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Igniting Forever
When Sophie’s marriage implodes right in front of her, she’s left with no choice but to start over—this time with her infant daughter, Lou, depending on her every move.
Betrayed and hardened, Sophie is determined to rebuild a life for them… even while still tied to the man who chose another woman over his own family.
Then she meets Linc.
Suddenly, the future doesn’t look so bleak.
But new beginnings aren’t easy with a controlling ex-husband and his jealous new wife stirring up trouble.
Linc finds himself fighting for more than love; he’s fighting for a future with Sophie and the little girl who’s already stolen his heart.
For Linc, Sophie isn’t second best. She isn’t a placeholder.
She’s everything.
Betrayed and hardened, Sophie is determined to rebuild a life for them… even while still tied to the man who chose another woman over his own family.
Then she meets Linc.
Suddenly, the future doesn’t look so bleak.
But new beginnings aren’t easy with a controlling ex-husband and his jealous new wife stirring up trouble.
Linc finds himself fighting for more than love; he’s fighting for a future with Sophie and the little girl who’s already stolen his heart.
For Linc, Sophie isn’t second best. She isn’t a placeholder.
She’s everything.
274 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 30, 2026
2ish Stars
Delivered zero angst and I've already completely forgotten about it.
Delivered zero angst and I've already completely forgotten about it.
July 3, 2026
I read this story a couple of times on Wattpad before it was released on KU. I love this story so much. The heroine is married to an arrogant prick who can barely stand to be around his sweet little daughter. He and his mother are both elitist pieces of shit who look down on other others. The husband is cheating on his wife with his ex he had planned to marry before, but she bailed on him so he moved on. Sweet heroine discovers this betrayal when the idiot Husband and his bitch of a mother are discussing is ex, and the husband announces he has everyone where he wants them. He's screwing the ex and keeping her as a side piece as payback for her leaving him in the past. And he's keeping his sweet little wife as a built in babysitter for his heir, and he makes it apparent he doesn't really love her all that much. He's a total prick, his mother is a total bitch, and the ex is a total skank.
The story is awesome with the husband's grandfather protecting the sweet heroine and her baby girl against the evil, slimebag family members. Sweet heroine finds a new love, who is phenomenal. He's smoking HOT, and sweet as pie. And he's NO BETA. He's ALL MAN through and through.
I loved this sweet story so much. It has a little bit of angst, but then it has the perfect ending with the evil assholes getting their comeuppance, and the sweetheart heroine getting the perfect life she deserves!
Read it!
June 27, 2026
3.5 stars… rounding up because I like this author. This is one of my favorite tropes… betrayed wife moves on and up with new MMC. It definitely had angst but it didn’t really give me the gut punch I crave in these books.
Spoilery thoughts…
I never felt the heartbreak from the betrayal of her husband cheating. It was early in the book and we never saw this couple together to really elicit that gut punch. She moves on with her daughter pretty seamlessly. It helps she had the family’s wealthy patriarch on her side. I loved her relationship with the grandfather. He was definitely ten toes down standing on business.
Once FMC starts moving on with a new MMC, old MMC decides he wants her back. It wasn’t ever a true yearning with sadness… more just delusion. I missed seeing his soul deep yearning and tears. 😈
I hope I don’t have to relinquish my ally card for this… but I didn’t hate the OW, which annoyed me. I wish she was more evil. Don’t get me wrong, she sucked. But in her chapters she didn’t necessarily seem nefarious compared to the MMC and his shrew of a mother. Towards the end she mainly seemed manipulated and I thought her outcome seemed harsh. 🤷♀️
An ex of the new MMC tried to cause a bit of drama and I was totally here for it. Her machinations was a nothing burger between the couple’s relationship and I felt a bit bummed over that. It could have been an angst goldmine situation. 😔
I felt the MIL was the serious villain here and it was nice to see her downfall. I wish we had a pov from her in the epilogue.
Overall decent read, but I definitely liked Just Desserts more. That one is on my reread rotation and I doubt I’ll be rereading this again. ✌️
Spoilery thoughts…
I never felt the heartbreak from the betrayal of her husband cheating. It was early in the book and we never saw this couple together to really elicit that gut punch. She moves on with her daughter pretty seamlessly. It helps she had the family’s wealthy patriarch on her side. I loved her relationship with the grandfather. He was definitely ten toes down standing on business.
Once FMC starts moving on with a new MMC, old MMC decides he wants her back. It wasn’t ever a true yearning with sadness… more just delusion. I missed seeing his soul deep yearning and tears. 😈
I hope I don’t have to relinquish my ally card for this… but I didn’t hate the OW, which annoyed me. I wish she was more evil. Don’t get me wrong, she sucked. But in her chapters she didn’t necessarily seem nefarious compared to the MMC and his shrew of a mother. Towards the end she mainly seemed manipulated and I thought her outcome seemed harsh. 🤷♀️
An ex of the new MMC tried to cause a bit of drama and I was totally here for it. Her machinations was a nothing burger between the couple’s relationship and I felt a bit bummed over that. It could have been an angst goldmine situation. 😔
I felt the MIL was the serious villain here and it was nice to see her downfall. I wish we had a pov from her in the epilogue.
Overall decent read, but I definitely liked Just Desserts more. That one is on my reread rotation and I doubt I’ll be rereading this again. ✌️
June 30, 2026
Didn't get the gut punch the blurb teased
June 30, 2026
Finding better
Once Sophie over hears a conversation her husband Maxwell is having she is determined to make a better life for herself. The Grandfather Walt was the best he helped Sophie and Lou and was always there for them.
Noe for Maxwell, Natalia, and Helen those people were despicable. They were awful humans and deserved everything that happened.
I was happy with all of the Character Epilogue, I just wished we heard more about Walt.
Overall definitely worth the read.
Once Sophie over hears a conversation her husband Maxwell is having she is determined to make a better life for herself. The Grandfather Walt was the best he helped Sophie and Lou and was always there for them.
Noe for Maxwell, Natalia, and Helen those people were despicable. They were awful humans and deserved everything that happened.
I was happy with all of the Character Epilogue, I just wished we heard more about Walt.
Overall definitely worth the read.
July 9, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4 stars
Sometimes you don’t need a book to change your life.
Sometimes you just need it to remind you that happy endings still exist.
After a string of books that left me emotionally unsatisfied, this was exactly the palate cleanser I needed.
The writing isn’t trying to be poetic or profound.
It’s simply… solid.
The editing is clean.
The pacing is quick.
The story never overstays its welcome.
Most importantly…
It never wastes your time.
The cheating happens early.
The marriage ends early.
The heroine doesn’t spend 200 pages wondering if she should take him back.
She doesn’t kiss him again.
She doesn’t sleep with him again.
She doesn’t have one of those “But maybe he’s changed…” moments.
She is done.
Chef’s kiss.
No notes.
I love a decisive FMC.
Instead of spending the whole book mourning the relationship, she starts rebuilding her life.
And thankfully…
The book lets her.
The support system around Sophie was wonderful.
Her family felt like people who actually wanted to help instead of existing just to manufacture drama.
The villains, meanwhile…
Were deep in their villain era.
They woke up every morning and chose audacity.
I actually appreciated that.
No redemption arc.
No last-minute personality transplant.
Just committed villainy from beginning to end.
And then Crystal Nichols did something I almost never see.
She actually let them suffer the consequences.
Not metaphorically.
Not emotionally.
Legally.
We’ve joked so many times in my reviews,
“Sir… you deserve jail time.”
Crystal Nichols apparently heard us.
Because multiple villains don’t just lose the relationship…
They literally go to jail.
Others lose their place in the community entirely and have to leave town.
One even loses a few teeth along the way.
Usually romance authors hand out apologies.
Crystal Nichols handed out felony charges.
And honestly…
I respected the commitment.
Crystal Nichols is not playing around.
Linc was exactly the kind of hero this story needed.
Kind.
Patient.
Protective.
From the moment he appeared, I wanted Sophie to climb him.
There was never a point where I worried she’d go back to her ex.
That certainty made the romance much more enjoyable.
And then…
There’s Lou.
She absolutely steals every scene she’s in.
She provides most of the humor, all of the sweetness, and somehow manages to become the emotional center of the story without feeling forced.
She was adorable.
There isn’t a huge amount of spice here.
There’s enough to fit the relationship.
Not enough to take over the story.
Honestly…
I appreciated that.
This book is much more interested in healing than heat.
Overall, this isn’t a book that’s trying to reinvent romance.
It’s trying to tell a satisfying story about rebuilding your life after betrayal.
And it succeeds.
If you’ve just finished a book that left you frustrated, emotionally exhausted, or wondering why everyone suddenly forgot how to communicate…
Pick this one up next.
It’s the literary equivalent of comfort food.
Simple.
Warm.
Satisfying.
Exactly what I needed.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 stars)
Sometimes you don’t need a book to change your life.
Sometimes you just need it to remind you that happy endings still exist.
After a string of books that left me emotionally unsatisfied, this was exactly the palate cleanser I needed.
The writing isn’t trying to be poetic or profound.
It’s simply… solid.
The editing is clean.
The pacing is quick.
The story never overstays its welcome.
Most importantly…
It never wastes your time.
The cheating happens early.
The marriage ends early.
The heroine doesn’t spend 200 pages wondering if she should take him back.
She doesn’t kiss him again.
She doesn’t sleep with him again.
She doesn’t have one of those “But maybe he’s changed…” moments.
She is done.
Chef’s kiss.
No notes.
I love a decisive FMC.
Instead of spending the whole book mourning the relationship, she starts rebuilding her life.
And thankfully…
The book lets her.
The support system around Sophie was wonderful.
Her family felt like people who actually wanted to help instead of existing just to manufacture drama.
The villains, meanwhile…
Were deep in their villain era.
They woke up every morning and chose audacity.
I actually appreciated that.
No redemption arc.
No last-minute personality transplant.
Just committed villainy from beginning to end.
And then Crystal Nichols did something I almost never see.
She actually let them suffer the consequences.
Not metaphorically.
Not emotionally.
Legally.
We’ve joked so many times in my reviews,
“Sir… you deserve jail time.”
Crystal Nichols apparently heard us.
Because multiple villains don’t just lose the relationship…
They literally go to jail.
Others lose their place in the community entirely and have to leave town.
One even loses a few teeth along the way.
Usually romance authors hand out apologies.
Crystal Nichols handed out felony charges.
And honestly…
I respected the commitment.
Crystal Nichols is not playing around.
Linc was exactly the kind of hero this story needed.
Kind.
Patient.
Protective.
From the moment he appeared, I wanted Sophie to climb him.
There was never a point where I worried she’d go back to her ex.
That certainty made the romance much more enjoyable.
And then…
There’s Lou.
She absolutely steals every scene she’s in.
She provides most of the humor, all of the sweetness, and somehow manages to become the emotional center of the story without feeling forced.
She was adorable.
There isn’t a huge amount of spice here.
There’s enough to fit the relationship.
Not enough to take over the story.
Honestly…
I appreciated that.
This book is much more interested in healing than heat.
Overall, this isn’t a book that’s trying to reinvent romance.
It’s trying to tell a satisfying story about rebuilding your life after betrayal.
And it succeeds.
If you’ve just finished a book that left you frustrated, emotionally exhausted, or wondering why everyone suddenly forgot how to communicate…
Pick this one up next.
It’s the literary equivalent of comfort food.
Simple.
Warm.
Satisfying.
Exactly what I needed.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 stars)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2026
Sophie is married to Max and thinks she is living a happy life until she discovers Max is cheating on her with his ex girlfriend. He is from high society and there are a lot of expectations. She’s not prepared to stand for his crap so she packs up her baby girl and leaves. This is where she meets Linc our swoonworthy H. He immediately recognises Sophie for the gem that she is and is instantly drawn to her daughter being more of a father figure to her than her own Dad ever was. There is a good bit of drama between Max and his new wife and Sophie but he 100% comes to regret his life choices.
It’s fairly low angst but a good read.
It’s fairly low angst but a good read.
July 28, 2026
Really enjoyable!
Overall, I really loved this story. Lincoln was a great character and his relationship with Eloise was a beautiful thing to see unfold on page. I think the only thing I didn’t like about the story was Maxwell‘s come up. I absolutely understand he’s a cheater and in no way do I ever want a woman to take a cheater like that back but I felt like him being charged with the assault was unfair because he was drugged at the end of the day and those sort of drugs make you act out of hand and both his mother and Natalia violated his physical person so I just didn’t hate him as much as at the end, as I think the author wanted you to. I wanted him to kind of figure out his stuff and be a decent dad, but I didn’t really want him to get charged with assault. However, most of the rest of the story was perfect so I wasn’t gonna drop it to four stars since you can’t give half stars so I think it’s a 4 1/2 star book it dragged a little bit at the end but again still really enjoyable.
Overall, I really loved this story. Lincoln was a great character and his relationship with Eloise was a beautiful thing to see unfold on page. I think the only thing I didn’t like about the story was Maxwell‘s come up. I absolutely understand he’s a cheater and in no way do I ever want a woman to take a cheater like that back but I felt like him being charged with the assault was unfair because he was drugged at the end of the day and those sort of drugs make you act out of hand and both his mother and Natalia violated his physical person so I just didn’t hate him as much as at the end, as I think the author wanted you to. I wanted him to kind of figure out his stuff and be a decent dad, but I didn’t really want him to get charged with assault. However, most of the rest of the story was perfect so I wasn’t gonna drop it to four stars since you can’t give half stars so I think it’s a 4 1/2 star book it dragged a little bit at the end but again still really enjoyable.
August 4, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️
Didn’t knock my socks off, but then I wasn’t expecting it to! In short, woman who is as perfect as a Disney character (according to every man she ever meets) gets cheated on by her horrendous husband. She finds out, along with a few other awful bits of info (she’s a placeholder wife, she’s being used as a perfect mother for their daughter, etc etc). She leaves with help from the super rich patriarch of the cheaters family—his grandfather AKA the only nice one.
After that, woman meets someone new who also falls head over heels with her on first glance. 🙄 From there, it got a little silly—tonnes of drama with the ex-husband and his new wife (previously the mistress), plus the ex-mother in law.
The perfect new man has a perfect family too, and they come to the rescue. 🤷♀️
A quick enough read, but some of the chapters dragged for me because it was so obvious what was going to happen, plus the way the new MMC went on and on about how much he loved FMC and her five year old daughter sort of gave me the ick.
Didn’t knock my socks off, but then I wasn’t expecting it to! In short, woman who is as perfect as a Disney character (according to every man she ever meets) gets cheated on by her horrendous husband. She finds out, along with a few other awful bits of info (she’s a placeholder wife, she’s being used as a perfect mother for their daughter, etc etc). She leaves with help from the super rich patriarch of the cheaters family—his grandfather AKA the only nice one.
After that, woman meets someone new who also falls head over heels with her on first glance. 🙄 From there, it got a little silly—tonnes of drama with the ex-husband and his new wife (previously the mistress), plus the ex-mother in law.
The perfect new man has a perfect family too, and they come to the rescue. 🤷♀️
A quick enough read, but some of the chapters dragged for me because it was so obvious what was going to happen, plus the way the new MMC went on and on about how much he loved FMC and her five year old daughter sort of gave me the ick.
July 6, 2026
Sophie thought Maxwell was the man of her dreams until she finds out he still carries a torch for his ex and has been seeing her on the side. Sophie draws the line, she wants out and divorces Max focusing only on her daughter Lou and building a healthy and loving life with their daughter Lou. She never expects to get involved with a man again, but then she meets Linc.
Linc has been burned before and while he would love have a family of his own he has not found the woman to take a chance on until Sophie. Now he needs to prove to Sophie he is worth the shot. With her ex still trying to get her back, Linc does what he needs to do to keep Sophie and Lou by his side and safe as some are intent on splitting them up.
Really enjoyed it, has some angst but was looking for a drama filled read and this totally fit what I was looking for. Sophie is great and once Linc enters the story you can't put the book down. Wonderful.
Linc has been burned before and while he would love have a family of his own he has not found the woman to take a chance on until Sophie. Now he needs to prove to Sophie he is worth the shot. With her ex still trying to get her back, Linc does what he needs to do to keep Sophie and Lou by his side and safe as some are intent on splitting them up.
Really enjoyed it, has some angst but was looking for a drama filled read and this totally fit what I was looking for. Sophie is great and once Linc enters the story you can't put the book down. Wonderful.
June 27, 2026
This was such a great read! I’m a sucker for a single mum who gets an upgrade and the new hero in this one was a definite improvement. Great characters, dash of drama and a fantastic HEA. Definitely recommend.
July 30, 2026
That wasn’t bad but after 55% I got kinda bored.
The plot was super basic and while the writing was good, there wasn’t anything that I haven’t read before..
Would I recommend the book? Yeah, probably. Would I read it again? Nope.
The plot was super basic and while the writing was good, there wasn’t anything that I haven’t read before..
Would I recommend the book? Yeah, probably. Would I read it again? Nope.
July 14, 2026
Good for the OW/Ex drama but just so over the top. Sophie got on my damn nerves after awhile with her " birds sew my dresses every morning" and men fall at my feet crap all the time. Linc was was annoying too.
August 18, 2026
I personally loved this book. It was great with the ex husband and mother in law drama. I heard there would also be ex wife drama, and while she does come back, it’s more towards the end and she’s not really causing most of the drama. But I still love the author and the book. She writes great books that have the first husband cheating but the wife moving on to a better man while the ex suffers. There is not much gut punch or angst in my opinion but there is a lot of drama happening. Plus there are 4 main povs happening but also some from the side characters.
As we have Sophia and Max that are married and have a baby together. Sophie comes from a farm while max comes from a rich background in society. They get together after his ex natalia left max. So, sophie then overhears max and his mom (helen), who has never approved of sophie, talking about how max is basically having an affair with natalia. She starts to plan to divorce him. Max’s grandfather who loves sophie finds out and actually helps her do that. She gets a PI to get evidence while he gets her an attorney. They get a custody agreement with sophie of course getting main custody. Plus, max now has to marry natalia. Max really thought he could have the wife and the mistress and ride off into the sunset.
Now fast forward five years, max really only sees his daughter (lou) once a month for a party so he can pretend he’s a good father but in actuality he knows nothing about his daughter, doesn’t care to find out, and lou hasn’t spent the night with him since she was a baby. Why sophie never just got full custody after a couple years when it’s clear he and his family had no real care for lou, I’ll never know.
Now lou went on a school trip and met giant 6’5 firefighter lincoln. They hit it off and it’s cute that he actually met the daughter first. then he sees both sophie and lou together in the park. He gets her number and starts trying to slowly woo her by texting everyday. Lincoln also has a money/ fame hungry ex. They were highschool sweethearts, she wanted to be an actress, he followed and supported her in LA. Until everything was never enough for her.
Their first date was at a fair and at first I was annoyed that the grandfather came but then it was sweet cause I feel like it took pressure off of everything. They all hung out, lincoln won lou a big green bear. Then pops took lou away so sophie could get some action 😏. They continue to date. Until on one date max runs into them and of course he has to make a scene and say she’s embarrassing him. Even though they’ve been divorce for 5 years and only communicate about their daughter but okay. Then threaten about custody of their daughter even though he sees her like once a month for a reason. sir you do not have a leg to stand on. But this confrontation result in sophie getting some dick in more than one way. With lincoln but also as her ex is now gonna be a dick to her with thinking he can get her back. even though it’s been five years and he’s been with natalia this whole time. Like because he saw her move on all of a sudden he’s obsessed. Like all of a sudden he’s being celibate cause he can’t be with anyone but sophie even though he cheated on her and continued to be with natalia afterwards until now.
Sophie meets lincoln’s family and they are the best. his mom is a bad ass judge, he has a cop brother and social worker sister. they all instantly love each other. Then lincoln gets a call from his ex he hasn’t heard from in ten years. but lou distracts from this as she breaks her arm. This leads to another confrontation with max as he sees he’s really not included in the family but lincoln is fitting right in. Max’s mother also shows up thinking she could do idk what. But they sort of move in with lincoln after that. Plus sophie finally decides she now was sole custody of lou, as I guess been gathering evidence of his illegal activities over the years.
Then sophie runs into lincoln’s ex, lindsay, see she’s not a main character causing drama but she makes a few scenes. As she makes it seem like her and lincoln have been talking when they have not, comes to the fire station but is quickly kicked out, Telling lou lincoln is just pretending to like her. She’s doing all of this cause she’s getting paid by max.
While that’s going on natalia and helen are trying to get a male heir as now they haven’t been able to conceive this whole time. So helen takes her to an weird place so she can get pills to secretly give max. Even though he’s now obsessed with sophie and is not sleeping in the same room with her anymore.
This all comes to a head at a big gala. Where everyone is at. With lincoln, plus his family, max and his, plus sophie and lou. natalia gave max his secret pills plus a illegal serum. While lincoln’s family keeps lou around them. but lindsay was able to pull sophie away. Which I thought was pretty stupid. like you partners ex comes up and wants to talk and your like sure let’s go on a walk. What?! why?! yes go talk in this back garden even though we have nothing to talk about. Where of course max is waiting and almost does something to her. then everyone is arrested.
Literally max, natalia and lindsay. Max gets some karma at the hospital and helen gets outed and arrested in front of her friends.
They go see sophie’s parents which idk how to feel about them cause in the beginning sophie talked like they judged her being with max so they sort of never made an effort. Sophie and lou go see them once a year. Idk that dynamic was weird to me. Cause it seems like sophie didn’t have a relationship with them but lincoln is asking for permission to marry sophie. which he does with lou’s help. They have more kids while everyone bad got their karma.
Overall great drama filled book with sophie moving on from cheater max to giant lincoln who would do everything for sophie and lou.
As we have Sophia and Max that are married and have a baby together. Sophie comes from a farm while max comes from a rich background in society. They get together after his ex natalia left max. So, sophie then overhears max and his mom (helen), who has never approved of sophie, talking about how max is basically having an affair with natalia. She starts to plan to divorce him. Max’s grandfather who loves sophie finds out and actually helps her do that. She gets a PI to get evidence while he gets her an attorney. They get a custody agreement with sophie of course getting main custody. Plus, max now has to marry natalia. Max really thought he could have the wife and the mistress and ride off into the sunset.
Now fast forward five years, max really only sees his daughter (lou) once a month for a party so he can pretend he’s a good father but in actuality he knows nothing about his daughter, doesn’t care to find out, and lou hasn’t spent the night with him since she was a baby. Why sophie never just got full custody after a couple years when it’s clear he and his family had no real care for lou, I’ll never know.
Now lou went on a school trip and met giant 6’5 firefighter lincoln. They hit it off and it’s cute that he actually met the daughter first. then he sees both sophie and lou together in the park. He gets her number and starts trying to slowly woo her by texting everyday. Lincoln also has a money/ fame hungry ex. They were highschool sweethearts, she wanted to be an actress, he followed and supported her in LA. Until everything was never enough for her.
Their first date was at a fair and at first I was annoyed that the grandfather came but then it was sweet cause I feel like it took pressure off of everything. They all hung out, lincoln won lou a big green bear. Then pops took lou away so sophie could get some action 😏. They continue to date. Until on one date max runs into them and of course he has to make a scene and say she’s embarrassing him. Even though they’ve been divorce for 5 years and only communicate about their daughter but okay. Then threaten about custody of their daughter even though he sees her like once a month for a reason. sir you do not have a leg to stand on. But this confrontation result in sophie getting some dick in more than one way. With lincoln but also as her ex is now gonna be a dick to her with thinking he can get her back. even though it’s been five years and he’s been with natalia this whole time. Like because he saw her move on all of a sudden he’s obsessed. Like all of a sudden he’s being celibate cause he can’t be with anyone but sophie even though he cheated on her and continued to be with natalia afterwards until now.
Sophie meets lincoln’s family and they are the best. his mom is a bad ass judge, he has a cop brother and social worker sister. they all instantly love each other. Then lincoln gets a call from his ex he hasn’t heard from in ten years. but lou distracts from this as she breaks her arm. This leads to another confrontation with max as he sees he’s really not included in the family but lincoln is fitting right in. Max’s mother also shows up thinking she could do idk what. But they sort of move in with lincoln after that. Plus sophie finally decides she now was sole custody of lou, as I guess been gathering evidence of his illegal activities over the years.
Then sophie runs into lincoln’s ex, lindsay, see she’s not a main character causing drama but she makes a few scenes. As she makes it seem like her and lincoln have been talking when they have not, comes to the fire station but is quickly kicked out, Telling lou lincoln is just pretending to like her. She’s doing all of this cause she’s getting paid by max.
While that’s going on natalia and helen are trying to get a male heir as now they haven’t been able to conceive this whole time. So helen takes her to an weird place so she can get pills to secretly give max. Even though he’s now obsessed with sophie and is not sleeping in the same room with her anymore.
This all comes to a head at a big gala. Where everyone is at. With lincoln, plus his family, max and his, plus sophie and lou. natalia gave max his secret pills plus a illegal serum. While lincoln’s family keeps lou around them. but lindsay was able to pull sophie away. Which I thought was pretty stupid. like you partners ex comes up and wants to talk and your like sure let’s go on a walk. What?! why?! yes go talk in this back garden even though we have nothing to talk about. Where of course max is waiting and almost does something to her. then everyone is arrested.
Literally max, natalia and lindsay. Max gets some karma at the hospital and helen gets outed and arrested in front of her friends.
They go see sophie’s parents which idk how to feel about them cause in the beginning sophie talked like they judged her being with max so they sort of never made an effort. Sophie and lou go see them once a year. Idk that dynamic was weird to me. Cause it seems like sophie didn’t have a relationship with them but lincoln is asking for permission to marry sophie. which he does with lou’s help. They have more kids while everyone bad got their karma.
Overall great drama filled book with sophie moving on from cheater max to giant lincoln who would do everything for sophie and lou.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2026
From the prologue: Sophie overhears her husband Max tell his viper of a mom the following:
“Sophie is convenient, controllable. I love Natalia, and we will be together again……..”
This overheard ends up being the best thing that could ever happen to Sophie even though it feels like the end of her world. Sophie has no plans to stay, but her husband seems to hold many of the cards and she is a new mom to their daughter Eloise. She needs an ally, but who….
Pops, Max’s grandfather, is an unexpected ally. I mean I am used to reading these books and the whole paternal family is against the heroine. In this case, the head of the household doesn’t just hold the cards he owns the factory that makes them! He loves Sophie and especially loves his great granddaughter “Lou”. He is disappointed that his grandson turned out the way he did, and he has no love for his daughter in law(son died years ago)! Anyhoo, he ends up helping Sophie escape the marriage without losing everything.
Over the next few years she coparents unhappily with Max, putting her own life on hold. Max continues to see Natalia, while pining away for his wife who he now realizes was way too good for him despite what his mother thought.
Then Lincoln happens…bigger than life Lincoln. He actually met Lou first when visiting her school, and now he is meeting Sophie and for him it is love at first sight. Understandably, Sophie is a little hesitant after her disaster of a marriage to Max. But Lincoln, and Lincoln’s well connected but down to earth family win her over. Max, doesn’t like this at all and does what he can to derail the romance. but love prevails and Max fails!!!
I am leaving out lots of spoilers but the story moves pretty swiftly. It has you raging one moment and then awwing the next! The most important things to know:
1-Husband cheats, heroine gets a new hero
2-Evil OW who won’t stop for anything to get what she wants
3-Soon to be mother in law that thinks the h is beneath her since she lacks “connections”
4-Comeuppance for all 3 above
5-A lovely heroine who gets out asap, no waffling for this heroine
6-A sweet daughter who deserves a father that can love her like his own
7-An older grandfather that knows which side to belong to
8-A very deliciously built hero who is all brawn and muscle on the outside and sweet cinnamon roll goodness on the inside
9 Content warning: read this, there are some darker moments in the book, but it is by no means a dark romance, just be advised of some of the content.
“Sophie is convenient, controllable. I love Natalia, and we will be together again……..”
This overheard ends up being the best thing that could ever happen to Sophie even though it feels like the end of her world. Sophie has no plans to stay, but her husband seems to hold many of the cards and she is a new mom to their daughter Eloise. She needs an ally, but who….
Pops, Max’s grandfather, is an unexpected ally. I mean I am used to reading these books and the whole paternal family is against the heroine. In this case, the head of the household doesn’t just hold the cards he owns the factory that makes them! He loves Sophie and especially loves his great granddaughter “Lou”. He is disappointed that his grandson turned out the way he did, and he has no love for his daughter in law(son died years ago)! Anyhoo, he ends up helping Sophie escape the marriage without losing everything.
Over the next few years she coparents unhappily with Max, putting her own life on hold. Max continues to see Natalia, while pining away for his wife who he now realizes was way too good for him despite what his mother thought.
Then Lincoln happens…bigger than life Lincoln. He actually met Lou first when visiting her school, and now he is meeting Sophie and for him it is love at first sight. Understandably, Sophie is a little hesitant after her disaster of a marriage to Max. But Lincoln, and Lincoln’s well connected but down to earth family win her over. Max, doesn’t like this at all and does what he can to derail the romance. but love prevails and Max fails!!!
I am leaving out lots of spoilers but the story moves pretty swiftly. It has you raging one moment and then awwing the next! The most important things to know:
1-Husband cheats, heroine gets a new hero
2-Evil OW who won’t stop for anything to get what she wants
3-Soon to be mother in law that thinks the h is beneath her since she lacks “connections”
4-Comeuppance for all 3 above
5-A lovely heroine who gets out asap, no waffling for this heroine
6-A sweet daughter who deserves a father that can love her like his own
7-An older grandfather that knows which side to belong to
8-A very deliciously built hero who is all brawn and muscle on the outside and sweet cinnamon roll goodness on the inside
9 Content warning: read this, there are some darker moments in the book, but it is by no means a dark romance, just be advised of some of the content.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy received from Author. Opinions are my own.
I have read the author's "Just Desserts" and "Leather & Ledgers" and enjoyed her writing style so when the opportunity came along to read and review an ARC for Igniting Forever, I took it. I was not disappointed. If you've read Just Desserts, you are familiar with POVs from the MFC, MMC (the "new" Hero) as well as the Other Woman, and the current and soon to be ex-Husband. It's an interesting dynamic and certainly flushes out what could be an otherwise flat narrative when we get all four voices. I enjoy stories unfolding through character voices rather than recitation of facts and narration. We also are treated to a monster of an MIL and a no-nonsense grandfather-in-law who steals the show. I really think Pops' character pulled the story along, far more, at times, than the main characters.
Ms. Nichols has a warm and comfortable approach to romance while including a healthy dose of angst - something I like a lot of in my reads. We are all in for the "good guys" (Sophie, Eloise and Lincoln) and up in arms for the "bad guys" (Max, Natalia and the MIL) and there is nothing dark about how the love story unfolds. Are there dark elements? Yes. But the story itself is not a dark romance with any moral greyness. It is a story of a mother who does what she must to protect her daughter from the very people who should be doing everything in their power to make Eloise feel loved and cherished but fail, intentionally, due to their greed and narcissism. Through her clarity and honesty about her role as a wife and mother, Sophie makes strong and brave decisions to remove herself and Eloise from a marriage and household that can only bind her to a loveless and dark future, to go out on her own. Meeting Lincoln, who makes Sophie and Eloise priorities in his life, is just what those two need - to feel loved, cherished and protected. A lovely story and good read. I look forward to future works from this author.
Finally, I really liked the solid editing. It's always a joy to read a work where the author and editors actually practice the craft of writing well.
I have read the author's "Just Desserts" and "Leather & Ledgers" and enjoyed her writing style so when the opportunity came along to read and review an ARC for Igniting Forever, I took it. I was not disappointed. If you've read Just Desserts, you are familiar with POVs from the MFC, MMC (the "new" Hero) as well as the Other Woman, and the current and soon to be ex-Husband. It's an interesting dynamic and certainly flushes out what could be an otherwise flat narrative when we get all four voices. I enjoy stories unfolding through character voices rather than recitation of facts and narration. We also are treated to a monster of an MIL and a no-nonsense grandfather-in-law who steals the show. I really think Pops' character pulled the story along, far more, at times, than the main characters.
Ms. Nichols has a warm and comfortable approach to romance while including a healthy dose of angst - something I like a lot of in my reads. We are all in for the "good guys" (Sophie, Eloise and Lincoln) and up in arms for the "bad guys" (Max, Natalia and the MIL) and there is nothing dark about how the love story unfolds. Are there dark elements? Yes. But the story itself is not a dark romance with any moral greyness. It is a story of a mother who does what she must to protect her daughter from the very people who should be doing everything in their power to make Eloise feel loved and cherished but fail, intentionally, due to their greed and narcissism. Through her clarity and honesty about her role as a wife and mother, Sophie makes strong and brave decisions to remove herself and Eloise from a marriage and household that can only bind her to a loveless and dark future, to go out on her own. Meeting Lincoln, who makes Sophie and Eloise priorities in his life, is just what those two need - to feel loved, cherished and protected. A lovely story and good read. I look forward to future works from this author.
Finally, I really liked the solid editing. It's always a joy to read a work where the author and editors actually practice the craft of writing well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me feeling just about every emotion possible. I was angry, frustrated, laughing, smiling like an idiot, and definitely crying more than once. That’s always a good sign for me because if a book can make me feel, it’s doing something right.
Linc… where do I find a Linc of my own?! He was everything I wanted in a hero. Protective without being overbearing, patient, steady, and he loved Sophie and Lou with his whole heart. Watching him choose them over and over again just melted me.
And Lou? She absolutely stole the show. Every scene with her made the story that much better, and she brought so much heart to the book.
I also have to talk about Pops because he was incredible. The man somehow seemed to see ten steps ahead of everyone else. His loyalty to the people he truly considered family never wavered, and at times he honestly felt like a fairy godfather pulling strings behind the scenes to make sure Sophie and Lou finally got the life they deserved.
One thing I really appreciated was that none of the characters felt one-dimensional. I actually caught myself hoping Max would somehow earn a little redemption. There were moments when you could see the weight of everything he’d thrown away finally hitting him, and for the briefest second I almost felt sorry for him. Almost. In the end, some choices are just too big to come back from, and he made far too many of them.
As for Helen and Natalia… absolutely not. They earned every ounce of my hatred from beginning to end. If ever there were fictional characters who deserved to burn, it’s those two.
The story has plenty of heavy moments, but underneath all of it is a really beautiful story about finding the family that chooses you, protecting the people you love, and learning that real love should feel safe.
If you love single mom romances, heroes who fall just as hard for the child as the mother, found family, and books that will put your emotions through the wringer before giving you a satisfying HEA, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. As always, these are my honest thoughts.
Linc… where do I find a Linc of my own?! He was everything I wanted in a hero. Protective without being overbearing, patient, steady, and he loved Sophie and Lou with his whole heart. Watching him choose them over and over again just melted me.
And Lou? She absolutely stole the show. Every scene with her made the story that much better, and she brought so much heart to the book.
I also have to talk about Pops because he was incredible. The man somehow seemed to see ten steps ahead of everyone else. His loyalty to the people he truly considered family never wavered, and at times he honestly felt like a fairy godfather pulling strings behind the scenes to make sure Sophie and Lou finally got the life they deserved.
One thing I really appreciated was that none of the characters felt one-dimensional. I actually caught myself hoping Max would somehow earn a little redemption. There were moments when you could see the weight of everything he’d thrown away finally hitting him, and for the briefest second I almost felt sorry for him. Almost. In the end, some choices are just too big to come back from, and he made far too many of them.
As for Helen and Natalia… absolutely not. They earned every ounce of my hatred from beginning to end. If ever there were fictional characters who deserved to burn, it’s those two.
The story has plenty of heavy moments, but underneath all of it is a really beautiful story about finding the family that chooses you, protecting the people you love, and learning that real love should feel safe.
If you love single mom romances, heroes who fall just as hard for the child as the mother, found family, and books that will put your emotions through the wringer before giving you a satisfying HEA, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. As always, these are my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Giant and his Sunshine
Though this novel is laced with heavy moments of past events, it’s big on feelings and emotions and packs a punch throughout the story. There are themes of betrayal and angst, emotional drama and found family but it culminates in a spicy HEA for the two main characters.
Once Sophie’s marriage imploded in front of her eyes she started over with her baby daughter Lou and Pops, her ex’s grandfather. She was forever battling her ex, his mother and mistress and was grateful though not reliant on having Pops to help with his advice and support. Then Lou met the Giant and suddenly Sophie’s life exploded with found family love and a brighter future.
Linc was a giant of a firefighter who was strong, confident and protective of his family and those he loved. His past marriage had done a number on him and though he was relatively happy having hookups, he realised that he was missing something more stable in his life. Then he met Sophie and Lou and suddenly things were a lot more lively and seemed to be looking up for his future.
There were still many crazy and chaotic things happening to bruise their every day life and they deal with both physical and emotional damages and are put through the wringer by characters from Sophie’s past, but the strength of their partnership and Pop and Linc’s family saw them overcome pain and power through.
This was a lovely, fulfilling and heartfelt story told by a wonderfully creative author and with her past tales like “Just Desserts” and “Leather and Ledgers”, she is on track to have a very successful and satisfactory writing life. I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me and thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
Though this novel is laced with heavy moments of past events, it’s big on feelings and emotions and packs a punch throughout the story. There are themes of betrayal and angst, emotional drama and found family but it culminates in a spicy HEA for the two main characters.
Once Sophie’s marriage imploded in front of her eyes she started over with her baby daughter Lou and Pops, her ex’s grandfather. She was forever battling her ex, his mother and mistress and was grateful though not reliant on having Pops to help with his advice and support. Then Lou met the Giant and suddenly Sophie’s life exploded with found family love and a brighter future.
Linc was a giant of a firefighter who was strong, confident and protective of his family and those he loved. His past marriage had done a number on him and though he was relatively happy having hookups, he realised that he was missing something more stable in his life. Then he met Sophie and Lou and suddenly things were a lot more lively and seemed to be looking up for his future.
There were still many crazy and chaotic things happening to bruise their every day life and they deal with both physical and emotional damages and are put through the wringer by characters from Sophie’s past, but the strength of their partnership and Pop and Linc’s family saw them overcome pain and power through.
This was a lovely, fulfilling and heartfelt story told by a wonderfully creative author and with her past tales like “Just Desserts” and “Leather and Ledgers”, she is on track to have a very successful and satisfactory writing life. I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me and thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
July 19, 2026
There are a lot of exs in this book. The h and her husband have only been married for a year and they have an infant daughter when the h discovers her husband is having an affair with his ex/OW. The husband's perfect plan is to keep his perfect wife, the h, as well as his ex as his mistress. At one time the husband saw himself marrying the OW until she took off to enjoy traveling not ready to settle down. In retaliation, the husband married the h while his ex was away. The husband is shocked when the h tells him she wants a divorce. With the help of the husband's grandfather, the h hires a PI, gets evidence of infidelity, gets a divorce, buys a house and gets a job. Five years later she is co-parenting with the husband who is now married to the OW. The h meets the H who is a firefighter. Seeing his ex-wife with a new man makes the husband start to make comparisons that find his new wife lacking. He questions the environment that his ex-wife is providing for their child. His concerns are unfounded and are the result of his suspicion that he made a bad choice when he gave up his wife and daughter for his ex. His mother adds fuel to the fire since she has never liked the h. She allies with the OW to try and keep her son married to the OW and stop his pursuit of the h. Into this mix comes one more ex, the H's first wife. He married her when they were young and supported her in her dream of being famous in LA. Reality was harsh and they divorced. She returns with a view to rekindling their relationship. The characters are relatable and not ambiguous. The good guys are good and the bad guys are bad. The karma that each character receives is satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg this story was so dang good!!!
The way I went heart eyes for Linc. Can I have one of him please? 😩 he’s the perfect man who loves Sophie and Lou the way they deserved to be loved!
This story was written so well that it had my emotions all over the place! One moment I wanted to scream and yell, another moment I got emotional, and another I was laughing, maaaaan I had to put the book down at times to woosah!
Each character was written so beautifully, well minus all of the bad ones who deserved to be thrown off a cliff with weights tied around their ankles, but between the main characters, you could feel their chemistry from the first moment they met. I’m a huge fan of Lou also, that little girl pulled at my heart strings the entire story.
There were some tear jerker moments! The tears that were flowing down my face when Linc asked Lou to be his daughter! OMG I couldn’t stop crying. Such a special moment! And the proposal, I don’t think I’ve cried over a story in a long while. Good grief 😭
I will say Natalia and Max’s mother Helen didn’t get enough comeuppance for me. It doesn’t even mention that Helen suffered at all with court. I needed her damaged beyond repair when it came to court and jail.
This story was so dang good! I can’t even begin to explain how good it really was. The build up, the emotions that it puts you through. It’s everything I wasn’t expecting and more! I will definitely read another story by this author!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own 🩷
The way I went heart eyes for Linc. Can I have one of him please? 😩 he’s the perfect man who loves Sophie and Lou the way they deserved to be loved!
This story was written so well that it had my emotions all over the place! One moment I wanted to scream and yell, another moment I got emotional, and another I was laughing, maaaaan I had to put the book down at times to woosah!
Each character was written so beautifully, well minus all of the bad ones who deserved to be thrown off a cliff with weights tied around their ankles, but between the main characters, you could feel their chemistry from the first moment they met. I’m a huge fan of Lou also, that little girl pulled at my heart strings the entire story.
There were some tear jerker moments! The tears that were flowing down my face when Linc asked Lou to be his daughter! OMG I couldn’t stop crying. Such a special moment! And the proposal, I don’t think I’ve cried over a story in a long while. Good grief 😭
I will say Natalia and Max’s mother Helen didn’t get enough comeuppance for me. It doesn’t even mention that Helen suffered at all with court. I needed her damaged beyond repair when it came to court and jail.
This story was so dang good! I can’t even begin to explain how good it really was. The build up, the emotions that it puts you through. It’s everything I wasn’t expecting and more! I will definitely read another story by this author!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Something I always love about Crystal Nichols’ books is that they always leave me with a smile. She has the most satisfying pay-offs. She writes the kinds of love stories that just make you want to melt.
Max was a terrible husband and Sophie deserved so much better. His mother was a monster and treated her even worse than her husband did and he was cheating on her. I loved Pops and how he looked out for Sophie and Eloise. He was the only good one in that family. I almost felt bad for Natalia at times, almost but not quite, because her actions pretty much brought about all her consequences.
Lincoln and Sophie were so sweet together and I just adore little Eloise. They were the most adorable family. I really adored Linc’s whole family and how they all accepted Sophie and Lou and even Pops into their circle. I loved that Lou was able to have a full and loving family around her and get away from Max and his mother and Natalia. There were so many scenes of their family that just gave me the biggest smile and made me literally go awwwwwww. 🥰
The karma was perfection! I don’t want to ruin it, but hospitals scene 😳 is one I won’t soon forget. It couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy. The country club was also quite satisfying. They both made me smile in a wholly different way. 😈
I loved this book! Crystal Nichols continues to be a must read author for me and I can’t wait to read what she writes next! 💜
Max was a terrible husband and Sophie deserved so much better. His mother was a monster and treated her even worse than her husband did and he was cheating on her. I loved Pops and how he looked out for Sophie and Eloise. He was the only good one in that family. I almost felt bad for Natalia at times, almost but not quite, because her actions pretty much brought about all her consequences.
Lincoln and Sophie were so sweet together and I just adore little Eloise. They were the most adorable family. I really adored Linc’s whole family and how they all accepted Sophie and Lou and even Pops into their circle. I loved that Lou was able to have a full and loving family around her and get away from Max and his mother and Natalia. There were so many scenes of their family that just gave me the biggest smile and made me literally go awwwwwww. 🥰
The karma was perfection! I don’t want to ruin it, but hospitals scene 😳 is one I won’t soon forget. It couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy. The country club was also quite satisfying. They both made me smile in a wholly different way. 😈
I loved this book! Crystal Nichols continues to be a must read author for me and I can’t wait to read what she writes next! 💜
August 11, 2026
Solid
Well written and entertaining, albeit a wee bit OTT with the antagonists. I liked the story overall but the antagonists (Max, Helen, and Natalia) reminded me of cartoon villains. That being said, I can also see their actions happening IRL; there was just something that didn't hit with me. I also didn't love how hands off Sophie's parents were. It was side eye moment when the dad was being asked permission to marry and he was acting/speaking as the average dad would but the entire book since they've been non-figures.
I loved Pops aka Walt—his unerring support was amazing.
Lincoln—the big softy was a great MMC.
Abigail, Mason, Quinn, and Gary—were fantastic side characters and their family unit and banter was to fun read.
Lulu—most of the time, child characters get irritating to me but she never did. I really enjoyed how she was worked into the story.
Sophie (FMC)—was intelligent, genuine, had great balance of strength and vulnerability, was independent but knew when to ask/accept help. That last point is notable and I really wish it wasn't. So many, most I daresay, FMC characters that are characterised as "strong" rebuff any form help which inevitably has consequences. Reading an FMC that's strong in character and knows when to ask for as well as accept help when it's offered was refreshing.
Well written and entertaining, albeit a wee bit OTT with the antagonists. I liked the story overall but the antagonists (Max, Helen, and Natalia) reminded me of cartoon villains. That being said, I can also see their actions happening IRL; there was just something that didn't hit with me. I also didn't love how hands off Sophie's parents were. It was side eye moment when the dad was being asked permission to marry and he was acting/speaking as the average dad would but the entire book since they've been non-figures.
I loved Pops aka Walt—his unerring support was amazing.
Lincoln—the big softy was a great MMC.
Abigail, Mason, Quinn, and Gary—were fantastic side characters and their family unit and banter was to fun read.
Lulu—most of the time, child characters get irritating to me but she never did. I really enjoyed how she was worked into the story.
Sophie (FMC)—was intelligent, genuine, had great balance of strength and vulnerability, was independent but knew when to ask/accept help. That last point is notable and I really wish it wasn't. So many, most I daresay, FMC characters that are characterised as "strong" rebuff any form help which inevitably has consequences. Reading an FMC that's strong in character and knows when to ask for as well as accept help when it's offered was refreshing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Sophie overhears her husband Max admit that he is sleeping with his ex she knows her marriage is over and the protection of her daughter is the most important thing now. The trouble is her husband Max is wealthy and no lawyer wants to help her. She eventually gets help from his Grandfather Pops. Max and his mother are non to happy about the divorce, however they are left with no choice. Max moves on with his mistress really quickly but Sophie pours her heart and soul into raising her daughter.
When her daughter tours a fire station and befriends Linc their lives change for better. Linc is green flag central. He knows these two girls are special to him and he is all in from the start. There are outside forces against them but Sophie is no longer alone she now has a village behind her.
Rest assured the bad guys get what is coming to them and Linc and Sophie get there HEA. This book amazing. The characters are so well formed you feel like you know them. Its pacing is spot on and it flows perfectly. Crystal Nichols is an amazing writer I suggest you pick up one of her books now.
When her daughter tours a fire station and befriends Linc their lives change for better. Linc is green flag central. He knows these two girls are special to him and he is all in from the start. There are outside forces against them but Sophie is no longer alone she now has a village behind her.
Rest assured the bad guys get what is coming to them and Linc and Sophie get there HEA. This book amazing. The characters are so well formed you feel like you know them. Its pacing is spot on and it flows perfectly. Crystal Nichols is an amazing writer I suggest you pick up one of her books now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read this on Wattpad and was so glad to get a personal copy.
Sophie overhears Max, her husband, and Helen, her MIL talking about his mistress, Natalie and how it is time that Max is with her openly. This is the push Sophie needs to protect herself and her daughter -- time to leave this toxic relationship.
There are some relatable cliches that apply as follows:
Max -- you don't know what you have until it's gone. Also, FAFO. Too bad he felt entitled to have it all his way 🚫
Natalie -- be careful what you wish for. She did get the marriage she wanted but it sure didn't turn out how she imagined. Bye Bye Felicia 👋🏼
Helen -- evil is as evil does 🧹Enough said for her because she got what she deserved 🧨
Sophie -- she is a phoenix🐦🔥 She rose from the ashes and got the love of her life that put her first as she deserved.
Eloise -- she brought the feel-good emotions to this story 🥰
Pops -- love conquers all. He was on Sophie and Eloise's side the entire time even though his family was Max and Helen. He knew what turds 💩 they were 🥰
Linc -- a man that knew what he had was precious and knew how to put her first 💕
Sophie overhears Max, her husband, and Helen, her MIL talking about his mistress, Natalie and how it is time that Max is with her openly. This is the push Sophie needs to protect herself and her daughter -- time to leave this toxic relationship.
There are some relatable cliches that apply as follows:
Max -- you don't know what you have until it's gone. Also, FAFO. Too bad he felt entitled to have it all his way 🚫
Natalie -- be careful what you wish for. She did get the marriage she wanted but it sure didn't turn out how she imagined. Bye Bye Felicia 👋🏼
Helen -- evil is as evil does 🧹Enough said for her because she got what she deserved 🧨
Sophie -- she is a phoenix🐦🔥 She rose from the ashes and got the love of her life that put her first as she deserved.
Eloise -- she brought the feel-good emotions to this story 🥰
Pops -- love conquers all. He was on Sophie and Eloise's side the entire time even though his family was Max and Helen. He knew what turds 💩 they were 🥰
Linc -- a man that knew what he had was precious and knew how to put her first 💕
July 23, 2026
Sophie finds out her husband Max has been cheating pretty much most of their relationship. He has a vile mother. His family has a lot of clout and power. Sophie is able to leave her marriage with the help of her grandfather in law.
Meets new H five years later who immediately takes to sophie and her daughter.
Story is Sophie navigating her new love while trying not to let the events of her past cloud her new life. Max and his mistress turned wife along with his mother all cause lots of drama. They all get their karma and Sophie gets her happy ending with her new H.
It’s so wild to me that Max, even after he regretted his decisions, he was still seeking to control Sophie. And not only that, he tried to control her by visiting several lawyers to gain custody of their daughter.
Max didn’t have any kind of a meaningful relationship with his daughter and gave zero thought to how it might affect her if they took her away from her mom just so he can control her. It’s like every time I thought he might be really seeing the error of his ways or growing as a human he went and did something or said something so vile.
Meets new H five years later who immediately takes to sophie and her daughter.
Story is Sophie navigating her new love while trying not to let the events of her past cloud her new life. Max and his mistress turned wife along with his mother all cause lots of drama. They all get their karma and Sophie gets her happy ending with her new H.
It’s so wild to me that Max, even after he regretted his decisions, he was still seeking to control Sophie. And not only that, he tried to control her by visiting several lawyers to gain custody of their daughter.
Max didn’t have any kind of a meaningful relationship with his daughter and gave zero thought to how it might affect her if they took her away from her mom just so he can control her. It’s like every time I thought he might be really seeing the error of his ways or growing as a human he went and did something or said something so vile.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of the finalised book, which I was glad to jump into reading as I first read this on Wattpad.
The author has done an amazing job of character development in this story, of the H & h, their supporting families and friends, along with the villains too.
Sophie knows her marriage is over, but the difficulty is her husband Max comes from a wealthy and influential family. What she didn't realise is that Max's pop Walt was clearly on her side, supporting her to leave the marriage and was a strong advocate helping Sophie to ensure Max, Max's mother Helen and the OW Natalia all were held account for their despicable behaviour.
The H of the story Linc, was drool worthy, the chemistry between him and Sophie could be felt off the pages. Linc loved Sophie and Max's daughter Lou as if she was his own, being a strong loving father in her life that Max failed to step up to.
The story is well paced, fill of a mix of anxious and swoon worthy moments, a story I do not hesitate to recommend, and one I will read again and again.
The author has done an amazing job of character development in this story, of the H & h, their supporting families and friends, along with the villains too.
Sophie knows her marriage is over, but the difficulty is her husband Max comes from a wealthy and influential family. What she didn't realise is that Max's pop Walt was clearly on her side, supporting her to leave the marriage and was a strong advocate helping Sophie to ensure Max, Max's mother Helen and the OW Natalia all were held account for their despicable behaviour.
The H of the story Linc, was drool worthy, the chemistry between him and Sophie could be felt off the pages. Linc loved Sophie and Max's daughter Lou as if she was his own, being a strong loving father in her life that Max failed to step up to.
The story is well paced, fill of a mix of anxious and swoon worthy moments, a story I do not hesitate to recommend, and one I will read again and again.
June 26, 2026
I don’t remember when I read a book with so many heartwarming characters and moments to enjoy. Linc is awesome as the man who steps in and opens his heart while falling for and protecting Sophie and her daughter from her ex, the ex’s new wife and the MIL. So many great secondary characters play a major role in the book and I know you will fall in love with them as I did. Pops is actually the ex’s grandfather but he steps in and protects Sophie as she escaped the shambles of her first marriage and the time it took to recover before meeting Linc. When Linc finds his new family he and his whole family sweep in and provide them with even more funny and loving family which we get to enjoy.
There is also drama from the major ne'er-do-wells who will have you wishing they get their just desserts in the end. The betrayal Sophie faced was devastating and they continued to impinge and threaten her life throughout the story. We even get some OW drama when Linc’s shows up back in town but I will let you read about that. This one is definitely going on my all time favorite reads list.
There is also drama from the major ne'er-do-wells who will have you wishing they get their just desserts in the end. The betrayal Sophie faced was devastating and they continued to impinge and threaten her life throughout the story. We even get some OW drama when Linc’s shows up back in town but I will let you read about that. This one is definitely going on my all time favorite reads list.
July 1, 2026
4 star read. I enjoyed this book and it’s characters a lot. I liked just desserts better, however whenever I come across a new author I like I tend to like what I read from them first over everything else. That’s a me issue nothing to do with the author. What I like about this author’s writing is that she tends to include not only the main love interests pov, but also chapters for the point of views of the ex, the OW, and whoever else might be of relevance to the story line to continue, without taking away from the two main people. It makes for a very well rounded story. I also like that at the end of both Just Desserts and this book we get a pov from all parties involved in the story. It helps me feel like I have no more questions by the end of the book. We as the readers get to find out what happened to everyone in the aftermath of whatever the book was leading up to. I greatly appreciate that. I will continue to read whatever she puts out. And eager to see what comes next from her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love love love this story. Sophie’s marriage was over when she found out her husband was cheating. She left with their child. Her ex, his mother and his new wife were menace. But her ex’s grandfather protected her and Sophie pops and Lou became a close family. Eventually she met a wonderful new man, Linc. I absolutely loved Linc and Sophie together from the beginning. Linc is a perfect book boyfriend. When ow interfered he was smart to detect the issue and dealt with it. He is steadfast in his love and support to Sophie and Lou. Each and every character is written so well. Everyone needs pops and family like Linc’s in their life. So much love there.These amazing characters bring so much warmth, I feel like I am watching a wonderful Christmas movie. Oooh, and the revenge and comeuppance for bad guys was so very delicious. I enjoyed the book so much. I really love Crystal Nichols’s writing. I definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lincoln and Sophie
Where to start…. It’s just so good!
A betrayal at the start (not the MMC, thankfully), and a plan to get herself out of her marriage….
Lincoln is the ultimate book husband (nope, no boyfriends here… we’re going full commitment). It was pretty much instalove with Lou, and not far behind with Sophie, and I loved seeing their little family form.
Strong on the found family vibes, I loved the interactions with his family, and honestly? I would happily read stories about his siblings finding love too!
The OW drama… it was present but didn’t overpower. But the wannabe OM issues…. now that was delicious… and the comeuppance was chef’s kiss….
It was interesting getting so many POV’s, even if it was a single chapter, but it worked. It added so much depth to the story, and made it so much easier to either engage or enrage.
Absolutely loved this, well worth taking the opportunity to read in advance.
Where to start…. It’s just so good!
A betrayal at the start (not the MMC, thankfully), and a plan to get herself out of her marriage….
Lincoln is the ultimate book husband (nope, no boyfriends here… we’re going full commitment). It was pretty much instalove with Lou, and not far behind with Sophie, and I loved seeing their little family form.
Strong on the found family vibes, I loved the interactions with his family, and honestly? I would happily read stories about his siblings finding love too!
The OW drama… it was present but didn’t overpower. But the wannabe OM issues…. now that was delicious… and the comeuppance was chef’s kiss….
It was interesting getting so many POV’s, even if it was a single chapter, but it worked. It added so much depth to the story, and made it so much easier to either engage or enrage.
Absolutely loved this, well worth taking the opportunity to read in advance.
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