I met Ben Wells at an airport on one of the worst days of my life. We talked, laughed, connected, and survived a travel disaster. Then we shared one wild, passionate night together.
That was where the story was supposed to end.
Ben went back to his life as a professional rugby player, and I went back to mine as a college student. Except mine came with a positive pregnancy test and a life I never planned for. One Ben made it clear he wanted no part of.
I didn’t fall apart or chase him. I picked myself up and brushed myself off, raised my daughter, and fought my way into law school.
For five years, we did just fine without him. We were happy, even.
Then, out of nowhere, Ben crashes back into our lives, smiling like nothing ever happened, and everything I thought I knew comes undone. Because some misunderstandings don’t just break hearts. They steal years.
Now Ben is determined to make up for lost time, and not just with our daughter.
The passion we shared is still alive and well, but the stakes are much higher now. But if there’s one thing Ben is good at—besides being relentlessly cheerful and sexy in his rugby uniform—it’s persistence. He doesn’t give up.
If Ben has it his way, the end of our story will be only the beginning.
ETA..... AGAIN.....😂 Thanks to Michelle Irene and Amber we now know it was due to a misunderstanding and not the usual contemporary romance set up for this trope where the authors glorify dead beat dads. Time will tell the book is due to be released soon and I for one will be reading it immediately 😂
This is one of the times I'd like to roll back my own personal stance on ARCs 😂😂😂😂🤭
******** ETA....... Thanks to Michelle for her comment below I'm once again optimistic about this book 🤭
Original thoughts
Note to self
Now Julia😒 I fucks with you but girllllllllll 😑 had me excited for this until I actually read the blurb!!! Wtf is this???? If this man left her to raise his child while he whored around?? And if she took him back easily after he left her and their CHILD like it was nothing????? Imma lose my fucking mindddddddddddd!!!!
Imma need some review before I try this one.......is this turning into another Cate C Wells situation where I found an author I love but I can no longer trust 😱😭😭😭😭😭😭
This book… I know we’ve been waiting a hot minute for Benny’s book and let me tell you he is 1000% worth the wait.
The most golden retriever MMC that Julia has ever given us… and that’s saying a lot because she also gave us Miles in Not So Truly Yours (who I ADORE!) Ben is the definition of DOWN BAD. 😉
From the moment our two main characters meet you can just instantly tell that they were truly meant for one another. I really loved seeing their relationship evolve throughout the book. And the relationship he builds with their daughter is so freaking sweet and beautiful.
Mazzy (our FMC) & sweet little Katty were absolutely wonderful additions to this little universe she’s building.
I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for what’s next. 😏
Thank you as always to the author for allowing me to experience this book early! 🩷
When I read To the Letter, I knew I needed a Ben book. He was so fun and just a big kid in Shira and Roman’s that I’m like he needs an HEA. And to be written with one of my favorite tropes, accidental pregnancy, yes, love that so much.
Mazzy was absolutely perfect for Ben in every way because she embraced who Ben was through and through. She loved how silly he was and how he was totally entranced by their daughter, Katty, by just hearing they had a daughter. Mazzy was wise beyond her years and that really showed with her relationship not only with Ben but their daughter, how wholly she loved her.
Ben is such a goof in this but he is so boyish too, you can’t help but love him. His and his brothers dynamic though, I’m so happy we got even more of it in this and that Mazzy and Katty got to have that family with all of them. Oh, Ben and his brothers were the biggest softies for that little girl. Also, not Ben melting over his daughter wearing glasses and how cute she was in them.
The real star of this book was Katty. That little girl was so cute and so blunt. I loved how Julia showed how kids have such big feelings and don’t know how to express them. I could not get over her glasses either and I just picture the cutest little kid in them!
What I loved the most in this was that both MC’s came from abandonment backgrounds but chose each other over and over again. The found family in this is beautiful and I loved being able to read past characters again.
Thank you to Julia Wolf and The Author Agency for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: ✨One night stand ✨Surprise pregnancy ✨Secret baby ✨Rugby player MMC ✨Golden retriever MMC ✨Plus size law student FMC ✨Age gap
I’ve been yearning for Ben Wells for so long, and now that I read him, he completely ruined me for any other book boyfriend, ever 😩💙💜 and I love it!
No but really, I think I wrote in my By the Letter’s review, that I needed a Wells brother’s series, because Ben just stole the show for me, and now my prayers have been answered because author Julia Wolf gave us one of the best books I’ve ever read and one of the most sweetest and most perfect couples in the world 😩
Ben and Mazzy met when she was trying to her hole from New Zealand, she was sad and heartbroken because her boyfriend was being a cheater, and when she thought everything was falling apart, Ben was there to help her, and when something happened with the airplane, they ended up in this sweet tropical island for the night, and the tension between them lead them to spend that night together🙂↔️ and after a bittersweet goodbye the next morning, both of them thought they would never see again… until Mazzy found out she was pregnant months later with Ben’s baby 🙈😩
She looked for him and tell him about the baby, but when that encounter ended with her heartbroken (again) she swore never looking for Ben again, and I’m not going to lie, even when I totally understood what happened there, it hurt me for Mazzy 😭
Then five years later, Ben and Mazzy are reunited again thanks to Mazzy’s cousin, and Ben realizes something happened all those year ago, and now Mazzy has big walls around her heart and a little girl who looks exactly like him 🥹💙💜
And oh my god, that is just the tip of the iceberg, Ben and Mazzy were so good!! And before I even start talking about them, Katty just stole my heart, that cute little girl was definitely Ben’s daughter ahhhh!! She’s so sweet and funny and brave and I just love her and I love she has both Mazzy and now Ben and of course all the Wells family, including Bea and Sal too❤️🩹 now again with Mazzy and Ben, oh boy, those two were just perfect! First of, I’m a little biased but I think I love Mazzy the most, and thank you so much because we don’t see often heroines with glasses and with curves, and as a woman with curves who also wears glasses, I felt seen 🥹❤️🩹 so thank you so much!! Besides that, Mazzy is so strong and resilient, she lost so much already, and even when she was just a baby, so of course she was terrified of letting Ben in both hers and Katty’s lives, because she believed everyone would walk away from her, but Ben was there every step of the way reminded her and showing her and Katty, she would never leave them alone💙
And of course, I love Ben, how can I not?! He’s such a golden retriever man with all this funny comments and dirty mouth who happened to be a giant rugby player and also with the biggest heart ever😩💙💜 I hurt for him the moment he knew he lost the first years of Katry’s life and how much he work to get through it and be present from the moment he met her, how he never even doubt about being with both his girls 😭💜💙 I just love him! And I loveeeee reading the Wells brother together as well!!! Specially Roman ngl 🙈🙂↔️
This is easily one of my favorites books ever and definitely one of my favorites books by the author too 🙂↔️ now, I can’t wait enough to read the next Wells brother to fall in love because between Adrian and Nate, I’m feeling like we’re going to have such amazing stories with them too ✨
Would you rather fall in love with the sweetest MMC ever written, or fall in love with the most adorable daughter of the MMC that was ever written? I know...tough choice when both are the bestest options to pick. 😉
This is the game that Ben Wells uses to calm Mazzy down and also to connect with her on their flight back from New Zealand. He pretty much knew in an instant he was drawn to Mazzy, but her answers to his outlandish questions are truly what sealed the deal for him. I also loved that this game continued through the book. It was sweet and arrived at the most heartfelt moments, which made it adorable in the most touching of ways.🩷
Ben Wells is the most likable guy you'll ever meet. He's super laid back and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Reading him was like sitting on the beach with a warm summer breeze flowing through your hair and a cool drink in your hand. It was relaxing, made me feel warm in all the right places, and also just made me smile. He's pretty darn perfect.
Mazzy is also extremely likable. She's hardworking, loves her family, and when it came time that she found out she was going to be a single mother, she rocked it and raised an amazing daughter, Katty, who is the most charming little girl to ever grace the pages. She's also a lot like her father, Ben Wells. Charismatic, has never met a stranger, and is full of life.
Ben is a total goner for his daughter, even at the very idea of her when he finds out. His reaction to everything his daughter does, just about did me in. I cried so many times over Ben's big feelings. He's a total girl dad, which I adored, and completely in love with his baby girl from the second he finds out. I mean he's been a top notch uncle for the past few years to his brother's son and to his best friend’s kids too, so there shouldn't have been any doubt that Ben wouldn't be a natural, but meeting his little girl for the first time is life changing, even for him.
Mazzy had some hurdles to overcome when it came to trusting Ben even though Ben fell for being a dad instantly. What was the guarantee that he'd stay for the long haul, no matter what he said. Mazzy didn't have a great track record of people staying in her life, so I felt for her and understood her wariness. She had more than just herself to consider when it came to her future and happiness if Ben decided staying wasn't for him.
Don't get me wrong, Ben's sweet, easygoing nature made him extremely easy to fall for. The entire book was like reading sunshine and happiness just because Ben Wells was on the page and his daughter added some extra sugar which made reading Try Again, Baby extra sweet. I loved it and want to start the adventure between them all over again just so I can smile and weep along with this amazing family.
Oh, and the texting chain between the Wells' brothers is hilarious!! I'm extra excited for what's to come with them.😉
Arc reader here! I have no words to express how much I loved the book. I'm writing this still feeling happy and fuzzy from the last few chapters. Ben and Mazz's story couldn't have been more beautifully described. Everything was as it should be, even if not in its ideal form. But the book itself was a total escape. Even amidst being busy with my studies and other things, reading chapters took my stress away and I ended up getting lost for hours. I didn't finish it in two days because I didn't have the time, otherwise I definitely would have, lol
Just like the series "The Harder They Fall," this book left me with that feeling of loving family camaraderie that I'm such a fan of. I love how close everyone is; it feels like a safe space, and I really like books that make me feel that level of comfort.
But getting back to the story of these two lovebirds, I can't help but mention how well the author handled their dynamic. A golden retriever with his layer of trauma and a single mom who went through it all to pull through; I love how each of them gave themselves the space to be themselves and how I felt part of every transition in their story, from co-parents to finally a couple. And don't even get me started on the little girl, she's hilarious! 🥹
So yeah, basically another incredibly good book by Julia. There were moments when I had to stop, specifically when Ben repeated the book's name a couple of times, but I can look past that. :) I can't wait for everyone to have the chance to meet them; they were my lifeline in the middle of a busy week. 🥲
—
Lectora de arc! Realmente lo disfruté muchísimo, incluso estando ocupada con la facultad me lo leí en dos sentadas en mis días libres porque literal una vez que lo empiezas no lo sueltas! Si hubiera tenido el tiempo me lo hubiera leído todo el mismo día JAJAJAJA
La historia entre ellos es muy linda, me encanta este tipo de libros donde se nota como cambia la dinámica entre ellos sin necesidad de que sea explícitamente dicho; empezaron como co-parents pero funcionaban, no se sintió forzoso como me ha pasado en otros libros. Ni hablar de la pequeña, me cagué de la risa, sin dudas le dió un toque al libro y me gusta cuando a los hijos le dan personalidad porque estoy cansada de ver que a veces los escriben como si fueran un personaje de background cuando no es así. 💀
Tuvieron su proceso pero la storyline fue super smooth, resolvieron lo que tenían que resolver sin andar con vueltas y me encanta eso. Es un libro que lees y simplemente disfrutas de una, y a pesar de lo amoroso que es todo el smut fue increíble, les juro que ni yo me esperaba pasar de estar riéndome como tonta por lo lindos que son a estar shockeada por lo freaky que se ponían, un 10/10 bien merecido JAJAJAJAJ 😋😚
Lo único “malo” que me hizo parar fue cuando Ben repitió un par de veces el nombre del libro en el dialogo, pero realmente es algo que pude hacerlo a un lado después así que bieennn.
Julia had me with tears in my eyes within the first couple chapters & I just knew I was going to love this book. I’m honestly not even sure where to begin without giving spoilers away, so I’ll just say this- there was not one bad, disappointing, boring, or dual thing about Ben & Mazzie’s story. Mazzie was fantastic & I admired her so much. And Ben was truly the best. I knew right from the get go that everything wasn’t as it seemed, so I wasn’t nervous, & I was glad to see Ben get so angry & upset at Roman. It honestly wasn’t Roman’s fault, but nothing could possibly make up for what Ben lost. And if I put myself in his shoes, & Mazzie’s, I’d be angry- no I’d be beyond angry that I missed so much & during that time I was a huge part in my nephew’s life since day 1. So I was kinda happy Roman wasn’t just left off the hook. And the way Mazzie handled it just showed how incredibly mature she really was. I need to take a huge minute & gush about how sweet & adorable Katty was! That little girl & adorable glasses had me right away. I was smiling so hard seeing her with her uncles & couldn’t stop laughing when she was talking to Adrian & agreeing with him- even though she had no idea what he meant! That was just too cute. Julia wrote this little girl perfectly. Her cheering her dad on was so touching & I swear I wanted to cry. Ben was an incredible dad & the scenes with them interacting were some of the best. I can’t say, or express, enough how amazing of a father he is. He just instantly stepped into the role after missing out for years like it was nothing. He was a pro. Now for the funny moments- and there were a lot! I couldn’t get enough of Aunt Barb. She came off as a hard woman who didn’t do the emotional thing, but every now & then there were moments when she showed a softer side. And I loved seeing her give Ben a hard time & keep him on his toes. And lastly, these brothers have such a bond & it’s so special to see how they’re there- not only for each other, but for the women too. They welcomed Mazzie & Katty in with open arms. And thank god for Adrian & his blunt choice of words. He didn’t mince his words or try to sugar coat them when trying to talk sense into Ben in the end, & I loved that. Ben needed a serious wake up call, & I think that was the only thing about this entire book that got me frustrated. This review ended up being a lot longer than I intended, but I loved everything about this book & enjoyed every damn minute. I can’t wait for Adrian’s book. He’s so broody & serious, & him owning a sex club only makes me more interested & curious about him.
If you think you can find a better book boyfriend than Bennett “Ben” Wells, you can seriously try again, baby! Honestly, this book features one of my least favorite tropes, but if Julia Wolf writes it, I’m absolutely going to read it. Plus, throwing in my Benny, whom I have loved since he first graced the pages in By The Letter, meant this book had a guaranteed spot on my TBR list. I am very happy to report that I was absolutely NOT disappointed. This book is a whole experience that will leave you smiling like an idiot.
Listen, once we hit that six month mark after those opening “five years ago” chapters, I was stressed. I knew what had happened, but my anxiety was still through the roof. Don’t lose heart though because the story is only getting started, and it gets so good that you will not want to put it down. Watching Ben step up in his total Ben sort of way was everything. He is a whirlwind with a larger than life, sunshine presence, and he is just so goofy, generous, and genuinely good. He was completely gone for both Mazzy and little Katty, and he was so willing to put in the work. Mazzy Belle Emerson is such a tough FMC who has risen above so much strife, hardship, and grief, yet she remains incredibly forgiving, understanding, and compassionate. Getting to know the real Ben beneath the joking and the fun was the best treat, and Mazzy gave him the perfect space to just be himself. If there was ever a couple to root for, it’s Ben and Mazzy all the way.
Ben, Mazzy, and Katty make the absolute sweetest little family. Katty is a brave, confident little scene stealer who makes me just want to reach through the pages and hug her. One page of their story will make your heart clench, while the next warms it, and a few pages later the spice might just make your heart skip a beat. At time or two you really might want to give both Ben and Mazzy a swift kick to the backside for being boneheaded, but they work through their faults and fears to give you the happiest of happily ever afters.
While Ben and Mazzy completely stole my heart, those loyal Wells brothers and their supportive friends are the absolute cherry ton top. The brothers’ group chat never ceases to amuse me, and you might find yourself wanting to be adopted into their inner circle too by the end of the book. I think I just plain loved this story. If you like a one night stand, surprise pregnancy and secret baby setup, a rugby player golden retriever hero, a plus sized law student heroine, and a great age gap romance, you might love this one too and should add this to your TBR today.
Try Again, Babyby Julia Wolf is the newest release from her newest seriesThe Wells Brothers. Through the telling of dual POVs, we follow the story of Bennett ‘Ben/Benny’ Wells and Masha ‘Mazzy’ Belle Emerson in this Surprise Pregnancy, Second Chance, Sports Romance.
Mazzy and Ben’s journey allowed for a narrative made up of many elements that ultimately paved the way for a rollercoaster ride. Especially when you take into consideration where their journey started, to how it progressed over time. Given the events and situations, some of which were life changing that took place throughout the storyline, it not only made for a story that was filled with drama, a little bit of mystery from the mistaken identity. But also some suspense from the build up of wondering what would be and was waiting around the corner, considering the circumstances Mazzy and Ben found themselves in and facing. Together and individually, courtesy of the inclusion to subplots that seemed to add more to their already full plates. It's ultimately what led to having to navigate through some ups and downs with some highs and lows.
Despite the way the two met, the connection was very much there and real. And still alive even with the many years having past between Mazzy and Ben. Their chemistry showed as much, considering the emotional and physical aspect to their relationship that was presented throughout. Proving that not even the circumstances that brought them back into each other’s lives could be the reasoning of wanting to continue to be in one another’s lives. As their connection and bond did it for them. Something author Julia did well within her writing through seeing the thorough development that led to maturing and growth in the rebuilding of Mazzy and Ben’s relationship in their Second Chance.
Mazzy definitely stole the show for me, the fact that she always went out of her way for her daughter. And proved she was wise beyond her years, despite being so young. Especially when it came to how loving and accepting she was of Ben, with embracing him so easily back in her and their daughter Katty's life.
Author Julia Wolf delivered a story that was filled with entertainment and laughter, given the easy going moments and times. Yet emotional from the depth caused by some hard and tough moments that tugged at the heartstrings. Making Mazzy and Ben’s bookTry Again, Babyan enjoyable read overall.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have read every single book Julia has published, so I don't say this lightly, but this is the best book she has ever fucking written. From the very start I was swept away with these larger than life characters. I knew when we met Ben that he would be so easy to love and had so much depth to him, and he most certainly did! His instant connection to his Mazzy baby was just so beautiful too. He was obsessed with her from the start, and never made her question his feelings, and I really loved that. The man wanted to GLUE himself to her, that's how much he didn't want to be away from her for even a moment, and I have to say, green flag men who are that level of obsessed? Yes please!
As for Mazzy, man, I loved her so much! I adore how this plus sized woman didn't make everything about being plus sized. It didn't even come up at all -- Ben always loved her curves, and went crazy trying to see them as much as possible. She's had a tough life and of course her guard was up when Ben was suddenly swept back into hers and their daughters life, but the fact that he was noticeably distraught and heartbroken over missing those first four years made her realize he wasn't at all what she'd convinced herself he was. These two had the perfect love -- just obsessed with one another to the point I could not stop smiling! I could go on and on, but just know that these two are some of the best couples i have ever read about!
Now, I know some people are nervous about the blurb, and how it's being misconstrued to seem like the author is romanticizing a deadbeat dad or a manwhore who wanted to sow his wild oats before settling with the mother of his child, and that just couldn't be further from the truth. I don't want to spoil anything, but it was an honest to god mistake. A crazy one, yes, but Ben, and most importantly Julia, would never ever write a man like that and give him a redemption arc. Trust me when I say that if Ben had known about his daughter and Mazzy from the jump, absolutely nothing would have kept him away.
I really could talk about how perfect this book was all day long. I can't wait to read it again and again! Please don't let the blurb and a misunderstanding make you miss out on something truly magical!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
4 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️ This book had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the secret baby reveal—and it did not disappoint. Add in top-tier spice, lovable characters, and emotional payoff, and you can’t go wrong!
Tropes: 🤰🏼 Secret Baby 💞 Strangers to Lovers 🚫 Age gap 🦮 Golden retriever MMC ⚖️ Law student FMC 🎆 One night stand
About the book. Try Again, Baby is a charming, lighthearted, spicy romance featuring Mazzy and Ben. After a chance meeting at an airport, and an unexpected act of kindness, Mazzy and Ben are seated next to one another on a flight that gets diverted. They spend the night drinking, chatting, and at the end of the night their undeniable chemistry turns into an epic one night stand. Only, months later Mazzy finds out she’s pregnant. She attempts to find Ben and tell him before a rugby match, only for him to deny knowing her and shutting down the possibility of him being the father or providing any support. Devastated, Mazzy flies back home and makes the best of the situation, becoming a single mom to her little girl while caring for her ailing father and going to school.
Skip five years: Mazzy and Ben now live in the same city. And Ben learns he has a four year old little girl, and there was a terrible misunderstanding…
Review: This was such a cute book! It was charming, romantic, and spicy. Secret baby is one of my favorite tropes when it’s done well, and this one absolutely delivered.
The first half of the book flies by. There’s so much drama, and the pacing is masterful—you find yourself on the edge of your seat waiting for Ben to discover he’s a father. The reveal was perfection, as was the way both the MMC and FMC handled the fallout.
Both Mazzy and Ben were incredibly lovable and felt well-developed. I usually gravitate toward more of a bad-boy MMC, but it’s impossible not to fall for Ben. He’s sweet, funny, and endlessly charming. Watching him fall in love first with Katty and then with Mazzy was so gratifying.
The romance and spice were top-tier, as they always are with Julia. The ending was satisfying and sweet.
My only criticism is that the story dragged ever so slightly around the 65–85% mark, though it picked back up quickly. I also think it would have been interesting to explore an alternate ending Overall, a feel good spicy romance that’s worthy of a re-read!
Seriously, how does Julia Wolf do it? From the first chapter, I knew I was done for! It was already so cute! I won't spoil it, but the gesture from Ben? I had to pause and swoon for a minute 🤭 Imagine being spoiled by a cute stranger from the very start just because he thinks you're a cute mess 👌🏼
And speaking of Ben... he is absolutely charming 🫠. A top-tier, green-flag book boyfriend.
Mazz is so freaking adorable. Despite everything she's been through while raising Katty, she stays strong and keeps pushing forward. She's not the type to hold back either—she says whatever pops into her head, and honestly? That reminded me of someone... me 🤣.
Another thing I absolutely loved was the one-night stand setup. It wasn't your typical ONS where someone sneaks out in the middle of the night and leaves chaos behind. It ended with mutual understanding, respect, and maturity. Honestly? Refreshing. We love a healthy, communicative ONS!
Despite the misunderstanding that led to the secret baby trope, the moment Ben finds out he has a child, he's all in. No hesitation. No unnecessary drama. Just a man ready to make up for lost time.
What I loved most was that the story doesn't immediately bulldoze us into a romance the second Ben reappears. The focus is on him getting to know his child first, and I appreciated that so much. The pacing, character development, and relationship growth all felt natural, making the romance between Ben and Mazz even more rewarding.
Also, the "Would You Rather" game they play? So freaking entertaining. Every time it popped up, I couldn't help but smile.
And before I knew it, I had flown through this book. I wasn't checking how much time I had left in each chapter or thinking about when to stop. I was so invested in the story that I just kept reading and reading.
Try Again, Baby delivers adorable moments, lovable characters, emotional growth, and a secret baby trope that feels genuine and heartfelt. Julia Wolf really knows how to make me fall in love with her characters every single time.
📚 Would You Rather...
Not add Try Again, Baby to your TBR
OR
Miss out on meeting one of the greenest green-flag book boyfriend ever
The Wells Brothers are here!! We have been waiting for Ben’s story and OMG was it good!! Try Again, Baby by Julia Wolf is the first book in the Wells Brothers series. If you love a spicy age gap, a man that is the epitome of a golden retriever soooo down bad for his woman, a strong and fierce single mama, a PRECIOUS little girl and the best found family, you need this book!
Mazzy and Ben had an undeniable connection from the moment they met and shared one unforgettable night while traveling before life sent them in different directions. When Mazzy discovers she's pregnant, a heartbreaking mix-up keeps the truth from Ben for years, leaving her to raise precious Katty as a single mom. The moment Ben finally learns he has a daughter absolutely wrecked me beautifully. His reaction showed the beautiful, golden retriever man he is with such a huge heart that loves so fully. Watching him fall head over heels for his daughter was everything. Mazzy is a fierce and strong Mama! So kind, caring and so funny! These two, their banter, their connection was undeniable and so perfect. Their passion was so hot!
And precious Katty? What a doll! She is hilarious, so adorable. The little pixie with glasses stole the show!
Add in the found family which is absolutely amazing. Ben's brothers, their wives, add so much to the whole story.
This book has every emotion. It’s funny, it’s so romantic. I LOVE how Julia always weaves into her stories the importance of communication and honesty. I LOVED how these two always asked each other for clarity instead of guessing what the other was feeling. This book is all about second chances and finding your way back to the person who was always meant to be yours. Letting go of the past and the fear of the future to open your heart to a forever love! What a great start to the series!! I can’t wait to see which brother gets a book next!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 ONE NIGHT STAND 🩵 SURPRISE PREGNANCY 💜 SECRET BABY 🩵 RUGBY PLAYER, GOLDEN RETRIEVER MMC 💜 PLUS SIZE LAW STUDENT FMC 🩵 AGE GAP
🦋Thank you Julia Wolf for the privilege of being a part of your arc team!
La historia empezó muy bien, para mi ya era un cinco estrellas seguro porque ¿como me tienes llorando desde las primeras paginas? ¿como me tienes enamorada de Ben y las interacciones con la pequeña Katty? de verdad que toda la primera parte fue hermosa, fue estupenda, pero si soy honesta luego del 70% todo fue raro y eso me hizo sentir incomoda, no en mal plan pero si en como de una primeras paginas emocionante salte a unas paginas que solo quería que terminara rápido.
El romance lo sentí bien y la historia en general fue buena, todos los hermanos Wells, toda su historia, Ben y Mazzy hablando por un futuro mejor por Katty, que para mi, fue lo mejor de todo el libro, pero como dije, esas ultimas paginas (y drama del final) hizo que toda la emoción que sentí al principio bajara un poco.
Un libro bueno, con buenos detalles que me gustaron y ahora quede con ganas de saber mas de los demás hermanos!
*******
The story started off really well for me, it was already a guaranteed five stars because, seriously, how did you get me crying from the very first pages? How did you get me so in love with Ben and his interactions with little Katty? Seriously, the whole first part was beautiful, it was amazing, but if I’m honest, after about 70%, everything got weird, and that made me feel uncomfortable, not in a bad way, but it was like I went from exciting first pages to pages where I just wanted it to end quickly.
I liked the romance, and the story overall was good, all the Wells siblings, their whole story, Ben and Mazzy talking for a better future for Katty, which, for me, was the best part of the whole book. But as I said, those last few pages (and the drama at the end) made all the excitement I felt at the beginning fade a little.
A good book, with nice details that I liked, and now I’m left wanting to know more about the other brothers!
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
Thank you to Julia Wolf for allowing me to be a arc reader.
I think this has to be my new favourite Julia Wolf book hands down. I finished this book in a day thats how much I loved it.
Ben and mazzy met 5 years ago when she was trying to get home after a horrible situation with her ex boyfriend when Ben heared what was going on he bought her ticket for her but she didnt know untill she went to pay.
When mazzy gets on the airplane she realise shes in first class and better yet shes seated next to Ben. To help cheer her up ben decided to play would you rather with her.
When the airplane has to make a emergency landing in pago pago they go to the hotel and accidently get drunk which lead one thing and then another.
Im the beginning of the book you get to see the first 5 years of mazzy life after meeting ben and what happened there are so emotional scenes which could also trigger some people.
When mazzy's cousin called ben out for a miss understanding he couldn't believe that she was living in the same city as him. when he found out about his daughter he jumped in head first and got to know her and there relationship as father daughter grew it was so sweet and ben was the perfect girl dad.
I love we get to see some of the other characters feom previous books like shira and Rome and bea and sal we also get to meet more of Ben's brothers which I love there sense of family with each other they have been dealt rubbish cards in life but stud by each other.
Id rate the spice in this book 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5 you get little spicy scenes at the beginning other book but you definitely get more indepth scenes as the book goes on.
Some of the tropes in this book include Rugby player Lawyer (in school) Second chance. Just to name a few
As a very fortunate ARC reader for this book, I am happy to give this book 5 stars.
A big THANK YOU to Julia Wolf for writing such wonderful male characters in her books. Currently, alpha men and broody/anti-hero characters are the main go-tos for MMC’s. I love that Julia writes such a broad range of personalities. She writes men who are real and “normal,” but she also makes them work so well in a daydreaming world way too. Ben is certainly no exception. He is all golden retriever energy for days. He was energetic, enthusiastic, emotional (in a positive way,) and entertaining. You just couldn’t help but smile throughout the book because of him. He was loyal and devoted without skipping a step. It was just a marvelous example of a good man (in my opinion.)
Mazzy was a great character too. While she had her doubts and fears, she really did try to fight through them and didn’t allow them to drag her down or keep her back from life (most of the time.) She was so relatable to me as someone who was also adopted as a baby. I appreciated that she wasn’t automatically jaded because of the hard hand she had been dealt in life. She still laughed and loved freely and that was just so beautiful and positive. She and Ben fit together so well! I was glad to see he didn’t get a black cat FMC, but rather he received an intelligent woman - emotionally and mentally. 👏🏻
Katty was just a sweet little drop of sugar on the whole proverbial cake. She was full of life and happiness. I loved how much she took after her daddy. The instant connection between father and daughter was just tear-jerking in the best of ways.
Thank you again Julia for showcasing your excellent talent for writing relatable, inspiring, but no less passionate stories to entertain us!
This book ensnared my attention right from the first page! I sat down with the intention of only reading the first few chapters, and before I knew it, I was already halfway through the book and realized that I would have to go to bed soon if I wanted to be able to function the next day. Opening with a bit of drama and a heavy dose of humor, I found myself chuckling during those early encounters between Ben and Mazzy. I felt their connection immediately and I loved their wickedly fun and witty banter.
Ben is a swoon worthy, charming & adorable MMC all wrapped up in a massively, huge rugby player package. Yes, I said he is adorable and I absolutely loved that about him! He exudes that golden retriever energy, in that he is down to earth, humorous, extremely caring, and isn’t afraid to admit when he has “big feelings”.
Mazzy is a beautifully strong heroine and I admired how she approached and handled all the trials and tribulations that were thrown her way. There were moments where I was tearing up. Of course, I have to mention the darling Katty. I don’t often like surprise pregnancies or kids in my books, but I absolutely loved that little girl.
I immensely enjoyed seeing all of the secondary characters and I especially relished the hilarious text messages amongst Ben and his brothers. The book was told from a dual POV which worked well for the story and it moved at a good pace. I also love this author’s writing style and the way she creates characters that are easy to relate to. All in all, Try Again, Baby is one of my favorite novels by this author and I definitely recommend this book!
I received an early version of this manuscript from the author. I voluntarily leave this review where all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own
“When everything else was up in the air, Mazzy was my constant.”
I knew within just a few pages of Try Again, Baby that I was going to absolutely LOVE this book—and I was so right. It’s one of those stories that hits you in the heart from the start: tender, heartbreaking in moments, and downright swoony in others. Ben, Mazzy, and little Katty completely stole my heart, and I found myself flying through the pages because I had to see their journey unfold.
At times, my heart broke for Mazzy but I was also amazed by her strength and ability to bounce back from heartbreak. As a single mom, she’s juggling heartbreak, motherhood, and the relentless pursuit of her dream to become a lawyer—and she does it with so much grit, grace, and quiet strength. I adored her compassionate heart and the way she always showed up for the people she loved, even when she was hurting.
And Ben… I already knew I loved him, but this book cemented it. I’ve been waiting for his story, and it delivered in every way. He’s such an effortlessly lovable charmer, the kind of hero who wears his heart on his sleeve and falls with his whole chest. Watching him step into fatherhood was beautiful, and he might just be one of the best golden retriever heroes I’ve read in a long time.
Ben and Mazzy together? Pure magic. Their flirty banter was everything—warm, playful, and threaded with this electric chemistry that made every interaction sparkle. They complement each other so beautifully, and I loved how open and vulnerable they allowed themselves to be as their connection deepened.
Try Again, Baby was an absolutely fabulous read—emotional, romantic, and full of heart. I’m already counting down the days until the next Wells brother gets his HEA.
WE HAVE THE WELLS BROTHERS SERIES AHHHHHHHH I fell in love with these guys HARD in By the Letter!!!!! I’ve been twiddling my thumbs for Ben’s book and it was so worth the wait!!!! I gobbled this book up and left no crumbs. It’s everything. Ben was exactly as I hoped and wanted him to be!!!!! Mazzy and Ben met while traveling and had a hot night together before going their separate ways. Mazzy ends up pregnant and when she tracks down Ben to tell him there’s a mix up so she spends five years going THROUGH IT!!! When Ben finds out he’s absolutely devastated and truly I was so happy with his reaction. Ben is such a good guy. He wears his emotions on the outside and has the biggest heart inside. I was so happy how gobsmacked he was by the news lol it was perfect. I honestly was so giddy and giggly through 99% of this book!!! I definitely shed some tears, but mostly this book made me SO HAPPY!!! The way Ben is with his daughter and the emotions he felt, omg. It was so sweet and beautiful. He was ALL IN. Then having his brothers around and the wives and their big found family. Just too sweet for words. Mazzy has young and I felt so bad for all she went through, but she didn’t let it steal her kindness or how adorable she was. I loved these two together!!!! They were so funny!! And so in love! Benny boy is down so so bad!!!! I’m obsessed with Ben and Mazzy’s daughter Katty. She’s soooo cute!! Some of her lines just had me cackling 😂😂😂 This book is perfect. If you love secret baby books then you’ll need to read asap!! What a great intro to the series!! I can’t wait to see which brother gets a book next!!!
Ben is the absolute most endearing golden retriever type & so funny & so sweet. It was absolutely no hardship to fall for him.
Mazzy is someone who had been dealt a pretty terrible card while on a trip to New Zealand with her then boyfriend. But Ben is there to save the day & immediately helps her relax & finally laugh again. They spend time together on the flight back, including the delays, and it was a night she would never forget. Quite literally too. Because she walks away with something of Ben's that has her hoping to reconnect with him.
But after she thinks she speaks to him & he tells her to get lost, she loses all hope & is determined to figure it out on her own.
But five years later, when fate brings them back into each other's orbit, Mazzy has to face the fact that a terrible moment occurred & she actually spoke to his twin brother.
Now, after 5 years, Mazzy & Ben have to navigate their new normal. Especially since sweet little Katty is involved now. Watching that bond between Ben & Katty form was absolutely the sweetest. He adored that little girl & he so deserved to have that with her.
But now they have a navigate this new normal for them & Katty. And there are bumps & miscommunications & terrible timing of events.
But I was oh so happy they managed to work things out because that epilogue was too dang sweet. It just made me want more of the three of them.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 | Absolute Perfection! I am completely obsessed with this book! Ben Wells is absolute chef’s kiss…he is funny, charming, loyal, and incredibly sexy. After a memorable one-night stand with Mazzy, he just couldn't forget the beauty who captured his heart on his trip back from New Zealand. Fast forward five years later, and she is suddenly back in his life…with an additional little human who happens to be his spitting image. The moment Ben knew Katty was his, he was all in. Watching him fall hopelessly in love with his daughter and take the time to truly get to know her was the absolute sweetest part of the book! Mazzy is a fantastic protagonist—she’s funny, sweet, and a wonderful mother who has taken on the role of a single parent with total gusto while constantly working to better herself. The dynamic between the main characters is top-tier: • The Rapport: Ben and Mazzy have such a natural, fun banter and make an incredible team. • The Chemistry: Their physical connection is absolutely white-hot! • The Growth: It was incredibly fun watching their romance evolve alongside Ben's developing relationship with his daughter. As a bonus, Ben’s camaraderie with his brothers was highly entertaining. I absolutely loved their group text messages and how they rallied around their niece. This was such a fun, heartwarming read. I really hope we get books for Adrian and Nate next! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I spent the first half of this book filled with so much tension, suspense, and anticipation that it genuinely felt like it might take me out.
The surprise pregnancy in this book is done incredibly well. There are so many twists, complications, and emotional upheavals before you finally reach a point where you can breathe again. It was such an emotional journey, but absolutely worth every second.
MMC - Ben… Benny… Bennett… OMG, I love him. He’s such a green-flag hero who carries all his pain and trauma so quietly, hiding it beneath his incredible sense of humor.
FMC - Mazzy… Maz… Mazzy Belle. She’s mature, fiercely responsible, and an absolute ray of sunshine. Life has dealt her some truly unfair blows, yet she never loses the strength that makes her so easy to love.
Together? One of my favorite love stories ever.
And then, unsurprisingly, we have little Katty. I swear she is the coolest, cutest, sweetest five-year-old I’ve ever read. I loooooove her.
Julia Wolf never disappoints when it comes to the pregnancy trope, and this book is no exception. The age gap, the misunderstandings, the incredible chemistry, and all the emotional, angsty moments had me completely hooked from beginning to end.
Tropes: 💜secret baby 🏉surprise pregnancy 💜one night stand 🏉rugby playing golden retriever MMC 💜plus size law student FMC 🏉age gap
If you’ve read By the Letter (Roman and Shiraz’s year jerker of a story) or To The Chase (Bea and Sal’s heart throb of a story) then you’ve met the one and only Ben.
He is the happy go lucky brother who befriends everyone and delivers surprisingly insightful home truths when needed, he chases his friends/brothers children and pets around the best kind of big kid turned babysitter and he generally makes everyone’s lives better. So as you can imagine, we’ve all been beyond eager for him to have his own story!
I was not disappointed by Ben’s time to shine. The relationship between him and Mazzy is innate and jumps off the page, the surprise baby/misunderstandings and general heartache will make you want to wrap them both in a protective blanket and I won’t spoil it by getting into details but it’s very well done.
Watching Ben because a father is everything you didn’t know you needed. Mazzy would be the best friend to have in your corner and I thought her own internal struggles with abandonment and being an adoptee was really beautifully done.
All in all this is emotional, romantic, swoony and spicy, everything you could possibly need. Ben is a rugged rugby player, a little older, with oodles of charm and energy. Mazzy is smart as a whip, a little nerdy in the best way, soft bodied and charming.
Don’t waste time resisting, make this your next read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was honestly like a book hug. I absolutely loved Ben and his golden retriever energy; he was such a joy of an MMC. Then you throw in Mazzy, who was lovely, funny, and bright despite everything she’s been through. Her personality matched Ben’s perfectly, and their banter had me laughing out loud. The emotional side of things was handled really well, too, and I loved how easy they were with each other. Plus, hello, fiery chemistry! 🥵🥵
I really enjoyed the plot—the accidental pregnancy, the mix-up, the reconnection, and the lovely little family that grew out of it. Ben going all-in the moment he found out was so very him and I adored him and Katty. Mazzy being a bit more cautious made complete sense, but I loved how they made things work and fit into each other's lives.
The Wells brothers are back too, and I still love them (yes, even you, Roman!). Adrian is as moody and intriguing as ever, Roman is the carer who still goes above and beyond even when he messes up, and Nate really grew on me compared to the last book—now I just want more of him. Their chats were equal parts hilarious, emotional, and supportive; I love their relationship. We also got Aunt Barb (❤️) and the fabulous Kylie, who brought Mazzy and Ben back into each other's lives.
A really enjoyable read, and I hope we get to see Nate and Adrian’s books next.
Benny is a character with a background I can completely relate to, and Julia does an excellent job of conveying the deep emotional feelings associated with the loss and sense of abandonment. As a result, he is the happy go lucky guy that feels the need to comfort those around him, that it’s his job to emotionally care for others and for that, he goes all in. He is obsessed with Mazzy right from the start, and though she is wary of the attraction she feels toward him, she finds him irresistible (same girl, same) and cannot help but fall completely into his orbit. Katty, their darling little girl, is the cutest. Sweetest. Adorablest (not a word, but it is now) little girl on the planet. I can just picture her little glasses, her curls and quivering lip and I don’t know that I could find it in my heart to tell her no, either. It’s little wonder that Benny falls as deeply as he does. His little family is PRECIOUS. I might be biased, as I am pregnant and the hormones are off the charts, but several parts of this book made me WEEP. In the best of ways, of course.
It destroyed me the way their story had to start, but the way it ended was nothing short of sweet perfection.
I fell in love with Benny and Mazzy’s story, and you will too.
✲ “Yes, Mazzy Belle. I get paid to play rugby.” “Wow.” I tilted toward him even more, almost splaying onto his lap. “Are you famous?” “In some circles.” He laughed dryly. “Clearly not that famous. You’ve never heard of my sport, let alone my name.”✲
▬▬▬✲▬▬▬▬ eARC Author Julia Wolf June 25th 2026 Release ✲✲✲
•𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗜𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦:
ONE NIGHT STAND SURPRISE PREGNANCY SECRET BABY HE 💦 𝖨𝖭 HIS PANTS RUGBY PLAYER SPICY GOLDEN RETRIEVER MMC PLUS SIZED LAW STUDENT FMC AGE GAP* ▬▬▬▬▬▬ Likable characters Would recommend Good secondary characters Great dialogue ▬▬▬▬ Pace 4 Plot 5 Main characters 4 Secondary characters 5 Enjoyability 4 Ease of reading 5 Engagement 4 Setting 4 Ending 4 Other 4 Miscellaneous 3
Cliffhanger NO Epilogue YES Total = 4 ish stars ~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed this. It was overall a nice reading experience. My main quirky issue - would kind of be spoiler-ish, so leaving that off. Particularly great part: Personally loved how Katty was a fully developed character & did not seem like a plot device. She stood out and never seemed trivial or a throwaway tool. Very well done.
▬▬▬▬ “Try again baby”—- Ben ▬▬▬▬
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review Try Again, Baby 🩵 @theauthor.agency @authorjuliawolf
There’s a reason I love Julia Wolf and it’s because she delivers emotional, plot driven stories each and every time that manage to land beautifully. Ben and Mazzy couldn’t be more different. A one night stand becomes a lifetime. Ben’s total devastation when he discovers he has a daughter and that he missed the first four years of her life is raw and heartbreaking. Without going into too much detail, you will forgive him for this. Mazzy was a perfect counterpoint to the effervescent, golden retriever we get from Ben. The happy go lucky, gorgeous as sin pro rugby player who’s down so bad for his baby mama he never gets back up. Mazzy is a typical Julia fmc - strong, intelligent, and fun. She’s got a backbone and isn’t afraid to use it. We get cameos from our favorites like Bea and Sal, and Roman and Shira. And Julia does a great job teasing parts of the other brothers’ stories. Overall another 5 star read from one of my favorite authors.
Thank you to Julia Wolf for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.