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Nobody Said It'd Be Easy
They say time heals all wounds… It’s been two years since former engineer Gabriel Ivers lost his wife and accepted a job as a building superintendent to be home with his children. His focus is being both mom and dad to his girls, until the beautiful Amelia Blake moves next door and reminds him he’s a man as well as a dad. Just as he begins to hope that his life can once again hold more than homework, chores, and movie-and-manicure nights with his girls, he discovers the reason for the fragility beneath Lia’s warm smile. Lia is trying to move on with her life after a miscarriage ends all hope for a baby, and a subsequent betrayal destroys her marriage. She’s charmed by her new neighbor with his sparkling manicure, multi-colored hair clips, and his brood of girls, but disturbed by the sexual tension that sizzles between them. Gabe and his daughters remind her of everything she’s always wanted and it would be so easy to take what he’s offering her. But is she ready to risk her heart again, especially when her heart isn’t the only one in play? Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is hard. Good thing Gabe is a fighter who’s determined to prove to Lia he’s in this for the long haul…the rest of their lives.
400 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2018
8 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Patty Blount
18 books779 followersPatty Blount grew up quiet and a bit invisible in Queens, NY, but found her voice in books. Today, she writes smart and strong characters willing to fight for what’s right. She’s the award-winning author of edgy, realistic, gut-wrenching contemporary and young adult romance. Still a bit introverted, she gets lost often, eats way too much chocolate, and tends to develop mad, passionate crushes on fictional characters. Let’s be real; Patty’s not nearly as cool as her characters, but she is a solid supporter of women’s rights and loves delivering school presentations.
Patty is best known for her internet issues novels, SEND, a 2012 Junior Library Guild Fall Pick and TMI, a 2014 Watty winner, and her #MeToo novels, including SOME BOYS, a 2015 CLMP Firecracker winner and SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW, a 2019 double Athena Award winner. Visit her website at pattyblount.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. She blogs at YA Outside the Lines and is also active online. She loves hearing from readers, especially when they tell her she’s cool (even though she knows it’s not true), and is easily bribed with chocolate. Never underestimate the power of chocolate.
Patty is best known for her internet issues novels, SEND, a 2012 Junior Library Guild Fall Pick and TMI, a 2014 Watty winner, and her #MeToo novels, including SOME BOYS, a 2015 CLMP Firecracker winner and SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW, a 2019 double Athena Award winner. Visit her website at pattyblount.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. She blogs at YA Outside the Lines and is also active online. She loves hearing from readers, especially when they tell her she’s cool (even though she knows it’s not true), and is easily bribed with chocolate. Never underestimate the power of chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 20, 2020
4 stars after re-reading. Love this story. Hero at final pages was a bit of disapointiment, but well, MEN... they dont know how to manage stressful situations, LOL.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
What a great and delightful read!
Thanks to Netgalley I've read this this author for first time. Sometimes I don't know why on books retails they announce such a garbage books and authors...
This is a beautiful story about second chance to love and be loved. This is a story about different ways to motherhood. This is a beautiful story about two people who found each other after they thought they will not love nor be loved.
The Hero was a widower with 4(!!!) Daughters!!!
If you don't like that type of stories then I don't recommend it to you.
He was so caring dad, so tender, so beautiful in this difficult fatherhood. 4 girls from 2years old to 13!!!
He lost his true love 2 years ago and he didn't want to be with anyone. He was celibate. He wasn't flawless, he was hotminded and had little patience, LOL. I'm like this too. I liked him because he was real and not perfect.
Lia, oh, girl, she's got so much on her plate: parents who don't love her, ex husband who cheated and broke up with her the day she's got histerectomy.... What a heartless person does this???
But motherhood is not only when your body could grow up a child, and Lia was blessed to have a chance to be a mother to four wonderful girls!!
She was strong and determinated person, she liked to help other people.
Safe read. No OP scenes. No cheating.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
What a great and delightful read!
Thanks to Netgalley I've read this this author for first time. Sometimes I don't know why on books retails they announce such a garbage books and authors...
This is a beautiful story about second chance to love and be loved. This is a story about different ways to motherhood. This is a beautiful story about two people who found each other after they thought they will not love nor be loved.
The Hero was a widower with 4(!!!) Daughters!!!
If you don't like that type of stories then I don't recommend it to you.
He was so caring dad, so tender, so beautiful in this difficult fatherhood. 4 girls from 2years old to 13!!!
He lost his true love 2 years ago and he didn't want to be with anyone. He was celibate. He wasn't flawless, he was hotminded and had little patience, LOL. I'm like this too. I liked him because he was real and not perfect.
Lia, oh, girl, she's got so much on her plate: parents who don't love her, ex husband who cheated and broke up with her the day she's got histerectomy.... What a heartless person does this???
But motherhood is not only when your body could grow up a child, and Lia was blessed to have a chance to be a mother to four wonderful girls!!
She was strong and determinated person, she liked to help other people.
Safe read. No OP scenes. No cheating.
August 27, 2018
2.5 Stars
I was in desperate need of a sweet, heartwarming story after my last book began with the hero chopping off a bad guys thumbs - both of them! - and didn’t get any less gorey from there. Nobody Said It’d Be Easy fit the bill.
Gabe has been widowed for two years. He has four daughters, ages 12, nine, six, and two. He had a rewarding career as an engineer, but gave that up to be an apartment building superintendent so he could have cheap rent and be home for his girls. He’s managed things fine as a single parent, but most days feels like he’s barely hanging on.
Amelia has been divorced a year. She recently discovered that her husband - who left her for the younger woman who lives upstairs as she was in the hospital after miscarrying his child - is expecting a baby with her ex. Not feeling like she’s able to stay in her apartment and watch the woman’s pregnancy progress,, she moves out of the city and into a building managed by Gabe.
The two don’t exactly get along right off the bat. As most parents are, Gabe’s a bit prickly about some things he perceives as criticism, and Lia is hurt that her efforts to help aren’t taken in the spirit in which they’re intended. When they spend more time together, though, their eyes are opened to the possibility that their past hurts could be healed.
It’s a bumpy road though. VERY bumpy. Gabe dives in and moves fast, pulls Lia in and then pushes her away (over and over) when things aren’t going smoothly - as is frequently the case when your life involves children. Lia is much more skittish about getting involved again in a serious relationship, and rightfully is concerned about the impact a failed relationship would have on Gabe’s daughters. It was a little angsty, and I’m still not sure I liked it.
The strength of this story was the Gabe and his sweet girls. Seriously, not much is more heartwarming than a devoted father who sacrifices his time, his career, and his life to make sure his children feel loved and secure after the loss of their mother. The girls were precious (also accurately and realistically portrayed), and how he interacted with each of them was so delightful to read. Even the nicknames he gave to each girl was adorable. And I usually roll my eyes at nicknames!
This was a solid, middle-of-the-road book for me. The characters were developed well, but the relationship between the hero and the heroine was missing something. I’m just not sure what. I felt myself more invested and engaged in Gabe’s relationship with his daughters than I did with the one he was having with Lia. And if a book is supposed to be a romance, I feel that relationship needs to be front and center. Gabe and Lia working through their issues felt more like a side-story to me, with the main storyline being about Gabe and the girls dealing with their mother’s loss and navigating his desire to have another woman in his life.
Nobody Said It’d Be Easy was a pleasant read, and definitely what I was looking for. I was hoping for more though - a widowed single father and a scorned woman could have been emotional and compelling. Instead, it was just a nice story. The ending almost helped pull off a 3 star rating, but a lackluster epilogue sealed the 2.5 rating.
Wonder if the best friends will get their own story?!
* thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Want to see what else is feeding my addiction?! Visit my blog: E-Reader Addict
I was in desperate need of a sweet, heartwarming story after my last book began with the hero chopping off a bad guys thumbs - both of them! - and didn’t get any less gorey from there. Nobody Said It’d Be Easy fit the bill.
Gabe has been widowed for two years. He has four daughters, ages 12, nine, six, and two. He had a rewarding career as an engineer, but gave that up to be an apartment building superintendent so he could have cheap rent and be home for his girls. He’s managed things fine as a single parent, but most days feels like he’s barely hanging on.
Amelia has been divorced a year. She recently discovered that her husband - who left her for the younger woman who lives upstairs as she was in the hospital after miscarrying his child - is expecting a baby with her ex. Not feeling like she’s able to stay in her apartment and watch the woman’s pregnancy progress,, she moves out of the city and into a building managed by Gabe.
The two don’t exactly get along right off the bat. As most parents are, Gabe’s a bit prickly about some things he perceives as criticism, and Lia is hurt that her efforts to help aren’t taken in the spirit in which they’re intended. When they spend more time together, though, their eyes are opened to the possibility that their past hurts could be healed.
It’s a bumpy road though. VERY bumpy. Gabe dives in and moves fast, pulls Lia in and then pushes her away (over and over) when things aren’t going smoothly - as is frequently the case when your life involves children. Lia is much more skittish about getting involved again in a serious relationship, and rightfully is concerned about the impact a failed relationship would have on Gabe’s daughters. It was a little angsty, and I’m still not sure I liked it.
The strength of this story was the Gabe and his sweet girls. Seriously, not much is more heartwarming than a devoted father who sacrifices his time, his career, and his life to make sure his children feel loved and secure after the loss of their mother. The girls were precious (also accurately and realistically portrayed), and how he interacted with each of them was so delightful to read. Even the nicknames he gave to each girl was adorable. And I usually roll my eyes at nicknames!
This was a solid, middle-of-the-road book for me. The characters were developed well, but the relationship between the hero and the heroine was missing something. I’m just not sure what. I felt myself more invested and engaged in Gabe’s relationship with his daughters than I did with the one he was having with Lia. And if a book is supposed to be a romance, I feel that relationship needs to be front and center. Gabe and Lia working through their issues felt more like a side-story to me, with the main storyline being about Gabe and the girls dealing with their mother’s loss and navigating his desire to have another woman in his life.
Nobody Said It’d Be Easy was a pleasant read, and definitely what I was looking for. I was hoping for more though - a widowed single father and a scorned woman could have been emotional and compelling. Instead, it was just a nice story. The ending almost helped pull off a 3 star rating, but a lackluster epilogue sealed the 2.5 rating.
Wonder if the best friends will get their own story?!
* thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Want to see what else is feeding my addiction?! Visit my blog: E-Reader Addict
August 13, 2018
Wow - this book! Not sure my heart will ever be the same. This author has crafted a story that will flip every emotional switch you have and leave you wanting more. Gabriel is the widowed father of four young daughters. What an amazing example of a man. He'd do anything for his girls and he doesn't care who knows. Amelia is his new next door neighbor. She's starting over after infertility and infidelity ruined her marriage. Neither of them ever thought they could love again but after spending time together it becomes clear feelings of love are there but can they both learn to love and trust again? These two characters as well as Gabe's girls deserve a HEA but loving again is scary. Are they brave enough?
Everyone needs this on their must read list. One of the best books I've read this year.
Everyone needs this on their must read list. One of the best books I've read this year.
August 14, 2018
Nobody Said It’d be Easy by Patty Blount
They say time heals all wounds…
It’s been two years since former engineer Gabriel Ivers lost his wife and accepted a job as a building superintendent to be home with his children. His focus is being both mom and dad to his girls, until the beautiful Amelia Blake moves next door and reminds him he’s a man as well as a dad. Just as he begins to hope that his life can once again hold more than homework, chores, and movie-and-manicure nights with his girls, he discovers the reason for the fragility beneath Lia’s warm smile.
Lia is trying to move on with her life after a miscarriage ends all hope for a baby, and a subsequent betrayal destroys her marriage. She’s charmed by her new neighbor with his sparkling manicure, multi-colored hair clips, and his brood of girls, but disturbed by the sexual tension that sizzles between them. Gabe and his daughters remind her of everything she’s always wanted and it would be so easy to take what he’s offering her. But is she ready to risk her heart again, especially when her heart isn’t the only one in play?
Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is hard. Good thing Gabe is a fighter who’s determined to prove to Lia he’s in this for the long haul…the rest of their lives.
This is Gabriel Ivers and Amelia Blake's story.
Gabriel Ivers scrubbed a hand down his face and prayed for patience. Five, four, three, two…
“Daddy!”
Right on cue. His six-year-old charged into the kitchen where he’d been catching up on some paperwork, followed by his nine-year-old.
“Daddy, Livvie says I can’t twirl, but I can so. Right, Daddy? Right?” Maddie lisped slightly thanks to two missing teeth. Crap. He’d totally forgotten about the Tooth Fairy’s visit tonight. He hoped he had cash in his wallet to put under her pillow.
Amelia Blake moves next door and reminds him he’s a man as well as a dad. Just as he begins to hope that his life can once again hold more than homework, chores, and movie-and-manicure nights with his girls, he discovers the reason for the fragility beneath Lia’s warm smile.
Lia is trying to move on with her life after a miscarriage ends all hope for a baby, and a subsequent betrayal destroys her marriage. She’s charmed by her new neighbor with his sparkling manicure, multi-colored hair clips, and his brood of girls.
Gabe and his daughters remind her of everything she’s always wanted and it would be so easy to take what he’s offering her.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
I am looking forward to reading more books by Patty Blount.
I highly recommend reading.
Nobody Said It’d be Easy by Patty Blount is a wonderful well written 5 star book
Patty's Books with Tule:
A Match Made at Christmas
Christmas in New York
The Paramedic’s Rescue
Heroes of New York
Nobody Said It’d be Easy
They say time heals all wounds…
It’s been two years since former engineer Gabriel Ivers lost his wife and accepted a job as a building superintendent to be home with his children. His focus is being both mom and dad to his girls, until the beautiful Amelia Blake moves next door and reminds him he’s a man as well as a dad. Just as he begins to hope that his life can once again hold more than homework, chores, and movie-and-manicure nights with his girls, he discovers the reason for the fragility beneath Lia’s warm smile.
Lia is trying to move on with her life after a miscarriage ends all hope for a baby, and a subsequent betrayal destroys her marriage. She’s charmed by her new neighbor with his sparkling manicure, multi-colored hair clips, and his brood of girls, but disturbed by the sexual tension that sizzles between them. Gabe and his daughters remind her of everything she’s always wanted and it would be so easy to take what he’s offering her. But is she ready to risk her heart again, especially when her heart isn’t the only one in play?
Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is hard. Good thing Gabe is a fighter who’s determined to prove to Lia he’s in this for the long haul…the rest of their lives.
This is Gabriel Ivers and Amelia Blake's story.
Gabriel Ivers scrubbed a hand down his face and prayed for patience. Five, four, three, two…
“Daddy!”
Right on cue. His six-year-old charged into the kitchen where he’d been catching up on some paperwork, followed by his nine-year-old.
“Daddy, Livvie says I can’t twirl, but I can so. Right, Daddy? Right?” Maddie lisped slightly thanks to two missing teeth. Crap. He’d totally forgotten about the Tooth Fairy’s visit tonight. He hoped he had cash in his wallet to put under her pillow.
Amelia Blake moves next door and reminds him he’s a man as well as a dad. Just as he begins to hope that his life can once again hold more than homework, chores, and movie-and-manicure nights with his girls, he discovers the reason for the fragility beneath Lia’s warm smile.
Lia is trying to move on with her life after a miscarriage ends all hope for a baby, and a subsequent betrayal destroys her marriage. She’s charmed by her new neighbor with his sparkling manicure, multi-colored hair clips, and his brood of girls.
Gabe and his daughters remind her of everything she’s always wanted and it would be so easy to take what he’s offering her.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
I am looking forward to reading more books by Patty Blount.
I highly recommend reading.
Nobody Said It’d be Easy by Patty Blount is a wonderful well written 5 star book
Patty's Books with Tule:
A Match Made at Christmas
Christmas in New York
The Paramedic’s Rescue
Heroes of New York
Nobody Said It’d be Easy
July 30, 2018
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
3.5 stars.
A sweet story about a widower and his four girls finding hope and healing and forming a family with an also disenchanted woman, who is nonethless full of love. And what a gorgeous cover!
I found Gabriel’s earnestness, honesty, devotion to his daughters and romantic story captivating. The father/daughters relationship was endearing to read and I truly enjoyed each one of the girls’ personalities and the investment the author made building each one of them.
Lia’s character didn’t appeal to me as much, sometimes I found her too perfect; I also didn’t appreciate the demonization of her ex-husband.
The author, Patty Blount, tackles the issues arising from the complex odyssey of creating a new family with talent and I found that part more riveting than the romance, what with Gabriel’s sudden advance and subsequent hesitations and backtracking.
From the blurb I was expecting more sad tones, but Gabriel’s sadness was more told than shown and the melancholy about the late wife and mother is balanced with the instant attraction between him and Lia.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
3.5 stars.
A sweet story about a widower and his four girls finding hope and healing and forming a family with an also disenchanted woman, who is nonethless full of love. And what a gorgeous cover!
I found Gabriel’s earnestness, honesty, devotion to his daughters and romantic story captivating. The father/daughters relationship was endearing to read and I truly enjoyed each one of the girls’ personalities and the investment the author made building each one of them.
Lia’s character didn’t appeal to me as much, sometimes I found her too perfect; I also didn’t appreciate the demonization of her ex-husband.
The author, Patty Blount, tackles the issues arising from the complex odyssey of creating a new family with talent and I found that part more riveting than the romance, what with Gabriel’s sudden advance and subsequent hesitations and backtracking.
From the blurb I was expecting more sad tones, but Gabriel’s sadness was more told than shown and the melancholy about the late wife and mother is balanced with the instant attraction between him and Lia.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
March 14, 2019
Well written book. Gabriel the widower is father of 4 girls. God bless him. In my eyes he is a true hero in this book. Lia who can’t have any children of her own and divorced and also really never had parents who loved her is a heroine in my book. Love that they were able to both find true love again with each other and become a family.
September 21, 2019
Nobody Said It'd Be Easy by Patty Blount is a contemporary romance and touching family drama. I enjoyed the family dynamic between Gabe and his little girls. The endearing characters, including lovely Lia, are relatable... dealing with doubt, fear, and loss that we all go through in life. I was wrecked with the emotional ups and downs... laughing out loud and getting misty-eyed.
This was the first time that I read a book from this author. I bought this book directly from the author herself at the Romance, Wine and Chocolate event in Orlando back in August. She was so kind to sign my copy.
This was the first time that I read a book from this author. I bought this book directly from the author herself at the Romance, Wine and Chocolate event in Orlando back in August. She was so kind to sign my copy.
August 30, 2018
3.5/5 stars
This review and more: Sharing Inspired Kreations
This book’s storytelling and captivity factor is extremely good. Every time I picked the book back up, I found it super easy to get right back into it. I didn’t even have to think about anything. I didn’t zone out at all while reading. It was just a really nice, captivating read. I love it when a book pulls me in that easily, right from the start. I was even reading another book at the same time and had no issues switching between the two.
The story itself was good. The characters were okay. I thought it was a nice little story. The characters both had their past issues, or “scars” as they referred to it, that they had to try to overcome in order to open up to each other and happily be together. The romance didn’t really do it for me. I was on board with it, but not excited about it.
I was a bit annoyed at times by the choices the characters made (especially near the end). All the back-and-forthness just urked me. But at the same time, it made sense considering what they were dealing with and trying to overcome.
I also feel like Gabe wasn’t quite as likeable as the author was trying to portray. Yes, he was a great father, but the way he talks to Lia at times was not the most kind. I understand he was under a lot of stress and he was dealing with his issues, but he was very angry at times. That makes me a bit concerned about their future.
I thought the portrayal of the two-year-old was really well-done. The author must have kids or be around them a lot. I currently have a two-year-old, so I enjoyed reading about the one in this book. And I kept referencing this book when discussing our daughter with my husband. It’s funny. I kept saying things like “the dad in the book I’m reading handled the situation like this…” or “the dad in the book I’m reading is struggling with this with his two-year-old too.” My husband would laugh at me and say it sounds like I’m talking about a real person. Lol. But I guess that’s how captivating the book was and how connected I was to the characters.
All-in-all, I enjoyed this book and the story, but obviously there were some things that bothered me about it too.
This review and more: Sharing Inspired Kreations
This book’s storytelling and captivity factor is extremely good. Every time I picked the book back up, I found it super easy to get right back into it. I didn’t even have to think about anything. I didn’t zone out at all while reading. It was just a really nice, captivating read. I love it when a book pulls me in that easily, right from the start. I was even reading another book at the same time and had no issues switching between the two.
The story itself was good. The characters were okay. I thought it was a nice little story. The characters both had their past issues, or “scars” as they referred to it, that they had to try to overcome in order to open up to each other and happily be together. The romance didn’t really do it for me. I was on board with it, but not excited about it.
I was a bit annoyed at times by the choices the characters made (especially near the end). All the back-and-forthness just urked me. But at the same time, it made sense considering what they were dealing with and trying to overcome.
I also feel like Gabe wasn’t quite as likeable as the author was trying to portray. Yes, he was a great father, but the way he talks to Lia at times was not the most kind. I understand he was under a lot of stress and he was dealing with his issues, but he was very angry at times. That makes me a bit concerned about their future.
I thought the portrayal of the two-year-old was really well-done. The author must have kids or be around them a lot. I currently have a two-year-old, so I enjoyed reading about the one in this book. And I kept referencing this book when discussing our daughter with my husband. It’s funny. I kept saying things like “the dad in the book I’m reading handled the situation like this…” or “the dad in the book I’m reading is struggling with this with his two-year-old too.” My husband would laugh at me and say it sounds like I’m talking about a real person. Lol. But I guess that’s how captivating the book was and how connected I was to the characters.
All-in-all, I enjoyed this book and the story, but obviously there were some things that bothered me about it too.
August 5, 2018
I absolutely loved it. Looooovveedddd it!!!
This didn't just feel like a book. It felt like a journey. It was a peek into the lives, good and bad, sweet and bitter moments of any other normal family that you can find in reality. This book was unputdownable and I was up the whole night to gobble it up.
Gabriel Ivers married his college sweetheart, the only woman he ever loved, who died and left him with a mess of a life, a broken heart and four children. Gabe was constantly struggling with juggling his work, four kids and meeting their variety of demands and needs. Managing their schedules, food, school, homework while doing little awesome things like braiding hair of his girls, having manicure nights and wearing hair clips and nail polish to have his daughters smiling made Gabe a wonderfully amazing dad. And those daddy daughter t-shirts were amusingly adorable. Gabriel Ivers really was superman.
Amelia Blake entered Gabe's apartment building and his life after her shithole of a husband cheated on her and left her for a plastic phony version of a woman. Her pain went deeper than just losing her husband. She also lost her baby and the ability to have one ever again in future. Now she was just left with shattered hopes and unfulfilled dreams. Lia was sweet to the bones and achingly beautiful. She also had a compulsive helping nature and a whole bag of tricks up her sleeve for almost every situation that were very handy in pump starting their relationship.
Gabe and Lia's relationship was far from smooth. They had a rocky path to cross and a whole set of obstacles to tackle. She enchanted him since the moment he set eyes on her and he captivated her with his killer body and super amaze balls daddy skills. They had a sizzling chemistry and fighting their attraction was a constant battle for Gabe that left him frustrated with raw emotions every time. Both of them had to fight demons from their past to discover themselves. While Gabe was barely surviving the death of his wife and mother of his children, Lia was recovering from a disaster of a marriage. They both had to take that huge leap of faith, which they were adamantly reluctant to take. Not only they had to trust each other and overcome their issues to love and trust each other, they also had four kids to win over. They had a beautiful relationship that blossomed over time and that was the brilliance of this book.
I am so glad that the author made the kids a deeply ingrained part of the book or it wouldn't have been what it is now. From the nuances of a growing girl in Kimberly, terrifying brainy Olivia, right daddy? Right, right? moments of chatty Maddison to the extremely adorable cuteness of Emerson, this book had it all. There were so many moments that had me grinning like a fool in one moment and crying like a sad sob story in another. I loved everything this author had to offer.
Patty Blount is a genius and did an amazing job with this book. She carefully weaved each thread of love, care and concern into a family that was as close as they come. They still had their own fair share of problems but that's what they made the family into what it was...a Family. I cannot stress enough how much I loved Gabe's relationship with his daughters. From cute little nicknames for each one to the sweet and to the troubled moments, I consumed it all. All four of Gabe's kids were delightfully precious and were so different from each other that it gave me a taste of so many different flavors in a single meal. Miss Blount delivered us here of what we can call a "super book" with a bow and chocolates and I would whole-heartedly recommend this to everyone.
This didn't just feel like a book. It felt like a journey. It was a peek into the lives, good and bad, sweet and bitter moments of any other normal family that you can find in reality. This book was unputdownable and I was up the whole night to gobble it up.
Gabriel Ivers married his college sweetheart, the only woman he ever loved, who died and left him with a mess of a life, a broken heart and four children. Gabe was constantly struggling with juggling his work, four kids and meeting their variety of demands and needs. Managing their schedules, food, school, homework while doing little awesome things like braiding hair of his girls, having manicure nights and wearing hair clips and nail polish to have his daughters smiling made Gabe a wonderfully amazing dad. And those daddy daughter t-shirts were amusingly adorable. Gabriel Ivers really was superman.
Amelia Blake entered Gabe's apartment building and his life after her shithole of a husband cheated on her and left her for a plastic phony version of a woman. Her pain went deeper than just losing her husband. She also lost her baby and the ability to have one ever again in future. Now she was just left with shattered hopes and unfulfilled dreams. Lia was sweet to the bones and achingly beautiful. She also had a compulsive helping nature and a whole bag of tricks up her sleeve for almost every situation that were very handy in pump starting their relationship.
"I know what it means to be in love. It's not all heart flutters and skin tingles. Those things are nice but that's just biology. Love is work, Lia. It's stomach viruses and midnight hospital runs. It's first periods and science projects. It's bills ad jobs and juggling schedules and in the middle of all that, it's choosing you to be my partner through it all."
Gabe and Lia's relationship was far from smooth. They had a rocky path to cross and a whole set of obstacles to tackle. She enchanted him since the moment he set eyes on her and he captivated her with his killer body and super amaze balls daddy skills. They had a sizzling chemistry and fighting their attraction was a constant battle for Gabe that left him frustrated with raw emotions every time. Both of them had to fight demons from their past to discover themselves. While Gabe was barely surviving the death of his wife and mother of his children, Lia was recovering from a disaster of a marriage. They both had to take that huge leap of faith, which they were adamantly reluctant to take. Not only they had to trust each other and overcome their issues to love and trust each other, they also had four kids to win over. They had a beautiful relationship that blossomed over time and that was the brilliance of this book.
I am so glad that the author made the kids a deeply ingrained part of the book or it wouldn't have been what it is now. From the nuances of a growing girl in Kimberly, terrifying brainy Olivia, right daddy? Right, right? moments of chatty Maddison to the extremely adorable cuteness of Emerson, this book had it all. There were so many moments that had me grinning like a fool in one moment and crying like a sad sob story in another. I loved everything this author had to offer.
Patty Blount is a genius and did an amazing job with this book. She carefully weaved each thread of love, care and concern into a family that was as close as they come. They still had their own fair share of problems but that's what they made the family into what it was...a Family. I cannot stress enough how much I loved Gabe's relationship with his daughters. From cute little nicknames for each one to the sweet and to the troubled moments, I consumed it all. All four of Gabe's kids were delightfully precious and were so different from each other that it gave me a taste of so many different flavors in a single meal. Miss Blount delivered us here of what we can call a "super book" with a bow and chocolates and I would whole-heartedly recommend this to everyone.
September 25, 2018
I don’t know how I keep picking these books lately but infertility is circling me. Since it was a big part of my life for so long I guess there is more I need to work through.
Anyway, this was an interesting concept one that may have put me out of commission for good. As a woman who not only wanted children, wanted to be around children, but a woman who ever wanted to have a man in her life again. As a friend of ours used to say, her husband was one “Rat Bastard” with a capital “R” and “B”.
While his wife had been going through the process of trying to conceive, keeping track of her cycle, taking her temperature, and doing all that she can to make it as romantic as possible so they could have the baby they always wanted he was screwing “Candi” with an “I” the new neighbor upstairs. The same neighbor they both used to make fun of for the “Candi with I” phrase she always made when she first moved in.
As if that wasn’t bad enough the day Lia had complications with the pregnancy they were finally excited about. Or so she thought she couldn’t get ahold of her now ex. When she tried him, at work. He arrives the next morning at the hospital and she proceeds to tell him how devastated she is about losing their baby and her ability to ever have children again.
He only stops her and proceeds to tell her that he wants a divorce. That he had wanted to tell her the night they found out she was pregnant. But felt like he was trapped she they had been trying so hard for so long. But that he was in love with Candi upstairs and she just found out that they were having a baby. He said not to worry she could have their apartment he was moving upstairs with Candi.
Lia checked out of the hospital before she was supposed to and went home. She lasted there a week and had to move. He BFF Roseann was a lifesaver and found her an apartment. She could move in right away, so she did. Sight unseen.
The complex she moves into the super there is Gabriel and he is a widower with four girls. Kimberly-12, Olivia-9, Maddie-6, and Emerson-2 who are his world. His wife Janey died two years and two months ago and he has cared for the girls ever since. For a while, he had some help from his in-laws and then from his BFF Mike who the girls call Uncle Mike.
Being an only child, he is all Gabe has in the way, of family, since his mother wants nothing to do with them since she is trying to find herself. In order to be with his girls, he quit the job he loves as an engineer and sold their home to move to the small one-bedroom apartment to be, the super in order to get free rent, small salary, and hours needed with his daughters.
Now when the two meet there are sparks. Neither are prepared at all. Gabe gets angry. He has never even looked at another woman since he met Janey at the age of fifteen. When Lia appears, it throws him for a loop. Why? Why her? Especially when everyone has been telling him it is time to start dating again he feels guilty that he is cheating on Janey.
This is where they begin to circle one another. See how this couple handles a possible relationship. Not to mention how his girls will handle this relationship. You have four very different personalities who used to having their daddy all to themselves. I give this: 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Anyway, this was an interesting concept one that may have put me out of commission for good. As a woman who not only wanted children, wanted to be around children, but a woman who ever wanted to have a man in her life again. As a friend of ours used to say, her husband was one “Rat Bastard” with a capital “R” and “B”.
While his wife had been going through the process of trying to conceive, keeping track of her cycle, taking her temperature, and doing all that she can to make it as romantic as possible so they could have the baby they always wanted he was screwing “Candi” with an “I” the new neighbor upstairs. The same neighbor they both used to make fun of for the “Candi with I” phrase she always made when she first moved in.
As if that wasn’t bad enough the day Lia had complications with the pregnancy they were finally excited about. Or so she thought she couldn’t get ahold of her now ex. When she tried him, at work. He arrives the next morning at the hospital and she proceeds to tell him how devastated she is about losing their baby and her ability to ever have children again.
He only stops her and proceeds to tell her that he wants a divorce. That he had wanted to tell her the night they found out she was pregnant. But felt like he was trapped she they had been trying so hard for so long. But that he was in love with Candi upstairs and she just found out that they were having a baby. He said not to worry she could have their apartment he was moving upstairs with Candi.
Lia checked out of the hospital before she was supposed to and went home. She lasted there a week and had to move. He BFF Roseann was a lifesaver and found her an apartment. She could move in right away, so she did. Sight unseen.
The complex she moves into the super there is Gabriel and he is a widower with four girls. Kimberly-12, Olivia-9, Maddie-6, and Emerson-2 who are his world. His wife Janey died two years and two months ago and he has cared for the girls ever since. For a while, he had some help from his in-laws and then from his BFF Mike who the girls call Uncle Mike.
Being an only child, he is all Gabe has in the way, of family, since his mother wants nothing to do with them since she is trying to find herself. In order to be with his girls, he quit the job he loves as an engineer and sold their home to move to the small one-bedroom apartment to be, the super in order to get free rent, small salary, and hours needed with his daughters.
Now when the two meet there are sparks. Neither are prepared at all. Gabe gets angry. He has never even looked at another woman since he met Janey at the age of fifteen. When Lia appears, it throws him for a loop. Why? Why her? Especially when everyone has been telling him it is time to start dating again he feels guilty that he is cheating on Janey.
This is where they begin to circle one another. See how this couple handles a possible relationship. Not to mention how his girls will handle this relationship. You have four very different personalities who used to having their daddy all to themselves. I give this: 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
August 26, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Sometimes I'll read a story and my heart just melts. Nobody Said It'd Be Easy is that kind of romance, a second chance for a true love for two people who truly believed that love was simply not in the cards for them. Life happens... loved ones die, those we trust with our hearts betray the love we thought was real, healing sometimes comes at a cost... it's all part of life. But love isn't something that either Gabe or Lia are looking for at the moment, each is drifting through life, dealing with their own hurts and disappointments, simply getting through the day at some points. For Gabe it's his daughters that make getting up every single day worth the effort. If not for them he'd be quite content to not have to deal with the world, a world without his true love in it anymore. Lia had thought that she had it all, right up until a miscarriage took everything, every dream, every hope from her. A callous betrayal by her then husband was the last straw for a broken heart. She's now convinced that she's unlovable, and not meant for that happy ever after ending with a one true love. She's not looking for love, but when that possibility lives right next door perhaps it's time to reconsider.
My recommendation for Nobody Said It'd Be Easy is very simple... read this book. I laughed, cringed, had teary eyes and got mad. Just about every emotion imaginable is here along with a realistic story that will capture your heart. I think the lesson from this romance is not only that love can come into your life more than once... but also that no one is perfect, it doesn't exist. We love someone knowing they are just as imperfect as we are, and that's okay. Gabe and Lia work, they fit and add four adorable, boisterous girls and you have a family to love. I loved this story and it is definitely going on my "keeper" shelf for a future reread. Sometimes you just want to know that happy endings do exist, even if they're not what you expected.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Sometimes I'll read a story and my heart just melts. Nobody Said It'd Be Easy is that kind of romance, a second chance for a true love for two people who truly believed that love was simply not in the cards for them. Life happens... loved ones die, those we trust with our hearts betray the love we thought was real, healing sometimes comes at a cost... it's all part of life. But love isn't something that either Gabe or Lia are looking for at the moment, each is drifting through life, dealing with their own hurts and disappointments, simply getting through the day at some points. For Gabe it's his daughters that make getting up every single day worth the effort. If not for them he'd be quite content to not have to deal with the world, a world without his true love in it anymore. Lia had thought that she had it all, right up until a miscarriage took everything, every dream, every hope from her. A callous betrayal by her then husband was the last straw for a broken heart. She's now convinced that she's unlovable, and not meant for that happy ever after ending with a one true love. She's not looking for love, but when that possibility lives right next door perhaps it's time to reconsider.
My recommendation for Nobody Said It'd Be Easy is very simple... read this book. I laughed, cringed, had teary eyes and got mad. Just about every emotion imaginable is here along with a realistic story that will capture your heart. I think the lesson from this romance is not only that love can come into your life more than once... but also that no one is perfect, it doesn't exist. We love someone knowing they are just as imperfect as we are, and that's okay. Gabe and Lia work, they fit and add four adorable, boisterous girls and you have a family to love. I loved this story and it is definitely going on my "keeper" shelf for a future reread. Sometimes you just want to know that happy endings do exist, even if they're not what you expected.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
August 28, 2018
Nobody Said It Would Be Easy ripped my heart out and tore it into little tiny pieces. This book is sweet, heart-rendingly tender at times, and filled with hopes and dreams and love, both romantic and the family and friends kind. It reinforces so many values I can’t even begin to list them.
Set in New York City the hero and start of this story is Gabriel, single father of four young daughters, who has sworn never to look at another woman since the death of his beloved wife Janey two years earlier. Gabe is a bit of a superman, juggling his work as a live-in building super with the care and upbringing of his girls, thirteen year-old Kimberley, nine year-old Olivia, six year-old Maddie and two year-old Emmeline.
Gabriel’s love interest, Amelia, is about to move into his apartment block as the story opens. Lia is newly divorced and has also just had a hysterectomy. Despite these personal setbacks she is super organised and runs her own virtual assistant business from home.
Pitting Lia’s organising streak against Gabe’s frazzled best efforts to get his work done, care for his girls and look after their home was a master stroke by author Patty Blount. The result is plenty of tension and plenty of friction as Gabe and his daughters work through the issues of having another woman in their home.
Very much a character driven story, this book nonetheless kept me on the edge of my seat as I wondered how Gabe and Lia would deal with the road blocks that were thrown their way, particularly by Gabe’s daughter Olivia, who was strongly opposed to their relationship. If you love heartrendingly sweet stories, this one will work beautifully for you, but remember to keep the tissues nearby. I loved it!
Set in New York City the hero and start of this story is Gabriel, single father of four young daughters, who has sworn never to look at another woman since the death of his beloved wife Janey two years earlier. Gabe is a bit of a superman, juggling his work as a live-in building super with the care and upbringing of his girls, thirteen year-old Kimberley, nine year-old Olivia, six year-old Maddie and two year-old Emmeline.
Gabriel’s love interest, Amelia, is about to move into his apartment block as the story opens. Lia is newly divorced and has also just had a hysterectomy. Despite these personal setbacks she is super organised and runs her own virtual assistant business from home.
Pitting Lia’s organising streak against Gabe’s frazzled best efforts to get his work done, care for his girls and look after their home was a master stroke by author Patty Blount. The result is plenty of tension and plenty of friction as Gabe and his daughters work through the issues of having another woman in their home.
Very much a character driven story, this book nonetheless kept me on the edge of my seat as I wondered how Gabe and Lia would deal with the road blocks that were thrown their way, particularly by Gabe’s daughter Olivia, who was strongly opposed to their relationship. If you love heartrendingly sweet stories, this one will work beautifully for you, but remember to keep the tissues nearby. I loved it!
August 13, 2018
Oh My Giddy Aunt this book had me from the cover alone! Then I cracked it open and started reading and I was spellbound by Super Gabe, his 4 precious girls and Lia the Lovely Lady. This is the first book I have read by author Patty Blount and I am hoping she will write more books along this line in the future. Life is not all sunshine and roses and yes bad things do happen to good people. Death sadly comes a knocking when people least expect it. It is what the people who are left behind do with themselves that really show their character and their true spirit. A widowed father of 4 Gabe quits his higher paying job, becomes a super of a set of apartments away from where he used to live with his wife after she passes unexpectedly. He does this so he can be home to raise those young children while working from home. WoW. Look at the cover and that is so much the book.
Then we have Lia or Amelia a divorced self employed woman who moves into the complex and she turns his work upside down and inside out. BUT truth be told he does the same thing to her. Life is not smooth sailing once she moves in and feels the sparks from day one. OH no not at all. Just because the cute main can walk around with hair clips and painted nails carrying a baby on his hip it doesn't mean a single thing now does it. No it doesn't. One has to fight pre-teens, children with illnesses , self destruction and so much more. I invite you to meet the Iver family and see for yourself why Nobody Said I'd Be Easy.
Then we have Lia or Amelia a divorced self employed woman who moves into the complex and she turns his work upside down and inside out. BUT truth be told he does the same thing to her. Life is not smooth sailing once she moves in and feels the sparks from day one. OH no not at all. Just because the cute main can walk around with hair clips and painted nails carrying a baby on his hip it doesn't mean a single thing now does it. No it doesn't. One has to fight pre-teens, children with illnesses , self destruction and so much more. I invite you to meet the Iver family and see for yourself why Nobody Said I'd Be Easy.
August 27, 2018
WOW!!! AMAZING!!! I loved, loved, loved reading Nobody Said It’d Be Easy by Patty Blount. This book is one of my top favorite books of the year.
Widower and single father Gabriel Ivers worked very hard to keep his life running smoothly. He took a job as a building superintendent so he could be home and focus on his four young daughters. He had his one special love and now there was no room for more. Then Amelia Blake moves next door and Gabe finds that he is attracted to her. This first time that feeling hit him since his wife died two years prior. His life is a routine of homework, chores, movies, and manicure nights with his girls. How can he find time to explore a relationship with Lia? Lia is attempting to move on after a miscarriage ends her hope to have a baby as well as her ex-husband’s affair. Gabe with his sparkling manicure, multi-colored clips, and his girl amuse her, but she didn’t expect to encounter a sexual attraction to him. Gabe and his daughter offer her everything she ever wanted and it would be so easy to take Gabe up on what he’s offering. But, she is unsure if she is ready to risk her heart again. They say time heals all wound. Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is hard.
Ms. Blount wrote an amazing and moving story that is definitely not to be missed. It had me laughing, crying and everything in between. This story is filled with sexual chemistry, fun dialogue, and endearing characters. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Widower and single father Gabriel Ivers worked very hard to keep his life running smoothly. He took a job as a building superintendent so he could be home and focus on his four young daughters. He had his one special love and now there was no room for more. Then Amelia Blake moves next door and Gabe finds that he is attracted to her. This first time that feeling hit him since his wife died two years prior. His life is a routine of homework, chores, movies, and manicure nights with his girls. How can he find time to explore a relationship with Lia? Lia is attempting to move on after a miscarriage ends her hope to have a baby as well as her ex-husband’s affair. Gabe with his sparkling manicure, multi-colored clips, and his girl amuse her, but she didn’t expect to encounter a sexual attraction to him. Gabe and his daughter offer her everything she ever wanted and it would be so easy to take Gabe up on what he’s offering. But, she is unsure if she is ready to risk her heart again. They say time heals all wound. Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is hard.
Ms. Blount wrote an amazing and moving story that is definitely not to be missed. It had me laughing, crying and everything in between. This story is filled with sexual chemistry, fun dialogue, and endearing characters. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 10, 2018
An emotional story about two people learning to love again.
Lia Blake was done with men. While in the hospital, after losing her baby and having emergency surgery, her husband admitted to falling in love with someone else and he wanted a divorce. Every day Lia had to witness them leaving their apartment building together. But when Lia saw the new girlfriend’s baby bump, she decided it was time to move.
Former engineer and widower, Gabe Ivers, was working as a maintenance man at an apartment building. He couldn’t swing working full time while raising four daughters. He had to do what was best for them after losing his wife. Gabe’s wife was the love of his life and he never planned on finding anyone else. The day he met Lia, everything changed. But Gabe was afraid to get involved with Lia. He felt he was doing his late wife a dishonor and didn’t know how his kids would feel about it.
Lia and Gabe become friends and eventually lovers. Lia even accepts Gabe’s girls as her own. When one of the girls ends up in the emergency room, Gabe shuts down and pushes Lia away. But with a little sneaky intervention, they just might find themselves back together again.
You want to be sure to have your tissue handy while reading this book. You will need it. The author did a fantastic job writing this story. There was the perfect amount of family, love and drama in this book; along with a little heartbreak and a lot happiness.
Lia Blake was done with men. While in the hospital, after losing her baby and having emergency surgery, her husband admitted to falling in love with someone else and he wanted a divorce. Every day Lia had to witness them leaving their apartment building together. But when Lia saw the new girlfriend’s baby bump, she decided it was time to move.
Former engineer and widower, Gabe Ivers, was working as a maintenance man at an apartment building. He couldn’t swing working full time while raising four daughters. He had to do what was best for them after losing his wife. Gabe’s wife was the love of his life and he never planned on finding anyone else. The day he met Lia, everything changed. But Gabe was afraid to get involved with Lia. He felt he was doing his late wife a dishonor and didn’t know how his kids would feel about it.
Lia and Gabe become friends and eventually lovers. Lia even accepts Gabe’s girls as her own. When one of the girls ends up in the emergency room, Gabe shuts down and pushes Lia away. But with a little sneaky intervention, they just might find themselves back together again.
You want to be sure to have your tissue handy while reading this book. You will need it. The author did a fantastic job writing this story. There was the perfect amount of family, love and drama in this book; along with a little heartbreak and a lot happiness.
September 5, 2018
I loved this book! I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. We meet Gabriel and Amelia, both out of sad situations. Gabe’s wife, the mother of his 4 girls and love of his life died 2 years prior from an aneurysm. He has quit his job and moved the girls to NYC to an 2 bedroom apartment he gets in exchange for being the building super and he can stay home with them. The youngest is 2 and all miss their mom. He thinks about trying to move to a larger aparment but a new tenant, Amelia rents it. Lia’s husband just divorced her. She lost the baby she was pregnant with and ended up not able to have any more children. Her ex had cheated on her and moved upstairs with his now pregnant mistress. She couldn’t handle seeing them together with her pregnant too so she moved. Gabe meets Lia and there are some sparks but both fight it. Gabe’s 2nd daughter Liv doesn’t like Lia as she’s afraid she will replace her mom and get rid of the girls. Gabe’s girls go through several trials and tribulations: a first period, an appendicitis, a lost girl, etc. Gabe and Lia are secretly involved and then they share it with the girls to mixed reactions. The plot is terrific, I didn’t want to put the book down. It is a nice longer length and there’s some angst in their relationship with each other and between them and the girls. I highly recommend this book by Ms. Blount.
June 29, 2020
Patty Blount’s NOBODY SAID IT’D BE EASY is an endearing romance about a single father, Gabriel Ivers, struggling to raise four daughters. His oldest is turning 13 and his two-year-old is on potty training. He is tired and cranky, and he’s running ragged to juggle everything and everyone. He loves his daughters enough to quit his job as an engineer to be a super of an apartment complex that comes with free rent of a 2-bedroom apartment.
Everything is going peachy until Amelia Blake moves into that larger apartment, he has hoped to move into. Lia is trying to move on with her life after a miscarriage that ended her chances becoming a mother and a betrayal that ended her marriage. She is charmed by her new neighbor wearing multi-colored clips and sparkling nail polish. Instant attraction buzzes between them. Are either of them ready to fall in love? Falling in love is easy, staying up is hard, but Gabe is determined to prove to Lia he is in for the long haul . . . for the rest of their lives.
Patty Blount writes humor in the day-to-day events in Gabe’s life. The father-daughters’ relationship is what every little girl wants with her daddy. Falling in love with a beautiful, sexy, and lovely woman like Lia is a man’s dream come true. NOBODY SAID IT’D BE EASY is a beautifully told and emotionally satisfying story that will warm a reader’s heart.
Everything is going peachy until Amelia Blake moves into that larger apartment, he has hoped to move into. Lia is trying to move on with her life after a miscarriage that ended her chances becoming a mother and a betrayal that ended her marriage. She is charmed by her new neighbor wearing multi-colored clips and sparkling nail polish. Instant attraction buzzes between them. Are either of them ready to fall in love? Falling in love is easy, staying up is hard, but Gabe is determined to prove to Lia he is in for the long haul . . . for the rest of their lives.
Patty Blount writes humor in the day-to-day events in Gabe’s life. The father-daughters’ relationship is what every little girl wants with her daddy. Falling in love with a beautiful, sexy, and lovely woman like Lia is a man’s dream come true. NOBODY SAID IT’D BE EASY is a beautifully told and emotionally satisfying story that will warm a reader’s heart.
August 16, 2018
Nobody Said It'd Be Easy s the perfect name for this book. It is not easy for a single father to raised four girls on his own, but it is also not easy to trust in love again. Patty Blount has written a heart warming and at time heart breaking story of trying to overcome the past as well as the major demands faced in the present.
Knowing a family with four young children, I found this to a realistic and genuine book of the joys but also the toil it can take on parents. In their case, there are two of them, so single father Gabe is a true “Super-Man”. Lia’s issues are more serious since they are founded in past relationships.
The story reads smoothly but not fast-paced. The dual POV is interesting as Gabe and Lia have a pull together, then push apart relationship, both being filled with worries and doubts. Yet they are likable and human. Several twists happen in the story concerning the girls which was not expected but could certainly happen. The supporting characters round out the story giving Gabe and Lia the support that is needed. No millionaires, no James Bond types, but realistic people who deserve a HEA.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Knowing a family with four young children, I found this to a realistic and genuine book of the joys but also the toil it can take on parents. In their case, there are two of them, so single father Gabe is a true “Super-Man”. Lia’s issues are more serious since they are founded in past relationships.
The story reads smoothly but not fast-paced. The dual POV is interesting as Gabe and Lia have a pull together, then push apart relationship, both being filled with worries and doubts. Yet they are likable and human. Several twists happen in the story concerning the girls which was not expected but could certainly happen. The supporting characters round out the story giving Gabe and Lia the support that is needed. No millionaires, no James Bond types, but realistic people who deserve a HEA.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 15, 2018
I get that Gabriel was supposed to be a nice guy but he was low-key passive aggressive. Literally anything could happen and he'd turn his back on Lia and get mad, or ignore, or look mad, whatever.
And I also don't like when one of the MC's is widowed and the other MC feels like second best. The first time/s they kissed/hooked up, I felt like Lia was doing it with a married guy. He was so commited to the memories of his wife that I actually preferred him with his dead wife than with Lia.
She was just so helpful to him and everyone else, he wasn't thankful. And he went from "I love my dead wife" to "proposing and getting mad because she needs time to think but my daughter needed permission for a surgery so I'll get real mad beccause we aren't married yet so she couldn't sign the thing", really quick.
By the end, I didn't know whom I wanted to shake more, Lia or Gabriel. Happy ending blah blah
And I also don't like when one of the MC's is widowed and the other MC feels like second best. The first time/s they kissed/hooked up, I felt like Lia was doing it with a married guy. He was so commited to the memories of his wife that I actually preferred him with his dead wife than with Lia.
She was just so helpful to him and everyone else, he wasn't thankful. And he went from "I love my dead wife" to "proposing and getting mad because she needs time to think but my daughter needed permission for a surgery so I'll get real mad beccause we aren't married yet so she couldn't sign the thing", really quick.
By the end, I didn't know whom I wanted to shake more, Lia or Gabriel. Happy ending blah blah
August 15, 2018
Loved, loved this book. Gabriel, lost his wife two years ago and is now raising his four daughters. He is the building superintendent when he meets his new neighbor, Lia. Lia has recently gone through a divorce and finds out she can not have her own children. Can these two with broken hearts find comfort in each other and start a new life?
This is one of the best books that I have read this year, it will pull on all of your heartstrings. I fell in love with all the characters, even the little girls. Gabriel is such a wonderful dad, who wouldn't want to have a manicure night. Lia, my heart just breaks for her, the number one thing she wants is to have a baby, but now she has four little girls that just love her. Fair warning, there will be tears, sad and happy! I highly recommend this book!!!!
This is one of the best books that I have read this year, it will pull on all of your heartstrings. I fell in love with all the characters, even the little girls. Gabriel is such a wonderful dad, who wouldn't want to have a manicure night. Lia, my heart just breaks for her, the number one thing she wants is to have a baby, but now she has four little girls that just love her. Fair warning, there will be tears, sad and happy! I highly recommend this book!!!!
July 25, 2018
Patty Blount shows how hard single parenting can be, especially while grieving and the reader cannot help but want to give Gabe a hug and maybe babysit all the girls. Every relationship comes with baggage from both people that makes them view their relationship differently. This book just happens to show this particular baggage and was enjoyable to witness their journey together working through it together and within themselves. Nobody Said It'd Be Easy is a heartwarming story about how a second chance at love is just as beautiful as the first one. Thank you Tule Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and the chance to spread the good word about this lovely romance.
August 2, 2018
This is a winning story with touching and deep emotions from all the main characters. Ther is a true sense of the complexity of the relationship between Amelia (Lia) and Gabriel (Gabe) due to both their recent past experiences. Lia is fleeing from an ex-husband jerk who cheated on her and dumped her at her lowest. Gabe lost his wife, the love of his life, after ten years of marriage and four young daughters. His sole aim in life is to create and home with love, securaity and stableness. Lia needs to heal and move on. Their relationship is one of give and take, push and pull, and build and repair levels of trust.
It is a very enjoyable, lovely book.
It is a very enjoyable, lovely book.
August 3, 2018
Let’s do this lol.
Single father [check]
Four beautiful daughters [check]
HEA [check]
What more do you want? Oh you want roller coaster of all emotions [check] when you meet Gabriel he’s a walking zombie of a father. Who’s living life everyday the same way just surviving. You meet Lia who’s heart is broken beyond anything. What happens when two broken people fall for each you get a great book. Meeting all four kids was great this book wasn’t rushed we got to learn enough about each one. At first I was like 4 kids how is this story going to work. It worked so good. Patty Blount made sure we got to know each child and made sure we felt the emotion of missing there mom. It was heartfelt.
Single father [check]
Four beautiful daughters [check]
HEA [check]
What more do you want? Oh you want roller coaster of all emotions [check] when you meet Gabriel he’s a walking zombie of a father. Who’s living life everyday the same way just surviving. You meet Lia who’s heart is broken beyond anything. What happens when two broken people fall for each you get a great book. Meeting all four kids was great this book wasn’t rushed we got to learn enough about each one. At first I was like 4 kids how is this story going to work. It worked so good. Patty Blount made sure we got to know each child and made sure we felt the emotion of missing there mom. It was heartfelt.
August 13, 2018
This book was so good. This was my not my first Patty Blount book, but I had only read her incredible young adult ones; none of her romances,. She can do no wrong! The writing is wonderful, the story moves along perfectly and she writes the best characters. Gabe was the most amazing dad and I loved all the exchanges with his daughters. Lia was reeling from a rough marriage, year of infertility and a miscarriage. I loved these two together. It was a lot more emotional than I was prepared for, but I loved it. Highly recommend it.
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
August 12, 2018
One hot single dad, two shattered hearts, three bouts of ugly crying (from me), and four adorable and challenging daughters. This book has it all.......grief, joy, pain, chaos, smiles, heartbreak, and love. The story of Gabe and Lia is full of so much real life drama and emotion that I feel in love from page one and couldn't put it down. The title says it all. It's not easy but it is soooo worth it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 21, 2018
Gabriel and Lia’s love story is like no other, it also involves his four daughters, girls with four different personalities,girls who have lost their Mom, but at least they have a great Dad, can they help him find his way to love again? Or will they just want to keep him all to themselves?
Great read, very heart warming, brought me to tears a few times, oh yes it brings those emotions out,the best writers can do that, and this writer does that plus wraps it up nicely. I highly recommend this for Romance readers who want to see a frozen heart slowly melt and come alive again.
Great read, very heart warming, brought me to tears a few times, oh yes it brings those emotions out,the best writers can do that, and this writer does that plus wraps it up nicely. I highly recommend this for Romance readers who want to see a frozen heart slowly melt and come alive again.
November 17, 2018
Cute love story. All relationships have problems. None is perfect. But if you are willing to push through it can lead to an amazing life.
Two people meet by chance. One is a tenant in an apartment complex the other is the handy man for the complex. Both have had a rough life. The handy man has lost his true love. His first love his high school sweet heart to death. The tenant had a miscarriage that led to a divorce which was fine bc he had been cheating on her with the upstairs neighbor who was now pregnant.
In the end love wins
Two people meet by chance. One is a tenant in an apartment complex the other is the handy man for the complex. Both have had a rough life. The handy man has lost his true love. His first love his high school sweet heart to death. The tenant had a miscarriage that led to a divorce which was fine bc he had been cheating on her with the upstairs neighbor who was now pregnant.
In the end love wins
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2023
I’m a fan. Patty hit me in the feels by creating a love story that encompasses the challenges of expanding a young family after the loss of a parent, but also because her heroine was relatable for me personally. Lia had a hysterectomy due to reproductive complications, and I love her down-to-earth, loving vibe. Even though the setting is in NYC, Patty is able to give us a “hometown” feel through the interconnection of her secondary characters, and I love that she gives us hints of spice between the main couple. Pick up Nobody Said It’d Be Easy today; you won’t be disappointed.
August 17, 2018
You know how sometimes you read a romance and get so frustrated with the characters because their actions in a super relate able scenario is not how anyone would act? I thought this romance might be like that. I thought Gabriel and Lia would annoy me or seem completely unrealistic. However, I was wrong. I felt so much for Gabriel and Lia. So much so, I was engrossed in their love story. It's emotional and steamy and funny and captivating. A great read!
September 2, 2018
Gabriel is raising his daughters alone. Lia is starting over after the end of her marriage and her dream of having a baby. They have incredible sexual chemistry. She makes him remember that he is man not just a dad. She watches him with his daughters and is reminded of what she has lost. Neither one of them is looking for a second chance at love. Wounds as deep as theirs take time to heal. Sometimes the best things in life are the unexpected ones.
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