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Francesca
Francesca has just been trying to survive.
After her mother’s death, survival meant keeping the house together, protecting her grandmother, and staying one step ahead of the man who made their lives a living nightmare. It meant keeping her head down, asking for nothing, and expecting even less.
Then they stepped in.
Her three best friends, Ryan, Christian and Jamie.
What started as protection became something more. Something consuming. Something none of them expected. And something none of them are willing to walk away from.
But can Frankie survive knowing they’d destroy everything—including themselves—to keep her safe?
After her mother’s death, survival meant keeping the house together, protecting her grandmother, and staying one step ahead of the man who made their lives a living nightmare. It meant keeping her head down, asking for nothing, and expecting even less.
Then they stepped in.
Her three best friends, Ryan, Christian and Jamie.
What started as protection became something more. Something consuming. Something none of them expected. And something none of them are willing to walk away from.
But can Frankie survive knowing they’d destroy everything—including themselves—to keep her safe?
- GenresRomance
318 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 3, 2026
Francesca is the first book I’ve read by this author, it is a standalone why-choose polycule romance.
The story starts with Francesca (Frankie) our fmc who is 17, she is in her last year at high school and living a tough life, but don’t get it twisted she has so much love around her. From her grandma who she lives with and cares for and her three best friends and neighbours Christian, Ryan and Jamie. Frankie also lives with an extremely abusive father dealing with substance abuse issues. Christian is their landlord, Ryan is going to college as an incredibly gifted baseball player and Jamie is working for his father who runs a local gang.
I loved how realistic the author made her characters. It was realistic for the landlord in his 20’s to think he could fix the situation with money, it was also realistic for the 17 year old to runaway believing it would solve everyone else’s issues. It’s hard to talk about this book without giving away spoilers but watching the characters on their journey as individuals as well as together was beautiful. I particularly had a soft spot for Jamie who himself was dealing with an abusive and neglectful home life. Watching as they all navigated pain, grief, loss and anger whilst also fighting for their own happily ever after together was what stood out to me most. After feeling that they had to fight their battles alone I liked how they realised they were stronger together.
I loved this book so much and can’t wait to see what the author comes out with next. If you like why-choose romance (swords crossing), grumpy/sunshine vibes I think you’ll like this one.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. This review was given freely and is my honest thoughts. Please check trigger warnings as some heavy topics are mentioned
The story starts with Francesca (Frankie) our fmc who is 17, she is in her last year at high school and living a tough life, but don’t get it twisted she has so much love around her. From her grandma who she lives with and cares for and her three best friends and neighbours Christian, Ryan and Jamie. Frankie also lives with an extremely abusive father dealing with substance abuse issues. Christian is their landlord, Ryan is going to college as an incredibly gifted baseball player and Jamie is working for his father who runs a local gang.
I loved how realistic the author made her characters. It was realistic for the landlord in his 20’s to think he could fix the situation with money, it was also realistic for the 17 year old to runaway believing it would solve everyone else’s issues. It’s hard to talk about this book without giving away spoilers but watching the characters on their journey as individuals as well as together was beautiful. I particularly had a soft spot for Jamie who himself was dealing with an abusive and neglectful home life. Watching as they all navigated pain, grief, loss and anger whilst also fighting for their own happily ever after together was what stood out to me most. After feeling that they had to fight their battles alone I liked how they realised they were stronger together.
I loved this book so much and can’t wait to see what the author comes out with next. If you like why-choose romance (swords crossing), grumpy/sunshine vibes I think you’ll like this one.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. This review was given freely and is my honest thoughts. Please check trigger warnings as some heavy topics are mentioned
June 5, 2026
This was my first why choose novel and it did not disappoint. I love love loved the plot, loved how all of the men were severely protective of Francesca. She’s a very strong woman and loves all three of them just as fiercely. Jamie happens to be my favorite character. He’s covered in tattoos, has beautiful eyes and he’s one of the toughest characters I’ve read about in a long time. I love him!!!
August 9, 2026
Francesca was my first why choose romance, so please know I entered this situation as a beginner with questions.
This was a quick, emotional read with friendship, trauma, found family, protective men, and enough drama to remind everyone that fictional teenagers should probably not be responsible for fixing adult-sized problems.
Frankie’s story is heavy at times, so definitely check the trigger warnings, but I liked the focus on survival, loyalty, and finding people who will stand beside you when life is doing the absolute most.
This was a fast read and a good slump-buster. I can see readers who love protective romance, messy emotions, and found family really enjoying it.
Thank you to author Carrie Ward for providing me with an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
This was a quick, emotional read with friendship, trauma, found family, protective men, and enough drama to remind everyone that fictional teenagers should probably not be responsible for fixing adult-sized problems.
Frankie’s story is heavy at times, so definitely check the trigger warnings, but I liked the focus on survival, loyalty, and finding people who will stand beside you when life is doing the absolute most.
This was a fast read and a good slump-buster. I can see readers who love protective romance, messy emotions, and found family really enjoying it.
Thank you to author Carrie Ward for providing me with an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2026
heartwrenching, gripping, spicy, romantic suspense...also why choose!? I definitely binged this in less than 2 hours
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ not just your basic why choose, this was elevated and had suspense!
🌶️🌶️🌶️beautifully feral and sweet
📄Pages: 336
📚Format: gifted eARC
Thank you Carrie Ward for this eARC. It was a pleasure reading this book and I'm so glad I met you in our Booksta community! This is my honest, voluntary review.
Y'all when I say I loved this. It was so good. It gave me Emily Rath Pucking Around vibes, but less the hockey and add even more romantic suspense, which I absolutely LOVE. This was such a unique read.
I immediately connected with Jamie and with Frankie. I loved the way each character was espoused and had their own identities. I was almost equally invested in all the characters (but let's be real, I wanted to be Frankie, the FMC!).
A beautiful, heartwrenching and heartwarming story. Why choose. Beautifully spicy and conversationally written, which I am ADDICTED TO and LOVE in my novels. I binged this fast and it got me out of my reading slump (which I continue to always read through). It was refreshing and lovely.
I found myself so attached in such a short period of time, and I'm still speechless over it. I love feeling all the feels. An easy 5 stars. Thank you again Carrie.
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Reena's Booksta
Reena's BookTok
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ not just your basic why choose, this was elevated and had suspense!
🌶️🌶️🌶️beautifully feral and sweet
📄Pages: 336
📚Format: gifted eARC
Thank you Carrie Ward for this eARC. It was a pleasure reading this book and I'm so glad I met you in our Booksta community! This is my honest, voluntary review.
Y'all when I say I loved this. It was so good. It gave me Emily Rath Pucking Around vibes, but less the hockey and add even more romantic suspense, which I absolutely LOVE. This was such a unique read.
I immediately connected with Jamie and with Frankie. I loved the way each character was espoused and had their own identities. I was almost equally invested in all the characters (but let's be real, I wanted to be Frankie, the FMC!).
A beautiful, heartwrenching and heartwarming story. Why choose. Beautifully spicy and conversationally written, which I am ADDICTED TO and LOVE in my novels. I binged this fast and it got me out of my reading slump (which I continue to always read through). It was refreshing and lovely.
I found myself so attached in such a short period of time, and I'm still speechless over it. I love feeling all the feels. An easy 5 stars. Thank you again Carrie.
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Reena's Booksta
Reena's BookTok
June 6, 2026
(I received an ARC copy of this book, however a opinions are my own)
Francesca’s life is not always easy, since her mum passed, taking care of her grandmother and staying away from the one person who hurts her, however all this is helped by her three neighbours and friends, Ryan, Christian and Jamie.
Firstly I will say that I love Jamie and no harm should ever become of him ever! But I also like Francesca, Ryan and Christian. Together they all have great chemistry and the steamy scenes are amazing. There is also plenty of them despite being a slow burn to start. Especially between two of the men phew, also will never look at daisy chains the same again.
This story will take you through a range of emotions, with so many heart-warming moments and then some really anger inducing ones, I do think there is one thing I just can’t forgive Francesca for even though I do love her and it doesn’t change that it is still there a little. At some points though my heart broke for all of them and I defiantly shed some tears at quite a few points. The story stays close to the group. But surrounding the group there is trauma and obstacles have to get through both outside and within the group. This is really tense at time and does keep you on the edge of your seat.
Overall I think the story progressed well and was well paced, it is short and would be easy to read in one sitting whilst still feeling meaty. I was defiantly pulled into the story and couldn't stop reading. I think anyone who is just looking for a sometimes casual sometimes tense read will enjoy this book.
Francesca’s life is not always easy, since her mum passed, taking care of her grandmother and staying away from the one person who hurts her, however all this is helped by her three neighbours and friends, Ryan, Christian and Jamie.
Firstly I will say that I love Jamie and no harm should ever become of him ever! But I also like Francesca, Ryan and Christian. Together they all have great chemistry and the steamy scenes are amazing. There is also plenty of them despite being a slow burn to start. Especially between two of the men phew, also will never look at daisy chains the same again.
This story will take you through a range of emotions, with so many heart-warming moments and then some really anger inducing ones, I do think there is one thing I just can’t forgive Francesca for even though I do love her and it doesn’t change that it is still there a little. At some points though my heart broke for all of them and I defiantly shed some tears at quite a few points. The story stays close to the group. But surrounding the group there is trauma and obstacles have to get through both outside and within the group. This is really tense at time and does keep you on the edge of your seat.
Overall I think the story progressed well and was well paced, it is short and would be easy to read in one sitting whilst still feeling meaty. I was defiantly pulled into the story and couldn't stop reading. I think anyone who is just looking for a sometimes casual sometimes tense read will enjoy this book.
July 30, 2026
Francesca had me hooked from the very first chapter. Beginning when Frankie is just seventeen, the story follows her as she survives life with her Gram and an abusive step father who appears whenever he needs money with only Christian, Jamie and Ryan standing between her and the man determined to hurt her. When long-hidden feelings are revealed, Frankie disappears, leaving three broken hearts behind.
Years later, her return reignites not only the love they never lost for her but also the bond between Christian and Jamie, creating a beautifully balanced why choose relationship that felt completely believable.
Each character brings something unique: Christian is the dependable fixer, Jamie would burn the world down for Frankie, and Ryan is the gentle soul who makes her feel safe. Their chemistry is incredible—not just with Frankie, but with each other—and that’s what made this story so compelling.
The book blends emotional, heavier moments with humour, plenty of spice, healing and found family. I couldn’t put it down and was rooting for all four of them from beginning to end.
If you love why choose romance with unforgettable characters, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry, I highly recommend Francesca.
Years later, her return reignites not only the love they never lost for her but also the bond between Christian and Jamie, creating a beautifully balanced why choose relationship that felt completely believable.
Each character brings something unique: Christian is the dependable fixer, Jamie would burn the world down for Frankie, and Ryan is the gentle soul who makes her feel safe. Their chemistry is incredible—not just with Frankie, but with each other—and that’s what made this story so compelling.
The book blends emotional, heavier moments with humour, plenty of spice, healing and found family. I couldn’t put it down and was rooting for all four of them from beginning to end.
If you love why choose romance with unforgettable characters, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry, I highly recommend Francesca.
June 6, 2026
I picked it up expecting a spicy why-choose romance, but what I got was a story that had way more heart than I anticipated. Every character felt like they were carrying their own baggage, and seeing them slowly learn how to lean on each other instead of facing everything alone was probably my favorite part of the book.
What really worked for me was that none of the relationships felt rushed. Each connection brought something different, and I found myself understanding why Frankie needed all three of them in her life. The found-family vibes were honestly just as good as the romance.
There were definitely moments that made me angry, moments that broke my heart, and a few that had me grinning like an idiot. By the end, I was completely attached to these characters and wasn't ready to let them go.
If you're looking for a why-choose romance with emotional depth, loyal friendships, protective love interests, and plenty of feelings mixed in with the spice, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
What really worked for me was that none of the relationships felt rushed. Each connection brought something different, and I found myself understanding why Frankie needed all three of them in her life. The found-family vibes were honestly just as good as the romance.
There were definitely moments that made me angry, moments that broke my heart, and a few that had me grinning like an idiot. By the end, I was completely attached to these characters and wasn't ready to let them go.
If you're looking for a why-choose romance with emotional depth, loyal friendships, protective love interests, and plenty of feelings mixed in with the spice, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
June 15, 2026
How is Francesca by Carrie Ward my first Carrie Ward book?! Because I am officially OBSESSED! 😍📚
Frankie has spent her life surviving, carrying far more than anyone should have to. My heart absolutely broke for her, and watching her journey from simply surviving to finally being loved and protected was beautiful.
Ryan, Christian, and Jamie completely stole my heart. Their love, loyalty, and fierce protectiveness of Frankie had me swooning nonstop. The chemistry, the emotional depth, and the found family vibes were everything I could have wanted and more.
This book made me laugh, ache, swoon, and fall completely in love with these characters. Carrie Ward has officially earned a spot on my auto-read author list, and I cannot wait to read more!
💕 Found family, protective heroes, emotional healing, and a love story that completely consumed me. A new author obsession has definitely been unlocked! ✨📖❤️
Frankie has spent her life surviving, carrying far more than anyone should have to. My heart absolutely broke for her, and watching her journey from simply surviving to finally being loved and protected was beautiful.
Ryan, Christian, and Jamie completely stole my heart. Their love, loyalty, and fierce protectiveness of Frankie had me swooning nonstop. The chemistry, the emotional depth, and the found family vibes were everything I could have wanted and more.
This book made me laugh, ache, swoon, and fall completely in love with these characters. Carrie Ward has officially earned a spot on my auto-read author list, and I cannot wait to read more!
💕 Found family, protective heroes, emotional healing, and a love story that completely consumed me. A new author obsession has definitely been unlocked! ✨📖❤️
June 25, 2026
There was something about Francesca that hooked me right from the beginning. I loved Jamie, Ryan, and Christian and their relationships with each other. Francesca herself just didn’t do it for me, and it made it hard to buy into the fact that these guys were so obsessed with her. She felt very flat and had no personality. Honestly, I thought the book would’ve been just as good, if not better, without her 😆 There are some editorial mistakes scattered throughout, but I read an advanced review copy, so hopefully those are ironed out. I also felt like the pacing in the middle of the book, once they all decide to make things work, could’ve been a little faster. The beginning third and last third were really well paced, but the middle lagged a bit. Overall, I did enjoy this book, and even found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading!
I received a copy of Francesca from BookSirens. I am voluntarily sharing this review.
I received a copy of Francesca from BookSirens. I am voluntarily sharing this review.
July 18, 2026
Francesca launches herself into a neighborhood when she was fourteen, living in a duplex with her sick grandmother. Her deadbeat dad shows up when he needs
money, happy to beat the heck out of her if they don’t have any.
Somehow, Frankie has a good heart and manages to keep any down feelings inside.
The other players are three young men who are slightly older than her, and take her and her Gram under their wings.
There is growth, pain, separation, and death. The alignments of the various relationships shift and grow. This book explores the intermingling of the the four main characters over eight to ten years, and ends with Frankie realizing that she “did exactly what Gram wanted; (she) found (her) way to something that is so much better than simply surviving.”
I loved this book on so many levels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
money, happy to beat the heck out of her if they don’t have any.
Somehow, Frankie has a good heart and manages to keep any down feelings inside.
The other players are three young men who are slightly older than her, and take her and her Gram under their wings.
There is growth, pain, separation, and death. The alignments of the various relationships shift and grow. This book explores the intermingling of the the four main characters over eight to ten years, and ends with Frankie realizing that she “did exactly what Gram wanted; (she) found (her) way to something that is so much better than simply surviving.”
I loved this book on so many levels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2026
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of this book!!
Francesca by Carrie Ward is a great book The story follows Frankie as she navigates an incredibly tough situation, and the three neighbor boys who step in to become her absolute safe haven. Ryan, Christian, and Jamie are amazing leads, and their chemistry with Frankie is absolute perfection. It’s emotional, intense, and left me completely invested in their happily ever after. Definitely a new favorite!
Although I absolutely loved the book, the dynamic did feel a little split into separate pieces to me at times, rather than one big, seamless blend between everyone. That being said, Jamie and Christian realizing their relationship was more was totally hot, and it was a major highlight of the story. Even with that divided feel, it is still a fantastic read that I highly recommend!
#Francesca
#CarrieWard
#WhyChooseRomance
#MMRomance
#FriendsToLovers
#BookReview
#BookTok
#Goodreads
#RomanceBooks
Francesca by Carrie Ward is a great book The story follows Frankie as she navigates an incredibly tough situation, and the three neighbor boys who step in to become her absolute safe haven. Ryan, Christian, and Jamie are amazing leads, and their chemistry with Frankie is absolute perfection. It’s emotional, intense, and left me completely invested in their happily ever after. Definitely a new favorite!
Although I absolutely loved the book, the dynamic did feel a little split into separate pieces to me at times, rather than one big, seamless blend between everyone. That being said, Jamie and Christian realizing their relationship was more was totally hot, and it was a major highlight of the story. Even with that divided feel, it is still a fantastic read that I highly recommend!
#Francesca
#CarrieWard
#WhyChooseRomance
#MMRomance
#FriendsToLovers
#BookReview
#BookTok
#Goodreads
#RomanceBooks
June 14, 2026
I want to thank the author Carrie Ward for an arc copy🥰 All opinions are my own.
Trigger warnings: parental abuse: emotional and physical.
This is my first book by the author and my first: Why choose novel. MMFM.
I enjoyed the writing style. For me, the pace was a bit slow, and I felt there were unresolved moments in the plot. This is written in dual POV.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Friends to Lovers.
I felt the characters weren't as fleshed out, so I could connect more with the darkness beneath the skin.
Francesca is living a hard life, an abusive stepfather who always comes back for money while leaving her and her grandmother to fend for themselves. She is trying to survive.
Christopher, Ryan, and Jamie had always been at her side to protect her from the evils of the world. She was theirs.
This has a cosy happy ending🥰
I recommend this if you like spice, MMFM, and a quick read.📚
Trigger warnings: parental abuse: emotional and physical.
This is my first book by the author and my first: Why choose novel. MMFM.
I enjoyed the writing style. For me, the pace was a bit slow, and I felt there were unresolved moments in the plot. This is written in dual POV.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Friends to Lovers.
I felt the characters weren't as fleshed out, so I could connect more with the darkness beneath the skin.
Francesca is living a hard life, an abusive stepfather who always comes back for money while leaving her and her grandmother to fend for themselves. She is trying to survive.
Christopher, Ryan, and Jamie had always been at her side to protect her from the evils of the world. She was theirs.
This has a cosy happy ending🥰
I recommend this if you like spice, MMFM, and a quick read.📚
June 15, 2026
YESSS
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Smut level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Gosh did I absolutely adore this story.
It was so real and honest and smutty! There really was such a deep powerful underlying story to this book and to see the story unravel and just see characters act as you would expect real people to act is so amazingly captured.
The development of the MM relationship was captured beautifully and seeing the formation of the group dynamics and them each learning how they fit with each other was perfect! I also have to say that for me 🍑 stuff in books can sometimes be rushed or just skipped over but the attention to detail for this aspect as well was just so on point ! Not to mention all of the different combo smut scenes in this absolutely 🔥
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Smut level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Gosh did I absolutely adore this story.
It was so real and honest and smutty! There really was such a deep powerful underlying story to this book and to see the story unravel and just see characters act as you would expect real people to act is so amazingly captured.
The development of the MM relationship was captured beautifully and seeing the formation of the group dynamics and them each learning how they fit with each other was perfect! I also have to say that for me 🍑 stuff in books can sometimes be rushed or just skipped over but the attention to detail for this aspect as well was just so on point ! Not to mention all of the different combo smut scenes in this absolutely 🔥
July 18, 2026
Fans of the ‘why choose’ genre, this book is for you!
While “Francesca” is a semi-short novel, the story is evenly paced and hits all right notes to round out the story with a HEA.
Our FMC, Frankie and our MMC’s Christian, Ryan & Jamie all bring a fresh take on the genre. Their story is written in a realistic way, with no over the top or “that wouldn’t happen in real life” thoughts as you read through each chapter.
The spice level was enough to have me blushing and the banter between characters was enough to keep me giggling throughout.
The author, Carrie Ward has gained a fan in myself - I will be adding the rest of her why choose novels to my TBR.
(I have received an advance review copy from Book Sirens. I have left this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own)
While “Francesca” is a semi-short novel, the story is evenly paced and hits all right notes to round out the story with a HEA.
Our FMC, Frankie and our MMC’s Christian, Ryan & Jamie all bring a fresh take on the genre. Their story is written in a realistic way, with no over the top or “that wouldn’t happen in real life” thoughts as you read through each chapter.
The spice level was enough to have me blushing and the banter between characters was enough to keep me giggling throughout.
The author, Carrie Ward has gained a fan in myself - I will be adding the rest of her why choose novels to my TBR.
(I have received an advance review copy from Book Sirens. I have left this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own)
July 7, 2026
This was my first why choose book, and boy, it didn't disappoint. The spicy scenes were spicy (imagine the Mask's voice)
The scenes had me sweating and reaching for water. IYKYK.
I loved how there was a plot to it, and it wasn't just some sort of book where the spice was overpowering.
I personally say a lot of Nikolai in Jamie (if you've read this book and God of Fury, you'll understand the parallels)
Francesca is lucky to have not one, not two, but three men love her. (Oh yeah!)
It did take me a while to get into the story, but once you're in it, you'll get hooked.
Overall, a solid 4.3 stars
The scenes had me sweating and reaching for water. IYKYK.
I loved how there was a plot to it, and it wasn't just some sort of book where the spice was overpowering.
I personally say a lot of Nikolai in Jamie (if you've read this book and God of Fury, you'll understand the parallels)
Francesca is lucky to have not one, not two, but three men love her. (Oh yeah!)
It did take me a while to get into the story, but once you're in it, you'll get hooked.
Overall, a solid 4.3 stars
August 18, 2026
So this book was soooooo sweet. Like seriously…15 cavities sweet! It was definitely spicy, so don’t go thinking that sweet means rated PG-13!!! I just mean that along with all of the “agressive cuddling,” this was just a sweet, beautiful, poignant story! There was lots of feels from all of the characters! I love how the boys just became huge teddy bears for Frankie.
Just a great second chance romance! There was some drama and trauma that livened up the story, but it was secondary to just how #dreamsandgoals, their relationship turned out. So, all in all…a very cute, spicy, fun to read RH romance!
Just a great second chance romance! There was some drama and trauma that livened up the story, but it was secondary to just how #dreamsandgoals, their relationship turned out. So, all in all…a very cute, spicy, fun to read RH romance!
June 14, 2026
This is the first book I have read by this author and certainly won't be the last
It is a standalone whychoose
I was hooked from the very first page until the end I couldn't put it down once I started.
I loved the plot and the characters and the pace of the book was really good
I felt every emotion while reading this book by the end of the book was so in love with the characters didn't want to say goodbye
Please check your triggers before reading as cover some topics you might find hard
Definitely recommend this book
This is my honest review.
It is a standalone whychoose
I was hooked from the very first page until the end I couldn't put it down once I started.
I loved the plot and the characters and the pace of the book was really good
I felt every emotion while reading this book by the end of the book was so in love with the characters didn't want to say goodbye
Please check your triggers before reading as cover some topics you might find hard
Definitely recommend this book
This is my honest review.
June 17, 2026
A contemporary, why-choose romance.
I love a good why choose romance. This one, while spicy, was also sweet. Four friends who fall in love with each other is rather wholesome compared to my typical reads. Abuse, trauma, and youthful poor choices cause issues that the foursome must overcome to find happiness. Overall, it was a good, easy read story. Likeable characters make you want to overcome their obstacles. I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for an easy read, or someone just starting into the why-choose genre.
I love a good why choose romance. This one, while spicy, was also sweet. Four friends who fall in love with each other is rather wholesome compared to my typical reads. Abuse, trauma, and youthful poor choices cause issues that the foursome must overcome to find happiness. Overall, it was a good, easy read story. Likeable characters make you want to overcome their obstacles. I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for an easy read, or someone just starting into the why-choose genre.
June 20, 2026
Francesca is the kind of romance that tears you open and stitches you back together. Frankie’s world is unsafe, but Christian, Jamie, and Ryan become her shelter, her chosen family bound by love, devotion, and the kind of protectiveness that borders on feral.
The emotional writing and layered POVs make their connection feel painfully real. It’s not a light read, but it’s a powerful one — a story about survival, love that refuses to fade, and the people who fight for you even when you can’t fight for yourself.
The emotional writing and layered POVs make their connection feel painfully real. It’s not a light read, but it’s a powerful one — a story about survival, love that refuses to fade, and the people who fight for you even when you can’t fight for yourself.
June 23, 2026
A Very, Very Good Story
First things first, I had never heard of Carrie Ward until I saw the book on an Instagram story, and boy am I glad I did.
Now for the story, I loved how it progressed from when Frankie(Francesca) was younger. I loved the relationship between the boys, Christian the oldest, Jamie and Ryan. I loved how they each protected her in their own ways. The relationship between Jamie and Chris came across so well. Jamie is my favourite. It all just worked.
The spice was perfect.
First things first, I had never heard of Carrie Ward until I saw the book on an Instagram story, and boy am I glad I did.
Now for the story, I loved how it progressed from when Frankie(Francesca) was younger. I loved the relationship between the boys, Christian the oldest, Jamie and Ryan. I loved how they each protected her in their own ways. The relationship between Jamie and Chris came across so well. Jamie is my favourite. It all just worked.
The spice was perfect.
June 23, 2026
Francesca is the kind of FMC who gives and gives until there’s nothing left, always putting everyone else first, even when it costs her. Her self-sacrificing nature had me wanting to shake her and hug her at the same time.
And the men? Oof. These boys are carrying enough emotional baggage to fill an airport. Deeply hurt, damaged, and struggling with their own demons, yet completely unable to stay away from Francesca.
And the men? Oof. These boys are carrying enough emotional baggage to fill an airport. Deeply hurt, damaged, and struggling with their own demons, yet completely unable to stay away from Francesca.
June 23, 2026
This was adorable. Frankie pissed me off in the beginning, but she found her way back and everything after that was beautiful. Nothing felt rushed, the spacing and plot were perfect. Not too much fluff. THIS is how books should be, not a 5 book series each with 600 pages of fluff. I never got bored and I felt connected to each character.
June 30, 2026
This isn't the type of romance I usually read, but I enjoyed it.
The story itself was just okay for me, but the writing style definitely deserves more stars.
It's very conversational, and it fits these characters perfectly. Their dialogue feels natural, and even the FMC's mistakes match her age and make sense.
The story itself was just okay for me, but the writing style definitely deserves more stars.
It's very conversational, and it fits these characters perfectly. Their dialogue feels natural, and even the FMC's mistakes match her age and make sense.
July 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book from a new to me author. Frankie was a great character and I really enjoyed the plot of this story. The characters develop as the book goes on and the story develops and grows with them. This is a book that is pretty heavy on emotions. Very enjoyable and engaging, there is never a downtime where the story drags. It was a great read.
July 30, 2026
I really enjoyed the character development of the group. This could be anywhere in the world and the situations would be relevant. I think most people would be able to see themselves somewhere in the story. I do wish the pace of the action was a little faster, but overall it was a very good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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August 12, 2026I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
No spoilers here, but the storyline is not one I've seen before. Love that so much! There are typos, but I was quick to forgive.
I would definitely recommend. There are three main male characters and one female (MMFM). Read the whole book in a day. I couldn't put it down.
No spoilers here, but the storyline is not one I've seen before. Love that so much! There are typos, but I was quick to forgive.
I would definitely recommend. There are three main male characters and one female (MMFM). Read the whole book in a day. I couldn't put it down.
July 8, 2026
I loved this story. Francesca is about survival, love, found family, and forgiveness. I enjoyed reading her why choose story and am looking forward to reading more from this indie author! Give her a try!
June 10, 2026
What a whirlwind of a story from start to finish! I absolutely loved it. The emotion and depth reading Francesca is amazing. I'm so glad I went into the world of Francesco blind, I didn't know what to expect.
My heart sank so low reading through then I picked it back up - such a roller coaster. Like i said previously the emotion is top tier. It's been a long time since I felt these emotions while reading. Then saying out loud what is going on here! 🥵🤣
If you enjoy spicy romances please give this a read I definitely recommend.
My heart sank so low reading through then I picked it back up - such a roller coaster. Like i said previously the emotion is top tier. It's been a long time since I felt these emotions while reading. Then saying out loud what is going on here! 🥵🤣
If you enjoy spicy romances please give this a read I definitely recommend.
June 8, 2026
While I enjoy the concept of the story, I unfortunately found it to be lacking and overall slow. That being said, I did enjoy the characters and the plot line.
June 28, 2026
I wanted to love this book but unfortunately it wasn't for me. I felt as theoihh the story started in the middle of a book and didn't give us much of the back story
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