrett's magnetic pull is irresistible. And Garrett soon realises being home isn't so bad after all.
Fate After Fame is a cute and steamy small-town second-chance romance with minimal angst. While I wanted a little bit more tension and pining between Garrett and Ansley, I understood why they almost instantly fell back into old patterns. The pair had great chemistry and you could tell how much they truly cared for each other.
Ansley is such a likeable character and I just adore her fun and supportive friendship group (where can I find one, seriously). Meanwhile, Garrett "oozes sensuality from every pore." He had that celebrity confidence you can't help but fall for. However, Graham is still my favourite Tuttle brother so far. Honestly, every time he appeared on the page he stole the show. Sorry, Garrett 😆.
Overall, I will definitely continue reading this series as I have my fingers crossed Corbin's story is next and it should be juicy!
Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for the early copy of this book.
Rating: 3.5/5
Fate After Fame follows on from Life After Wife. This time, the spotlight is focused on Garrett, Graham's brother, and Ansley, Taeli's friend. Garrett and Ansley were high school sweethearts, before he took off for Nashville to start his country music career without a backward glance.
Now, over a decade later, Garrett is back in town after a few too many scandals and Ansley is opening up a hybrid bookstore and cafe (the dream, am I right?). While Ansley doesn't want to pick up where they left things, Garrett's magnetic pull is irresistible. And Garrett soon realises being home isn't so bad after all.
Fate After Fame is a cute and steamy small-town second-chance romance with minimal angst. While I wanted a little bit more tension and pining between Garrett and Ansley, I understood why they almost instantly fell back into old patterns. The pair had great chemistry and you could tell how much they truly cared for each other.
Ansley is such a likeable character and I just adore her fun and supportive friendship group (where can I find one, seriously). Meanwhile, Garrett "oozes sensuality from every pore." He had that celebrity confidence you can't help but fall for. However, Graham is still my favourite Tuttle brother so far. Honestly, every time he appeared on the page he stole the show. Sorry, Garrett 😆.
Overall, I will definitely continue reading this series as I have my fingers crossed Corbin's story is next and it should be juicy!
Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for the early copy of this book.
May 20, 2022
(4.5 stars)
Fate After Fame is the 'second chance at love' story of, country music star, Garrett Tuttle, and Ansley Humphries. These two had it all planned out, they would run away to Nashville together and Garrett would start his music career. However, that all changed when he left her in a motel with no explanation. Now ten years later, Garrett is home to get away from the rumors circulating around him. Ansley is a feisty librarian and soon-to-be business owner, who just want to move on with her life and thought she had. Until, that is, Garrett returns, and she finds herself realizing that she still holding onto the pain he caused.
While this is the second book in the Balsam Ridge series by Amber Kelly, you don't have to read book one beforehand, it is a standalone with interconnecting characters. I love Kelly's romances, there are always sparks flying between her heroes and heroines even though they don't have that "insta-love" connection. Her writing is phenomenal and so descripted that she makes you feel like you're in the pages of her story and living the lives of her characters. Many times, while reading this book, I wanted to hate Garrett for the way he left Ansley, but I couldn't. His situation was very misunderstood, and it was what he felt was right at the time. I instantly fell in love Ansley. I loved that, while she wanted to return the pain the Garrett caused her, she couldn't. She couldn't deny that after all this time she still loved him.
I cannot wait until Amber Kelly's next book. She always leaves me wanting so much more.
Fate After Fame is the 'second chance at love' story of, country music star, Garrett Tuttle, and Ansley Humphries. These two had it all planned out, they would run away to Nashville together and Garrett would start his music career. However, that all changed when he left her in a motel with no explanation. Now ten years later, Garrett is home to get away from the rumors circulating around him. Ansley is a feisty librarian and soon-to-be business owner, who just want to move on with her life and thought she had. Until, that is, Garrett returns, and she finds herself realizing that she still holding onto the pain he caused.
While this is the second book in the Balsam Ridge series by Amber Kelly, you don't have to read book one beforehand, it is a standalone with interconnecting characters. I love Kelly's romances, there are always sparks flying between her heroes and heroines even though they don't have that "insta-love" connection. Her writing is phenomenal and so descripted that she makes you feel like you're in the pages of her story and living the lives of her characters. Many times, while reading this book, I wanted to hate Garrett for the way he left Ansley, but I couldn't. His situation was very misunderstood, and it was what he felt was right at the time. I instantly fell in love Ansley. I loved that, while she wanted to return the pain the Garrett caused her, she couldn't. She couldn't deny that after all this time she still loved him.
I cannot wait until Amber Kelly's next book. She always leaves me wanting so much more.
May 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this sweet small town second chance rock star romance.
Garrett and Ansley were together in high school. They grew up in the small town of Balsam Ridge. Garret left a broken-hearted Ansley to pursue his country music dreams and found success. However, his fame took a toll, and his latest scandal has led him back to his hometown where he hasn’t been in years.
Ansley is a great character. She is kind and independent. She has been working as a librarian while saving up for her own bookstore. She loves her community and always puts the needs of others first. When Garrett left her, she was so devastated. She doesn’t want to forgive him, but she can’t help how she feels. Once Garrett comes home, he knows that Ansley is it for him. I love how confident he is in his feelings and all the lengths that he goes to in order to win her back.
Fate After Fame is the second book in the Balsam Ridge series, and I will absolutely read more of these books. I really enjoyed the characters, spice, and small town vibes of Balsam Ridge.
Garrett and Ansley were together in high school. They grew up in the small town of Balsam Ridge. Garret left a broken-hearted Ansley to pursue his country music dreams and found success. However, his fame took a toll, and his latest scandal has led him back to his hometown where he hasn’t been in years.
Ansley is a great character. She is kind and independent. She has been working as a librarian while saving up for her own bookstore. She loves her community and always puts the needs of others first. When Garrett left her, she was so devastated. She doesn’t want to forgive him, but she can’t help how she feels. Once Garrett comes home, he knows that Ansley is it for him. I love how confident he is in his feelings and all the lengths that he goes to in order to win her back.
Fate After Fame is the second book in the Balsam Ridge series, and I will absolutely read more of these books. I really enjoyed the characters, spice, and small town vibes of Balsam Ridge.
May 19, 2022
Ainsley is a 30 something single woman that has been working hard over the past decade to make her dream come true, a café with a side of a bookstore/library. Although she’s beautiful and has the best group of friends, she’s hesitant to give someone a chance when it comes to her romantic life. Why? Garrett Tuttle, that’s why. They were high school sweethearts and when he decided to go chase his dreams of being a country star she decided to go with him but he broke her heart. So fast forward twelve years and Garrett is back in town. Brace yourselves!
This is a second chance, small town romance and after twelve years I was seriously expecting some groveling from the man, but he’s a cocky country star that has lost who he truly is. Ainsley, bless her heart, is so sweet and just wants what her soul has been longing for so long. They embark on a journey of reconnecting and rediscovering each other and is so much fun!
Finally, I’m blown away by the way Amber describes Balsam Ridge, the splendor of the Smoky mountains, the magnificence of autumn. I just love it! I can’t wait for what comes next from the Tuttle brothers.
This is a second chance, small town romance and after twelve years I was seriously expecting some groveling from the man, but he’s a cocky country star that has lost who he truly is. Ainsley, bless her heart, is so sweet and just wants what her soul has been longing for so long. They embark on a journey of reconnecting and rediscovering each other and is so much fun!
Finally, I’m blown away by the way Amber describes Balsam Ridge, the splendor of the Smoky mountains, the magnificence of autumn. I just love it! I can’t wait for what comes next from the Tuttle brothers.
May 20, 2022
Thank you to WordSmith Publicity and Amber Kelly for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I did not read book one of this series and I was afraid I would be confused but I wasn't. This was its own story and a story that I really liked.
This was small town, ex-lovers-to-lovers romance. So maybe technically enemies to lovers? But anyway, Garrett and Ansley were young and in love, they ran away to Tennessee together, so Garrett could follow his dreams of becoming a country music star. But one day he goes and gets dinner and never comes back. Fast forward ten years. Ansley is about to open her cafe, and Garrett is back in town after several mishaps. What follows will make you swoon, say aww, and maybe even make you tear up.
I loved all the characters, even the side characters. This really was a good book, and I cannot wait to see this series grow!
I did not read book one of this series and I was afraid I would be confused but I wasn't. This was its own story and a story that I really liked.
This was small town, ex-lovers-to-lovers romance. So maybe technically enemies to lovers? But anyway, Garrett and Ansley were young and in love, they ran away to Tennessee together, so Garrett could follow his dreams of becoming a country music star. But one day he goes and gets dinner and never comes back. Fast forward ten years. Ansley is about to open her cafe, and Garrett is back in town after several mishaps. What follows will make you swoon, say aww, and maybe even make you tear up.
I loved all the characters, even the side characters. This really was a good book, and I cannot wait to see this series grow!
May 23, 2022
Ansley was devastated when Garrett abandoned her and the plans they were making for their future to pursue his dreams alone and she was left picking up the pieces. A decade later she is content with her life and her career dreams are within her grasp when her first love returns home, but she isn’t about to let him disrupt her life for a second time.
Garrett is a successful musician whose off-stage antics have caused turmoil and he needs to escape the media frenzy. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but will it be enough to overcome the pain of the past?
Ansley is strong and resilient while there is so much more to Garrett than his reputation. Their romance is enchanting, and I enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other.
Garrett is a successful musician whose off-stage antics have caused turmoil and he needs to escape the media frenzy. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but will it be enough to overcome the pain of the past?
Ansley is strong and resilient while there is so much more to Garrett than his reputation. Their romance is enchanting, and I enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other.
May 17, 2022
Garrett your typical becomes famous leaves everyone behind and forgets where he calls home.
Ansley has a broken heart, big dreams for herself and also loves the boy who forgot to where he calls home.
Fate After Fame is a great story of two people who were always right but had to follow their dreams first. You fall in love with Ansley right away, she is kind, broken and you just want to buy her a cup of coffee and hug her. Garrett you also love in a different way he has totally messed up, broken a lot of people a long the way and really left Ansley heartbroken 10 years ago and never said sorry.
The story brings these two back together and it is really enjoyable to watch them fall in love all over again. Fate After Fame is an easy read and you will fall in love with this little town of Balsam Ridge very quickly.
My only disclaimer is I wish this story had a little more of a "twist" the first Balsam Ridge book really had me sucked in, you knew something could go wrong and I really missed that in Fate After Fame.
Looking forward to book three and who is next.
Ansley has a broken heart, big dreams for herself and also loves the boy who forgot to where he calls home.
Fate After Fame is a great story of two people who were always right but had to follow their dreams first. You fall in love with Ansley right away, she is kind, broken and you just want to buy her a cup of coffee and hug her. Garrett you also love in a different way he has totally messed up, broken a lot of people a long the way and really left Ansley heartbroken 10 years ago and never said sorry.
The story brings these two back together and it is really enjoyable to watch them fall in love all over again. Fate After Fame is an easy read and you will fall in love with this little town of Balsam Ridge very quickly.
My only disclaimer is I wish this story had a little more of a "twist" the first Balsam Ridge book really had me sucked in, you knew something could go wrong and I really missed that in Fate After Fame.
Looking forward to book three and who is next.
May 20, 2022
This is an amazing second chance love story! I love the healing and the growth!
Garrett shows back up in his hometown after being gone for almost a decade. He strengthens his relationships with his family and works on winning back the love of his life.
Ansley wants nothing do with Garrett when he first gets to town. He broke her heart and went on to become a famous country singer. Her dreams are coming true and she doesn't want to get her heart broken again.
I love how everything comes together in this book! It's so perfect! We get to see Garrett find himself again and him and Ansley get to heal. There are so many sweet moments and lots of steamy ones as well. I can't wait for the next brother!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Garrett shows back up in his hometown after being gone for almost a decade. He strengthens his relationships with his family and works on winning back the love of his life.
Ansley wants nothing do with Garrett when he first gets to town. He broke her heart and went on to become a famous country singer. Her dreams are coming true and she doesn't want to get her heart broken again.
I love how everything comes together in this book! It's so perfect! We get to see Garrett find himself again and him and Ansley get to heal. There are so many sweet moments and lots of steamy ones as well. I can't wait for the next brother!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
Fate After Fame, book 2 in the Balsam Ridge Series brings you the Ansley and Garrett's story. From the prologue I was sucked in and trying to fight back tears. Garrett is back home after 10 years to get his life back on track and lay low for a while after being wrapped up in a scandal. What he didn't expect was to come back home and finally feel settled, like this is the missing piece after all his years away. Home and Ansley. Watching them crawl back from the ashes of their heartache and past and into a new beginning was beautiful. Much like with the first book in the series I love the characters and the community Amber builds into her books. Ansley has such an amazing group of girlfriends and those Tuttle boys are just something else. It's the kind of world that you can see yourself being a part of. I devoured the book and now I am anxiously awaiting the next installment, praying it will be Corbin's book!!
**Received and ARC in return for an honest review**
**Received and ARC in return for an honest review**
May 16, 2022
With his career on hold, country superstar Garrett comes home to Balsam Ridge to regroup and get back into the good graces of his label. Ansley's dreams of opening her coffee/book shop are just about to come true and the doors will be opening, but when Garrett comes home will the wounds he inflicted upon her open back up and cause her to lose the momentum of the grand opening? Or will the walls she erected around her heart keep her past in the past? With beautifully written characters and a heart warming storyline the reader will to have any choice but to fall in love with Garrett and Ansley. They are also in for a special treat with all of the supporting characters that have yet to have their story told. This was a fabulous addition to the series and I am so looking forward to reading more.
May 21, 2022
An enthralling tale of heartache, hope and second chances that sets aim at the heart. Kelly paints an honest portrait of feeling that thrives on emotion. Garrett and Ansley make it easy to get lost in the moment while rediscovering your soul.
May 24, 2022
5 FATE AFTER FAME STARS!! This beautifully written story kept me flipping pages. Ansley and Garrett have engraved their names on my heart. This was my first book by this author and I can't wait for me stories.
September 9, 2022
this was cute! it was the perfect book to read for beginning of autumn because that’s when it takes place. 🍂
plus, the main heroine opens a bookstore/cafe & what is more cozy than that?!
overall I don’t love love this series as much as her Poplar Falls series, but it is still a good read!
plus, the main heroine opens a bookstore/cafe & what is more cozy than that?!
overall I don’t love love this series as much as her Poplar Falls series, but it is still a good read!
May 17, 2022
Man, Amber Kelly pulled me into Balsam Ridge and these Tuttle men 😍
Garrett Tuttle had me hook, line and sinker!
If you want a Small Town , Second Chance Romance, Country Music Superstar pick this baby up!
Garrett Tuttle had me hook, line and sinker!
If you want a Small Town , Second Chance Romance, Country Music Superstar pick this baby up!
May 17, 2022
Oh my heart!!!
Garrett and Ansley's story is the best.
They loved each other in high school. got their hearts broken only to have them repaired a decage later. This book made my heart smile
Garrett and Ansley's story is the best.
They loved each other in high school. got their hearts broken only to have them repaired a decage later. This book made my heart smile
May 16, 2022
Super cute quick read! Love the setting! Amazing family vibes. Superstar returns home to realize the girl who always had his heart is still the love of his life.
May 16, 2022
Rockstar romances are overrated, give me a country star romance any day. This second chance love story will wrap itself around your heart and have you believing in love again.
June 2, 2022
Loved this story. I don’t have the words to tell you how amazingly written this book was. It was a page turner for sure and I devoured it in one sitting I love Garrett and Ansley’s story and the chemistry they have.
May 4, 2023
Amber has a way of pulling at your heartstrings with her writing and storylines and Fate After Fame is no different. She writes with such detail and description that you feel like you are in the small town of Balsam Ridge with the characters and feeling every emotion that they are. We are given a second chance, a country star romance that has you loving Ansley and eventually Garrett as the story goes on. Their relationship is one that is of heartache and determination.
Ansley is still hurting from how Garrett left her when they left for Nashville when they were around 17. She thought they had their whole life ahead of them, together, and nothing would ever get in the way. Well, her dreams were shattered and her heart was broken beyond repair. She moved back home and started her life over again but never really wanted to have another relationship as her heart could not take it. Opening her own coffee/bookstore is now her dream and the whole town is behind her, even Garrett's family. The news of Garrett's return has her dreading seeing him again. Will she be able to listen to her mind and not her heart? Will the plan that her friends come up with work or will it falter?
When Garrett is forced to return home because of his wild way as a famous country star, he sets his site on winning Ansley back. He knows that she is going to fight him on every front but he is determined to win her back. Will his plan work? Can he break down the walls that are surrounding her heart? When the truth comes out about why he left her, will this turn her life upside down?
The romance and chemistry between the two of them are amazing. Even though Ansley fights it the pull is just too strong. Amber finally had me swooning over Garrett as he proved that his bad-boy reputation is just that and not what he was really like. Fate After Fame is one story that you will want to add to your TBR list as well as adding Amber to your list of authors that you will want to read more of. Even though this book is book two of the Balsam Ridge series and is a standalone, reading Life After Wife might help with relating to the secondary characters that play an important role in this book.
Ansley is still hurting from how Garrett left her when they left for Nashville when they were around 17. She thought they had their whole life ahead of them, together, and nothing would ever get in the way. Well, her dreams were shattered and her heart was broken beyond repair. She moved back home and started her life over again but never really wanted to have another relationship as her heart could not take it. Opening her own coffee/bookstore is now her dream and the whole town is behind her, even Garrett's family. The news of Garrett's return has her dreading seeing him again. Will she be able to listen to her mind and not her heart? Will the plan that her friends come up with work or will it falter?
When Garrett is forced to return home because of his wild way as a famous country star, he sets his site on winning Ansley back. He knows that she is going to fight him on every front but he is determined to win her back. Will his plan work? Can he break down the walls that are surrounding her heart? When the truth comes out about why he left her, will this turn her life upside down?
The romance and chemistry between the two of them are amazing. Even though Ansley fights it the pull is just too strong. Amber finally had me swooning over Garrett as he proved that his bad-boy reputation is just that and not what he was really like. Fate After Fame is one story that you will want to add to your TBR list as well as adding Amber to your list of authors that you will want to read more of. Even though this book is book two of the Balsam Ridge series and is a standalone, reading Life After Wife might help with relating to the secondary characters that play an important role in this book.
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