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Learning to Love Again #1
Life As She Knows It
And just like that I decided I was done; done with the ugliness of the world and done existing amongst people who only pretended to love me the way I deserve to be loved.
No longer held down by the weight of my life, I find freedom from the monsters that plague my own mind. No longer held down by the abuse of my spouse, I find freedom from the monster in my bed. Finding inner strength I didn’t know I had, to break free from the shackles that have kept me prisoner to my own life, I made the decision to get away and let go of the toxicity drowning me day to day.
Doing my best to navigate through life as a newly single mom, I keep my head down and work hard to keep my daughter safe as we start our new life tucked away in a small town. I would have never expected to find happiness in three men who love my daughter like their own, but I should have known that I could never truly find contentment in life as long as my ex is still alive and breathing.
He finds us - and now none of us are safe . . .
Warning: "Life As She Knows It" is a reverse harem romance. Meaning the FMC is in a relationship with three or more men. This is the first book of the Learning to Love Again series and does result in a cliff-hanger.
This book features dark themes, potential triggers, foul language and sexual scenes, so it may not be suitable for everyone. This book is recommended for readers eighteen years of age or older. The rest of you - ENJOY! WhyChoose
No longer held down by the weight of my life, I find freedom from the monsters that plague my own mind. No longer held down by the abuse of my spouse, I find freedom from the monster in my bed. Finding inner strength I didn’t know I had, to break free from the shackles that have kept me prisoner to my own life, I made the decision to get away and let go of the toxicity drowning me day to day.
Doing my best to navigate through life as a newly single mom, I keep my head down and work hard to keep my daughter safe as we start our new life tucked away in a small town. I would have never expected to find happiness in three men who love my daughter like their own, but I should have known that I could never truly find contentment in life as long as my ex is still alive and breathing.
He finds us - and now none of us are safe . . .
Warning: "Life As She Knows It" is a reverse harem romance. Meaning the FMC is in a relationship with three or more men. This is the first book of the Learning to Love Again series and does result in a cliff-hanger.
This book features dark themes, potential triggers, foul language and sexual scenes, so it may not be suitable for everyone. This book is recommended for readers eighteen years of age or older. The rest of you - ENJOY! WhyChoose
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2021
218 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 29, 2024
It’s just not happening, despite me wanting to click with this book. I think I’m even more apprehensive to DNF after reading the author's note. She encourages you to leave a review (even a negative one), as it may help her ‘learn from any mistakes’. She sounded like she really valued your opinion … hence wanting to really like it. Does anyone else feel that same guilt ever?
I appreciate other people's insights in reviews, so I’m still going to write it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel a little bad for the low rating. I don’t usually, but this time I do 😅
To begin at the beginning. We are introduced to the FMC, who had a less-than-ideal upbringing. She was from the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ and had a pretty poor family unit. Sh*t mum, absent dad and then she fell pregnant by a f*ckboy. As I said, all less than ideal. However, I think due to these circumstances, she seems to take everything in her stride. She was a ‘can’t change what’s happened’ kind of girl. She goes against her family and continues with her pregnancy, always putting her unborn child first.
I honestly liked the FMC’s character and I am a sucker for any & all pregnancy/single mum books. I like seeing how this slightly different dynamic adds a whole new side/ new situations to these romances. I also love to read about how resistant the FMC usually is and I would put this FMC in that category as well.
Despite the FMC having an extremely interesting background, her monologues seem to go on a little bit too long (for me). In the beginning, there are flashback scenes to break them up, but actually, real-time conversations are missing. They do appear slightly later though.
I’m just not clicking with the story. I don’t know if it’s the side characters or the pacing felt slow, but it seemed disjointed. There are time jumps, so it’s not stagnant in one place or time. However, I think it was overly detailed at points and situations go on for longer than they should. This caused it to drag slightly (for me). I DNF at 30%, as I think this book just wasn’t my favourite.
Massive respect for the author though for valuing people's opinions.
I appreciate other people's insights in reviews, so I’m still going to write it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel a little bad for the low rating. I don’t usually, but this time I do 😅
To begin at the beginning. We are introduced to the FMC, who had a less-than-ideal upbringing. She was from the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ and had a pretty poor family unit. Sh*t mum, absent dad and then she fell pregnant by a f*ckboy. As I said, all less than ideal. However, I think due to these circumstances, she seems to take everything in her stride. She was a ‘can’t change what’s happened’ kind of girl. She goes against her family and continues with her pregnancy, always putting her unborn child first.
I honestly liked the FMC’s character and I am a sucker for any & all pregnancy/single mum books. I like seeing how this slightly different dynamic adds a whole new side/ new situations to these romances. I also love to read about how resistant the FMC usually is and I would put this FMC in that category as well.
Despite the FMC having an extremely interesting background, her monologues seem to go on a little bit too long (for me). In the beginning, there are flashback scenes to break them up, but actually, real-time conversations are missing. They do appear slightly later though.
I’m just not clicking with the story. I don’t know if it’s the side characters or the pacing felt slow, but it seemed disjointed. There are time jumps, so it’s not stagnant in one place or time. However, I think it was overly detailed at points and situations go on for longer than they should. This caused it to drag slightly (for me). I DNF at 30%, as I think this book just wasn’t my favourite.
Massive respect for the author though for valuing people's opinions.
November 2, 2021
Poorly written at best
Okay, so, I don't like giving bad reviews but there's not much good to say about this book. The entire first half is unnecessary. Worse, it's drawn out and boring. I hoped that would change when we got to the main bit but unfortunately not. Plus, every interaction the MC has with the guys is so on the nose that there's zero tension or reason to keep reading. The guys are essentially just walking examples of their careers with no distinct personalities. The MC is at least relatively complex, however she's so well versed in talking about her trauma that it barely had an impact on the plot.
Overall, I just think it's a very poorly executed book and there's no joy in reading it
Okay, so, I don't like giving bad reviews but there's not much good to say about this book. The entire first half is unnecessary. Worse, it's drawn out and boring. I hoped that would change when we got to the main bit but unfortunately not. Plus, every interaction the MC has with the guys is so on the nose that there's zero tension or reason to keep reading. The guys are essentially just walking examples of their careers with no distinct personalities. The MC is at least relatively complex, however she's so well versed in talking about her trauma that it barely had an impact on the plot.
Overall, I just think it's a very poorly executed book and there's no joy in reading it
August 6, 2021
Aria's young life has been a series of mistakes. Ditching school, smoking, drinking, sleeping around, choosing the wrong guys but her biggest 'oops' was never something she considered a mistake. She hadn't planned on being a teenage mom but she's determined her little girl will have the best life possible. So she does everything she can to make that happen. But when her best intentions prove to be a dangerous mistake, she makes a plan, and she takes her baby and runs. She settles them in a tiny town and starts over. There they find the security and kindness of a welcoming town and three next-door neighbors who could become everything to her and her daughter.
The premise of this book is wonderful. Aria is nothing special, a typical girl which I liked. She's pretty, resourceful, and makes plenty of mistakes but once faced with motherhood, she steps up. Her life revolves around her daughter. I identify with this part of her. I liked the character growth. Her arc from teenage screw-up to single mom was excellent. The abuse was believable and all too common. Her ex was common and her story familiar. Her PTSD was handled nicely. This is important to me since I work with survivors. I liked every character in this book, good and bad since they were all nicely developed and served a purpose. I didn't like the writing in the first part of the book. It was choppy and the pacing was off. After Aria ran, it was much better. It seemed to have a completely different style. I would have guessed this was a co-write with the differences. I would have preferred a little more attention to detail. Basic training is physically brutal and intended to integrate you into an order-based organization. It wouldn't have been a need-to-know or sensitive situation. He was a grunt, he wouldn't know anything sensitive. If you can give me the name of the place Aria went to that provided her medical care and all of her baby supplies including furniture, please share. My clients could use this. And the men were cast wrong. Cooper and Ethan need to change appearances. Firemen aren't allowed beards because it interferes with their masks sealing. If the author doesn't have a beta team or doesn't want to double-check details herself, she needs a critique partner. Details are everything.
The premise of this book is wonderful. Aria is nothing special, a typical girl which I liked. She's pretty, resourceful, and makes plenty of mistakes but once faced with motherhood, she steps up. Her life revolves around her daughter. I identify with this part of her. I liked the character growth. Her arc from teenage screw-up to single mom was excellent. The abuse was believable and all too common. Her ex was common and her story familiar. Her PTSD was handled nicely. This is important to me since I work with survivors. I liked every character in this book, good and bad since they were all nicely developed and served a purpose. I didn't like the writing in the first part of the book. It was choppy and the pacing was off. After Aria ran, it was much better. It seemed to have a completely different style. I would have guessed this was a co-write with the differences. I would have preferred a little more attention to detail. Basic training is physically brutal and intended to integrate you into an order-based organization. It wouldn't have been a need-to-know or sensitive situation. He was a grunt, he wouldn't know anything sensitive. If you can give me the name of the place Aria went to that provided her medical care and all of her baby supplies including furniture, please share. My clients could use this. And the men were cast wrong. Cooper and Ethan need to change appearances. Firemen aren't allowed beards because it interferes with their masks sealing. If the author doesn't have a beta team or doesn't want to double-check details herself, she needs a critique partner. Details are everything.
July 6, 2021
Wow! This book was really good! You are introduced to our FMC Aria, who just found out she is going to be a teen mom. She decides to keep her daughter and give her the life and love she never had. What was not part of Aria's plan was the baby daddy, who is a con artist, manipulative, abusive, asshat. When Aria found out she was pregnant, she did the mature thing and let the baby daddy know, but fast forward a little to where he says all the right things and manipulates Aria into giving a chance to "prove" himself. UGH! I know Aria did this because of her daughter and giving her everything, but I would not give this man a inch of affection, or marry him! No way! But about close to half way through the book you just see the all the red flags, the harm, the neglect, the abuse. But Aria is so strong, a survivor, a mom who absolutely loves her daughter and she stands up for herself and she gathers enough strength and evidence to leave that prick and moves.
The new place she chooses for her and her daughter's new fresh start in life is next to the most amazing, caring, noble, sexy gentleman! Jace (the veteran), Cooper (the cop), and Ethan (the fireman). Now, all characters are scared and damaged in some ways. You see how wary Aria is around the guys, but they don't leave her or get scared off. Nope, they stay and take it at Aria's pace and comfort, and they absolutely just ADORE and CHERISH Aria's daughter! It was beautiful to read.
I just have to mention that I admire Aria's character. Once she found out she was pregnant she stepped up and mature and did everything to help provide for her daughter. She got her GED, then she found an IT job/training school and she crushed it. This job helped a whole lot, even taught her tricks and increased her intelligence by making note of everything the bastard did or said to her, increased her income to where she had a secret account and nest egg for emergency, etc.... I loved her character and how she was always thinking ahead and knew deep down she needed to have back up plans for herself and her daughter.
This book had multiple POVs.
Sexiness: there wasn't to much due to Aria's wariness and PTSD, but you can see the growth of the bonds between her and the males.
But the cliffhanger! Oh the shocking, hurtful cliffhanger! I need to know what happens! I need to know when the next book comes out ASAP!! Book #2 better be coming out later this year because there is no way I can wait until the next year!!
This review is of my own opinion.
The new place she chooses for her and her daughter's new fresh start in life is next to the most amazing, caring, noble, sexy gentleman! Jace (the veteran), Cooper (the cop), and Ethan (the fireman). Now, all characters are scared and damaged in some ways. You see how wary Aria is around the guys, but they don't leave her or get scared off. Nope, they stay and take it at Aria's pace and comfort, and they absolutely just ADORE and CHERISH Aria's daughter! It was beautiful to read.
I just have to mention that I admire Aria's character. Once she found out she was pregnant she stepped up and mature and did everything to help provide for her daughter. She got her GED, then she found an IT job/training school and she crushed it. This job helped a whole lot, even taught her tricks and increased her intelligence by making note of everything the bastard did or said to her, increased her income to where she had a secret account and nest egg for emergency, etc.... I loved her character and how she was always thinking ahead and knew deep down she needed to have back up plans for herself and her daughter.
This book had multiple POVs.
Sexiness: there wasn't to much due to Aria's wariness and PTSD, but you can see the growth of the bonds between her and the males.
But the cliffhanger! Oh the shocking, hurtful cliffhanger! I need to know what happens! I need to know when the next book comes out ASAP!! Book #2 better be coming out later this year because there is no way I can wait until the next year!!
This review is of my own opinion.
July 1, 2021
Amazing
Life As She Knows It is simply an amazing story. It is wonderfully written, raw and a emotional roller coaster that will have you crying one minute and ready to go to bat for Aria the next. I couldn’t put it down and finished in one sitting. Definitely recommend giving this book a read, make sure you’ve got your tissues, wine and chocolate because you won’t wanna put it down once you start.
Life As She Knows It is simply an amazing story. It is wonderfully written, raw and a emotional roller coaster that will have you crying one minute and ready to go to bat for Aria the next. I couldn’t put it down and finished in one sitting. Definitely recommend giving this book a read, make sure you’ve got your tissues, wine and chocolate because you won’t wanna put it down once you start.
May 26, 2022
I didn't really care for this but I didn't hate it either. I like the general story but there's not much character development with the guys and I don't necessarily believe in the attraction between them all because we didn't get enough interaction. Then you get a crazy cliffhanger. The only thing I really liked was Hadley and I need more of her. I adore kids in my RH books.
November 16, 2021
I don't know how to feel about this book. The first half was really bad, I mean badly thought-out, sentences and words felt a bit jumbled and not really coherent and the actual story doesn't start until about 45% in. At the beginning, it's more about context and background on how she met her husband, how it devolved and then she moves and starts meeting the actual harem maybe 75% into the book. I only kept reading because I wanted to see how it would go and the second half was actually good. It felt like the author was finally were she wanted to write the story and not just bothering to give a bit of context. I'll be reading the next one hoping it keeps likethe end of the book.
January 30, 2022
I basically skimmed through this one, like it skipped every single interesting parts and just gave the boring. Only the ending made it better, but I’d course book 2 hasn’t come out yet.
July 8, 2022
As others have said, the first half of the book is a horrible mess that almost made me drop it. It was trashy and did nothing to endear me to Aria as a character, because more than a well-rounded character, she feels like a mouthpiece for the author, able to rant for multiple paragraphs about whatever subject’s got her riled up at the moment without people pushing back. She always has the last word, slamming doors’ in peoples’ faces once she’s done pontificating about how everyone around her is terrible and she will survive despite the overwhelmingly shitty odds that pregnant teenage drop-outs from the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ have in this world.
I did have some respect for her because, unlike other teen moms I have encountered in the world of fiction, Aria does make smart use of the resources available for people in her situation, which does lend credence to her claim that she is ‘not dumb [and] the sooner people realize that the fucking better’. However, what little respect that earned her was thrown out of the window the moment she married her openly abusive baby daddy. It’s not unrealistic, particularly given she was just a teen herself from a particularly messed up situation, but I have a hard time the abrasive, screaming brat she started the book as would just accept Benji’s open abuse when she was happy to limit their interactions to co-parenting when her own situation was far more precarious than it was by the time they were married.
I truly believe the book would have done far better if it had just started when she moves into the new place with Hadley rather than put us through the infuriating slog that was the first half. As it is, the harem is introduced past the 50% mark in an already short book, which doesn’t give the men we’re meant to care about a whole lot of time for character development beyond the shallowest of distinctions. It would even have given the men time to actually develop the friendship they keep mentioning they want with her, without the shades of insta-love that coats their late introduction.
Still, even if you ignore the first half of the book, it’s not like the second half is worthy of a Nobel. The writing is still clunky, with characters talking in whole paragraphs that do not feel organic in any way. This is an awkward book I derived no joy in reading, so I am in no hurry to try any of the author’s other works. It could happen in the future if a summary catches my eye, because I truly did think the writing improved in the second half of the book. Just not enough to actually make it good.
I did have some respect for her because, unlike other teen moms I have encountered in the world of fiction, Aria does make smart use of the resources available for people in her situation, which does lend credence to her claim that she is ‘not dumb [and] the sooner people realize that the fucking better’. However, what little respect that earned her was thrown out of the window the moment she married her openly abusive baby daddy. It’s not unrealistic, particularly given she was just a teen herself from a particularly messed up situation, but I have a hard time the abrasive, screaming brat she started the book as would just accept Benji’s open abuse when she was happy to limit their interactions to co-parenting when her own situation was far more precarious than it was by the time they were married.
I truly believe the book would have done far better if it had just started when she moves into the new place with Hadley rather than put us through the infuriating slog that was the first half. As it is, the harem is introduced past the 50% mark in an already short book, which doesn’t give the men we’re meant to care about a whole lot of time for character development beyond the shallowest of distinctions. It would even have given the men time to actually develop the friendship they keep mentioning they want with her, without the shades of insta-love that coats their late introduction.
Still, even if you ignore the first half of the book, it’s not like the second half is worthy of a Nobel. The writing is still clunky, with characters talking in whole paragraphs that do not feel organic in any way. This is an awkward book I derived no joy in reading, so I am in no hurry to try any of the author’s other works. It could happen in the future if a summary catches my eye, because I truly did think the writing improved in the second half of the book. Just not enough to actually make it good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2021
Ali D. Jensen writes a raw, emotional story about trauma, abuse, PTSD, and the strength to overcome it all.
Aria is a teen mom, and book one ends with her being 21, her daughter just turning 3 (I believe, if I've got the timeline correct). She falls in head over lust with a guy named Benji, believing that maybe he was the one, that they're really good together. Situations weren't as they seemed, and she quickly realizes he's a douche and leaves him. She finds out she's pregnant and when she receives no contact from him, she sets out determined to give her child a good life, testing out for her HS diploma and taking classes online to work at a job she found that she ended up loving.
Benji comes back and works his charms, and they end up together again. She ignores the red flags and when push comes to shove, she flees. Landing in Texas where her job is based, she finds a new home with new neighbors who will move heaven and earth to make her and her daughter feel safe. They don't know her past but try their best at being friendly without being demanding or expecting more to it, and she slowly learns to trust them.
This book does end in a doozy of a cliffhanger and I really want the next one so I know what's going to happen! Also, Aria's inner dialogue was a bit immature at times for my taste, but knowing it starts out with her being 17, and 18 by the time her daughter is born, it's understandable. Ali does a good job at maturing Aria during the course of the story.
Aria is a teen mom, and book one ends with her being 21, her daughter just turning 3 (I believe, if I've got the timeline correct). She falls in head over lust with a guy named Benji, believing that maybe he was the one, that they're really good together. Situations weren't as they seemed, and she quickly realizes he's a douche and leaves him. She finds out she's pregnant and when she receives no contact from him, she sets out determined to give her child a good life, testing out for her HS diploma and taking classes online to work at a job she found that she ended up loving.
Benji comes back and works his charms, and they end up together again. She ignores the red flags and when push comes to shove, she flees. Landing in Texas where her job is based, she finds a new home with new neighbors who will move heaven and earth to make her and her daughter feel safe. They don't know her past but try their best at being friendly without being demanding or expecting more to it, and she slowly learns to trust them.
This book does end in a doozy of a cliffhanger and I really want the next one so I know what's going to happen! Also, Aria's inner dialogue was a bit immature at times for my taste, but knowing it starts out with her being 17, and 18 by the time her daughter is born, it's understandable. Ali does a good job at maturing Aria during the course of the story.
July 1, 2021
I'm not usually a big fan of stories with domestic violence or abuse. I find it very difficult to read, but I'm glad I gave Life as she knows it a chance :) The FMC, Aria, is so smart and really dedicated to her daughter. She also doesn't hesitate to leave everything behind in search of a better life and she didn't fall head first for the guys next door. I felt the process was a lot more complicated than that which really add to the realism of the story. However, the guys are so over the board in everything they do, it's so funny but well... it's maybe the only thing I liked a little less because I really don't see that happening in real life. But, hey, it's a book and we all like to drool about that kind of ever so dreamy guy/book boyfriend, so why not?
Anyway, it was a great read, not too long and ends in a BIG cliffhanger. I can't stress this enough, enormous cliffy ahead.
Anyway, it was a great read, not too long and ends in a BIG cliffhanger. I can't stress this enough, enormous cliffy ahead.
July 4, 2021
Wow just wow.
This book has had me on an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. Aria is a strong woman who has been the victim of physical and emotional abuse by her husband, this is the story of how she escapes and builds a new life for her and her daughter and the 3 men who e in to her life to show her not everyone is out to hurt you. It's an amazing book and brilliantly written but it is full of triggers so be aware, and that cliffhanger ending has me cursing Ali, book one has literally just released and I'm already waiting on book 2. I will be honest I wasn't sure if it was going to be my cup of tea when I started reading it but omg I am happy to say I was wrong. It is actually one of my favourite reads so far for 2021.
This book has had me on an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. Aria is a strong woman who has been the victim of physical and emotional abuse by her husband, this is the story of how she escapes and builds a new life for her and her daughter and the 3 men who e in to her life to show her not everyone is out to hurt you. It's an amazing book and brilliantly written but it is full of triggers so be aware, and that cliffhanger ending has me cursing Ali, book one has literally just released and I'm already waiting on book 2. I will be honest I wasn't sure if it was going to be my cup of tea when I started reading it but omg I am happy to say I was wrong. It is actually one of my favourite reads so far for 2021.
November 15, 2021
I’m so not ok. Wow.
Ari has had a rough life. She was pregnant at 18, had an abusive boy friend turned husband…and found the courage to run.
The trauma of how he spoke to her, degraded her, and tore apart her self esteem follows her though. It follows in in every decision, every look, every interaction. Words have consequences, often long reaching ones. And those are the ones that last.
Ari is settling into her new house, she’s starting to feel safe, Hadley is happy, and her neighbors are yummy..I mean they’re super sweet and spoiling her and Hadley.
Then the unthinkable happens..and I am still not ok. I am still yelling. Lol
Triggers: trauma, teen pregnancy, domestic violence , ptsd.
Ari has had a rough life. She was pregnant at 18, had an abusive boy friend turned husband…and found the courage to run.
The trauma of how he spoke to her, degraded her, and tore apart her self esteem follows her though. It follows in in every decision, every look, every interaction. Words have consequences, often long reaching ones. And those are the ones that last.
Ari is settling into her new house, she’s starting to feel safe, Hadley is happy, and her neighbors are yummy..I mean they’re super sweet and spoiling her and Hadley.
Then the unthinkable happens..and I am still not ok. I am still yelling. Lol
Triggers: trauma, teen pregnancy, domestic violence , ptsd.
July 17, 2021
This was one of my most anticipated releases for this month and didn’t disappoint. If anything I want more now. This book was too short and there is soo much to explore. The story of Aria and her guys is just beginning and there is so much baggage to be unpacked.
Fractured souls have a way of flocking together and it easy to see why these guys want to get know Aria and her daughter but she hurting.
It oozes from her and it's made her become a woman with a guard. Eyes always on the past and her future is indecisive. She can't control everything and it pains her. Aria' story is full of heartache but those guys offer a light and the light needs to come fast.
Fractured souls have a way of flocking together and it easy to see why these guys want to get know Aria and her daughter but she hurting.
It oozes from her and it's made her become a woman with a guard. Eyes always on the past and her future is indecisive. She can't control everything and it pains her. Aria' story is full of heartache but those guys offer a light and the light needs to come fast.
October 25, 2022
I really do not like to leave a bad review, but …
I’m disappointed, 262 pages in the first book and only 151 in the second and a 3rd book?! Really, the story doesn’t feel like a series story, at most it would be a 300+ page book. Most of the “2nd” book could have been part of the first or not included as they really all flashbacks that give a fluff bit of background. I believe that Ali D. Jensen’s writing ability could fill a 3 book series, this one just isn’t it. It only took me about an hour to read this book, short story really, and less than that to not really care that there is no word on book 3.
I’m disappointed, 262 pages in the first book and only 151 in the second and a 3rd book?! Really, the story doesn’t feel like a series story, at most it would be a 300+ page book. Most of the “2nd” book could have been part of the first or not included as they really all flashbacks that give a fluff bit of background. I believe that Ali D. Jensen’s writing ability could fill a 3 book series, this one just isn’t it. It only took me about an hour to read this book, short story really, and less than that to not really care that there is no word on book 3.
July 1, 2021
I don’t even know how to put into words my love for this story…I won’t lie though I bawled like a baby. This book was raw, real, and very emotional. Ali D. Jensen put so much heart, passion, and feeling (good, bad and ugly) into this book and is resonated deeply. The struggles that Aria goes through are painful and traumatic, but the absolute strength of this woman is astounding. The lengths she would go to to not only protect herself, but even more importantly her child, is truly beautiful and awe-inspiring. It takes a strong willed and empowered woman to leave an abusive relationship and seek out a better life. To go against what the “societal norm” is of staying with the father of a child. It broke my heart to see Aria deal with what she did.
Seeing her later on in the story gave me this strong sense of hope for both her and her child, despite knowing the journey forward might be rocky. Seeing Aria happy and feeling safe and her daughter flourish caused my heart to start mending.
*please heed the trigger warning and take care of yourself first and foremost
This book is very raw and real and touches on some very traumatic aspects. Ali D. Jensen put me through the ringer (and prepare for a cliffhanger!) but I truly feel like this book was an important and very necessary read and that I’m better off for reading it. Ali definitely poked and prodded at my heart and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Seeing her later on in the story gave me this strong sense of hope for both her and her child, despite knowing the journey forward might be rocky. Seeing Aria happy and feeling safe and her daughter flourish caused my heart to start mending.
*please heed the trigger warning and take care of yourself first and foremost
This book is very raw and real and touches on some very traumatic aspects. Ali D. Jensen put me through the ringer (and prepare for a cliffhanger!) but I truly feel like this book was an important and very necessary read and that I’m better off for reading it. Ali definitely poked and prodded at my heart and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
July 4, 2021
Strength
This book is like nothing I have read before.
It is an emotional rollercoaster that I cried through the whole thing. Ali D. Jensen is able to make Aria someone that we can relate to. What Aria has gone through is something that many have experienced but what stands out is her strength.
When I was reading this book I felt Aria’s strength in every page and it grew exponentially. Her strength is something I admire even in the ending that was heartbreaking.
I can’t wait for the next book!
This book is like nothing I have read before.
It is an emotional rollercoaster that I cried through the whole thing. Ali D. Jensen is able to make Aria someone that we can relate to. What Aria has gone through is something that many have experienced but what stands out is her strength.
When I was reading this book I felt Aria’s strength in every page and it grew exponentially. Her strength is something I admire even in the ending that was heartbreaking.
I can’t wait for the next book!
July 12, 2021
I have so much to saw about this book but let me stick with the key points..
1. I think this is my favorite read of 2021
2. If you haven't adding to your TBR or one clicked you need to stop what your doing right now and do it.
3. This book made me feel. I love a book that will make you laugh, cry, scream etc, and this book did all of the above.
Hand down phenomenal and their is a cliffhanger so be warned. I can't wait for the next book.
This book was raw, heartfelt, and amazing.
Great job girl
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
1. I think this is my favorite read of 2021
2. If you haven't adding to your TBR or one clicked you need to stop what your doing right now and do it.
3. This book made me feel. I love a book that will make you laugh, cry, scream etc, and this book did all of the above.
Hand down phenomenal and their is a cliffhanger so be warned. I can't wait for the next book.
This book was raw, heartfelt, and amazing.
Great job girl
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 14, 2021
What a ride of emotions
Aria is a survivor from the beginning of this story to the cliffhanger. She goes through so much from the abuse at the hands of her own mother to her boyfriend/ husband. It's amazing that she is able to begin to trust her neighbors Ethan, Cooper and Have.
Ali D. Jensen really wrote a heart felt story from teen pregnancy to an abusive relationship and Aria getting away. This was very well thought out all the way to the end of the cliffhanger. Now I can't wait until the next book comes out to find out what happens next.
Aria is a survivor from the beginning of this story to the cliffhanger. She goes through so much from the abuse at the hands of her own mother to her boyfriend/ husband. It's amazing that she is able to begin to trust her neighbors Ethan, Cooper and Have.
Ali D. Jensen really wrote a heart felt story from teen pregnancy to an abusive relationship and Aria getting away. This was very well thought out all the way to the end of the cliffhanger. Now I can't wait until the next book comes out to find out what happens next.
October 19, 2021
Omg
The freaking emotional gut wrenching this book dishes out. Its crazy because I connected so well with the fmc. When you're a survivor you don't realize your strength until you get a breath from your demons. The roller coaster of a ride this story takes you on is amazing. I'm not sure if it'll have steam in the next book but there's none in this one and I love that because she's focusing on healing and they're all moving realistically slow. Loved everything about this even if I hate benji.
The freaking emotional gut wrenching this book dishes out. Its crazy because I connected so well with the fmc. When you're a survivor you don't realize your strength until you get a breath from your demons. The roller coaster of a ride this story takes you on is amazing. I'm not sure if it'll have steam in the next book but there's none in this one and I love that because she's focusing on healing and they're all moving realistically slow. Loved everything about this even if I hate benji.
June 21, 2021
What an amazing story. Arias life was never easy. Mom who never cared, dad who was not present left her empty. Getting pregnant and trying to do the best for her baby she ends up marrying a man that abuses her and treats her Bad. Twist and turns and she ends up escaping at the end. She meets 3 men that are generous, protective and friendly. Will it all come crushing down or will Aria get what she deserves a happy ever after? I need the second book ASAP please
July 1, 2021
I NEED NEXT BOOK NOW...
Aria a young mother that have been through a lot of abuse gets her fresh start and with some Yummy neighbours. And Damn this guys are amazing. They show her how to let people in. They are there for her and her baby and is amazing to see how she is putting the pieces of her broken heart back together.
The ending that ending I need more I need book 2 now. Is going to be so hard to wait.
Amazing book I love it ❤
Aria a young mother that have been through a lot of abuse gets her fresh start and with some Yummy neighbours. And Damn this guys are amazing. They show her how to let people in. They are there for her and her baby and is amazing to see how she is putting the pieces of her broken heart back together.
The ending that ending I need more I need book 2 now. Is going to be so hard to wait.
Amazing book I love it ❤
August 12, 2021
What did I just read!?!
Omg! This story! I'm so heartbroken. There is so much emotion and truth put into this that I'm floored. I loved the characters. The author creates such a profound connection from the characters to the reader that's its so hard not to get lost. I'm so upset with Ali D. Jesnsen at this point. Why!?! Why would you end like that? My poor kindle!! I need more!! Stop what you're doing and read this story. Beware of the triggers. Good luck and happy reading!
Omg! This story! I'm so heartbroken. There is so much emotion and truth put into this that I'm floored. I loved the characters. The author creates such a profound connection from the characters to the reader that's its so hard not to get lost. I'm so upset with Ali D. Jesnsen at this point. Why!?! Why would you end like that? My poor kindle!! I need more!! Stop what you're doing and read this story. Beware of the triggers. Good luck and happy reading!
December 16, 2021
Amazing story, sad that I have to wait for part 2 until march
I loved this story, I absolutely hate the wait time for the second part. I read so many books on Kindle in a week let alone a month I know I will forget that this one is due out in freaking March, shame on the publishers who thought that a two part book within 4 months was a good idea. 5 stars for a whole book, 3 for the first part.
I loved this story, I absolutely hate the wait time for the second part. I read so many books on Kindle in a week let alone a month I know I will forget that this one is due out in freaking March, shame on the publishers who thought that a two part book within 4 months was a good idea. 5 stars for a whole book, 3 for the first part.
May 15, 2022
that was amazing!!!
This is my first read from this author and holy crap it was a banger! I am in love with these characters. Aria is so amazing and strong and that woman would do anything for her daughter. Hadley is pure freaking sunshine. That little girl has my heart along with the hearts of Jace, Ethan and Cooper. These three men are everything *swoon* I need the next book like asap!!!
This is my first read from this author and holy crap it was a banger! I am in love with these characters. Aria is so amazing and strong and that woman would do anything for her daughter. Hadley is pure freaking sunshine. That little girl has my heart along with the hearts of Jace, Ethan and Cooper. These three men are everything *swoon* I need the next book like asap!!!
October 21, 2022
Not for me
This has got to be the most awkward dialogue between characters that I have ever read. It was so unnatural it made me cringe more than once. The FMC was pretty unlikable and the guys were forgettable. Also, there were pages upon pages of pointless inner thoughts and feelings of the FMC that didn't help progress the plot whatsoever. If you want to read an RH with a pregnant fmc this might be worth a read for you. It was just really difficult for me to get through.
This has got to be the most awkward dialogue between characters that I have ever read. It was so unnatural it made me cringe more than once. The FMC was pretty unlikable and the guys were forgettable. Also, there were pages upon pages of pointless inner thoughts and feelings of the FMC that didn't help progress the plot whatsoever. If you want to read an RH with a pregnant fmc this might be worth a read for you. It was just really difficult for me to get through.
July 1, 2021
Great start to a story. I loved that the author is forming connections between the characters and that it’s not insta-love. The men are sweet with their own demons and the FMC is just doing the best she can. I’m a lover of a single mother romance. Always have. Always will be. This one was added to my to be read again list!
July 3, 2021
So many feels!!!
I really enjoyed this book so much!! Some parts were hard to read just because you hate to see someone in a bad situation. However it was awsome to see how the FMC was able to grow as a person and and get out. The writing was great and I was never tripped up on sentences that don't make sense. That cliffhanger though!! Can't wait for book 2!!
I really enjoyed this book so much!! Some parts were hard to read just because you hate to see someone in a bad situation. However it was awsome to see how the FMC was able to grow as a person and and get out. The writing was great and I was never tripped up on sentences that don't make sense. That cliffhanger though!! Can't wait for book 2!!
September 3, 2021
Holy crapsticks
Ok so this one gutted me at the end. Everything Aria has gone through, so intense. She is a survivor who got out before it was too bad. The douche canoe she married, needs to go pronto. The guys are amazing. I love the slow build of the relationship. It feels organic, not forced. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Well done.
Ok so this one gutted me at the end. Everything Aria has gone through, so intense. She is a survivor who got out before it was too bad. The douche canoe she married, needs to go pronto. The guys are amazing. I love the slow build of the relationship. It feels organic, not forced. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Well done.
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