This Time
Ten years ago, Ty and Siena walked away from each other. Now fate has given them a second chance—but this time, falling in love may be the easy part.
A quiet spark that lit up their high school days bursts back into flame when Tyrell Harrell and Siena Tyson meet again at their ten-year reunion.
Ty is now a decorated Marine Corps combat pilot preparing for deployment to a hostile country. Siena remained in their small hometown, building a business—and guarding a secret that could change everything.
As old feelings return, Siena discovers a corporate deception threatening the health of the community she loves. And the men responsible are closer to her than she ever imagined.
With Ty’s deployment approaching and Siena’s past closing in, their second chance may disappear almost as quickly as it arrived.
Can two people who once chose different lives finally choose each other…this time?
An award-winning story of second chances, sacrifice, small-town secrets, and a love worth fighting for.
Why You Might Enjoy This Story…
I first published This Time under the title The Road Not Taken in 2020. When I revisited the novel while attending a book festival in 2025, I realized that early edition no longer met my current writing standard. So, I re-edited the book, gave it a new cover, and changed the title.
A year later, the updated novel became my top-selling book and won a Gold Medal in the 2026 Readers’ Favorite International Book Competition in the Contemporary Romance category.
This is my only book in the romance genre to date, and it still ranks among my favorite stories. It is also the book that first introduces the enigmatic Pastor Tom Burns, who became one of the favorite recurring characters in my Butnari and Hill Crime Thriller series.
And among the rest of the cast, the villains aren’t all evil, and the heroes have flaws … just like us.
What Reviewers Are Saying
“…not just a romance, it’s about rebuilding, forgiving, and learning when to fight and when to let go.”
★★★★★
Thomas Anderson
Editor in Chief, Literary Titan
“The characters felt so real; they were well-developed and easy to identify with.”
★★★★★
Salina Coria
Readers’ Favorite
“If you’re looking for a story that’s both emotionally satisfying and full of intrigue—and one that reassures you that true love can triumph—don’t miss reading THIS TIME.”
★★★★★
Elizabeth Cottrell
Author of Heartspoken
Readers Are Saying
“A feel-good book with down to earth characters. Love the way the author develops his characters and skillfully weaves them into his story. Excellent read.”
★★★★★
Garry Woody
Amazon customer
“This is definitely a book that sucked me in and I looked forward to reading it each chance I had!”
★★★★★
Kelly
Amazon customer
“This is one of the most well-written books I have ever read! I loved all of the characters and wanted it to go on forever!”
★★★★★
Peggy Chastain
Amazon customer