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rihoward's review
5.0
4.5 stars
The first book, 50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover, was hands down one of my favorite books in 2022. to say that I was excited about this book and to be back in the Bower Boys world would not be a stretch of the imagination. I was right in feeling that way because this book and these brothers are special. The storyline is different and fresh. It is not one that I have encountered in romance, and I read a lot of romance. The repercussions of what their father cost them are huge and crippling. Yet, these men take it and still persevere.
The author does an incredible job and making her characters come alive, and that was especially true of Des. I cannot imagine what this must have been like for him and what he lost. In the first book, you could see how the previous years had hardened him, as it should have considering he had an almost picture-perfect life. I loved seeing him process this and soften. I liked seeing how he navigated the fallout of his father's actions. I felt connected with him and felt his anger and his disillusionment. I am not, generally, a fan of Second chance romances but if they were written like this I would be because this was beautiful.
Witty dialogue, fantastic characters, and an authentic and mesmerizing storyline kept me engaged from the first page to the last page. I cannot wait to read the next book. This book will definitely be in my top books of 2023.
The first book, 50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover, was hands down one of my favorite books in 2022. to say that I was excited about this book and to be back in the Bower Boys world would not be a stretch of the imagination. I was right in feeling that way because this book and these brothers are special. The storyline is different and fresh. It is not one that I have encountered in romance, and I read a lot of romance. The repercussions of what their father cost them are huge and crippling. Yet, these men take it and still persevere.
The author does an incredible job and making her characters come alive, and that was especially true of Des. I cannot imagine what this must have been like for him and what he lost. In the first book, you could see how the previous years had hardened him, as it should have considering he had an almost picture-perfect life. I loved seeing him process this and soften. I liked seeing how he navigated the fallout of his father's actions. I felt connected with him and felt his anger and his disillusionment. I am not, generally, a fan of Second chance romances but if they were written like this I would be because this was beautiful.
Witty dialogue, fantastic characters, and an authentic and mesmerizing storyline kept me engaged from the first page to the last page. I cannot wait to read the next book. This book will definitely be in my top books of 2023.
lindseydomokur's review against another edition
4.0
I am loving this series about the Bower brothers coming out of WITSEC and getting their lives back. When Desmond had to leave Sadies 11 years ago, he never expected that she was pregnant. Now, he is faced with the fact that he has a son and that it is a real possibility that Sadie still hasn't forgotten him either.
When he was apart from her, his world, he fell apart too. He let himself spiral downwards, into the pits of despair and he has been clawing his way back out, bit by bit. Now that he has a son, he knows that he needs to change, right now.
Sadie isn't so sure that she will like or relate to the man that Desmond has become, but she knows that she needs to let him know that he has a son and let them have a relationship. Max is a boy struggling to find his way in life, and Desmond feels a connection instantly, which takes him aback. How can you love someone so much that you just met?
Sadie and Desmond need to navigate old feelings, old dreams and new setbacks as they fight to find what their happy ever after looks like. I never doubted for one second that they would end up anything other than together. Love like that transcends.
Thank you to Montlake, Netgalley and Kelly Siskind for an early copy.
When he was apart from her, his world, he fell apart too. He let himself spiral downwards, into the pits of despair and he has been clawing his way back out, bit by bit. Now that he has a son, he knows that he needs to change, right now.
Sadie isn't so sure that she will like or relate to the man that Desmond has become, but she knows that she needs to let him know that he has a son and let them have a relationship. Max is a boy struggling to find his way in life, and Desmond feels a connection instantly, which takes him aback. How can you love someone so much that you just met?
Sadie and Desmond need to navigate old feelings, old dreams and new setbacks as they fight to find what their happy ever after looks like. I never doubted for one second that they would end up anything other than together. Love like that transcends.
Thank you to Montlake, Netgalley and Kelly Siskind for an early copy.
mcapuco's review against another edition
4.0
10 Signs You Need to Grovel is the first book that I've read by author Kelly Siskind and I quite enjoyed it. It had some of my favorite tropes, second chance, unknown child, and family drama. I found this book to be refreshing because the entire book was from the male lead's POV, which is rare in romances. Typically you see either dual or the female lead's POV, so only seeing it from Desmond's perspective was nice. Through out the book you saw him struggle with going back to the life he once wanted, before his father's past mistakes lead to his entire family having to enter the witness protection program, and Desmond figuring out if he wants that life back.
One aspect that I liked was that not for one second did Desmond not think about going back to his one true love Sadie. The only reason he didn't go back to her sooner is he thought she had a family so he didn't want to mess that up for her, and he was also afraid to find out the truth. I also liked that when Desmond found out about his son Max, even though he was scared out of his mind about being a dad, he stepped up and was ready to do whatever he needed for Max.
My only problem with this book was the pacing. As much as I enjoyed the plot, I found it very slow going. So it took me a while to get to a point that I was more into the story.
One aspect that I liked was that not for one second did Desmond not think about going back to his one true love Sadie. The only reason he didn't go back to her sooner is he thought she had a family so he didn't want to mess that up for her, and he was also afraid to find out the truth. I also liked that when Desmond found out about his son Max, even though he was scared out of his mind about being a dad, he stepped up and was ready to do whatever he needed for Max.
My only problem with this book was the pacing. As much as I enjoyed the plot, I found it very slow going. So it took me a while to get to a point that I was more into the story.
suzyq436's review against another edition
4.0
A very interesting premise and I think I will carry on with the series. However, this had a very strong Hallmark element in the sense that whenever a a conflict is being dealt with, it's very much a case of, "Awww shucks, that's okay!" And everything is hunky dory. And I'm referring to the major plot points in this story.
It's a bit of an antithesis to the title of this book. I was expecting angst yet we were given loads of unfinished sentences and unspoken thoughts which were more frustrating than angsty for me.
The relationship between the two main characters felt unreal in the sense that no real depth was given to the conversations between these two. I mean what these two went through, especially the hero, was quite traumatic yet the emotions and the healing surrounding picking the pieces up again was never fully explored. It was a bit surface level.
I do love the story though, love the characters and the kids made this book for me.
It's a bit of an antithesis to the title of this book. I was expecting angst yet we were given loads of unfinished sentences and unspoken thoughts which were more frustrating than angsty for me.
The relationship between the two main characters felt unreal in the sense that no real depth was given to the conversations between these two. I mean what these two went through, especially the hero, was quite traumatic yet the emotions and the healing surrounding picking the pieces up again was never fully explored. It was a bit surface level.
I do love the story though, love the characters and the kids made this book for me.
kaydanielsromance's review against another edition
5.0
I love these Bower boys and I totally love the concept of second chances at life after being hidden away by the witness protection program. Like the question of; do you keep living the new life you were given by the government or do you reclaim your old one? Then if you do take back your old life, how do you even begin to explain where you've been and how you left? This is the second book in this series and can be read as a standalone, but I think it was enjoyable knowing the background and Bower family from the first.
For Desmond Bower, he had a bright future ahead of him and the girl of his dreams on his arms. The night his life was turned upside down was originally the night he was going to ask Sadie to marry him, but he decided to wait...unfortunately he never got another chance or even got a chance to explain why he and his family disappeared. Desmond was gone for ten years and it isn't until they are released from the program that he discovers that he has a son and once again Desmond's life is turned upside down, but for entirely different reasons. This time he won't leave her side, or at least his son's and if there is a chance with his first love, he won't wait to tell Sadie how he feels.
Desmond took a dive off the deep end when his life imploded. He made a lot of mistakes when he basically thought it was over, but I adored reading his personal growth from the Bower blacksheep to the sweet family man he was under all the badly done tattoos. He always put his son first, and I can't tell you how many times I teared up during their father-son conversations, and Sadie was a very close second. He was a giant marshmallow under his tough looking exterior and I loved that duality about him.
This book is told entirely from Desmond's POV which is fun getting completely into all of his thoughts and while I suppose it could be frustrating not knowing what exactly Sadie is thinking, I think Kelly did a great job through Sadie's actions and emotions to let us know what Sadie was thinking.
I'm looking forward to the next brother as he takes back his life and what obstacles he will face stepping back into the life he left. This series is so good.
For Desmond Bower, he had a bright future ahead of him and the girl of his dreams on his arms. The night his life was turned upside down was originally the night he was going to ask Sadie to marry him, but he decided to wait...unfortunately he never got another chance or even got a chance to explain why he and his family disappeared. Desmond was gone for ten years and it isn't until they are released from the program that he discovers that he has a son and once again Desmond's life is turned upside down, but for entirely different reasons. This time he won't leave her side, or at least his son's and if there is a chance with his first love, he won't wait to tell Sadie how he feels.
Desmond took a dive off the deep end when his life imploded. He made a lot of mistakes when he basically thought it was over, but I adored reading his personal growth from the Bower blacksheep to the sweet family man he was under all the badly done tattoos. He always put his son first, and I can't tell you how many times I teared up during their father-son conversations, and Sadie was a very close second. He was a giant marshmallow under his tough looking exterior and I loved that duality about him.
This book is told entirely from Desmond's POV which is fun getting completely into all of his thoughts and while I suppose it could be frustrating not knowing what exactly Sadie is thinking, I think Kelly did a great job through Sadie's actions and emotions to let us know what Sadie was thinking.
I'm looking forward to the next brother as he takes back his life and what obstacles he will face stepping back into the life he left. This series is so good.
beckyrendon's review against another edition
4.0
10 Signs You're In Your Own Way
1. Everyone keeps asking you the same question.
2. You cling to the past as a sign of the future.
3. You don't take the dare.
I could go on but any Bower boy fan is going to love Des whether I give them his reasons or not. Fall for the charismatic 20 something and stay for the 30 yr old dad with a bright future. These men are worth the wait, worth the fight, and worth showing they aren't broken- just bent.
Find love in all the right places. Start with Windfall and work your way to a HEA.
1. Everyone keeps asking you the same question.
2. You cling to the past as a sign of the future.
3. You don't take the dare.
I could go on but any Bower boy fan is going to love Des whether I give them his reasons or not. Fall for the charismatic 20 something and stay for the 30 yr old dad with a bright future. These men are worth the wait, worth the fight, and worth showing they aren't broken- just bent.
Find love in all the right places. Start with Windfall and work your way to a HEA.
lauren_soderberg's review against another edition
4.0
What happens when the world as you know it changes in the blink of an eye, and you’re forced to leave the love of your life? Kelly Siskind’s 10 Signs You Need to Grovel explores a unique kind of second chance love story that’s crafted around a pretty huge exterior conflict: the witness protection program.
Desmond Bower had all of his ducks in a row. He was in his first year of law school, ready to propose to the love of his life, Sadie Jones, when the rug was pulled out from under him. After 10 years in the witness protection program, Desmond and his family are finally in the clear. He’s been through a lot, and thinks that Sadie’s moved on. Then he discovers that Sadie was pregnant when he left. That he has a son. Can the scars of the past 10 years be healed enough for a second chance at a family? Or has too much changed?
In my opinion, a successful second chance romance must have a compelling reason why the two protagonists are separated in the first place. In this book, the author deftly creates an external conflict so large, it acted as the perfect vehicle for this separation.
Oft times, second chance romances are super internal, and while this novel has some of those elements, especially once Desmond and Sadie begin to interact again, that main external driver is super interesting and unique.
Of all the relationships in the story, I thought the one between Desmond and Max was beautifully crafted. Siskind does a wonderful job of capturing the uncertainties of parenthood in a way that doesn’t detract from the romantic plot. In all, I thought it was a great addition to this series.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Desmond Bower had all of his ducks in a row. He was in his first year of law school, ready to propose to the love of his life, Sadie Jones, when the rug was pulled out from under him. After 10 years in the witness protection program, Desmond and his family are finally in the clear. He’s been through a lot, and thinks that Sadie’s moved on. Then he discovers that Sadie was pregnant when he left. That he has a son. Can the scars of the past 10 years be healed enough for a second chance at a family? Or has too much changed?
In my opinion, a successful second chance romance must have a compelling reason why the two protagonists are separated in the first place. In this book, the author deftly creates an external conflict so large, it acted as the perfect vehicle for this separation.
Oft times, second chance romances are super internal, and while this novel has some of those elements, especially once Desmond and Sadie begin to interact again, that main external driver is super interesting and unique.
Of all the relationships in the story, I thought the one between Desmond and Max was beautifully crafted. Siskind does a wonderful job of capturing the uncertainties of parenthood in a way that doesn’t detract from the romantic plot. In all, I thought it was a great addition to this series.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
smalltownbookmom's review
3.0
This was a pretty good second chance, small town romance. I liked that single mom, guy who didn't know he was a dad redemption arc and the sensitive, my child might be gay discussions. But overall this was just an okay story for me. I don't know if it's the narrator or what but this series as a whole so far just hasn't been doing it for me. Probably a me thing, definitely decide for yourselves! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
nicolecurlsuptoread's review
4.0
I’m digging this series! I love a good second chance, small town romance and these are hitting the spot.
Desmond’s reaction to finding out he’s a father- really tucking in and giving it his all by building a nature program to spend time with him is sweet. I thought for sure Max was going to freak the f*ck out and the deception would prove to be a huge mistake. I think if he had been a teenager it might play out differently, but it was a pleasant surprise to see that wasn’t going to be the obstacle in Desmond and Sadie’s story.
I think this series would benefit from a little dual POV. Sadie’s story is rich in itself and I wanted to know more about her experience in the last 11 years.
I can’t wait for Lennon and Maggie’s story!
Desmond’s reaction to finding out he’s a father- really tucking in and giving it his all by building a nature program to spend time with him is sweet. I thought for sure Max was going to freak the f*ck out and the deception would prove to be a huge mistake. I think if he had been a teenager it might play out differently, but it was a pleasant surprise to see that wasn’t going to be the obstacle in Desmond and Sadie’s story.
I think this series would benefit from a little dual POV. Sadie’s story is rich in itself and I wanted to know more about her experience in the last 11 years.
I can’t wait for Lennon and Maggie’s story!