There’s something heartwarming about second-chance romances. They hold the burden of past regrets, the delight of rekindling, and offer healing from pain. Aurora Rose Reynolds’s Until Lilly has all of this and more. A beautifully written story about love lost and found, rash choices, and the strength needed to fix what was considered beyond repair. In this book of the ‘Until’ series, we get to explore the lives of Cash and Lilly, two lovers whose romance was cut short due to webs of lies, secrets, and re-sparked years later when destiny chose to step in.
- Author:- Aurora Rose Reynolds
- Series:- Until (Book 3)
- Pages:- 219 Pages
- Genre:- Romance, Second Chance, New Adult
- My Rating:- 4.5 Stars
- Goodreads: 4.22 Stars
About "Until Lilly"
“Until Lilly,” book 3 in Aurora Rose Reynolds Until series, revolves around Cash Mayson and Lilly, two people who once put each other on a pedestal until one decision turned their lives upside down. Cash decided to be the gallant man and walked away from Lilly, a decision that would later be life-changing. Lilly found herself in an unexpected situation when she had to raise a child all by herself. Cash, on the other hand, spent his time wallowing in regret. Life had other plans for the two, and fate finally intervened years later, bringing them back together.
Their reunion leads to unexpected turn of events which unveil new life truths, as well as incites emotions that have long been dormant to rise to the surface once again. The narrative explores the characters’ past traumas and their complex journey toward forgiveness, trust, and rediscovering love.
Until Lilly Book Review: A Beautiful Second-Chance Romance
In my opinion, this book is a perfect example of a heartbreak novel rife with love’s second chances. The emotional buildup, character arcs, and gradual building of relations between Cash and Lilly are all phenomenally put together. Aurora Rose Reynolds has done an amazing job in crafting relatable characters who, despite their flaws, grab the reader’s attention.
The Appeal of Cash Mayson
Let’s start with Cash. His character was honestly one of the most intriguing ones to me. Sure, he made a terrible choice in the past, but it was made within the context of what he thought was best for him back then. That doesn’t justify his choice, but it certainly explains why he made it. What drives him from irredeemable to redeemable is how he claims responsibility after coming to know the truth. From then on, he dives headfirst into everything, not only for Lilly but for Jax, his son, and Ashlyn, Lilly’s daughter.
What I admired the most was his patience. Cash did not rush or pressure Lilly. Rather, he supported her throughout the process, constantly demonstrating that he had changed and earned a second chance. It wasn’t enough for him to just make grand promises; he had to deliver, show up, and be the man his family needed him to be.
Lilly’s Strength and Vulnerability
When thinking of Lilly, it’s easy to notice that she is multifaceted. Strong and independent, she is the type of woman who takes action. The way she raised Ashlyn and Jax is with love and care, which is admirable in itself. Although Lilly manages to conceal a deep-seated fear of being hurt again, not only for herself but also for her children. That parental fear dictates a lot of her choices throughout the novel.
One of the most remarkable things about her character is her relationship with Jax. Even with all the baggage stemming from Cash and his former misdemeanors, Lilly did not pass her bitterness toward Jax. She was warm, gentle, and nurturing with him, which is a testament to her emotional maturity and her motherly instincts.
Adorable and Heart-Melting Children
Jax and Ashlyn, without doubt, were the highlights for me. Jax is an obedient and caring young boy. He is more mature than his age. He always tries to listen to his father and, alongside his sister, does his best to protect her like Cash ordered. Jax has strength within him, which is rarely seen in child characters, and it made me love him more.
On the contrary, pure-of-heart and gentle Ashlyn is sunshine herself and is full of love and innocence. She embodies love towards all and her unfiltered honesty, which all characters enjoyed greatly. The sibling bond of Ashlyn and Jax was my favorite part of the book.
Strong Supporting Cast and Series Connection
This is the third book in the Until series, and I enjoyed how the author showcased other characters from previous books as well as hinting at some future ones. It completes the world in a way that makes it feel far more realistic and adds to the overarching plot of the series. You don’t need to read this series in order, but doing so helps you appreciate the character relationships and dynamics more.
I enjoyed how even secondary characters got the opportunity to shine in the story without overshadowing the main plot. It added a layer to the story that felt more cohesive and lived-in.
Why 4.5 and Not 5 Stars?
Let’s dive into the main reason why I decided to give “Until Lilly” a 4.5-star rating. Really enjoyed the story and appreciated both the narrative and emotional arcs, but one part of Lilly’s character was rather annoying – her self-esteem issues.
She remains ruthless when it comes to guarding her children and holding Cash responsible, but her self-perception and self-advocacy skills are nonexistent. I didn’t like that. I needed her to fight just as fiercely for herself.
That internal conflict was understandable with her history, but I wish the author had worked on that part more by the end. This would have rounded out Lilly’s character arc and increased the fulfillment readers would experience.
Final Thoughts
Until Lilly is a tragic, richly layered second chance romance novels that dives into the intricacies of love, forgiveness, and being a parent. Cash’s pursuit of love, Lilly’s path to trust, and Ashlyn and Jax’s charming relationship form a believable story in Aurora Rose’s novel. Every single aspect creates a captivating story that is sure to resonate deeply with readers.
This book, and the series in general, is a must-read for those who love family-centric romances that are sweet, emotional, and unafraid of showcasing the chaos of daily life. Relatable characters, an inviting plot, and a powerful emotional foundation make this book unforgettable. Until Lilly is a captivating tale of romance that lingers long after the last page is turned.
So, have you read this amazing book yet? What was your favorite moment? Let’s talk in the comments!
