I was provided an ARC and ALC via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
I'm a huge fan of Karla's books and this one was fabulous! This does read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading Lessons in Heartbreak first in order to get some of Barret's backstory with his ex and the dynamics with his twin brother Griffin. While not 100% necessary to the main story, I think having that background is helpful and several references are made to those characters and the events in that book. You could probably read it right after reading this and also get the same understanding.
Normally you see the grumpy sunshine dynamic, but this was a different take with a grumpy grumpy dynamic. Barrett has two great kids who are also a bit mischievous as they try to push the limits of their dads super organized, rule filled world. Lily is a bit of a nomad, who makes a living house sitting with her equally grumpy dog Larry. She and Larry quickly fall in love with Barrett's crazy kids, and while they are house sitting Lily agrees to fill in as a temporary nanny. Lily and Barrett get over their initial dislike of each other as they dance around their attraction for one another and their love of the kids. His love for order and rules and her desire to have fun and irritate the heck out of him every chance she gets makes for a really great slow burn romance.
I loved these two together, and I appreciated that this was a slow burn romance. Lily's nomad lifestyle stems from grief, so if loss of loved ones is a trigger make sure you are ready for that as this eventually gets very emotional when she finally opens up to Barrett. It was nice to see Barrett and Lily get to know one another over a longer period of time as neighbors and "frenemies" with their banter and awkward flirting before they jumped into a relationship. They definitely had chemistry tension, and yearning. The banter is top notch! I also loved the kids, they add the humor and comedy that is needed to balance the more serious, emotional tones of the book.
I loved this and could barely put it down. I highly recommend the audiobook, the narrators were wonderful!
What can mend a marriage in trouble? Two meddling kids, one grandfather, and a mischievous puppy.
Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke is now live!
From USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a warm and romantic novel about a marriage in trouble, two conspiring kids, and the meaning of long-lasting love.
After twenty years, the cracks in Lauren Reed’s marriage are showing. She and her husband, Jack, feel more like roommates than a loving couple. What they have in common are two wonderful teenagers, Michael and Maddie, and the same wistful question: When did it all go wrong? Now that Lauren’s decided to get on with her life—alone—divorce is inevitable.
Not to the kids. They aren’t giving up so easily.
Michael and Maddie have conspired with their grandfather to bring everyone together for a vacation in the family’s favorite summer getaway, a rustic lakeside cabin in Story Brook, Ohio. Awkward? Yep. A little deceptive? Sure. But as far as traps go, Lauren and Jack agree—the meddlers couldn’t have set one that was more scenic or filled with so many bittersweet memories.
This trip is going to be life-changing for the whole family. Fourteen days of hope, heartbreak, and unexpected possibilities—like maybe falling in love all over again.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor. She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden. Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.
He’s a cynical, world-weary Londoner. She’s a shy Scot. They might seem like opposites, but a few weeks in the Highlands will bring them together in ways they can’t imagine…
Theo Cavendish is the second son of a British viscount, and he’s spent years running from the aristocratic world he grew up in. Betrayal and loss taught him lessons he’s not quick to forget. As an award-winning screenwriter and creator, Theo prefers to throw himself into the world of film and television. He moves from one project to another, never really letting anyone truly know him.
As a housekeeper at the exclusive Ardnoch Estate, shy Sarah McCulloch feels invisible most days. No one really knows her, and they definitely don’t know she’s a bestselling crime writer. She dreams of seeing her series on screen and believes only one person can develop it for television. On the day she quits the estate for good, she shares her secret with club member, Theo, and asks him to consider her books.
Sarah never expected him to say yes or to show up on her doorstep ready to write with her. Or that weeks spent locked up in her cottage would lead them to form an intense but undeniable connection. A bond that Theo is not sure he’s ready to accept, even though he can’t bear to be without her.
However, when they finally venture out of their bubble, Theo finds he’ll have to battle more than his own demons to protect Sarah from hurt. For he has another fan, one intent on bringing the darkest elements of his most famous script to life. And unless he can figure out this real-life antagonist’s next move, Theo could be in danger of losing Sarah forever.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She's been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries. She resides in Scotland.
I was given an audio code for this book via the author and Valentine PR, however I had previously purchased copy of the ebook prior to listening to the audio version. As always all opinions expressed in my review are my own.
I've owned a copy of this for a while, but I'd been putting off reading this because I knew this was one of Addy's more emotional standalones. I have finally been in the right headspace to pick this up and the audiobook was a great way to enjoy this. Both of the narrators brought Tyler and Elin's emotion to the page in just the right way.
This follows Elin and Tyler in the wake of a heartbreaking split. They have loved each other since about 8th grade, but after a life altering accident at work leaves Tyler lost and feeling useless he begins to spiral. He feels like a burden and decides to take matters into his own hands and take a break. This of course shatters Elin's faith and trust in Tyler and their marriage. Elin is also suffering from some personal struggles, but because she no longer can trust him she keeps this information from Tyler when he comes back and tries to make amends and put the pieces of their relationship back together. They never stopped loving each other and they have to decide if their love is enough to rebuild and start over.
I liked that Elin and Tyler were already married and dealt with real marriage problems. While Elin's stubborn streak and desire to keep secrets from Ty as punishment went on a bit too long in my opinion, they eventually had the hard, grown up conversations that needed to be had. The author did a good job capturing how hard marriage can be at times and the panic you feel when your partner is in a harrowing situation. As they pick up the pieces things start to heat up between them so if you are looking for spice this doesn't disappoint.
Part of this are extremely emotional so have your tissues nearby. There are some painful discussions and situations that the characters go through. I put content warnings that may or not be spoilers at the end of my review.
Content warnings [infertility, miscarriage, death of a friend, discussion of drug use (hide spoiler)]
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.
While this is the second book in The Connovan Chronicles, it does read as a complete standalone. I do highly recommend reading Best Enemies Forever as well. It is where we first meet Isabel and Alec. That is also where we get to know Connie and Gabriel, so if you want to understand their backstory, you can do so there. Don't worry if you haven't read that one yet, you get all of the necessary information you need for the main characters in this installment and I feel you can read the in either order.
This follows Isabel, a professional ballerina who has been forced to take a hiatus from dancing due to an injury. Her best friend Connie suggests she take up nannying while she rehabs and figures out next steps. Connie also happens to know that her older brother desperately needs a nanny ASAP as his last nanny quit abruptly. Alec is CEO of a successful corporation and his kids have run off every nanny he has ever hired. With Connie's glowing recommendation, he agrees to hire Isabel, the only problem is he is 15 years her senior and extremely attracted to her. As Isabel settles into routines with the kids and they begin to warm to her, joy begins to return to the Connovan home. Isabel isn't afraid to advocate for the kids when they need Alec to change his routines, and she certainly isn't afraid to let him know that she reciprocates the attraction that is growing between them.
If you like an age gap, semi-slow burn romance, with a decent amount of spice give this one a read. Alec and Isabel have good chemistry, but Alec is slow to move on his feelings because of his desire to do what is best for everyone. He has a hard time breaking the habits he learned as a child and built over time when it comes to relationships. I'm never a fan of a main character (male or female) telling someone else what is best for them or how they will feel, Alec does a lot of that, instead owning up to his own feelings. It takes him a while to get there, but he eventually does get there. Isabel is no stranger to working hard and being patient for the things that she wants, she is willing to wait for Alec as he figures things out. I do appreciate that the talked through their issues, even if Alec was stubborn and not always listening. While this is a romance at the heart, there are some somber moments that deal with grief and loss, and both characters are finding their way back to happiness again both with each other and in life itself.
Overall, I really loved this. I am loving getting to know the Connovan family and I'm very much looking forward to Nate's book.
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Grey’s Promotions, all opinions are my own.
This was such a cute holiday romance. It is a novella so if you are needing something short and sweet look no further!
This follows Iris, a super creative and successful designer who has been recently unlucky in love. Her meddling hockey player brother suggests she get away for a few days in a quaint mountain cabin to distress and reset before the holidays. What she doesn’t know is that he also gave the same advice to his best friend and teammate Kyler who is struggling with an injury and the rest of his season may be on the line. Kyler and Iris are complete opposites, but being forced to spend a few days together during a snowstorm might just be what they both needed.
I really enjoyed this. Kyler and Iris are truly opposites but they balance each other nicely. They start out as enemies but they quickly call a truce due to the forced proximity. She is a little bit of a brat and he’s a little bit of a jerk but they are both quick to call each other out on their respective nonsense. They had good banter and while I’m not usually a fan of an insta-love type story it works well here in the novella format and as the basis to see where things go. I appreciate that “I love yous“ weren’t thrown around after a few days together, instead a promise of let’s see what we can make of this connection is made.
If you are a fan of romances with forced proximity, enemies to lovers, meddling brothers, and the holidays this novella has it all. It is perfect for the upcoming holiday season when you need something cozy to read.
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This is the first book in a new series by Sorensen and I can't wait to find out who the next couple will be. I suspect have some suspicions who some of the next couples may be in future installments but I'm excited to see who may be next.
This follows Burke, a recently retired pro football player in the wake of a career ending injury. he is also grieving the loss of his best friend Chris after a horrific car accident. Chris left Burke his family's historic property that he was in the process of restoring. Burke is not only grieving the loss of his career and his friend, but he is confused as to why Chris and his wife would leave him this property. He just wants to sit by the beach, read a book, and reconnect with his sister and her twins in his retirement. He and his sister have alot of emotional baggage from their childhood from losing their mom early in life and a dad who only cared about living vicariously through Burke's football achievements.
Enter Charlotte, she is the project manager for the historic renovations that Chris and his wife had started before tragedy struck. She is Burke's opposite in every way, but she loves the house and old things. She has big ideas for the restoration and Burke wants nothing to do with it. Charlotte not only has to manage the project but she has to manage Burke's bad attitude about inheriting the house and dealing with what feels like an impossible renovation. The more time the spend together the more he softens and the more sparks fly between them. As their relationship turns from professional into something more, both Burke and Charlotte open themselves up to being hurt and neither of them know what comes next as the house progresses.
I loved the advice that her zany aunt Daphne and her partner Richard, I loved both of them in the book, gives her some great advice about being patient with Burke because he doesn't know how to deal with his emotions and he's dealing with a lot of them during this project. He is grieving, doesn't know what to do with himself, and scared of opening up to someone. I loved that Charlotte called him out for not communicating with her and taking away her choice in their relationship. I also loved Tansy, Burke's sister, she gave him some great advice as well when it came to living his own dreams instead of always taking care of everyone else. I hope Tansy gets her own book and happy ending in the future!
This book is a bit on the heavy side, but I really enjoyed it. Burke is very much caught up in his grief and the trauma of his childhood. He isn't really able to face his future and begin healing until he confronts those. Charlotte on the other hand is very aware that he is in need of healing and willing to support him through that process. I thought their relationship and character development was really done well here. I used to watch renovation shows with my dad on Saturdays, and the bits of renovation woven into the book were nostalgic for me.
I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This follows Everly, a plus sized artist who has lost her way after the death of her beloved grandmother. Everly is a talented artist and she used to have big dreams. Without her biggest cheerleader by her side, Everly has chosen to hide behind neutral colors and no longer take risks. She can't fail if she never tries for anything beyond her perfectly average existence. When someone nominates her for a reality TV show On the Plus Side that focuses on giving plus sized guests not only a wardrobe makeover but a life makeover, Everly is given the opportunity to revisit the girl she has hidden away and redefine her happiness.
This was such a heartwarming book. I loved going on Everly's journey of rediscovering herself and figuring out what she wants to do with her life. I found her story to be very relatable, and I loved watching her go from feeling like she was "too much" to feeling just the right amount through the support of her friends and the sweet romance she developed with Logan. I also loved that she got to define happiness for herself despite what she looked like. No one should close themselves off to make other people feel comfortable, and she faced that on her journey. It was so awesome to see her transform into someone who could advocate for herself in both personal and professional situations and throw caution to the wind a little bit here and there. This had great banter and side characters to add some humor and fun to a book that deals with some heavy topics.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. If you are a fan of the show What Not to Wear, this has a similar vibe. I'm not a big reality TV show person, but I loved that show. This had a fun romcom element, but also dealt with some very real issues. This is my first book by the author but I'm looking forward to reading more!
With the backdrop of paradise and sizzling chemistry, anything could
happen!
How to Honeymoon Alone, a sexy romantic comedy featuring a feisty heroine and
a grumpy hero from Olivia Hayle is out now!
A paradise island. Two strangers. The attraction they never saw
coming…
When Eden dumped her cheating ex before the wedding, the last thing she
expected was to go on their tropical honeymoon alone. But with no refunds
possible, she packs her budget guidebook and broken heart, and sets off.
She plans to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and drink cocktails until
she feels like herself again… or falls over. Whichever comes first. What she’s
not expecting is the brusque, handsome stranger who sits down at her table on
the first night.
Philip Meyer is a grumpy workaholic, and so irritatingly cynical that it makes
her forget she’s grieving just to prove him wrong about the world. The two
have nothing in common… except trying to forget who they’ve left behind.
The luxury resort isn’t too big, and fate soon pushes them together again. And
again. Catamaran cruises and midnight swims give way to late night room
service and whispered nothings. Maybe opposites really do attract. But every vacation has to end, even the very best ones… Can these two
opposites make it last?
This steamy romantic comedy is the perfect summer read! Great for fans of The
Love Hypothesis or Beach Read, it involves a feisty heroine and the grumpy
hero who reluctantly (but inevitably) falls for her charms…
Check out a special excerpt from How to Honeymoon Alone!
“Good evening,” a smiling host says. “Do you have a reservation for
tonight?” “I don’t, no. I can see that you’re pretty busy. Is there a
space for one?” “Just one?” “Yes.” I can feel myself shrink. “Let
me check…” He looks down at the screen and taps it a few times. “We do seem to
have a table available. You’ll get our last one of the night!” “Oh,
that’s wonderful. Thank you.” Next to me, a man clears his throat. “There
you are,” he says to me. “Sorry, I’m late. Table for two, actually.” I
stare up at the stranger. His head of dark-brown hair towers over me by a
few inches, and he’s wearing a white button-down. He’s also watching me
meaningfully. “That’s not a problem,” the host says, grabbing another
menu. “Right this way.” He turns and sets off through the packed
restaurant. I remain locked in a staring contest with the intrusive
stranger. He raises an eyebrow. “Share the last table?” he asks and
motions for us to start moving. I’m too stunned to do anything but follow
the host obediently through the restaurant. He leads us to a two-top right
next to the boardwalk and the soft waves. There’s a single lit candle on it,
it’s flame flickering in the light breeze. “Here you are,” the host
chirps and sets the menus down. “Your waiter will be over soon to take your
drink orders.” And just like that, I’m left staring at the tall stranger
in front of me. He pulls out a chair and sits as if he hasn’t just stolen it.
There’s a hint of stubble along his sharp jaw. He looks closed-off and a bit
predatory like he spends much time getting his way just as he is right now. “Excuse
me,” I say. “What was that?” “Maybe I just wanted to get to know you,” he
says. Judging by his lack of accent, he’s American, too. I cast a
meaningful look around the crowded restaurant. “No, you wanted a table in a
full restaurant.” “Nothing escapes you.” He nods to the chair in front of
him. “Have a seat.” “You know, I studied karate for seven years, and I
always carry pepper spray. Not to mention we’re in public.” “Consider me
warned,” he says and opens his menu. “They do good fish here, I’ve heard.” I
finally sit down, my movements slow. “Yes. It’s in the name.” He gives a
low hum. I look down at my menu, but the words bleed together on the page. At
least his sudden arrival means I don’t need to think twice about what the
other guests may be thinking, seeing me here alone. Across the table, he
flips a page of his menu. “Dinner is on me as a thank you,” he says. “Choose
whatever you want. And no need to worry about awkward small talk, if you’re
not in the mood. I have some emails I need to take care of.” I look at
him. “You’re going to work?” He keeps his eyes trained on the menu.
“Would you rather we talk about nothing important just to fill the
silence?” “Wow. I… just wow.” He looks up with a faint frown.
“What?” “I don’t think anyone’s ever spoken to me like you have.” “Right.
I can be direct.” “No, really?” I ask. Sarcasm drips from my words. He
puts the menu down, and it looks like it pains him. “I’m sorry about crashing
your evening. Is it okay with you? Say no, and I’ll leave, no questions
asked.” “It’s okay,” I hear myself saying because, if nothing else, this
is a story to tell Becky about. “I’m just… surprised.” He nods like
that’s that and returns to his menu. The silence stretches between us. I
read my menu without taking in the words and sneak looks at him. I haven’t
spoken to a man who wasn’t my family member, a co-worker, or a friend’s
husband since Caleb and I ended our engagement. He leans forward, a lock
of dark hair falling over his forehead. A heavy watch on his wrist reflects
the flickering candle on the table. “What are you having?” I finally ask
him. He closes the menu with a snap. “The steak.” “The steak,” I
repeat. “At a restaurant famous for its fish? On an island in the middle of
the sea? You do know that swordfish is famous in Barbados?” “Yes.” “I
think I’m having the locally sourced marlin.” He makes that low humming
sound again and reaches into the pocket of his slacks. He pulls out a phone
and puts it on the tabletop. “I don’t want to be rude,” he says, “but I really
do need to answer a few emails.” “You’re working on your vacation?” His
eyes are already on the screen. “Yes.” “Why didn’t you just order room
service?” I ask. He doesn’t look up at me, but he seems to tense up at my
question. “My room wasn’t properly cleaned when I arrived. They’re fixing it
now.” “Oh.” That seems… odd at a five-star resort, but okay, then. I
entertain myself by reading through the dessert menu, and then the wine list.
My eyes graze over the impossible prices of the glass to the bottle. Between
mine and Caleb’s salaries, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Staying at
the Winter Resort was always going to be a stretch. When I sat down to cancel
the honeymoon and learned about the cancellation fees, we’d have to pay for
the flights and the deposit we’d lose on the standard double at the resort…
well. Caleb already took the wedding from me, and I’ll be damned if he takes
my lifelong dream vacation, too.
Read this meet cute romance today! Exclusively on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited!
Olivia is a hopeless romantic who loves billionaires heroes, despite never
having met one. So she took matters into her own hands and creates them on the
page instead. Stern, charming, cold or brooding, so far she’s never met a
(fictional) billionaire she didn’t like.
A voracious reader of romance, Olivia picked up the pen a few years back and
what followed was nothing short of a love affair of. Now she spends her days
chuckling at the steamy banter she’s writing or swooning at
happily-ever-afters.
She’s been writing contemporary romance novels since 2019. They’re all
available on Amazon and enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
(Phew. Now I can go back to writing first-person love stories!)
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and The Indie Author's Apprentice, all opinions are my own.
This was so fun! If you are looking for a beach read look no further. This follows Eden and Philip as they both honeymoon alone at a beautiful resort. Philip is a grumpy lawyer who works too much, while Eden is an unpredictable kindergarten teacher who wants to make the most of her vacation. Eden has decided to be her best vacation self and doing things that she normally wouldn't do at home and experience everything she can on her once in a lifetime vacation to Barbados. Philip is stoic and serious, but when he crashes Eden's dinner plans on their first night on the island he finds himself having the most random and interesting conversations and being challenged to become his best vacation self. The more time he spends with Eden, the less time he spends answering emails and work calls and doing fun things on his vacation itinerary and things Eden bookmarked in her island guidebook.
This is a moderately steamy, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract romance and I loved every minute of it. Philip and Eden take their time getting to know one another before jumping into something more, which I appreciated. While they only spent 2 weeks together, they spent alot of time being platonic before being romantic so it almost felt like a slow burn even though it was only 2 weeks. They had great conversations that made me smile and laugh. I loved the descriptions of the island, it made me want to go on a tropical vacation and drink locally sourced cocktails and go snorkeling.
Overall I highly recommend this and if you enjoy a good romance you should check this out when it comes out on June 13th.
Genre/Tropes: Fake ex-husband / Small Town Romance / Friends to Lovers / One Bed / He Falls First
Fluke, an all-new small-town romance, by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke is NOW LIVE!Grab this fake ex-husband, small-town romance TODAY! https://geni.us/FlukeLocke
SEEKING AN EX-HUSBANDI need a fake ex-husband. Let me explain … I may have let it slip to my new co-workers that I have an ex-husband. Now they’re fascinated with the details, specifically with him. Why wouldn’t they be? He’s gorgeous, has exceptional skills in the bedroom, and is determined to win me back. But there’s a problem. He doesn’t exist. The bigger problem? I have to produce him to save my job. This is where you come in. I’m seeking someone to play a smitten ex-husband for two weeks. You’ll need to remember our love story—details matter when it comes to romance! Please be prepared to travel in-state at a moment’s notice. We may be in close proximity and sharing a bed may be required. One more thing—kisses are required for optics as necessary. If this sounds interesting or, at the very least, entertaining, let me know.Signed,Your Future Ex-Wife
Buckle up for a steamy adventure between friends-turned-lovers in this new “fresh twist on a favorite trope!” take on fake dating, close proximity, and romance in the workplace from USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke.
About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor.She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden.Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty-five years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.Learn more at adrianalocke.com.
I was provided both a digital and audio ARC of this book via Netgalley. Thank you to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Young Listeners for the opportunity to read this early. As always, all opinions are my own. This book will be publised on February 28, 2023.
The audiobook was well narrated by Mhairi Morrison. She did a good job with the various characters in the story as this is not told from multiple points of view. The second narrator Tim Campbell has a small part and narrates the news articles that are found at the end of chapters. This is a nice touch to let the listener know that you've exited the story proper and are reading a different form of media related to Hazel's story.
This is the second installment of Schwartz's gothic romance following Hazel Sinnett and her pursuit to be a doctor. I would highly recommend reading Anatomy: A Love Story first as it will give you much of the backstory that leads up to the events that take place in this book. This takes place several months after Anatomy ends, Hazel has a steady stream of patients and she is still holding out hope that Jack is alive, though logic tells her he must be dead. After treating a particularly tricky case, Hazel finds herself in jail, but the Crown interjects and hopes that a lady doctor might be just what the sickly princess needs to get well and perform her royal duties. This is how Hazel finds herself as the personal physician of Princess Charlotte and entangled with a secret society that know about Dr. Beecham and his sinister work.
I loved the mix of historical fiction, horror, gothic romance, and a little bit of sci-fi. Much like the first book Hazel finds herself mixed up in things that call into question her own morals and values. At the end of the day she has to follow her heart and do what she feels is right. I really appreciated that she always valued her patients over fame and fortune, and stuck to her moral compass. The book progresses at a slow to medium pace then it picks up toward the middle of the book as new characters are introduced and things start to happen. Hazel finds herself torn between doing what is right and doing what is convenient and right for others. While some of the plot points (I don't want to spoil any of them) wrap up perhaps conveniently or predictably, I don't think I would have wanted them to go any other way. While Anatomy could have stood as a standalone, this answers many of the questions we had at the end of the first book. I know I was completely satisfied with the ending and couldn't stop smiling at the conclusion.
I really loved this book and the duology as a whole! I loved seeing Hazel as a confident and competent young woman in a society that did not allow women to be doctors and scientists. She is a great example for young women who want to pursue careers in STEM. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future!
I was provided an audio arc of this book via the author, however I do own the kindle version of this book. As always all opinions expressed in my review are my own. This book was originally released in 2015, but it recently has gotten a new cover and underwent some revisions.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell did a wonderful job with the narration. They brought Crew and Julia to life in this emotional story. I like that even though the chapters were told from their POVs, the appropriate narrator stepped in when there was dialogue between the characters. The female narrator didn't have to voice the male character in her chapters and vice versa. I think that was a nice touch and something we don't often see in dual POV audiobooks. I didn't want to put this down once I started.
This is a very emotional book that deals with some pretty heavy topics. Julia is barely making ends meet after the loss of her husband. She works two jobs to make ends meet and take care of her daughter Everleigh. Her brother in law, Crew, helps out where he can, but Julia and he have a history and she doesn't want his charity. When Julia gets some tragic news about her daughter's health, she has to lean on Crew more than she wants to if she wants to get through this and be strong for her daughter. Crew has made some mistakes in the past, but he knows it is time to man up and make the sacrifices he wasn't willing to make when he was younger. It is time to take care of his family and do the right thing to take care of Julia and Everliegh, no matter the cost.
This is unlike most of the books I've read by Adriana Locke. It has a much more serious tone, where as most of her books are whimsical with witty banter. This is much more somber and gritty. We get to see both of the characters at their most vulnerable and how they put aside the past to survive tragedy. This has some NSFW scenes, so have some headphones handy if you are in a situation where you don't want anyone hear. This also has some tear inducing scenes so have a box of tissues ready. Adriana puts the characters through just about everything they can take in this book, but it is worth it in the end.
Trigger warnings for: death of a spouse, cancer specifically child cancer, MMA fighting, parental abuse
Single Dad Dilemma by Karla Sorensen
