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Like Home
What happens when a woman who reads “too many” romance novels decides she deserves better? She just might get it.
Summer Evans is a certified romance novel enthusiast. What started as a way to pass the time when she was a new mother turns into an epiphany. She doesn’t know if romance like that exists outside of her books, but she intends to find out. She’s ready for something new, but the child she has with her newly minted ex complicates things.
In the small town of Lakeland, the dating pool is decidedly shallow. That is until Ryan Garrett returns to set down roots in his old hometown. When Ryan and Summer meet, their chemistry feels straight out of a book, but Summer has to decide that she’s worthy of a man who worships the ground she walks on, and Ryan has to weather the storm and battle his own fears.
While Summer and Ryan’s relationship heats up alongside the climbing temperatures of a California summer, her ex, Jared, has different plans for them. He didn’t realize what he had until it was gone, and he’s willing to do anything to get her back – even if that means leveraging their six-year-old daughter, Emma, against her. Will Summer and Ryan’s love catch flame, or will Jared’s scheming snuff out the spark?
Join Summer and Ryan on their journey to find a love that feels like coming home. Like Home is perfect for fans of swoon-worthy romance with a touch of heat and plus-sized heroines where the story is about finding true love, not just a perfect figure.
Summer Evans is a certified romance novel enthusiast. What started as a way to pass the time when she was a new mother turns into an epiphany. She doesn’t know if romance like that exists outside of her books, but she intends to find out. She’s ready for something new, but the child she has with her newly minted ex complicates things.
In the small town of Lakeland, the dating pool is decidedly shallow. That is until Ryan Garrett returns to set down roots in his old hometown. When Ryan and Summer meet, their chemistry feels straight out of a book, but Summer has to decide that she’s worthy of a man who worships the ground she walks on, and Ryan has to weather the storm and battle his own fears.
While Summer and Ryan’s relationship heats up alongside the climbing temperatures of a California summer, her ex, Jared, has different plans for them. He didn’t realize what he had until it was gone, and he’s willing to do anything to get her back – even if that means leveraging their six-year-old daughter, Emma, against her. Will Summer and Ryan’s love catch flame, or will Jared’s scheming snuff out the spark?
Join Summer and Ryan on their journey to find a love that feels like coming home. Like Home is perfect for fans of swoon-worthy romance with a touch of heat and plus-sized heroines where the story is about finding true love, not just a perfect figure.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2025
22 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Megan Bowen
3 books43 followersI write stories with a lot of heart and a little heat. My books range from cozy slice of life tales to paranormal romance with a touch of murder mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 21, 2025
UGH MY HEART!!! This was so dang sweet!
Megan gives you a story equivalent to sunshine and fireworks. All the swoons!! All the warm fuzzy feelings! Summer and Ryan are the most emotionally mature adults I think I’ve ever read about. They know eachother so well and will do absolutely whatever it takes to make the other one happy!
I loved how REAL this story felt! Parents wanting what’s best for their child. Dating after a breakup. The fears of single parenthood. It felt like learning the love story of your next door neighbor and I fell head over heels for Summer and Ryan!!
Another thing that Megan does so well…writing a female main character who isn’t a size two but you would never know BECAUSE IT IS NOT HER PERSONALITY! Summer has some curves, she has some scars, she is beautiful and everyone embraces her as Summer…not her size. I ADORED IT!
This is such a feel-good romance. Sweet and soft, while also dealing with REAL issues! I’m so excited to see what Megan does next!!!🥹☀️
Megan gives you a story equivalent to sunshine and fireworks. All the swoons!! All the warm fuzzy feelings! Summer and Ryan are the most emotionally mature adults I think I’ve ever read about. They know eachother so well and will do absolutely whatever it takes to make the other one happy!
I loved how REAL this story felt! Parents wanting what’s best for their child. Dating after a breakup. The fears of single parenthood. It felt like learning the love story of your next door neighbor and I fell head over heels for Summer and Ryan!!
Another thing that Megan does so well…writing a female main character who isn’t a size two but you would never know BECAUSE IT IS NOT HER PERSONALITY! Summer has some curves, she has some scars, she is beautiful and everyone embraces her as Summer…not her size. I ADORED IT!
This is such a feel-good romance. Sweet and soft, while also dealing with REAL issues! I’m so excited to see what Megan does next!!!🥹☀️
February 20, 2025
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 and I am so thrilled to say that it did not disappoint!!
It was so refreshing to read about characters who not only knew what they wanted, but also had the emotional intelligence to vocalize exactly what they wanted. Summer was treated so subpar for so long in her marriage. To not only acknowledge that, but ultimately walk away especially when her child is involved takes such an incredible amount of strength.
Everyone deserves to be treated like they hung the moon, and it was such a treat to see Ryan and Summer’s relationship unfold so organically!
The book was ✨normal✨, and I mean that in the best possible way. Normal people with normal lives and normal problems. Some crazy drama does happen, but it was just seriously so refreshing. I had the best freaking time🥹
It was so refreshing to read about characters who not only knew what they wanted, but also had the emotional intelligence to vocalize exactly what they wanted. Summer was treated so subpar for so long in her marriage. To not only acknowledge that, but ultimately walk away especially when her child is involved takes such an incredible amount of strength.
Everyone deserves to be treated like they hung the moon, and it was such a treat to see Ryan and Summer’s relationship unfold so organically!
The book was ✨normal✨, and I mean that in the best possible way. Normal people with normal lives and normal problems. Some crazy drama does happen, but it was just seriously so refreshing. I had the best freaking time🥹
March 17, 2025
*Possible Spoilers*
This book was absolutely inspiring in so many ways!!! The curvy FMC is strong, a beautiful mother and refuses to settle. This book is also inspiring as it walks through the good and bad of co-parenting and what is really important. Then you have one of the MMC Ryan who is patient, giving, supportive and someone we would all be blessed to have in our lives. This book tugs at the heart strings in the best way!!! All in all Author Megan Bowen knocked her debut novel out of the park!!! You definitely want to add this one to your TBR!!!
This book was absolutely inspiring in so many ways!!! The curvy FMC is strong, a beautiful mother and refuses to settle. This book is also inspiring as it walks through the good and bad of co-parenting and what is really important. Then you have one of the MMC Ryan who is patient, giving, supportive and someone we would all be blessed to have in our lives. This book tugs at the heart strings in the best way!!! All in all Author Megan Bowen knocked her debut novel out of the park!!! You definitely want to add this one to your TBR!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
First of all thank you to Megan Bowen for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC of your very first novel Like Home 💜
I honestly could not wait to read this book once I started and there’s so much to say about it! For a slow reader I finished it in 8 days (that’s unheard of for me, especially as I read multiple at once because I am a mood reader lol), I was just hooked and so invested in Summer and Ryan’s love story.
This novel has sooooooo much goodness in it and so many life lessons and growth that I feel would really help benefit a lot of people who may be going through the same hardships as Summer and her ex-husband Jared. I found it so refreshing to read about so many characters who had open communication throughout including the side characters, especially when it comes to a subject such as divorce. I admired Summer wanting to put Emma first and her wish to co-parent equally in a civil way. She desperately wanted to avoid repeating the same mistakes her own divorced parents made during her childhood which caused a lot of trauma for her.
This book did also highlight some of the obstacles that can occur during a divorce which can escalate quickly during these times and shows how people can lash out when they are hurting, even when it’s not their true nature. I know a lot of people hated Jared, but I actually felt a bit sorry for him. Yes, how he treated Summer infuriated me and some of the things he said were downright awful but I could also sense the hurt coming from him when he realised what he was losing. However what I really loved was how Megan ultimately brought to the forefront how these obstacles can be overcome with an open mind, open communication and seeking services to help such as legal mediation and therapy 👏 👏 👏 YES!
Summer is also a plus size FMC and although this briefly touched on that in the beginning, it was not the main focus of this book. Nor was there a 3rd act break-up which is rare nowdays, but I personally liked this take on things because it just felt like Summer and Ryan’s relationship naturally progressed in a really mature and loving way, giving you all the warm fuzzies and butterflies along the way. Yes it may have seemed too good to be true at times, but what’s so wrong with a happy story full of love and happy endings? Haha
I loved reading about Summer and Ryan’s relationship. Ryan is such a good guy and I couldn’t help but swoon over him! I’d gotten to chapter 5 where nothing remotely spicy had even happened, but I was all giddy from his inner monologue and the chemistry he had with Summer!! When we did get to the spice, it was quite mild in comparison to other romances I’ve read recently, but in a good way. I often cringe at some of the words used in romances but there was nothing that sounded vulgar or over the top at all which was a nice change!
I also loved and appreciated the toddler descriptions of Hudson. As a Mum of a very energetic feisty 2.5 year I felt so seen as a parent 😂
Overall, this comes with a great message of acceptance, letting go, never settling for less than you deserve and realising that you do deserve happiness, and that you can get it if you bravely take that leap to change the things that make you unhappy. It’s about second chances, learning and growth. It was a great easy read with so much heart and deep meaning. Congratulations Megan, I can’t wait to see what other books you come up with.
First of all thank you to Megan Bowen for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC of your very first novel Like Home 💜
I honestly could not wait to read this book once I started and there’s so much to say about it! For a slow reader I finished it in 8 days (that’s unheard of for me, especially as I read multiple at once because I am a mood reader lol), I was just hooked and so invested in Summer and Ryan’s love story.
This novel has sooooooo much goodness in it and so many life lessons and growth that I feel would really help benefit a lot of people who may be going through the same hardships as Summer and her ex-husband Jared. I found it so refreshing to read about so many characters who had open communication throughout including the side characters, especially when it comes to a subject such as divorce. I admired Summer wanting to put Emma first and her wish to co-parent equally in a civil way. She desperately wanted to avoid repeating the same mistakes her own divorced parents made during her childhood which caused a lot of trauma for her.
This book did also highlight some of the obstacles that can occur during a divorce which can escalate quickly during these times and shows how people can lash out when they are hurting, even when it’s not their true nature. I know a lot of people hated Jared, but I actually felt a bit sorry for him. Yes, how he treated Summer infuriated me and some of the things he said were downright awful but I could also sense the hurt coming from him when he realised what he was losing. However what I really loved was how Megan ultimately brought to the forefront how these obstacles can be overcome with an open mind, open communication and seeking services to help such as legal mediation and therapy 👏 👏 👏 YES!
Summer is also a plus size FMC and although this briefly touched on that in the beginning, it was not the main focus of this book. Nor was there a 3rd act break-up which is rare nowdays, but I personally liked this take on things because it just felt like Summer and Ryan’s relationship naturally progressed in a really mature and loving way, giving you all the warm fuzzies and butterflies along the way. Yes it may have seemed too good to be true at times, but what’s so wrong with a happy story full of love and happy endings? Haha
I loved reading about Summer and Ryan’s relationship. Ryan is such a good guy and I couldn’t help but swoon over him! I’d gotten to chapter 5 where nothing remotely spicy had even happened, but I was all giddy from his inner monologue and the chemistry he had with Summer!! When we did get to the spice, it was quite mild in comparison to other romances I’ve read recently, but in a good way. I often cringe at some of the words used in romances but there was nothing that sounded vulgar or over the top at all which was a nice change!
I also loved and appreciated the toddler descriptions of Hudson. As a Mum of a very energetic feisty 2.5 year I felt so seen as a parent 😂
Overall, this comes with a great message of acceptance, letting go, never settling for less than you deserve and realising that you do deserve happiness, and that you can get it if you bravely take that leap to change the things that make you unhappy. It’s about second chances, learning and growth. It was a great easy read with so much heart and deep meaning. Congratulations Megan, I can’t wait to see what other books you come up with.
February 20, 2025
This was the ultimate feel-good book. It was swoony, mature, heartfelt, emotionally responsible and intelligent and so so so amazing🧡😭
Ryan and Summer are made for each other and I absolutely love how they managed and handled all of the “obstacles” they had. The story is so beautifully written and it was so wholesome from every perspective available.
More than a romance, this was such a good book to realize and see how women ofter settle because they think they are “too much” of they are asking for too much. Ryan shows us that there’s not such thing as “too much.” No babe, just like Summer, we all deserve to be loved and Megan portrayed that in a beautiful way.
Even though the side characters made me mad in many occasions, some of them have great growth throughout the book and added a lot into the story. I loved the resolution of the main plot and the contribution they had.
If you like couples that have great communication, are mature and respectful to each other and have a great connection and chemistry, this book is for you!!!!
Such a good debut, I can’t wait to see what other things Megan comes up with⭐️
Ryan and Summer are made for each other and I absolutely love how they managed and handled all of the “obstacles” they had. The story is so beautifully written and it was so wholesome from every perspective available.
More than a romance, this was such a good book to realize and see how women ofter settle because they think they are “too much” of they are asking for too much. Ryan shows us that there’s not such thing as “too much.” No babe, just like Summer, we all deserve to be loved and Megan portrayed that in a beautiful way.
Even though the side characters made me mad in many occasions, some of them have great growth throughout the book and added a lot into the story. I loved the resolution of the main plot and the contribution they had.
If you like couples that have great communication, are mature and respectful to each other and have a great connection and chemistry, this book is for you!!!!
Such a good debut, I can’t wait to see what other things Megan comes up with⭐️
March 18, 2025
Tropes:
-single mom
-FMC is a book girlie
-dual POV
-small town romance
-insta-love
-body positivity
-mature co-parenting
-sunshine x2
-Gilmore Girls talk
You guys!!! So, first, I need to talk about the author, Megan. She was among the first few Instagrammers I followed and followed me in return. Immediately, I fell in love with her content. She always has a smile on her face, and she is so much fun to watch! We read a lot of the same things, and she seemed like a genuinely lovely person. I added her as a favorite and have been following and liking her content since. When I saw she had finished her debut novel, I immediately pre-ordered it and signed up to be an ARC reader. I knew it would be fantastic if it were anything like her personality portrayed. I was not wrong. This book was incredible.
Summer is a book-loving girl who knows what she wants. She knew her and Jared’s relationship had run its course, and even though she was afraid of hurting their daughter with the separation, she knew she deserved more than what she had, so she went for what she wanted. She never lost sight of what was most important while pursuing her happiness. She always put her daughter first.
I adored the mature (for the most part) way Summer and Jared handled their co-parenting. They could work through the issues that arose while keeping their daughter first. Although there were a few bumps along the way, they had an excellent co-parenting relationship in the end. I loved watching Jared grow and change through the book.
I wholeheartedly love the MMC, Ryan. Megan created the perfect book boyfriend. He was loving and patient and went above and beyond to show Summer how much she meant to him. He never stopped showing her she was worthy. Ryan was protective and incredibly sweet, too. Oh, man. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe him. He is just perfect.
Like Home is Megan’s debut novel; she is an indie author and a fellow bookstagrammer like us. I recommend checking out her book with my whole heart. I loved it so much. It is available today on KU. I hope you read it and love it as much as I do! Let me know!!
P.S. Can we talk about the Gilmore Girls talk? My favorite show ever. It’s my comfort show, and I love it when others appreciate it!
Quotes:
It’s what moms do. We rally when it feels like we have nothing left to give, and then we give some more.
“When you came into my life, it was like coming home. It’s like my heart said ‘Oh, there you are.’” I smile a little at him. He takes hold of my wrist and places my hand over his heart. “It’s yours. As long as you want it.”
-single mom
-FMC is a book girlie
-dual POV
-small town romance
-insta-love
-body positivity
-mature co-parenting
-sunshine x2
-Gilmore Girls talk
You guys!!! So, first, I need to talk about the author, Megan. She was among the first few Instagrammers I followed and followed me in return. Immediately, I fell in love with her content. She always has a smile on her face, and she is so much fun to watch! We read a lot of the same things, and she seemed like a genuinely lovely person. I added her as a favorite and have been following and liking her content since. When I saw she had finished her debut novel, I immediately pre-ordered it and signed up to be an ARC reader. I knew it would be fantastic if it were anything like her personality portrayed. I was not wrong. This book was incredible.
Summer is a book-loving girl who knows what she wants. She knew her and Jared’s relationship had run its course, and even though she was afraid of hurting their daughter with the separation, she knew she deserved more than what she had, so she went for what she wanted. She never lost sight of what was most important while pursuing her happiness. She always put her daughter first.
I adored the mature (for the most part) way Summer and Jared handled their co-parenting. They could work through the issues that arose while keeping their daughter first. Although there were a few bumps along the way, they had an excellent co-parenting relationship in the end. I loved watching Jared grow and change through the book.
I wholeheartedly love the MMC, Ryan. Megan created the perfect book boyfriend. He was loving and patient and went above and beyond to show Summer how much she meant to him. He never stopped showing her she was worthy. Ryan was protective and incredibly sweet, too. Oh, man. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe him. He is just perfect.
Like Home is Megan’s debut novel; she is an indie author and a fellow bookstagrammer like us. I recommend checking out her book with my whole heart. I loved it so much. It is available today on KU. I hope you read it and love it as much as I do! Let me know!!
P.S. Can we talk about the Gilmore Girls talk? My favorite show ever. It’s my comfort show, and I love it when others appreciate it!
Quotes:
It’s what moms do. We rally when it feels like we have nothing left to give, and then we give some more.
“When you came into my life, it was like coming home. It’s like my heart said ‘Oh, there you are.’” I smile a little at him. He takes hold of my wrist and places my hand over his heart. “It’s yours. As long as you want it.”
March 16, 2025
Like Home is a refreshing take on contemporary romance. Admittedly, I enjoy most takes on contemporary romance, but the way Megan approached a complex family dynamic and having a plus-sized FMC was refreshing and different in the best way.
Both main characters, Summer and Ryan, were written with clear emotional intelligence. They communicated, they gave space, and most importantly, they listened and provided what the other needed. The depth of character building and growth between not only our two MCs but also Jared, Summer’s ex, was so well-written. I felt like I was reading about a real family navigating real-life issues and changes.
Like Home felt ordinary and real in the best and most comfortable way. It felt like a romance novel that would actually come to fruition. The conflict with Summer and Jared, their break-up, and their subsequent conversations/actions to make custody work without severely disrupting their daughter was so mature and beautiful to read. I loved Summer and Ryan’s meet-cute and the way that he just dove into her life, was understanding about her situation, and was patient through it all. The slow intro of Ryan into Emma’s world was also very well done. Though there was some drama and angst around it, the fact that is was discussed and communicated was amazing.
All-in-all, I felt like I was reading about my best friends. I was entertained for each second and couldn’t wait to see what they did next. I promise you will want this cozy small-town romance on your shelf/in your kindle. You can thank me later!
Disclaimer: I am Megan’s PA I did read this story in beta and ARC format and I am honestly obsessed with Summer, Ryan, and Emma. All of my opinions are my own and she has no idea what this review contains - she’s experiencing it live with all of you.
Both main characters, Summer and Ryan, were written with clear emotional intelligence. They communicated, they gave space, and most importantly, they listened and provided what the other needed. The depth of character building and growth between not only our two MCs but also Jared, Summer’s ex, was so well-written. I felt like I was reading about a real family navigating real-life issues and changes.
Like Home felt ordinary and real in the best and most comfortable way. It felt like a romance novel that would actually come to fruition. The conflict with Summer and Jared, their break-up, and their subsequent conversations/actions to make custody work without severely disrupting their daughter was so mature and beautiful to read. I loved Summer and Ryan’s meet-cute and the way that he just dove into her life, was understanding about her situation, and was patient through it all. The slow intro of Ryan into Emma’s world was also very well done. Though there was some drama and angst around it, the fact that is was discussed and communicated was amazing.
All-in-all, I felt like I was reading about my best friends. I was entertained for each second and couldn’t wait to see what they did next. I promise you will want this cozy small-town romance on your shelf/in your kindle. You can thank me later!
Disclaimer: I am Megan’s PA I did read this story in beta and ARC format and I am honestly obsessed with Summer, Ryan, and Emma. All of my opinions are my own and she has no idea what this review contains - she’s experiencing it live with all of you.
October 15, 2025
It’s like the written version of an unremarkable Hallmark movie. It’s the romance novel I forced my Sim to write after they finished their third clown painting because I want them to gain another creativity point. What I’m saying is it’s not that good. It’s a romance novel that is lacking in romance and is mostly about a single mom doing her best to navigate a breakup. Two stars because I did like the writing style, I just really did not enjoy the plot at all.
February 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
First off, thank you so much to Megan for this ARC!
I absolutely devoured 80% of this book in one sitting. I believe this is her debut, and if that’s true I am blown away! The characters were well developed, there were added elements of drama and intrigue that I super enjoyed. I was really immersed in the story and literally almost had to put it down for a sec around the middle because her ex pissed me off so much, that’s how good this was! Summer was such a beautiful character, I really felt for her and just wanted her to be happy. Ryan was that classic “if he wanted to he would” chivalrous romance mmc that we all know and love! I loved their chemistry. loved all of the drama with her ex. I loved how they modeled great co-parenting with their little girl, and I loved how everything ended. It felt like a well-rounded story. I overall enjoyed it and would recommend!
First off, thank you so much to Megan for this ARC!
I absolutely devoured 80% of this book in one sitting. I believe this is her debut, and if that’s true I am blown away! The characters were well developed, there were added elements of drama and intrigue that I super enjoyed. I was really immersed in the story and literally almost had to put it down for a sec around the middle because her ex pissed me off so much, that’s how good this was! Summer was such a beautiful character, I really felt for her and just wanted her to be happy. Ryan was that classic “if he wanted to he would” chivalrous romance mmc that we all know and love! I loved their chemistry. loved all of the drama with her ex. I loved how they modeled great co-parenting with their little girl, and I loved how everything ended. It felt like a well-rounded story. I overall enjoyed it and would recommend!
October 30, 2025
I realated a lot to the FMC in this book. I felt seen and validated in many instances. I thought it was a great book!
March 23, 2025
It was an easy, cozy read.
I feel like most of single parent romances are single dad ones, so it was refreshing to read a story about single mom. Although Summer is not exactly single-single mom, as her daughter’s dad is still pretty present in her life as they are co-parenting after their breakup.
It was simply a cozy read with a little bit of banter, mild spice and no big trauma in the plot.
No 3rd act breakup 🧡🧡🧡🧡
It’s a beautiful story about a woman not settling in a relationship in which she was not appreciated and just taken for granted. It shows how to co-parent with your ex in a healthy way (with some turbulences, of course, but reasonable ones and that are well developed (like plot-development-wise) through the story).
After the couple first chapters I feared it will only be a 3⭐️ read (and I kinda feel bad giving 3⭐️ for ARCs but I write my reviews honestly, so…) because it started like insta-love (or insta-strong-interest at least) and I’m not a fan of such trope; also the first chapter from Ryan’s POV felt like the writing is exactly the same, but if you’re doing dual POV, then the reader should be able to distinguish the POV without need to check whose chapter is it, solely based on writing - but this bothered me only in maybe two chapters, not through out the whole book, so it was only the first impression.
The insta- part of the plot also happened to be only my initial fear, as the connection between Ryan and Summer had some more time to develop. Not exactly slowest of burn, but also not insta-everything, so this “but” also happened to be only false first impression. Conclusion: if you start and are not really feeling it, give the book something around 30% before you decide to DNF; I started reading it having 3⭐️ in mind but ended up debating between 4 and 5⭐️ ;)
I settled on 4⭐️. I almost gave it 4.5 but the epilogue settled my score back to 4 (although I’m well aware it might be a me-thing)
It’s rather low-feelings story (at least I wasn’t overwhelmed with big feels😅 (which is good cause I don’t exactly want all my books to give me emotional rollercoaster)), simply a cozy little romance book 🥰, but it’s nicely written (especially as for debut one!) and entertaining. It was definitely refreshing to read about successful co-parenting and single mom, not dad, for a change.
I feel like most of single parent romances are single dad ones, so it was refreshing to read a story about single mom. Although Summer is not exactly single-single mom, as her daughter’s dad is still pretty present in her life as they are co-parenting after their breakup.
It was simply a cozy read with a little bit of banter, mild spice and no big trauma in the plot.
No 3rd act breakup 🧡🧡🧡🧡
It’s a beautiful story about a woman not settling in a relationship in which she was not appreciated and just taken for granted. It shows how to co-parent with your ex in a healthy way (with some turbulences, of course, but reasonable ones and that are well developed (like plot-development-wise) through the story).
After the couple first chapters I feared it will only be a 3⭐️ read (and I kinda feel bad giving 3⭐️ for ARCs but I write my reviews honestly, so…) because it started like insta-love (or insta-strong-interest at least) and I’m not a fan of such trope; also the first chapter from Ryan’s POV felt like the writing is exactly the same, but if you’re doing dual POV, then the reader should be able to distinguish the POV without need to check whose chapter is it, solely based on writing - but this bothered me only in maybe two chapters, not through out the whole book, so it was only the first impression.
The insta- part of the plot also happened to be only my initial fear, as the connection between Ryan and Summer had some more time to develop. Not exactly slowest of burn, but also not insta-everything, so this “but” also happened to be only false first impression. Conclusion: if you start and are not really feeling it, give the book something around 30% before you decide to DNF; I started reading it having 3⭐️ in mind but ended up debating between 4 and 5⭐️ ;)
I settled on 4⭐️. I almost gave it 4.5 but the epilogue settled my score back to 4 (although I’m well aware it might be a me-thing)
It’s rather low-feelings story (at least I wasn’t overwhelmed with big feels😅 (which is good cause I don’t exactly want all my books to give me emotional rollercoaster)), simply a cozy little romance book 🥰, but it’s nicely written (especially as for debut one!) and entertaining. It was definitely refreshing to read about successful co-parenting and single mom, not dad, for a change.
March 3, 2025
Summer knows the romances she reads aren’t exactly real-life but doesn’t she deserve to feel loved and special??
An amazing story that finally has real characters. You can feel the strengths and struggles and relate to them. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to ARC this book. @author.megan.bowen really captures the human story - all the highs and lows. Definitely pick up a copy!
An amazing story that finally has real characters. You can feel the strengths and struggles and relate to them. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to ARC this book. @author.megan.bowen really captures the human story - all the highs and lows. Definitely pick up a copy!
March 15, 2025
4.5 stars
This is a cozy romance that is relatively low stakes but still well paced and interesting. One of my favorite aspects of the story is the co-parenting between the FMC and her ex. So often we see one dimensional villain exes and I definitely still disliked him but it was nice to see people put personal issues aside for their kid. Someone can definitely be a not so great partner but still a good dad (to be clear her ex was never abusive).
Looooved the banter and flirting in this! I could read transcripts of Summer and Ryan doing the most mundane stuff because of their chemistry. I didn’t feel like there was insta-love especially when we get Ryan’s POV and his background. I thought Ryan was a well developed character and that it happened immediately without info dumping. Once it switched to his first POV chapter I was like okay I understand your motivations, family dynamics, etc. That’s actually partially what made me notice the slower build up of the FMC Summer and the reason for the -0.5. She’s described by everyone around her as kind and a great mom, I just wish I could’ve seen it more in action. I get that this book needed to start in this moment of conflict, where Summer is finally ready to look for love that she deserves. Just wanted to feel like I knew her sense of character sooner.
Shout out to this book for the neutral plus size rep! We need more of this. This also has some spice in it, not overly descriptive and just the right amount to fit the overall tone of this contemporary romance.
Thank you to the author for the eARC, will absolutely be reading what Megan writes next.
This is a cozy romance that is relatively low stakes but still well paced and interesting. One of my favorite aspects of the story is the co-parenting between the FMC and her ex. So often we see one dimensional villain exes and I definitely still disliked him but it was nice to see people put personal issues aside for their kid. Someone can definitely be a not so great partner but still a good dad (to be clear her ex was never abusive).
Looooved the banter and flirting in this! I could read transcripts of Summer and Ryan doing the most mundane stuff because of their chemistry. I didn’t feel like there was insta-love especially when we get Ryan’s POV and his background. I thought Ryan was a well developed character and that it happened immediately without info dumping. Once it switched to his first POV chapter I was like okay I understand your motivations, family dynamics, etc. That’s actually partially what made me notice the slower build up of the FMC Summer and the reason for the -0.5. She’s described by everyone around her as kind and a great mom, I just wish I could’ve seen it more in action. I get that this book needed to start in this moment of conflict, where Summer is finally ready to look for love that she deserves. Just wanted to feel like I knew her sense of character sooner.
Shout out to this book for the neutral plus size rep! We need more of this. This also has some spice in it, not overly descriptive and just the right amount to fit the overall tone of this contemporary romance.
Thank you to the author for the eARC, will absolutely be reading what Megan writes next.
March 24, 2025
This debut novel was absolutely ADORABLE and such a treat to read 💛
Let’s start with Summer - our sweet FMC. A newly single mom with a love for romance novels and a plant lover through and through, who is navigating co-parenting with her ex-boyfriend in a small town. Enter: Ryan - a kind hearted repairman who has just returned to said small town and immediately hits it off with Summer.
This novel deals with some real issues. We have newly separated partners where they have to not only navigate being single for the first time in forever, but they must also work on co-parenting a young child, and deal with dating after a breakup.
Megan Bowen - you have excelled in creating these amazing characters. This is a story that is so easy to fall into and get lost in, and it’s definitely one that I would recommend to all romance readers everywhere!
💛 Dating After a Breakup
💛 Dual POV
💛 Single Mom
💛 Body Positivity
Let’s start with Summer - our sweet FMC. A newly single mom with a love for romance novels and a plant lover through and through, who is navigating co-parenting with her ex-boyfriend in a small town. Enter: Ryan - a kind hearted repairman who has just returned to said small town and immediately hits it off with Summer.
This novel deals with some real issues. We have newly separated partners where they have to not only navigate being single for the first time in forever, but they must also work on co-parenting a young child, and deal with dating after a breakup.
Megan Bowen - you have excelled in creating these amazing characters. This is a story that is so easy to fall into and get lost in, and it’s definitely one that I would recommend to all romance readers everywhere!
💛 Dating After a Breakup
💛 Dual POV
💛 Single Mom
💛 Body Positivity
September 1, 2025
First of all… I read, no… consumed…. Actually no… INHALED this book in less than 24 hours.
Second of all, I am Summer and Summer is me. I’ve never related to a character in a book so deeply.
Like Home is a cozy story about a newly single mom who isn’t sure if romance novel love is possible in real life, but even if it’s not, she deserved more than what her former high school sweetheart could offer.
I love the way Summer’s sense self worth grows over the course of this book. The end of a long term relationship brings out strong emotions, especially when a child is involved and the way the author wrote the rollercoaster of an ex was so good!
Now… I’ve never been one for book boyfriends… but… Ryan may have changed that for me. He is top tier cinnamon roll.
By chapter 3 I knew Megan Bowen was sitting at the top of my favorite romance authors list. Do yourself a favor and go read her book!
Second of all, I am Summer and Summer is me. I’ve never related to a character in a book so deeply.
Like Home is a cozy story about a newly single mom who isn’t sure if romance novel love is possible in real life, but even if it’s not, she deserved more than what her former high school sweetheart could offer.
I love the way Summer’s sense self worth grows over the course of this book. The end of a long term relationship brings out strong emotions, especially when a child is involved and the way the author wrote the rollercoaster of an ex was so good!
Now… I’ve never been one for book boyfriends… but… Ryan may have changed that for me. He is top tier cinnamon roll.
By chapter 3 I knew Megan Bowen was sitting at the top of my favorite romance authors list. Do yourself a favor and go read her book!
March 17, 2025
“To a future of endless, happy little moments just like this.”
WOW. What an amazing debut by Megan Bowen! This was such a sweet, and cozy read. As someone who reads a lotttttt of romance, I can absolutely say that I think this is one of the first books I’ve read where everything feels SO normal and relatable. I wasn’t constantly like “well that’s not real life but okay”. In fact, at parts, I joked with Megan that I swear she wrote a book about me 😂 Single-mom Summer was treated awful and just not loved or appreciated for so long during her relationship with her daughter’s dad. And she finally stood up for herself and how she knew she deserved to be treated and left him, which takes an incredible amount of strength. Again, relatable, I would know. I feel like so many women settle, especially with a child involved, and Summer was so sweet and honestly deserved to be with someone who adored her and thought she hung the moon. Inserttttt Ryan. I loved watching their relationship unfold and the way they handled each and every little thing that came their way. It was perfection, maturity, and all so organic. I enjoyed that Summer and Jared’s coparenting was done so well, and also the fact that Summer was definitely not a size two but you’d never know because Megan didn’t make it her whole personality.
Thank you Megan, for allowing me to ARC read for your book baby! Like Home was a breath of fresh air and I will absolutely be recommending this book for a long time. I cannot wait to see what Megan has coming next. Read if you love single-moms, small towns, contemporary romance, and laugh-out-loud moments.
WOW. What an amazing debut by Megan Bowen! This was such a sweet, and cozy read. As someone who reads a lotttttt of romance, I can absolutely say that I think this is one of the first books I’ve read where everything feels SO normal and relatable. I wasn’t constantly like “well that’s not real life but okay”. In fact, at parts, I joked with Megan that I swear she wrote a book about me 😂 Single-mom Summer was treated awful and just not loved or appreciated for so long during her relationship with her daughter’s dad. And she finally stood up for herself and how she knew she deserved to be treated and left him, which takes an incredible amount of strength. Again, relatable, I would know. I feel like so many women settle, especially with a child involved, and Summer was so sweet and honestly deserved to be with someone who adored her and thought she hung the moon. Inserttttt Ryan. I loved watching their relationship unfold and the way they handled each and every little thing that came their way. It was perfection, maturity, and all so organic. I enjoyed that Summer and Jared’s coparenting was done so well, and also the fact that Summer was definitely not a size two but you’d never know because Megan didn’t make it her whole personality.
Thank you Megan, for allowing me to ARC read for your book baby! Like Home was a breath of fresh air and I will absolutely be recommending this book for a long time. I cannot wait to see what Megan has coming next. Read if you love single-moms, small towns, contemporary romance, and laugh-out-loud moments.
March 20, 2025
Gosh what a sweet Debut!
Summer, our FMC reads a lot of romance and reluctantly realises that the father of her child doesn't treat her the way she deserves to be treated.
She decides to cut ties no matter how difficult she knows it will be.
Her now Ex realises that he's not been a great partner. He wants to do better and be more to Summer because he really does love her but the appearance of a Ryan makes things difficult.
Too little too late Jared! Ryan is up to the task! Ta ta da daaa!
Summer does her best to co-parent while trying to open her heart to a potential new love. This is not easy because of her insecurities and past experiences.
Ryan is up to the task because he sees what material Summer is made of and he is prepared to do everything to make her see just how worthy she is of everything!
Summer, our FMC reads a lot of romance and reluctantly realises that the father of her child doesn't treat her the way she deserves to be treated.
She decides to cut ties no matter how difficult she knows it will be.
Her now Ex realises that he's not been a great partner. He wants to do better and be more to Summer because he really does love her but the appearance of a Ryan makes things difficult.
Too little too late Jared! Ryan is up to the task! Ta ta da daaa!
Summer does her best to co-parent while trying to open her heart to a potential new love. This is not easy because of her insecurities and past experiences.
Ryan is up to the task because he sees what material Summer is made of and he is prepared to do everything to make her see just how worthy she is of everything!
September 10, 2025
This was a very cute, cozy, and easy read. There were a few moments in the book that did make me genuinely smile and giggle due to how relatable those moments were. I’m so glad there wasn’t a miscommunication trope in this story. I also feel like the co-parenting was written relatively realistically. Overall would recommend as a nice palette cleanser.
July 23, 2025
3.5
Soooo cute, the first half of this I devoured, did not want to put the book down! Just enough spice for lil ol’ me to handle. Wished the conflict wasn’t so simple/quick fixed and insta-love is always kind of side eye but it’s a quick read so what are you gonna do 🤷🏼♀️
Soooo cute, the first half of this I devoured, did not want to put the book down! Just enough spice for lil ol’ me to handle. Wished the conflict wasn’t so simple/quick fixed and insta-love is always kind of side eye but it’s a quick read so what are you gonna do 🤷🏼♀️
February 17, 2025
Books like this one give me hope and believe in romance again. It was an easy read with no rough spots in the plot, and I was thankful that there wasn’t any third act break up.
December 4, 2025
This was such a lovely, green-flagged, feel-good romance that I adored.
I died when the 30-something lawyer had a bad combover. I guess 30 is the new 60. 🫣😆
I died when the 30-something lawyer had a bad combover. I guess 30 is the new 60. 🫣😆
April 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️
Overall, this was a quick read, though it was heavier than I was expecting.
I liked the curvy girl rep and the realistic parenting, and the plot was generally good.
However, I found my attention slipping at times, especially because the characters often spoke in large chunks of dialogue, which always feels unrealistic to me. The MCs also felt slightly underdeveloped; like, I’m not sure why Summer and Ryan even developed feelings for each other in the first place aside from initial physical attraction. I wish we got to know them more in depth.
Definitely recommend if you like books with messy ex-dynamics, plus-size FMC rep, and sweet romance.
Congrats to the author on her debut novel!
Overall, this was a quick read, though it was heavier than I was expecting.
I liked the curvy girl rep and the realistic parenting, and the plot was generally good.
However, I found my attention slipping at times, especially because the characters often spoke in large chunks of dialogue, which always feels unrealistic to me. The MCs also felt slightly underdeveloped; like, I’m not sure why Summer and Ryan even developed feelings for each other in the first place aside from initial physical attraction. I wish we got to know them more in depth.
Definitely recommend if you like books with messy ex-dynamics, plus-size FMC rep, and sweet romance.
Congrats to the author on her debut novel!
March 24, 2025
I enjoyed this debut novel from Megan Bowen! Ryan was an amazing MMC! Patient, understanding, loving, protective! Truly a great character! I also liked Summer, and how the Megan represented a plus sized woman with her! And it wasn’t flaunted or thrown in your face, I felt like it was natural and done very well. I never read a book with a plus sized character - I feel like she represented just an every day, normal mother!
This book was hard to put down because the story flowed so well, and just when things are looking up - something happens where you’re like “I have to keep reading!”
I did rate this book 4 stars because of a few personal preferences/convictions I had while reading this book. If you want to know what those are - feel free to personally ask me!!
This book does have some spice in it - the author includes a spice-free guide on her website that I used! The book is not spice heavy, and it is easy to skip past! I thought it was great how the author was thoughtful to include a spice guide - because it’s not for everyone.
This book was hard to put down because the story flowed so well, and just when things are looking up - something happens where you’re like “I have to keep reading!”
I did rate this book 4 stars because of a few personal preferences/convictions I had while reading this book. If you want to know what those are - feel free to personally ask me!!
This book does have some spice in it - the author includes a spice-free guide on her website that I used! The book is not spice heavy, and it is easy to skip past! I thought it was great how the author was thoughtful to include a spice guide - because it’s not for everyone.
March 3, 2025
Megan Bowen’s Like Home is a contemporary romance that feels like a warm hug—filled with heart, humor, and an emotional depth that lingers long after the final page. This book masterfully blends romance, personal growth, and the kind of character relationships that feel so authentic, you almost forget they aren’t real people.
One of the biggest strengths of Like Home is its character development. Every interaction feels organic, and the relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or familial—are layered with history and heart. The witty banter is effortless, making the dialogue not just engaging but laugh-out-loud funny at times. At the same time, the novel doesn’t shy away from real, relatable moments, grounding the story in a way that makes it deeply impactful.
The romance is beautifully written, full of chemistry and tenderness without feeling forced or overly dramatic. Instead, it unfolds naturally, making you root for the characters as they navigate their emotions and personal growth.
And then there’s Bowen’s writing style—undeniably one of the best aspects of the book. It strikes the perfect balance between heartfelt and humorous, immersive yet easy to read. Every sentence feels intentional, drawing you into the world she’s created.
If you’re looking for a contemporary romance that delivers on emotional connection, laugh-out-loud moments, and characters that feel like friends, Like Home is an absolute must-read. Megan Bowen has crafted a story that is both comforting and compelling—one you’ll want to revisit time and time again. I cannot wait for my signed copy of this book!
One of the biggest strengths of Like Home is its character development. Every interaction feels organic, and the relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or familial—are layered with history and heart. The witty banter is effortless, making the dialogue not just engaging but laugh-out-loud funny at times. At the same time, the novel doesn’t shy away from real, relatable moments, grounding the story in a way that makes it deeply impactful.
The romance is beautifully written, full of chemistry and tenderness without feeling forced or overly dramatic. Instead, it unfolds naturally, making you root for the characters as they navigate their emotions and personal growth.
And then there’s Bowen’s writing style—undeniably one of the best aspects of the book. It strikes the perfect balance between heartfelt and humorous, immersive yet easy to read. Every sentence feels intentional, drawing you into the world she’s created.
If you’re looking for a contemporary romance that delivers on emotional connection, laugh-out-loud moments, and characters that feel like friends, Like Home is an absolute must-read. Megan Bowen has crafted a story that is both comforting and compelling—one you’ll want to revisit time and time again. I cannot wait for my signed copy of this book!
April 29, 2025
This was such a sweet and heartwarming romance. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching their relationship grow. The story was emotional, but so sweet.
If you're looking for a sweet romance with some spice, this is a fun read.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC.
If you're looking for a sweet romance with some spice, this is a fun read.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC.
April 15, 2025
Love love love! Megan did such a great job articulating each of these characters stories and I felt like I was a friend going along for the ride. I wanted to fight for Summer against her obstacles she had over come and I wanted to hoot and holler for Ryan every time he wanted to get on his knees and crawl to Summer. Ryan was just who Summer needed as she moved past the sad ex. Jared made me made but had a great arc at the end and don’t even get me started on Duncan. Overall I loved this book and would gladly read it again to swoon over Summer and Ryan.
March 4, 2025
🏡⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
🏡Spice: 🌶️🌶️
🏡Book Boyfriend rating: Ryan is a sweetheart 💞💞💞💞
🏡Vibes: 🪴📚👧🏼☕️🏡🧰🎆
🪴Summary:
Summer is taking the next steps in her life, which honestly was a long time coming. Jared, her first love and father to her child is moving out. Summer tried to make things work, but when Jared thinks that the men in her books are unattainable she begins to believe that it is true.
One thing about romance books is that there is always a meet cute. Just when things are literally falling apart, in walks Ryan. A handsome handyman who is back in town was not on her bingo card right after she ended things with her ex. With his toolbox in hand, he begins to patch up the holes in her life, literally and figuratively.
Summer quickly realizes that maybe the romance that she has always read about in her books can became a reality. As soon as she begins feel like she is living in one of her FMCs, Jared starts to see that the girl he loved is slipping away from him.
Will Summers story end with a HEA or will Jared try and swoop in and make her see that love isn’t a fairytale?
🪴Thoughts:
Summer is all of us. With her love of reading she escapes reality for the ones inside her books. She is a loving mother and honestly tried so hard to keep things together with Jared. That man made me so mad. He belittled her and shamed her for reading smut. 🚩🚩🚩
Ryan was perfect. He handled everything that was going on with Summer and the drama with Jared like a gentleman. The little things that he did for her to show her that he loved and cared for her was so sweet.
Even though Jared annoyed me, I am so happy with his character growth in the end.
One thing that I did appreciate was the fact that her weight wasn’t at the forefront of the book. Many times authors will have side characters comment on a plus-sized characters weight and it can feel icky. Women come in so many shapes and sizes and women should be loved for their personality and character, not their dress size. Summer was kind and caring and had confidence about her body. Ryan loved her for her radiance and how she carried herself. I loved how their relationship was portrayed.
Thank you, Megan for allowing me to Beta and ARC read this book. Cannot wait to read what else she releases.
🏡Spice: 🌶️🌶️
🏡Book Boyfriend rating: Ryan is a sweetheart 💞💞💞💞
🏡Vibes: 🪴📚👧🏼☕️🏡🧰🎆
🪴Summary:
Summer is taking the next steps in her life, which honestly was a long time coming. Jared, her first love and father to her child is moving out. Summer tried to make things work, but when Jared thinks that the men in her books are unattainable she begins to believe that it is true.
One thing about romance books is that there is always a meet cute. Just when things are literally falling apart, in walks Ryan. A handsome handyman who is back in town was not on her bingo card right after she ended things with her ex. With his toolbox in hand, he begins to patch up the holes in her life, literally and figuratively.
Summer quickly realizes that maybe the romance that she has always read about in her books can became a reality. As soon as she begins feel like she is living in one of her FMCs, Jared starts to see that the girl he loved is slipping away from him.
Will Summers story end with a HEA or will Jared try and swoop in and make her see that love isn’t a fairytale?
🪴Thoughts:
Summer is all of us. With her love of reading she escapes reality for the ones inside her books. She is a loving mother and honestly tried so hard to keep things together with Jared. That man made me so mad. He belittled her and shamed her for reading smut. 🚩🚩🚩
Ryan was perfect. He handled everything that was going on with Summer and the drama with Jared like a gentleman. The little things that he did for her to show her that he loved and cared for her was so sweet.
Even though Jared annoyed me, I am so happy with his character growth in the end.
One thing that I did appreciate was the fact that her weight wasn’t at the forefront of the book. Many times authors will have side characters comment on a plus-sized characters weight and it can feel icky. Women come in so many shapes and sizes and women should be loved for their personality and character, not their dress size. Summer was kind and caring and had confidence about her body. Ryan loved her for her radiance and how she carried herself. I loved how their relationship was portrayed.
Thank you, Megan for allowing me to Beta and ARC read this book. Cannot wait to read what else she releases.
March 30, 2025
This.Book.
If you want a book that you will clutch to your chest whilst kicking your feet, giggling & blushing - Like Home is DEFINITELY the book for you.
The romance is so swoony, the emotional journey that Summer (FMC) goes through, the DUAL POV, the internal thoughts of Summer & Ryan, even the glimpses of Jared’s journey we get to see, the examples of unhealthy vs healthy relationships, THE SPICE, all blew me away so hard that I’m like a balloon caught in the current of the sky.
Holy moly! When I tell you that the amount of self-worth I took from this book. Rest assured that whilst the FMC of this book is plus-sized, the author Megan specifically wrote this book to not make her body a plot point.
But my god does the affirmation, the body positivity, Summer’s journey to finding herself after choosing herself over a very bad, toxic & unfulfilling relationship, pack such a punch that it’s left me feeling empowered to use my voice & make sure that I’m getting what I deserve in my own life (I very much am, but when that little voice in my head wants to tell me otherwise in a moment I need to speak, I’m going to mentally point to the cover of this book. Maybe even ask “what would Summer do?”)
For a debut novel, the depth & captivating unfurling of each delicious plot point across this story, is mind blowing.
Megan, if you read this - this book has made such a profound impact on me. THANK YOU. Thank you for coming back to it, thank you for not giving up on this book & thank you for releasing it out into the world for people like me to not only see ourselves, but just to make people feel all the feels (but especially the pure joy this book has left me with).
Cozy. Soul-warming. Tastefully spicy. Rich. Moreish & squee-worthy romance. Goddamn, I’m sad to be leaving Summer & Ryan behind now it’s finished!
If you want a book that you will clutch to your chest whilst kicking your feet, giggling & blushing - Like Home is DEFINITELY the book for you.
The romance is so swoony, the emotional journey that Summer (FMC) goes through, the DUAL POV, the internal thoughts of Summer & Ryan, even the glimpses of Jared’s journey we get to see, the examples of unhealthy vs healthy relationships, THE SPICE, all blew me away so hard that I’m like a balloon caught in the current of the sky.
Holy moly! When I tell you that the amount of self-worth I took from this book. Rest assured that whilst the FMC of this book is plus-sized, the author Megan specifically wrote this book to not make her body a plot point.
But my god does the affirmation, the body positivity, Summer’s journey to finding herself after choosing herself over a very bad, toxic & unfulfilling relationship, pack such a punch that it’s left me feeling empowered to use my voice & make sure that I’m getting what I deserve in my own life (I very much am, but when that little voice in my head wants to tell me otherwise in a moment I need to speak, I’m going to mentally point to the cover of this book. Maybe even ask “what would Summer do?”)
For a debut novel, the depth & captivating unfurling of each delicious plot point across this story, is mind blowing.
Megan, if you read this - this book has made such a profound impact on me. THANK YOU. Thank you for coming back to it, thank you for not giving up on this book & thank you for releasing it out into the world for people like me to not only see ourselves, but just to make people feel all the feels (but especially the pure joy this book has left me with).
Cozy. Soul-warming. Tastefully spicy. Rich. Moreish & squee-worthy romance. Goddamn, I’m sad to be leaving Summer & Ryan behind now it’s finished!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
Tropes:
✨ Small Town
✨ Single Mom
✨ Plus Size FMC
✨ Sunshine X Sunshine
This book was so cute. I was smiling from ear to ear the whole entire time.
Summer Evans is a mom, a girlfriend, and a romance reader. When her boyfriend (the father of her daughter) refuses to change, she has had enough. She breaks up with her boyfriend and has him move out so she can move on with her life. After her ex moves out, she meets Ryan when he fixes her roof leak and it’s love at first sight.
Ryan just moved into town, and meets Summer at her job when he goes to set up a bank account. When she mentions she has a roof leak she needs fixed, he immediately said he would fix it, despite him being fully booked. He was so smitten immediately he tries to find reasons to see her.
Once they start dating, Summer’s ex is furious and does anything and everything he could think of for her to break up with Ryan. Summer and Ryan must navigate their relationship not only around her ex, but her daughter too.
Okay I know I’ve already said it, but this book was so freaking cute. This book is so realistic, and has so many life lessons in it.
I loved Summer and Ryan. They both are so bubbly and optimistic no matter what gets thrown at them. And Summer reads romance books, like how cool is that! I loved that Ryan was so attentive and curious about her likes and dislikes, what makes her happy and what doesn’t. My favorite thing was how he was so curious about what Summer was reading even though he’s not a reader.
This was such a refreshing book and would recommend it to anyone that loves low spice, insta love, co-parenting, and small town romances.
✨ Small Town
✨ Single Mom
✨ Plus Size FMC
✨ Sunshine X Sunshine
This book was so cute. I was smiling from ear to ear the whole entire time.
Summer Evans is a mom, a girlfriend, and a romance reader. When her boyfriend (the father of her daughter) refuses to change, she has had enough. She breaks up with her boyfriend and has him move out so she can move on with her life. After her ex moves out, she meets Ryan when he fixes her roof leak and it’s love at first sight.
Ryan just moved into town, and meets Summer at her job when he goes to set up a bank account. When she mentions she has a roof leak she needs fixed, he immediately said he would fix it, despite him being fully booked. He was so smitten immediately he tries to find reasons to see her.
Once they start dating, Summer’s ex is furious and does anything and everything he could think of for her to break up with Ryan. Summer and Ryan must navigate their relationship not only around her ex, but her daughter too.
Okay I know I’ve already said it, but this book was so freaking cute. This book is so realistic, and has so many life lessons in it.
I loved Summer and Ryan. They both are so bubbly and optimistic no matter what gets thrown at them. And Summer reads romance books, like how cool is that! I loved that Ryan was so attentive and curious about her likes and dislikes, what makes her happy and what doesn’t. My favorite thing was how he was so curious about what Summer was reading even though he’s not a reader.
This was such a refreshing book and would recommend it to anyone that loves low spice, insta love, co-parenting, and small town romances.
March 17, 2025
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
It’s so refreshing to read a romance without a single miscommunication trope in sight, where the main characters talk and grow like mature adults.
There’s so much realness to this story, relatable moments of parenthood and relationships that ground the characters and plot. It also happens over an extended period of time with large time hops, which lends credibility to the romantic arc.
Bowen also has a conversational writing style that’s comfortable and easy to read; I flew through this in a day.
There’s more plot than I expected, though a lot of it focuses on the ending relationship between Summer and her ex. He gets a lot of time on page, as does a friend. It almost feels like this story is equal parts romance between the MCs AND evolution for the co-parenting relationship between the FMC and her ex. While this was all very believable and ultimately well done, it made the book feel like less of a romance for me and more women’s fiction with a romantic subplot.
I also found myself speed-reading through deep descriptions of scene-setting elements, eager to get to the dialogue. And then the dialogue felt stilted in places, with long drawn out paragraphs of someone speaking. It felt like it could’ve been 20% shorter without the plot or romantic arc suffering.
Overall, this is a sweet, human story with lovable characters. I enjoyed seeing Summer get her HEA and Ryan is 100% a swoon-worthy MMC. I wanted more of their moments!
Recommended for fans of women’s fiction looking for lots of realism in their romance.
📚Fast facts📚
✨ Single mom
✨ Insta-love
✨ Mature adult conversations
✨ Open door spice
✨ Small town
✨ Body positivity
✨ Standalone
✨ Contemporary MF
✨ First person, dual POV, present tense
I am SO grateful to the author and @dremilyreads to have received an ARC of this story! This is my honest and unbiased review.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
It’s so refreshing to read a romance without a single miscommunication trope in sight, where the main characters talk and grow like mature adults.
There’s so much realness to this story, relatable moments of parenthood and relationships that ground the characters and plot. It also happens over an extended period of time with large time hops, which lends credibility to the romantic arc.
Bowen also has a conversational writing style that’s comfortable and easy to read; I flew through this in a day.
There’s more plot than I expected, though a lot of it focuses on the ending relationship between Summer and her ex. He gets a lot of time on page, as does a friend. It almost feels like this story is equal parts romance between the MCs AND evolution for the co-parenting relationship between the FMC and her ex. While this was all very believable and ultimately well done, it made the book feel like less of a romance for me and more women’s fiction with a romantic subplot.
I also found myself speed-reading through deep descriptions of scene-setting elements, eager to get to the dialogue. And then the dialogue felt stilted in places, with long drawn out paragraphs of someone speaking. It felt like it could’ve been 20% shorter without the plot or romantic arc suffering.
Overall, this is a sweet, human story with lovable characters. I enjoyed seeing Summer get her HEA and Ryan is 100% a swoon-worthy MMC. I wanted more of their moments!
Recommended for fans of women’s fiction looking for lots of realism in their romance.
📚Fast facts📚
✨ Single mom
✨ Insta-love
✨ Mature adult conversations
✨ Open door spice
✨ Small town
✨ Body positivity
✨ Standalone
✨ Contemporary MF
✨ First person, dual POV, present tense
I am SO grateful to the author and @dremilyreads to have received an ARC of this story! This is my honest and unbiased review.
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