This was a good book, lacked some depth but overall a good read, not one I would read again, but like the writing style.

I loved Drew and Fable and their story in One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend (plus their novella). I completely fell in love with them. The bits and pieces we got about Owen, Fable's little brother, in their books drew me in to wanting to read his story. I'm so glad Owen got his own story! This can be read as a standalone. You get references to Owen's relationships with Fable and Drew from the previous books, but Drew and Fable's love story is not really spoiled, so newcomers to this series can still go back and read their books (which I loved).

Four Years Later is set when Owen is in college. Owen's life and upbringing have been far from easy or ideal. Fable did her best to help raise Owen, but their manipulative addict of a mother did a number on him, and despite new stability with Drew as a male role model in his life, his sister's unconditional love, and the opportunities of college and football, Owen is still drowning in the aftereffects of the mind games he's been dealt as well as the repercussions of his poor recent choices. He is lost and confused and losing hope quickly. But I loved Owen. There was something honest and innocent in his voice despite the lack of innocence in his life. He had to grow up too quickly, never being given the opportunity to ease into life. I hurt for the guy. I loved that we got to see him step back, taking on a new relationship and looking at his current life as well as his future differently, allowing him to mature and grow into himself. Yet he still remained Owen, just improved.

Then there's Chelsea, who has her own bucket of family drama to deal with. I could relate to Chelsea's shy side, her awkwardness, her insecurities. She was smart and felt out of place often. But I loved that she didn't force herself to be someone she wasn't, even if that lessened her social opportunities. She was a great contrast to Owen, but they also had a lot in common. Watching their relationship develop was very sweet, yet contained just enough drama to keep things interesting. These two had their work cut out for them in the trust and family department, but I appreciated the care that was taken to look at their circumstances in an honest fashion. Owen and Chelsea were really great; their chemistry, their conversations, their trepidations, their belief in the other, their patience and exploration of each other, and the way they were finally able to trust each other. I was rooting for these two hearts who had been dealt a lousy hand, that they would find the jackpot with each other.

Owen and Chelsea's story was just what I needed to finish off this series. I loved getting to know them and was taken on a beautiful journey once again. I'm also so happy to have gotten glimpses into Drew and Fable's life, and baby Autumn. I will miss these characters and their stories. ( )

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“So they think you want to get in my panties. What if I told you I don’t wear any?”

Until last month, I hadn’t read any of Monica Murphy’s books. Not for lack of wanting to, just lack of available reading time. When Three Broken Promises became available, even though I hadn’t read about Drew & Fable, I jumped at the chance. I emailed a friend and asked what I needed to know, and when she told me that the two main characters weren’t really in the other books, I dove in head first! It was then that I fell in love with MM. When I saw that Owen would have a book, I became even more excited.

Like its title, Owen and Chelsea’s book begins four years after Drew & Fable meet. Chelsea is a new character and Owen is Fable’s brother. From what I gather, Owen hasn’t changed much since high school and is still on a path of destruction. Our character’s meet when he needs a tutor for his English classes, which he has fallen extremely behind on. Owen is a smart guy, he just doesn’t have any drive or inclination of what he wants to do with his future. I felt his constant struggle; it hurt my heart. These were two broken people thrust into a situation neither could escape from.

How can I say no? After all, I’m still his tutor.
His girlfriend.
His rose.
His home.

There was something so magical about watching their story unfold. Watching as they came to realizations separately and together over things they didn’t before realize. Owen’s mother infuriated me and I longed for the day he broke free from her. His turmoil and misguided loyalty to her was completely understandable, though frustrating. The back and forth, the push and pull, it had me wanting to rip my hair clear out of my scalp. But throughout all this angst, I saw through to the heart of Owen. And when you can see Owen’s heart, well, that’s a beauty to behold and treasure. Here was a kid who life gave up on yet he hadn’t given up on himself. He longed for a true family, someone whom he could call his own and love unconditionally. I felt his sadness in my bones and I just wanted to give him a hug.

Chelsea is a little girl who was lost, one who had to grow up before she was ready, essentially raising herself. I loved how headstrong and sure of herself she was. I loved that she didn’t take any crap from Owen and wasn’t afraid to be herself. She was such a refreshing and endearing character, and a girl I would be proud to call a friend. I loved that she believed in Owen when almost everyone else had given up. She saw through his cocky exterior to what lay deep beneath.

One of my favorite things about this book was the complex inner dialogue that each character had. I loved seeing into their minds and finding out what guided their decisions, whether they were right or wrong. Monica writes in such a style that allows you to do just that flawlessly. I know now that I will need to carve out time very soon to read Drew & Fable’s story. I understand this is the end of the series, and I think it ended perfectly. I could think of any better way. Solid five star rating from me! ( )

Love Monica Murphy's writing!! I can't wait to jump into the reast of this series. ( )

I appreciate winning this copy in the LibraryThing Giveaway but I have to admit that I was disappointed in it. It was hard to admire either character as they were so flawed and allowed their flaws to dominate their lives. I was glad to see them finally get their act together near the end but by then it was a little too late. I was so tired of it all I just wanted to get to the end. I could have done without all the cursing too. I think it just helped cheapen the book and the characters even more. ( )