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Wells Family #3
Rock And A Hard Place
Sometimes history repeats itself, sometimes it rewrites itself entirely in this second chance, parent-trap-style romantic comedy.
Someone was playing a cruel joke on Marigold Wells. And she had a feeling she knew exactly who it was. Ever since their divorce seven years ago, Marigold’s ex husband, Liam, had been making it his personal mission to push her beyond all her boundaries. So when she found out that they were suspiciously assigned to a six week project for their son's school, what was she left to do?
Liam Wells had just about everything he needed in life. The perfect house, two amazing sons, and an ex-wife who he was gladly forced to work with for the next two months. In an attempt to smooth things out between them, Liam tries his best to reconnect the friendship they had long ago. Only the more time they spend together, the more they realize they couldn’t keep down the old spark between them for long.
Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Marigold and Liam are forced to figure out if their relationship can flourish again, or will they burn out?
Someone was playing a cruel joke on Marigold Wells. And she had a feeling she knew exactly who it was. Ever since their divorce seven years ago, Marigold’s ex husband, Liam, had been making it his personal mission to push her beyond all her boundaries. So when she found out that they were suspiciously assigned to a six week project for their son's school, what was she left to do?
Liam Wells had just about everything he needed in life. The perfect house, two amazing sons, and an ex-wife who he was gladly forced to work with for the next two months. In an attempt to smooth things out between them, Liam tries his best to reconnect the friendship they had long ago. Only the more time they spend together, the more they realize they couldn’t keep down the old spark between them for long.
Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Marigold and Liam are forced to figure out if their relationship can flourish again, or will they burn out?
362 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2024
356 people are currently reading
12247 people want to read
About the author
Juliana Smith
13 books1,092 followersJuliana Smith is an author in a small town in Alabama. When she is not hanging out with her book characters, she is with her family. Juliana writes heartfelt romance filled with laughter and warm fuzzies. She can usually be found in a Chic-fil-a drive-thru or listening to Star Wars theory podcasts, often at the same time.
To subscribe to her super amazing newsletter and receive VIP behind-the-scenes, special offers, and exclusives go to her Instagram @authorjulianasmith .
To subscribe to her super amazing newsletter and receive VIP behind-the-scenes, special offers, and exclusives go to her Instagram @authorjulianasmith .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 499 reviews
February 8, 2024
5 stars 💐
I was taken aback by this book. although the cover and plot were enticing enough to read it, I didn't have high expectations for it other than having a good time with a lighthearted read when i dived into it. yet, I concluded it with a ribambelle of tears running down my cheeks. It was utterly beautiful; the writing was exquisite, the metaphors and quotes were splendid, the orchestration of events was brillant.
Liam and Marigold’s bond was bruised with anterior mistakes, suffocated with unuttered epiphanies, tarnished by unexpressed feelings. even so, it was a painfully and crudely real portrayal. their relationship was breathing through the frequent disputes, the digs, the jealousy, longing, pinning, declarations, and long-lost memories of once-in-a-lifetime sort of love. i loved how some of the most important memories that retraced their past relationship were depicted through religiously kept items in the narrative. Liam and Marigold’s love story was more than just a comedy romance, and i simply fell in love with them while they were trying to comprehend that they never really wavered in their love.
I won't elaborate on this review any further. I'm afraid to divulge and spoil some important details about the book and its characters that would be better left as a surprise, otherwise I could end up writing an essay and ruining the storytelling. (if you’re a fan of Sarah Adams know that this book is for you) 🫶🏼
⚠️ safety spoiler : no cheating during their marriage. Liam & Marigold are separated for approximately 7 years, both were celibate and didn’t go to any date. no ow or om darma. however marigold goes to a single, one date in the book.
—-
many thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review
—-
the cover is so pretty 🥺💐
❛❛ most people would never find a love like this, and yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her. ❜❜
・❥ second chance romance
・❥ heartwarming twin sons
・❥ new fav book husband
・❥ marriage in crisis
・❥ closed door
・❥ parent trap
・❥ slowburn
・❥ romcom
・❥ divorced
I was taken aback by this book. although the cover and plot were enticing enough to read it, I didn't have high expectations for it other than having a good time with a lighthearted read when i dived into it. yet, I concluded it with a ribambelle of tears running down my cheeks. It was utterly beautiful; the writing was exquisite, the metaphors and quotes were splendid, the orchestration of events was brillant.
”I knew that laugh. I’d spent years doing anything I could to be the cause of it. be the recipient of that joy. tossing notes in class that said her butt looked good in her flare jeans. dancing like an idiot to make her smile on hard nights. telling stupid jokes while she was in labor to take her mind off the pain. My entire universe used to revolve around that laugh. It’d be a lie if I said I didn’t miss it.”❤️🩹
Liam and Marigold’s bond was bruised with anterior mistakes, suffocated with unuttered epiphanies, tarnished by unexpressed feelings. even so, it was a painfully and crudely real portrayal. their relationship was breathing through the frequent disputes, the digs, the jealousy, longing, pinning, declarations, and long-lost memories of once-in-a-lifetime sort of love. i loved how some of the most important memories that retraced their past relationship were depicted through religiously kept items in the narrative. Liam and Marigold’s love story was more than just a comedy romance, and i simply fell in love with them while they were trying to comprehend that they never really wavered in their love.
”we weren’t exactly broken, but we were definitely in need of repair.”
I won't elaborate on this review any further. I'm afraid to divulge and spoil some important details about the book and its characters that would be better left as a surprise, otherwise I could end up writing an essay and ruining the storytelling. (if you’re a fan of Sarah Adams know that this book is for you) 🫶🏼
⚠️ safety spoiler : no cheating during their marriage. Liam & Marigold are separated for approximately 7 years, both were celibate and didn’t go to any date. no ow or om darma. however marigold goes to a single, one date in the book.
—-
many thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review
—-
the cover is so pretty 🥺💐
on-pause
August 13, 2024Putting this on pause for now. I'll go back to it but I've got too many romances going on currently and I'm not in the mood.
I read a couple chapters of this one last night and it started out super cute - lemme just shove another book on my over flowing currently reading pile 🤭
╰⪼ ❀Dual POV
╰⪼ ❀Parent Trap Vibes
╰⪼ ❀High School Sweethearts
╰⪼ ❀Rekindled Love
╰⪼ ❀Second Chance
╰⪼ ❀Found Family
╰⪼ ❀Closed Door
༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚𓍯𓂃𓏧♡
I read a couple chapters of this one last night and it started out super cute - lemme just shove another book on my over flowing currently reading pile 🤭
╰⪼ ❀Dual POV
╰⪼ ❀Parent Trap Vibes
╰⪼ ❀High School Sweethearts
╰⪼ ❀Rekindled Love
╰⪼ ❀Second Chance
╰⪼ ❀Found Family
╰⪼ ❀Closed Door
༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚𓍯𓂃𓏧♡
December 4, 2025
4.5 stars
This book felt like a warmest hug. My favourite comfort book if you ask me. Words cannot describe how happy I was while reading this book, there was a constant smile and the unbridled joy on my face, it was all so nostalgic and cozy. I forgot what it felt like to be so engrossed in a book, in character's lives and I experienced exactly that with this story and Liam and Marigold's sweet but perfect love.
My expectations were high and this book surpassed every one of them. The plot is what attracted me in the first place, a story based on the movie The Parent Trap? Juliana did a wonderful job at devising the storyline based on that book. Her writing is engrossing and vivid with heartfelt emotions and characters with dimensional personalities. She is great at writing flawed and imperfect protagonists, reflecting their feelings and how their past and struggled shaped their present self.
The second chance romance in this is done justice. There's not a single moment I didn't love. The romance was perfectly balanced with the funny and cozy moments, and the pain and angst that's the main component of a second chance romance is evident in the pages and in Liam and Marigold's relationship. Miles and Dallas, the twins, are amazing and I love how different they are in personalities but a menace when it comes to uniting their divorced parents
➸ Marigold Wells is a sweet, shy and a humble woman but inside she's just a little lion with fierce and protective nature for her family. She would do anything in her power and beyond to keep her family safe and I love how passionate and caring she is when it comes to be a mother. Juliana portrayed the hardships of a motherhood in Marigold's character and I loved to see her not so perfect facade and to know that it's humane to feel things.
“You make me feel like more than just a mom.”
➸ Liam Wells is my new obsession and my new book husband. This man is a genuine soul and an incredible father. He is understanding and so gentle when it comes to the people he loves and the way he loves, so unabashedly and irrevocably. I love how brings Marigold's fierce side with his sarcastic comments and constant flirting and it's adorable to see how much of a goner he is for his wife. He is unstoppable and resilient when it comes to Marigold and the things he did for her? I am in love with this man.
“Marigold, let me be very clear. You are, without a doubt, the hottest woman I have ever seen. You made me a father. There is nothing sexier than that. I flirt with you because it’s impossible for me not to when every word out of your pretty mouth drives me insane.”
: ̗̀➛ Liam and Marigold
Liam and Marigold have the chance to rebuild their marriage that was broken years ago. They are forced to work together for a school project for their kids and after weekly meetings, impromptu visits, jealousy moments, and some heavy tension filled moments, they realise that it's not so bad to hang out with your ex for a school project. Liam and Marigold made mistakes in their past, unresolved issues, words left unspoken for the sake of other person, feelings left to suffocate because they couldn't find it in them to talk with each other, and it is most realistic and painful portrayal of real relationships. I couldn't hate them for the mistakes they made because those felt so reasonable and humane.
There is animosity, awakardness and hatred between them for not truly acknowledging their past. But the love and longing is still effervescently present in their hearts, and they found themselves again after seven years of their separation. Their fights, jealousy for each other, yearning, mutual pining, recollection of memories through things they have kept hidden of their love forgotten, reminiscing about their teenage love and bringing those memories with them to heal their broken hearts, everything breathed life in their second chance love story. The few past moments breathed life into their love story and it was so pure and genuinely beautiful, true representation of forever kind of love. Liam and Mari are incredible parents and I love how they protected and shielded their boys from their broken relationship. That's what good parenting means!
The ending was everything I wanted. I loved every second of it and the epilogue made me cry but it was everything and just perfect. I can't wait to see more of their little Wells family in next books.
I don't know what you are doing but this book is a gem and a must read for all the romance lovers.
——————
Found my new comfort book 🥺❤️🩹 this book was perfect! Rtc
——————
Need something cute and wholesome 😙
“Most people would never find a love like this, and yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her.”
This book felt like a warmest hug. My favourite comfort book if you ask me. Words cannot describe how happy I was while reading this book, there was a constant smile and the unbridled joy on my face, it was all so nostalgic and cozy. I forgot what it felt like to be so engrossed in a book, in character's lives and I experienced exactly that with this story and Liam and Marigold's sweet but perfect love.
My expectations were high and this book surpassed every one of them. The plot is what attracted me in the first place, a story based on the movie The Parent Trap? Juliana did a wonderful job at devising the storyline based on that book. Her writing is engrossing and vivid with heartfelt emotions and characters with dimensional personalities. She is great at writing flawed and imperfect protagonists, reflecting their feelings and how their past and struggled shaped their present self.
“We weren’t exactly broken, but we were definitely in need of repair.”
The second chance romance in this is done justice. There's not a single moment I didn't love. The romance was perfectly balanced with the funny and cozy moments, and the pain and angst that's the main component of a second chance romance is evident in the pages and in Liam and Marigold's relationship. Miles and Dallas, the twins, are amazing and I love how different they are in personalities but a menace when it comes to uniting their divorced parents
➸ Marigold Wells is a sweet, shy and a humble woman but inside she's just a little lion with fierce and protective nature for her family. She would do anything in her power and beyond to keep her family safe and I love how passionate and caring she is when it comes to be a mother. Juliana portrayed the hardships of a motherhood in Marigold's character and I loved to see her not so perfect facade and to know that it's humane to feel things.
“You make me feel like more than just a mom.”
➸ Liam Wells is my new obsession and my new book husband. This man is a genuine soul and an incredible father. He is understanding and so gentle when it comes to the people he loves and the way he loves, so unabashedly and irrevocably. I love how brings Marigold's fierce side with his sarcastic comments and constant flirting and it's adorable to see how much of a goner he is for his wife. He is unstoppable and resilient when it comes to Marigold and the things he did for her? I am in love with this man.
“Marigold, let me be very clear. You are, without a doubt, the hottest woman I have ever seen. You made me a father. There is nothing sexier than that. I flirt with you because it’s impossible for me not to when every word out of your pretty mouth drives me insane.”
: ̗̀➛ Liam and Marigold
Liam and Marigold have the chance to rebuild their marriage that was broken years ago. They are forced to work together for a school project for their kids and after weekly meetings, impromptu visits, jealousy moments, and some heavy tension filled moments, they realise that it's not so bad to hang out with your ex for a school project. Liam and Marigold made mistakes in their past, unresolved issues, words left unspoken for the sake of other person, feelings left to suffocate because they couldn't find it in them to talk with each other, and it is most realistic and painful portrayal of real relationships. I couldn't hate them for the mistakes they made because those felt so reasonable and humane.
“What makes you so sure you could fall in love with me again?”
My heart panged in my chest. With a small smile, I dipped my chin, then lifted it again and locked eyes with her, refusing to hold back. “What makes you so sure I ever stopped?”
There is animosity, awakardness and hatred between them for not truly acknowledging their past. But the love and longing is still effervescently present in their hearts, and they found themselves again after seven years of their separation. Their fights, jealousy for each other, yearning, mutual pining, recollection of memories through things they have kept hidden of their love forgotten, reminiscing about their teenage love and bringing those memories with them to heal their broken hearts, everything breathed life in their second chance love story. The few past moments breathed life into their love story and it was so pure and genuinely beautiful, true representation of forever kind of love. Liam and Mari are incredible parents and I love how they protected and shielded their boys from their broken relationship. That's what good parenting means!
“This moment was better than any that had come before. No matter how perfect our love had been when we were young and foolish, this was better. This was stronger, more beautiful, undying, and eternal.”
The ending was everything I wanted. I loved every second of it and the epilogue made me cry but it was everything and just perfect. I can't wait to see more of their little Wells family in next books.
I don't know what you are doing but this book is a gem and a must read for all the romance lovers.
——————
Found my new comfort book 🥺❤️🩹 this book was perfect! Rtc
——————
Need something cute and wholesome 😙
March 30, 2024
note for my past self: tiktok didn’t let us down this time🙏🏼🩷
~~~~
note for my future self: another tiktok rec. second chance but the author said they were both celibate during separation so yes to this <33
~~~~
note for my future self: another tiktok rec. second chance but the author said they were both celibate during separation so yes to this <33
February 24, 2024
I bigger review is probably coming but in case you want safety info:
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️SPOILERS⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
I just finished!! It's safe. Both celibate since meeting even. They met in high school and become friends (even tho H had a crush on her) it took a year for him to be able to ask her out. Then they are together until they divorce. No others during separation (even tho he mentions that he flirted with ow a year ago in front of h to riled her up. I supposed this happened in book 1 or 2 of this series but nothing happens out of it) h goes on a date be their kids tell her that H is going on a date (they were lying, H is having dinner with his brothers in a restaurant) the dates goes normal and nothing happens between h and OM (H is in the same restaurant) h was jealous of ow when they were married. Ow was the secretary. Nothing happened of that and H fired her as soon as he was able he needed to get a promotion to do so) This last part is mention, not shown. I don't remember anything more about ow/OM drama
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️SPOILERS⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
I just finished!! It's safe. Both celibate since meeting even. They met in high school and become friends (even tho H had a crush on her) it took a year for him to be able to ask her out. Then they are together until they divorce. No others during separation (even tho he mentions that he flirted with ow a year ago in front of h to riled her up. I supposed this happened in book 1 or 2 of this series but nothing happens out of it) h goes on a date be their kids tell her that H is going on a date (they were lying, H is having dinner with his brothers in a restaurant) the dates goes normal and nothing happens between h and OM (H is in the same restaurant) h was jealous of ow when they were married. Ow was the secretary. Nothing happened of that and H fired her as soon as he was able he needed to get a promotion to do so) This last part is mention, not shown. I don't remember anything more about ow/OM drama
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 8, 2024HAVEN’T read but the author replied to my question on ig
Me: we’re they with others during separation?? Does H have a gf or turned into a manho?
Author: no others, no cheating or anything like that!! They weren't with any others during separation either. No instances of other people!!
*me instantly preordering the book*
Me: we’re they with others during separation?? Does H have a gf or turned into a manho?
Author: no others, no cheating or anything like that!! They weren't with any others during separation either. No instances of other people!!
*me instantly preordering the book*
September 13, 2024
Marigold and Liam are literally made for each other. The love they shared in the past and in the present was so beautiful to read 💗
February 26, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️ From the first few chapters, this book already had me feeling giddy. It was heartwarming, sweet, and funny.
This is a second romance between a divorced couple with two kids. While this touches on the heaviness of divorce, there were so many lighthearted moments that had me smiling.
My main issue with this book is that I wish it didn’t take so long for the reader to find out the reason why they got divorced. Or how it happened for them to even get to that point. It was still enjoyable, but I would have loved it more if I knew the reason why their marriage fell apart earlier.
This is a second romance between a divorced couple with two kids. While this touches on the heaviness of divorce, there were so many lighthearted moments that had me smiling.
My main issue with this book is that I wish it didn’t take so long for the reader to find out the reason why they got divorced. Or how it happened for them to even get to that point. It was still enjoyable, but I would have loved it more if I knew the reason why their marriage fell apart earlier.
January 25, 2024
I think I say this every time but this is really my fav book I’ve written🥹🥹
you’ll love RAAHP if you like:
💗 second chance
💗 the parent trap
💗 single mom / single dad
💗 forced proximity
💗 house renovations
💗 no third act break up
happy reading!!🎨
you’ll love RAAHP if you like:
💗 second chance
💗 the parent trap
💗 single mom / single dad
💗 forced proximity
💗 house renovations
💗 no third act break up
happy reading!!🎨
March 30, 2024
” most people would never find a love like this, and yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her”
Now listen i’m not a huge fan of a second chance trope so when i tell you this one is so good you have to believe me!! I ate it up, it was literally so adorable and funny, entertaining, a little sad, and clean romance for the people who don’t like spice.🫶🏻
liam&marigold I adore them. They’re such cute,funny couple 🫶🏻 their flashbacks of their relationship when they were in high-school was more than adorable it warmed my heart. I had a smile on my face the whole time i was reading it. I loved Liam pov so much. This man can do whatever he wants to me and i’ll not complain. He spent 2 or 3 minutes of every chapter just talking about how gorgeous her smile is and how it reminded him of sunshine coming out in the night. And how jealous he was of everyone she smiled his way 🥹🤭 he’s so whipped it’s actually pathetic but in a good way 💓 i loved their relationship with their kids. It was so warm and comfortable also funny because the kids were so evil 😭
Overall I enjoyed it so much and I highly recommend it if you want a light/not very light read 🫶🏻
Finally a big thank u and a hug for my bestie buket for understanding my unpredictable napsً 🥹💓 you’re my favorite person 🫶🏻
March 2, 2024
My new fav book from Juliana Smith, hands down!! This was so so good. I have no words to properly explain how much I loved it.
Such a heartwarming and beautiful second chance romance. I loved every minute of it.
I laughed, I cried, I swooned!! I absolutely loved the characters and their story.
Watching Marigold and Liam falling in love again was perfect. I absolutely love them. And then Dallas and Miles? Adorable!!!
I won’t stop recommending this book if you are looking for a cute romance book
read this book if you love:
- second chance romance
- forced proximity
- parent trap inspired
- single mom/single dad
Thank you Juliana Smith for the ARC for this book
Such a heartwarming and beautiful second chance romance. I loved every minute of it.
I laughed, I cried, I swooned!! I absolutely loved the characters and their story.
Watching Marigold and Liam falling in love again was perfect. I absolutely love them. And then Dallas and Miles? Adorable!!!
I won’t stop recommending this book if you are looking for a cute romance book
read this book if you love:
- second chance romance
- forced proximity
- parent trap inspired
- single mom/single dad
Thank you Juliana Smith for the ARC for this book
April 29, 2024
Liam and Marigold were great! They have great chemistry and obviously love and value the other person.
There are three things I need to make a second chance romance work really well:
1. A real reason the two people broke up, that isn’t due to them being crap people.
2. Real growth leading them back to each other.
3. An abiding love and faithfulness, meaning there were no other folks they pursued while they were broken up.
This story hits real hard on number 1 and number 3. I won’t go into number 1 too much because it’s something that comes out near the end. For number 3, both are celibate during their separation which is VERY good!
The reason I cannot give this a full 5 stars is because of number 2. There were some real reasons they broke up, but this story kinda gives a band-aid to their growth and coming back together. It’s all “we still love each other, we should be together again” rather than really seeing them work through the fear of being a burden to their partner, non-communication about hurt, etc. It almost goes into it… but doesn’t.
Both are great people and I do love them together… I just want them to get counseling and not just friends telling them surface-level truths.
There’s a LOT of “traditional” gender roles in this book. And some of it isn’t great. Not only do we have the hard-working “provider” guy, he also needs to be “strong” and not cry. When one of the boys gets hurt, there is talk about him being “strong” and “getting back out there”.
Marigold hurts her hand earlier in the book but she's a hair stylist. It's so weird that it's never mentioned as slowing down her work or ability to take care of herself and the kids. Just re: painting.
Finally, the "grand gesture" irritated the crap out of me. He leaves her to do something physically taxing alone (she has an injury and also is only one person so make that make sense) and then when it needs to be redone, he gets tons of family to help him out. And this is supposed to show that she can trust him!? I would have been livid and resentful that HE got help doing the thing I had done alone the first time.
So… I liked this book, but I didn’t LOVE it.
There are three things I need to make a second chance romance work really well:
1. A real reason the two people broke up, that isn’t due to them being crap people.
2. Real growth leading them back to each other.
3. An abiding love and faithfulness, meaning there were no other folks they pursued while they were broken up.
This story hits real hard on number 1 and number 3. I won’t go into number 1 too much because it’s something that comes out near the end. For number 3, both are celibate during their separation which is VERY good!
The reason I cannot give this a full 5 stars is because of number 2. There were some real reasons they broke up, but this story kinda gives a band-aid to their growth and coming back together. It’s all “we still love each other, we should be together again” rather than really seeing them work through the fear of being a burden to their partner, non-communication about hurt, etc. It almost goes into it… but doesn’t.
Both are great people and I do love them together… I just want them to get counseling and not just friends telling them surface-level truths.
There’s a LOT of “traditional” gender roles in this book. And some of it isn’t great. Not only do we have the hard-working “provider” guy, he also needs to be “strong” and not cry. When one of the boys gets hurt, there is talk about him being “strong” and “getting back out there”.
Marigold hurts her hand earlier in the book but she's a hair stylist. It's so weird that it's never mentioned as slowing down her work or ability to take care of herself and the kids. Just re: painting.
Finally, the "grand gesture" irritated the crap out of me. He leaves her to do something physically taxing alone (she has an injury and also is only one person so make that make sense) and then when it needs to be redone, he gets tons of family to help him out. And this is supposed to show that she can trust him!? I would have been livid and resentful that HE got help doing the thing I had done alone the first time.
So… I liked this book, but I didn’t LOVE it.
March 3, 2024
This gem of a book is out now 💐
This book is a sweet, second-chance romance between two single parents who used to be married. The healing and growth between Marigold and Liam, both as individuals and as a couple, was beautiful. I loved seeing their journey from high school sweethearts to where they ended up. Juliana never fails to write the most heartwarming books 💜📖
This book has:
•Childhood friends to lovers 💕 The leads have been together since high school
•Marriage in crisis (Technically, they are divorced, but neither has fully moved on, even if they didn’t want to admit it.)
•Single mom x single dad
•Parent trap vibes
•Sunshine x sunshine leads ☀️
•Some major Noah from the Notebook vibes: The hero renovated his house to match the heroines Pinterest boards
This book was so heartwarming and swoon-worthy. Thank you to Victory Editing and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
This book is a sweet, second-chance romance between two single parents who used to be married. The healing and growth between Marigold and Liam, both as individuals and as a couple, was beautiful. I loved seeing their journey from high school sweethearts to where they ended up. Juliana never fails to write the most heartwarming books 💜📖
This book has:
•Childhood friends to lovers 💕 The leads have been together since high school
•Marriage in crisis (Technically, they are divorced, but neither has fully moved on, even if they didn’t want to admit it.)
•Single mom x single dad
•Parent trap vibes
•Sunshine x sunshine leads ☀️
•Some major Noah from the Notebook vibes: The hero renovated his house to match the heroines Pinterest boards
This book was so heartwarming and swoon-worthy. Thank you to Victory Editing and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
March 25, 2024
it wasn't horrible but was it worth my time? not really. i'm probably gonna forget about it in a few weeks.
April 13, 2024
Imagine meeting your person young, marrying them, loving them completely and having a family with them and then divorcing them because apparently two adults can’t have a basic conversation about their needs. It’s okay though because even though they needlessly ripped their family apart, they were still madly in love with each other the entire time and remained celibate for seven years because they were so hung up on each other! The whole divorce boiled down to having resentment over perfectly solvable, every day problems… well, and most importantly, Marigold testing Liam by leaving him to see if he comes after her. That’s the mature response when you have two babies at home. I honestly couldn’t believe how selfish these two were. Honestly the more I think about it, the less stars I want to give it. The cover is cute though.
February 6, 2024
This book was absolutely perfect. Juliana is one of my favorite authors and I’m always excited for her new releases. This was her best book yet!
I’m always a sucker for a second chance romance and when it’s a second chance within a marriage/divorce, I feel like it’s even better 🥺 I cried multiple times reading this because it just felt so real and raw and beautiful. Her witting was just extra good, so many amazing quotes I highlighted!
The way Liam would do absolutely anything for Marigold has me 😭 the boys are also just so adorable and funny.
The angst and the pining! She is so good at chemistry even w no spice. Like you’re itching to keep reading because the slow burn is just too good!
This is a new favorite book of all time and I cannot wait to get my physical copy and annotate it when it comes out 🥹
Also loved seeing the characters from the first two books in this series and I cannot wait for the next one 😩 it was just perfect. I want to reread it already.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I’m always a sucker for a second chance romance and when it’s a second chance within a marriage/divorce, I feel like it’s even better 🥺 I cried multiple times reading this because it just felt so real and raw and beautiful. Her witting was just extra good, so many amazing quotes I highlighted!
The way Liam would do absolutely anything for Marigold has me 😭 the boys are also just so adorable and funny.
The angst and the pining! She is so good at chemistry even w no spice. Like you’re itching to keep reading because the slow burn is just too good!
This is a new favorite book of all time and I cannot wait to get my physical copy and annotate it when it comes out 🥹
Also loved seeing the characters from the first two books in this series and I cannot wait for the next one 😩 it was just perfect. I want to reread it already.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 27, 2024
(4.5/5) new favorite book? new favorite book.
HOW DO THESE BOOKS JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER??? idk but they do! take my humble word for it!
i love them. i love the family and i love liam and marigold and i love EVERYTHING about this book. i actually did just binge the entire second half of this yes! thank you for asking.
also… that TEASER???…. mhmmhmhmhmhmm. i giggled i GASPED. GASPED I TELL YOU. OUT LOUD.
do yourself a favor and read this mkay. if you don’t i’ll hunt you down (with kindness). love you!
(thank you to netgalley and the author for the arc!)
HOW DO THESE BOOKS JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER??? idk but they do! take my humble word for it!
i love them. i love the family and i love liam and marigold and i love EVERYTHING about this book. i actually did just binge the entire second half of this yes! thank you for asking.
also… that TEASER???…. mhmmhmhmhmhmm. i giggled i GASPED. GASPED I TELL YOU. OUT LOUD.
do yourself a favor and read this mkay. if you don’t i’ll hunt you down (with kindness). love you!
(thank you to netgalley and the author for the arc!)
March 3, 2024
these characters had zero chemistry and I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up divorcing twice
February 26, 2024
4.5-4.75✨
THIS ONE WAS SO CUTE!! rtc!!
THIS ONE WAS SO CUTE!! rtc!!
June 19, 2025
“What makes you so sure you could fall in love with me again?”
“What makes you so sure I ever stopped?"
AAAAA
“What makes you so sure I ever stopped?"
AAAAA
February 11, 2024
"𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻?"
"𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱?"
Juliana’s writing just keeps getting better and better! Honestly I think this is her best work yet.
This is the second chance trope done right. I absolutely adored Liam and Marigold and the boys. This book just hit me in the feels in all the right places. The love that the two of them share is truly special and it never wavered. I love how real their problems were it was easy to find a piece of yourself within the characters. Honestly, I can’t adequately put into words how much I loved this book. It’s one of those books you just gotta read to see what I’m talking about.
Thank you Netgalley and Juliana for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱?"
Juliana’s writing just keeps getting better and better! Honestly I think this is her best work yet.
This is the second chance trope done right. I absolutely adored Liam and Marigold and the boys. This book just hit me in the feels in all the right places. The love that the two of them share is truly special and it never wavered. I love how real their problems were it was easy to find a piece of yourself within the characters. Honestly, I can’t adequately put into words how much I loved this book. It’s one of those books you just gotta read to see what I’m talking about.
Thank you Netgalley and Juliana for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2024
when i started reading this i was a teeny bit hesitant just because i'm nowhere near where the characters in this book are and i like to at least have some relation to my life usually with the books i read BUT!!! this was SO cute and exactly what i needed. marigold was such an enjoyable fmc and i found myself in her many times throughout the book. especially her making art and trying to find the time to do it and about how she felt with taking risks. it resonated with me and my life right now a lot.
i loved how she wasn't just a mom and how this book made her so much more, it explored the story of her finding herself again!! i don't even know where to start with liam, i already asked juliana if she has an amazon link for him or something because i am so so so obsessed with him he was sweet, kind, incredibly thoughtful and the way he loved marigold made me melt ahhh
¡ also loved their two twins, they were so cute and funny so i really liked them, especially how mischievous they were with their planning. i also loved that this was a closed door romance, the tension was still there alllll the time and that's what i'm here for tbh hehe if you love the parent trap, second chance & small town romances i feel like this will be perfect for you!!
thank you juliana smith and netgalley for letting me read this before the release date, i really really enjoyed it and can highly recommend 🤍
i loved how she wasn't just a mom and how this book made her so much more, it explored the story of her finding herself again!! i don't even know where to start with liam, i already asked juliana if she has an amazon link for him or something because i am so so so obsessed with him he was sweet, kind, incredibly thoughtful and the way he loved marigold made me melt ahhh
¡ also loved their two twins, they were so cute and funny so i really liked them, especially how mischievous they were with their planning. i also loved that this was a closed door romance, the tension was still there alllll the time and that's what i'm here for tbh hehe if you love the parent trap, second chance & small town romances i feel like this will be perfect for you!!
thank you juliana smith and netgalley for letting me read this before the release date, i really really enjoyed it and can highly recommend 🤍
June 29, 2025
⋆·˚ ༘ *preread ~ I'm scared for this book. I saw it on Insta and decided why not ? I don't mind second chance romances. BUT WHY DID I JUST SEE LIEK 3 2 STAR REVIEWS ?
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･" Most people would never find a love like this, and yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her." ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
This book was SO much better than I thought it would be. It's the perfect 2nd chance romance between a divorced couple, Marigold and Liam Wells, who have 2 sons. And when they're mysteriously signed up to work together on the boys' spring festival minigame, Marigold is pissed. Like she HATES Liam. And Liam ? 10% of his POV was regretting not going after her after the divorce, and 90% of it was yearning, jealousy and admiring how pretty his ex-wife is.
✧.* Spoilers ahead ! ��.*
⋆·˚ ༘ * Liam: This man brings a new definition to the word 'Whipped.' He WAS SO DOWN BAD FOR MARIGOLD IT WAS PAINFUL TO READ.
☽｡⋆ "Never again would I lose her. I knew what it was like to watch her walk away, and I refused to idly sit by and let it happen again." ☽｡⋆
OH MY GOLLY GOLLY. I WAS JUST PUNCHED IN THE FACE.
☽｡⋆ "“Haven’t seen Marigold Harper in nearly twenty years—” “Wells,” a deep voice rumbled behind me as a solid chest hit my back.“Her last name is Wells.”. ☽｡⋆
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP OH MY GOD HE PULLED OUT THE LAST NAME CARD AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
✩‧₊˚ "Lips curled, I instinctively brushed my left thumb over my ring finger to turn the gold band, only to remember it wasn’t there. It hadn’t been there in nearly seven years, and yet I still felt naked without it. Would that feeling ever go away?" ੈ✩‧₊˚
NOW THAT WAS FOUL-
ੈ✩‧₊˚ " The motion pulled at my sleeve, uncovering the small tattoo that peeked out from under my watch. The one that matched hers. Her tattoo was on display now, too, just inches from mine. They were identical, and for the first time in years, they were side by side. They were simple, really, just the outline of two small marigolds." ੈ✩‧₊˚
THEY HAVE MATCHING TATTOOS. I REPEAT. THEY HAVE MATCHING TATOOS. OF MARIGOLDS. I'M DEAD.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "I was prepared to wave a white flag, scoop her up, and run out of here without looking back. I wanted to throw down my man card and wax poetically about her beauty and the way she made my heart float in my chest. I’d do it right here in front of my brothers. Let them tease me about it for therest of my life. I’d gladly take it." ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Marigold:
Most of her POV was trying so hard not to fall back in love with her ex husband and it was SO FUNNY. And her friends were not helping. At all. But all else aside, she really is a fantastic mother. She puts her boys' needs above her own, and she and Liam try so hard to keep their relationship civil for their sons.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "And on our wedding night a few years later and the nights he’d pull me as close as my rounded belly would allow and spun me around in the kitchen." ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. THEY'RE LIKE THE ADULT VERSIONS OF WES AND LIZ.
*ೃ༄ “You have no clue, do you?” He laughed softly, stirring the hair at my temple. “You’re so much more to me than just the mother of my kids, Goldie.” *ೃ༄
*ೃ༄ “Who usually cuts your hair?” “I do.” I pulled back and found his gaze in the mirror. “Really? Why?” “How could I let another woman run her hands through my hair, knowing it belongs to you?”*ೃ༄
STOP-
This book had the most perfect, sweet and amazing ending. ALL BOOKS SHOULD END LIKE THIS. (TAKE NOTES LAUREN ROBERTS).
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ "So I took a deep breath and fell on one knee in a muddy puddle right in front of her. I kissed her in the rain and slipped the ring onto her finger as tears streamed down her face. She said yes without a moment of hesitation, and we never looked back." ·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ “You may now kiss your—” “Oh, thank God!” I wrapped my arms around Marigold’s waist and hauled her to me." ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ "Marigold’s cheeks were pink and her eyes danced when I righted her. She grasped my lapels and pulled me down until her lips brushed my ear. “Be careful. Don’t want to hurt the baby.”
I nodded. “Right. The ba—” My stomach flipped and my chest all but exploded when her words sank
in. Th-the baby?" ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
I SLAPPED MY HAND TO MY MOUTH SO HARD IT HURT. THIS WAS LAST NIGHT. MY MOUTH STILL HURTS.
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･" Most people would never find a love like this, and yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her." ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
This book was SO much better than I thought it would be. It's the perfect 2nd chance romance between a divorced couple, Marigold and Liam Wells, who have 2 sons. And when they're mysteriously signed up to work together on the boys' spring festival minigame, Marigold is pissed. Like she HATES Liam. And Liam ? 10% of his POV was regretting not going after her after the divorce, and 90% of it was yearning, jealousy and admiring how pretty his ex-wife is.
✧.* Spoilers ahead ! ��.*
⋆·˚ ༘ * Liam: This man brings a new definition to the word 'Whipped.' He WAS SO DOWN BAD FOR MARIGOLD IT WAS PAINFUL TO READ.
☽｡⋆ "Never again would I lose her. I knew what it was like to watch her walk away, and I refused to idly sit by and let it happen again." ☽｡⋆
OH MY GOLLY GOLLY. I WAS JUST PUNCHED IN THE FACE.
☽｡⋆ "“Haven’t seen Marigold Harper in nearly twenty years—” “Wells,” a deep voice rumbled behind me as a solid chest hit my back.“Her last name is Wells.”. ☽｡⋆
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP OH MY GOD HE PULLED OUT THE LAST NAME CARD AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
✩‧₊˚ "Lips curled, I instinctively brushed my left thumb over my ring finger to turn the gold band, only to remember it wasn’t there. It hadn’t been there in nearly seven years, and yet I still felt naked without it. Would that feeling ever go away?" ੈ✩‧₊˚
NOW THAT WAS FOUL-
ੈ✩‧₊˚ " The motion pulled at my sleeve, uncovering the small tattoo that peeked out from under my watch. The one that matched hers. Her tattoo was on display now, too, just inches from mine. They were identical, and for the first time in years, they were side by side. They were simple, really, just the outline of two small marigolds." ੈ✩‧₊˚
THEY HAVE MATCHING TATTOOS. I REPEAT. THEY HAVE MATCHING TATOOS. OF MARIGOLDS. I'M DEAD.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "I was prepared to wave a white flag, scoop her up, and run out of here without looking back. I wanted to throw down my man card and wax poetically about her beauty and the way she made my heart float in my chest. I’d do it right here in front of my brothers. Let them tease me about it for therest of my life. I’d gladly take it." ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Marigold:
Most of her POV was trying so hard not to fall back in love with her ex husband and it was SO FUNNY. And her friends were not helping. At all. But all else aside, she really is a fantastic mother. She puts her boys' needs above her own, and she and Liam try so hard to keep their relationship civil for their sons.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "And on our wedding night a few years later and the nights he’d pull me as close as my rounded belly would allow and spun me around in the kitchen." ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. THEY'RE LIKE THE ADULT VERSIONS OF WES AND LIZ.
*ೃ༄ “You have no clue, do you?” He laughed softly, stirring the hair at my temple. “You’re so much more to me than just the mother of my kids, Goldie.” *ೃ༄
*ೃ༄ “Who usually cuts your hair?” “I do.” I pulled back and found his gaze in the mirror. “Really? Why?” “How could I let another woman run her hands through my hair, knowing it belongs to you?”*ೃ༄
STOP-
This book had the most perfect, sweet and amazing ending. ALL BOOKS SHOULD END LIKE THIS. (TAKE NOTES LAUREN ROBERTS).
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ "So I took a deep breath and fell on one knee in a muddy puddle right in front of her. I kissed her in the rain and slipped the ring onto her finger as tears streamed down her face. She said yes without a moment of hesitation, and we never looked back." ·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ “You may now kiss your—” “Oh, thank God!” I wrapped my arms around Marigold’s waist and hauled her to me." ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ "Marigold’s cheeks were pink and her eyes danced when I righted her. She grasped my lapels and pulled me down until her lips brushed my ear. “Be careful. Don’t want to hurt the baby.”
I nodded. “Right. The ba—” My stomach flipped and my chest all but exploded when her words sank
in. Th-the baby?" ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
I SLAPPED MY HAND TO MY MOUTH SO HARD IT HURT. THIS WAS LAST NIGHT. MY MOUTH STILL HURTS.
February 28, 2024
a wow!
i knew I would love their book when i first saw the boys in the previous books!!!!
AAAAAA THE HOUSE RENOVATION!??
the boys are fr the cutest pookies ever
my girl marigold didn’t disappoint me (even tho day’tny saat)
Loved Liam my man fr
This is the kinda love i want (with no divorce)
I am reconsidering my hate for second chance trope
i knew I would love their book when i first saw the boys in the previous books!!!!
AAAAAA THE HOUSE RENOVATION!??
the boys are fr the cutest pookies ever
my girl marigold didn’t disappoint me (even tho day’tny saat)
Loved Liam my man fr
This is the kinda love i want (with no divorce)
I am reconsidering my hate for second chance trope
March 11, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
♡ Second chance
♡ Parents ( twins - 10 years old )
♡ Celiabte hero x heroine since divorce 7 years ago
♡ Marriage in trouble
🚩no cheating or sharing, no OW
OM - she goes on a date but nothing happens 🫶✨️
𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙 - 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 🩷
Ommggg I loved this guurlll 🫂
She is so freaking strong and being a mom with all her problems was impressive 🦋✨️
She was pretty cute and sooo vulnerable 😻🙊🫶
𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙢 - 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤 🩵
Really liked him and how obsessed he was with her THE WHOLE FREAKIN' TIME 🔥🤭🦋✨️🫂🧎🏻♀️👀💥
At some point for a little time I didn't like him anymore but now it is okay again hehe 🙊
Anndddddd OMG THEY ARE BOTH CELIBATE THEEEE WHOLE TIME 🙌🩷😍😭🫶✨️💥🧎🏻♀️🫂👀🦋🤭🔥
Sooo happy for them that they got their happy ending because they deserved it 100% 🤍✨️
♡ Second chance
♡ Parents ( twins - 10 years old )
♡ Celiabte hero x heroine since divorce 7 years ago
♡ Marriage in trouble
🚩no cheating or sharing, no OW
OM - she goes on a date but nothing happens 🫶✨️
𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙 - 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 🩷
Ommggg I loved this guurlll 🫂
She is so freaking strong and being a mom with all her problems was impressive 🦋✨️
She was pretty cute and sooo vulnerable 😻🙊🫶
𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙢 - 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤 🩵
Really liked him and how obsessed he was with her THE WHOLE FREAKIN' TIME 🔥🤭🦋✨️🫂🧎🏻♀️👀💥
At some point for a little time I didn't like him anymore but now it is okay again hehe 🙊
Anndddddd OMG THEY ARE BOTH CELIBATE THEEEE WHOLE TIME 🙌🩷😍😭🫶✨️💥🧎🏻♀️🫂👀🦋🤭🔥
Sooo happy for them that they got their happy ending because they deserved it 100% 🤍✨️
February 8, 2024
this book hit right in the feels. I liked this more than I expected! This is a solid 4 star book for me and I had a really good time reading it. It was my first book by this author but I am looking forward to reading the first two books in this series of standalone novels! The parent trap twist to this story was honestly so fun and refreshing.
The second chance trope is one of my favourites and it was done so well. I loved how realistic and human it was depicted as. Both were drowning in their marriage and in the words of Marigold: one of them had to leave or otherwise they would have taken the twins with them. It was truly heartbreaking to find out how it ended all that time ago but as I said I feel like it is a very common problem in a relationship.
Mari and Liam are childhood friends to lovers (and may I add, the prologue already had me sqealing!!) and started their whole life quite young with getting pregnant at 25, but life caught up with them too quick and Liam got lost in his work while Mari was overwhelmed at home with he twins. I think this is an important topic to portray because I feel this is a very common phenomenon so it was really amazing to read about. I think many mums, young or old, will find themselves in Marigold. It borderline was a miscommunication trope but, again, the situation both Mari and Liam were in, was filled with anxiety, dread and helplessness. They both clung to something that was still there but was crumbling more and more each day. To save themselves from drowning one had to be the bigger person and leave. While both still tried to get along for their boys, they kept each other at arms length, but the twins had a different plan.
The tension between Mari and Liam was amazing and I caught myself giggling so many times. Liam is a MAN obsessed and the way he talked and thought about Goldie, which is the sweetest nickname ever, was beautiful. He is in awe of her as a person, a mother and the woman she has become. He is mature and his actions speak louder than words. He is the most supportive dad and I adored how he was around the boys.
Marigold is a strong mum, trying her hardest to provide her boys with the best life possible while staying positive throughout it. She is truly a superhero mum, I loved her relationship to the boys.
Both of the main characters felt a little one dimensional though, which has to be my only critique. There wasn't much to Mari or Liam other them being parents, there was no depth to them which I think would really have elevated the story for me.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
The second chance trope is one of my favourites and it was done so well. I loved how realistic and human it was depicted as. Both were drowning in their marriage and in the words of Marigold: one of them had to leave or otherwise they would have taken the twins with them. It was truly heartbreaking to find out how it ended all that time ago but as I said I feel like it is a very common problem in a relationship.
Mari and Liam are childhood friends to lovers (and may I add, the prologue already had me sqealing!!) and started their whole life quite young with getting pregnant at 25, but life caught up with them too quick and Liam got lost in his work while Mari was overwhelmed at home with he twins. I think this is an important topic to portray because I feel this is a very common phenomenon so it was really amazing to read about. I think many mums, young or old, will find themselves in Marigold. It borderline was a miscommunication trope but, again, the situation both Mari and Liam were in, was filled with anxiety, dread and helplessness. They both clung to something that was still there but was crumbling more and more each day. To save themselves from drowning one had to be the bigger person and leave. While both still tried to get along for their boys, they kept each other at arms length, but the twins had a different plan.
The tension between Mari and Liam was amazing and I caught myself giggling so many times. Liam is a MAN obsessed and the way he talked and thought about Goldie, which is the sweetest nickname ever, was beautiful. He is in awe of her as a person, a mother and the woman she has become. He is mature and his actions speak louder than words. He is the most supportive dad and I adored how he was around the boys.
Marigold is a strong mum, trying her hardest to provide her boys with the best life possible while staying positive throughout it. She is truly a superhero mum, I loved her relationship to the boys.
Both of the main characters felt a little one dimensional though, which has to be my only critique. There wasn't much to Mari or Liam other them being parents, there was no depth to them which I think would really have elevated the story for me.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
February 24, 2024
ARC REVIEW
My Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐
My Spice Rating: 1/5 🌶️
Read if you like:
🧡Second Chance Romance
🧡Forced Proximity
🧡Single Mom/Single Dad
🧡Small Town
🧡The Parent Trap Inspired
🧡Motherhood Struggles Rep.
🧡Closed-Door Romance
Rock and a Hard Place is the third book in the Wells Family series and can be read as a standalone.
Liam and Marigold have been divorced for about seven years and are co-parents to their two boys, Dallas and Miles. Liam and Marigold avoid contact, don't maintain any friendship, and only communicate about their sons. As fate would have it, they find themselves working together on a game/booth for their children's school fundraiser. They both want to show up for their sons, so they must put their differences aside and work together. As they spend more and more time together, they navigate their feelings for each other and the possibility of giving their love another chance.
Rock and a Hard Place is a phenomenal book. I felt so many emotions while reading this amazing story. I cried, laughed, and swooned. This is the perfect second-chance romance book; Juliana did this trope right. I loved every moment of Liam and Marigold's love story. Their story is believable and very relatable, and I was completely invested in their relationship. It felt so raw and honest. They both were hurt in their relationship but still cared deeply for each other. Marigold is creative and loves hard. Liam stole my heart and I loved how he vowed to do anything for Marigold and the boys. I adore the entire Wells family!
This book is perfect. I wish I could reread it for the first time. Marriage is hard. Motherhood is hard. Parenting is hard. Relationships are hard. Juliana did a fantastic job with these topics. The writing is perfect, and the story flows well. This heartwarming, beautiful, parent trap-esque story is guaranteed to be a favorite for years to come. I can't wait to read more by Juliana Smith!
Thank you, Juliana Smith, Victory Editing, and NetGalley, for the e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
My Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐
My Spice Rating: 1/5 🌶️
Read if you like:
🧡Second Chance Romance
🧡Forced Proximity
🧡Single Mom/Single Dad
🧡Small Town
🧡The Parent Trap Inspired
🧡Motherhood Struggles Rep.
🧡Closed-Door Romance
Rock and a Hard Place is the third book in the Wells Family series and can be read as a standalone.
Liam and Marigold have been divorced for about seven years and are co-parents to their two boys, Dallas and Miles. Liam and Marigold avoid contact, don't maintain any friendship, and only communicate about their sons. As fate would have it, they find themselves working together on a game/booth for their children's school fundraiser. They both want to show up for their sons, so they must put their differences aside and work together. As they spend more and more time together, they navigate their feelings for each other and the possibility of giving their love another chance.
Rock and a Hard Place is a phenomenal book. I felt so many emotions while reading this amazing story. I cried, laughed, and swooned. This is the perfect second-chance romance book; Juliana did this trope right. I loved every moment of Liam and Marigold's love story. Their story is believable and very relatable, and I was completely invested in their relationship. It felt so raw and honest. They both were hurt in their relationship but still cared deeply for each other. Marigold is creative and loves hard. Liam stole my heart and I loved how he vowed to do anything for Marigold and the boys. I adore the entire Wells family!
This book is perfect. I wish I could reread it for the first time. Marriage is hard. Motherhood is hard. Parenting is hard. Relationships are hard. Juliana did a fantastic job with these topics. The writing is perfect, and the story flows well. This heartwarming, beautiful, parent trap-esque story is guaranteed to be a favorite for years to come. I can't wait to read more by Juliana Smith!
Thank you, Juliana Smith, Victory Editing, and NetGalley, for the e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 25, 2024
“What was it with people telling young moms that we couldn’t pour from empty cups? Watch me. My cup was dry as a desert, but the water was flowing anyway.”
This series just keeps getting better with each book.
I loved Per My Last Email and Signed, Sealed, Delivered- but this one got me in my feels like no other!
The characters were absolutely amazing. I loved Marigold and how she constantly put her twins before anything else, even herself most of the time. She was such a strong character. I loved Liam to pieces and how much you knew he still loved “Goldie” regardless of the years they’d been apart. I loved that he didn’t let his relationship, or lack thereof, with their mother come between him and his sons. He was always the best dad to them. I loved seeing characters from the previous books and loved how close they all are. 💗
Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. It’s easy to lose yourself when going through the “trenches” of newfound parenthood- whether that be ignoring your needs to take care of your children and family or burying yourself in work to provide for your family. I loved how REAL the problems this couple faced were. It made the book so much more enjoyable being able to relate or empathize because you are familiar with those struggles. Seeing this divorced couple find their way back to each other after all that they faced was everything I didn’t know that my heart needed.
“What makes you so sure you could fall in love with me again?”
“What makes you so sure I ever stopped?”
*cue tears* 🥹
This series just keeps getting better with each book.
I loved Per My Last Email and Signed, Sealed, Delivered- but this one got me in my feels like no other!
The characters were absolutely amazing. I loved Marigold and how she constantly put her twins before anything else, even herself most of the time. She was such a strong character. I loved Liam to pieces and how much you knew he still loved “Goldie” regardless of the years they’d been apart. I loved that he didn’t let his relationship, or lack thereof, with their mother come between him and his sons. He was always the best dad to them. I loved seeing characters from the previous books and loved how close they all are. 💗
Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. It’s easy to lose yourself when going through the “trenches” of newfound parenthood- whether that be ignoring your needs to take care of your children and family or burying yourself in work to provide for your family. I loved how REAL the problems this couple faced were. It made the book so much more enjoyable being able to relate or empathize because you are familiar with those struggles. Seeing this divorced couple find their way back to each other after all that they faced was everything I didn’t know that my heart needed.
“What makes you so sure you could fall in love with me again?”
“What makes you so sure I ever stopped?”
*cue tears* 🥹
January 25, 2024
"Wells. Her last name is Wells."
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5) spectacular stars!
If Juliana Smith writes it, you best believe that I'll be reading it! I genuinely loved every second of this book, Marigold and Liam have a special place in my heart.
This book comes out Feb 24th, so mark your calendars if you haven't already! Also, I want to thank Juliana and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC!
Rock And a Hard Place is the perfect book for you if you like:
- Second chance romance
- Forced proximity
- Parent Trap
- Mischievous twins
- Single mom/single dad
- He renovates his house to look like her Pinterest boards :)
Marigold and Liam, my loves. . . . I'm such a sucker for second chance romances and this book perfectly executed that trope. I also adore having both POVs because I LOVE knowing the thoughts of both the FMC and MMC, it really ties the story together when you can get the full picture of what happened and what caused them to fall apart. I also ADORE the way Liam describes Marigold. . . HELLO THE NICKNAME??? Goldie. . . stop it I might actually cry.
I have so many quotes to share but I can't do that just yet, but just be prepared to swoon, cry, and giggle! :)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5) spectacular stars!
If Juliana Smith writes it, you best believe that I'll be reading it! I genuinely loved every second of this book, Marigold and Liam have a special place in my heart.
This book comes out Feb 24th, so mark your calendars if you haven't already! Also, I want to thank Juliana and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC!
Rock And a Hard Place is the perfect book for you if you like:
- Second chance romance
- Forced proximity
- Parent Trap
- Mischievous twins
- Single mom/single dad
- He renovates his house to look like her Pinterest boards :)
Marigold and Liam, my loves. . . . I'm such a sucker for second chance romances and this book perfectly executed that trope. I also adore having both POVs because I LOVE knowing the thoughts of both the FMC and MMC, it really ties the story together when you can get the full picture of what happened and what caused them to fall apart. I also ADORE the way Liam describes Marigold. . . HELLO THE NICKNAME??? Goldie. . . stop it I might actually cry.
I have so many quotes to share but I can't do that just yet, but just be prepared to swoon, cry, and giggle! :)
February 6, 2024
Read if you like:
🩵Second Chance
🩵Forced Proximity
🩵Single Dad/Single Mom
🩵The Parent Trap
🩵Dual POV
🩵Ever After Always by Chloe Liese
Another beautiful book by one of my favorite authors. Juliana’s books will forever have a special place in my heart and RAAHP is no different.
Liam is such a sweetheart. The way that he shows his love for Marigold is so heartfelt and genuine — it’s a dream, really.
Marigold is spunky, creative, and loves with her entire being. She was such a joy to spend time with, and I find her to be one of Juliana’s most relatable characters yet.
The chemistry, the angst, the pining between Marigold and Liam is perfection. Juliana is the slow-burn queen!!
Goldie. Period. End of story.
I’m glad we got to unpack the problems in Liam and Marigold’s marriage. The struggles of parenthood are laid bare in this book and they are done so candidly and gracefully.
This book is real, cozy, energetic, and just absolute perfection.
RAAHP comes out February 24th! Thank you Juliana and NetGalley for the eARC!
🩵Second Chance
🩵Forced Proximity
🩵Single Dad/Single Mom
🩵The Parent Trap
🩵Dual POV
🩵Ever After Always by Chloe Liese
Another beautiful book by one of my favorite authors. Juliana’s books will forever have a special place in my heart and RAAHP is no different.
Liam is such a sweetheart. The way that he shows his love for Marigold is so heartfelt and genuine — it’s a dream, really.
Marigold is spunky, creative, and loves with her entire being. She was such a joy to spend time with, and I find her to be one of Juliana’s most relatable characters yet.
The chemistry, the angst, the pining between Marigold and Liam is perfection. Juliana is the slow-burn queen!!
Goldie. Period. End of story.
I’m glad we got to unpack the problems in Liam and Marigold’s marriage. The struggles of parenthood are laid bare in this book and they are done so candidly and gracefully.
This book is real, cozy, energetic, and just absolute perfection.
RAAHP comes out February 24th! Thank you Juliana and NetGalley for the eARC!
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