We're Made of Moments

Cole Creek #1

by Molly McLain

We were made of moments.

A handful of nights.
Two weeks of passion.
Four years of denial.

Jesse
She was never mine to keep, but I took every second that girl was willing to give me.
I always knew she’d go back to him.
But I never expected she’d take a piece of me with her.
--
Hayden
He changed my life forever, and it happened long before our two weeks together.
I didn’t mean to fall for him.
But how could I not when he gave me the most precious gift of all?

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance

404 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2021

About the author

Author of sexy, small town romance. Lover of banana Laffy Taffy, 80's ballads, 90's rock, and road trips. Location: Wisconsin. Sign: Sagittarius. Religion: Coffee and naps.

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Reviews

[Molly McLain]

We're Made of Moments is LIVE!

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[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review We're Made Of Moments by Molly McLain
Molly McLain is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her books before. I love single parent stories so when I read the blurb for We’re Made of Moments I was looking forward to reading. The writing was strong with characters that I found easy to relate to and whose story I become invested in and I really liked Hayden and Jesse.
This is a second chance at love story that ticked a lot of boxes for me and don’t get me started on Jett, what an adorable little man. I have to say I was a little concerned at first as this read like a love triangle which is not a genre I gravitate towards, but it soon morphed into a story that drew me in.
Jesse and Hayden struggle with their feelings for one another and you could feel the turmoil whilst reading. The chemistry between them is intense, too obvious to ignore but what happens as things become complicated. Their journey to a future is rocky but if they can get through all the bumps they have a chance at an amazing future.
I could easily picture Cole Creek and it’s inhabitants and I look forward to reading other books from this author when time permits.

[The Book Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW: 4+ STARS
"He tastes like moonlight and stars, of wishes made and wishes come true."

I FEEL LIKE I leveled up in the book reading department!!! I love adding new to me authors, and I especially love finding an author that I can listen to tell me a story. This is my second new to me author in a row, and I am so glad to say that Molly McLain will definitely be an author I read more of. If she can deliver me a story that has a small, hometown feel with a Hero that has all the benefits of a hardworking man as well as the morals and manners that his momma taught him - sign me up. This is exactly the kind of story that makes me love small town romances. McLain nailed everything there is about Jesse, but bringing in the "city girl" that he falls for and making her all the right kinds of perfect for him? I'm telling you, I am walking away all smiles with this one.

First of all, the draw to this book was the guaranteed turmoil that was sure to be going on in their hearts based on that synopsis alone. It's no secret I like a romance that proves a love never died, or that a love should never be ignored. You know, kinda like fate. I like a love story that gives me an uphill battle for something that I've known all along....but I wanted to watch it play out. I got that with this book. I got allll that with this book.

I essentially signed up for and received:
- Cool summer nights, hot chemistry, and an undeniable attraction
- Smiles were aplenty, the trust was easy, and the innocence was all natural
- A quiet lake to set the mood, complete with a bright summer moon and hours of stargazing

All together, I couldn’t stop smiling. This book gave me everything I needed!!! Their banter was so addictive! It was an easy, unforced banter with a very flirtatious undertone. They bounced smiles off each other in the dark of night by the lake and I couldn't help but giggling with them. I seriously got the butterflies and the giggles from not only their banter, but their innocent actions. They were a natural draw to each other and I could feel the electricity in the air. I liked that they had a flirty meeting, boundaries in place - but fate had other plans. I *loved* that.

"Let's get something clear, city girl. Touching you would one hundred fucking percent be for me, too."

There was a good push and pull with all the relationships that were working in tandem - for and against each other. There was a realistic anger issue between Lane, Hayden and Jesse and it served its purpose and provided a truth that was relatable on many levels. It wasn't a manufactured anger either - which I can applaud McLain for (because we know how much I hate fake drama!!). I could appreciate the position Hayden was in because I understood the circumstances of their background and their history. It was real, (been there, done that) and I easily understood the different sides and the pull she had for each individual circumstance....and man. But, it never hurts to say that jealousy is a nasty thing. But sometimes, sometimes people need to stay in their own LANE.

This was the perfect introduction to Molly McLain's writing for me. She provided a story that held my attention while I fell in love with her characters and their plight. It really pulled on my heartstrings and gave me something that I could really relate to on a personal level.

I do want the last word to be about Jesse, though. Just Jesse. He is ALL MAN - a different caliber of man. A true gentleman that was all real, and no misguided illusions of strength or grandeur - just an honest, homegrown, genuine man. He is the kind of guy that is straight up confidence. Not cocky and rude, just very sure of himself - and rightfully so. A silent determination and he knew he was all that which made me weak in the knees. *bites knuckle* So sexy!! He definitely made me swoon hard....I can't deny that much. And the respect that he showed? A man that respects not only the mother of his child, but his woman too. Soooo sexy on a man. So very sexy. He was simply delicious. And perfect. Yes, oh so perfect.

Oh, and that cover? MAGIC. Pure magic because I could ONLY picture him every time Hayden described him. It was a delicious addition to my overall enjoyment of this book. And now....I will anxiously await Aiden's story in More Than a Memory.

"Love is never wrong."
~BEE

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[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I finished it last week and I still can't stop thinking about it. It was heartbreaking yet hopeful, angsty with the perfect blend of sexiness and humor, and I just can't stop thinking about how amazing Jesse and Hayden were! And their little boy?! OH MY GOSH, TALK ABOUT CUTENESS OVERLOAD.

So after running away from her cheating boyfriend, Hayden goes back to her family's summer cabin and runs again to the man who has never been far from her mind.. or her heart, despite the fact that she was in a relationship. They spend a few weeks together, and they never expect to fall in love, nor did they expect their entire lives to change. Three lives, three hearts are now on the line, and the journey towards their ending will result in so many tears, anger, confusion, and even though I wanted to shake them both constantly, I just loved them both so much. You can just feel the yearning both Hayden and Jesse has for one another, and you know that without a doubt they are meant to be.. even though Hayden is engaged to another man. (Who is the literal worst, by the way. Ugh, I hate him so much.) I really love how this book didn't take the predictable route, though. I'm so glad it didn't deter into the love triangle trope, and everything just worked out so perfectly.
I just can't even begin to explain how beautiful this couple is, but all I can say is that you NEED to one click this book now!

This was my first time reading this author, and after being in a huge book slump, I really needed to try something new and I'm just so glad I did! I connected with every single character so well, and saw myself in both Hayden and Jesse, and even though there relationship wasn't an easy one by any means, it was *the* relationship you always yearn for. And when they finally worked things out and got their happy ever after? I cried ALL the tears. This book is just so undeniably beautiful!

I can't wait to see what Molly has up her sleeve for the rest of the series! You definitely don't want to miss this!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying it's been DAYS since I finished reading this book and it is still with me. From the very first page of this book I was absolutely hooked! I have never read anything by this author before, but after seeing her videos on TikTok I was totally invested in this book and decided to sign up for an advanced copy for review.

No regrets at all. Jesse and Hayden may be one of my favorite couples I have ever read - and I've read a lot of books! Normally, I will like either the hero or the heroine, but never both.... These two were seriously EVERYTHING. I was so sad when this book ended. I wanted more! Molly has gained a huge fan in me and I can't wait to go back and read her entire back catalog!

This book is definitely a MUST READ. One of my TOP READS of 2021, definitely! I can't wait for what's next!

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a terrible time getting into this book. I think that's because I read its prequel first. Hayden is with Lane, her fiancé of seven years. However, she’s had a son (Jett) with Jesse. Hayden, Jesse, Jett, and Lane are an unstable, dysfunctional quadrilateral. It is an untenable situation that forces conflict to thrive. The storyline is solely concerned with conflict against a side hack of sex that at times seems appropriate and at other times seems to be a prurient replacement for a plot.

In the prequel we got the Jesse-Hayden and Hayden-Lane backstories. The Hayden-Lane story is dreadful: Lane was Hayden’s fiancé who cheated on her with his intern while Hayden and Lane were planning their life together, including (ironically enough) wedding and honeymoon plans, future family plans, five-year plans, and so on. Hayden, broken-hearted, fled to her family’s cabin in the little town where her friend, Jesse, lived and worked. They had a rebound affair for two weeks. In all fairness, in the prequel, Jesse was adamant that he had nothing to offer beyond the two weeks. Hayden accepted that. She went back to Lane and found herself pregnant with Jesse’s baby. When this book begins, Jett is turning four, Jesse has taken his dad’s place overseeing the family business, and Hayden is with Lane, still engaged, and planning to marry the cheating so-and-so. Jesse is the every-other-weekend-father. Holy soap opera, yeah…?

I went into this book fully expecting Hayden to have kicked Lane to the curb where he belonged. And I expected she and Jesse would have decided to give themselves a chance. However, nothing could be further from the storyline. That’s why reading the prequel first is NOT RECOMMENDED. If I had not read the prequel first, I think I would have enjoyed this book more. Because Lane is still a butthead, Hayden is still a doormat, and Jesse is…well…Jesse is just Jesse. The best person in the book is the son, Jett. I wouldn’t have realized initially how totally screwed up the three “adults” were had I not read that darn prequel first. I almost put this book down when I realized it was over 400 Kindle pages long. I did not want to slog through all the ridiculous drama for 400-plus pages. However, in for a penny, as they say. I did speed read through several chapters that tended to drone on, and it helped.

For most of the book the characters appear to be waiting for something to happen to them. None of them seems inclined to be proactive nor particularly engaged in their own lives. One of the core points of the story is Hayden’s insecurities which drive her responses to life around her. Turns out, her mom and dad lost their house during a difficult time. What Hayden got out of it was that material things matter, and they can be taken away without proper planning, hence her over-the-top adoption of plans and lists, and an inability to deviate from them. Towards the end of the book, Hayden’s mom finally learns of Hayden’s perspective on their tough times, and she’s shocked. Now, years later, she tells Hayden that the financial loss brought the family closer, and that home is in your heart, not your possessions. Hayden’s parents would surely have seen her immense pain at the loss of a house and her toys. If we are to believe the picture the writer has painted of how close Hayden and her parents are, then they would have discussed it long before now. And, since Hayden’s deep insecurities are at the center of what makes Hayden tick, then I think attention to her insecurity warrants more than a brief mother-daughter chat towards the end of the book.

The Lane character is a hodge-podge of conflicting traits. He calls Hayden his best friend. On whom he cheated. He tells her he loves Jett. But spends no time with him and is happiest during the weekends when Jett is with his father, Jesse. He tells Hayden he loves her but attacks her verbally and belittles her. Hayden, aka “doormat,” decides to understand Lane’s pain (huh?) and accepts it all because it is part of the plan she sees for her life.

The Jesse character is kind of a mess, too. He says one thing (he’s loved Hayden for years) and does another (enforces a break from her because she might decide he isn’t right for her). He is no doubt a good father, but what kind of a role model is he, really? He is over his head in his business because he is taking on too much and eschews help from other family members, for ridiculous reasons. He is mild in the extreme; I wouldn’t have trusted that he loved Hayden if the writer hadn’t stated it.

The book appears to be well edited and proofread; there are few errors. A writer should know the rules, but an editor should have caught these errors:
 “…leaving Jesse and I together.” I think this is one of the most common mistakes, using a pronoun improperly; here, a subject pronoun is used as an object. This sentence should read, “…leaving Jesse and me together.”
 Here’s another example of the same problem: “…to understand Jesse and I spending more time together.” A very simple test is to remove the part of a compound object (or compound subject) that does not reference the speaker, as in, “…to understand…I spending more time…” and see how it sounds. It sounds odd, doesn’t it? The sentence should read, “…to understand Jesse and me spending more time together.”
 And again: “…with only him and I in mind.” Remove the “him and,” like this, “…with only…I in mind” and the oddness is obvious. The sentence should read, “…with only him and me in mind.”
 “…like she’d drank a pot of coffee….” Simple past tense of the verb, drink, is drank. But the writer is using past perfect tense (“had drunk”), so the sentence should read, “…like she’d drunk a pot of coffee….”

I rated this book 2.5 stars and rounded down. It is just too all over the place. The characters are not smooth and at times are caricatures of themselves. There is a mess of conflict; every chapter is loaded with it. But where is the plot? The story is character driven, but all the characters are pushed around like plastic pieces on a checkerboard. The reader can feel the writer’s presence and that disrupts the flow of the story. I went back and forth on rounding down vs. rounding up; I changed my rating twice. Ms. McLain’s writing style is better than 2-stars, but the story is not; hence, the two stars.

Sidebar: there is no reason to read the prequel, which is a completely unnecessary story filled with content that you’ll find in this book. The book’s prequel, Moments with Him, is redundant and pointless since it is already told in this book. The prequel was good, though; I liked that it was a small slice of time out of three characters’ lives. And I liked the bittersweet ending. On second thought, read the prequel and skip this book. IMHO.

[laura ˚✩ ⋆｡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars - ahh i just live for small town romance books :)

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing!! Hayden and Jesse will give you all the feels... The struggle for them to finally face their feelings towards eachother is makes this a love story you will enjoy!!

I am a sucker for second chance romance and that is what this is. From the prologue I was hooked by these characters.

The love and respect Hayden and Jesse have for one another is so sweet and made me love them! These characters are some of my favorites I have read!! The chemistry between them is undeniable... Add in the side characters that you will want more of!!

This story will have you feeling all the feels and more... I really didn't want this story to end and I can't wait to see what comes next from Molly!!

Jett may also be the cutest kid that I have read too.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

God knows, I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my life, especially where Jesse Enders is concerned… But loving him will never be one of them.

This book was PHENOMENAL. I saw this book on Tiktok and the description screamed my name. It is a second chance romance + single dad aspect. Hayden and Jesse are co-parenting well with their little boy, Jett. From the bringing, you see mutual pining from both of them. However, Hayden is engaged to someone else. THE ANGST! She finds a secret letter that Jesse wrote four years ago and it changes everything...

This was my first Molly McLain book and it won't be last. Her writing and plot development are amazing. She perfectly captures the tension between Hayden and Jesse as they are developing their relationship and during their relationship. All of the conflict points in the book make sense. It is hard to sustain a plot like this but McLain nailed it!

[CassDamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟

This was a really good story line, it was unlike a plot I’ve ever read before…. But it wasn’t my cup of tea which is why I rated it 4 don’t 5.

I’d like to add I’m a chronic 3 star reviewer, i rare very harsh. But every character was enjoyable, it was really well written and had I been into this trope that I think the other made herself… um “single mom and single dad only turns out their kid is the same kid” trope. I would have probably rate it 5 stars.

I’m going to read the next book of the series because I can tell that I enjoy this authors writing style and she writes enjoyable characters, I just hope the plot of the next book is more my taste in books. But again I’m not going to jip her review for a plot that was really original and written really well just because I wasn’t into the plot. Because I’d imagine plenty of people would love it as it was executed well.

[Abby (booksinthefreetime) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book! Like actually didn’t put it down. This is my first book by this author and definitely won’t be the last!! Loveddd!! ❤️

[Mariam Mohsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

[jaclyn malkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional story of second chances and small towns . . . Its exactly where the heart should be and where the best moments are made! This is also a first read of Molly McLain and I can not believe I haven't read a single book of hers before! I fell in love with this town, the people, and Jesse just stole my heart!

This one will definitely tug at all those heart strings and make you wonder about those what ifs . . . Because if love and life ever happened the way this story pans out . . . I would go back and do it again! The little moments throughout this story make you clench your heart, smile a bit, and get a bit misty eyed. Don't get me wrong, there are some WTF moments and are you kidding me? But keep the kindle in your hand and keep going, because those tender, sweet, hot and steamy moments make this story a winner any day of the year! And now I am looking for Cole Creek and a little cabin on the lake to make some moments just like these . . . Le sigh with heart eyes . . .

Anyways back to reality . . . I absolutely loved this read and will be anxiously awaiting the next book. I am desperate to know the rest of the Enders stories . . . And even some of these towns folk that I cant stop thinking about. Even the witch should get her day after a pie fiasco!

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS A MUST READ! I couldn’t put it down and when I had to, all I wanted to do is get back to reading it! The story is unique and one I haven’t read before. You are kept on the edge of your seat waiting to know how it ends. And the steamy parts that are in there, holy buckets! Molly has really brought out the struggles people go through in finding the love of their life, although it took Hayden a while to finally realize it! And Jesse, wow, what an amazing father and man! We all could use a Jesse in our lives! Just enough drama that we all need in a good love story but not too much either where you are yelling “oh come on! Again!?!?!” Another beautiful piece by the amazingly talented Molly McLain!

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every single book Ms. McLain has written. And this book is by far my absolute favorite and her absolute best! In fact this book is one of my top reads of 2021! Words can’t describe my love for Hayden, Jesse, and Jett. Oh Jett.... he’s the cutest and sweetest little boy. And he stole my heart. Right along with his mom and dad of course too! Jesse is the sweetest and the sexiest! And Hayden is sweet and one heck of an amazing woman! Plus it’s a small town romance and those are my absolute favorite! There are not enough words in the English language to describe how amazing this book is and how amazing Ms. McLain’s words are!!

[Jennifer Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. Jesse is the dad we all wish our kids had. He does everything for his son, and even his sons mom, Hayden. And his and Hayden’s co-parenting relationship is, one one to envy. And Hayden, is this tough, strong women. She fights her feelings for Jesse because she thinks it’s the right thing to do. This book had me laughing, and hoping that everything would work out for these two amazing characters. They’ve been through so much, and deserve their happiness. And Jett.. he is absolutely adorable. I definitely recommend this book.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this book !! WOW.
This is a brilliant single dad small town romance,that was perfectly executed by Molly Mclain.
Jesse and Hayden's Romance was so compelling,emotional and such a pleasure to read and Molly Mclain's words are just stunning,and they tell Jesse and Hayden's story beautifully.
A tale with many up's and downs with equal amounts of angst,drama,sexy times and romance.
It is a riveting book that everyone should read.
Outstanding 5 Stars.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ FAVORITE BOOK STARS!! My favorite Book of the year so far!! I could not put this book down....it was so GOOD!! Hayden and Jesse touched every part of my heart and the feels were off the charts. This is why Molly McLain is one of my favorite authors and always a 1-Click. You must read this book, go ahead and download now.

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

A second-chance romance set five years after a summer fling, this slow-burning love story between co-parents is a sweet read.

Just a note - this book does have a prequel novella – Moments With Him – that shows Jesse and Hayden’s backstory. You don’t HAVE to read it, and most of what happens is repeated in pieces in this book, but it’s a super-quick read and definitely helps provide the context up front.

Jesse and Hayden were in their late teens when they met in the small lakeside town of Cole Creek, where Hayden lives and Jesse spends her summers. Over a number of years they became friends, and when Jesse finally visited after breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, they both dove into a short-term fling, knowing that their lives were heading in different directions and it would be a no-strings hook up. But they spent an incredible two weeks together. It’s months later when Hayden has returned home and reunited with her ex-boyfriend, Lane, when she learns that she’s pregnant (these are the events of the prequel novella).

Five years later, Jesse and Hayden are successfully co-parenting their delightful four year old son, Jett. Their worlds revolve around their little boy, who they both love fiercely, and they’re doing the best they can to create a good life for him. Hayden is now engaged to Lane, though they are having some issues, and she finds herself thinking more and more about her baby daddy. While Jesse never really moved on from Hayden. She’s the love of his life, though he’s never told her that.

It's a good set-up, and I was excited to see how this story was going to play out, but I have to say, it was frustrating seeing these two obviously so in love with each other, but Hayden staying in a somewhat toxic relationship, and neither of them actually admitting their feelings to the other. I get that they were in a difficult situation, trying to keep things friendly and amicable for the sake of their son, but they can both see it, and it’s a really slow build before anything actually happens.

It’s sort of a love triangle, because Lane is definitely in the picture, but also not, because Lane is a douche, and it’s very clear where Hayden’s feelings lie. Which is a bit of an issue that I had with this story - Hayden is clearly having feelings for Jesse while she’s still with Lane, and they do get a bit flirty with each other, which felt wrong. While I understand that she never thought anything could ever happen with Jesse, that’s beside the point, she stays in her relationship WAY longer than she should. And Lane is just a dick. Why is she still with him? It’s more for nostalgia, for what she once dreamed their life would be, and again, it was frustrating.

But never fear! Hayden finally comes to the realisation that she’s not living a life that makes her happy, and she goes all out to fix it. And I was so impressed with how she handled it all. I won’t give spoilers, because it’s best to just dive in, but I loved watching her make active, positive changes to improve her life and get herself where she wants to be, and she keeps her son central to it all, which I really loved.

The romance is a slow burn, but when Jesse and Hayden finally get their long-awaited chance together, it’s sweet, easy, natural and functional, and super steamy. This little family belongs together, and they embrace the changes coming their way openly and honestly, and it’s so sweet watching them finally get their HEA.

It took me a really long time to get through this book – even on audio. I’m not sure if that’s what kept me from getting completely invested, or if it was my frustration with the beginning of their story and how long it took them to come together, but I didn’t love this book as much as I was hoping. It’s still a cute read though, and the first in a series, with Jesse’s two brothers (one a grumpy introvert, one a light-hearted joker) also getting books.

Still a good read – 3 stars.

[Must read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but definitely won’t be the last! Jesse is my new favorite book boyfriend and I loved everything about him and Hayden’s relationship. Jett was the cute little cherry on top. I’m excited for the next book in this series!

[Megan Coggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
It’s refreshing to read a book with a plot I haven’t read a million times.

Hayden (FMC) has a four year old son with Jesse (MMC)
Hayden has a fiancé she’s been with for 7 years.
It’s not cheating tho.

Also a blue collar man is my fav.

That’s all I’m going to say.

[Fran (fransbookstagram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Stars⭐
Top read for 2025⭐

This book deserves to be hugged! It was beautiful from start to finish, it was hard to fault! The connection was perfect, the feels were EVERYTHING, and the angst made me crazy! This book was so many things, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Hayden was a gem in this book. She was beautiful and strong, putting herself last, which got her into some hot, steamy water. She also gave her heart away to a summer boy who never really gave it back. What she thought was a two-week moment turns into so much more.

Jesse made this book for me! He was EVERYTHING a book boyfriend strives to be. His character was strong and angsty, and he brought all the feels. I was able to smell him and hear his sexy voice. He was a protective character who showed growth throughout, making him super special. He was tender when he needed to be and wasn't afraid to show his affectionate side. But he also made you swoon and melt your panties when the time came, too.

The angst in this book was delicious! It's a slow burn that showed great potential, and then when the spice hits, it's what my heart was after. Jesse and Hayden were always going to happen, but when they did, it made my heart sing. Shared POV, beautifully written and ends in a gorgeous HEA.

Loved it!!

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been charmed. Totally seduced by Jesse–and this book. Not everything was perfect, and I actually have problems with some elements of the story, but I overall fell in love with this book.

My favorite part is how there’s some role reversal between the male and the female character. The pining, some of the characters’ features, and especially the final little twist–I loved it! Add their adorable son, Jett, and you have the most compelling family in the history of books–but I might be biased.

My least favorite part is how Lane became some kind of bad guy. I was pleasantly surprised at the beginning because I didn’t hate him, he even had some redeemable qualities. It was a nice change. Couples can break up just because they grow apart–there’s not need for a terrible action. And I thought that would happen here. But nope. At least, it works as it is.

I had some trouble with Hayden’s decisions along the story. They hardly made sense with the feelings she was supposed to have from the beginning. But the explanation given–and a meaningful conversation near the end–kind of made it okay, for me at least.

A few scenes from the past as well as a couple in the present time were exactly what I want from romance–gentle touches, meaningful acts, tender words, contained passion–and I couldn’t have been happier.

This book was the epitome of second chance romance with loveable characters and the right amount of sizzle. Definitely worth it!

Quickie

- Series: standalone
- Hashtags: #small town romance #second chance #opposites attract #shared custody
- Triggers: kind of but not really cheating (it’s complicated)
- Main couple: Hayden Foss & Jesse Enders
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + what about some role reversal? I’m all for it!
- – I ended up a bit disappointed with how Lane was treated

[The Bosnian · Rating 3 out of 5]

NEW to me author. I actually got a paperback of this and took me a hot min to get to reading it.
Once I got over the whole debacle of the ex and the hero and situation (i had a few personal dislikes) I honestly could not connect with the heroine. I also couldn't get over the feel of love triangle which is my MOST HATED style and trope. I ended up skipping pages here and there, but did finish it.
This was not for me, I did enjoy the writing style of the author but this story about killed me...and not in a good way. Again as always, this is my personal preference and thoughts/dislikes on this book.

[Sana Ajaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading tonnes of contemporary novels I came to a conclusion : Communication is the key.
This book was adorable. Hayden was irritating at first but later all of her points were justified. I guess I need to be more mature to understand her decisions but whatever I liked it. Jesse Aaron Enders is a big bear. I love him. He's cute, patient, understanding and an amazing father. Jett is ADORABLE and way too sassy for a 4 y/o.
I really look forward to Aiden, Justin (Jinx) and Amelia's stories because I know they're gonna be worth the read just like this one.

My favourite line in the entire book was
"Be that kind of brave, babe. If I am truly what you want, be that kind of brave.”
“And I suppose I have to find that bravery by myself,” I whisper and he nods.
“Yeah, city girl. I love you too much not to give you that chance.”

[Ashley Cestra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so happy to learn this author was publishing again! One of her backlist books still sticks so hard in my brain even after all these years.
Unfortunately this one missed its mark with me. I enjoyed the plot and the characters as a whole, any story featuring a child is a plus in my book!
but it was really drawn out, too drawn out. I feel like the characters needed a little more umph, as I having trouble connecting to their emotions.
I’m not crossing this author off my list or anything, and will gladly read her in the future, this one just wasn’t for me.

[Saby Reads All Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect, small -town romance, with a side of second chance!

Jesse and Hayden had a brief fling when she was on a break from her boyfriend, which resulted in a pregnancy. She decides to go back to the boyfriend since she's been with him for two years, and she and Jesse coparent the child. The plot is basically them getting back together, egged on by family and friends. Jesse is a swoonworthy, blue collar, brawny hero - very protective, a great dad, etc etc. Would recommend this if you like small -town romances with great chemistry.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written good and great for the most part but I just couldn’t believe how much of consolation prize Jessie was. He was inlove with Hayden from day one and she decided to stay with a cheating boyfriend even when she knew she had feelings for Jessie. She live two hours away, Jessie had to even live with the fact his son didn’t have his last name and years later it took a damn letter for her to realize she was inlove with him 🙄 … She annoyed me right through but I did like the last few chapters.

[Heather Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am BLOWN away.

This book was everything. One of the best books I’ve ever read. All the twists and turns, the characters were well written, and the plot well developed.

Molly is back baby, and I for one am SO grateful!

If you need me I’ll be rereading for the rest of my life 😍

[amanda shaner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden and Jesse are to die for. I want Jesse to be my husband!!!! He is the best father to Jett that he can be considering the circumstances at the beginning. Hayden knew all along who she was really meant to be with but was to scared to go after it. Absolutely loved this book!!!