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Her Last First... #3

E is for Engineer

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Can a hot guy + a secret baby = love?

Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2019

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707 people want to read

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Brenna Jacobs

17 books171 followers

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5 stars
265 (34%)
4 stars
276 (36%)
3 stars
172 (22%)
2 stars
42 (5%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah | Kerosene.Lit.
1,138 reviews653 followers
March 1, 2022
What an incredibly sweet story! An engineer on the verge of a breakthrough in sustainable energy, Tessa recruits Ethan Bedford, a former schoolmate and old flame, to aid the project. And everything is going to plan, until Tessa is unexpectedly left with custody of her nephew after her sister flees.

Utterly over her head, Tessa has no choice but to bring baby Calvin to work. This really captured the anxiety and constant uncertainty with raising a child. Gah! My heart ached for Tessa and her reluctance to obtain help. As the five engineers at BBMJ Industries come together to save their project AND care for a baby, this wonderful workplace family brought such great humour.

And I adored Ethan! As their relationship continues outside of work hours, I loved his insistence to help with any and all baby duties. A true problem solver, it was precious to see him learn to simply listen and be supportive in ways Tessa truly needed. Swoon!
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews581 followers
August 31, 2022
I loved this story! It has so much more depth than the cover indicates. Although it also has fun and humor as well ;) Tessa and Ethan are so good together! They are both highly intelligent, driven, and confident engineers. It was eye-opening to see a bit of how a branch of that industry operates, the mix of creativity, innovation, pragmatism, and solution-finding. The new spark of attraction in an old friendship brings the anticipation of potential romance, but the short-term nature of Ethan's assignment puts a damper on things. Throw in an unexpected baby, and you would think that would put an end to things, but it only provided an impetus to bring them closer together- for Ethan to encourage and support Tessa, and for her to see a deeper side of him. Their relationship develops naturally with a few bumps along the way, but the tension and anticipation made the chemistry that much stronger. I absolutely loved how each member of Tessa's team had such unique personalities and their own way of showing they care through finding solutions in their own special ways. Ethan's mom was a fun addition to the story and I loved their close relationship. This story was a pleasure to read and it's one I already want to read again!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
October 24, 2019
If you haven't read any of the books in this series, you really should- especially if you enjoy light, happy romances. This book is definitely the funniest of the books so far. I was entertained by the characters in Tessa's workplace. They fight over who gets to "wear the baby". It's so funny. Maybe it's even more funny to me because I am married to an engineer and so many stereotypes are so true.

Tessa and Ethan have history. It makes navigating feelings and a new chapter in their relationship tricky because they aren't who they once were but some of the feelings are the same. Even though neither one of them wants to own up to them. Tessa is a stubborn girl! Her childhood history provides a few bumps in her road with Ethan. Ethan is a champ though- he really steps up (and aside) when needed. I loved him. I also loved that he listened to his mother! What a good boy.

This was a fun addition to this series and I think my favorite so far!

Content: kissing

I picked this book up on kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,465 reviews110 followers
October 24, 2019
4.5 stars

Tessa and Ethan were great friends when they were at Georgia Tech getting degrees in engineering, but haven't been in touch for the past 6 years. Tessa's on a deadine and hires Ethan to work with her team for the next six weeks. Before they even get a chance to work together Tessa's younger sister, Rachel drops in with a bombshell. Well, this bombshell is four months old, named Calvin, and is about to turn Tessa's life on its ear.

This was such a fun story to read. There were hilarious moments that made me laugh out loud (like grown men fighting over who gets to 'wear the baby'), fun scenes (who can build and IKEA chair faster), tender moments (when Ethan's mom comes to town to help out) and everything in between. The two main characters had great chemistry, but didn't know how to communicate with each other very well. The supporting characters (Mary, Darius, Sanjay, and Ethan's mom) were great! I loved them all. I loved how everyone helped out in their own way with Calvin. Thank goodness for Google and the internet.

I'm enjoying this series, which doesn't have to be read in any order because they're all standalones. I think this one would make a great romantic-comedy movie and since it's a clean romance it would be perfect for a Hallmark movie.

I received a complimentary copy but all thoughts expressed in my review are my own.
Profile Image for Kathee.
345 reviews50 followers
November 26, 2019
Such a sweet romance! Tessa and Ethan are both engineers working on a project together. When Tessa’s sister leaves her baby with Tessa she finds herself quickly learning how to take care of baby Calvin. Luckily she has support from her coworkers, who out do each other with the amazing inventions they come up with to make life with a baby easier!! This story made me laugh in some places and brought a tear to my eye in others! I sure adore this series, the ABC’s of Love, by Brenna Jacobs! I received an ARC Of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Becky Hiatt.
83 reviews
October 23, 2019
***I was given an ARC copy, and this is my voluntary review.**

First of all, this book was hilarious to me because I am married to a design engineer. The lack of communication just made me laugh and shake my head because it's a real thing. They are their own breed.

Tessa and Ethan were best friends in college. They separated ways and continued on with their careers until their paths came back together for a project with Tessa's company recruited Ethan for.
Enter Rachel, Tessa's sister and Calvin.
I'll stop there, except to add that Mary, Darius and Sanjay are the best people. I just fell in love with their sweet characters. Really a great book, enjoyable well written storyline.
Profile Image for Nupur.
123 reviews18 followers
April 22, 2021
I was a big Jell-O while reading this book.
Having read ABC series by Brenna, I was a gone case for this one especially when It involved 2 engineers, batchmates, best friends. Being in a class dominated by male, I totally Liked this angle. I always enjoy friends to Lovers troupe. I think I have a thing for it but when writers plan for a rom com they choose professions like Attorney, billionaire, barista, teachers etc etc but very rarely Engineers.
That grope me into the storyline and the bg of college together did a number on me.

Ethan was so kind, helpful, like real men, not cocky or Insinuating, constantly putting efforts to help and know Tessa. Very logical and sweet. Not everybody needs to pull an alpha shit to be desirable and loveable. Some shd be like Ethan.

Tessa was ambitious , resilient, patient, human and Determined.

I enjoyed storyline revolving around the baby, their dynamics with him. Had a great fun reading the Baby Quad. Co workers turned family and Helpers in need.
I was touched when Ethan came back from Zurich. I guess dreams can change, and you dont have to hold resentment towards people if you leave your dream job to be with the love of your life because It is the closest to win win, Life can give you.
Here is the part that did things to my heart.

“He’s a bonus, but I came back for you, Tessa. I
never should have left. I think I fell half in love with you in college, but it
took me about a day to fall the rest of the way when I saw you again.
Everything I could ever want is right here. A job as good as the one I left at
Klieber, the sweetest baby in the world, a time difference that doesn’t drive
my mother crazy. But even if the only thing I had here was you, it would
still be everything I ever wanted.”

If you start Brenna's ABC series,you will be hooked to it
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,944 reviews70 followers
October 29, 2019
I’m a sucker for a good romance. I love it when they have a plot that draws you in and great characters. This one by Brenna Jacobs has all of that! And another thing I really love is that this is a series, but they don’t need to be read in any particular order. That’s the best!

This one features Tessa and Ethan. They knew each other in college. Now they’re both engineers and they are going to be working together. I loved the way these two were attracted to each other from the very beginning. They were just hilarious together, because they’re both engineers. They’re both very math brained. Sometimes that makes things funny!

One of the best things about this book is when Tessa’s sister, Rachel, showed up. She just left her 5 month old with Tessa. That makes things a bit crazy for the single Tessa. She’d never really been around a baby, and now she has to care for one. Luckily Ethan saved the day by knowing about babies.

The plot of this one was awesome! It was so funny to see the whole team of engineers in this one go nuts over one little baby. I loved the way they came up with all kinds of inventions to care for him. And they way they banded together.

Of course, there’s romance too! And I loved every little bit of this book! Make sure to get it for yourself!

I was sent an e-copy of Embracing Her Ever After as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
335 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2019
What a sweet romance! I really enjoyed reading Embracing her Ever After by Brenna Jacobs. This second chance romance is about friendship that leads to love. I enjoyed seeing the personalities of each engineer and how they interacted with each other. It reminded me of the movie 3 Men and a Baby.

I received a complimentary book(s) from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
776 reviews20 followers
October 24, 2019
Another winner from Brenna Jacobs

Such a great book! I loved the characters and their dynamics. Definitely worth a read! This was sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG for kissing.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,540 reviews267 followers
October 3, 2022
Sweet contemporary romance. I am not sure what the title has to do with the story. It should be something like her last, first romance. I don't know, there is no dancing in this. It is a cute story about a boy and girl who fell in love and get to fall in love again while working together and dealing with an unexpected surprise. Nothing really pulled me in. It was just a nice love story.
14 and up. Very clean.
Profile Image for Julie.
775 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2019
This is a very entertaining clean romance. I found myself laughing out loud with some of the situations created in the story. I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lilly Fountain .
195 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2025
Okay I loved this book, it was so sweet, the thing that really put me over the edge was the mmc name was Ethan which is my husband's name and he really reminded me of him ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Alisa.
793 reviews44 followers
April 9, 2020
Tessa and Ethan are engineers who went to college together. 6 years ago. Ethan has a month before he goes off to Europe to work his dream job, and Tessa really needs his help to make the deadline on the project that she has worked so hard for and is so passionate about. And then an unexpected baby is left for Tessa by her sister. And Tessa knows nothing about babies, and neither do the other 3 engineers on her team. Ethan has limited knowledge about babies, but compared to the others he is an expert! Oh my! 5 engineers, a stressful deadline, and a baby! There were times I laughed out loud - but the engineers were definitely resourceful in coming up with solutions for the baby!

I loved the chemistry between Ethan and Tessa, and I really loved the secondary characters that they worked with.
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,591 reviews130 followers
November 27, 2019
[ORIGINALLY TITLED "E IS FOR ENGINEER" NOW RETITLED AS "EMBRACING HER EVER AFTER"]

(4 stars) - gotta love nerd love!

The start was a little slow for me, but when they kiss - and wow, what a kiss - it finds its stride
The clueless baby care & fascination with baby tech by a bunch of geniuses is pretty amusing.

Ethan & Tessa are easy to root for, and their relationship development, but the secondary characters are awesome in this book, too, especially Calvin and Ethan's mom.

The happily-ever-after succeeds in being both realistic and wonderful!

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
1,314 reviews58 followers
March 25, 2020
Another win for Brenna Jacobs, this book really appealed to me and surprised me with how much depth it had going on. The characters were rich and well developed. Told from both Tessa and Ethan's perspectives, I love how I saw the inter-workings of their heads and hearts and that they grew and worked so well together.
I love how much comedy was in this novel as poor Tessa has a baby thrust upon her and is ill prepared or equipped to handle it. The engineers were such a fun team and as secondary characters go, they felt like family. Knowing many engineers, the author hit the nail on the head with her descriptions and fun ways they react to taking care of little Calvin. Full of lots of funny and heart felt moments with the right amount of romantic chemistry, this is a sweet clean romance I definitely recommend.
Profile Image for ReadingInThe6ix.
758 reviews9 followers
July 19, 2021
I absolutely enjoyed this book, thought it got better as it progressed, genuinely liked the ending quite a bit.

Unfortunately the big let down for me is that there was almost no chemistry between the characters and the story really focused on her challenges with the baby. We’re told they had feelings for each other, we’re told they both feel a connection...but I didn’t feel it.

Still a light read I’d recommend and will probably try the author again.
Profile Image for Firstand.
87 reviews
May 19, 2022
This book is mostly about raising a baby. There’s a romantic scene or two, but mostly I felt like I was reading a slice-of-life story more than a romance. The writing is good, the characters are fun—it just wasn’t what I was looking for/what I thought I’d be getting. (Also I’m still not clear how the title relates to anything.)
Profile Image for Audrey Colman.
Author 3 books60 followers
April 1, 2025
If you’ve been struggling with baby fever… Do read this one. Or don’t. But I think you should. But it will make you want one even more.

Have you ever read a book that you wanted to jump inside of? That’s how it worked with this one. And not because of the romance… because of Calvin. I mean, my degree is in early child development, so… it stands to reason.

I found all of the STEM lingo go way over my head, but all of the baby stuff. Right up my alley. It made me want to listen non-stop.

Pretty sure I fell for Ethan once he had his mom come out to help. I wanna be his mom. I totally relate to how she needed a baby fix. I rooted for Ethan and Tessa the whole time and also thought for a second that it would end with them going their separate ways, but I’m so glad that it all worked out in the end!

Disclaimer: in this book Ethan and Tessa allow Calvin to sleep in his car seat in multiple occasions. This is not a safe practice is places a baby at high risk for asphyxiation. Please do not let your baby sleep in their car seat outside of short travels in the car. Always monitor your baby while sleeping in the car. There’s also a part where Calvin is fed by having his bottle propped up, which another unsafe practice, as it comes with a risk of choking and aspiration.

Profile Image for Wndrgrl.
354 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2021
This book is cute.

First of all, I love Tessa. Woman in STEM. Eldest daughter. So freaking smart and strong and independent. Ethan, also very smart. They are academically number 1 and 2 in school but very close friends. One can see all kinds of tropws that can take place.

I love Sanjay and Darius and Mary too. Not only are they the nicest manager and teammates. They're all cute around Calvin.

I wish their project was real. It's amazing. I kinda wish I finished that engineering degree now because it would be amazing to be part of a project like that.

The plot is really good too. And the ending, *chef's kiss*.

The only thing I would change about this book is that I wish it was longer. It's so short and perfect if you're trying to finish your reading challenge. But I love them all so much and want to read more of them.
Profile Image for Carmela Agatha Enriquez (agathafeelingg.reads).
584 reviews72 followers
October 1, 2022
Her Last First Dance is about Tessa working with her friend and long-time crush, Ethan, on a breakthrough project when her sister dumps her nephew at her home. Juggling becoming an instant momma and finishing their project, Tessa and Ethan reconnect and help each other out. While I really loved their chemistry, I think I loved how the other characters are so sweet in helping out taking care of Calvin (the baby) in the middle of working. I loved Darius, Mary and Sanjay and the entire team - a group of nerds who didn't know what to do with a baby so - hello, google! I loved how these characters are so willing to accommodate a baby even with a deadline hanging over their heads.

I wish this isn't as short as it is because I really want to read more of their story - what happens after the ending? Huhu ang bitin 🥺🥺

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Profile Image for Lili.
255 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2025
It took me a while to finish this one as it didn’t catch my attention at the very beginning. The problem was the tittle, I finished it, and I can’t honestly tell you, what it has to do with anything in the story. Mind you, a dance was mentioned in the epilogue, but it was a dance in the living room not a like an actual dance or competition or something else!

The point is that they are both engineers, Tessa and Ethan, who met in college, and they both felt something for each other at that time, but nobody make a move, so life just carried on, both moving to different places. Until a project units them again.

There’s a baby in the mingle and that’s how sparks start flying as they have to spend a lot of time together.

Don’t get me wrong, I think the story was a cute one, just the title didn’t make sense 🤷🏻‍♀️
803 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2019
The romance was sweet and the couple were good together. The story has a nice flow. I enjoyed the secondary characters. They were fun to read just as much as the h & H. Some of the engineering references went over my head, lol. They weren't tedious or boring. Everything made the story and people authectic and come to life. I never did like the h's sister. I thought she was selfish and rationalized her behavior. Overall, the book was good and the author can craft a well written story. I do appreciate the book was kept clean. My only caveat is when the H didn't offer to carry the baby carrier because it was sexist. No, it's chivalry and being polite. I read to escape the social commentary and p.c. of the day so that threw me off a bit.
1 review
October 26, 2019
As the wife of an engineer, who grew up with an engineer father, and had engineer as her second choice career I can relate to the engineer dynamic. I've read other books in this series and enjoyed this one just as much. It's a stand alone story so you could just read this one or start with her first book.

When old classmates have a chance to work together you think you know where the story will go but unexpected events make this an even better story. I prefer rated G and would say this is more PG but still a very clean and sweet romance. I'm excited to see what other fun books are added to this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Regina.
1,093 reviews
December 28, 2019
What is better than Three Men and a Baby? Five Engineers and a Baby!

This delightful, funny, and heart-warming story is (so far ;) ) my favorite in the series.

I simly love the characters: Tessa and Ethan make a great team, first as friends, but just as well as a couple later. Add to that the rest of the quirky engineering team doing their pragmatic and hilarious best to support Tessa and her surprise addition to the family-slash-team, and Ethan's mom who provides not only a much needed baby support hotline but is an all-around lovely person (can I adopt her?).

Looking forward to reading more in the series, though this one will be a tough act to follow.
Profile Image for Becky.
547 reviews
November 24, 2022
Not the usual Melanie Jacobson standard, whom I associate with fun, quickie romances that also have depth. Three stars are probably a bit generous, but it delivers exactly what it promises: fluff.

It was fairly amusing to watch a bunch of engineers try to figure out child-rearing in the methodical way they’re known for. I did get a little glassy eyed with all the shop talk. And I was just rather… incredulous. That a group of highly educated people could be so clueless when it comes to babies. But I’m speaking from seven children, so I mostly related to Lezlie, the ‘bleeding heart’ matriarch.

The nipple bit had me roaring. 😆
Profile Image for Selen | talesbysel.
858 reviews33 followers
July 22, 2023
4 stepping up stars 🌟

Themes: friends to lovers, 2nd chance, forced proximity, work romance

It takes a “lab” to raise a child.
Ethan and Tessa had chemistry in college but Tessa was scared to act on it. When they start working together and she finds herself needing to take care of her abandoned nephew, the forced proximity will push all her limits.
This is a story of friendship more than love. It is a great example to show how your colleagues become friends without you even noticing.

Note: Audiobook is available free on Youtube posted by the author, herself.
Profile Image for Heather.
273 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2019
Enjoyable

It’s really fun how this author does the research and writes personalities for the different professions in this series. It felt very authentic for a team of engineers, while at the same time writing those personalities with respect and understanding, not to make fun of them or stereotype them. I liked both main characters, and the supporting cast is great. This is a well-plotted story, and I recommend it.

Clean, with some kissing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews

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