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jennyreads_2022's review
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
After reading Never Till Now I was really looking forward to this book. Max and Kelsie’s relationship had me intrigued, and while I enjoyed this book, it wasn’t as good as Never Till Now. I think part of that was because Max and Kelsie were featured heavily in Never Till Now so I felt like I already knew some of the background. I still loved their story, I just found myself taking a little longer to get into it.
There was definitely a good deal of angst in this book. Max and Kelsie were so unsure of risking their friendship, but it built up to some steamy nights between the sheets. Kelsie was still healing after her divorce and her ex abandoning their children. And Max had his own demons and fears rooted in his mother’s abandonment of him. I loved getting to see Max’s relationship with Kelsie’s kids, especially Mallory. She was such a little spitfire, but she was also hurt by what her father did, and Max was the perfect person to help her through some of that pain.
There were definitely times I wanted to throw my Kindle while reading this. Kelsie and Max’s back and forth was pretty epic. I loved some of the reasons for the hesitation but I also just wanted them to be together!
sarahanne4441's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
readingstation's review
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy
romance_matcha_andpaperbacks's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Trust me if I could give it more than 5 stars I would. I really liked her first book from this series however, I fell completely in love with Max and Kelsie's story. If you want to read a book that has it all: the drama, the spice, heartbreak, banter, family bonds, a touch of humor, and some sweet loving romance, this is it! Not to mention if you are looking for a new book boyfriend Max is your guy. Author Jenna Lockwood really knows how to storytell. This is such a lovely story everyone needs to read. To see how Max loves Kelsie in every form was a true delight. They went from lifetime best friends to lifetime partners. Max is truly the man we all dream of: hot, sexy, muscular, a true best friend, a great partner, and one hell of a father figure. He's just perfect in every way. Kelsie on the other hand is one strong woman who has been through a very tough relationship. Seeing how Max picked up the broken pieces of her broken heart, never gave up, and helped restore her faith in love was captivating. It's just so beautiful I have no doubt you will all love it.
skylersporras's review
dnf @ 26% - very little (no?) plot outside of the relationship and the main couple didn’t have any chemistry.
bookedwithmel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Jenna was gracious enough to send me an ARC of this book and I couldn’t be more grateful. This was a fantastic story. I’m kicking myself for not reading the first book in the series before I read this one, but I’ll be circling back ASAP to read Never til Now, which I know will be just as enthralling as this one.
Best friends to lovers is by far my favorite trope. Even while Kelsie married and had babies with another man, Max still stood but her side. He was there for the good, the bad and the ugly. And he was there for her and her children to pick up the pieces after her divorce. Even if they never had a sexual relationship, I would have loved their story.
Kelsie deserved a man who loved her and wanted her for herself, not her money. Max loved her exactly the way she was. And he loved her children. How can you not root for them to have a HEA.
I can’t wait to read more books by Jenna.
sgt_books's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Synopsis: Following her painful divorce, Kelsie struggles to balance work, taking care of herself, and being a newly single mom. Luckily, she has her childhood best friend Max to lean on. Now that Kelsie is single, things feel different, but I s it worth risking their friendship over?
.
Review: This was the book I didn’t know I needed! I’m gonna be honest, I was a little nervous going in as some of the tropes in this book are ones I typically avoid, but Lockwood has totally sold me on them! This book is friends to lovers without the annoying pining, it’s growing family without the awkward cringe, it’s brother’s best friend without the over-protection. She has absolutely nailed it!
Kelsie and Max are incredible protagonists with complex backstories and motivations, and a TON of growth throughout the novel. I’m a sucker for any step-up dad character, and Max is the best there is (like, sorry to my husband, but my standards raised ten fold), and Kelsie is such a caring and patient mom. They are an incredible team.
Overall, I think this is a great read and would absolutely recommend it if you’re looking for a new romance read!
/an advanced reader copy of this book was gifted to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, Jenna Lockwood, for valuing my review/
.
Review: This was the book I didn’t know I needed! I’m gonna be honest, I was a little nervous going in as some of the tropes in this book are ones I typically avoid, but Lockwood has totally sold me on them! This book is friends to lovers without the annoying pining, it’s growing family without the awkward cringe, it’s brother’s best friend without the over-protection. She has absolutely nailed it!
Kelsie and Max are incredible protagonists with complex backstories and motivations, and a TON of growth throughout the novel. I’m a sucker for any step-up dad character, and Max is the best there is (like, sorry to my husband, but my standards raised ten fold), and Kelsie is such a caring and patient mom. They are an incredible team.
Overall, I think this is a great read and would absolutely recommend it if you’re looking for a new romance read!
/an advanced reader copy of this book was gifted to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, Jenna Lockwood, for valuing my review/