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Love Explained #2
Love...It's Messy
Second-chance romance only works out in movies. In real life, it’s …messy.
I don’t need a man for anything.
Love and romance? Pfft. No thanks. Never again.
Between my career as a wedding planner and being a single mother, I barely have time to think about men.
I wasn’t looking for a hero when I ended up locked outside a hotel that was engulfed in a blazing inferno, wearing nothing but a robe. I would’ve eventually saved myself. Too bad he didn’t give me a chance.
Yep, you guessed it. Luke Incendio, the sexy firefighter who came to my hotel rescue and the man who had caused me to swear off love years ago is one and the same.
Now, he says he wants to make amends. He says he’s never stopped wanting me. His words are laced in regret as he says he made a mistake.
But talk is cheap—and the tingly feelings he inspires in me are not to be trusted. Because this time around, I’m not the only one who’ll get burned if he proves to be unreliable.
And there’s no way I’m going to let that happen.
I don’t need a man for anything.
Love and romance? Pfft. No thanks. Never again.
Between my career as a wedding planner and being a single mother, I barely have time to think about men.
I wasn’t looking for a hero when I ended up locked outside a hotel that was engulfed in a blazing inferno, wearing nothing but a robe. I would’ve eventually saved myself. Too bad he didn’t give me a chance.
Yep, you guessed it. Luke Incendio, the sexy firefighter who came to my hotel rescue and the man who had caused me to swear off love years ago is one and the same.
Now, he says he wants to make amends. He says he’s never stopped wanting me. His words are laced in regret as he says he made a mistake.
But talk is cheap—and the tingly feelings he inspires in me are not to be trusted. Because this time around, I’m not the only one who’ll get burned if he proves to be unreliable.
And there’s no way I’m going to let that happen.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2023
About the author
Jeannine Colette
41 books1,546 followersWhen I was little, my mom was part of the Double Day book club. She had piles and piles of books lying around the house; most of them with Fabio-esque men and a scantily clad woman set in a different century. I made up stories in my head just from looking at the covers.
When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.
When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.
When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.
When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.
When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.
When I was 32, my someday came.
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Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.
A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.
When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.
When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.
When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.
When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.
When I was 32, my someday came.
----------------------------------------
Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.
A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
July 14, 2023
Luke is a total a**hole.
He abandons Jillian after a three day affair. He ghosts her.
When she finally does get through to tell him she’s pregnant, he tells her to get rid of the baby. And then blocks her from contacting him.
Four years later, after a chance meeting, he gets mad she didn’t tell him about her daughter. You made it clear you didn’t want the baby, H!
Then H kisses her but says they shouldn’t. But gets mad when she goes on a date with someone. He keeps wanting to to tell the girl he’s her father and is upset the h wants to go slow. Even though he has shown he’s not exactly great at sticking around.
Then he blows up when he finds out she’s been telling people she had her daughter through sperm donor. Dude, you told her to get rid of the baby and cut off all contact! What else were you?
Then H drags clueless h to meet his sister, who has Huntington’s. That’s why he was such a mess four years ago. He’s at risk of having the disease, but won’t get tested. But he doesn’t prep her or his sister. And it’s his dad that tells h anyway! Way to step up, Luke. 🙄
Also, wouldn’t the mother of your daughter need to know vital medical info like this?!!!!
At this point I skipped to the end. Where jerk H is sticking h In limbo. If his test for the disease is negative, they can be together. If not, they break up. Dude, you are 32 years old. Not 14.
h shows up at the hospital to tell him he doesn’t need to know as it will ruin them and I just rolled my eyes. H goes along with this. The doctor winks and wishes H a happy life. They take it as meaning he doesn’t have the disease. He proposes and she’s pregnant.
Jillian, you deserved so much better, girl! And Joe the cat, you deserved a better owner.
He abandons Jillian after a three day affair. He ghosts her.
When she finally does get through to tell him she’s pregnant, he tells her to get rid of the baby. And then blocks her from contacting him.
Four years later, after a chance meeting, he gets mad she didn’t tell him about her daughter. You made it clear you didn’t want the baby, H!
Then H kisses her but says they shouldn’t. But gets mad when she goes on a date with someone. He keeps wanting to to tell the girl he’s her father and is upset the h wants to go slow. Even though he has shown he’s not exactly great at sticking around.
Then he blows up when he finds out she’s been telling people she had her daughter through sperm donor. Dude, you told her to get rid of the baby and cut off all contact! What else were you?
Then H drags clueless h to meet his sister, who has Huntington’s. That’s why he was such a mess four years ago. He’s at risk of having the disease, but won’t get tested. But he doesn’t prep her or his sister. And it’s his dad that tells h anyway! Way to step up, Luke. 🙄
Also, wouldn’t the mother of your daughter need to know vital medical info like this?!!!!
At this point I skipped to the end. Where jerk H is sticking h In limbo. If his test for the disease is negative, they can be together. If not, they break up. Dude, you are 32 years old. Not 14.
h shows up at the hospital to tell him he doesn’t need to know as it will ruin them and I just rolled my eyes. H goes along with this. The doctor winks and wishes H a happy life. They take it as meaning he doesn’t have the disease. He proposes and she’s pregnant.
Jillian, you deserved so much better, girl! And Joe the cat, you deserved a better owner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
I did not see this book coming. A second chance, insta love, single mom story that ends up being such a deep emotional journey, so much more than a romance. If you’re a fan of fated mates then you will love this. Ainsley is so stinking cute and I love her role in the story. This review is kind of short and vague because I don’t want to give away anything, but I absolutely loved the ending of this book and I wish we could have more of their story!
July 18, 2023
4.5 stars
I absolutely adore Jill’s and Luke’s story! And I fell for Luke within the first pages. Their connection is palpable they have great chemistry.
And don’t get me started on Ainsley. She’s adorable!
If you love a funny meet-cute, a handsome hot firefighter and an amazing single mom with an absolute adorable daughter, if you love second chances, THIS book is definitely for you!
I absolutely adore Jill’s and Luke’s story! And I fell for Luke within the first pages. Their connection is palpable they have great chemistry.
And don’t get me started on Ainsley. She’s adorable!
If you love a funny meet-cute, a handsome hot firefighter and an amazing single mom with an absolute adorable daughter, if you love second chances, THIS book is definitely for you!
never-no-way
September 9, 2023Nope, never... no way because... well, all the reasons are listed in the following review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 13, 2023
A MANIFESTO OF KISMET LOVE
“What has gotten into me? Luke Incendio, that’s what. I’m a closeted soda fiend. I’m also a recovering Luke addict. I need to kick the cravings for good.”
Love, no matter how messy, is all there is. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. Oh yeah, it's “funny, cheesy and charming”. The laughs reel you in, the emotions hook deep, and the destiny of love heals everything. What a great follow-up to the first book in the series with some cameos to boot. I couldn’t have asked for more. This author’s romances have always brought me to my knees emotionally with intoxicating characters that splinter and mend my heart. She’s been a cherished author since the early days and keeps upping her game. My mad love for Love … It’s Complicated was compounded with tie-in book LOVE … IT’S MESSY. Love -- the best kind of love -- can’t help but be messy and flawed. Luke and Jillian prove that true love worth having is worth fighting for to the bitter end, even when hope flounders, both parties make mistakes and assumptions, and fail to communicate … they remain perfectly imperfect humans that are still perfect for each other. In a cute twist, life imitates art and a hottie fireman is just the thing to break down the walls of Jillian’s heart.
Profound love wraps a reader in the beauty of a meet-cute in paradise between two souls who recognize the spark of destiny in each other only to be wrenched apart by reality that gives new meaning to “ghosting”, and then later reunited under seemingly insurmountable circumstances and obstacles. Love may conquer all, but live-in-the-moment firefighter Luke makes plenty of mistakes, and so does uptight wedding planner Jillian. At 32, they’re no longer kids, but not exactly wise either. Both suffer from their love and harbor secrets that could crush a second-chance romance. There are reasons why they are the way they are and I loved uncovering all their warts. There’s real heartbreak, but also a silver lining.
The first halfish of the book is one of the most delightfully funny, witty, hilarious and charming starts to a romance. Luke Incendio (wink, wink) is “fire in the flesh” and no synonym for him is left unturned. Flirtatiously fun and contentiously funny banter between the MCs along with the gutbusting camaraderie of Jillian and her two besties reeled me in with so much more than I bargained for. Each character speaks in a distinct voice and personality, so no surprise that the author excels at wickedly insightful dialogue, hilarity in every form, intense emotions, romantic passion, and addictive, tangled characters. Add a reunion meet-cute that actually mirrored an embarrassing moment in my own life -- sans the guy. I couldn’t put down the book until the last page.
All that early winsomeness softened the emotional drama that follows and threatens to torpedo the romance with real life issues. I can’t say who all my favorite characters are without spoilers … so, no to that. But, there’s a pint-sized dynamo that I could eat with a spoon. Read the emotional book to experience the love journey in all its wildly entertaining and turbulent glory with 3-dimensional characters that leapt off the page and into my heart. An additional epilogue download at the end.
“I’m tired of pretending my life is perfect. It’s messy, and it’s mine. Smiling can be dangerous. So can roguish men with fire trucks, chocolate milk, and all the right words to crush a girl’s heart.”
“What has gotten into me? Luke Incendio, that’s what. I’m a closeted soda fiend. I’m also a recovering Luke addict. I need to kick the cravings for good.”
Love, no matter how messy, is all there is. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. Oh yeah, it's “funny, cheesy and charming”. The laughs reel you in, the emotions hook deep, and the destiny of love heals everything. What a great follow-up to the first book in the series with some cameos to boot. I couldn’t have asked for more. This author’s romances have always brought me to my knees emotionally with intoxicating characters that splinter and mend my heart. She’s been a cherished author since the early days and keeps upping her game. My mad love for Love … It’s Complicated was compounded with tie-in book LOVE … IT’S MESSY. Love -- the best kind of love -- can’t help but be messy and flawed. Luke and Jillian prove that true love worth having is worth fighting for to the bitter end, even when hope flounders, both parties make mistakes and assumptions, and fail to communicate … they remain perfectly imperfect humans that are still perfect for each other. In a cute twist, life imitates art and a hottie fireman is just the thing to break down the walls of Jillian’s heart.
Profound love wraps a reader in the beauty of a meet-cute in paradise between two souls who recognize the spark of destiny in each other only to be wrenched apart by reality that gives new meaning to “ghosting”, and then later reunited under seemingly insurmountable circumstances and obstacles. Love may conquer all, but live-in-the-moment firefighter Luke makes plenty of mistakes, and so does uptight wedding planner Jillian. At 32, they’re no longer kids, but not exactly wise either. Both suffer from their love and harbor secrets that could crush a second-chance romance. There are reasons why they are the way they are and I loved uncovering all their warts. There’s real heartbreak, but also a silver lining.
The first halfish of the book is one of the most delightfully funny, witty, hilarious and charming starts to a romance. Luke Incendio (wink, wink) is “fire in the flesh” and no synonym for him is left unturned. Flirtatiously fun and contentiously funny banter between the MCs along with the gutbusting camaraderie of Jillian and her two besties reeled me in with so much more than I bargained for. Each character speaks in a distinct voice and personality, so no surprise that the author excels at wickedly insightful dialogue, hilarity in every form, intense emotions, romantic passion, and addictive, tangled characters. Add a reunion meet-cute that actually mirrored an embarrassing moment in my own life -- sans the guy. I couldn’t put down the book until the last page.
All that early winsomeness softened the emotional drama that follows and threatens to torpedo the romance with real life issues. I can’t say who all my favorite characters are without spoilers … so, no to that. But, there’s a pint-sized dynamo that I could eat with a spoon. Read the emotional book to experience the love journey in all its wildly entertaining and turbulent glory with 3-dimensional characters that leapt off the page and into my heart. An additional epilogue download at the end.
“I’m tired of pretending my life is perfect. It’s messy, and it’s mine. Smiling can be dangerous. So can roguish men with fire trucks, chocolate milk, and all the right words to crush a girl’s heart.”
July 5, 2023
I wasn't expecting at all how deep the book is. I was able to connect so much with Jillian, her way of thinking and acting seemed very real. I really liked Luke as well. I loved how despite everything he's been through he's still optimistic and still wants to meet and be with Ainsley. The development of the relationship between Jillian and Luke is very good and quite realistic. I found the flashbacks to the past to be one of the best parts of the book. In short, I thought it was a good book and the truth is that I did not expect the deep and important topic it deals with.
I'd love to thank the author and the publisher for giving me the chance to read the arc in exchange of an honest review
I'd love to thank the author and the publisher for giving me the chance to read the arc in exchange of an honest review
July 7, 2023
Jillian’s story! She is a no nonsense ,one woman show! There’s no need for a man in her life, she has her daughter Ainsley and what else could she possibly need?
Her life is mess free just how she wants it, little does she know that she’s in for a shock when her daughter’s father suddenly appears ,then the story takes off.
Luke is a little shell shocked to find out he has a daughter and wants to get to know her and when Jillian tries her best to keep Luke at arm’s length to make the introduction to Ainsley drama free and a positive experience but when everyone in Jillian’s life wants her to be happy and add their opinions and try to set her up, things get not only messy but a little bit frustrating for her too.
Jillian doesn’t want to get hurt or have Ainsley hurt from Luke waking away and if he walks away like he did after they met years ago,she couldn’t let her daughter be devastated like she once was but what Jillian doesn’t know is why Luke walked away to begin with but that’s the sobering part of the story and it will make you feel for anyone who has been through this and you will tearing up and hugging your loved ones a little harder after reading it but don’t get me wrong it’s not all sad . You will definitely have all of your emotions in check after reading this but in the best way.
Well done Jeannine!
5 messy heart stars!
Her life is mess free just how she wants it, little does she know that she’s in for a shock when her daughter’s father suddenly appears ,then the story takes off.
Luke is a little shell shocked to find out he has a daughter and wants to get to know her and when Jillian tries her best to keep Luke at arm’s length to make the introduction to Ainsley drama free and a positive experience but when everyone in Jillian’s life wants her to be happy and add their opinions and try to set her up, things get not only messy but a little bit frustrating for her too.
Jillian doesn’t want to get hurt or have Ainsley hurt from Luke waking away and if he walks away like he did after they met years ago,she couldn’t let her daughter be devastated like she once was but what Jillian doesn’t know is why Luke walked away to begin with but that’s the sobering part of the story and it will make you feel for anyone who has been through this and you will tearing up and hugging your loved ones a little harder after reading it but don’t get me wrong it’s not all sad . You will definitely have all of your emotions in check after reading this but in the best way.
Well done Jeannine!
5 messy heart stars!
Read
July 15, 2023“I’ve meant every word I’ve ever said, except one. The answer was never no.” His fist grips the fabric of my dress at my hip and pulls me in. “I should have said yes.”
I tremble as the coarse fingers of his other hand travel slowly up my arm.
“Yes, to being with you.”
His palm glides up to my bicep, leaving trickles of shivers on my skin.
“Yes, to having a life with you.”
I whimper as he caresses my bare shoulder and skims the skin of my neck.
He tips my chin and forces me to look into his eyes.
“Yes, to being the man of your goddamn dreams because you sure as hell are the woman of mine.”
I tremble as the coarse fingers of his other hand travel slowly up my arm.
“Yes, to being with you.”
His palm glides up to my bicep, leaving trickles of shivers on my skin.
“Yes, to having a life with you.”
I whimper as he caresses my bare shoulder and skims the skin of my neck.
He tips my chin and forces me to look into his eyes.
“Yes, to being the man of your goddamn dreams because you sure as hell are the woman of mine.”
July 14, 2023
I loved the way this book started. That would totally be me just wanting a little me time only to have it ruined. Everything happens for a reason though and Jillian and Luke we’re destined to be together. It was proven in Aruba and again outside that hotel.
I was hooked as I read just dying to know why Luke did what he did. He was too good of a guy to not have an amazing reason. And that he did.
This story made me laugh out loud and shed tears at what he was going through. Jeannine always gives me reads that leave a smile on my face and this one was exactly that. Highly recommend!
I was hooked as I read just dying to know why Luke did what he did. He was too good of a guy to not have an amazing reason. And that he did.
This story made me laugh out loud and shed tears at what he was going through. Jeannine always gives me reads that leave a smile on my face and this one was exactly that. Highly recommend!
July 15, 2023
i really loved this one 😭 i can’t wait to see more crumbs of them on the next book
July 13, 2023
*beta read*
Love...It's Messy is another raw and emotional romance from Jeannine Colette. It was a unique take on second chance, secret baby and single mom romance. Luke and Jillian's story is full of heartbreak but also full of sweetness and spice. This book will make you smile and laugh at one moment..and then break your heart in the next one. This is such a fitting title for Luke and Jillian's book!
Firefighter Luke and wedding designer Jillian had spent few sizzling hot days together when they were both at a destination wedding. That ended up Jillian being pregnant but she couldn't track Luke for a while and she could...Luke's reaction hurt her. Now years later, they meet again and Jillian doesn't want him anywhere near his daughter. But the truth is far more complex. Luke has a deadly secret and that made him react so badly...but he wants to know his daughter Ainsley now. Can Jillian let him in after she comes to know his heartbreaking truth?
Secret baby is a dicey trope. I need to have a good reason for the father to be absent and trust me, Luke had a very good reason to be out of the scene. The author created a very complex and believable plot that will make you break for Luke so bad! He is such an amazing hero. He is charming and a complete sweetheart. He has lost so much and his life is full of uncertainty. His heart is full of sadness and loss and I don't know how he is still so awesome. Jillian needs control and structure in her career and life and she has her own issues. Her family is rich and elite and they never wanted her to be a simple wedding planner and they specially don't approve her daughter but she is fierce and she loves her beautiful daughter with everything and she doesn't care what anyone thinks of her choice. Luke coming back to her life created chaos and mess. She went through anger and denial but when Luke's real reason to stay away came out, she was torn. Luke had to show her that their family means everything to him and he did it. It was a road made of difficult choices and inevitable bonding. It was very clear that they have a deep connection beyond just lust. They are both a bit broken and they are the best healing touch for each other. It was an emotional journey for sure.
Love...It's Messy is another raw and emotional romance from Jeannine Colette. It was a unique take on second chance, secret baby and single mom romance. Luke and Jillian's story is full of heartbreak but also full of sweetness and spice. This book will make you smile and laugh at one moment..and then break your heart in the next one. This is such a fitting title for Luke and Jillian's book!
Firefighter Luke and wedding designer Jillian had spent few sizzling hot days together when they were both at a destination wedding. That ended up Jillian being pregnant but she couldn't track Luke for a while and she could...Luke's reaction hurt her. Now years later, they meet again and Jillian doesn't want him anywhere near his daughter. But the truth is far more complex. Luke has a deadly secret and that made him react so badly...but he wants to know his daughter Ainsley now. Can Jillian let him in after she comes to know his heartbreaking truth?
Secret baby is a dicey trope. I need to have a good reason for the father to be absent and trust me, Luke had a very good reason to be out of the scene. The author created a very complex and believable plot that will make you break for Luke so bad! He is such an amazing hero. He is charming and a complete sweetheart. He has lost so much and his life is full of uncertainty. His heart is full of sadness and loss and I don't know how he is still so awesome. Jillian needs control and structure in her career and life and she has her own issues. Her family is rich and elite and they never wanted her to be a simple wedding planner and they specially don't approve her daughter but she is fierce and she loves her beautiful daughter with everything and she doesn't care what anyone thinks of her choice. Luke coming back to her life created chaos and mess. She went through anger and denial but when Luke's real reason to stay away came out, she was torn. Luke had to show her that their family means everything to him and he did it. It was a road made of difficult choices and inevitable bonding. It was very clear that they have a deep connection beyond just lust. They are both a bit broken and they are the best healing touch for each other. It was an emotional journey for sure.
July 6, 2023
Jeannine is a masterful wizard at words. This book pulled so many emotions out of me while reading, and I could not put it down.
Jillian and her daughter are happy. After a fling in Aruba several years ago, and an awful experience attempting to find her daughter's father, she has accepted the single mother role happily. She gives her all for her daughter. But a chance meeting with a man from her past has the ability to throw everything off balance.
Luke was the firefighter called to the hotel that Jillian was staying and their chance encounter results in Luke questioning decisions he made long ago. Decisions with lifelong consequences.
This book... It is messy, emotional and so well written. As the story unfolded, I was prepared to dislike Luke vehemently for decisions he made, but Jeannine with her words told me to hang on and withhold judgement. As the secrets and the story unfolds, you find that these characters are raw, emotional and human.
I absolutely loved the side characters, Tara, Melissa, Luke's family and Ainsley. There are so many sweet moments, and so many emotional bombs throughout this book that I was truly on an emotional rollercoaster.
Jillian and her daughter are happy. After a fling in Aruba several years ago, and an awful experience attempting to find her daughter's father, she has accepted the single mother role happily. She gives her all for her daughter. But a chance meeting with a man from her past has the ability to throw everything off balance.
Luke was the firefighter called to the hotel that Jillian was staying and their chance encounter results in Luke questioning decisions he made long ago. Decisions with lifelong consequences.
This book... It is messy, emotional and so well written. As the story unfolded, I was prepared to dislike Luke vehemently for decisions he made, but Jeannine with her words told me to hang on and withhold judgement. As the secrets and the story unfolds, you find that these characters are raw, emotional and human.
I absolutely loved the side characters, Tara, Melissa, Luke's family and Ainsley. There are so many sweet moments, and so many emotional bombs throughout this book that I was truly on an emotional rollercoaster.
July 9, 2023
An endearing blend of heartache and humor that sticks in the heart and stays on your mind. Colette has gained another fan. Love .... It's Messy is a sweet frustration that tackles deep emotions. From a chance meeting to explosive revelations, Jillian and Luke are an obvious, irresistible surprise. An adorable temptation that won't be denied.
July 13, 2023
4.5 Love, It’s Messy is the second interconnected standalone book in the captivating Love Explained series by Jeannine Collette. This angsty, emotion-packed second chance romance was full of the feels and some fun. Luke and Jillian’s chemistry burned up my Kindle pages. I binge-read this unpredictable romance in a day. I don’t want to spoil any of the well-placed plot twists. Love, It’s Messy was unpredictable and truly pulled on my heartstrings! One-click this one on Kindle Unlimited.
February 11, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
July 11, 2023
Loved this book! It’s emotional and angsty with the best hea! Amazing job!
July 10, 2023
I truly enjoy Jeannine Colette's books. Her writing is witty with just a perfect touch of angst. Her characters are charmingly quirky while being totally relatable and beautifully navigate this ridiculous thing called life. Her heroine is a fierce mama bear warrior. Our hero is most definitely swoony. Add in the cutest little girl and a plucky cat, and you have the perfect way to spend a few hours.
August 26, 2023
4.5 stars
Love…it’s Messy is book two in the Love Explained series. This is Jillian Hathaway, single mom and wedding planner, and firefighter, Luke Incendio’s story.
A hotel fire leads to a second chance encounter between the two of them. Luke is the last man Jillian has been with and the father to her four year old daughter, Ainsley. Though, he doesn’t know about her. Jillian tried to tell him years ago, but he didn’t want it and told her not to have the baby.
Luke and Jillian’s story is emotional and beautiful. They are learning to trust each other, but scared to do so. She is scared to invite Luke into Ainsley’s life and Luke is afraid to be in their life and bring with him all his baggage. He has a secret that could destroy any kind of happiness for them.
Another winner in the series! I look forward to Tara’s story next.
Thank you to the author for a gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love…it’s Messy is book two in the Love Explained series. This is Jillian Hathaway, single mom and wedding planner, and firefighter, Luke Incendio’s story.
A hotel fire leads to a second chance encounter between the two of them. Luke is the last man Jillian has been with and the father to her four year old daughter, Ainsley. Though, he doesn’t know about her. Jillian tried to tell him years ago, but he didn’t want it and told her not to have the baby.
Luke and Jillian’s story is emotional and beautiful. They are learning to trust each other, but scared to do so. She is scared to invite Luke into Ainsley’s life and Luke is afraid to be in their life and bring with him all his baggage. He has a secret that could destroy any kind of happiness for them.
Another winner in the series! I look forward to Tara’s story next.
Thank you to the author for a gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2023
Jeannine Colette
4.5 ⭐️
I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster this book would take me on…in the best way. I was unable to put this down and literally consumed it in one night. Be prepared to be charmed, dazzled, heartbroken, frustrated and mended all at once in this second chance love story, the next book in the Love Explained series.
Luke Incendio met Jillian Hathaway five years ago in a whirlwind three days together. The two fell madly for each other only for Luke to completely ghost Jillian after. Utterly devastated and feeling all alone, Jillian later finds out she’s pregnant. She picks herself up and becomes fiercely independent. She doesn’t need or want a man and sets out to be the best mother to Ainsley as possible. Her independence often makes it difficult for her to confide in her friends and truly connect with people.
Five years later she meets Luke again when he’s one of the firefighters fighting the fire at Jillian’s hotel. Jillian refuses to be charmed by Luke again and won’t let him explain himself. Luke refuses to give up on Jillian especially once he realizes who & what’s at stake. Luke was raised to believe family is everything and is loyal to his core.
Their journey back together is not easy and the reason Luke ghosted her is utterly devastating (no spoilers). Luke and Jillian are both flawed in their own ways and have to work through those things before they can truly be together. They prove that love is indeed messy. But in the end their love of each other and family shines through.
Thanks to Jeannine Colette and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to review this.
4.5 ⭐️
I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster this book would take me on…in the best way. I was unable to put this down and literally consumed it in one night. Be prepared to be charmed, dazzled, heartbroken, frustrated and mended all at once in this second chance love story, the next book in the Love Explained series.
Luke Incendio met Jillian Hathaway five years ago in a whirlwind three days together. The two fell madly for each other only for Luke to completely ghost Jillian after. Utterly devastated and feeling all alone, Jillian later finds out she’s pregnant. She picks herself up and becomes fiercely independent. She doesn’t need or want a man and sets out to be the best mother to Ainsley as possible. Her independence often makes it difficult for her to confide in her friends and truly connect with people.
Five years later she meets Luke again when he’s one of the firefighters fighting the fire at Jillian’s hotel. Jillian refuses to be charmed by Luke again and won’t let him explain himself. Luke refuses to give up on Jillian especially once he realizes who & what’s at stake. Luke was raised to believe family is everything and is loyal to his core.
Their journey back together is not easy and the reason Luke ghosted her is utterly devastating (no spoilers). Luke and Jillian are both flawed in their own ways and have to work through those things before they can truly be together. They prove that love is indeed messy. But in the end their love of each other and family shines through.
Thanks to Jeannine Colette and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to review this.
July 13, 2023
I loved book 1 of Jeannine’s Love Explained series, ʟᴏᴠᴇ…ɪᴛ’ꜱ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴄᴀᴛᴇᴅ, but book 2 came in even hotter…literally!
Jillian Hathaway is a wedding planner and also single mom to an adorable little girl, Ainsley. She is a powerhouse, no nonsense woman in charge of her life and needing no man to help her along.
She’s ready to handle anything that life has to throw at her…except, perhaps, the familiar face of Luke Incendio reappearing in her life. He was just supposed to be a moment in time, a blip on the radar, but Jillian can’t seem to shake him this time around.
This was such a beautiful and emotional story, filled with questions and secrets that tug at the heartstrings. But on top of that, the banter between these two was delicious. And when things heat up, they burn hot! 🔥🔥
Love certainly is messy, and this book shows it in a wonderful way. I have fallen in love with Jeannine’s writing and these characters. I especially love Jillian’s friendship with her girlfriends, Melissa and Tara. This series is so wonderful, and I can’t wait to read what happens next to this crew!
𝘁 𝗿 𝗼 𝗽 𝗲 𝘀:
🔥 small town
🔥 single parent
🔥 slow burn
🔥 firefighter MMC
🔥 wedding planner FMC
🔥 second chance romance
Jillian Hathaway is a wedding planner and also single mom to an adorable little girl, Ainsley. She is a powerhouse, no nonsense woman in charge of her life and needing no man to help her along.
She’s ready to handle anything that life has to throw at her…except, perhaps, the familiar face of Luke Incendio reappearing in her life. He was just supposed to be a moment in time, a blip on the radar, but Jillian can’t seem to shake him this time around.
This was such a beautiful and emotional story, filled with questions and secrets that tug at the heartstrings. But on top of that, the banter between these two was delicious. And when things heat up, they burn hot! 🔥🔥
Love certainly is messy, and this book shows it in a wonderful way. I have fallen in love with Jeannine’s writing and these characters. I especially love Jillian’s friendship with her girlfriends, Melissa and Tara. This series is so wonderful, and I can’t wait to read what happens next to this crew!
𝘁 𝗿 𝗼 𝗽 𝗲 𝘀:
🔥 small town
🔥 single parent
🔥 slow burn
🔥 firefighter MMC
🔥 wedding planner FMC
🔥 second chance romance
July 8, 2023
Grab the tissues. Jeannine Colette has done it again. This book was an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least, but it was so beautifully written. Jillian is an absolute powerhouse of a woman, and she is adamant that she doesn't need a man in her life. However, when she unexpectedly bumps into Luke, the one man from her past who was an exception to every one of her rules she starts to see how her life could be if she just lets him back in to her and her daughter Ainsley's world.
I absolutely loved Jillian and Luke they were so good together, and the more we uncover about their past together and the reason for Luke disappearing in the first place, the more there was to love.
The chemistry between them from the very beginning was electric. Luke is such a sweet talker and backs it all up with actions! It's no wonder Jillian couldn't keep him at arms length for long.
This book covers some seriously deep topics, but they are so well written, and the topics are definitely given the respect they deserve.
I am loving this series so far, and I can't wait for Tara's book next.
I absolutely loved Jillian and Luke they were so good together, and the more we uncover about their past together and the reason for Luke disappearing in the first place, the more there was to love.
The chemistry between them from the very beginning was electric. Luke is such a sweet talker and backs it all up with actions! It's no wonder Jillian couldn't keep him at arms length for long.
This book covers some seriously deep topics, but they are so well written, and the topics are definitely given the respect they deserve.
I am loving this series so far, and I can't wait for Tara's book next.
July 13, 2023
I knew 34% in that this was going to be my number 1 read of the year!
The relationships in this book are so raw and real, heartbreaking and amazing, I couldn’t get enough.
The love between Luke and Jillian is so strong, it’s almost too strong. From the very first time they met, Luke knew that he would do anything to protect her even if it broke him because family is everything. Then along comes Ainsley and his whole world was flipped upside down. He got to have the life he always wanted but was too afraid of. His love for everyone around him was so selfless and almost a detriment to himself because of how much he didn’t want to hurt anyone.
Jillian, the most proper woman with such a broken heart from her upbringing, her mother, Luke, her lack of friendships in the past. I loved seeing her character development and how strong she became. She is such a fierce mother and loves her daughter in a way that she was never loved, it was nice to see her open that love up to Luke but also accept that love from Luke, Melissa and Tara.
A million stars👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 👏🏻
The relationships in this book are so raw and real, heartbreaking and amazing, I couldn’t get enough.
The love between Luke and Jillian is so strong, it’s almost too strong. From the very first time they met, Luke knew that he would do anything to protect her even if it broke him because family is everything. Then along comes Ainsley and his whole world was flipped upside down. He got to have the life he always wanted but was too afraid of. His love for everyone around him was so selfless and almost a detriment to himself because of how much he didn’t want to hurt anyone.
Jillian, the most proper woman with such a broken heart from her upbringing, her mother, Luke, her lack of friendships in the past. I loved seeing her character development and how strong she became. She is such a fierce mother and loves her daughter in a way that she was never loved, it was nice to see her open that love up to Luke but also accept that love from Luke, Melissa and Tara.
A million stars👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 👏🏻
July 13, 2023
I really loved this second chance romance. Luke and Jillian meet at a wedding she is working at in Aruba and the two have a whirlwind weekend before going their separate ways. Five years later and the hotel Jillian is staying at catches on fire and she will do literally anything to get back inside. And who shows up to the rescue? None other than the sexy firefighter she met in Aruba.
This one had me cackling from chapter one! Jillian is such a strong FMC. She’s definitely got the mind set of ‘I don’t need no man’ which I absolutely love. She’s an amazing, caring single mom who will protect her daughter at all costs.
You can’t help but learn to love Luke. There are some things that make you want to not like him but he just worms his way into your heart.
The banter between the two was unmatched. This was such a beautiful, emotional story that you really need to read!
I love Jeannine’s writing and I can’t wait to read more from her! Love… It’s Messy is now available on KU and you should pick it up ASAP!
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
-𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘮
-𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
-𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳
-𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰
This one had me cackling from chapter one! Jillian is such a strong FMC. She’s definitely got the mind set of ‘I don’t need no man’ which I absolutely love. She’s an amazing, caring single mom who will protect her daughter at all costs.
You can’t help but learn to love Luke. There are some things that make you want to not like him but he just worms his way into your heart.
The banter between the two was unmatched. This was such a beautiful, emotional story that you really need to read!
I love Jeannine’s writing and I can’t wait to read more from her! Love… It’s Messy is now available on KU and you should pick it up ASAP!
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
-𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘮
-𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
-𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳
-𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰
July 7, 2023
Love... It's Messy by Jeannine Colette is a sweet and spicy second chance romance that tugs at the heart strings and swoon worthy. It's a light... it's funny... it's heartwarming... it's sad... It's got all the things you want to read in a story and then some.
Firefighter Luke is dreamy with his dark hair and blue eyes. His cheesy lines, romantic gestures, sweet disposition and protectiveness is charming and alluring. He grew up in a loving family home where family is everything.
Wedding Planner Jillian is beautiful and independent with mesmerizing green eyes and red/auburn hair. She's the dutiful daughter in a socialite world where expectations are high and affections are low. She grew up where she the standard is to always be "proper" and you don't "air" out your personal business.
Their second chance meet cute is funny and refreshing filled with secrets on both sides.
You will laugh. You will cry. You will feel everything in between.
4 ✨
Firefighter Luke is dreamy with his dark hair and blue eyes. His cheesy lines, romantic gestures, sweet disposition and protectiveness is charming and alluring. He grew up in a loving family home where family is everything.
Wedding Planner Jillian is beautiful and independent with mesmerizing green eyes and red/auburn hair. She's the dutiful daughter in a socialite world where expectations are high and affections are low. She grew up where she the standard is to always be "proper" and you don't "air" out your personal business.
Their second chance meet cute is funny and refreshing filled with secrets on both sides.
You will laugh. You will cry. You will feel everything in between.
4 ✨
July 13, 2023
Another beautifully written book by the author. It was most definitely a fantastic read. I enjoyed the plot much more than I anticipated, the characters were so well thought of and I especially enjoyed how the storyline was presented. There was so many emotional highs and lows between the characters. I liked that Jillian was a very independent character and she made sure her daughter Ainsley learnt to not be dependent on others.
Ainsley was a total cutie pie, she made me smile the most while reading this. Luke was a complex character and at the beginning I couldn’t really get a sense of his character however he had great character development. The story does have some shocking revelations and twists which were so well executed, each page instantly drew my attention and made me want to read more. It is mostly in Jillian’s point of view. The epilogue was such a great ending to their story.
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
Ainsley was a total cutie pie, she made me smile the most while reading this. Luke was a complex character and at the beginning I couldn’t really get a sense of his character however he had great character development. The story does have some shocking revelations and twists which were so well executed, each page instantly drew my attention and made me want to read more. It is mostly in Jillian’s point of view. The epilogue was such a great ending to their story.
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
July 14, 2023
SO ANGSTY, EMOTIONAL, AND A SLOW BURN! I LOVED IT!
This Second Chance romance is a real heart jerker. Jillian met Luke five years ago at a wedding she planned in Aruba and they had 3 wonderful days and one magical night together before Luke ghosted her and blocked her number.
When she runs into him unexpectedly outside her hotel sans panties and in a hotel robe, she is shocked. He is a fire fighter in a town hours from her home. There is still a connection between them. When he finds out about Ainsley, he is determined to be a part of her life. I had trouble liking him for what he did but he put so much effort into being a father, I forgave him. Jillian was very hesitant to let him into their lives because of how cruel he had been, and she was afraid he'd leave again.
This book was very emotional, full of angst, and a slow burn. I loved it! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
This Second Chance romance is a real heart jerker. Jillian met Luke five years ago at a wedding she planned in Aruba and they had 3 wonderful days and one magical night together before Luke ghosted her and blocked her number.
When she runs into him unexpectedly outside her hotel sans panties and in a hotel robe, she is shocked. He is a fire fighter in a town hours from her home. There is still a connection between them. When he finds out about Ainsley, he is determined to be a part of her life. I had trouble liking him for what he did but he put so much effort into being a father, I forgave him. Jillian was very hesitant to let him into their lives because of how cruel he had been, and she was afraid he'd leave again.
This book was very emotional, full of angst, and a slow burn. I loved it! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
July 11, 2023
After reading Love... It's Complicated, I had high hopes for this story. I loved Jillian in the role of business partner and friend, and wanted to know more about her past and her daughter. To say this book doesn't disappoint is an understatement.
Jillian met Luke at a destination wedding she planned years ago. They spent three days together, and he ghosted her. When they meet again, Jillian is standing outside a hotel in a borrowed bathrobe, clutching an ice bucket and trying to negotiate with a firefighter to just let her run in and grab a few things. Luke lets her stay in his house for the night, and shows up at her house the next day, uncovering a long kept secret.
Jillian and Luke's journey is everything: emotional, sweet, spicy, a tear-jerker, frustrating, comedic... If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I absolutely would.
Jillian met Luke at a destination wedding she planned years ago. They spent three days together, and he ghosted her. When they meet again, Jillian is standing outside a hotel in a borrowed bathrobe, clutching an ice bucket and trying to negotiate with a firefighter to just let her run in and grab a few things. Luke lets her stay in his house for the night, and shows up at her house the next day, uncovering a long kept secret.
Jillian and Luke's journey is everything: emotional, sweet, spicy, a tear-jerker, frustrating, comedic... If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I absolutely would.
July 12, 2023
* Firefighter
* Single mom
* Second chance
* Surprise (kinda) baby
* Emotional twist
Our MCs had a destination fling several years prior to the start of this story. In present time they have an awkward meeting outside a burning hotel with Luke dressed in his firefighter gear and Jillian in nothing but a robe. While this story starts off as a classic second chance romance, it quickly morphs into a deeply emotional journey with several surprises introduced by both Jillian and Luke. I appreciated the author’s technique in exposing little bits of the plot at a time as it kept me engaged in the story, to the point that I finished it in a matter of hours. I truly felt that this book could have taken so many different turns and was far from predictable. If you like a slow burn, angsty romance, I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to find out what’s next in this series!!
* Single mom
* Second chance
* Surprise (kinda) baby
* Emotional twist
Our MCs had a destination fling several years prior to the start of this story. In present time they have an awkward meeting outside a burning hotel with Luke dressed in his firefighter gear and Jillian in nothing but a robe. While this story starts off as a classic second chance romance, it quickly morphs into a deeply emotional journey with several surprises introduced by both Jillian and Luke. I appreciated the author’s technique in exposing little bits of the plot at a time as it kept me engaged in the story, to the point that I finished it in a matter of hours. I truly felt that this book could have taken so many different turns and was far from predictable. If you like a slow burn, angsty romance, I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to find out what’s next in this series!!
July 14, 2023
Words cannot do this book justice! I could not put this book down once I started it. I have not felt so many emotions at one time as I did while reading this book.
Jillian is fierce in every aspect of her life. She is independent, career driven and lives to make her daughter happy. She shared a passionate three days with Luke five years ago and he left her to pick up the pieces of her heart.
Luke is a sexy firefighter who did not intend to find a beautiful vixen in Aruba.
These two run into each other again in the most unique way. Even though they had not seen each other in years, they had never forgotten that weekend.
The rollercoaster of emotions has me smiling and crying as I think of Love…It’s Messy. Wonderful, beautiful, fabulous, emotional. I highly recommend this book.
Jillian is fierce in every aspect of her life. She is independent, career driven and lives to make her daughter happy. She shared a passionate three days with Luke five years ago and he left her to pick up the pieces of her heart.
Luke is a sexy firefighter who did not intend to find a beautiful vixen in Aruba.
These two run into each other again in the most unique way. Even though they had not seen each other in years, they had never forgotten that weekend.
The rollercoaster of emotions has me smiling and crying as I think of Love…It’s Messy. Wonderful, beautiful, fabulous, emotional. I highly recommend this book.
July 5, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5* Slow Burn Messy Love Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I look forward to reading Jeannine Colette’s stories because they are heartfelt and true to life.
Luke and Jillian’s story did not disappoint. This second chance at love was beautifully written and filled with all kinds of emotions, happy and sad.
After meeting in Aruba and spending 3 whirlwind days together neither expect to see each other again. When the unexpected happens and Jillian tracks down Luke to let him know, he wants nothing to do with Jillian or her current predicament.
When they cross paths again 5 years later the shock of the past is revealed, and revelations are shared of why harsh decisions were made. Their journey to their HEA took time and patience and trusting in each other for their future.
This was a wonderful addition to the Love Explained Series.
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