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Everything’s Better #3
Everything's Better with Lisa
Lisa Betancourt has been my neighbor for months, but I didn’t know she existed until the night she threatened me with a baseball bat. To be fair, I kinda had it coming. That was also the night my entire life changed—my biological mother passed away suddenly and mysteriously, leaving behind a surprise baby. The moment I laid eyes on CJ’s chubby face, I knew I would do anything for him. What I didn’t know was how to take care of him. Fortunately, Lisa turned out to be my salvation in more ways than one. She stepped in and changed everything. The more time I spend with her, the more I hope the change can be permanent. Unfortunately, the pressure at work and unraveling the mystery of my mother’s past makes me wonder how that could be possible…
Cole Simmons lives in the brownstone next to mine and was an insensitive jerk, or at least I thought he was until he got custody of his baby brother, who’s just as adorable as he is. As the oldest child in a big family, I couldn’t resist stepping in to help when I realized my handsome neighbor was in over his head when it came to babies, though I’ve learned the hard way that handsome men can’t always be trusted. I moved to New York to start a new life, adjust to my new normal and heal from heartbreak. Unfortunately, my heart didn’t get the memo, and the more time I spent with Cole and the impossibly sweet CJ, the more I start to wonder if Cole isn’t the only one in over his head…
This full-length novel can be read as a standalone but is the third book in the Everything’s Better series. You’ll see friends from Everything’s Better with You, Everything’s Better with Kimberly & Cherishing the Goddess. Cole & Lisa’s love story is chock full or Enemies to Lovers, Single Parent, Secret Baby (or two), Nanny (no power imbalance) & Fake Engagement goodness and is safe with NO cheating.
Cole Simmons lives in the brownstone next to mine and was an insensitive jerk, or at least I thought he was until he got custody of his baby brother, who’s just as adorable as he is. As the oldest child in a big family, I couldn’t resist stepping in to help when I realized my handsome neighbor was in over his head when it came to babies, though I’ve learned the hard way that handsome men can’t always be trusted. I moved to New York to start a new life, adjust to my new normal and heal from heartbreak. Unfortunately, my heart didn’t get the memo, and the more time I spent with Cole and the impossibly sweet CJ, the more I start to wonder if Cole isn’t the only one in over his head…
This full-length novel can be read as a standalone but is the third book in the Everything’s Better series. You’ll see friends from Everything’s Better with You, Everything’s Better with Kimberly & Cherishing the Goddess. Cole & Lisa’s love story is chock full or Enemies to Lovers, Single Parent, Secret Baby (or two), Nanny (no power imbalance) & Fake Engagement goodness and is safe with NO cheating.
386 pages, ebook
First published November 8, 2019
409 people are currently reading
2052 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Eden
33 books800 followersLucy Eden is the nom de plume of an romance obsessed author who writes the kind of romance she loves to read. She’s a sucker for alphas with a soft gooey center, over the top romantic gestures, strong & smart MCs, humor, love at first sight (or pretty damn close), happily ever afters & of course, steamy love scenes.
When Lucy isn’t writing, she’s busy reading—or listening to—every book she can get her hands on— romance or otherwise.
She lives & loves in New York with her husband, two children, a turtle & a Yorkshire Terrier.
Website: https://www.lucyeden.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucyedenauthor/
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When Lucy isn’t writing, she’s busy reading—or listening to—every book she can get her hands on— romance or otherwise.
She lives & loves in New York with her husband, two children, a turtle & a Yorkshire Terrier.
Website: https://www.lucyeden.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucyedenauthor/
Join Lucy Eden's Paradise: https://www.facebook.com/groups/33013...
Twitter:https://twitter.com/lucyedenauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 13, 2019
4.5 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
This story caught me completely off guard in the best way. Cole and Lisa are two complicated individuals with traumatized pasts that they need to work through. I was emotionally caught off guard after a super funny first meeting between Cole and Lisa. The laughs are beautifully intertwined with an emotional tone dealing with some heavy subjects. There are content warnings for infertility, cheating, drug use, adoption, racism, and self-worth. I think all of the subjects were handled with care, progressive for the storyline, and allowed you to fall in love with Cole and Lisa's journey to love and self-worth. I can't wait to dive into the connected books of this series.
Video review available in Week 46 Nov 10 – 16 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk
This story caught me completely off guard in the best way. Cole and Lisa are two complicated individuals with traumatized pasts that they need to work through. I was emotionally caught off guard after a super funny first meeting between Cole and Lisa. The laughs are beautifully intertwined with an emotional tone dealing with some heavy subjects. There are content warnings for infertility, cheating, drug use, adoption, racism, and self-worth. I think all of the subjects were handled with care, progressive for the storyline, and allowed you to fall in love with Cole and Lisa's journey to love and self-worth. I can't wait to dive into the connected books of this series.
Video review available in Week 46 Nov 10 – 16 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk
November 17, 2019
Not my first read by the author and I also have read Book #1 & #2 in this series!
Cole and Lisa had one of the most fun and funny meet. It really set the mood for me for the book. This author really knows how to address the heavy life topics with a beautiful story where the characters bosom together and the romance is just so BEAUTIFUL! I will say that have tissues ready and also expect all the issues to be address with respect and accurately, that's a huge things to me, where if there are triggers I want them to be addressed in a way that explains and processes. Aside form that this was another very sweet, fun and romantic STORY that will have you falling in LOVE with Cole and Lisa!
MY BLOG REVIEW -> CLICK HERE
Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #3 of Series
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY!
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦
May 2, 2022
This is the longest book from Lucy Eden I've rea, the steamiest, and probably also my least favorite.
I think Lucy has mastered novella length stories and this one kind of dragged for me. So much happened but it felt more mundane than exciting. And I know CJs a baby but he had basically no personality - I thought he was 2?
CW: racism, past abuse
I think Lucy has mastered novella length stories and this one kind of dragged for me. So much happened but it felt more mundane than exciting. And I know CJs a baby but he had basically no personality - I thought he was 2?
CW: racism, past abuse
December 1, 2019
After Lisa and Cole's initial meet cute, which was not so cute, she's left with a not very good impression of her new neighbor. But when she becomes his lifeline when he obtains custody of a previously unknown sibling, suddenly their relationship changes. But their relationship will not be easy because both of them have serious baggage, very serious baggage.
Everything's Better with Lisa was definitely not what I had been expecting. It's much more substantial and heavier, with some pretty hefty emotional layers to work through. Ultimately, though, I liked it and thought Lisa and Cole made a great couple.
ARC via Hidden Gems Books for an honest review.
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November 30, 2019
New to me author. Book 3 of a stand-alone series with connecting characters. Unexpectedly sweet, cute with some emotional hits. Still gives you a sexy heading man. Cole and Lisa meet when he drunkenly mistakes her door for his. She angrily greets him with a baseball bat. The beginning makes you think this is a easy fun read. However, both characters have traumatic pasts. Lisa is recovering from a devastating divorce. It left her broken and insecure. Cole has a messy past that deals with an addicted mother, adoption, secrets and now he finds out he has a baby brother. The story will have you smiling, angry, frustrated and emotional. Great read.
January 6, 2024
DNF at like 20%. I tried to keep going because the reviews are good but I don’t think this is my cup of tea. It was advertised to be a lot more angsty but reads more like a romcom. It definitely could have changed up later on, but I also just didn’t like how the fmc was coming across. The hero didn’t feel like anything special either. I honestly was just bored. I think darker reads have fried my brain, but if you like lighter stuff this would be great.
November 26, 2019
This is a new-to-me author and I really enjoyed this story. It's the third book in series of inter-connected standalones.
Cole Simmons gets off on totally the wrong foot with his beautiful new neighbour, Lisa Betancourt. However, when he finds himself the guardian of his hitherto unknown baby brother, and not having the first clue about raising babies, he finds himself more than grateful for Lisa's intervention and help.
"I'd never been asked for a kiss before. It was adorable, silly, but also somehow incredibly sexy."
Lisa is still licking her wounds after a painful divorce. She's moved away from her family and loved ones to New York for a brand new start. She has no interest in being in a relationship so soon, however, Cole has a way of knocking down her walls. When baby CJ is thrown into the mix, there's no way that she can keep herself away, especially when Cole offers her the role of nanny.
Overall, this was a great, really sexy read! Lisa is pretty vulnerable and comes with baggage. Cole's baggage is nothing to be sniffed at either but his family are wonderful, loving and so supportive. It's obvious that the two have amazing chemistry but both were so uncertain on how to navigate into more personal waters, once they'd set professional boundaries. I really liked Cole - he's such a good man and I enjoyed the unravelling of the mystery surrounding his background. A lovely, hot story but a sweet ending.
Cole Simmons gets off on totally the wrong foot with his beautiful new neighbour, Lisa Betancourt. However, when he finds himself the guardian of his hitherto unknown baby brother, and not having the first clue about raising babies, he finds himself more than grateful for Lisa's intervention and help.
"I'd never been asked for a kiss before. It was adorable, silly, but also somehow incredibly sexy."
Lisa is still licking her wounds after a painful divorce. She's moved away from her family and loved ones to New York for a brand new start. She has no interest in being in a relationship so soon, however, Cole has a way of knocking down her walls. When baby CJ is thrown into the mix, there's no way that she can keep herself away, especially when Cole offers her the role of nanny.
Overall, this was a great, really sexy read! Lisa is pretty vulnerable and comes with baggage. Cole's baggage is nothing to be sniffed at either but his family are wonderful, loving and so supportive. It's obvious that the two have amazing chemistry but both were so uncertain on how to navigate into more personal waters, once they'd set professional boundaries. I really liked Cole - he's such a good man and I enjoyed the unravelling of the mystery surrounding his background. A lovely, hot story but a sweet ending.
November 25, 2019
I'm a sucker for a cute neighbor romance, so Cole and Lisa are my jam. Add in a baby to stir things up, and reading Everything's Better With Lisa was quite an enjoyable way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.
But this is not a fun-filled story. Cole and Lisa both have a troubled past, and lots of obstacles to overcome and demons to deal with. Lucy Eden does a great job in handling issues like drug use, adoption, infertility, cheating, etc very well in telling Cole and Lisa's story. There is so much more to them than suddenly being the caregiver of the infant brother he never knew, relying on the bartender next door to be his nanny. It works, but there's a lot OF work that they put into it first.
I have not read the previous books in the Everything's Better series. While the characters from the previous books play a part, I felt like Lisa read just fine as a standalone. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
But this is not a fun-filled story. Cole and Lisa both have a troubled past, and lots of obstacles to overcome and demons to deal with. Lucy Eden does a great job in handling issues like drug use, adoption, infertility, cheating, etc very well in telling Cole and Lisa's story. There is so much more to them than suddenly being the caregiver of the infant brother he never knew, relying on the bartender next door to be his nanny. It works, but there's a lot OF work that they put into it first.
I have not read the previous books in the Everything's Better series. While the characters from the previous books play a part, I felt like Lisa read just fine as a standalone. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
November 2, 2021
this book was so cute i just wanted to highlight the entire thing. i can’t even put my love for the story into words ugh!!
although this wasn’t my first time reading work by lucy eden it definitely wont be my last. i am ready to dive headfirst into all of her novels!
although this wasn’t my first time reading work by lucy eden it definitely wont be my last. i am ready to dive headfirst into all of her novels!
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January 11, 202101/11/21 currently free in Broken and Beautiful: NINE Book Boxed Set
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November 26, 2019
There are already reviews noting the premise of the book, so I am not going to go over that. I will just let you know how I felt about the way the book was written.
Have you ever seen a piece of material and, although it was pretty, your thought was “eh, way too busy?” For me, this book was exactly that – way too busy. Too much going on. Too many characters. Too many subplots. Too many overachievers. Too many health problems. Too many cultures. Just too many of everything.
There were 54 characters with names. As I remember, of those 54, only two had no dialogue. That much dialogue is a lot to plow through. Dialogue slows down a story, and at times, I felt this story dragged because of that.
I found it curious that the author made such an obvious point of highlighting the ethnicity of so many of the characters. That is fine if that is done to make the story clearer or when it is essential to move the story along to describe someone, but totally unnecessary if it makes no difference in the story. In this book, which takes place primarily in Harlem, the characters are described as African American, White, Chinese, Indian (the country), Latino and East Asian. A butler-type person is described as “Black” and a doctor in the book for about ½ second is described as “East Asian”. Do we care?
I have never read a book where so many people have so many health or emotional problems. Nor have I ever read a book where there were so many over achievers. Nor have I ever read a book where there were so many unnecessary characters. I felt the author should have included a list of characters for reference and their parts in the story. It seemed that she was just trying to check all the boxes: African American character: check. Latino character: check. White character: check. Anxiety: check. Autism: check. Lesbian character: check. Adoption: check. Multi-cultural family: check. Biased Judicial system: check. Biased workplace: check. The Other Woman: check. Illegitimate children: check. Adultery: check. After reading the book, I happened to look back at the very beginning where there is a thank you written to her “Sensitivity Readers.” Have we come to that – an author has to have someone read her manuscript to confirm that her book does not offend anyone? Seeing that nearly everyone is offended about something these days, that is a pretty tall order.
All in all, the book was a fair read, albeit exhausting trying to remember who was who, who had what problem, who lived where, who was whose relative/friend.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems. My review is completely voluntary.
Have you ever seen a piece of material and, although it was pretty, your thought was “eh, way too busy?” For me, this book was exactly that – way too busy. Too much going on. Too many characters. Too many subplots. Too many overachievers. Too many health problems. Too many cultures. Just too many of everything.
There were 54 characters with names. As I remember, of those 54, only two had no dialogue. That much dialogue is a lot to plow through. Dialogue slows down a story, and at times, I felt this story dragged because of that.
I found it curious that the author made such an obvious point of highlighting the ethnicity of so many of the characters. That is fine if that is done to make the story clearer or when it is essential to move the story along to describe someone, but totally unnecessary if it makes no difference in the story. In this book, which takes place primarily in Harlem, the characters are described as African American, White, Chinese, Indian (the country), Latino and East Asian. A butler-type person is described as “Black” and a doctor in the book for about ½ second is described as “East Asian”. Do we care?
I have never read a book where so many people have so many health or emotional problems. Nor have I ever read a book where there were so many over achievers. Nor have I ever read a book where there were so many unnecessary characters. I felt the author should have included a list of characters for reference and their parts in the story. It seemed that she was just trying to check all the boxes: African American character: check. Latino character: check. White character: check. Anxiety: check. Autism: check. Lesbian character: check. Adoption: check. Multi-cultural family: check. Biased Judicial system: check. Biased workplace: check. The Other Woman: check. Illegitimate children: check. Adultery: check. After reading the book, I happened to look back at the very beginning where there is a thank you written to her “Sensitivity Readers.” Have we come to that – an author has to have someone read her manuscript to confirm that her book does not offend anyone? Seeing that nearly everyone is offended about something these days, that is a pretty tall order.
All in all, the book was a fair read, albeit exhausting trying to remember who was who, who had what problem, who lived where, who was whose relative/friend.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems. My review is completely voluntary.
November 26, 2019
This is my first book by Lucy Eden and it will not be my last. I want to read everything she's done right now!
This book was wonderful. Two characters with traumatic pasts who meet under odd circumstances. Him drunk and her with a baseball bat. After their rocky start and a few surprises, they really connect.
They had fantastic chemistry and some parts had be laughing out loud. Lady bug, poop, specimen cup anyone? I loved all of the side characters as well. Both of their families were wonderful. This story is also full of some pretty steamy scenes as well and were very well done.
The only thing I didn't care for was that everyone seemed to be incredibly rich. I guess it adds to the story in ways that poor people can't. However, that's such a minor thing and a total personal preference.
I loved the honesty in this book. Such subjects as adoption, a somewhat unconventional adoption, divorce, mental health, counseling, PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome), Metformin and even the use of a CPAP machine. These are things that happen in the real world and was great to read about it. I have PCOS and take Metformin. It's not something you read or hear about often in the real world let alone in a romance book. Thank you Lucy Eden for including the subject. A lot of women have this and don't know it.
I received an advance readers copy for an honest review.
This book was wonderful. Two characters with traumatic pasts who meet under odd circumstances. Him drunk and her with a baseball bat. After their rocky start and a few surprises, they really connect.
They had fantastic chemistry and some parts had be laughing out loud. Lady bug, poop, specimen cup anyone? I loved all of the side characters as well. Both of their families were wonderful. This story is also full of some pretty steamy scenes as well and were very well done.
The only thing I didn't care for was that everyone seemed to be incredibly rich. I guess it adds to the story in ways that poor people can't. However, that's such a minor thing and a total personal preference.
I loved the honesty in this book. Such subjects as adoption, a somewhat unconventional adoption, divorce, mental health, counseling, PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome), Metformin and even the use of a CPAP machine. These are things that happen in the real world and was great to read about it. I have PCOS and take Metformin. It's not something you read or hear about often in the real world let alone in a romance book. Thank you Lucy Eden for including the subject. A lot of women have this and don't know it.
I received an advance readers copy for an honest review.
November 28, 2019
Cole has his hands full between his career and his family but his world is about to be turned upside down when he finds out that he will now be the sole parent for his half brother CJ after his biological mother passed away. He is about to find out that isn’t the only secret she had.
Lisa is looking for a fresh start after her devastating past. Her first meeting with her neighbor Cole turns into an experience that neither will forget. When she sees that he is out of his depth with CJ she starts spending time with them and is about to realize that there is no way she can walk from either brother.
This is a story about two people who help each other heal from their pasts. Their journey is filled with emotion and angst which only made the ending that much better.
Lisa is looking for a fresh start after her devastating past. Her first meeting with her neighbor Cole turns into an experience that neither will forget. When she sees that he is out of his depth with CJ she starts spending time with them and is about to realize that there is no way she can walk from either brother.
This is a story about two people who help each other heal from their pasts. Their journey is filled with emotion and angst which only made the ending that much better.
November 10, 2019
Lucy Eden blew me away with this book. It was so cute and sweet while simultaneously bringing some pretty hard hitting emotion and real world problems to the forefront. And those real world problems were brought to life in a manner that shows the author clearly has personal experience or truly researched these things. Lucy beautifully delivers a story that is done with respect and thoughtfulness that is overflowing with romance.
It was easy to fall in love with both Lisa and Cole. Both of them dealing with some of the hardest things in life but both being such kindhearted people i found myself cheering them on even harder to get their HEA.
It was easy to fall in love with both Lisa and Cole. Both of them dealing with some of the hardest things in life but both being such kindhearted people i found myself cheering them on even harder to get their HEA.
November 10, 2019
Lucy never ceases to amazes me. Her latest, Everything’s Better with Lisa was brilliant and entertaining. It was an excellent read. I binged it in a day
This has steamy sex scenes, laugh out loud moments and enough drama and beautiful moments to keep things moving nicely
I absolutely loved Lisa and Cole! This was a great addition to the series
A definite must read!
This has steamy sex scenes, laugh out loud moments and enough drama and beautiful moments to keep things moving nicely
I absolutely loved Lisa and Cole! This was a great addition to the series
A definite must read!
November 26, 2019
Eden gets what it means to own a heart. Lisa and Cole are the beauty of a great storyteller. Everything's Better with Lisa takes the best parts of romance and intertwines them with the most inspiring aspects of humanity. There will be a few tears, a ton of laughter and emotional connection that refuses to let go.
January 31, 2021
First read of a new-to-me author
I'm looking forward to reading more Lucy Eden
I'm looking forward to reading more Lucy Eden
May 27, 2020
I was so very excited to be reading this. I knew it was a trope-tastic party and it gave me all the romantic tropes it promised me. Everything's Better with Lisa is a romance that puts two neighbors into each other's lives.
I adored the romance itself; Cole and Lisa's sweet and steamy love story. They met one night when Cole was so drunk he mistook his apartment with hers and decided to open the door with no success, but Lisa heard everything and came outside with a bat. With this, their beginning wasn't very good as you can see but when CJ appeared in their lives, this whole changed. CJ, the cutest little thing in the world, Cole's baby brother, a secret baby because no one knew about him, not even Cole! So Lucy really gaves a twist in the secret baby trope bc he's Cole's little baby brother.
These three became a family right on. And they really fit perfectly that I couldn't see one without the other. I love that there wasn't really a big Conflict, you know? It doesn't have angst at all, in a way that you are ready to hear the other shoe drop. So if you are looking for low-angst romances, this is it, my friends.
I also really liked the whole Crystal storyline. I first thought it would be kinda boring to get that part of the story, but every single time Cole was investigating something, I wanted to know more. I even shed tears at the end, like Lucy Eden crafted a story that not only enchanted me with its romance but also squeezed my heart with the way she wrote family. Because this whole story is about family; the one you were born with, the one you find, the one who is there for you when no one else is. This story shows us that family isn't this One Concept, one way that it Should be. There are so many ways one could be someone's family and that's the beauty of it.
Tropes you can find in this romance:
- Only one bed
- Fake fiancé
- Neighbors
- MCs interacting with the cutest baby in the world
I adored the romance itself; Cole and Lisa's sweet and steamy love story. They met one night when Cole was so drunk he mistook his apartment with hers and decided to open the door with no success, but Lisa heard everything and came outside with a bat. With this, their beginning wasn't very good as you can see but when CJ appeared in their lives, this whole changed. CJ, the cutest little thing in the world, Cole's baby brother, a secret baby because no one knew about him, not even Cole! So Lucy really gaves a twist in the secret baby trope bc he's Cole's little baby brother.
These three became a family right on. And they really fit perfectly that I couldn't see one without the other. I love that there wasn't really a big Conflict, you know? It doesn't have angst at all, in a way that you are ready to hear the other shoe drop. So if you are looking for low-angst romances, this is it, my friends.
I also really liked the whole Crystal storyline. I first thought it would be kinda boring to get that part of the story, but every single time Cole was investigating something, I wanted to know more. I even shed tears at the end, like Lucy Eden crafted a story that not only enchanted me with its romance but also squeezed my heart with the way she wrote family. Because this whole story is about family; the one you were born with, the one you find, the one who is there for you when no one else is. This story shows us that family isn't this One Concept, one way that it Should be. There are so many ways one could be someone's family and that's the beauty of it.
Tropes you can find in this romance:
- Only one bed
- Fake fiancé
- Neighbors
- MCs interacting with the cutest baby in the world
November 24, 2019
I couldn’t put it down. The story have everything a good story need. Characters are complex and interesting. The storyline is more way more then a guy falling for is nanny. Lot of different touchy subject like multiracial families, mental illness are highlighted here without falling in cliché.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
tbr-already-own
January 22, 2021***included for free in "Broken and Beautiful" romance collection
April 3, 2023
I enjoyed reading this. It’s manages to be a gentle read whilst still having a fair bit of drama, and the plot itself is different to what I expected. Lucy Eden’s writing style is quite simple but it’s still very engaging, and I appreciated that it went into quite a lot of deep, emotional stuff.
The romance in this book is good; they have decent chemistry and I liked how their relationship developed. The push and pull between them can be a little bit repetitive at times, but ultimately I liked the low conflict nature of the story and the domesticity of their relationship.
I did think that the pacing of the story was a little off; the external plot involving Cole’s mother felt a bit crammed into the end of it and I think it could have been worked into the wider book a bit better. Some of the book did feel a bit like filler, especially towards the middle.
But ultimately that added to the gentler, low-conflict tone of the novel as a whole. It’s a nice book that does something interesting with the tropes at hand, and I had fun reading it.
Content Notes: Neighbours, enemies-to-lovers, single dad, nanny.
Warnings:
Other:
The romance in this book is good; they have decent chemistry and I liked how their relationship developed. The push and pull between them can be a little bit repetitive at times, but ultimately I liked the low conflict nature of the story and the domesticity of their relationship.
I did think that the pacing of the story was a little off; the external plot involving Cole’s mother felt a bit crammed into the end of it and I think it could have been worked into the wider book a bit better. Some of the book did feel a bit like filler, especially towards the middle.
But ultimately that added to the gentler, low-conflict tone of the novel as a whole. It’s a nice book that does something interesting with the tropes at hand, and I had fun reading it.
Content Notes: Neighbours, enemies-to-lovers, single dad, nanny.
Warnings:
Other:
November 21, 2019
Not such a great beginning--the whole coming at him with a bat thing--even though he was drunk and trying to get into her house instead of his next door. He wasn't too far gone to see how beautiful she was.
Cole worked long hours as an associate working toward partner in a prestigious law firm. He rarely went out and didn't have time for much dating. Things might just be changing. That thought was a laugh when the biggest change was suddenly finding out he had a baby brother and with the death of his birth mother, he was next of kin and given custody of the little guy. Not that CJ wasn't something else and who wouldn't love him--he looked like a tiny version of Cole who just wasn't prepared to become a father figure of a toddler.
Lisa was working toward the dream she'd never had a chance to during her marriage. The divorce from the cheater and her bartender's job in the gentlemen's club left her with the time for auditions. She had no interest in men. Well, she didn't want to.
When CJ arrived she couldn't help lending a hand and falling for the little guy and big guy but she wouldn't admit it. Until...
There are problems, joys, steam, friends, family, some mystery and a bad-guy to keep it going. A feel-good story with reality thrown in.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
ween
Cole worked long hours as an associate working toward partner in a prestigious law firm. He rarely went out and didn't have time for much dating. Things might just be changing. That thought was a laugh when the biggest change was suddenly finding out he had a baby brother and with the death of his birth mother, he was next of kin and given custody of the little guy. Not that CJ wasn't something else and who wouldn't love him--he looked like a tiny version of Cole who just wasn't prepared to become a father figure of a toddler.
Lisa was working toward the dream she'd never had a chance to during her marriage. The divorce from the cheater and her bartender's job in the gentlemen's club left her with the time for auditions. She had no interest in men. Well, she didn't want to.
When CJ arrived she couldn't help lending a hand and falling for the little guy and big guy but she wouldn't admit it. Until...
There are problems, joys, steam, friends, family, some mystery and a bad-guy to keep it going. A feel-good story with reality thrown in.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
ween
November 20, 2019
It was a well written book, Cole and Lisa made a beautiful couple.
This is a beautiful love story, with the ups and downs of having past life traumas and on dealing with them. I honestly thought that I would not enjoy this book but was really surprised that I did, just because I tend to read more dark stories but this was real, not just all lovey dovey, which I dislike.
Cole and Lisa are having trouble keeping their distance, because obviously they have great chemistry together, but both think that they can't be together because of all that is their lives, Lisa got divorce a year ago and feels that she needs to make it on her own before she can be with someone but she isn't making progress and Cole just lost his biological mother and was left to take care of a baby brother that he didn't know about plus he wants to succeed on his job as a lawyer, his adoptive family supports him but lets him know that he has to make his own decisions on everything going on. So having Lisa as a neighbor comes in handy when he needs help with baby CJ and Lisa being the good person she is leaves her job as a part time bartender to help babysitting and they go from neighbors to employer-employee to lovers. There is more than that but I can't give everything up, you are just going to have to read the book to know how their story goes.
It was a beautiful read, 4 Stars!!!!
This is a beautiful love story, with the ups and downs of having past life traumas and on dealing with them. I honestly thought that I would not enjoy this book but was really surprised that I did, just because I tend to read more dark stories but this was real, not just all lovey dovey, which I dislike.
Cole and Lisa are having trouble keeping their distance, because obviously they have great chemistry together, but both think that they can't be together because of all that is their lives, Lisa got divorce a year ago and feels that she needs to make it on her own before she can be with someone but she isn't making progress and Cole just lost his biological mother and was left to take care of a baby brother that he didn't know about plus he wants to succeed on his job as a lawyer, his adoptive family supports him but lets him know that he has to make his own decisions on everything going on. So having Lisa as a neighbor comes in handy when he needs help with baby CJ and Lisa being the good person she is leaves her job as a part time bartender to help babysitting and they go from neighbors to employer-employee to lovers. There is more than that but I can't give everything up, you are just going to have to read the book to know how their story goes.
It was a beautiful read, 4 Stars!!!!
November 25, 2019
I read this book in a day because I did not want to put it down.
The story is told in dual pov, alternating between Cole and Lisa. This story is unique because Cole (melanin-challenged) was adopted by the Simmons' Family (more than enough melanin to go around). I liked how the author shows that a family, is family, regardless of skin color. Cole's life is jilted when he finds himself the sole guardian of his little brother, that he knew nothing about. Lisa is trying to make a career for herself, but can't seem to get enough sleep...if it wasn't for her neighbor! I enjoyed the characters and their friends and family. I liked the way the story unfolded and found myself not wanting to stop reading. The characters seem like people you may know. The big reveal didn't fall completely flat, but I was expecting a little more. This was not enough to take a whole star though.
I would recommend this read with the warning that it is an adult read with language and several adult scenes. 4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of BookSprout and Lucy Eden for my honest opinion.
The story is told in dual pov, alternating between Cole and Lisa. This story is unique because Cole (melanin-challenged) was adopted by the Simmons' Family (more than enough melanin to go around). I liked how the author shows that a family, is family, regardless of skin color. Cole's life is jilted when he finds himself the sole guardian of his little brother, that he knew nothing about. Lisa is trying to make a career for herself, but can't seem to get enough sleep...if it wasn't for her neighbor! I enjoyed the characters and their friends and family. I liked the way the story unfolded and found myself not wanting to stop reading. The characters seem like people you may know. The big reveal didn't fall completely flat, but I was expecting a little more. This was not enough to take a whole star though.
I would recommend this read with the warning that it is an adult read with language and several adult scenes. 4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of BookSprout and Lucy Eden for my honest opinion.
November 25, 2019
Struggling toward becoming a family:
This is a heartwarming and engaging read about love and what truly constitutes a family. Cole had a traumatic childhood and had been adopted and now he seeks to adopt his younger brother. Lisa has also been hurt and now that she is divorced she has to find the courage to risk her heart and open herself up to love again. Overall this is a sweet yet steamy romance but with some intrigue and real-life hardships thrown in. I appreciated the humour that was also mixed in and found myself chuckling at some of their antics.
Whilst a standalone, some of the backstory was only presented late into the book which made me feel as if I was playing catch up trying to piece things together. However it was still an enjoyable read and I look forward to hopefully reading the other books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
This is a heartwarming and engaging read about love and what truly constitutes a family. Cole had a traumatic childhood and had been adopted and now he seeks to adopt his younger brother. Lisa has also been hurt and now that she is divorced she has to find the courage to risk her heart and open herself up to love again. Overall this is a sweet yet steamy romance but with some intrigue and real-life hardships thrown in. I appreciated the humour that was also mixed in and found myself chuckling at some of their antics.
Whilst a standalone, some of the backstory was only presented late into the book which made me feel as if I was playing catch up trying to piece things together. However it was still an enjoyable read and I look forward to hopefully reading the other books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 26, 2019
An amazing story. There are so many interesting things discussed in this story that chronicles the relationship between Cole and Lisa. From their first drunken meeting to the end it is a tale of beauty. Cole is and adopted child who has had a stellar upbringing. Raised in a family with all the love he could ever want he is a well rounded and delightful human being. Lisa is recovering from a broken marriage and staying away from the loving family she believes will only smother her. Baby CJ becomes the catalyst that brings Cole and Lisa together. Surrounded by a loving and supportive family on both sides these two can’t help but fall in love.
This is truly a wonderful story that will inspire you. It will give you the steamy goodness you expect as well as warm your heart as Cole opens his heart for Lisa and CJ. Family and acceptance despite any differences is also a big part of the storyline. This is definitely a story I would read more than once.
This is truly a wonderful story that will inspire you. It will give you the steamy goodness you expect as well as warm your heart as Cole opens his heart for Lisa and CJ. Family and acceptance despite any differences is also a big part of the storyline. This is definitely a story I would read more than once.
November 21, 2019
A grand love story
Everything’s Better With Lisa (Everything’s Better Series Book 3) by Lucy Eden is so much more than a love story. Lisa and Cole have emotional baggage and both are allowing it to run their lives. A chance encounter, an adorable surprise, a budding friendship, drama, heat and heart comprises the plot and many sub plots of this couple.
This author and series is new to me, but Cole and Lisa spoke to me and I totally fell for them. The author takes them through their paces and reveals bits and pieces that kept me fully engaged, interested and invested from beginning to end.
Overall, a very well written book with wonderfully well developed and well rounded characters that I found captivating. Cole and Lisa’s HEA was pretty amazing too, plenty of promise for this couple.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Everything’s Better With Lisa (Everything’s Better Series Book 3) by Lucy Eden is so much more than a love story. Lisa and Cole have emotional baggage and both are allowing it to run their lives. A chance encounter, an adorable surprise, a budding friendship, drama, heat and heart comprises the plot and many sub plots of this couple.
This author and series is new to me, but Cole and Lisa spoke to me and I totally fell for them. The author takes them through their paces and reveals bits and pieces that kept me fully engaged, interested and invested from beginning to end.
Overall, a very well written book with wonderfully well developed and well rounded characters that I found captivating. Cole and Lisa’s HEA was pretty amazing too, plenty of promise for this couple.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
November 24, 2019
Everything's Better with Lisa by Lucy Eden is book Three in the Everything's Better Series. This is the story of Lisa Betancourt and Cole Simmons. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. This book does have past characters come through which added to my enjoyment of this book. Lisa and Cole have been neighbor for a little while never really interacting and both have an assumption of each other. Cole ends up with his little (baby) brother CJ he is at a lost of how to take care of him. Lisa who is used to taking care of her siblings goes forward to help him which brings them closer together. There is no easy ride for these two and I did enjoy their story and this series. I hope to read more books from Ms. Eden soon.
November 25, 2019
I enjoyed this from the get go! Even if this is the third in the series you wouldn’t know it! It stands alone. I love the snarky moments between the main characters. There is a bit of drama but who doesn’t love the drama. These two were honestly made for each other. There is some racism and sexism in this book. Mainly because he was adopted by a black couple....therefore they get questioned a lot about him when he was younger and even still as an adult. But considering today’s current events this is on point. I love his family and their relationship. They love him completely and help him grow into a fine young man. On her side of things she dealt with a cheating spouse, used and thrown away.
I received this for an honest review!
I received this for an honest review!
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