The Love Reaction

by J. Michele Black

Becoming a single father at twenty-five was a challenge life threw Andrew’s way, but raising his daughter, Skylar, and growing his restoration business were his main priorities. He didn’t think he had time to find love, nor was he looking. Then by chance, Skylar wandered to a booth filled with colorful and tasty treats at their yearly tradition of the Mansfield Pickle Parade and Palooza. In the same moment, he was struck by the sexy baker with a talent for unexpected combinations in her sugary confections. She was a sweet surprise, just like her decadent treats. Seeing her with his rambunctious daughter made him re-think his priorities about life and love.
Audrey
After the sting of betrayal, Audrey set her focus on fulfilling her dream of owning her own bakery unlike any other. Creating unique and tasty treats with a flair for the sinful side of the bakery aisle combined with a sultry Speakeasy attached was all she had time for. That was until a sassy little girl and her tall, dark, and deliciously hot father stopped at her booth during their debut appearance at the Mansfield Pickle Parade and Palooza. Being drawn to his soulful gray eyes, full of heartache and loss, she wanted to fix the man who didn’t think he deserved a happily ever after and hoping she would find hers too.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2024

About the author

I write contemporary romance with a purpose. Shedding light on topics not often addressed is a passion, while hopefully helping others in the process, while still giving a happily ever after we all know and love. I am married (over twenty years) to my best friend, Clay, and with our four dogs love all that small town Texas living entails. When not reading, writing, or working my full-time job I am usually in the kitchen creating new favorites for my husband and friends. As a true Texan at heart, I embody hospitality as a fundamental characteristic, expressing my deepest affections through food. You'll often find me immersed in the joys of country living, spending most weekends hosting cookouts or lounging by the pool or fire pit.

Reviews

[Lucy Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

J Michele has hit another home run with her latest work. From the very first page, I was completely engrossed and found myself deeply attached to the incredibly relatable characters. The author's talent for vividly painting scenes is truly exceptional, effortlessly immersing readers in the rich tapestry of the story's environment.

The depiction of Pour Porch restaurant is especially captivating, igniting a strong desire within me to personally experience its ambiance. Additionally, J Michele's commitment to shedding light on diabetes is evident and greatly appreciated, particularly by someone like myself who lacks expertise in the subject. Through the narrative, I not only gained invaluable insights into diabetes but also found the inclusion of diabetic dogs to be incredibly intriguing.

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read, with just the right amount of excitement and passion woven throughout the pages.

[Novels & Needles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.

🩷 Small town
🩷 Diabetes representation
🩷 Single Dad

And we’re back after that major cliff hanger in The Love Reimagined, I was desperate to find out what happened next and Jessica did not disappoint! I was on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.

The way the story is told over time and how we follow Andrew navigating his new life was beautiful. The writing style in this book compared to the first was so much more up my street. I’m really pleased to see Jessica developing as an author, it’s very exciting.

[Renee Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cool story. Not your typical small town romance. This has elements of living with a tough medical diagnosis, a sudden loss, fatherhood, and discovering love. The characters are strong and very well written. Andrew and Audrey make a charming couple. Skylar is sassy and precious. It was a bit slow start, but I found the whole story to be entertaining and fun.

[Patricia Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book. It is touches on many aspects that people face daily. The main characters, Andrew and Audrey make you feel like their situation is real and what happens daily. There are health problems, unexpected loss, heartbreak, and so much more.

[jasminjustreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small town romance was a little different than most. And that’s not a bad thing. While this book definitely has some heavy elements inside, the story is still a beautiful one of finding love. It is a little of a slow build up in the beginning but overall was very well written as far as plot and character progression go. Great job J Michele!

[Amanda Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town romance, easy to read book. It’s great getting to experience the roller coaster of a couples life, to experience a happy ending.

[Ashley Edmundson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc read review:

This book has such a beautiful story. Not your typical small town, country, slow burn romance. There are health problems, unexpected loss, heartbreak, and so much more. Both main characters have been through a world wind and through each other and a sweet little tutu loving girl.. they rebuild what was lost into something beautiful. I really enjoyed this book and the characters. As much as I wanted to give it 5 stars, I ended up with 4 as my overall rating as there were some grammatical errors. I would definitely read more from this author. Beautifully written.

[Lisa Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read of J Michele Black, and it definitely won't be the last! This book was so good. It pulled me in from the first page. I was a little sad about the death of a certain character, but it all worked out in the end. The way that the story and the characters developed were perfect! I can't wait to read more! I saw at least 2 more love stories that I want to know more about!

[Wendy Broome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: An Emotional Rollercoaster: "The Love Reaction" by J. Michele Black

"The Love Reaction" by J. Michele Black takes readers on a whirlwind journey through the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth. From the very first page, Black captivates with her skillful portrayal of incredibly believable characters who feel like old friends.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the dynamite between friends, portrayed with such authenticity that it feels like eavesdropping on real conversations. Black navigates the intricacies of friendships with finesse, showing the highs and lows, the laughter and tears, in a way that resonates deeply with readers.

At the heart of the story is a sweet love story that blossoms amidst the chaos of life. Black skillfully crafts moments of tenderness and passion, making the romance both heartwarming and steamy. The chemistry between the characters leaps off the page, drawing readers into their world and leaving them rooting for their happily ever after.

"The Love Reaction" is a rollercoaster of emotions, eliciting laughter and tears in equal measure. Black's mastery of storytelling shines through, weaving together a narrative that is as entertaining as it is heartfelt. As the final page is turned, readers will be left eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating series. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a book that will make them laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this small-town romance! I read The Love Reimagined first and couldn't wait to see what happened in Andrew's world.
The descriptions of the settings, specifically Audrey's business, is still so clear in my mind. I'm a fast reader who can be forgetful so this shows a well written story that, as a reader, really pulls me in.

This book includes a character with a medical condition and I appreciated how in depth that storyline went in the book. It was described thoroughly, both characters experiences were portrayed well and it felt real. It didn't feel forced or like the author threw it in as an afterthought.
Skylar's character was an absolute win!! Loved her!

If you're looking for a feel good, small town, single dad, boss babe love story.. this is it!

[redreads4861 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Small-town
*Single Dad

Wow. This book had me all over the place. I love how the business they started was unique and not the same thing as in every other book. All the different unique things in this book made it stand out. I loved every second of reading this and I can't wait until the next one comes out. I am hooked.

[Gina T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this small town love story very much. It was cool to recognize several of the places mentioned in the book. Andrew and Audrey are very relatable characters. I felt some parts were repetitive and could have been omitted. I was able to see this story as it played out so that’s a win for me.

[Jennifer Painter Slotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written romance of Andrew and Audrey. The story drew me right in and I had to keep reading to see what happened next. They had obstacles to overcome but found myself rooting for them. Really enjoyed the extra characters - friends and family - and hope the series continues with some of them. Definitely recommend reading this book!

[Kellie Pruscha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I had eagerly been awaiting this second book since the moment I finished the first in the series. These characters actually breathe for me and I was invested from the first page. It was so real I actually recommended the bakery to someone before realizing it came from the mind J Michele Black. Highly recommend! Now to wait for the next book…

[Bekka Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The irony of a baker falling in love with someone who has diabetes makes the story extra interesting. The characters are very relatable and you feel immersed in their world. I’m excited to see what happens in the next book.

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. I enjoyed it.
This is z voluntary and honest review.