When You Had Me Adapting

Romance Rehab #2

by Jess Christine

“At eighteen, I thought she was my future. Hell, at eight, I thought she was my forever and then it all came crashing down.”

For the past decade, Lacey Sims has tried to forget the boy who shattered her heart into a million pieces. Never one to commit and always a little dramatic, her dating history is a long list of mediocre one-night stands and terrible first dates. Now, the boy she tried to forget is back and by a twist of fate she never saw coming, is friends with her best friend’s boyfriend.

After the love of his life walked away, Jace Jackson threw himself into school and work, trying to distract from his pain and heartbreak. Over the last ten years, he’s seen some of the most beautiful places in the world and photographed some of the most fascinating animals, but, none of it ever made him as happy as he was with Lacey. After an incredible discovery and at a bit of a career crossroads, Jace is home and wants nothing more than to be a part of her world.

They’ve adapted to life without each other, but now that their worlds are colliding, can they put the past behind them for the sake of their friends and their hearts?

When You Had Me Adapting is the second interconnected standalone novel in the Romance Rehab series. Romance readers won't want to miss this spicy second chance romance about a cinnamon roll photojournalist and the sassy occupational therapist who has always held his heart.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Second Chance Romance, Friends To Lovers

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2025

About the author

Jess Christine is a speech therapist turned contemporary romance author who writes cotton candy smut: sweet, fluffy, and utterly irresistible. With low angst and high swoon, Jess crafts stories that feel like the perfect indulgence. Readers will quickly be lost in the warmth of unforgettable characters, light-hearted humor, delicious spice, and feel-good romance.

Jess resides in Georgia with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite TV shows, spending time with her friends and family, and getting lost in love stories.

For more information, please visit authorjesschristine.com or follow Jess on Instagram @authorjesschristine.

Reviews

[Anna (annareadit) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes:
- wildlife photographer & occupational therapist
- second change
- miscommunication
- childhood friends to lovers
- slow burn
- it's always been you
- open door
- dual POV
- dual timeline

I enjoyed the story, but I felt there wasn’t enough chemistry between the characters. The plot of this book reminded me a lot of the movie Atonement—if you liked it, I think you’ll enjoy this book too.

Thank you to Jess Christine for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this and was instantly hooked, but I almost dnf it.
As you read you find out that there was a misunderstanding between the two MCs. I don't know about anyone else, but the misunderstanding /miscommunication trope is one I tend to avoid. I think me really liking the characters, especially our MFC Lacey. I'm glad I kept reading because not only was the character lovable, but it was just a heartwarming story. I cried multiple times and to me, that means the book was amazing.

Also, I don't like the trope but the misunderstanding was low-key funny once you get more information.

Long story short, I really enjoyed this book and it taught me to not judge a book by its trope.😂
Of course, I won’t force myself to read ones I really dislike, but I won't immediately dnf books that have tropes that annoy me.

I would definitely recommend this book!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good second chance romance and this was a great one. Lacey and Jace were destined to end up together even if it took some time and a little luck to get there. I was so relieved when things started working out for them again. I loved how Jace lived his life with Lacey always in mind, how it motivated him in his work and how determined he was to bring them back together. Once again, I loved the spiciness. This is the second novel in this series and even though it could be read alone, I would recommend reading When You Left Me Speechless first. Occupational therapists or those who work in assisted living centers might also enjoy this novel. Thank you to Jess Christine and Good Girl Author Services for the chance to read this arc early for an honest review!

[Taylor Santoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever finished a novel in 3 days, but here I am. Jess Christine has a special place in my heart as a fellow SLP, and she never fails to leave me swooning over her characters’ love stories. The right amount of spice, real life hardships, and the relatability of life as a therapist of course!! Highly recommend for my fellow romance readers.

[Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why does every MMC have to be a surprise bedroom dom? 😭

[Mikayla Hackbart · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars bumped from 2-2.5 because of the OT content lol

[Erin Rundle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this second book in the Romance Rehab series. Lacey and Jace were both such lovable, genuine, and fun characters. The banter, the chemistry, and the little ways they showed their affection for one another was just perfect. I absolutely would recommend this book, and have been, to everyone! Miscommunication is typically a trope I can’t stand, but Jess Christine has been the first to not make me completely hate and it honestly, she laid it out in a way that made me appreciate it! 5 Stars. No notes…SO good!

[momma_who_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is everything I’ve ever wanted. You, pixie, are everything I’ve ever wanted.”


After her debut, When You Left Me Speechless, I wasn’t sure if book 2 would live up to the hype of book 1, but it did so much more than that!! Her writing style and story telling has improved so much since her debut and the story of Jace and Lacey absolutely shot Logan and Poppy out of the water. While Logan will always be my OG romance rehab love, Jace quickly knocked him out of the top spot! Pinning after a girl who broke your heart ten years ago, I mean COME ON!! And Lacey, she’s the badass fun friend I wish I could be but never will 😂 the two of them together, absolutely FIRE!! With it being a slow burn, there sure is a lot of spice!! Really packed it in the last half of the book Jess!!


Jess Christine has quickly become my comfort author and I’m so thankful I’ve found her little romance rehab world to live in!! If you need me I’ll be patiently waiting for Tanner’s book 👀

“I told you before I could never hate you. I want you. For the last ten years, I dreamed about getting to touch you the way I did last night. I’ve fantasized about waking up to you in my bed and getting to make you breakfast. Getting to take you on dates, even if that means we just stay in, hang out, and eat our favorite foods. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When You Had Me Adapting
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jess Christine

This is the second book in the Romance Rehab series but the first book that I am reading of Jess Christine. I really enjoyed this story as I loved the childhood friends group, the second chance trope which is one of my favorites and the banter was top tier!

I really got a kick out of the dicktionary and the on page text messages. This is the story of Lacey and Jace (now Jacks) who see each other again after a decade of being apart when Jace left town and Lacey had to learn to get over her broken heart.

Having three daughters that all got their degrees in the health care field and my youngest a speech pathology graduate I loved that aspect as well.

If you love these tropes and enjoy some spice along with some fantastic banter then this book is one you need to read ASAP! I will be going back to read book one as that is Poppy’s story and I loved Poppy and can’t wait to read her story also.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great second-chance romance that brings together humor, tension, and feelings. Lacey Sims has been trying to move on from the guy who broke her heart a decade ago, but her short relationships just haven't worked out. Out of nowhere, Jace Jackson, the love of her life shows up, and all those old feelings come rushing back. As they reconnect, Lacey and Jace need to deal with their past and see if they can fix their hearts. Lacey is super relatable, and her friends add a lot of fun and support. Jace is the perfect book boyfriend, super thoughtful and sweet. Their relationship is a great mix of warm moments and excitement. There’s also some side drama at Lacey's job that keeps things interesting. The story really captures the highs and lows of love, making you cheer for their reunion. It’s a stand-alone book in an interconnected series, I definitely want to read more!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved When You Had Me Adapting, the story was well written and the characters and world were fantastic. Book one set us up for the plot in this book, with Jace, the childhood friend of Poppy and Lacey. Lacey and Jace were each other's first love but distance and the misunderstanding of a teenager made them not talk for a decade. When thrown back together, the sparks were still there but they had so much to talk about and learn about each other. Can they learn from the past and move forward?
The found family between their friends was so fun, the banter was top tier.

[Jessica Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book put me in COMPLETE feels!
I laughed... I cried.... I cried some more...
SO MANY FEELS!!!

You can feel the spark between Lacey and Jace right off the bat even years later! It's there... just slowing building until they both can't stop denying that it is still there.

This second chance love story was such a great book to read. Jess really hit you in the feels with the strength of the friendships amongst the characters and really gave the readers deep, meaningful moments that you may not see in most romance stories.

[Amy Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance that follows childhood best friends turned lovers. There’s a miscommunication trope but I believe it is done well. I did not read the first but it is the second in an interconnected standalone series. I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this one and I am so glad because I absolutely loved it. The banter is hilarious, the found family is everything and the spice and romance are top tier.

[Meaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review - Huge thanks to Jess Christine and Good Girl Author Services for the opportunity to receive a review copy of When You Had Me Adapting!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 - I had a love-hate relationship with this book. Hate is a strong word… A love-dislike relationship. The first 30% had me annoyed with basically every character in the book - MCs and otherwise - and I almost didn’t make it through. Every character felt immature and selfish.

This is a second chance romance where the MCs reconnect nearly 10 years after their breakup. Said breakup was caused by a literal incorrect assumption on the part of the FMC and this pissed me off. I understand she was in her late teens at the time, but it seemed like such a minuscule reason for her to alter the course of their lives, refuse to ever speak to him again, and spread lies about him to their mutual friends (without any proof of said assumption).

Once this “miscommunication” is resolved and the characters decide to give their relationship another shot, I found myself pretty invested in the story and developed a soft spot for Jace. There were a few monumental moments that pulled at the heartstrings (Jace coming to terms with his mother’s death that happened some years earlier and his admission that Lacey had been the true reason he continued his search for the Bixito Parrot).

The on-page texts between the MCs and their group chats were fun - and I especially loved the names (S.H.I.E.L.D. - iykyk). The Dogwood Manner scenes - Ms. Clara and her romance recs - offered some cheeky, chuckle-worthy moments.

The smutty scenes had the potential to bring some heat, but I never really found myself fully enveloped by those spicy moments. I was particularly turned off by the semi-public foreplay that Lacey initiated during the wedding of the MCs’ mutual friends. It felt inappropriate and disrespectful compared with other scenes I’ve encountered where the risk of being caught makes things hotter. From this point onward, my interest in the story waned again and I felt lukewarm by the end.

I want to end by including my thoughts about a particular descriptor in Chapter 45 that felt problematic for me. The scene is a flashback to Jace meeting with a reporter a year prior to talk about his big find. Up until this point (and thereafter), race is never explicitly defined in any other character descriptions, so this single scene felt performative and uncomfortable at best:

“Meredith Russell is a beautiful Black woman about ten years older than me. Her dark hair is braided and wrapped up in a bun on top of her head. She’s dressed in a black blazer and a white blouse. She’s the picture of class and poise. She’s all business, and I’m immediately intimidated.”

[Keriann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet second chance romance. I enjoyed the backstory of Jace and Lacey and of course love the aspect of them all being rehab therapists. I think I have an idea of who the next book might be about based on some hints we got throughout this story. :)

Thank you to Jess Christine and her team for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicolette · Rating 5 out of 5]

LISTEN UP!!!!
This book took me by surprise! I went into it completely blind & not knowing what it was about. AND GUESS WHAT TROPE IT WAS - my favorite: second chance. I DEVOURED THIS BOOK. I cant tell you the last time a book had me in a chokehold like this. I literally couldn’t go to bed without thinking about it or go to the gym without trying to figure out what happens next. Sweet sweet Jace & Lacey are my fav couple of 2025 (so far). I’m mad at myself for not reading Poppy & Logan’s story first BUT this story hooked me! Jess Christine, SIGN ME UP FOR ALL YOUR BOOKS!

Thank you to Jess Christine & Good Girl Author Services for this ARC!!! EEP!!!! 🫶🏼

⭐️: 5.0 (first 5 of 2025!!!!!)
📖: Kindle

[❅ Karen ❅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I am always happy with the storyline. It is something I've never read before. Interconnected series will always be a go to for me
I was rooting for them from the minute the book started! The characters have such an ease to their personalities.
Second chance romances are one of my favorites! Seeing these two reconnect made my heart soar!

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story of miscommunications and teenage love. As with most love stories, I felt that it was a tad long and drawn out and all the spice was saved for the last 25% of the book.

I just found it to be a bit boring and found myself skimming through the end just to finish it.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it, from a PTA

This series was/is so relatable. I am a PTA, my besties are therapists as well. I laughed so hard with the parts that were about work because it’s too true! Great read! I hope Jess Christine does another one about Wren and Tanner.

[Rachelle LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Lacey and Jace.

This is my second book by Jess Christine and I love her writing style.

Lacey and Jace were best friends since the age of 7 until they realized they wanted more than friendship. Then something happened and they went ten years without talking. It was fun watching them be forced to interact with each other.

This was just a fun read and I can’t wait for the next book.

Thank you @authorjesschristine for the ARC to read.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful to have been gifted with the opportunity to read this ARC by Good Girl Author Services and Jess Christine through BookFunnel.

"You are what I wish for on every star."
I have to admit that the beginning was not my favorite. Although, I understand Lacey is a sassy girl (and I very much do appreciate that about this character), it just seemed she was a little too much in the beginning. I know she was dealing with heartbreak but she felt more 21 in the moment than her noted 27 age.

Buuuuuuut as the story went on I did fall in love with her character and instantly fell in love with Jace. What. A. Guy. He is definitely sweet and romantic as shit and I loved every moment he was wooing her. I love a second chance romance but when the love starts when you are 8 freaking years old and continues on into adulthood?!?! How freaking cute is that!!

A sassy gal and a calm sweet guy is a great combo. There is only room for one hyphy person in a relationship and I say that from experience. *smirk*
Sweet with some very very nice spice! (Alexa play "Love In This Club" by Usher. IFYKYK and let's not forget to always turn up the music on the Uber drive home *wink wink* & a *smirk*)

Hope you enjoy Lacey and Jace's journey as much as I did!

[Kascha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect funny, tense, spicy, and emotional second-chance rom-com.

Lacey Sims has spent the past decade trying to move on from the boy who shattered her heart, filling her life with fleeting relationships and failed dates. But when Jace Jackson, the love of her life, unexpectedly reappears in her world, now friends with her best friend’s boyfriend, old feelings resurface. Jace, having traveled the world and focused on his career, never found happiness like he did with Lacey. As their paths cross again, they must confront their past and decide if they can overcome their heartbreak for the chance at love and a second chance together.

The effective dual POV between Lacey and Jace give readers a glimpse into both of their minds, making it easy to understand their motivations and struggles. But what really elevates this structure are the flashbacks sprinkled throughout the narrative. These flashbacks reveal more about the history between Lacey and Jace—specifically, the heartwarming and heartbreaking moments that shaped their relationship. My personal favorite was the flashback that explained the origins of Jace's adorable and meaningful nickname for Lacey. It’s a perfect illustration of how young love evolves and how, despite all the time and distance, certain feelings never truly fade.

Lacey feels incredibly real and relatable. She’s juggling a demanding job, occasional clashes with her boss, and an endless cycle of bad dates with mediocre guys. She has a group of friends who constantly tease her but will always have her back. Jace’s the ideal book boyfriend. He listens, reads the books she recommends, recalls her favorite things, schemes with his boys to make the perfect event, and he knows how to spice things up. The two take things to the next level in a bathroom, Uber, with whipped cream, and so much more. It's a perfect balance of sweetness and spice - one that made me root for these two even harder.

What I particularly loved was the side drama, in Lacey’s workplace. Having worked in an assisted living facility myself, I found the snippets of resident gossip funny and incredibly relatable. Clara brought some much-needed comic relief, and I found myself highlighting many of her witty one-liners. These moments added an extra layer of charm and depth to the book, keeping things light.

This is a story about second chances and the unpredictable nature of love. The tension between Lacey and Jace’s unresolved past and their present feelings makes for an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s impossible not to cheer them on as they navigate their way back to each other. I can’t wait for the third book in the Romance Rehab series, as the friend group continues to find a match.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to the author and goodgirlauthorservices for an ARC!! I absolutely loved this book!!


Lacey 🏥
she occupational therapist, and has spent years attempting to forget about Jace and put him and everything about him in the past. one day though, he ends up back into her life because his best friend is her best friend's boy friend's best friend.

I loved how sassy and sure of herself Lacey was. she speaks her mind and let's people know if she doesn't like something.

Jace 📷
he is a photographer is very concentrated on his work in order to try and forget Lacey. he's had amazing experiences with hisnphotography, traveling the world. he even found something special!! but, no matter what he does he can't seem to forget about her.


the banter in the story was so good. I finished it in one sitting! I didn't get a chance to read book one but I felt like I didn't need to have read it first. I do recommend to pick up the first book though!


a miscommunication happened between the 2 of them many years ago which left both of them heartbroken for different reasons. now, they are back in each other's lives and are trying so hard not to think about one another but it fails miserably.

I loved seeing them reconcile and become friends again. the romance was slow and I really enjoyed that!!


if you like these then you will enjoy this book:
🏥 occupational therapist FMC
📷 adorable photographer MMC
🔥 slow burn
💕 second chance
✨️ he falls first


tropes:
- miscommunication (for sureeeee)
- childhood friends
- best friends to lovers
- enemies to lovers




quotes:
✨️ "I don’t want to lose you.”

✨️ “This is everything I’ve ever wanted. You, pixie, are everything I’ve ever wanted.”

✨️ "He took my breath away, but not in the way you read about in a romance novel. No, this was more like I had been sucker punched so hard my lungs were depleted of all oxygen."

✨️ "I know without a shadow of a doubt that we could have a love like my parents did."


I cannot wait for the next book and I will be reading book 1 before book 3 😁 I recommend this book to anyone who loves second chance romance 💗

[Eirian · Rating 4 out of 5]

When You Had Me Adapting by Jess Christine is book two of the romance rehab series. Now, these books can be read independently of one another or in order so you do not spoil anything from the previous book. So, if you have not read "when you left me speechless," do know there might be more spoilers ahead.

Now that you have been warned, let's get started with "When You Had Me Adapting." This book has dual POVs; we see the story from Jace's and Lacey's perspectives. This book's dual POV is nice, as we see the relationship issue from both sides and are able to really see how things happened and what caused the issue in the first place.

Before I get too far ahead of myself, this book is about Jace and Lacey. When Jace was 18, he was sure that Lacey was his soul mate; heck, he thought that at 8. But something happened because Lacey called him out of the blue and ended things one day. It is now one decade later, and both Jace and Lacey have to face what happened and see if they can move forward or keep being mad at each other for another decade.

If you are a fan of second-chance romance, this book will be right up your alley, as that is precisely what we get. It is also an open-door romance, so if you are uncomfortable with that, please know it happens in this book. We also get to watch/read about how the relationship ended and how it started to blossom again and get our happy ending.

Without giving you many details, this book has 4 out of 5 stars. It was a cute read that brought to light a lot of mental health issues we see in the world today and gave the characters a chance to work through them—the loss of a parent, cheating in a relationship, trust issues, and so on. Having these items in the book made it feel real in a way many romcoms fall short of. I greatly appreciate how Jess ensured this book represented these issues and allowed her characters to fix things.

Last but not least, I want to see a book in which Tanner finds love. He is a good wingman and deserves a happy ever after, too! So, if you could make that happen, Jess, I would love to read it!

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity Stars!!!! Lacey and Jace are EVERYTHING!!! Perfection, this book is absolute perfection!!!

💜Second Chance
📸It’s Always Been You
💜Found Family
📸He Falls First & So Hard
💜Childhood Friends to Distance to Lovers

The minute Lacey entered on page in book one, I knew I would love her! She is smart and funny and cares so deeply for those she loves. She goes through a lot with some misunderstanding between Jace who she thought was her best friend and the love of her life. But life has a funny way of unexpectedly giving you what you need when you didn’t expect it. The will they or won’t they along with some slow burn was really entertaining! I wanted them so badly to kiss and makeup fast, but that anticipation and details of who they are now was soooo beautifully written, the slow burn was fun!!!

And Jace or Jaks or J, lots of nicknames which I love!!! The guy has this beautiful way about him, to be vulnerable but never burden anyone with it. The way he pines all his life for Lacey, never ever giving up was amazing!!! Heck he read the books she loves, how amazing is that! He is perfect and sweet and extra swoony!!!

I was so lucky my bestie pushed me to read Jess’s first book in this series. I loved it sooooo much. Then I talked to Jess telling her my bestie said I must read your book and I’m soooo glad I did! Jess is not only an incredible writer, she is soooo sweet and puts her heart and soul into the stories she writes. These characters are so real and raw. They feel like my friends. Heck, I actually wish they were my friends, such an awesome group of characters. And Lacey and Jace are so meant for each other!!! The way they reconnect, the way they work out their distance between them, and their reconnection together is soooo hot and spicy! Absolute perfection!!!

This book is absolutely incredible!!! ♾️⭐️ Infinity Stars!! It had me sobbing, all that history these two have together is so beautiful!! Run, do not walk, run to read this!! An absolute must must must infinity stars read!!! ♾️⭐️

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟Second Chance
🌟Childhood Friends to Lovers
🌟It’s Always Been You
🌟He Falls First/Hard
🌟Found Family
🌟Flashbacks
🌟No Third Act Breakup
🌟Banter
🌟Good Girl/Boy
🌟Dual POV
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️

Lacey and Jace completely stole my heart in When You Had Me Adapting. This story was an emotional rollercoaster that left me utterly captivated. My heart shattered and bled for them, bringing me to tears more than once. But it also rejoiced and soared as their journey unfolded—yes, I cried for that too.

Ever since the ending of When You Left Me Speechless, I’ve been desperate to uncover what happened between them. When the truth finally came to light, the pain of their past was palpable and devastating. They were young, yes, and huge impulsive mistakes were made, but that didn’t make their loss and pain any less real. It was raw, heartbreaking, and oh-so-human.

The layers of their shared history and the paths their lives took over the last ten years added incredible depth to the story. Yet, through it all, one thing was undeniable: Lacey and Jace are meant to be. Their bond is magnetic, a blend of fire and tenderness that makes you believe in soulmates. They instinctively understand each other and act as a grounding tether, and I melted over and over again for it.

Their chemistry is electric—scorching hot—but their gentle, healing love is just as captivating and powerful. Watching them become each other’s safe space where vulnerability can exist and rediscover their connection was nothing short of beautiful. Love truly is their healing balm for what was, what was lost, and what is gained.

And let’s talk about the found family dynamic. The girl and guy squads in this book? Absolute gold. Their humor, unwavering support, and encouragement brought so much heart and joy to the story. The banter and group texts were laugh-out-loud hilarious, balancing out the heavier moments with perfect timing. These are the kind of friends everyone wishes they had in real life.

I’m head over heels for this book, for Lacey and Jace, and for the heartwarming, emotional journey they took me on. When You Had Me Adapting is a must-read, and I cannot recommend it enough. Prepare to laugh, cry, and fall completely in love with this story.

Thanks to the author, Jess, for the gifted eARC 💜

[Sara Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
ARC Review
It has taken me some thinking and reflecting for what my rating is because there were so many things I absolutely LOVED about this book and there were some things I just really really disliked. I left the book thinking "that was cute!" but remembered how I had to push myself to keep reading through some of the parts. So overall, it was a cute 3.5 star book!

What I LOVED about this book:
1. All of the OT stuff (I'm an OT)! I loved the ALF and the residents and all of the resident tea! I loved the rehab team working together and all the mentions of the dreaded MODULES and productivity.
2. THE TORTURED THERAPISTS DEPARTMENT group chat
3. I absolutely adored Jace. He is so sweet. And he picked up the Bridgerton series to read! SWOON!
4. Lacey was basically a version of me with some of her likes, her looks, etc. Just not her emotional intelligence and her dramatics lol
5. The ending - the book wrapped up so well! Lacey had some growth which is very much needed.

Favorite quotes/moments:
"Damn the invisible string was really invisible stringing"
"Before my IUD, I was expected to act like nothing was wrong while my uterus tried to kill me every month. Colt gets one tiny blister and has to come home to heal"
"Honestly though, good for her. S*x is an ADL"
"Holy ****, Lacey Sims is holding my hand. I try to compose myself"
etc. etc.

What I didn't like:
1. Lacey literally RUNNING away from Jace several times.
2. Giving up coffee for 10 years over a BOY.
3. The MISCOMMUNICATION. I feel like the misunderstanding of the "cheating" and her friend who insisted on it was just so incredibly unbelievable. And Jace just accepting it for 10 years. What happened to that friend too???
4. The nickname Pixie and using it during spicy scenes.
5. Calling Jace a "good boy"

Overall I would recommend this book to any therapist because it felt so nice to main character with the same job. It was a cute second chance romance if you like that trope. The spice was good and the friend group is funny. And I can't wait to read Tanner's book!

[Manda Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝐼’𝓋𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓎𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝑜𝓁𝒹.”

I was really excited for Lacey’s book but I will say the Epilogue of Book 1 had me thinking it would be her and Tanner but I love a second chance of childhood sweethearts.

Lacey is Poppy’s best friend from childhood and roommate she is also a firecracker who is the friend that is there to tell you to go for what you want. Jace or Jacks as he goes by now also grew up with Poppy and Lacey and now is a wildlife photographer. With his career he does not spend much time home which is why we did not learn that Jacks and Jace was the same person from Book one. From the start learn that Lacey and Jace have a long history and they both seem to remember what happened very differently. As the story progresses you can feel the tension and you can feel the pull to know what happened. When it all finally boils over there are so many revelations and they decide to work on their friendship but you realize pretty early that they both want something more.

The beginning was a little rough with Lacey I did find her at moments a little immature for a 27 year old but I promise if you push through she makes it up. I was also pretty disappointed in Logan as well but this story made me fall in love Tanner a bit more the way he was ready to help Jace and the way they described him as a mix between Chandler and Joey perfect. Hopefully we get his HEA soon and we can know who it will be.

~~What to Expect~~
📷Second Chance
📷Childhood Friends to Lovers
📷Slow Burn
📷It’s Always Been You
📷He Falls First and Harder
📷Flashbacks
📷No 3rd Act Break Up
📷Miscommunication

~~Quote~~
🩺She doesn’t know it yet, but if I have my way I’m never letting go of her again.
🩺I want him now and forever. I’ve never been more sure of anything.
🩺You are what I wish for on ever star.
🩺This is everything I ever wanted. You. Pixie. Are everything I ever wanted.

[Kats · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌠 Cinnamon roll MMC
🌠 Sassy FMC
🌠 Dual POV
🌠 Second chance romance
🌠 Childhood friends to lovers
🌠 Slow burn
🌠 It's always been you

“At eighteen, I thought she was my future. Hell, at eight, I thought she was my forever and then it all came crashing down.”

Lacey and Jace had been childhood best friends turned high school sweethearts. When Jace takes up a one year internship in another state they commit to a long distance relationship. But Lacey breaks up with him, broken hearted that she had caught him cheating, or so she thought. Jace has loved her since he was 8 years old and is totally confused why their relationship ended. Over 10 years they have both pined for their lost love, until their paths cross again when Jace turns out to be friends with Poppy's new boyfriend Logan.

There are chapters in the present, as well as the past, and from both POVs. The banter between these two was spot on, so funny and charming. Jace is such a sweetheart, really throughout the whole story. Miscommunication tropes are often frustrating to me, and although I thought Lacey totally overreacted as a teen at the same time I get it. And I thoroughly loved their journey back to each other, and the revelations of how they their love had driven them even through a decade of no contact.

It's also hilarious, with group chats, texts and more that kept me laughing along. The spice was also fantastic. I also enjoyed the insight into Lacey's work as an Occupational Therapist in an assisted living facility, and her friend group who work in Therapy roles, and the romance (and spice!) going on with the residents was so fun.

This is book two in the series and can be read as an interconnected standalone, but I'm definitely going back to read book one When You Left Me Speechless, which is Poppy and Logan's story.

[Justine Gingras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: dual
Tropes: second chance romance, childhood friends to lovers, Occupational Therapist × Wildlife Photojournalist, Slow Burn, Cinnamon Roll MMC, He Falls First, It’s Always Been You, Found Family, Flashbacks, HEA, No 3rd Act Breakup, Spicy

Lacey and Jace 😍 ah I LOVED them, the flashbacks were the perfect opportunity to understand what happened and how one action can change everything. Usually I am not a fan of the miscommunication trope, but the way Jess wrote it made it so relatable and sort of funny once you got more into the story.

The chemistry and banter between Jace and Lacey was perfect! The way their slow burn builds will keep you engaged and wanting to know what is going to happen next! And let me tell you, once the spice hits, it HITS!! Jace is the ultimate cinnamon roll MMC, the cute ways they show their affection and how you can truly tell he’s alway been a goner for Lacey. I mean when a girl breaks your heart and 10 years later you’re still pining after her like he is *swoon*. Lacey is that badass friend that everyone needs and should have in their life. Once they reconnect, and Lacey realizes the mistake she’s made, they both have to heal their broken hearts and we see them lean on each other to grow into exactly who they need to be. These two together is *chefs kiss*

This is one of the best “it’s always been you” that I have read! Throughout Jace’s POV you get to see how he lived his life but always had Lacey on his mind and wanted to get back together.

I love how Jess writes about not the “typical” occupations but are completely mainstream and includes real life, relatable issues and situations!
As the second book in the Romance Rehab series, this can be read alone but I recommend reading When You Left Me Speechless as well!