Living With Regret

By Riann C. Miller

Synopsis

Sometimes the simplest choice has the power to change your life.

Chase

Ten years ago, I turned a hard decision into a simple one. I allowed others to decide my future . . . then I lost the best thing that ever happened to me. I let go of the girl I loved in exchange for a life I was told I wanted.

Then one day I woke up with no recollection of my reality and instead I believed my life had turned out how I had once dared to imagine. Now everyone is waiting for me to remember the day I ruined my future as I struggle to recall a life without the person I so carelessly tossed away.

Somehow, I was gifted a second chance with the woman I love, and I’m going to fight like hell to keep her.

Jordan

Your brain has a funny way of convincing you what is real and what is not; even if your heart never lets you forget the truth. After Chase Adams broke my heart, my life moved forward, even though the light I once felt had extinguished. Then I received an unexpected phone call that changed everything.

Every day we make choices, but most of the time they don’t affect the rest of our lives. I wanted to love again. I wanted to trust the gift I was given, but every choice has consequences. Now I have to decide to let go of the past for the sake of my future. . . or risk living with regret.

Review

LIVING WITH REGRET is a second chance romance, or in Chase’s case, a third and fourth chance romance. Chase broke Jordan’s heart just before they both left for college, because he believed he would only hold her back from living her life. Ten years later and after one too many blows to the head, Chase wakes up in hospital believing he’s married to Jordan and has no recollection of ever breaking up with her; his mind replaced his reality with his fantasy. Unsure how to handle the situation, his doctors believe that bringing Jordan in will help his memory resolve itself.

I liked Chase; he’s a good guy and he loves Jordan, but by god did I want to throttle him for his stupidity. But while I wanted to smack Chase, I wanted to kill his father. His father is very controlling and cares more about his son’s NFL career than he does about his son. He blames anyone and everyone for every roadblock or setback Chase has ever faced, failing to accept any responsibility for his own actions. Chase’s mother on the other hand is a wonderful woman and she’s strong enough to admit when she’s made a mistake. She obviously wants what’s best for Chase and finally stands up to her husband, as she should have done all those years ago. Jordan was my favourite character. She was left utterly heartbroken when Chase broke up with her, but she handled the situation with class and walked away with her dignity intact. When she was called in to help Chase after his accident, she put her issues aside to do what she thought was right. When she faced off against Chase’s father? Brilliant. She is a very strong woman who’s not afraid to stand up for herself, but Chase is definitely her one and only weakness, which is why she keeps letting him back in.

LIVING WITH REGRET is told in dual POVs and is a stand-alone. The story is told in the present but also contains flashbacks from both Jordan and Chase going as far back as the day they met in high school. I enjoyed the story very much, but as we got closer to the end I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. When it did, I have to say I was disappointed to see history repeat itself. Other than that, it was a nice read.