Begin Again Book Review: An Intriguing and Passionate Chase of a Billionaire Rebound

Begin Again is an engaging contemporary romance novel and the first book in the Rock Castle Series by Val Sims. Comprising a remarkable 196 chapters, this book promises an immersive reading experience that will captivate fans of the genre.

It follows the story of Eden McBride, whose life takes a turn when her fiancé breaks up with her before their wedding. Tired of conforming, she seeks a rebound to heal her broken heart. Then she meets Liam Anderson, who is known for his short-term relationships. One night, they had a casual hookup, but then Eden left before Liam woke up, taking his shirt. Intrigued and annoyed by Eden's indifferent actions, Liam sets out to find her. Two years later, fate brings them together again. Eden has changed and carries a secret, while Liam is determined to recover what she has taken from him. As their paths cross, secrets, desires, and a chance for love collide.

Author

Val Sims is an accomplished author known for her captivating novel, Begin Again. As a web novelist, she embarked on her writing journey in 2020, during the challenging period of the pandemic lockdown. She has garnered recognition for her ability to craft fictional romance stories that center around the intense connection between a charismatic and enigmatic billionaire and a resilient and relatable female protagonist.

Her notable works include the Rock Castle Series, to which Begin Again belongs, and the Nightfall Series, a collection of standalone paranormal romance web novels. If you wish to learn more about Val Sims and her works, you can visit her Facebook page, Val Sims Author Page, where she engages with her readers and shares updates on her books.

Theme

Begin Again explores the intertwined themes of heartbreak, escape, and self-discovery. It delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, showcasing the desire to escape pain, the reprieve found in connections with others, and the subsequent introspection and self-realization that follow. The novel also covers a budding romance and the uncovering of a secret between Eden and Liam as they reunite after their passionate encounter in the past.

Characters

Meet the main protagonists that make up the story and will carry the readers through the rollercoaster ride of their romantic journey.

Eden McBride

Eden is a resilient and spirited woman who finds herself navigating the aftermath of a broken engagement. Among her friends, she considers herself the plainest. Determined to move on from her heartbreak, she joins her friends for a night out at Crush, a popular club in Rock Castle. Despite her initial vulnerability, Eden displays strength and assertiveness when confronted with challenging situations. Her encounter with Liam, a mysterious stranger, sets in motion a series of events that will test her emotions and push her to confront her desires and past actions.

Liam Anderson

Liam is a complex and enigmatic character who captures Eden's attention during their chance meeting at Crush. He is an heir to the billion-dollar company in Rock Union and an infamous prince known for his short-term relationships. Initially portrayed as arrogant and dismissive, Liam's layers gradually unravel as the connection between him and Eden deepens overnight. Despite his impending marriage and the responsibilities that come with it, Liam finds himself drawn to Eden's company and is intrigued by her sudden disappearance, which is an odd yet refreshing experience for him. As their relationship develops, Liam's character is tested, and he must confront his own desires and reconcile them with his choices.

Plot

Eden Goes Clubbing

Eden and her friends went to Crush, a renowned club in Rock Castle, seeking fun and distraction following Eden's recent heartbreak. Known for its exclusivity, gaining entry into the club proves challenging, particularly on a night featuring a popular DJ. Frustrated by the slow-moving line, Eden confronts a group of men attempting to cut ahead. Among them is Liam, whose arrogance initially dismisses her concerns. However, after some provocation, he eventually lets Eden and her friends join their group, securing their access to the club.

Inside Crush, Eden attempts to immerse herself in the atmosphere, indulging in shots and gossiping with her friends. However, her happiness is abruptly shattered when she spots her ex-fiancé, Simon, accompanied by their former friend, Olive. Witnessing them together reopens the wounds of their broken engagement, causing her pain to resurface. Despite Sienna's suggestion to leave, Eden resolves to stay and demonstrate to Simon that she is unburdened by his absence. Determined to enjoy herself, she drinks more and loses herself on the dance floor, seeking freedom from her heartache through the combination of alcohol and movement.

Liam, The Rebound

Meanwhile, Liam finds himself in an uncomfortable situation with an overly persistent stranger. At this moment, Eden intervenes, asserting her claim and rescuing Liam from unwanted attention. Grateful for her assistance, Liam expresses his gratitude to Eden for coming to his aid. The two of them find themselves on the dance floor, where Eden proposes that Liam pretend to be her boyfriend to avoid potential awkward encounters. As they dance and engage in conversation, they gradually realize their initial misjudgments about each other.

Their connection deepens as they share personal stories and vulnerabilities. Eden becomes intrigued by Liam's presence in the nightclub and discovers that he is celebrating his bachelor party. Despite their mutual attraction, Liam's impending marriage hangs over them. Seeking solace and an escape from their respective burdens, Eden implores Liam to help her forget her heartbreak. They share a passionate kiss and decide to continue their night at Liam's private estate, seeking comfort and longing for lust in each other's arms.

Disappearing After a One-Night Stand

The following morning, Eden awakens disoriented and with a pounding headache. Liam lies naked beside her, stirring desire despite the circumstances. In a rush, she gathers her belongings and hastily departs the room, using Liam's shirt as a makeshift cover. As she descends the stairs, she encounters the butler and housekeepers commencing their work, yearning for a swift and graceful exit.

Declining the butler's offer to drive her home, Eden realizes the restricted access to the private estate. A housekeeper then explains the staff's responsibility of driving Liam's guests home. Filled with anger at herself for allowing alcohol to cloud her judgment, Eden slides discreetly into the backseat of the waiting Lexus. Choosing to distance herself from Liam, she requests to be dropped off at the nearest bus stop, intending to call an Uber from there. She aims to minimize her involvement with Liam and safeguard her address from the driver, intending to make their one-night stand remain as it is. Recognizing her responsibility for her actions, she regrets her disregard for her friends' warnings and the impending marriage that hangs over Liam.

Writing Style

The writing style of this novel seamlessly blends elements of contemporary storytelling with introspection. It employs a direct and descriptive approach to present a vivid account of the unfolding events, emphasizing the protagonist's innermost thoughts and emotions. The language used throughout the narrative is relatable, effectively capturing the ambiance of the club, the dynamics between the characters, and the profound internal struggles experienced by the protagonist, Eden.

The story is skillfully narrated from a third-person perspective, limitedly offering readers an intimate glimpse into Eden's perspective as she navigates the complexities of her emotions and the challenges she encounters.

Final Thoughts

Begin Again is a compelling romance novel about letting go of the past and embracing what's in front of you. It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that is kind of dragged out for a bit due to Eden's slow character development. On the brighter side, it offers a well-crafted storyline that draws the readers in for a romantic and relatable experience.

Additionally, the latter part of the story gets better as the main characters reunite and kick off a romantic journey that many fans of the genre would love to indulge in. So, pick up Val Sim's Begin Again novel and start a romantic chase with Eden and Liam!

FAQs

Q: What is the novel Begin Again all about?

A: Begin Again follows the journey of Eden McBride, who finds herself heartbroken when her fiancé abruptly ends their engagement just before their wedding. One night, she hooks up with Liam Anderson to get over her breakup. However, Eden leaves Liam first the following morning, leaving him intrigued and annoyed at the same time.

Q: How many chapters does the novel Begin Again have?

A: Begin Again is a completed romance novel with 196 chapters.

Q: Who is the author of Begin Again?

A: Val Sims is the one who wrote the novel Begin Again.