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Love in the City #2
All You Need Is Love
CJ Evans has worked hard to overcome many of the devastating challenges that life has thrown at her, and she has come a long way. Despite the aftermath of her broken engagement and the strained relationship with her mother, she has recently mended lost friendships and has become a successful entrepreneur of a business she is truly passionate about. But could all this progress be lost when her mother presents her with a blindside she never would have expected?
CJ realizes she can no longer avoid her past, and she must finally face the heartbreak, inadequacy, and unresolved events to continue to move forward. This includes embarking on a new career path and opening her heart to a love she’s always been hoping for. CJ’s journey is one of growth, trust, and taking risks. And in the end, she may realize that to be truly happy—all you need is love.
CJ realizes she can no longer avoid her past, and she must finally face the heartbreak, inadequacy, and unresolved events to continue to move forward. This includes embarking on a new career path and opening her heart to a love she’s always been hoping for. CJ’s journey is one of growth, trust, and taking risks. And in the end, she may realize that to be truly happy—all you need is love.
- GenresRomance
Unknown Binding
Published October 1, 2023
166 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Baldwin
41 books645 followersUSA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin is a planner-obsessed Disney fan who still watches Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.
She's a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of twenty-nine Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.
When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/57309...
She's a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of twenty-nine Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.
When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/57309...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 14, 2018
All You Need is Love (Love in the City Series Book 2) - PG
Violence: none
Language: fewer than 20
Sex: no sex, yes kissing!
Hurray! I have been waiting for this book since the first Love in the City book about the three best friends that have been estranged since high school and go on a road trip. (I recommend you read that one first.) This book is about Candace (CJ) and her CRAZY mother and how CJ finds love with NOT her fiancé, who is now her new step-brother (wait until you read this-wacky!) I love the three ladies and their friendship which is the glue that holds these entertaining love stories together.
One more friend left in the trio--Don't cheat us out of Olivia's story! I'm looking forward to it!
Violence: none
Language: fewer than 20
Sex: no sex, yes kissing!
Hurray! I have been waiting for this book since the first Love in the City book about the three best friends that have been estranged since high school and go on a road trip. (I recommend you read that one first.) This book is about Candace (CJ) and her CRAZY mother and how CJ finds love with NOT her fiancé, who is now her new step-brother (wait until you read this-wacky!) I love the three ladies and their friendship which is the glue that holds these entertaining love stories together.
One more friend left in the trio--Don't cheat us out of Olivia's story! I'm looking forward to it!
June 2, 2019
I read the first book of this series, but I wasn't totally wild about it. Rather, I thought that Stacy's reaction to her divorce didn't ring true, and it appeared to be more of a plot device than something that gave context to the story. I'm glad I read this second book of the series, however. While there were some annoying navel-gazing moments as is typical both of chick lit and first-person narrative, I found this book to be very emotionally engaging. The heroine, CJ, is a woman who has constructed walls around her heart because she has been disappointed multiple times by the ones who should love her unconditionally. While this book definitely has a romance at its core, it does explore more significant themes as most good chick lit does. Several of CJ's relationships are fragile or broken, and in the course of this book, CJ comes to understand herself and others better, gains closure on several fronts, and develops stronger and deeper relationships with people who are important to her. Through the journey of the book, she comes to understand facets of love and forgiveness as her walls come down. If you enjoy chick lit that explores multiple personal issues and family drama while having a satisfying romance, you will most likely enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
June 1, 2019
🌹Candace gets her groove back: well-written tale of letting go of the negative👍
May 30, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍😍👍 I loved this follow-up (though easily a standalone) to author Melissa Baldwin's recent On the Road To Love (also a 🏆 in my book). Candace, the essential oils entrepreneur of the three childhood friends in the earlier story is the heroine who deals with a demanding mom, a cheating ex-fiance full of regret, an absentee father, an awkward💐 wedding, an exciting new business opportunity and two brothers vying for her affection. I HAD to read it in one sitting, just because the story was so well-written and kept me wondering if and when disaster would strike. With just the right amount of secondary characters to easily keep track of and add side drama to the story, and some really touching moments of connection with parents and friends. The 💚 romance is sweet, the ending optimistic. Totally enjoyable!😊
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 30, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍😍👍 I loved this follow-up (though easily a standalone) to author Melissa Baldwin's recent On the Road To Love (also a 🏆 in my book). Candace, the essential oils entrepreneur of the three childhood friends in the earlier story is the heroine who deals with a demanding mom, a cheating ex-fiance full of regret, an absentee father, an awkward💐 wedding, an exciting new business opportunity and two brothers vying for her affection. I HAD to read it in one sitting, just because the story was so well-written and kept me wondering if and when disaster would strike. With just the right amount of secondary characters to easily keep track of and add side drama to the story, and some really touching moments of connection with parents and friends. The 💚 romance is sweet, the ending optimistic. Totally enjoyable!😊
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 21, 2024
An enjoyable book with interesting characters and situations. I'm gong to read the next one in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
I've worked hard to overcome many of the devastating challenges that life has thrown at me, and I've come a long way. Despite the aftermath of my broken engagement and the strained relationship with my mother, I've recently mended lost friendships and have become a successful entrepreneur of a business I'm truly passionate about. But could all this progress be lost when my mother presents me with a blindside I never would have expected?
I realize I can no longer avoid my past, and I must finally face the heartbreak, inadequacy, and unresolved events to continue to move forward. This includes embarking on a new career path and opening my heart to a love I've always been hoping for. My journey is one of growth, trust, and taking risks. And in the end, I may realize that to be truly happy—all I need is love.
Amazon synopsis:
I've worked hard to overcome many of the devastating challenges that life has thrown at me, and I've come a long way. Despite the aftermath of my broken engagement and the strained relationship with my mother, I've recently mended lost friendships and have become a successful entrepreneur of a business I'm truly passionate about. But could all this progress be lost when my mother presents me with a blindside I never would have expected?
I realize I can no longer avoid my past, and I must finally face the heartbreak, inadequacy, and unresolved events to continue to move forward. This includes embarking on a new career path and opening my heart to a love I've always been hoping for. My journey is one of growth, trust, and taking risks. And in the end, I may realize that to be truly happy—all I need is love.
January 9, 2019
Great second instalment
The second book in the 'love in the city's series. This book focused on Candace instead of Stacey (book 1). It follows on nicely from book one and allows you to delve deeper into the friendship trio. I enjoyed reading it and found myself really hoping Candace would have a happily ever after. I look forward to the next instalment which I assume will most likely focus on Olivia.
The second book in the 'love in the city's series. This book focused on Candace instead of Stacey (book 1). It follows on nicely from book one and allows you to delve deeper into the friendship trio. I enjoyed reading it and found myself really hoping Candace would have a happily ever after. I look forward to the next instalment which I assume will most likely focus on Olivia.
December 30, 2019
Great Series!
This is the second book in the Love in the City series by Melissa Baldwin. However, I inadvertently read the third book before this one. I'm really glad I went back and read this one. It is part of a great series! The stories of Stacy, CJ, and Olivia are engaging and funny!
This is the second book in the Love in the City series by Melissa Baldwin. However, I inadvertently read the third book before this one. I'm really glad I went back and read this one. It is part of a great series! The stories of Stacy, CJ, and Olivia are engaging and funny!
June 18, 2021
The title gave me an earworm.
This wasn't as good as the first book in the series, largely because it wasn't very clear who the hero was meant to be. But it was still a sweet story and entertaining read. But I believe publishers and retailers of books are too fast and loose with the term 'Comedy', I don't believe it induced a single laugh from start to finish.
This wasn't as good as the first book in the series, largely because it wasn't very clear who the hero was meant to be. But it was still a sweet story and entertaining read. But I believe publishers and retailers of books are too fast and loose with the term 'Comedy', I don't believe it induced a single laugh from start to finish.
June 28, 2018
Melissa Baldwin's books never disappoint.! They're so uplifting and positive! I really enjoyed the love story and was so touched by CJ's reconnection with her parents. The meeting with her father made my eyes a little wet. It was so sweet and heartwarming.
November 27, 2018
This story reads more like a diary than a novel, since the reader is totally immersed inside CJ’s head.
Read full review in the 2018 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 11, 2019
Funny, inspirational, and a very emotional trip from heartbreak to a healed soul. You will love Candance and her journey to finally find love, happiness after a broken engagement, a tough mother and a disappeared father. I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
August 4, 2022
Cute Story
Wow, CJ has really had a tough time with all that has happened to her in the past. So fun to read of her new adventures and how she handles them. Great story and highly recommended.
Wow, CJ has really had a tough time with all that has happened to her in the past. So fun to read of her new adventures and how she handles them. Great story and highly recommended.
March 6, 2025
The romance felt really forced and this new love interest/hero just fell down from the sky. Weird vibes with Doug too. The heroine needed to put her mother down but never did. A shame. And the friendship needed to be the focus.
June 29, 2018
Absolutely fantastic
I could not put this book down. It was fantastic. The main character was so relatable and quirky. An excellent read. Melissa Baldwin delivers again!!
I could not put this book down. It was fantastic. The main character was so relatable and quirky. An excellent read. Melissa Baldwin delivers again!!
July 14, 2018
I'm just so happy for CJ!1
July 27, 2018
Nice and neat
Tie it up with a bow. Glad that everyone got what they deserved in this storyline. There are some life lessons and some very funny moments.
Tie it up with a bow. Glad that everyone got what they deserved in this storyline. There are some life lessons and some very funny moments.
October 4, 2018
Loved this book
I was originally thinking the book would b a part 2 of the first,but although the other characters were in this one I enjoyed it alot. Love a great love story!
I was originally thinking the book would b a part 2 of the first,but although the other characters were in this one I enjoyed it alot. Love a great love story!
January 4, 2020
3.5 Stars. The first book in the series was fun and fast paced. This one was slower paced and read like a young adult book. It wasn’t bad, but could have been better.
November 29, 2024
Did not really think much of this one, too much toing and froing. Found it a bit boring at times, it did finish on a bit of a high note, so will see what the last book has in store.
October 23, 2018
Reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Having read the first book in the "Love In The City" series, (On the Road to Love, reviewed here), I was excited to learn more about CJ. She was an integral character in the first book, but I didn’t know much about her backstory or what had ultimately made her the tough and at times formidable person she is. We learn that there have been a lot of unfortunate events she’s had to deal with, and sprinkled in are tense relationships with family members and even with the friendships she has recently mended. It makes for a character who has a very hard time with allowing herself to be vulnerable, or to let others get too close.
As noted by the synopsis, CJ's mother puts her into a very awkward situation, with nearly every moment bordering on cringe-worthy. While I’m sure there are people in real life who have had to go through something similar, I still can’t imagine anything like that happening. I’m not sure how I would be able to handle it. It seemed the more time that would pass for CJ, the more awkward it would get, which meant an enjoyable, tense-riddled read that proved hard to put down. I wanted to see how she’d handle every second of it.
While the title of the book insinuates that all we need is love, I felt that CJ discovered a lot more while attempting to find herself and what she really wants out of life. The woman who has put up as many barricades as possible in order to protect herself, ventures out and ends up doing a lot that pushes her outside comfortable limits. There are moments of achievements and failures, the highs and lows that can come from putting yourself out there, and it was really nice to see and witness, this character grow and change. While working hard to get what she wants, CJ discovers that it’s getting what you need that is the biggest achievement of all.
Having read the first book in the "Love In The City" series, (On the Road to Love, reviewed here), I was excited to learn more about CJ. She was an integral character in the first book, but I didn’t know much about her backstory or what had ultimately made her the tough and at times formidable person she is. We learn that there have been a lot of unfortunate events she’s had to deal with, and sprinkled in are tense relationships with family members and even with the friendships she has recently mended. It makes for a character who has a very hard time with allowing herself to be vulnerable, or to let others get too close.
As noted by the synopsis, CJ's mother puts her into a very awkward situation, with nearly every moment bordering on cringe-worthy. While I’m sure there are people in real life who have had to go through something similar, I still can’t imagine anything like that happening. I’m not sure how I would be able to handle it. It seemed the more time that would pass for CJ, the more awkward it would get, which meant an enjoyable, tense-riddled read that proved hard to put down. I wanted to see how she’d handle every second of it.
While the title of the book insinuates that all we need is love, I felt that CJ discovered a lot more while attempting to find herself and what she really wants out of life. The woman who has put up as many barricades as possible in order to protect herself, ventures out and ends up doing a lot that pushes her outside comfortable limits. There are moments of achievements and failures, the highs and lows that can come from putting yourself out there, and it was really nice to see and witness, this character grow and change. While working hard to get what she wants, CJ discovers that it’s getting what you need that is the biggest achievement of all.
March 3, 2019
I love this second installment in the wonderful series about three childhood best friends who find their way back to each other as adults. CJ’s story gets told in this one from her strained relationship with her mom to being torn between two brothers. I love that her dog plays a big part as I’m a dog lover!! Her bffs, Stacy and Olivia are back, involved in her story, too!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews