With or Without Vows: A Steamy Second Chance Romance

by Karen Lieversz

A woman on the edge. An ex undercover cop hiding from the past. A second chance to save their marriage. Two faint lines on a pee stick. That’s all it took to derail Jules’ career. Now she’s rubbing shoulders with other parents at school pick up and struggling to keep a lid on her growing frustration.

Mick spends his days (and nights) pouring though tax returns searching for white collar criminals because it’s safer than confronting the trauma of his past.

When Jules discovers a petite bombshell cuddling up to her man in a bar, she jumps to the obvious, but in this case, wrong conclusion.

Still, it’s the wake-up call they both needed.

For too long, Mick and Jules have pretended their marriage is fine when it’s not. So, they agree to try to rekindle their relationship, if only for the sake of their daughter.

But when their secrets are exposed, they will have to tackle their personal demons head on or risk losing everything.

No more half-truths. No more pretending. No more excuses.

With or Without Vows, the third standalone novel in the steamy Hot Cops series, is an emotionally charged second chance romance with a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance Romance, M F Romance

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2024

About the author

Karen Lieversz writes romance and women’s fiction with heat, humour and a dash of irreverence.

With or Without Panties, the first book in Karen's Hot Cop series, was released on 17th October 2023. Packed with sizzling heat, humour and misbehaving canines, this series is perfect for readers of contemporary romance who enjoy their men in (or out of) uniform, and with a hint of suspense.

With or Without Panties was a finalist in three prestigious competitions - RWAus Valerie Parv Award in 2020, RWAus Emerald Award in 2022, and League of Romance Writers The Emily in 2023. And is a finalist in three categories of the ARR 2023 awards.

The second and third books in the Hot Cops series, With or Without Trust and With or Without Vows, are now also available to purchase.

Reviews

[Danny Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

So there were parts that I liked, and parts that I disliked. The h Jules was really hard to warm-up to, to be honest. I didn't like her all that much, but I did feel for her about all the job rejections she was getting. This is a woman who does not want to be a stay at home mom. She has a university education in Egyptian Archeology so yeah that's going to be hard living in Australia. I think she carried her own resentment towards her husband and child. Her husband worked all the time and was never home. He was an ex undercover cop doing accounting for the police force. But still very much deep into catching criminals. Then she got the feeling that her husband wasn't being faithful. Especially after catching him at a bar hugging a woman she'd never seen before. Instead of telling the h the truth. The H Mick lies about who this woman was and continues a spiral of late night's and lies. While the h becomes an alcoholic and pill popper. Essentially becoming an addict. I did feel for Mick because he never got the help he needed for his PTSD after his friend was killed on duty when they were police officers. He felt obligated to help friend's wife and son who ended up being the woman in the bar. His friend's widow. But at the same time Mick started letting down his own wife and child and it just kept spiralling. It was a very realistic story, but also bored me to tears at some parts. I was frustrated with both characters equally because of the lack of communication and lies they kept telling one another. I do think that if thing's hadn't imploded the way they did the dead friend's wife would have tried to pull Mick from his family for herself. And he would have let it happen unfortunately because of his guilt, but he had zero interest in the widow that way. He was more focused on her son. The h basically overdosed on pills and alcohol but not purposely. She didn't want to die. Her hubby's not the best either, but she was actually extremely selfish throughout the book because of her job rejections and wishful thinking. I mean I get it. Her kid came from a ONS with a cop and she wasn't happy, she's always pushing her kid onto friends and inlaws. Her daughter starts to develop clear abandonment issues that the author decided to pass over 🤷 So, I must recommend women who want to work full-time not marry police officers or firefighters unless you don't want kids. It's just not going to work out if you do. I've seen it in real life and there have been lot's of divorces because of it. The H Mick wasn't a cop anymore, but he still worked for the police force as an accountant still catching criminals. He worked undercover cases as well as himself being an undercover cop when he was active duty.

It ends with a HEA with the h Jules getting accepted into a master's program and the couple working out their issues. The widow conveniently gets a boyfriend in the end and all is well in the world 😬. Oh forgot to mention Mick's mom causes trouble for Jules throughout because she dislikes her. She thinks she's a golddigger and married Mick for money. Which is funny unless the Aussie's cops are swimming in money because it doesn't work that way in America.

[Pandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second chance romance with Mick and Jules. Jules is easy to relate to as she struggles to find her place after being a stay at home mum for so long. Mick struggles with his past as an undercover cop and finds it difficult to open up honestly to Jules which starts putting cracks in their relationship.

I found the Australian use of language so easy to read and relatable. This relationship felt so real and it was refreshing to read about two people working on an already established relationship rather than another instant love connection. The spice and chemistry between Jules and Mick was also absolutely delicious.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With or Without Vows is Book 3 in the Hot Cops series. It is a steamy marriage in trouble, second-chance romance. Mick is a cop who used to do undercover work and is struggling with some PTSD issues. Jules has been a stay at home mom and is now trying to re-enter the workforce and is struggling to find her way. The two have been married for some time and have drifted apart due to various reasons stemming from baggage they both carry and lack of communication. I really loved this couple. Their struggles were real and authentic. They had great chemistry even though I wanted to knock their heads together at times. We also do get a happy ending, but it was quite an emotional roller-coaster ride getting there. It did drag a little at times for me, but overall, I really loved this story. This couple perfectly balanced each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cc]

I'm not going to rate even though I got close to halfway. The writing was good, but I didn't feel the love between the MC's. Unfortunately. I really have been craving a good angst fest but this even started off on a bad note. The heroine seemed more chuffed about losing her glorious career than anything else, which is another kind of book altogether. There's no cheating, I think the hero was a dick for not telling his wife his plans and the reasons behind them. Honestly, if this had been more about PTSD and what it does to a relationship I'd have been more interested in it. Oh well, maybe it's me, but this one didn't break my angst need fast. I'm still re reading old ones that do yank my chain, but they never yank as hard as the first time, snort. YMMV. KU

[Lindsey Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mick and Jules are an amazing addition to the Hot Cops series.

Marriage in trouble is not my go-to trope, in fact I usually avoid it. But I have loved this series so I placed my faith in Karen Lieversz and it was a decision well made.

Jules is a spitfire! Not a dull moment with her! Mick's calm is the perfect balance for her. Although their relationship didn't start out very conventionally they love each other deeply. Unfortunately they lost sight of each other over the years as they travelled down life's path.

Both of them have a lot of demons - Mick's stemming from his time undercover and Jules from the hold she had to put on her dreams and the difficulty in resurrecting them. It was easy to relate to some of the challenges she faced trying to rejoin the workforce.
The struggles they each faced relate to senstitive topics; I felt they were written with authenticity and the characters are treated with grace and compassion.

I am very happy that I stepped outside my comfort zone; I was in good hands with Karen Lieversz and I absolutely loved Mick and Jules' story.

[Tracey 'BookBooksBookish' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Karen Lieversz for the opportunity to read With or Without Vows book 3 in the hot cop series through BookFunnel for my honest review

The series is based out of Parramatta police station and our favourite and likable characters from previous books make an appearance in this one.

With or Without Vows is told in dual POV. Jules and Mick our main characters are each holding their own secrets close to their chest, causing a strain on their relationship. With or Without Vows is a second chance romance touching on topics like PTSD, addictions and marital strain.

I enjoyed this book, for me Karen has brought a more serious storyline to our pages. I feel the story has a more realistic tone with the perfect amount of spice added on top.

With or Without Vows is a must read just like the first 2 books in the series With or Without Panties and With or Without Trust.

With or Without Vows
Release date: Thursday 5th December 2024
I hope you enjoy the read as much as I did!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Closer Look . . .

Jules and Mick got together, neither expecting the result to be their daughter Riley. But Mick did marry Jules, although things started to go downhill and she discovered him cozying up with a woman in a bar. Their marriage was definitely in trouble and struggling, as it had been for some time. The question now is, do they want to save their marriage? Is it even worth saving now? Can they get beyond past events and be honest with each other? Because if they can’t, they won’t be able to continue lying to themselves either and it will come to an end. Grab your copy and see whether the two of them are ready to tackle this difficult task; or will they throw away a marriage that they might be able to save?

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Algo que no entiendo es por qué dar a entender que Melissa estaba interesada en Mick, incluso hay una escena de celos, para luego abandonar ese tema de manera repentina y, luego, revelar que está de novia con el director de la escuela de su hija.

[Carrie Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the Hot Cops series. This is Jules and Mick's book. We met them in book 1, and even then it was clear their marriage was in trouble. The angst in this book is neatly balanced with just the right amount of humour, and of course there is the trademark steam we expect from Karen Lieversz. With or Without Vows is a deep dive into the breakdown of a marriage, and the damage secrets can do. Highly recommend!

[Lisa J Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of Jules and Mick. Loved the twists and turns the story gave me so I kept wanting to read that little bit more. Fantastic work, Karen. Hope you have more coming in this series.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining second Chance romance book that holds your attention captive from beginning to end. The characters are well written with steamy chemistry together. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thebluereadingchair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed Karen's Hot Cop series and With Or Without Vows is no exception.

The book follows the marriage of Jules and Mick. It's clear from the beginning it's on the rocks. Mick is a workaholic dealing with his past as a detective. Jules is a house wife battling addiction while feeling stuck in her role as a mum and unsure about her relationship with her husband.

What I love about Karen's writing is her ability to keep her audience really intrigued by the detective aspect of the plot and as equally engaged with the characters of the story. I was rooting for Mick and Jules. And little Riley.

What's to love:
Second chance romance
Marriage in trouble
Mental health rep

I was given an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I would recommend this whole series!

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mid marriage crisis leads to a reevaluation of love. Honesty, trust and vulnerability are eventually shared and through them a renewal of passion. Well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Enya Miche · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to unpack in this book, I don’t even know where to begin. I have read every book in Karen’s series, and while they normally mix drama, suspense, and laughter, this one delves deeper into the darker aspects of the human psyche. In "With or Without Vows," we are reminded that while we might believe we can control our minds, we are often powerless against their pull when they decide to drag us under.

One night. That was all it was supposed to be - just one night, first names only, no numbers - just unbridled passion to blow off some steam before the rest of her life began. Jules wasn’t expecting the parting gift that would derail all her plans, but she wouldn’t trade Riley for the world. Of all the surprises that followed her encounter with Mick, his unexpected return to her life was the most shocking. Not only had he come back, but he also knew about his daughter and was ready to explore a future with Jules. What once seemed like a fantasy quickly became reality - until one letter and an ill-timed visit destroyed it all. Fast forward to the present, and that initial bliss has turned into a living nightmare filled with fears of infidelity, lies, and secrets. A growing chasm now separates Mick and Jules. How can they save their marriage when they can barely save themselves?

The first half of this book flew by! I couldn't put it down. One issue I've had in the past with Karen's books is her tendency to be redundant, but in the first half of this book, she nailed it. I was engaged, enthralled, and on the edge of my seat, eager to know what would happen next. She has a talent for tiptoeing around what the reader really wants to know, making us turn the pages faster and faster to finally discover what really happened (or get rewarded with glimpses for our patience). The redundancy did start to creep back in before we reached the inevitable third-act breakup. This dialed back the momentum a bit, creating a slight dip, but she quickly picked up the steam again, making it feel like a minor blip over the entirety of the book. I suspect this was due to the need to extend the length of the book more than anything else. You can tell when Karen might have noticed it because she would veer left or right with the thought instead of reiterating the same points. Bravo on this new tactic - it paid off!

As I said before, there was just so much in this book! I can’t gush enough about these characters. Jules is such an enigma - she preaches politeness but can flick someone off in a heartbeat. She tries not to judge others but judges herself too harshly, which pretty much makes her a modern-day woman. She's loyal to a fault, almost to the point where her blind loyalty breeds distrust because of past issues with her father, constantly planting seeds of doubt in her mind about the strength, commitment, and power of love.

What I found most fascinating, and I don’t know if Karen did this on purpose, was the stark contrast between her friends. You have Claire, who, compared to Taylor, is the good, kind "angel" - always there for Jules when she needs her, a friend, confidant, caring and compassionate. Then there's Taylor, who doesn't care about anything or anyone but herself: self-centered, self-absorbed, and could careless how her actions affect others [I changed this part from the review to hide the spoiler]. Two people who are polar opposites yet influence who Jules is, what she thinks, and how she views her life.

Speaking of Mick, the way Karen wrote his character shows her immense talent for character development. He was a constantly evolving figure, and even though he was written in the first person, he was so good at lying to himself that he convinced the reader along with him. We weren’t clued into how bad things were for him until his own façade began to crack - then suddenly, we were able to see past the shield to a man who has been running from his past for seven years, a man who worked so hard to protect those he loved from an event that took everything from him that it was doomed to do the same in the present.

I loved that the resolution between Jules and Mick wasn’t just magically done - everyone is healed, and they lived happily ever after. Karen kept the dance true to life - for every couple of steps forward, something would cause them to stumble backward, whether it was in their own personal journeys or in the repair of their marriage.

That was another thing I appreciated - Karen could have easily gone the miscommunication route, and once that was cleared up, all would be well. Instead, she went deeper and made it clear it had nothing to do with miscommunication from one side but the overall lack of communication and support from both sides and how it reflected on the vows, the promises they made to one another. The fact that they were suffering beside each other for so long spoke volumes.

The heat was definitely front and center in the story. If there was something that Jules and Mick never lacked, it was chemistry and passion - even when everything else was fragile. I liked how Karen made sure to show that even with an intense physical connection, it isn’t enough to sustain a marriage.

Jules and Mick were the perfect example of how little control we truly have over our demons. We can convince ourselves all we want that we are stronger, smarter, know better, but we aren’t, and we never will be.

I am curious if we have reached the end of this series or if there is still more to come. In either case, it has been an honor to watch Karen’s writing evolve. I knew she was capable of making some magic, and as expected, she delivered!

[A•S•R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trope : A Steamy Second Chance Romance & Steamy Romance & Marriage In Trouble!!

Mike and Jules are hands down my favorite couple from the Hot Cop series so far! Their story is raw, messy, and so real that it had me hooked from the start. Mike, the rugged ex-cop turned tax guy, and Jules, who gave up her career to raise their daughter Riley, are at a crossroads. Years of secrets, insecurities, and just life wearing them down have left their marriage hanging by a thread—and Riley’s behavior makes it painfully obvious.

What I loved most about this book is how imperfect and relatable they are. Jules’ struggles to find herself again, Mike’s frustrating yet lovable secrecy, and their genuine attempts to fix what’s broken felt so honest. And let’s not forget, the chemistry between them? Absolute fire. Every steamy scene is packed with tension and emotions that remind you why they fell in love in the first place.

It’s not all smooth sailing—they face plenty of challenges from their past and their own decisions—but watching them fight for each other (and for Riley) is worth it. By the time they get their HEA, it feels earned, not just for them but for Riley and their adorable dog, Zola, too.

This book had me rooting for them the entire time, tearing up at the hard parts, and swooning at the sweet and spicy moments. If you love second chances, steamy romance, and a marriage worth fighting for, Mike and Jules’ story is the one you don’t want to miss!

[Dre · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another one where I was expecting more from the OW drama. I don't feel like the actual issue was addressed here. I mean I know Jules brought up the lying, but I just feel like the bigger issue was he did keep choosing the other woman. I know PTSD and guilt are terrible things, but how many ppl have to tell you you're messing up your marriage before you remove your head from your a$$?! Jacob literally told Mick and gave him a card of a therapist, and he just ignored it, but Jacob told you multiple times. Then when Jules sees Mick with the OW AGAIN, he tells her to not make a scene? Oh she went SO EASY on him. If that was me, I would've told him all communication goes through my lawyer from now on. I'm truly sorry for the other woman and her son. But they also needed therapy instead of pulling a man away from his own family. I get Jules being unhappy about putting her dreams on hold and now not being able to use her degree and watching everyone else move forward and be happy, but the freaking museum wouldn't even give her a job? And every time she went to Mick, he was conveniently busy being there for the OW and her son instead of his wife. Sorry, but Mick needed to get the boot. This story was super long, I was bored, and I didn't really feel any chemistry between Jules and Mick. And his mother needed to be put in her place long before Mick actually did so. Another blah story where I was looking for the angsty gut punch.

[Mel - Write On Editorial · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third instalment in the Hot Cops series is about Jules, the best friend of Claire from book one, and her husband, Mick.
Some serious issues, like addiction and PTSD, are tackled in this story of a married couple trying to find their way back to each other.
And the realistic and sensitive way Karen writes about their struggles makes this story shine. It was refreshing to read a story with people already in a relationship and a story so grounded in real life. There's no magic wand waving to get to the HEA.
The other aspect of this story I loved was how committed Mick was to his marriage. He never gave up on Jules. Good on ya, Mick!
Oh and don't worry, there's plenty of lighter moments and sexy times, as well. You won't miss out on those aspects of a contemporary romance here, even with the heavier themes.
All of which has me eagerly asking, who will be the next hot cop?

[J Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Jules and Mick are married with a little girl named, Riley. Mick used to be an undercover cop but something happened and now he works on white-collar crimes doing taxes. Jules is a stay-at-home Mom. Mick and Jules hit a very rough patch, Mick works late every night and Jules drinks a lot to overcome not being able to move on with a career in her life and an absent husband. Things come to a head when Jules catches Mick after work with a female ex-colleague all over him.
Will Jules and Mick be able to save their marriage or will they continue to unravel? Will they find the love they used to have?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mick and Jules - This one is the most serious of the series so far. Mick and Jules each are holding secrets close to their chests. Secrets that can destroy the family they created after one misbegotten night of passion. A testament to the saying "Sh*t just got real" in a good way as they put in the work to reclaim themselves and their love. Another great couple, with their adorable daughter Riley, bolstered by the other Hot Cops characters. Sometimes a little funny, sometimes steamy, always a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in Lieversz's Hot Cops series and can easily be read as a standalone. I absolutely love this journey of our main characters Mick and Jules. Lieversz delivers a well written, captivating storyline of second chances, steamy chemistry and more. While I don't usually go for the marriage in trouble troupe, I absolutely loved reading this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mick & Jules: Book 3 of Hot Cops series: Standalone: Second chance to save their marriage/ former undercover cop/ hiding from the past: No more pretending, half-truths, secrets, or excuses. The characters are deep and well developed. I loved the banter between Mick and Jules. Karen Lieversz did a great job with this page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

His relationship with his dead friend's widow and son was a horrible betrayal of trust to his wife and was very detrimental to his family.

It was clear he loved his wife and their intimate scenes were hot and I definitely read the whole book and enjoyed the angsty parts quite a bit. It just fell short of being angsty enough or having enough OW drama to really be what I'm looking for in a good marriage in trouble/betrayal story. The writing was good.

[Ciara Best]

Dnf @ 60%. The H is continuously coming to the rescue of OW (who’s not necessarily an OW but she’s still a woman he’s putting before his family) while neglecting his own wife & daughter and lying about it. He’s lying about where he’s at & who the woman is. There’s been come ‘friendly’ touching between him & the OW that could be considered a non issue if it weren’t for the fact that he’s lying about it & ignoring his wife for it. Not for me.

[Marle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story -Real Characters - excellent writing #KindleScore !

A creative story about two perfectly flawed people finding their way back to each other. Mick’s need to bury a trauma results in very suspicious behavior. His wife spirals, dealing with the loss of her prior identity, before she had a child. Set in the background of a mystery. Add some colorful characters and great humor guarantees and excellent read!! Can’t wait to read more of her books!

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mick and Jules Are so realistic it’s crazy. I love that it’s just like a normal relationship with a child that shows real issues that real couples go through. I feel like everyone has gone through a little lull in their relationships but i think it is so so so important to show that they are worth fighting for and making sure you stay with the person who you know you love. I adored this book.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

what went wrong?
My heart broke for Jules and Mick, they still love each other but unsolved "ghosts from the past" keep resurfacing, threatening to destroy their family. They are such wonderful characters and I just wanted for them all to find a HEA, this time for real and for a long, long time.

[Paige Whitecotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

lies……

Lies never work out. they always hurt the people you are trying to protect. Mick learned that the hard way. Jules lies also making excuses for her problems. These two had a long road ahead to rebuild. Great book.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Mick and Jules, the next book in the hot cop series. A great read, looking forward to the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Footer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story..really enjoyed it

Loved the characters & their struggles.....
Glad they worked it out...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ari · Rating 1 out of 5]

Authors who write garbage like this have ZERO class.

GO TO THERAPY IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO HATE WOMEN AND EXPRESS THAT THROUGH WRITING.