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The Freshman Parents
THEY'RE OFF FOR THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES. BUT ARE YOU?
Single parent Heather isn't neurotic (honest!) — she's simply dreading the day her only child leaves for university — so her meticulous checklists grow longer by the hour. When she seeks advice from a parents' forum, she clashes with Scott, a single dad, whose "helpful" statistics and assertions about "helicopter parenting" leave her fuming.
Move-in day delivers the ultimate surprise: their daughters aren't just room-mates — they're self-declared best friends for life.
Despite their intentions to avoid relationships at all costs, unpredictable events keep throwing Heather and Scott together, making it increasingly difficult to ignore each other...
Single parent Heather isn't neurotic (honest!) — she's simply dreading the day her only child leaves for university — so her meticulous checklists grow longer by the hour. When she seeks advice from a parents' forum, she clashes with Scott, a single dad, whose "helpful" statistics and assertions about "helicopter parenting" leave her fuming.
Move-in day delivers the ultimate surprise: their daughters aren't just room-mates — they're self-declared best friends for life.
Despite their intentions to avoid relationships at all costs, unpredictable events keep throwing Heather and Scott together, making it increasingly difficult to ignore each other...
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 29, 2026
I instinctively knew that I would enjoy this book but underestimated how much. Ko Porteous has flown straight onto my list of must-read authors, and I’m already looking forward to book two.
I immediately took to Heather’s character and understood her overwhelming desire to protect her daughter. It’s natural to worry about a child’s first foray into the big bad world, and the desire to ensure their happiness and safety can be overwhelming. There’s no question I found Heather’s experience completely relatable; I felt a kindred connection with her viewpoint.
Scott came across as a completely arrogant and self-absorbed guy who would definitely have got my back up. The joy of this book was getting to the root of his character and discovering the reasoning behind his behaviour. Truth be told, I had already softened toward him before his past experiences became evident. I went from disliking him to seeing the terrific guy he revealed himself to be.
The story was conveyed through a trio of mechanisms: the thoughts of the lead characters, Heather and Scott, the conversations with their respective daughters, and an online chat forum composed of other parents of freshman students. This created a warm feeling of community without introducing a huge supporting cast. Hopefully, the future instalments will enable us to meet some of the other parents.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about The Freshman Parents and fully support the viewpoint that mattress toppers are an essential part of any student's college requirements. Take a leap with this debut author; I think she’s set for great things.
I immediately took to Heather’s character and understood her overwhelming desire to protect her daughter. It’s natural to worry about a child’s first foray into the big bad world, and the desire to ensure their happiness and safety can be overwhelming. There’s no question I found Heather’s experience completely relatable; I felt a kindred connection with her viewpoint.
Scott came across as a completely arrogant and self-absorbed guy who would definitely have got my back up. The joy of this book was getting to the root of his character and discovering the reasoning behind his behaviour. Truth be told, I had already softened toward him before his past experiences became evident. I went from disliking him to seeing the terrific guy he revealed himself to be.
The story was conveyed through a trio of mechanisms: the thoughts of the lead characters, Heather and Scott, the conversations with their respective daughters, and an online chat forum composed of other parents of freshman students. This created a warm feeling of community without introducing a huge supporting cast. Hopefully, the future instalments will enable us to meet some of the other parents.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about The Freshman Parents and fully support the viewpoint that mattress toppers are an essential part of any student's college requirements. Take a leap with this debut author; I think she’s set for great things.
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July 15, 20264.5 stars
This is a lovely story about people adjusting to the first year of university. It follows 2 single parents and their kids. There are several side plots that need to be addressed over the course of the year.
Many of the escapades are quite funny and I laughed out loud a few times. Ultimately the story is full of heart and humor.
The messages from the parent group chats are funny.
My only issue was that I thought the book was a bit long. If some of the side stories were tightened up this book would have been a solid 5 stars for me.
This is the first book in an empty nest series. I look forward to reading the others.
This is a lovely story about people adjusting to the first year of university. It follows 2 single parents and their kids. There are several side plots that need to be addressed over the course of the year.
Many of the escapades are quite funny and I laughed out loud a few times. Ultimately the story is full of heart and humor.
The messages from the parent group chats are funny.
My only issue was that I thought the book was a bit long. If some of the side stories were tightened up this book would have been a solid 5 stars for me.
This is the first book in an empty nest series. I look forward to reading the others.
July 14, 2026
WOW!!! What an incredible debut. I loved it!
July 19, 2026
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Heather and Scott are complete opposites; Heather needs mass amounts of control in her world in order to feel safe, and Scott claims he doesn’t need to be in control at all, although the verdict is out on that. To him, Heather is a helicopter parent who has too much say in how her daughter Georgia lives her life, and for Heather, Scott has been a total hands-off parent with his daughter Brianna, convinced he’s taught her how to be self-sufficient and independent that way. Truthfully, both parents are dealing with their newfound empty nest situations–and both are struggling with it in their own ways.
The need for control (or lack thereof) comes from the experiences both characters have had in their pasts. Heather has seen a lot of absence, and Scott has dealt with a lot of loss. Despite how completely different they are from one another, there are plenty of ways they meet in the middle and can understand what it feels like to lose someone they loved and cared about. It causes Heather to cling too tightly to her daughter and not let anyone in. For Scott, he wants his daughter to take care of herself at all cost, creating a bit of distance from her. It’s like the best of both worlds for parenting would be to meet in the middle of those parenting styles, which starts to happen the more time Heather and Scott spend together.
There are chat messages in The Freshman Parents between Scott, Heather, and the rest of the freshman university parent group, and I could really relate to the dialogue there, having my own child who is in college, with another one right on their heels in high school. While both of my kids still live at home, I imagine the day either (or both) of them move out will be incredibly hard for me, and such a huge adjustment. The various questions asked and the advice given in the parent group is reminiscent of what I’d imagine for my own support group, should I need that someday. It takes a village to raise a child, but what happens to the parents once that job is done?
Both Heather and Scott have some hidden secrets they’re keeping from one another, mostly in an effort to lay low and not succumb to drama. But in not being completely honest, they put a lot of doubt on their budding relationship, which makes them wonder if it’s even worth getting involved. Over time, they see more than what they’d originally assumed–maybe Heather isn’t such a control freak. And Scott cares a lot more than he lets on. The high dive into what it takes to try to heal from the proverbial empty nest syndrome and come out at the other end mostly unscathed was fun, touching, and a worthy five-star experience!
Heather and Scott are complete opposites; Heather needs mass amounts of control in her world in order to feel safe, and Scott claims he doesn’t need to be in control at all, although the verdict is out on that. To him, Heather is a helicopter parent who has too much say in how her daughter Georgia lives her life, and for Heather, Scott has been a total hands-off parent with his daughter Brianna, convinced he’s taught her how to be self-sufficient and independent that way. Truthfully, both parents are dealing with their newfound empty nest situations–and both are struggling with it in their own ways.
The need for control (or lack thereof) comes from the experiences both characters have had in their pasts. Heather has seen a lot of absence, and Scott has dealt with a lot of loss. Despite how completely different they are from one another, there are plenty of ways they meet in the middle and can understand what it feels like to lose someone they loved and cared about. It causes Heather to cling too tightly to her daughter and not let anyone in. For Scott, he wants his daughter to take care of herself at all cost, creating a bit of distance from her. It’s like the best of both worlds for parenting would be to meet in the middle of those parenting styles, which starts to happen the more time Heather and Scott spend together.
There are chat messages in The Freshman Parents between Scott, Heather, and the rest of the freshman university parent group, and I could really relate to the dialogue there, having my own child who is in college, with another one right on their heels in high school. While both of my kids still live at home, I imagine the day either (or both) of them move out will be incredibly hard for me, and such a huge adjustment. The various questions asked and the advice given in the parent group is reminiscent of what I’d imagine for my own support group, should I need that someday. It takes a village to raise a child, but what happens to the parents once that job is done?
Both Heather and Scott have some hidden secrets they’re keeping from one another, mostly in an effort to lay low and not succumb to drama. But in not being completely honest, they put a lot of doubt on their budding relationship, which makes them wonder if it’s even worth getting involved. Over time, they see more than what they’d originally assumed–maybe Heather isn’t such a control freak. And Scott cares a lot more than he lets on. The high dive into what it takes to try to heal from the proverbial empty nest syndrome and come out at the other end mostly unscathed was fun, touching, and a worthy five-star experience!
July 10, 2026
I’ve just finished Ko Porteous’ debut novel, The Freshman Parents, and it’s a gripping read from page one! Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I felt myself transported back to my daughter leaving home. The desperation to get it right, battling with the terror of the empty nest! Would she be OK? How would I cope? Are we even supposed to think about ourselves in a new light, having had a role first and foremost as ‘parent’ for so many years? Should we feel guilty about finding new possibilities or is it OK to embrace them? These are questions that rear their head at the “empty nesters” life stage.
Ko captures these sentiments so powerfully through the characters of Heather and Scott. And then something interesting happens, while of course our young people remain at the heart of all we are and all we do, it gradually dawns that it might be ok for us “empty nesters” to have a life beyond parenting too! Something that isn’t possible when day to day life is consumed by parenting priorities.
Ko captures the fear of change, the emptiness that perhaps leaves you looking for answers to long-standing, repressed questions about your own life. Perhaps this can lead to new experiences, a new career or life choices … Ko is an empathetic and sensitive writer who clearly loves her characters. We feel invested in their lives, hurt when they hurt and rejoice when they succeed.
It’s always great to discover a new author, and exciting to hear that Ko’s next novel will be out in October. A definite must read, for the empty nesters, those approaching that life stage with trepidation and also our young people - we ask that you take a moment to understand our messy lives too!
I felt myself transported back to my daughter leaving home. The desperation to get it right, battling with the terror of the empty nest! Would she be OK? How would I cope? Are we even supposed to think about ourselves in a new light, having had a role first and foremost as ‘parent’ for so many years? Should we feel guilty about finding new possibilities or is it OK to embrace them? These are questions that rear their head at the “empty nesters” life stage.
Ko captures these sentiments so powerfully through the characters of Heather and Scott. And then something interesting happens, while of course our young people remain at the heart of all we are and all we do, it gradually dawns that it might be ok for us “empty nesters” to have a life beyond parenting too! Something that isn’t possible when day to day life is consumed by parenting priorities.
Ko captures the fear of change, the emptiness that perhaps leaves you looking for answers to long-standing, repressed questions about your own life. Perhaps this can lead to new experiences, a new career or life choices … Ko is an empathetic and sensitive writer who clearly loves her characters. We feel invested in their lives, hurt when they hurt and rejoice when they succeed.
It’s always great to discover a new author, and exciting to hear that Ko’s next novel will be out in October. A definite must read, for the empty nesters, those approaching that life stage with trepidation and also our young people - we ask that you take a moment to understand our messy lives too!
July 21, 2026
Thank you to Ko Porteous and Rachel’s Random Resources for my Physical copy to read and review. A special thank you to Ko for the personalised note on the front page.
Heather’s daughter is leaving to go to university. It’s a difficult transition for Heather, as a single mum and estranged from her parents her life has been completely and utterly devoted to Georgia until this point.
Scott is equally devoted to his daughter – but his approach is a bit more about building up resilience, let them make their own mistakes and find their own way in life.
Inevitably they clash – first in an online parents’ group and then in real life when their daughters become neighbours at university. And life has a way of throwing them together. But they begin to see through the reasons why they both behave the way they do and gradually build a relationship.
But they both have baggage, a past and one they find it hard to really talk about. Can either of them really let their guard down and learn to trust and love again.
I liked the fact that in this book the main characters are in their fifties. It’s refreshing to see a romance where people’s lives throw up barriers to new relationships – it seems real and authentic.
I enjoyed both Heather and Scott’s characters. Both have their different parenting styles, but it is easy to see why they think the way they do. I loved how as they got to know each other they both took on board some of the other’s philosophy of life.
I appreciated the backdrop of the University and St Andrews. It felt like a trip down memory lane of my own uni days.
A fun, light romance which is enjoyed. Im lucky enough to be also reading the Next book in the series before its publication in October and look forward to more of these characters.
Heather’s daughter is leaving to go to university. It’s a difficult transition for Heather, as a single mum and estranged from her parents her life has been completely and utterly devoted to Georgia until this point.
Scott is equally devoted to his daughter – but his approach is a bit more about building up resilience, let them make their own mistakes and find their own way in life.
Inevitably they clash – first in an online parents’ group and then in real life when their daughters become neighbours at university. And life has a way of throwing them together. But they begin to see through the reasons why they both behave the way they do and gradually build a relationship.
But they both have baggage, a past and one they find it hard to really talk about. Can either of them really let their guard down and learn to trust and love again.
I liked the fact that in this book the main characters are in their fifties. It’s refreshing to see a romance where people’s lives throw up barriers to new relationships – it seems real and authentic.
I enjoyed both Heather and Scott’s characters. Both have their different parenting styles, but it is easy to see why they think the way they do. I loved how as they got to know each other they both took on board some of the other’s philosophy of life.
I appreciated the backdrop of the University and St Andrews. It felt like a trip down memory lane of my own uni days.
A fun, light romance which is enjoyed. Im lucky enough to be also reading the Next book in the series before its publication in October and look forward to more of these characters.
July 21, 2026
I cannot explain just how much I enjoyed reading this as a woman of a certain age.
The story covers two single parents whose daughters are off to university, and the all-encompassing worry that surrounds that, from two very different perspectives.
The story begins with a Facebook group-style chat for parents whose children are going to university for the first time, where our two main characters meet and clash.
Heather is a character I can relate to (not the single-parent bit, though!). A mother who only wants the best for her child, but as the sole caregiver so far, she finds it hard to let go totally.
Scott is a single father who feels he has equipped his daughter with everything she needs to be independent and a true life decision-maker for herself.
They clash over mattress toppers at first, then, when the girls start university and are in the same accommodation block, tensions simmer as the two parents meet.
There is midlife, and then there is MIDLIFE. These two are both there, and it is fantastic to read how they navigate their different parenting styles and the needs of their children, who grow close and have to spend more time together.
Slowly, layers are unravelled, and you get to see the true reason they parent the way they do, and there is a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance going on.
Heather and Scott's characters go on a journey as they learn to live and love a little again.
I was invested the whole way through, and loved the little Facebook updates which echo the concerns of many parents as their children leave home for the first time, as well as giving a bit of a giggle with some questions and answers.
The story covers two single parents whose daughters are off to university, and the all-encompassing worry that surrounds that, from two very different perspectives.
The story begins with a Facebook group-style chat for parents whose children are going to university for the first time, where our two main characters meet and clash.
Heather is a character I can relate to (not the single-parent bit, though!). A mother who only wants the best for her child, but as the sole caregiver so far, she finds it hard to let go totally.
Scott is a single father who feels he has equipped his daughter with everything she needs to be independent and a true life decision-maker for herself.
They clash over mattress toppers at first, then, when the girls start university and are in the same accommodation block, tensions simmer as the two parents meet.
There is midlife, and then there is MIDLIFE. These two are both there, and it is fantastic to read how they navigate their different parenting styles and the needs of their children, who grow close and have to spend more time together.
Slowly, layers are unravelled, and you get to see the true reason they parent the way they do, and there is a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance going on.
Heather and Scott's characters go on a journey as they learn to live and love a little again.
I was invested the whole way through, and loved the little Facebook updates which echo the concerns of many parents as their children leave home for the first time, as well as giving a bit of a giggle with some questions and answers.
July 16, 2026
What a fabulous book! I loved everything about it and anyone who has ever had kids leaving home to study elsewhere will completely relate. Even if this isn't the case, we've all been on 'those' WhatsApp groups and will appreciate the role that they play.
Heather and Scott are both about to become empty-nesters. Their initial clash on the freshman WhatsApp group shows that they clearly have vastly different parenting approaches and expectations from the upcoming changes to their circumstances.
They're horrified to discover that their daughters are flatmates and therefore intend to be BFF's!! How on earth are they going to avoid each other? Of course life and the universe has other plans.
Both of these parents are carrying so much baggage - you don't reach this age and spend this many years as single parents without it. But can they shed its weight long enough to take on the shared load of what life together could look like?
This is a love story. Firstly, the love between a parent and child, and then the many other kinds: the developing bonds of new friendships, both between the freshmen and their parents who are supporting each other. There's the love between siblings. And then there is the growing love that blossoms between two people who believe they are destined to spend the rest of the lives alone.
Everything about this book filled me with warmth and joy. Thank you to Ra Ra Resources for a fabulous Blog Tour!!
Heather and Scott are both about to become empty-nesters. Their initial clash on the freshman WhatsApp group shows that they clearly have vastly different parenting approaches and expectations from the upcoming changes to their circumstances.
They're horrified to discover that their daughters are flatmates and therefore intend to be BFF's!! How on earth are they going to avoid each other? Of course life and the universe has other plans.
Both of these parents are carrying so much baggage - you don't reach this age and spend this many years as single parents without it. But can they shed its weight long enough to take on the shared load of what life together could look like?
This is a love story. Firstly, the love between a parent and child, and then the many other kinds: the developing bonds of new friendships, both between the freshmen and their parents who are supporting each other. There's the love between siblings. And then there is the growing love that blossoms between two people who believe they are destined to spend the rest of the lives alone.
Everything about this book filled me with warmth and joy. Thank you to Ra Ra Resources for a fabulous Blog Tour!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous is an entertaining contemporary novel that gripped me from the start. It is the first book in the Empty Nesters series.
The main topic is that of being an empty nester. “What’s her point if not to parent?” Having had four children, I found the characters easy to empathise with. The feelings of emptiness and loss are very raw.
We see that attitudes need to change. “This is not the end of an era; it is the beginning of a new phase.” We need to move from a position of loss, to one of opportunity.
An online group for freshman parents is a life-saver as new bonds are formed. There are different styles of parenting. Nothing is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, just ‘different.’
The action is seen through two alternating points of view, both of whom are also battling loss. A widower of eight years after an accident robbed him of his wife; and a single parent whose partner left her for pastures new several years ago. Both need to learn to trust again.
We rejoice as fears are faced as we recognise the courage needed to do so, as characters come home.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Freshman Parents. It was a book that resonated with me, and was highly entertaining along the way.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The main topic is that of being an empty nester. “What’s her point if not to parent?” Having had four children, I found the characters easy to empathise with. The feelings of emptiness and loss are very raw.
We see that attitudes need to change. “This is not the end of an era; it is the beginning of a new phase.” We need to move from a position of loss, to one of opportunity.
An online group for freshman parents is a life-saver as new bonds are formed. There are different styles of parenting. Nothing is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, just ‘different.’
The action is seen through two alternating points of view, both of whom are also battling loss. A widower of eight years after an accident robbed him of his wife; and a single parent whose partner left her for pastures new several years ago. Both need to learn to trust again.
We rejoice as fears are faced as we recognise the courage needed to do so, as characters come home.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Freshman Parents. It was a book that resonated with me, and was highly entertaining along the way.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2026
The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
THEY'RE OFF FOR THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES. BUT ARE YOU?
Single parent Heather isn't neurotic (honest!) — she's simply dreading the day her only child leaves for university — so her meticulous checklists grow longer by the hour. When she seeks advice from a parents' forum, she clashes with Scott, a single dad, whose "helpful" statistics and assertions about "helicopter parenting" leave her fuming.
Move-in day delivers the ultimate surprise: their daughters aren't just room-mates — they're self-declared best friends for life.
Despite their intentions to avoid relationships at all costs, unpredictable events keep throwing Heather and Scott together, making it increasingly difficult to ignore each other...
My Opinion
From the opening pages, I was hooked. An entertaining read and a great introduction to The Empty Nesters series. I already have the second book in the series lined up to read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
THEY'RE OFF FOR THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES. BUT ARE YOU?
Single parent Heather isn't neurotic (honest!) — she's simply dreading the day her only child leaves for university — so her meticulous checklists grow longer by the hour. When she seeks advice from a parents' forum, she clashes with Scott, a single dad, whose "helpful" statistics and assertions about "helicopter parenting" leave her fuming.
Move-in day delivers the ultimate surprise: their daughters aren't just room-mates — they're self-declared best friends for life.
Despite their intentions to avoid relationships at all costs, unpredictable events keep throwing Heather and Scott together, making it increasingly difficult to ignore each other...
My Opinion
From the opening pages, I was hooked. An entertaining read and a great introduction to The Empty Nesters series. I already have the second book in the series lined up to read.
Rating 4/5
July 14, 2026
First, I want to thank Ko Porteous and Rachel Random Resources for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous is a cute, fun and easy read that is part 1 of the Empty Nester Series. This book is most relatable to parents who have kids transitioning from high school living at home to the highs and lows to experiencing college life in the dorms. It is not just about the kids adjusting to the new life, it is also about the parents adjusting to the empty nest syndrome as well.
One thing I really liked about this book was the Freshman Parents Facebook Group: St. Andrews University chat group sessions where the parents would all get together and totally vent about everything! The fact that Ko started her book off this way was genius because this hooked me right away into the book!!
There were many storylines in this book that made me crack up laughing.
The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous is a cute, fun and easy read that is part 1 of the Empty Nester Series. This book is most relatable to parents who have kids transitioning from high school living at home to the highs and lows to experiencing college life in the dorms. It is not just about the kids adjusting to the new life, it is also about the parents adjusting to the empty nest syndrome as well.
One thing I really liked about this book was the Freshman Parents Facebook Group: St. Andrews University chat group sessions where the parents would all get together and totally vent about everything! The fact that Ko started her book off this way was genius because this hooked me right away into the book!!
There were many storylines in this book that made me crack up laughing.
September 6, 2026
What an amazing book from start to finish!
The book is beautifully written, I honestly couldn't stop reading and every chapter pulled me deeper in the story.
The story and the interaction between characters is intense yet there is humor that made me smile and at the same time made me question what's happening next.
The book is not only for empty nester, but for anyone who love reading a good story that takes you to different places and characters feels very real.
Everyone in the story has their own challenges, fear and questions which are addressed during the story and they need to accept or acknowledge. Moreover, the events shape all characters in a meaningful way.
The book is full of humour and empathy but it also has some sad moments that really touched me.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more books by Ko Porteous.
The book is beautifully written, I honestly couldn't stop reading and every chapter pulled me deeper in the story.
The story and the interaction between characters is intense yet there is humor that made me smile and at the same time made me question what's happening next.
The book is not only for empty nester, but for anyone who love reading a good story that takes you to different places and characters feels very real.
Everyone in the story has their own challenges, fear and questions which are addressed during the story and they need to accept or acknowledge. Moreover, the events shape all characters in a meaningful way.
The book is full of humour and empathy but it also has some sad moments that really touched me.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more books by Ko Porteous.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Freshman Parents is a fun and thrilling read because it had me laughing and smiling so much my cheeks are sore. Heather is preparing to be a empty nester as her daughter is going to be a freshman. Scott is a parent who responded to a post of Heather's in a online group for freshman parents. The two don't get along so when on move in day they discover that there daughters are roommates not just that but also best friends. Life seems to be throwing them together but how will they respond? This is the first book of a series so I am excited to see what happens in the next instalment because this one drew so much happiness from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Freshman Parents was such a fun read! It's beautifully written and completely captivating, making it hard to put down and an easy book to finish. The characters are believable, relatable, and wonderfully developed, with rich backstories, real flaws, and genuine strengths. The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. The beautiful, historic setting of St. Andrews is the perfect backdrop and adds even more charm to the story. This is an unexpected love story between two vulnerable, imperfect parents, and it's both heartfelt and hopeful. I absolutely loved it!
July 14, 2026
The story is about the kids going off to uni and parents seeking advice through a forum. I found this to be such a unique start to a read and absolutely loved it.
The characters are brilliantly created, with a single mum and single dad whose lives have barriers to trust and relatable past.
I felt the story unfolded perfectly with one main story but side plots. Which bought sadness, humour and warmth.
I would 100% recommend reading if you love contemporary romances. This is the first book in a series of The Empty Nesters and I will be sure to continue.
The characters are brilliantly created, with a single mum and single dad whose lives have barriers to trust and relatable past.
I felt the story unfolded perfectly with one main story but side plots. Which bought sadness, humour and warmth.
I would 100% recommend reading if you love contemporary romances. This is the first book in a series of The Empty Nesters and I will be sure to continue.
July 21, 2026
Heather and Scott have never met but they are going to be spending a lot of time together when their daughters attend the same university and become best friends.
This is the author’s debut novel and it was definitely one I really enjoyed. The storyline at times was funny, included romance, drama and was about two parents watching their children grow up.
The story is narrated by Heather and Scott and interspersed between the chapters are extracts from a group chat set up by parents whose children are attending university which Heather and Scott are part of. The first interaction between Heather and Scott wasn’t the best. Heather is asking about mattress toppers and Scott responds calling her a helicopter parent. When they do meet in person, they realise that their daughters are going to be sharing rooms next to each other, become best friends which means that Heather and Scott are going to be around each other in one way or another.
It was interesting to see the connection between Heather and Scott grow. There was definitely an enemies to lovers vibe between them and when they start a romantic relationship they have to keep it a secret. The story is also about how they clash over their parenting techniques. Heather is very anxious, overly protective and wants to make sure that her daughter has everything she needs. Whereas Scott is the opposite. He has a hands off approach, wants his daughter to find her own way and be independent. However as the story progresses they both start to learn from each other. Heather starts to take a more relaxed approach and Scott starts to pay more attention. What becomes apparent is that both Heather and Scott have their own insecurities. They are both single parents raising their children the best they can. So they both put a lot of pressure on themselves.
One aspect of the story I really liked was the group chat and seeing how all the parents reacted to their children going away to university. At times it felt like the parents were more nervous than their children and the group chat quickly turns into a support group for anxious parents.
This is book one in The Empty Nesters Series and I’m looking forward to the next.
This is the author’s debut novel and it was definitely one I really enjoyed. The storyline at times was funny, included romance, drama and was about two parents watching their children grow up.
The story is narrated by Heather and Scott and interspersed between the chapters are extracts from a group chat set up by parents whose children are attending university which Heather and Scott are part of. The first interaction between Heather and Scott wasn’t the best. Heather is asking about mattress toppers and Scott responds calling her a helicopter parent. When they do meet in person, they realise that their daughters are going to be sharing rooms next to each other, become best friends which means that Heather and Scott are going to be around each other in one way or another.
It was interesting to see the connection between Heather and Scott grow. There was definitely an enemies to lovers vibe between them and when they start a romantic relationship they have to keep it a secret. The story is also about how they clash over their parenting techniques. Heather is very anxious, overly protective and wants to make sure that her daughter has everything she needs. Whereas Scott is the opposite. He has a hands off approach, wants his daughter to find her own way and be independent. However as the story progresses they both start to learn from each other. Heather starts to take a more relaxed approach and Scott starts to pay more attention. What becomes apparent is that both Heather and Scott have their own insecurities. They are both single parents raising their children the best they can. So they both put a lot of pressure on themselves.
One aspect of the story I really liked was the group chat and seeing how all the parents reacted to their children going away to university. At times it felt like the parents were more nervous than their children and the group chat quickly turns into a support group for anxious parents.
This is book one in The Empty Nesters Series and I’m looking forward to the next.
July 5, 2026
I absolutely loved this! The way the characters interacted, the different dynamics between them all and a very engaging storyline. One of the things I really liked was how even though so many different topics were covered none of them felt rushed and all felt very relevant to the story.
When her daughter Georgia sets off to St Andrews University Heather finds herself engaging in the Facebook group of parents in the same position. However she soon clashes with contributor Scott whose parenting style is very different to hers. Then Georgia and his daughter Brianna end up not only being on the same corridor but declare they are best friends forever! All of the characters in this have events in their lives that they need to either face up to and acknowledge, accept or find answers to. One thing though is that these events have shaped them into who they are and this is explored brilliantly.
Thank you to Ko Porteous for my ARC and I am so looking forward to the next book!!
When her daughter Georgia sets off to St Andrews University Heather finds herself engaging in the Facebook group of parents in the same position. However she soon clashes with contributor Scott whose parenting style is very different to hers. Then Georgia and his daughter Brianna end up not only being on the same corridor but declare they are best friends forever! All of the characters in this have events in their lives that they need to either face up to and acknowledge, accept or find answers to. One thing though is that these events have shaped them into who they are and this is explored brilliantly.
Thank you to Ko Porteous for my ARC and I am so looking forward to the next book!!
July 21, 2026
This was a wonderful book to read and I enjoyed every page.
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September 2, 2026
Heartfelt and insightful, this story of modern parenting will have you laughing out loud and pre-ordering the next in series by the last page. I loved it.
September 12, 2026
everything worked out a little too well
Review of advance copy received from Author
Effortlessly warm yet charged with chemistry, The Freshman Parents is a portrait of midlife loss and love told with such humour and empathy that I felt characters’ thrills and frustrations from the off. Uplifting and cathartic, this heartfelt story is fuelled by the kindness of strangers and the restorative power of love. Gorgeous!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Freshman Parents is an entertaining and enjoyable read that takes you on a journey about two single parents whose girls are about to embark on the adventures of their first year in university and how their parents deal with their newfound freedom and how different situations find them being drawn together, with lots of twists along the way.
This was such an amazing read that has an incredible storyline that flows from page to page that keeps you interested and gripped throughout. The author's writing was easy to follow and thoroughly detailed. This is definitely a book I will highly recommend to others and look forward to reading more by this author.
This was such an amazing read that has an incredible storyline that flows from page to page that keeps you interested and gripped throughout. The author's writing was easy to follow and thoroughly detailed. This is definitely a book I will highly recommend to others and look forward to reading more by this author.
Review of advance copy
This was such an interesting and entertaining read. From the very first chapter I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I even found myself laughing at times and was smiling most of the way through the story. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I loved the main characters and there was also a good cast of background characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author Ko Porteous and the publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author Ko Porteous and the publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wonderful story that perfectly captures those mixed feelings of sending your child off to university. The excitement, the lonely nest sadness and the worry of them going it alone. The story mainly centres around Heather, the very protective mum of Georgia and Scott the single dad to Brianna who believes in letting your child find their own way and make there own mistakes.
The book switches narrative between the two. But also as we move from month to month as their kids’ first year at St. Andrews progresses and we get updates from users in an online community for freshman parents. These interspersed segments are so funny and realistic. The scenarios and struggles for both the parents and the kids. Mums and dads dealing with nits and worms like they’ve got toddlers again really made me chuckle.
It’s in this online community that Heather and Scott first but heads with their very different parenting styles. When their daughters become besties at St. A’s then the pair are forced to spend time together. Their relationship slowly builds over the months, neither truly wanting to come clean about their feelings.
The whole book was a joy to read. It’s funny and it feels so realistic. I’ve got all this to come when I'll be a freshman parent in a few more years!
The book switches narrative between the two. But also as we move from month to month as their kids’ first year at St. Andrews progresses and we get updates from users in an online community for freshman parents. These interspersed segments are so funny and realistic. The scenarios and struggles for both the parents and the kids. Mums and dads dealing with nits and worms like they’ve got toddlers again really made me chuckle.
It’s in this online community that Heather and Scott first but heads with their very different parenting styles. When their daughters become besties at St. A’s then the pair are forced to spend time together. Their relationship slowly builds over the months, neither truly wanting to come clean about their feelings.
The whole book was a joy to read. It’s funny and it feels so realistic. I’ve got all this to come when I'll be a freshman parent in a few more years!
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