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Newberry Springs #2
Everything He Couldn't
One of my favorite songs growing up was Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield.
Ironically enough, I never realized I’d be living out those lyrics in my own life when I fell for my best friend’s girl—and then my best friend, John Schmitt, died.
Add on the fact that she was pregnant with his child and that I’d been harboring feelings for Evelyn months before all of this happened, and well, now?
Now the lyrics to that song don’t sound so bad anymore.
The worst part is, I’m the one to blame for his death which made facing her an even harder pill to swallow, so what did I do? Pretend like she didn’t exist anymore, even though it was virtually impossible because she was everywhere in our small town of Newberry Springs.
Flashforward six months and suddenly Evelyn finds herself in a legal battle she never saw coming, and I can’t just stand by any longer and pretend like my heart isn’t in shambles.
So I suggest the unthinkable.
I offer to marry her, help her prove that she’s a fit mother and her daughter is being raised well despite John not being in the picture.
But Evelyn doesn’t know that being near her gets my blood pumping, even more so after avoiding her for months.
She doesn’t understand that doing this favor for her is a way for me to gain retribution for John’s death and take a chance to find out if she can reciprocate my feelings.
And she doesn’t get that by being there for her and loving her and her daughter that I’m doing everything that my best friend couldn’t.
Ironically enough, I never realized I’d be living out those lyrics in my own life when I fell for my best friend’s girl—and then my best friend, John Schmitt, died.
Add on the fact that she was pregnant with his child and that I’d been harboring feelings for Evelyn months before all of this happened, and well, now?
Now the lyrics to that song don’t sound so bad anymore.
The worst part is, I’m the one to blame for his death which made facing her an even harder pill to swallow, so what did I do? Pretend like she didn’t exist anymore, even though it was virtually impossible because she was everywhere in our small town of Newberry Springs.
Flashforward six months and suddenly Evelyn finds herself in a legal battle she never saw coming, and I can’t just stand by any longer and pretend like my heart isn’t in shambles.
So I suggest the unthinkable.
I offer to marry her, help her prove that she’s a fit mother and her daughter is being raised well despite John not being in the picture.
But Evelyn doesn’t know that being near her gets my blood pumping, even more so after avoiding her for months.
She doesn’t understand that doing this favor for her is a way for me to gain retribution for John’s death and take a chance to find out if she can reciprocate my feelings.
And she doesn’t get that by being there for her and loving her and her daughter that I’m doing everything that my best friend couldn’t.
402 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2023
911 people are currently reading
2946 people want to read
About the author
Harlow James
33 books1,396 followersHarlow James is a wife and mom who fell in love with romance novels, so she decided to write her own.
Her books are the perfect blend of heartwarming, addictive, and steamy romance. If you love stories with strong females, found family and friend groups, and plenty of emotion and steam with a guaranteed Happily Ever After, then Harlow is your new best friend.
When she's not writing, she can be found working her day job, reading every romance novel she can find time for, laughing with her husband and kids, watching re-runs of FRIENDS, and spending time cooking for her friends and family while drinking champagne or a blended margarita.
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Website: https://harlowjamesauthor.com/
Her books are the perfect blend of heartwarming, addictive, and steamy romance. If you love stories with strong females, found family and friend groups, and plenty of emotion and steam with a guaranteed Happily Ever After, then Harlow is your new best friend.
When she's not writing, she can be found working her day job, reading every romance novel she can find time for, laughing with her husband and kids, watching re-runs of FRIENDS, and spending time cooking for her friends and family while drinking champagne or a blended margarita.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarlowJamesA...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49499...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlowjames...
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/b2x1q8
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Harlow-James/e...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/harlo...
Website: https://harlowjamesauthor.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
November 27, 2023
"Fear cannot stop death, but it can stop life."
This book moved me, and I wasn’t ready for Walker. This man is absolutely perfect—think book boyfriend and then multiply it by a thousand. He’s the guy you’d want by your side, and I don’t think Harlow James will be able to write a more perfect hero!
"One man’s ‘I wasn’t ready’ is another man’s ‘I knew the second I saw her.’"
Walker lost his best friend, Schmitty, to a fire. He carries the guilt for it while also feeling guilty over wanting Evelyn, the girl who was in a friends-with-benefits situation with his bestie and got pregnant with his kid. Evelyn has her own share of guilt to deal with while also having to be both mom and dad for her daughter now.
"My wife is about to find out just exactly who she married, and I hope she can handle it."
They’re both grieving in their own way, but alone. Until Schmitty’s parents sue for custody of Kaydence, and Walker comes through for Evelyn by asking her to marry him. It’s a marriage of convenience, made to help her keep her daughter with her, but Walker knows he wants more. He’s always wanted more, so maybe it’s time he took a shot. She’s worth it.
"And just so we’re clear, Evelyn, Our last name is Gibson, and you’d better start fucking using it."
They go through the motions. They get married. He moves into her house and into her guest bedroom, of course. Sex is off the table. They’re fine. Until you start seeing how much Walker wants her and how deep he is already. It was painful to watch him pine over her while she did her best to keep him out.
"I want you to let me in, dammit. Let me know you, the woman who captured my attention over a year ago, the one I wish I could have loved from the beginning."
It’s not Evelyn’s fault, to be honest. Life’s taught her not to trust—in fact, life’s taught her that trusting gets you burned, alone, and heartbroken. Everyone she’s relied on has failed her, so it’s understandable that she doesn’t fall for his charms or his promises.
But damn, I wish she would, because my heart was breaking for him.
"If I hear my wife’s name come out of your mouth one more fucking time, you’ll be waking up in a hospital bed. Do you hear me?"
They slowly get closer, and it’s beautiful to see the way he is with her and Kaydence. The family they have is anything but fake, but she just doesn’t allow herself to see it. The town doesn’t help, treating her like trash for marrying “her baby daddy’s best friend.”
When someone says the wrong thing about her, Walker goes protective mode. "My wife" mode. He stands up and fights for her. No one has ever done that. And she finally sees what’s been there all along.
"This isn’t fake for me, Evelyn. I want you more than just temporarily. I always have."
Grab some pillows to break your fall because Walker brings the swoon! He empowers Evelyn by showing her he’s there for her for whatever she needs—he always has been. It’s hard for her to accept it, and it became frustrating at times because he shows up for her time and time again. I wanted to slap her and have her opening her eyes, but I trusted Harlow to deliver their HEA.
Because they both deserved one so badly.
"How do you want me, Walker? How do you want your wife?"
"In the forever kind of way, Evelyn,"
The night he fights for her is the first night she allows herself to see what could be. The first time she gives in to him. And damn, it’s perfect. His dirty mouth and possessive streak combined with the fact that he knows he can finally touch her the way he’s wanted to for such a long time and how good he is at it.
Does anyone know a Walker they can send my way, please?
"Walker?"
"Yeah, babe?"
"Can you call me a good girl later while you spank my ass from behind?"
At the same time, you see Evelyn’s growth. You see her slowly opening up to him, trusting him, finally seeing that he’s not like the others and that he wants to be there for her. That he’d never hurt her. She’s always been sexual, but it means more with him. It’s unlike anything she’s ever had.
And his family is perfect at welcoming her with open arms, giving her and Kaydence the family she never dreamed of having.
"Everyone wants to be someone’s sun, to light up someone’s life. But you are more like my moon, brightening up my life in the darkest hour."
To be honest, I could have done without the third-act breakup. It’s slow burn, and it takes them a really long time to get there, only to have it destroyed (for a moment) by a secondary character. But Walker is not going to be deterred or forced to stay away from the woman he wants.
Never again.
And I loved him even more for it.
"Don’t promise me the moon and the stars, Walker. Just promise me that you’ll dance under them with me."
The small moments sealed the deal for me: the moon, the tattoos, the photos, and that bonus epilogue.
This book teaches us not to forget the past but to learn from it instead. To turn fear into love and let it guide your way to a happily ever after that really feels like forever.
This book moved me, and I wasn’t ready for Walker. This man is absolutely perfect—think book boyfriend and then multiply it by a thousand. He’s the guy you’d want by your side, and I don’t think Harlow James will be able to write a more perfect hero!
"One man’s ‘I wasn’t ready’ is another man’s ‘I knew the second I saw her.’"
Walker lost his best friend, Schmitty, to a fire. He carries the guilt for it while also feeling guilty over wanting Evelyn, the girl who was in a friends-with-benefits situation with his bestie and got pregnant with his kid. Evelyn has her own share of guilt to deal with while also having to be both mom and dad for her daughter now.
"My wife is about to find out just exactly who she married, and I hope she can handle it."
They’re both grieving in their own way, but alone. Until Schmitty’s parents sue for custody of Kaydence, and Walker comes through for Evelyn by asking her to marry him. It’s a marriage of convenience, made to help her keep her daughter with her, but Walker knows he wants more. He’s always wanted more, so maybe it’s time he took a shot. She’s worth it.
"And just so we’re clear, Evelyn, Our last name is Gibson, and you’d better start fucking using it."
They go through the motions. They get married. He moves into her house and into her guest bedroom, of course. Sex is off the table. They’re fine. Until you start seeing how much Walker wants her and how deep he is already. It was painful to watch him pine over her while she did her best to keep him out.
"I want you to let me in, dammit. Let me know you, the woman who captured my attention over a year ago, the one I wish I could have loved from the beginning."
It’s not Evelyn’s fault, to be honest. Life’s taught her not to trust—in fact, life’s taught her that trusting gets you burned, alone, and heartbroken. Everyone she’s relied on has failed her, so it’s understandable that she doesn’t fall for his charms or his promises.
But damn, I wish she would, because my heart was breaking for him.
"If I hear my wife’s name come out of your mouth one more fucking time, you’ll be waking up in a hospital bed. Do you hear me?"
They slowly get closer, and it’s beautiful to see the way he is with her and Kaydence. The family they have is anything but fake, but she just doesn’t allow herself to see it. The town doesn’t help, treating her like trash for marrying “her baby daddy’s best friend.”
When someone says the wrong thing about her, Walker goes protective mode. "My wife" mode. He stands up and fights for her. No one has ever done that. And she finally sees what’s been there all along.
"This isn’t fake for me, Evelyn. I want you more than just temporarily. I always have."
Grab some pillows to break your fall because Walker brings the swoon! He empowers Evelyn by showing her he’s there for her for whatever she needs—he always has been. It’s hard for her to accept it, and it became frustrating at times because he shows up for her time and time again. I wanted to slap her and have her opening her eyes, but I trusted Harlow to deliver their HEA.
Because they both deserved one so badly.
"How do you want me, Walker? How do you want your wife?"
"In the forever kind of way, Evelyn,"
The night he fights for her is the first night she allows herself to see what could be. The first time she gives in to him. And damn, it’s perfect. His dirty mouth and possessive streak combined with the fact that he knows he can finally touch her the way he’s wanted to for such a long time and how good he is at it.
Does anyone know a Walker they can send my way, please?
"Walker?"
"Yeah, babe?"
"Can you call me a good girl later while you spank my ass from behind?"
At the same time, you see Evelyn’s growth. You see her slowly opening up to him, trusting him, finally seeing that he’s not like the others and that he wants to be there for her. That he’d never hurt her. She’s always been sexual, but it means more with him. It’s unlike anything she’s ever had.
And his family is perfect at welcoming her with open arms, giving her and Kaydence the family she never dreamed of having.
"Everyone wants to be someone’s sun, to light up someone’s life. But you are more like my moon, brightening up my life in the darkest hour."
To be honest, I could have done without the third-act breakup. It’s slow burn, and it takes them a really long time to get there, only to have it destroyed (for a moment) by a secondary character. But Walker is not going to be deterred or forced to stay away from the woman he wants.
Never again.
And I loved him even more for it.
"Don’t promise me the moon and the stars, Walker. Just promise me that you’ll dance under them with me."
The small moments sealed the deal for me: the moon, the tattoos, the photos, and that bonus epilogue.
This book teaches us not to forget the past but to learn from it instead. To turn fear into love and let it guide your way to a happily ever after that really feels like forever.
March 19, 2025
The word "fuck" is used 307 times and the word "fucking" is used 184 times in this book. And that's just a small sample of why this didn't work for me. The writing isn't great with some awful dialogue thrown in. The characters come off trying too hard or not enough. The hero being the former and the heroine being the latter. The heroine Evelyn just wasn't very likable and lacked emotion or a personality. Her only reaction is defensive. I didn't get it. Her hang ups over not opening up/trusting people felt overblown. Your estranged parents want nothing to do with you and you want nothing to do with them and they live in another city sooooooo what's the problem here? For "conflict" that was incredibly weak. And if you wanna write a guy falling for his dead best friend's girl, at least have the dead baby daddy be likable and worth the internalized "angst". That was the biggest draw in for me in why I picked this up. I was expecting two grieving people bonding over their shared grief and trying to raise a baby together. Not really what happens. The dead best friend John Schmidt came off like a lazy drunk bum who wanted to dump the 8 month pregnant heroine. What a guy. :/ When the dead baby daddy that your characters are supposedly grieving over wasn't very likable it kind of undercuts the tension and supposed 'forbidden' angst....which was kind of nonexistent here. The hero hasn't been in love with the heroine for a long time like it's alluded to in the blurb, he just realized he wanted her when his best friend asks her out first a year ago. The heroine didn't seem to really much care for her baby daddy before he died so it wasn't as forbidden or angsty as the blurb makes it out to be. The steam was surprisingly hot and the only thing going for it.
September 2, 2023
My Wife trope supremacy>>>
I love marriage of convenience and adding single parent to that? OBSESSED. This book was good, and it had everything that you’d want in a marriage of convenience.
I loved Walker. He was the perfect husband to Evelyn and father to Kaydence. He loved them unconditionally and ugh he was perfect. I didn’t love Evelyn’s character. She kept lashing out on Walker due to her one insecurities and while I completely understood, it still felt she wasn’t 100% into the relationship and always ran away from her problems instead of owning up to them.
Besides that, I really enjoyed this fast, steamy small town romance!
The hints at the next one 👀👀
I love marriage of convenience and adding single parent to that? OBSESSED. This book was good, and it had everything that you’d want in a marriage of convenience.
I loved Walker. He was the perfect husband to Evelyn and father to Kaydence. He loved them unconditionally and ugh he was perfect. I didn’t love Evelyn’s character. She kept lashing out on Walker due to her one insecurities and while I completely understood, it still felt she wasn’t 100% into the relationship and always ran away from her problems instead of owning up to them.
Besides that, I really enjoyed this fast, steamy small town romance!
The hints at the next one 👀👀
September 1, 2023
I wish I could give Everything He Couldn’t more than 5 stars … it’s so freaking good!
I am completely head over boots for Walker. He has the perfect balance of strength and compassion. I love how he gives Evelyn strength through his actions and words and gives her space to process when needed. His possessive side is what book boyfriend dreams are made of. And his dirty mouth and rough touch in bed ... hell to the yeah!
Evelyn is a fantastic heroine. She has so much strength; despite her doubts, she has an incredible fortitude. Her drive to protect her daughter and give her a happy life that she never had is everything!
This book had me yelling at people doing them wrong, crying at the heartbreaking grief, and shouting for joy at some fabulously big moments. And like in typically Harlow James fashion, she gives us these full circle moments that make you swoon.
Read 👏 this 👏 book! 👏
*An advanced copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I am completely head over boots for Walker. He has the perfect balance of strength and compassion. I love how he gives Evelyn strength through his actions and words and gives her space to process when needed. His possessive side is what book boyfriend dreams are made of. And his dirty mouth and rough touch in bed ... hell to the yeah!
Evelyn is a fantastic heroine. She has so much strength; despite her doubts, she has an incredible fortitude. Her drive to protect her daughter and give her a happy life that she never had is everything!
This book had me yelling at people doing them wrong, crying at the heartbreaking grief, and shouting for joy at some fabulously big moments. And like in typically Harlow James fashion, she gives us these full circle moments that make you swoon.
Read 👏 this 👏 book! 👏
*An advanced copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Read
September 1, 2023It's RELEASE DAY!!!!
I hope you're ready for Walker and Evelyn to steal your heart!
Pick up this single mom, marriage of convenience, small town romance today!
https://mybook.to/everythinghecouldnt
I hope you're ready for Walker and Evelyn to steal your heart!
Pick up this single mom, marriage of convenience, small town romance today!
https://mybook.to/everythinghecouldnt
September 1, 2023
“Don't promise me the moon and the stars, Walker. Just promise me that you'll dance under them with me.”
Everything He Couldn't is the second installment in the Newberry Springs series and follows Evelyn and Walker. They are friends who are grieving a mutual loss but end up getting married to protect Evelyn and her daughter from a legal battle.
I remember being intrigued by Evelyn and Walker while reading the previous book in the series and wanting to learn more about their dynamic, and I wasn't disappointed! Both feel guilty about the death of John, who was Walker's best friend and colleague and Evelyn's boyfriend/baby daddy. But this is also what's going to bring them closer again as Evelyn faces a legal battle for custody of her daughter Kaydence, and Walker wants to help them. He's like that, but deep down he has feelings for her and wants to show her that he cares. As they spend more time together and have to live together, Evelyn realizes she also has feelings for him, so that brings a lot of longing to the story, which I loved! They also can't resist each other, and their chemistry is off the charts.
What I also liked a lot was Evelyn! She is a powerful and independent business owner and single mother, and her growth throughout the story is beautiful to witness. She learns to accept help from others and to trust more people. Walker is a sweetheart and also very patient, but he knows how to fight for what he wants. His bond with Kaydence is very cute, and I loved how they kept John's memory alive for her!
Overall, Everything He Couldn't is a beautiful, emotional, and entertaining story! I'm already looking forward to reading Forrest's book as he is the Gibson sibling that intrigued me the most from the beginning and even more so after how things ended in this book!
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
July 16, 2024
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Single Mom
- Best Friend's Ex
- He Falls First
- Found Family
- Marriage of Convenience
Everything He Couldn't is an incredibly moving and swoony story. Walker, Wyatt's twin brother, has always had a crush on Evelyn, however she was dating his best friend. When they lose John Schmitt "Schmitty" in a fire, Walker blames himself and holds onto guilt. He also feels very guilty for pinning after Evelyn, who is now a single mother to a daughter she had with Schmitty. Through it all, Walker looks out for Evelyn and he daughter Kaydence. When Evelyn faces custody issues, Walker proposes a marriage of convenience to help her. As they spend more time together, they get closer, and it's beautiful to witness the evolution of the relationship. Walker and Evelyn have amazing chemistry and are exactly what each other needs. Walker wants more from Evelyn but doesn't push her. I love how he allows her to work through her trust issues and realize her feelings for him on her terms. Everything about this story is perfect - from the small, sweet moments between Walker and Evelyn to Walker's relationship with Kaydence!
NARRATION (SERIES):
Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson delivered a duet-style narration for all three books in the Newberry Springs series. They did a wonderful job voicing Kelsea, Wyatt, Evelyn, Walker, Shauna, Forrest, and all other characters throughout the three stories. Angelica and Dane expertly portrayed the characters' personalities, did well with accents, delivered perfect intonations, and made all the characters distinguishable.
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 5/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Single Mom
- Best Friend's Ex
- He Falls First
- Found Family
- Marriage of Convenience
Everything He Couldn't is an incredibly moving and swoony story. Walker, Wyatt's twin brother, has always had a crush on Evelyn, however she was dating his best friend. When they lose John Schmitt "Schmitty" in a fire, Walker blames himself and holds onto guilt. He also feels very guilty for pinning after Evelyn, who is now a single mother to a daughter she had with Schmitty. Through it all, Walker looks out for Evelyn and he daughter Kaydence. When Evelyn faces custody issues, Walker proposes a marriage of convenience to help her. As they spend more time together, they get closer, and it's beautiful to witness the evolution of the relationship. Walker and Evelyn have amazing chemistry and are exactly what each other needs. Walker wants more from Evelyn but doesn't push her. I love how he allows her to work through her trust issues and realize her feelings for him on her terms. Everything about this story is perfect - from the small, sweet moments between Walker and Evelyn to Walker's relationship with Kaydence!
NARRATION (SERIES):
Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson delivered a duet-style narration for all three books in the Newberry Springs series. They did a wonderful job voicing Kelsea, Wyatt, Evelyn, Walker, Shauna, Forrest, and all other characters throughout the three stories. Angelica and Dane expertly portrayed the characters' personalities, did well with accents, delivered perfect intonations, and made all the characters distinguishable.
September 1, 2023
⭐ 4.5
When we got our first glimpse of this book in the previous book, I knew what it was about and what I read enchanted me.
The story follows Evelyn and Walker, a single mother and best friend of her "ex" (I put it in quotes because they were just friends with benefits and when Evelyn got pregnant he did nothing for her), here John dies in a fire and both Walker and Evelyn feel guilty and it's normal to feel that way, They stop talking until something happens (no spoilers, go read it) and Walker asks him to marry her to protect his daughter and this is where it all starts, the the relationship these two formed was unique, how Walker took charge of everything but Evelyn never lost that independent streak and how he was with his little girl? WE LOVE!!! The two had a very good character development, I really liked reading their story and that despite everything they went through they had a happy ending.
I really liked this book, but there is one little thing that does not allow me to give it 5 stars, but that is up to me.
Thanks to Harlow James and The Author Agency for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
---
Cuando nos dieron el primer vistazo de este libro en el libro anterior yo sabia de que iba y lo que leí me había encantado.
La historia sigue a Evelyn y Walker, una madre soltera y el mejor amigo de su “ex” (aqui pongo entre comillas porque ellos solo eran amigos con derecho ni cuando Evelyn quedó embarazada él hacía algo por ella) aquí John muere en un incendio y tanto Walker como Evelyn sienten culpa y es normal sentirse asi, ellos dejan de hablarse hasta que pasa algo (sin spoilers, vayan a leerlo) y Walker le pide que se case con ella para proteger a su hija y aquí es donde todo empieza, la relación que formaron estos dos fue única, como Walker se hizo cargo de todo pero Evelyn no perdió esa vena independiente y como él era con su pequeña niña? AMAMOS!!! Los dos tuvieron una evolución de personaje muy buena, me gusto muchísimo leer su historia y que a pesar de todo lo que pasaron tuvieron su final feliz.
Fue muy feliz leyendo este libro, me gusto mucho pero a pesar de eso hay una cosilla que no me permite darle las 5 estrellas pero ya es cosa mía.
When we got our first glimpse of this book in the previous book, I knew what it was about and what I read enchanted me.
The story follows Evelyn and Walker, a single mother and best friend of her "ex" (I put it in quotes because they were just friends with benefits and when Evelyn got pregnant he did nothing for her), here John dies in a fire and both Walker and Evelyn feel guilty and it's normal to feel that way, They stop talking until something happens (no spoilers, go read it) and Walker asks him to marry her to protect his daughter and this is where it all starts, the the relationship these two formed was unique, how Walker took charge of everything but Evelyn never lost that independent streak and how he was with his little girl? WE LOVE!!! The two had a very good character development, I really liked reading their story and that despite everything they went through they had a happy ending.
I really liked this book, but there is one little thing that does not allow me to give it 5 stars, but that is up to me.
Thanks to Harlow James and The Author Agency for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
---
Cuando nos dieron el primer vistazo de este libro en el libro anterior yo sabia de que iba y lo que leí me había encantado.
La historia sigue a Evelyn y Walker, una madre soltera y el mejor amigo de su “ex” (aqui pongo entre comillas porque ellos solo eran amigos con derecho ni cuando Evelyn quedó embarazada él hacía algo por ella) aquí John muere en un incendio y tanto Walker como Evelyn sienten culpa y es normal sentirse asi, ellos dejan de hablarse hasta que pasa algo (sin spoilers, vayan a leerlo) y Walker le pide que se case con ella para proteger a su hija y aquí es donde todo empieza, la relación que formaron estos dos fue única, como Walker se hizo cargo de todo pero Evelyn no perdió esa vena independiente y como él era con su pequeña niña? AMAMOS!!! Los dos tuvieron una evolución de personaje muy buena, me gusto muchísimo leer su historia y que a pesar de todo lo que pasaron tuvieron su final feliz.
Fue muy feliz leyendo este libro, me gusto mucho pero a pesar de eso hay una cosilla que no me permite darle las 5 estrellas pero ya es cosa mía.
May 28, 2024
✨🎧ALC Audiobook Book Review🎧✨
Title: Everything He Couldn’t; Newberry Springs Series #2
Author: Harlow James
Narration: Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson
Dual narration
Steamy
Small town
Fire fighter
Fake marriage
**Grief
Overall story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chili’s: 🌶️🌶️
Audio performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤
📚Story overview & Review📚
Everything He Couldn’t is Walker and Evelyn’s story. Walker has always had a crush on Evelyn, but misses his chance when she starts seeing his best friend. Tragedy strikes and they find themselves leaning on each other, working through their grief and very complicated family issues. The first part of the book is a rollercoaster of emotions, heavy with heartache, longing, and pining that will leave you with all the feels.
I love Harlows ability to create characters who are so relatable and authentic. These are people you might see in your everyday life, and their stories progress naturally. There is skillful character development throughout the book that makes each emotional moment impactful.
I enjoyed Walkers dirty mouth and charm, but it’s his actions that truly made him memorable. His unwavering support for Evelyn and her daughter, and the way he was there for her was so heartwarming. He’s protective and always respecting the memory of his best friend, while stepping up when needed most.
🎧❤️Audio performance review❤️🎧Angelina's narration is fantastic, vividly capturing the charm of a small town and bringing each character to life with distinct voices. Her male character portrayals are always especially impressive. Dane delivered the protective, heartfelt male lead. I enjoyed it!
Thank you to Harlow James and The Author Agency for the advanced listen.
***These are my own honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Title: Everything He Couldn’t; Newberry Springs Series #2
Author: Harlow James
Narration: Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson
Dual narration
Steamy
Small town
Fire fighter
Fake marriage
**Grief
Overall story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chili’s: 🌶️🌶️
Audio performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤
📚Story overview & Review📚
Everything He Couldn’t is Walker and Evelyn’s story. Walker has always had a crush on Evelyn, but misses his chance when she starts seeing his best friend. Tragedy strikes and they find themselves leaning on each other, working through their grief and very complicated family issues. The first part of the book is a rollercoaster of emotions, heavy with heartache, longing, and pining that will leave you with all the feels.
I love Harlows ability to create characters who are so relatable and authentic. These are people you might see in your everyday life, and their stories progress naturally. There is skillful character development throughout the book that makes each emotional moment impactful.
I enjoyed Walkers dirty mouth and charm, but it’s his actions that truly made him memorable. His unwavering support for Evelyn and her daughter, and the way he was there for her was so heartwarming. He’s protective and always respecting the memory of his best friend, while stepping up when needed most.
🎧❤️Audio performance review❤️🎧Angelina's narration is fantastic, vividly capturing the charm of a small town and bringing each character to life with distinct voices. Her male character portrayals are always especially impressive. Dane delivered the protective, heartfelt male lead. I enjoyed it!
Thank you to Harlow James and The Author Agency for the advanced listen.
***These are my own honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
May 20, 2024
Evelyn and Walker’s story is a heartbreakingly beautiful one of two people who lost the same person finding love with each other.
💛Single mom
💛Small town romance
💛Marriage of convenience
💛Love after loss
💛Best friends baby momma
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔.5
After losing her future baby’s father to a tragic accident, Evelyn has to learn how to parent by herself. And she is doing the best that any single mom can do. Until Walker steps in and steps up to help her.
Walker has been in love with Evelyn for years. On the night that he wanted to make a move, he finds his best friend made a move first and got the girl. So he has tampered down on his feelings and let them go.
But now Evelyn finds herself needing a husband to help with custody of her child and Walker steps right up. The two of them are suddenly spending all their time together and realizing just how right they are for one another.
Their journey from friends to a marriage of convenience to real feelings was full of so much love. You can just tell how much Walker has loved Evelyn and when she finally allows herself to accept that love, it’s beautiful. And we all know how dirty talking Walker’s twin brother Wyatt was in book one - Walker is no different. Man oh man it was hot!
Dane Anderson and Angelina Rocca do a great job narrating these characters. Angelina’s voice really resonated with the struggles that Evelyn was going through as a new single mom and Dane, once again, brought out the heat with dirty talking Walker.
💛Single mom
💛Small town romance
💛Marriage of convenience
💛Love after loss
💛Best friends baby momma
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔.5
After losing her future baby’s father to a tragic accident, Evelyn has to learn how to parent by herself. And she is doing the best that any single mom can do. Until Walker steps in and steps up to help her.
Walker has been in love with Evelyn for years. On the night that he wanted to make a move, he finds his best friend made a move first and got the girl. So he has tampered down on his feelings and let them go.
But now Evelyn finds herself needing a husband to help with custody of her child and Walker steps right up. The two of them are suddenly spending all their time together and realizing just how right they are for one another.
Their journey from friends to a marriage of convenience to real feelings was full of so much love. You can just tell how much Walker has loved Evelyn and when she finally allows herself to accept that love, it’s beautiful. And we all know how dirty talking Walker’s twin brother Wyatt was in book one - Walker is no different. Man oh man it was hot!
Dane Anderson and Angelina Rocca do a great job narrating these characters. Angelina’s voice really resonated with the struggles that Evelyn was going through as a new single mom and Dane, once again, brought out the heat with dirty talking Walker.
March 11, 2024
Here’s too hoping I have twin boys and can literally name them Wyatt and walker gibson and raise them to be just like those two boys
October 24, 2024
Walker and Evelyn’s story is flawless!
Evelyn falls pregnant after a casual relationship with Schmitty. As a firefighter, and friend of Walker’s, the small town is rocked by Schmitty’s death while working a fire. Evelyn becomes a single mom, running her small business in Newberry Springs. However, when she is served with papers from Schmitty’s parents for a custody battle, Walker proposes a marriage of convenience….he may also have ulterior motives. 😊 Walker has harbored feelings for Evelyn for a while but didn’t act on them because of his friend Schmitty. But when Walker claims Evelyn and Kaydence as his, WOWZA!
Get ready for this flawless heartfelt romance from Harlow James!
-marriage of convenience
-firefighter MMC
-top tier spice
-small town
-single mom
-best friend’s ex
-forced proximity
-“that’s my wife”f
Evelyn falls pregnant after a casual relationship with Schmitty. As a firefighter, and friend of Walker’s, the small town is rocked by Schmitty’s death while working a fire. Evelyn becomes a single mom, running her small business in Newberry Springs. However, when she is served with papers from Schmitty’s parents for a custody battle, Walker proposes a marriage of convenience….he may also have ulterior motives. 😊 Walker has harbored feelings for Evelyn for a while but didn’t act on them because of his friend Schmitty. But when Walker claims Evelyn and Kaydence as his, WOWZA!
Get ready for this flawless heartfelt romance from Harlow James!
-marriage of convenience
-firefighter MMC
-top tier spice
-small town
-single mom
-best friend’s ex
-forced proximity
-“that’s my wife”f
September 1, 2023
Love Always Finds A Way
Harlow James has done it again. I am convinced that any woman in a relationship gives her man the side-eye after reading one of her books. All of her MMC give major Golden Retriever energy and they have the biggest hearts and Walker is no exception.
Walker and Evelyn has known each other for awhile because she is best friends with his sister in law. Walker was content with being Evelyn friend until the day his best friend John caught her eye and embarked on a FWB relationship with her.
Evelyn learned the consequences to being wild and free when she ends up pregnant with John's baby. A baby he's not ready for because all he wanted was a good time. Evelyn and John fought constantly because they were now faced with parenthood but in an instant Evelyn's life changed in a blink of an eye.
Evelyn and Walker loss John in the line of duty. Walker has always blamed himself for the events that lead up to John's death but more importantly he feels responsible for Evelyn being a single mother and her daughter being raised without a father.
Motherhood is Evelyn's greatest joy but it's not without it hardships. With John's parents petitioning for custody of a grandchild they never seen and her own parents not wanting Evelyn's actions ruining their reputation Evelyn is still a walking ball of stress.
To help Evelyn and keeping John's memory alive; Walker has the bright idea to get married in an attempt to prove that Evelyn is a fit mother and is raising her daughter in a stable home. Evelyn and Walker were the talk of the town and many people had no problem treating Evelyn as if she was a wh*re for having John's baby but marrying his BFF Walker.
This was a story of hope and second chances. Evelyn accepted Walker's proposal not knowing that Walker has been in love with her for some time. Walker was the type of man she wished John was. He was a doting father to her daughter and protected them without fail. It took some time but Evelyn eventually realized that she was not only worthy of love but worthy of Walker's love.
Yes Evelyn and Walker had some ups and downs but Walker was a man on a mission. He had the woman of his dreams and the cutest, sweetest daughter a man could ever ask for. He took great care of Evelyn and Kaydence all while keeping the memory of John alive so that Kaydence could feel the love of both of her father's; her father who is looking down on her from heaven as well as her new father loving and protecting her on earth.
Beautiful story.
Harlow James has done it again. I am convinced that any woman in a relationship gives her man the side-eye after reading one of her books. All of her MMC give major Golden Retriever energy and they have the biggest hearts and Walker is no exception.
Walker and Evelyn has known each other for awhile because she is best friends with his sister in law. Walker was content with being Evelyn friend until the day his best friend John caught her eye and embarked on a FWB relationship with her.
Evelyn learned the consequences to being wild and free when she ends up pregnant with John's baby. A baby he's not ready for because all he wanted was a good time. Evelyn and John fought constantly because they were now faced with parenthood but in an instant Evelyn's life changed in a blink of an eye.
Evelyn and Walker loss John in the line of duty. Walker has always blamed himself for the events that lead up to John's death but more importantly he feels responsible for Evelyn being a single mother and her daughter being raised without a father.
Motherhood is Evelyn's greatest joy but it's not without it hardships. With John's parents petitioning for custody of a grandchild they never seen and her own parents not wanting Evelyn's actions ruining their reputation Evelyn is still a walking ball of stress.
To help Evelyn and keeping John's memory alive; Walker has the bright idea to get married in an attempt to prove that Evelyn is a fit mother and is raising her daughter in a stable home. Evelyn and Walker were the talk of the town and many people had no problem treating Evelyn as if she was a wh*re for having John's baby but marrying his BFF Walker.
This was a story of hope and second chances. Evelyn accepted Walker's proposal not knowing that Walker has been in love with her for some time. Walker was the type of man she wished John was. He was a doting father to her daughter and protected them without fail. It took some time but Evelyn eventually realized that she was not only worthy of love but worthy of Walker's love.
Yes Evelyn and Walker had some ups and downs but Walker was a man on a mission. He had the woman of his dreams and the cutest, sweetest daughter a man could ever ask for. He took great care of Evelyn and Kaydence all while keeping the memory of John alive so that Kaydence could feel the love of both of her father's; her father who is looking down on her from heaven as well as her new father loving and protecting her on earth.
Beautiful story.
September 1, 2023
Gahhhh just when I thought no one would beat out Wyatt as my favorite twin…in walks Walker!
Walker was everything I thought he was going to be and so much more. I just knew I was going to fall in love with him even more than what I already did from book 1. He truly outdid himself when it came to Evelyn and her daughter. Gosh talk about swoon whenever he was with the two of them. I loved how he stepped up, when he didn’t need too, and showed Evelyn how much he cared for her. Don’t even get me started on the mouth this man had!
Evelyn, this lady right here has always been the fiercest and strongest woman I have ever read. But to finally get to see her story and what happened to her, not only within her past but with John, the father of her baby. I gotta say I had a girl crush on her. She turned out to be the best momma, I just knew she would be with how protective she was over Kelsea in book 1.
But these two together, gosh it was truly something else to read. The writing of their story was amazing. You felt everything this little family went through.
Yet again this is a top read of 2023 for me, just like book 1!
Now bring on Forrest!😏
.
.
.
5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
10/10 recommendation‼️‼️
Walker was everything I thought he was going to be and so much more. I just knew I was going to fall in love with him even more than what I already did from book 1. He truly outdid himself when it came to Evelyn and her daughter. Gosh talk about swoon whenever he was with the two of them. I loved how he stepped up, when he didn’t need too, and showed Evelyn how much he cared for her. Don’t even get me started on the mouth this man had!
Evelyn, this lady right here has always been the fiercest and strongest woman I have ever read. But to finally get to see her story and what happened to her, not only within her past but with John, the father of her baby. I gotta say I had a girl crush on her. She turned out to be the best momma, I just knew she would be with how protective she was over Kelsea in book 1.
But these two together, gosh it was truly something else to read. The writing of their story was amazing. You felt everything this little family went through.
Yet again this is a top read of 2023 for me, just like book 1!
Now bring on Forrest!😏
.
.
.
5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
10/10 recommendation‼️‼️
May 30, 2024
Everything He Couldn’t- Harlow James
Narrated by Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
The mouth on this man! 🥵🥵🥵 Walker has a dirty mouth, Evelyn does too for that matter. I liked the premise of this book better than the first one. It’s another friends to lovers but they weren’t childhood best friends like how Walker’s twin’s story, but Walker and Evelyn are friends since they run in the same circles. But they are both grieving the loss of Walkers best friend/Evelyn’s baby daddy who died in a fire as a firefighter. They both have their own reasons for feeling guilty for his death. But when baby Cadence’s paternal grandparents petition for full custody, Walker suggests a marriage of convenience and together maybe they’ll get through their grief.
Angelina and Dane did amazing in this one! I liked them in book 1, but I loved them in this one!
Narrated by Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
The mouth on this man! 🥵🥵🥵 Walker has a dirty mouth, Evelyn does too for that matter. I liked the premise of this book better than the first one. It’s another friends to lovers but they weren’t childhood best friends like how Walker’s twin’s story, but Walker and Evelyn are friends since they run in the same circles. But they are both grieving the loss of Walkers best friend/Evelyn’s baby daddy who died in a fire as a firefighter. They both have their own reasons for feeling guilty for his death. But when baby Cadence’s paternal grandparents petition for full custody, Walker suggests a marriage of convenience and together maybe they’ll get through their grief.
Angelina and Dane did amazing in this one! I liked them in book 1, but I loved them in this one!
September 5, 2023
ARC Book Review
Everything He Couldn’t
A Novel Written By Harlow James
Published September 1, 2023
404 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the second book in the author’s Newberry Springs Series. I haven’t read the first book, but now I want to!
There is heartbreak in this story. It has a small town setting, with dual points of view, a marriage of convenience, an unexpected pregnancy, and a secret crush.
The two main characters, Evelyn Sumner and Walker Gibson, both are harboring guilt after the unexpected death of John Schmitt. John was a firefighter and the father of Evelyn’s unborn child. Walker and John were best friends. After the birth of the baby, John’s parents file a petition seeking custody of the baby. Walker suggests he and Evelyn get married to show the court there are two parents carrying for the baby. Evelyn agrees not knowing that Walker had a crush on her before she started a relationship with John. Can Walker hold back his feelings for Evelyn? Can Evelyn trust Walker to protect her and her daughter, Kadence? Can she trust him with the secret she has been keeping for a long time?
Walker is a great character. He stepped up when others couldn’t. I loved his instant connection with Kadence. Their interactions are so sweet.
“Everyone wants to be someone’s sun, to light up someone’s life. But you are more like my moon, brightening up my life in the darkest hour.”
Everything He Couldn’t
A Novel Written By Harlow James
Published September 1, 2023
404 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the second book in the author’s Newberry Springs Series. I haven’t read the first book, but now I want to!
There is heartbreak in this story. It has a small town setting, with dual points of view, a marriage of convenience, an unexpected pregnancy, and a secret crush.
The two main characters, Evelyn Sumner and Walker Gibson, both are harboring guilt after the unexpected death of John Schmitt. John was a firefighter and the father of Evelyn’s unborn child. Walker and John were best friends. After the birth of the baby, John’s parents file a petition seeking custody of the baby. Walker suggests he and Evelyn get married to show the court there are two parents carrying for the baby. Evelyn agrees not knowing that Walker had a crush on her before she started a relationship with John. Can Walker hold back his feelings for Evelyn? Can Evelyn trust Walker to protect her and her daughter, Kadence? Can she trust him with the secret she has been keeping for a long time?
Walker is a great character. He stepped up when others couldn’t. I loved his instant connection with Kadence. Their interactions are so sweet.
“Everyone wants to be someone’s sun, to light up someone’s life. But you are more like my moon, brightening up my life in the darkest hour.”
August 28, 2023
Evelyn becomes a single mom after losing her child’s father (Schmitt) in a fire accident before Kaydence was born. Months later, she ends up in a custody battle with Schmitt’s parents.
Walker has been friends with Evelyn forever, and has had a thing for her as well. Schmitt was his best friend, and he has really been struggling with the loss of his friend, and blames himself for making them go back into the fire. He has avoided talking to Evelyn since Schmitt passed for several reasons. Once he finds out about the custody battle though, he offers to marry her so the court will see that Kaydence is being raised in a two parent household.
I loved how protective Walker was over both Evelyn and Kaydence once he let himself be open to being in their lives again. He would do anything for them. And the way he pursued Evelyn while also not wanting to scare her away was the sweetest thing!
Walker has been friends with Evelyn forever, and has had a thing for her as well. Schmitt was his best friend, and he has really been struggling with the loss of his friend, and blames himself for making them go back into the fire. He has avoided talking to Evelyn since Schmitt passed for several reasons. Once he finds out about the custody battle though, he offers to marry her so the court will see that Kaydence is being raised in a two parent household.
I loved how protective Walker was over both Evelyn and Kaydence once he let himself be open to being in their lives again. He would do anything for them. And the way he pursued Evelyn while also not wanting to scare her away was the sweetest thing!
September 1, 2023
Evelyn se convierte en madre soltera cuando el padre (Schmitty) se muere trabajando (es bombero). Seis meses después los padres de él reclaman la custodia de la niña, así que se casa con Walker (mejor amigo de Schmitty) para poder mantener la custodia.
Es Walter quien se lo ofrece, porque a parte de sentirse culpable por la muerte de Schmitty (trabajaban juntos y fue un ""error"" suyo) ha estado enamorado de Evelyn desde que ella y Schmitty empezaron a salir.
Los sentimientos de él no han bajado, así que ahora que van a vivir juntos porque están casados..........🙃
Lo recomiendo si te gustan las comedias románticas cliché y el drama :)))
Es Walter quien se lo ofrece, porque a parte de sentirse culpable por la muerte de Schmitty (trabajaban juntos y fue un ""error"" suyo) ha estado enamorado de Evelyn desde que ella y Schmitty empezaron a salir.
Los sentimientos de él no han bajado, así que ahora que van a vivir juntos porque están casados..........🙃
Lo recomiendo si te gustan las comedias románticas cliché y el drama :)))
September 2, 2023
a top read of 2023
Step aside Wyatt Gibson because your twin brother has entered the building! There must be something in the Newberry Springs water especially on the Gibson ranch that just make the men so swoony!
Everything He Couldn’t is a story about grief, loss love and acceptance. Evelyn and Walkers love blossoms over their loss even if it started out for Kadence. I couldn’t keep a smile off my face especially when they finally gave into their feelings… talk about a 3 alarm fire!
Step aside Wyatt Gibson because your twin brother has entered the building! There must be something in the Newberry Springs water especially on the Gibson ranch that just make the men so swoony!
Everything He Couldn’t is a story about grief, loss love and acceptance. Evelyn and Walkers love blossoms over their loss even if it started out for Kadence. I couldn’t keep a smile off my face especially when they finally gave into their feelings… talk about a 3 alarm fire!
May 17, 2024
Ohh how I’ve loved this book! Evelyn had to go through so much, but she weaved her way through it all, and could always count on her best friend Walker to be by her side to help her through it all. Their friendship takes a different course and reading about their story was absolutely heartwarming because Walker is everything she’s always wanted. I adore this series and cannot praise Harlow James’ writing enough!
August 6, 2023
Looooved it! Definitely a great mix of sweet, spicy, and real people probs. Plus it was so funny!
Evelyn is a new single mom who runs her own business. She ends up in a custody battle so, naturally, she marries her friend Walker to present a strong family unit to the courts. Walker is a spectacular specimen of man. He is so sweet and patient with the biggest heart, but WHEW does he have a way of flipping that switch and letting her know exactly how it's going to be. Top tier spice.🔥
Evelyn is a new single mom who runs her own business. She ends up in a custody battle so, naturally, she marries her friend Walker to present a strong family unit to the courts. Walker is a spectacular specimen of man. He is so sweet and patient with the biggest heart, but WHEW does he have a way of flipping that switch and letting her know exactly how it's going to be. Top tier spice.🔥
September 3, 2023
Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame
God made man, and Harlow James made Walker Gibson. This man is synonymous with “my wife…” and I’ll never be the same again.
Walker is solidly in the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. Evelyn S̶u̶m̶n̶e̶r̶ Gibson stood no chance against the force of Walker.
God made man, and Harlow James made Walker Gibson. This man is synonymous with “my wife…” and I’ll never be the same again.
Walker is solidly in the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. Evelyn S̶u̶m̶n̶e̶r̶ Gibson stood no chance against the force of Walker.
April 21, 2025
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice - 🌶🌶
Trope - firefighter/cowboy × designer, single mom, sunshine × sunshine, marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, forced proximity, forbidden, late best friend's partner, a father who stepped up, he falls first, meddling family, romcom, slow-burn, small town, found-family, steamy, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1
I knew this book would be great from the very first moment. More story, and emotions with appropriate spice. Walker and Evelyn's characters were so appealing in the first book that I couldn't wait to read more about them—and I wasn't disappointed!
Honestly, I was surprised by how Schmitty turned out in book 2—especially since he was so fun in book 1. However, his character development made sense, he was scared, and while his actions might not have been completely justified, they were understandable. Even though his death made me sad, it was necessary for Walker's and Evelyn's story.
Now, let's talk about Walker and Evelyn! They were perfect together. They experienced their ups and downs, but which couple doesn't? I think this is why I enjoyed this book more; their relationship felt real and relatable.
The burden that both characters carried truly broke my heart. Walker's guilt overshadowed all of his charm, and I was prepared to wait patiently for him to regain it. When he found his family in Evelyn and Kaydence, their connection was all they needed to bond, recognize their feelings, and find solace in each other.
The way I was screaming throughout their marriage scene, tells you how beautiful the scene was, it was simple but beautiful because Walker and Evelyn were MARRIED!!! and his first thought was "my wife" AHHHHHH!!!!
Walker’s reaction to Evelyn made my heart flutter every time. He was so deeply in love, respectful, and responsible; he prioritized others over himself. The way he stepped up to support Evelyn and be a father figure for Kaydence was phenomenal. THIS GUY ALREADY OWNED MY HEART. He was meant to be a dad, and the way he looked after Kaydence and protected her warmed my heart. Those small moments he shared with her were so soothing.
Kelsea playing Cupid was not what I was expecting, but it made me really happy. Although she broke the girl code, she did it with good intentions, so I’ll let it slide and just enjoy it. Also, the way she explained things and supported Walker—she was like a sister to him. I’m so glad he had her around. Her character development has become my favourite part.
WALKER!! ig he's all I'm gonna talk about in this review. You're telling me this guy is a firefighter/cowboy, can cook, protects the girls he loves, is selfless and knows how to appreciate his partner's body all the while having a sweet yet dirty mouth. He just got added to my book boyfriend list!! The way he appreciated Evelyn, just melted my heart. Our boy was so in love. He fought for her when he knew she would never ask for it, but needed someone to stand up and choose for her. His actions were the hottest thing.
Let’s not forget Evelyn. She was such a strong, caring, and bold woman. I loved how she challenged others while standing her ground. She complimented Walker perfectly. These two had equally dirty mouths, which had me sweating—OMFG, AHHH!! I had butterflies in my stomach throughout the book because they were both so hot and swoon-worthy.
Walker's efforts to earn Evelyn's trust and make her accept their relationship was beautiful, especially that simple birthday celebration. It was perfect—GOALS!!
Also, you know I cried my eyes out when My poor heart was just not ready for that.
I think the small fight before the final reunion was much needed because it showed Evelyn that she finally had someone to rely on and call her own. And, the way our guy fought for her against her parents was heartwarming—AHHH, husband material! But seeing him break down truly broke my heart; our lovely boy didn't deserve it.
The last chapters were cherry on top like they were so meaningful and lovely at the same time. It made me content to see everything finally fall back into place, allowing the couple to live a happy life with their little owl.
Walker and Forrest being the chaotic sibling duo with Wyatt as the reasonable one, was not on my bucket list. But I enjoyed how the author incorporated those small sibling moments in this book. There were fewer of them, but that’s part of adulting. The brief glimpse of the next book was sweet but also funny—
The bonus epilogue—oh my God, chef's kiss—was so beautiful. The small glimpse of slightly older Kaydence with daddy Walker, the pregnancy news, and the words Walker said were just perfect.
This has to be one of my favourite marriage-of-convenience books! I rarely read or enjoy this trope, but this one was amazing.
Devoured it.
Can be read as a standalone, but will recommend the whole series. One more book to go T_T
Overall 4.75/5
Spice - 🌶🌶
Trope - firefighter/cowboy × designer, single mom, sunshine × sunshine, marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, forced proximity, forbidden, late best friend's partner, a father who stepped up, he falls first, meddling family, romcom, slow-burn, small town, found-family, steamy, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1
I knew this book would be great from the very first moment. More story, and emotions with appropriate spice. Walker and Evelyn's characters were so appealing in the first book that I couldn't wait to read more about them—and I wasn't disappointed!
Honestly, I was surprised by how Schmitty turned out in book 2—especially since he was so fun in book 1. However, his character development made sense, he was scared, and while his actions might not have been completely justified, they were understandable. Even though his death made me sad, it was necessary for Walker's and Evelyn's story.
Now, let's talk about Walker and Evelyn! They were perfect together. They experienced their ups and downs, but which couple doesn't? I think this is why I enjoyed this book more; their relationship felt real and relatable.
The burden that both characters carried truly broke my heart. Walker's guilt overshadowed all of his charm, and I was prepared to wait patiently for him to regain it. When he found his family in Evelyn and Kaydence, their connection was all they needed to bond, recognize their feelings, and find solace in each other.
The way I was screaming throughout their marriage scene, tells you how beautiful the scene was, it was simple but beautiful because Walker and Evelyn were MARRIED!!! and his first thought was "my wife" AHHHHHH!!!!
Walker’s reaction to Evelyn made my heart flutter every time. He was so deeply in love, respectful, and responsible; he prioritized others over himself. The way he stepped up to support Evelyn and be a father figure for Kaydence was phenomenal. THIS GUY ALREADY OWNED MY HEART. He was meant to be a dad, and the way he looked after Kaydence and protected her warmed my heart. Those small moments he shared with her were so soothing.
Kelsea playing Cupid was not what I was expecting, but it made me really happy. Although she broke the girl code, she did it with good intentions, so I’ll let it slide and just enjoy it. Also, the way she explained things and supported Walker—she was like a sister to him. I’m so glad he had her around. Her character development has become my favourite part.
WALKER!! ig he's all I'm gonna talk about in this review. You're telling me this guy is a firefighter/cowboy, can cook, protects the girls he loves, is selfless and knows how to appreciate his partner's body all the while having a sweet yet dirty mouth. He just got added to my book boyfriend list!! The way he appreciated Evelyn, just melted my heart. Our boy was so in love. He fought for her when he knew she would never ask for it, but needed someone to stand up and choose for her. His actions were the hottest thing.
Let’s not forget Evelyn. She was such a strong, caring, and bold woman. I loved how she challenged others while standing her ground. She complimented Walker perfectly. These two had equally dirty mouths, which had me sweating—OMFG, AHHH!! I had butterflies in my stomach throughout the book because they were both so hot and swoon-worthy.
Walker's efforts to earn Evelyn's trust and make her accept their relationship was beautiful, especially that simple birthday celebration. It was perfect—GOALS!!
Also, you know I cried my eyes out when My poor heart was just not ready for that.
I think the small fight before the final reunion was much needed because it showed Evelyn that she finally had someone to rely on and call her own. And, the way our guy fought for her against her parents was heartwarming—AHHH, husband material! But seeing him break down truly broke my heart; our lovely boy didn't deserve it.
The last chapters were cherry on top like they were so meaningful and lovely at the same time. It made me content to see everything finally fall back into place, allowing the couple to live a happy life with their little owl.
Walker and Forrest being the chaotic sibling duo with Wyatt as the reasonable one, was not on my bucket list. But I enjoyed how the author incorporated those small sibling moments in this book. There were fewer of them, but that’s part of adulting. The brief glimpse of the next book was sweet but also funny—
The bonus epilogue—oh my God, chef's kiss—was so beautiful. The small glimpse of slightly older Kaydence with daddy Walker, the pregnancy news, and the words Walker said were just perfect.
This has to be one of my favourite marriage-of-convenience books! I rarely read or enjoy this trope, but this one was amazing.
Devoured it.
Can be read as a standalone, but will recommend the whole series. One more book to go T_T
Overall 4.75/5
August 25, 2023
"Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done. And that's because you're meant to be mine."
Rating: 4.5/5
- Small town
- Marriage of convenience
- Forced proximity
- Boutique owner FMC & firefighter MMC
- Single mom
- Best friend’s ex
- He falls first
- No breakup
- Dual POV
What happens when your best friend dies in a fire before he can meet his daughter? You marry her mother when his parents file for full custody. The woman you’ve secretly been pining for.
I loved both Walker and Evelyn in the first book, so I was very excited about their story. Evelyn has been on her own for a long time and has trust issues, so she initially struggled to lean on Walker and let him past her walls for fear of history repeating itself.
"Trust me to love you, to be there for you, to stand by your side through everything." 🥺
Thanks to some meddling from Kelsea (Walker’s sister-in-law and Evelyn’s BFF), Walker understands this and knows he has to be patient. But that patience most definitely pays off, if you know what I mean 😏. The spice was spicin'!
If someone could find me a Walker who will clean, do laundry, cook and rock a cowboy hat on his family’s ranch that’d be great 😂. He is 100% book boyfriend material. Oh, and did I mention he’s so good with Kaydence and calls her Little Owl? 🫠 And gets a tattoo for them? 🫠 And defends Evelyn’s honour TWICE? 😮💨
He was exactly who Evelyn deserved after what she’d been through. She also deserved the sweet and welcoming Gibsons – a family to replace her own.
Thank you so much to Harlow and The Author Agency for the early copy.
Rating: 4.5/5
- Small town
- Marriage of convenience
- Forced proximity
- Boutique owner FMC & firefighter MMC
- Single mom
- Best friend’s ex
- He falls first
- No breakup
- Dual POV
What happens when your best friend dies in a fire before he can meet his daughter? You marry her mother when his parents file for full custody. The woman you’ve secretly been pining for.
I loved both Walker and Evelyn in the first book, so I was very excited about their story. Evelyn has been on her own for a long time and has trust issues, so she initially struggled to lean on Walker and let him past her walls for fear of history repeating itself.
"Trust me to love you, to be there for you, to stand by your side through everything." 🥺
Thanks to some meddling from Kelsea (Walker’s sister-in-law and Evelyn’s BFF), Walker understands this and knows he has to be patient. But that patience most definitely pays off, if you know what I mean 😏. The spice was spicin'!
If someone could find me a Walker who will clean, do laundry, cook and rock a cowboy hat on his family’s ranch that’d be great 😂. He is 100% book boyfriend material. Oh, and did I mention he’s so good with Kaydence and calls her Little Owl? 🫠 And gets a tattoo for them? 🫠 And defends Evelyn’s honour TWICE? 😮💨
He was exactly who Evelyn deserved after what she’d been through. She also deserved the sweet and welcoming Gibsons – a family to replace her own.
Thank you so much to Harlow and The Author Agency for the early copy.
September 1, 2023
I absolutely adored this book. After reading the first book in the series, I immediately wanted to read Walker and Evelyn’s story. AND MAN DID IT DELIVER!
Angst ✔️
Secret pining ✔️
“My wife” moment ✔️
Tension✔️
Allllll the forced proximity✔️
Evelyn finds herself in a custody battle, so of course, Walker steps up to help. By marrying her 😂 This couple was everything. The story was absolutely perfect. MUST READ.
Angst ✔️
Secret pining ✔️
“My wife” moment ✔️
Tension✔️
Allllll the forced proximity✔️
Evelyn finds herself in a custody battle, so of course, Walker steps up to help. By marrying her 😂 This couple was everything. The story was absolutely perfect. MUST READ.
June 5, 2024
Reread on audio (ALC) May 2024:
The narrators did a great job of adding additional depth and compassion to the story and I really felt like I became a part of this family and the small town in general.
Read August 2023:
'Everything he couldn't' is a beautiful, emotional and slightly angst-y small town romance. It had quite a few of my fave tropes; single parent, marriage of convenience and found family.
It is book 2 in the 'Newberry Springs' series of interconnected standalones following the Gibson brothers. I had not read book one, but had no trouble reading and following this one.
This story starts with an emotional prologue, and the first couple of chapters is somewhat of a continuation of that, with a more in-depth introduction to the characters, and how they are dealing (or not dealing) with the tragic event happening in the prologue.
The FMC is Evelyn, who is pregnant with Schmitty's daughter. Schmitty worked as a firefighter and died on the job, just before Evelyn gave birth to their daughter, Kaydence. 6 months later, she is struggling as a single parent, owning her own business and dealing with guilt over her last words to Schmitty.
The MMC is Walker, who was Schmitty's best friend. He is a firefighter, and feels a lot of guilt over the tragic accident. He is also struggling, because he was close friends with Evelyn and in love with her, just before she got pregnant, so he is also struggling with his feelings towards her.
Evelyn gets sued for custody of her daughter, and when Walker finds out, he proposes they get married (fake marriage/marriage of convenience) to help show that Kaydence is cared for. For Walker the marriage is very real, while Evelyn believes it is fake, but slowly it gets blurred what’s real and what’s fake.
“And just so we’re clear, Evelyn, our last name is Gibson, and you’d better start fUck!ng using it.”
Evelyn had a tough upbringing and has had her share of heartbreak, which makes her struggling with trusting people. It was not a part of her plan to be a single, working mother, but she is doing such a good job. It was beautiful to follow her growth and her strength in the midst of heartbreak and tough times, and she is very determined when fighting for Kaydence and herself.
Walker is sooo good with Evelyn and her daughter. He was very patient and understanding, and he really stepped up and through that learned to deal with his own heartbreak and guilt.
I really loved Evelyn and Walker. They had amazing chemistry and complemented each other very well. It was a slow burn, filled with a lot of tension, but when the spice hit, it really HIT! - And the mouth on Walker!
Even though it was emotional and heartbreaking at times, it was also very lifeaffirming and uplifting seeing them overcoming guilt and trauma and in the end getting their happily ever after. And the found family element with Walker's family was so wonderful, and made for some much-needed levity and fun. You can really feel the love they all have for each other.
“Everyone wants to be someone’s sun, to light up someone’s life. But you are more like my moon, brightening up my life in the darkest hour.”
I will definitely go back and read book 1. Also, I'm very excited about Forrest's story.
The narrators did a great job of adding additional depth and compassion to the story and I really felt like I became a part of this family and the small town in general.
Read August 2023:
'Everything he couldn't' is a beautiful, emotional and slightly angst-y small town romance. It had quite a few of my fave tropes; single parent, marriage of convenience and found family.
It is book 2 in the 'Newberry Springs' series of interconnected standalones following the Gibson brothers. I had not read book one, but had no trouble reading and following this one.
This story starts with an emotional prologue, and the first couple of chapters is somewhat of a continuation of that, with a more in-depth introduction to the characters, and how they are dealing (or not dealing) with the tragic event happening in the prologue.
The FMC is Evelyn, who is pregnant with Schmitty's daughter. Schmitty worked as a firefighter and died on the job, just before Evelyn gave birth to their daughter, Kaydence. 6 months later, she is struggling as a single parent, owning her own business and dealing with guilt over her last words to Schmitty.
The MMC is Walker, who was Schmitty's best friend. He is a firefighter, and feels a lot of guilt over the tragic accident. He is also struggling, because he was close friends with Evelyn and in love with her, just before she got pregnant, so he is also struggling with his feelings towards her.
Evelyn gets sued for custody of her daughter, and when Walker finds out, he proposes they get married (fake marriage/marriage of convenience) to help show that Kaydence is cared for. For Walker the marriage is very real, while Evelyn believes it is fake, but slowly it gets blurred what’s real and what’s fake.
“And just so we’re clear, Evelyn, our last name is Gibson, and you’d better start fUck!ng using it.”
Evelyn had a tough upbringing and has had her share of heartbreak, which makes her struggling with trusting people. It was not a part of her plan to be a single, working mother, but she is doing such a good job. It was beautiful to follow her growth and her strength in the midst of heartbreak and tough times, and she is very determined when fighting for Kaydence and herself.
Walker is sooo good with Evelyn and her daughter. He was very patient and understanding, and he really stepped up and through that learned to deal with his own heartbreak and guilt.
I really loved Evelyn and Walker. They had amazing chemistry and complemented each other very well. It was a slow burn, filled with a lot of tension, but when the spice hit, it really HIT! - And the mouth on Walker!
Even though it was emotional and heartbreaking at times, it was also very lifeaffirming and uplifting seeing them overcoming guilt and trauma and in the end getting their happily ever after. And the found family element with Walker's family was so wonderful, and made for some much-needed levity and fun. You can really feel the love they all have for each other.
“Everyone wants to be someone’s sun, to light up someone’s life. But you are more like my moon, brightening up my life in the darkest hour.”
I will definitely go back and read book 1. Also, I'm very excited about Forrest's story.
May 29, 2024
✨ MAY 2024 ✨
Audiobook review.
What an emotional roller coaster this is!
I love this story of Walker and Evelyn.
The narration was perfect and I don’t think anyone else could do it as well as they did. Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson are perfect and I could honestly listen to their voices all day!!!
If you love marriage of conscience, single mum, small town, firefighters 😉 AND “that’s my wife” then add this to your audio one click.
See below for my full review of this book.
Special thank you to Harlow James and The Author Agency for an ALC of this for my honest review
✨AUGUST 2023 ✨
This book was so good. I devoured this book so quick. I couldn’t get enough of Walker and Evelyn. I knew this one was going to be emotional and in true Harlow James fashion I was bawling!! In a good way, I promise. Harlow always brings me right up with my feels. I can guarantee I am feeling what these characters are feeling every single time and this was up there with one the best. Amongst all the tears there was so much laughter too. I don’t have the words to say how much I loved this book.
We follow Evelyn as she comes to deal with the loss of her partner John and father of her child and now has to grieve as well as raise a newborn baby all while running her own little boutique business. Enter Walker who was John’s best mate and work colleague. He is blaming himself for John’s death all while crushing on his dead best mates girl and baby mama. 6 months later and Evelyn is faced with a custody battle with John’s parents so Walker has the brilliant idea of getting married because the courts prefer dual parent homes. 👏🏼 MARRIAGE 👏🏼 OF 👏🏼 CONVENIENCE 👏🏼 my favourite 😉 well you can imagine all the feels this brings on!!!
Everything he Couldn’t is book 2 of the Newberry Springs series. Each can be read as a standalone but minor spoilers will be found across the series!
✨ TROPES ✨
- Marriage of convenience
- Single mum
- Small town
- Best friends Ex
- Firefighter MMC
- Found Family
- “Thats my wife”
- Forced proximity
✨ RATING ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
🌶️🌶️.5
Special thanks to Harlow James for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest review.
Audiobook review.
What an emotional roller coaster this is!
I love this story of Walker and Evelyn.
The narration was perfect and I don’t think anyone else could do it as well as they did. Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson are perfect and I could honestly listen to their voices all day!!!
If you love marriage of conscience, single mum, small town, firefighters 😉 AND “that’s my wife” then add this to your audio one click.
See below for my full review of this book.
Special thank you to Harlow James and The Author Agency for an ALC of this for my honest review
✨AUGUST 2023 ✨
This book was so good. I devoured this book so quick. I couldn’t get enough of Walker and Evelyn. I knew this one was going to be emotional and in true Harlow James fashion I was bawling!! In a good way, I promise. Harlow always brings me right up with my feels. I can guarantee I am feeling what these characters are feeling every single time and this was up there with one the best. Amongst all the tears there was so much laughter too. I don’t have the words to say how much I loved this book.
We follow Evelyn as she comes to deal with the loss of her partner John and father of her child and now has to grieve as well as raise a newborn baby all while running her own little boutique business. Enter Walker who was John’s best mate and work colleague. He is blaming himself for John’s death all while crushing on his dead best mates girl and baby mama. 6 months later and Evelyn is faced with a custody battle with John’s parents so Walker has the brilliant idea of getting married because the courts prefer dual parent homes. 👏🏼 MARRIAGE 👏🏼 OF 👏🏼 CONVENIENCE 👏🏼 my favourite 😉 well you can imagine all the feels this brings on!!!
Everything he Couldn’t is book 2 of the Newberry Springs series. Each can be read as a standalone but minor spoilers will be found across the series!
✨ TROPES ✨
- Marriage of convenience
- Single mum
- Small town
- Best friends Ex
- Firefighter MMC
- Found Family
- “Thats my wife”
- Forced proximity
✨ RATING ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
🌶️🌶️.5
Special thanks to Harlow James for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest review.
May 30, 2024
I received the ARC for this book and it was my first Harlow James book. Let me say, I was NOT disappointed. It was so good! I loved the characters, the story and the spice was pretty good. Walker is a DREAM and such a great book boyfriend. He is compassionate, protective, slightly possessive and a dirty praise talker. But honestly, Evelyn was a pretty dirty talker too when things would get spicy. We LOVE a confident woman! This book talks about grief and loss. It is a reminder that everyone handles grief differently + that we have one life to live, so live it how you want! Walker & Evelyn's story is so beautiful, and knowing how much Walker has been obsessed and in love with her made me root for him the entire time. Walker's love for that little baby girl ( " my little owl " <3) just made me love him even more. I definitely recommend reading this book. You can read it as a stand alone or you can read it as a series, this is the second book in the Newberry Springs series. If you love any of these tropes: small towns, single parent MC, marriage of convenience/forced proximity, best friends ex, firefighter MC, possessive MC as in "THATS MY WIFE..", and found family - this book is for you!
November 22, 2023
4.5/5
Walker has fallen for Evelyn a long time ago but she was with his best friend. Evelyn got pregnant, but Walker's best friend died in duty. Now single mom Evelyn is facing a legal battle and Walker offers her to get married in order to help.
----------
Ok. First of all. I got attached to Walker's best friend and am still unwell about his death.
Now, marriage of convenience x single parent ?! YES, PLEASE. Add in small town and found family vibes and I am sold.
I love Walker, he has such a big heart and I love how he shows that he cares for Evelyn and her daughter.
I really liked Evelyn too. She wants to be strong for her daughter, and she is, but she doesn't let anyone in because of her past and I can understand her struggles. It made me like her and Walker's relationship even more.
I love these siblings and I can't wait to get to Forrest's story!
Walker has fallen for Evelyn a long time ago but she was with his best friend. Evelyn got pregnant, but Walker's best friend died in duty. Now single mom Evelyn is facing a legal battle and Walker offers her to get married in order to help.
----------
Ok. First of all. I got attached to Walker's best friend and am still unwell about his death.
Now, marriage of convenience x single parent ?! YES, PLEASE. Add in small town and found family vibes and I am sold.
I love Walker, he has such a big heart and I love how he shows that he cares for Evelyn and her daughter.
I really liked Evelyn too. She wants to be strong for her daughter, and she is, but she doesn't let anyone in because of her past and I can understand her struggles. It made me like her and Walker's relationship even more.
I love these siblings and I can't wait to get to Forrest's story!
May 29, 2024
Walker 🥰
This is a re-read for me to try the audiobook and I didn’t think I could love Walker more but I did. When he calls the baby “little owl” I just about died.
Small town. Single mom. Cute baby girl. He falls first. Plenty of “my wife” moments. This one had a lot going for it and had me swooning hard. I love seeing Walker finally getting his happy ending after seeing him always taking care of others.
I was given an ALC of this book and my opinions are my own.
This is a re-read for me to try the audiobook and I didn’t think I could love Walker more but I did. When he calls the baby “little owl” I just about died.
Small town. Single mom. Cute baby girl. He falls first. Plenty of “my wife” moments. This one had a lot going for it and had me swooning hard. I love seeing Walker finally getting his happy ending after seeing him always taking care of others.
I was given an ALC of this book and my opinions are my own.
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