No More Wasted Time: The Mathews Family, Book 1

When I found out that the main characters were in their forties, I said, what the heck?! A few days ago, I've just read Dating a Cougar, This Time Forever and then Answered Prayers and all of them had main characters in their 40s or 50s. It was crazy because of all the books in my TBR, I happen to read these set of books in just a month. I guess it's a sign for something? Haha.Btw, No More Wasted Time is about Tess who found love two times. Crazy eh? You see, a year ago, her husband died of heart attack and she was left broken hearted and so wasted. She decided to go to Bora Bora to finally let him go. The place holds a very special place to the both of them so she picked that place to scatter her husband's ashes. But she didn't expect that on the same trip, she's not just saying goodbye to her lost love but will also welcoming a new love in the person of the popular Hollywood actor Tom Clemmins.The first few pages was ok, but when I reached the middle, the story seems dull. There's a lot of sexy scenes and I SKIPPED the most part. For a story like this, I wasn't expecting a Fifty Shades of Grey remake lol.I don't usually like romance stories were the hero or the heroine is a celebrity  but there are of course times when I enjoyed it, one example was the Cinder & Ella series, but I particularly love the second book though *wink. And just like a typical celebrity romance, the conflict of this story ranges from rumors, spreading false and malicious issues through magazines, some flirty ex's who wants to steal her man and rude paparazzi. While those were cliché, I still enjoyed reading about Tess doing her best to fit in and not get overwhelmed with everything. And dang! This girl sure has the guts and sass haha.The conflict was actually fine as I'm used to it already, but what pisses me off was Tess's reaction of it. I understand what she feels, but I still think it's better to hear what's his side first before doing anything stupid. It's funny because at first I see her character as one matured woman who raised her children to be good adults, but after her somewhat childish behavior, that image in my head is now a blur.And nope, I'm not yet done telling you what are the things I hate in this story, well, this last one isn't really a total hate for me, maybe a bit annoyed but definitely not hate. This story is not just full of sexy scenes but it has a LOT of happy scenes. I should be happy eh? But it's crazy, life isn't all happy. Ofcourse this one has some few conflicts, but I still think it focus more on the happy ones. Thus, making this story quite unrealistic. But ofcourse, I won't deny that there were times that I enjoyed some of it, for it's not always that you encounter a hero with that kind of dedication to make sure the heroine is happy.Thinking about it now, Tom and Tess's story makes me think of George and Amal Clooney. I'm not sure with the ages but both George and Tom wasn't planning on getting married ever, though I haven't heard anything negative about George and Tom certainly is a ladies' man, but whenever he fuss about Tess, I can't see how's that possible haha.I don't have any negative complaints about Tom's character, maybe he was just a little too perfect but most of us wants that eh? Even if we know nobody's perfect. Really, I don't have anything bad thing to say about his character, he's just...perfect. I love how he takes good care of Tess and his relationship to her children.And speaking of children. Dang! I adore Tess's children, they're all adorable especially John. I love their relationship to each other and it looks so perfect really. I love how responsible all of them are especially the eldest and the only guy, John.For Tess, well, I do love her character at the early chapters. She's broken hearted of her husband's death but that didn't stopped her from appreciating life. You could also notice how kind and honest her character is. I do understand the guilt and all, but I hated the part where she got so angry that she never let him explain. The thing I hated the most is when they assume and refrain from hearing the side of other person involved. I guess that's the thing I hated about her.As you can notice, I do have a lot of dislikes than likes in this story but I am still giving it a 3 star rating. I guess the reason behind that is Tom being so charming all the time and Tess's relationship with her children. Didn't I tell you I love reading stories were family gets along so well? Hehe.Even though this story has lots of sexy scenes, it still gave me something to think about. You see, most of us just work and work, but Tess pointed out the importance of enjoying ourselves sometimes. I do love her theory about it actually.And another thing I've learn while reading this story and the other stories with main leads in their 40s and 50s is that, there's no age limit when it comes to love. It always come on its perfect time and place.

3.5-4 starsThis was a pretty good story. I liked both Tom and Tess and their story was a nice, low-angst romance that I enjoyed reading. This is the first story I've read by this author and based off this I'd be willing to try more of her work in the future.Tess is a 44 year old woman with 3 kids (ages 18, 21, & 23). She was happily married for 25 years but her husband died a year before which left her crushed and floundering. Tess decided it was time to say goodbye and booked a trip to Bora Bora (a place her and her husband had been to many times over the years) to sprinkle his ashes there and say goodbye.Tom is an in-demand A-list actor. He's 49 years old and has been focused on work most of his life. He's dated women but could never find one he liked spending an extended amount of time with (usually by 2 weeks he's had enough). Tom decides to take a long needed vacation to Bora Bora to rest up before his next movie and consider his future as he was thinking about not working as much and taking more time for himself.Tess gets to Bora Bora and it's tough for her at first, being there without her late husband. She misses him but decides it's time to move on with her life and stop crying over what has been lost. She books a boat trip and plans to scatter the ashes on the trip. Things hit a snag when she finds that her trip was bought out from under her by none other than Tom Clemmins, the famous Hollywood actor. Tess doesn't care who he is though and berates him for buying her trip out from under her. Tom offers to share the trip with her so she can do what she needs to and she agrees. Although their first conversation didn't go well, Tom and Tess do end up hitting it off on the trip and have fun (outside of some sadness when Tess does her thing with the ashes). Tess and Tom go their separate ways after the boat trip and she doesn't expect to see him again so she's very surprised when he seeks her out and asks her if she'd like to accompany him on another boat trip. She agrees and they have a fun time together. Tess finds that she's attracted to Tom and soon decides to live in the moment and indulge in a fling with Tom. Tom is more than happy to oblige and they spend the next few days together until she's supposed to leave. Things are going so well between them that Tess is sad about leaving but doesn't want to push Tom, content to take what she can with him because she feels a sense of destiny about their meeting.Tom finds that Tess is unlike any other woman he's met and realizes he wants more time with her. He asks her to stay longer so they can spend more time together and she agrees. Tess and Tom have a great time together and Tess works past feelings of guilt (over the new relationship after her husband died) while Tom works on his commitment issues. Tess is careful not to push Tom though and doesn't look for a future, just willing to have fun in the present. There's a bit of trouble with her kids when they find out, mostly because they've read the gossip online and are worried Tom will break her heart. She tries to pacify them as much as possible but makes it clear she's going to try things out between them. Tom soon informs Tess than he'd like their fling to be a real relationship and she agrees to give it a try. Tess actually does pretty well at handling the fame and invasions of privacy that come with being on Tom's arm but nothing is perfect and there are a few hitches along the way. Fortunately, once Tom is in, he is in and when a mis-understanding causes trouble between them he goes full force towards fixing whatever went wrong. The story progresses and we get to see Tess and Tom grow their relationship as well as seeing Tess' family accept Tom. The story ends with Tess and Tom doing well and starting their HEA.This was a pretty enjoyable story. I liked the characters and the story was pretty good. It was more of a sweet romance and doesn't have a lot of angst and drama driving the story. I'd recommend this story. :D

4,25 starsThis book was so beautiful!Tess is a wonderful person. She is finally ready to say goodbye to her late husband after greeving for a year after his sudden death. She is a wonderful and loving mother of three young adults and she is a woman. A confident woman who values herself.Tom, "The" Tom Clemmings, is a hotshot actor from Hollywood who wants nothing to do with serious relationship...That is until he meets Tess.This book dealt with a lot of emotions so beautifully. You saw grief for what you lost and the memories of the past. Hope for what you found and the memories to be created in the future. Fear of diving in again, excitment for having something beautiful to live a second time.And all that added to all the changes that come for having a relationship and being in the eye of Hollywood.She was a strong heroine learning that it was ok to love again. He was an amazing, sweet and loving man wanting to learn how to be a partner in love for the first time.And together, they sparkled so much.I also loved that they were both over 40 yo, (even pushing 50 in his case).The narration was a little rushed sometimes. Not the plot, because that was really cool and it built gradually and gave the development I needed to believe in them. But it was like we never stuck in a moment or a feeling to ruminate it.But it was a wonderful journey.And the secondary characters were amazing. They brought color to the plot, but never stole Tess and Tom's thunder.It was a wonderful way to be reminded that everything happens for a reason and that life is too short to not enjoy the beuty if has to give. So the key is to embrace the goodness and surprises...No more wasted time.

New author through KU.I enjoyed this way more than I expected, probably due to having more mature H’s. A bit overly long at times with a don’t we all wish for this to happen vibe but still a pleasant read.Liked the emotional side, love lost, love found and making every minute count. Good truthful message but told through this story in a heart-warming way.The family dynamics were good, happy and healthy relationships, both with her children and his family and friends.I knew there would be the obligatory O/W problem but it was to be expected with how that industry works. I was very annoyed that Tess didn’t even let Tom explain, even going so far as to run her phone over. That was wrong and immature. Would she expect her children to behave that badly!The only thing I found unbelievable was I expected a lot more paparazzi annoyance. For someone so famous, who is finally with one woman, the paparazzi were extremely polite in not tailing them everywhere.Not saying I will be grabbing the next book about Shayla and John but I just might need to read it.

Five Star!!!!I LOVED IT!!!!!!! A heart warming story with a steamy romance, a new beginning and finding your soulmate.. What else do we actually need??First of all... I can't find a single thing about this book that I didn't like. It was hot, steamy and romantic. It was well written and so easy to read. No headache involved. I couldn't put it down.I'm almost 30 (I wish I was 29 for the rest of my life) and it was a first for me to read about an older couple. Guess what? It was great! The characters are more mature and they bring so much more to the story. It felt real and believable.I think we all need a Tom in our life.. *daydreaming* Right? And we most definitely need to go to Bora Bora... Seriously?!?! WOW! I could see the pictures in my mind while I was reading the book.I recommend it to all of you romance readers!!!!Im looking forward to Beverly's next book.Jude

Relationships are difficult and need a lot of work.I would indicate the book to friends who like to discuss relationships and look for ways to improve every day.Micheal Feeney

OMG! What a great story! I am in love with Tom and Tess was such a refreshing and strong character! This story was original and so emotional. I don't want to give anything away but I think this is a must-read. I love the way Tom and Tess met and the way their relationship progressed was realistic. The ending was brilliant and had me in tears. What I loved especially was that it was about people in their 40s and there don't seem to be too many books out there with more mature characters. I think the storyline is a fantasy for any divorced or widowed middle-aged woman!