A review by mommasaystoread
My Funny Valentine by Lydia Michaels

4.0

This series is full of emotion from laughter to tears and everything in between. Lydia Michaels has also touched on some hard topics whether meeting them head-on or touching on issues in the periphery. My Funny Valentine goes full steam ahead and parts of this one feel all too real and are hard to get through. If you're familiar with the series and read the last book, then you'll remember Erin but not in a good way. I'll admit that I wasn't at all sure how this one was gonna go because I really wasn't sure I could warm up to Erin. She was pretty nasty in Pining for You, and I didn't think I could be convinced of a reason for her actions. Honestly, I'm still not sure about a reason, but my heart broke for her circumstances. Then there's Giovanni, and the more time he spent with Erin, the more I liked her. His patience and persistence with Erin were absolutely swoony, especially when they were coupled with his more outrageous moments. My own momma always told me to find a man who could make me laugh, so Giovanni is my kind of guy. There's also something about a couple who are so good for each other that one brings out the best in the other and vice versa. Erin and Giovanni are that couple, and I loved Erin's journey. I've loved this series from the beginning, but this story is one that really hit me in the feels, one that will stick with me.
Amber Battaglia gave voice to the characters, and she was just right for Erin. She captured the emotions so well, all the emotions. Even Erin's personal growth and the anguish she dealt with on her journey come through in Battaglia's performance.
I don't know if Lydia Michaels has anything else planned for Jasper Falls, but I hope so because these characters have found their way into my heart. Like the rest, this fifth book in the series can be read as a standalone. Past characters do pop in and out, but it doesn't cause any confusion. That said, I'd recommend starting at the beginning because you don't want to miss out on any of these great couples.