Micalea Smeltzer is a new to me, and so my decision to read ‘Eleven Eleven’ had more to do with the featured trope. Reverse age gap gets me all the time and ‘Eleven Eleven’ delivered all I hoped for. The story pulled me in and kept me invested in the welfare of the characters and the romance to the satisfying ending. This superbly written story, reminds readers how satisfying it is to live life on one’s own terms.
After my divorce, I decide to move across the country away from family and friends for a new start. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Eleven Eleven
Author(s): Micalea Smeltzer
Published by Self Published on January 24, 2024
Pages: 426
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Source: Publicist
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
What I don’t expect is him.
He’s only supposed to be a one-night stand, but fate has other plans.
The next time I see him it’s because I’m on a date with his dad.
I’ve always believed in wishing on elevens, but this time I get a little more than I bargained for by falling for a guy eleven years younger than me.
Reid is everything I shouldn’t want and everything I need.
The question is, am I willing to open my heart up to him? Or am I doomed to let my past hold me back?
The heroine, Via, is thirty-two years old and recently divorced. She left her life and career as a lawyer in San Francisco and moved to a small town in Maine. She purchased a building online with plans to open an art store.
On her first night in her new environment, she went to a bar to have dinner. While there, she met Reid Crawford, am independent 21-year-old. The two shared an instant connection. Reid was interested in more than one night. However, Via bearing the emotional scars from the actions of her cheating narcissistic husband, had no interest in more than one night. She had no plans to see Reid again. Nonetheless, fate had other plans and two paths will cross once again in a strange manner.
Ah! I am in awe of Reid. I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he is twenty-one. Let me tell you, he was a very mature 21-year-old. His patience, support of Via resonated with me. That along with his sweet nature, protectiveness and good looks made him the perfect swoon worthy hero. Although he wanted forever with Via, he didn’t push. He worked with her pace.
Via was a remarkable heroine. Leaving the only you know and moving to a strange place, surrounded by strangers, couldn’t have been an easy decision. However, Via did it and in the end it was the best decision for her. Not only did she heal and rediscover who was Via, she found true happiness. It was inspiring to see her move past her insecurities and embracing new opportunities, one of which involved reopening her heart to love.
‘Eleven Eleven’ is a captivating story which shows it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Favourite Quotes
It’s strange to think that I’m home now. This is the beginning of my new life. The biggest risk I’ve ever taken. I left behind a high-paying job and my friends and family for a future filled with uncertainty.
I’d scoff at him, of course. Never would I admit to that, but he just might be. Reid inspires me. He’s young, but he’s more thoughtful, insightful, than most, regardless of age.
“Because you were sitting there with this lonely look in your eyes.” He brushes a thumb along my jawline. “I wanted to be the reason you didn’t feel that way anymore.”
“But it takes a good friendship to establish a solid foundation. I don’t want to only be your lover. I want to be your person. The one you go to first. The one you think of when you wake up. The one … just the one.”
I press my lips together, trying not to smile. Despite my urge to leave, I do like spending time with him. I like it too much, which is why I wanted to run away. Reid’s presence brings me peace, and that frightens me. I should be my own peace, but when I’m with him, everything else is quiet, and I feel… I feel like I’m home.
But Reid has woven his way into my heart. He’s stitched the broken pieces together, mended the cracks and tears. I’m scared to give him those three words, and he knows it. It’s why he hasn’t spoken them to me. He’s afraid he’ll scare me away.
Reid is a vibrant splash of color in the dull landscape that is my life. He’s red. Passion and energy. He’s blue. Friendly, a rock I can hold on to against the crash of waves. He’s green. Infallibly positive, with a generous soul. He’s yellow. The optimistic sunshine on my cloudy days. He’s every color in-between streaked across my blank white canvas.
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