Perfect Excuse

Mason Creek #11

by A.D. Justice

Who knew fighting for custody of an African grey parrot would be the perfect excuse to stay married?

Ryder King was always the one for me. He stole my heart in second grade, and I never imagined after seven blissful years of marriage, I’d give it back.

We made one tiny mistake by spending the night together during our separation period and the judge read all about it in the local gossip column. Okay, maybe it was two or three mistakes… but who’s counting?

Instead of granting our divorce, the judge mandated us to marriage counseling. The only way to get out of our marriage without waiting another six months was if our counselor agreed we’re all wrong for each other.

That’s when the fun really started…

A probing therapist, a gossiper who knows all, and a few of my unmentionables on prominent display revealed all our secrets. Seems Ryder and I were both guilty of hiding vital truths from each other.

And what happened behind closed doors…. well, let’s just say it’s the stuff headlines are made of.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2021

About the author

A.D. Justice is the award winning USA Today bestselling author of multiple series and stand-alone romance novels.

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Reviews

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marriage reconciliation.
I found the premise a bit ridiculous, they are dragging out their settlement, hence divorce over arguing over custody of the parrot.
Call me unsympathetic but I didn't get it.
No intimate scenes except for the Hero and heroine.
The separation is due to different expectations on having children.
He says no way, she was shell shocked she didn't know him at all as they had been childhood sweathearts.
Spoiler
x
x
x
Turns out as they have been having sex recently she turns out to be pregnant.
He was actually concerned over fertility issues, misheard the doctor as to how serious it was. It would be difficult not impossible.

HEA.
I haven't read any of the previous books in the series so I would say it can be read as a standalone.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Star reviews of Perfect Excuse (Mason Creek #11) by A D Justice
A.D. Justice is a relatively new author to me and I am surprised that I have not read more of her books. It was great to be back in Mason Creek and this time Olivia and Ryder are in the spot light. I was drawn in to this second chance at love story from the first chapter; they married young and now have decided that the time for a divorce has arrived.
One of the hardest things I can imagine is going through a divorce in a small town where everyone knows your business and has an opinion. Forced to attend couples therapy before their divorce can proceed. The are arguing over custody of their pet parrot Kiwi, which was an entertaining aspect of the story.
Once everything is out in the open and the truth is revealed they can finally start to heal their relationship. Both Ryder and Olivia has issues that come to light whilst attending counselling and as feelings and emotions are discussed there is a glimmer of hope that they could save their marriage. It is obvious to all around them that the chemistry and love is still strong between them but will they take a chance?
Can Ryder and Olivia come to terms with the past and take a second chance at happiness? One click and find out.

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4 ½ Stars**

A.D. Justice is another new to me author and I would never have discovered this author if it weren't for the Mason Creek series. Holy hell, A.D. Justice packed a punch with this emotional second chance romance. I finished Ryder and Olivia's story a few hours ago, and I'm still sitting in here with a full heart and a smile on my face. I'll definitely be reading more from A.D. Justice in the upcoming future!

Perfect Escape by A.D. Justice is the eleventh standalone in the Mason Creek Series. If you're a fan of small town romances, I highly recommend you pick of this series. Trust me when I say, It's an addiction and this novel is the perfect addition to said addiction! Hand to heart, I couldn't put this one down!! Olivia and Ryder stole my heart!!

Olivia lives her life managing her lingerie store and dodging all the seedy rumors that have been circulating in Mason Creek for years. She's not unfamiliar with the way her small town works. If there's news to be shared, it'll spread like a wildfire. And the rumors regarding her upcoming divorce with Ryder King are only the icing on the cake. I loved Olivia's independence in regards to her business. Her artistry is where her true strength shines through and A.D. Justice captured that portion of her personality perfectly. I also loved the fact that this woman craved to wear her heart on her sleeve and be open with not only the whole town, but also her husband where her career was concerned.

Ryder King has loved his wife since she moved into town and it's no surprise he stole her heart right away. Now, many moons later, Ryder is looking at a divorce that can easily be erased if he would just confess his deepest secret. He may not be able to give Olivia what she's always wanted. This man's emotional state shattered my soul. He kept a huge secret locked up tight and threw away the key. We all know, locked up secrets have a way of eventually eating at a person's soul. I wanted to reach into this novel and give Ryder the biggest hug! I craved that moment of reflection for him. I was on pins and needles needing him to lay his heart and his fears on the table in front of Olivia. And then that time finally came, and it felt like I could FINALLY breath again.

But on the day of their divorce, the judge 'not-so-mysteriously' finds out about Ryder and Olivia's night of drunken debauchery and orders them to seek a marriage counselor before he'll sign off on the divorce.. OMG! This judge deserves a gold medal! I honestly felt so many emotions in this particular moment. I wanted to laugh so freaking hard at the fact that these too stubborn individuals who clearly still loved one another, weren't about to get out of this so easily.

And then you add in the fact that two people are fighting for custody over Kiwi (An African Grey Parrot) and holy hell, does that further spark the emotional state of this novel. Kiwi is the sweetest bird ever, who wouldn't fight over her!!?

I'm such a fan of the MC Scope articles!! I love how Tate is in EVERYONE'S business... and how the hell does she know the things she knows as they are happening. My suspicions are telling me she has the whole damn town wired and bugged. I honestly can't wait to read more and see what kind of drama she further ignites with her nosey column.

Overall, A.D. Justice blew me away with Ryder and Olivia's story! So much love was put into these characters. Perfect Excuse brings more Heart and more Heat to the Mason Creek Series. If you're a fan of second chance romances with all the feels, definitely pick up this book and this series!

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[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to Ryder and Olivia’s story since they were mentioned in previous books in the Mason Creek series. What was up with them!? Why were they divorcing when they couldn’t keep their eyes off each other!? We find out that there were secrets kept that could have helped explain a lot to each other and why they seemed to be drifting apart. This was a really quick read, I finished it in one day, and it was another great addition to the Mason Creek series! And their love for Kiwi is so cute! I love it as we uncover another couple’s story in this series!

~Alexis💜

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder and Olivia were childhood sweethearts, they got married right after graduating college, but now they are on the verge of divorce and in the middle of a custody battle over their pet parrot, Kiwi.

Despite going through a divorce there is still so much chemistry and love between Ryder and Olivia. You can feel the chemistry bursting off the pages throughout the entire story. The two of them still care for each other, they are still drawn to each other. They just need to learn to work out some of issues that lead the down the divorce path.

There are some secrets between them, but things do come out. There are things that hurt the other and things that they are afraid mention to the other. But until they fully open up to each other and truly talk about everything they can’t move forward in their lives.

I LOVED Kiwi. What a hilarious addition to this story. Ryder and Olivia love that bird so much and Kiwi plays such a large part in their relationship.

If you’re looking for a small town, second chance romance this is one to read!

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Excuse has been the story I have been waiting for with bated breath. Ryder and Olivia made my heart ache as these two took me through a roller coaster of emotions. Two people who had loved each other for so long but are torn apart by secrets and misunderstandings. A story that is full of passion, chemistry, revelations and heartfelt moments. Ryder and Liv will grab hold of your heart and have you holding your breath in the hope that these two can clear the air and finally see that they are the beat to each other’s heart. An absolutely beautiful love story that has you enchanted by this couple and their journey.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Excuse is Book 11 of the multi author Mason Creek Series and was my first read by this author. I am a huge fan of small town romances and have a weakness for second chance romances. This book is both.

Ryder and Olivia were childhood sweethearts who married right after college. Their marriage hits a bump in the road and the two end up at odds. Getting divorced when you still love your soon to be ex, does not an easy divorce make. The obvious chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts and you couldn’t help but want them to get back together. I enjoyed watching them overcome their problems and work together to mend the rift between them.

Perfect Excuse is a sweet and sexy romance and it gets the @judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval. TBR and Enjoy!

[Andrea Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia and Ryder King are going through a divorce in their small town of Mason Creek. And as you all know, small town gossip is a staple. These two can’t seem to stay out of the gossip column.

Olivia has her lingerie store and Ryder has the jewelry store but some secrets are kept. Love is still in the air but can these two finally get over their irreconcilable differences. Follow along as two people who truly love each other fight for their marriage. You have to give and take and these two will do anything to get their happily ever after.

Highly recommended. This was a entertaining second chance romance story. One I couldn’t put down.

A*R*C provided through Booksprout.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about Olivia and Ryder, both grew up and have lived in Mason Creek for most of their lives. She runs a lingerie store and he runs a jewelry store in town. They grew up together and dated in high school, went to college together, came home and married and have been married for seven years.

Things come to ahead when Olivia is ready for kids and Ryder wants to leave town and travel instead and so at the start of the book they are separated. They are mediating custody of their pet bird and its holding off their divorce because they both love the bird.

These two really love each other but both have huge secrets they are keeping from each other. HUGE!

This is a story that asks the question "Is love enough?" It was a highly entertaining story with a cute bird and lots of wonderful characters from Mason Creek. I really loved Ryder and Liv. They are both awesome characters and Liv is this really wonderfully talented person who has been hiding who she is and I loved that to some degree she was still a mystery to Ryder. She is why I adored this book. She is strong, independent, has dreams and knows how to not let anything stop her from making her dreams reality. I really adored her.

Ryder was a tougher character to like. He is keeping a really big secret and I understood why it was a hard thing for him to share but also its something you should share with your wife. I also loved how much he loved his wife but I also felt at times he was immature and ran away from his problems. Not always but sometimes. I also got really annoyed at him about his reaction to Liv's secret and how he did not support her at a very important night for her. I really felt Liv should have made him suffer more for how he treated her when her secret is exposed.

But I did enjoy this story. Its light reading and a story that was well written and easily stands alone in the series. I also loved the ending and loved watching these two get their happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy Avery Lovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐
     Perfect Excuse is book eleven in the multi-author, Mason Creek series. It tells the story of Ryder and Olivia King who are in the process of getting a divorce. This was a different type of read for me but one I enjoyed. 
     Mason and Olivia have known each other their entire lives and have loved each other just as long. They dated all through high school and college. After college, they married and have been married for seven years. It's hard to understand at first why they aren't staying together because it's obvious that love is still very much alive as well as some fiery attraction. 
     I love stories that have heart-warming and funny animals involved that add such light to the story. They are actually in a custody battle over a parrot named "Kiwi". During their separation, they end up spending a night together with passion involved. They live in a small town and I speak from experience when I say it is just about impossible to keep a secret in a small town. Their escapades end up in the local newspaper gossip column. When the judge finds out, he orders them to attend couples counseling. 
     It's during these sessions that they discover secrets they have been keeping from each other and they aren't small. I found myself rooting for them. If two people obviously love and still desire each other, then they shouldn't give up. I really wanted to reach through the pages and smack some sense into both of them at times. Then I questioned whether they had what it took but I did enjoy the ride. There were a few places that I felt lacked a certain something even if I couldn't put my finger on what, specifically, that was.
     Overall, I am happy I have finally read a book by A.D. Justice. If you love a sweet love story with heat, then this is for you. I feed off angst in my favorite stories and the level of angst in this book was rather low compared to what I'm used to. This would be a five star read for a lot of readers out there so make sure you give it a chance. 

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delightful mix of funny, poignant and sexy. Ryder and Olivia (Liv) are two characters that you can’t help loving, but wish you could smack some sense into or lock in a room together until they work things out. Both are stubborn, and hopelessly in live with each other, but they are seeking a divorce because they have met a road block in their marriage. Ryder wants to sell the businesses and travel the word with Liv and doesn’t see kids in their future. Liv wants to stay where they are and expand both their businesses and their family. Instead of really communicating or trusting each other and the depth of their love, both are keeping secrets. These secrets evoke their well hidden insecurities and both seem willing to let go of their relationship rather than to reveal them. The fight for custody of their beloved African grey parrot is just an excuse to hold on to the remnants of their marriage. Both desperately want the other to give in, to say they can work things out without having to reveal the secrets that make each of them fear rejection by the other. Everyone around them is losing patience with these two because their love is obvious for all to see. The trysts Ryder and Liv indulge in during their separation are no secret to the townspeople and have become fodder for the gossips. They are in deadlock or a holding pattern until one of the secrets comes to light, sending both of them into emotional chaos and retreat. Read this captivating story to discover what unfolds next for this fascinating couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book. I loved the idea of a second chance romance with a couple who were still actually married. Liv and Ryder have been in love for nearly their entire lives, they both agree that they are soulmates. But they're getting divorced. The major point of contention in their divorce is the custody of their beloved parrot. As the story unfolds Ryder and Liv can't seem to stay away from each other, nor can they agree on anything. The judge refuses their divorce due to the local gossip column telling all their salacious bedroom deeds. The judge orders them to seek counseling to determine if they truly are meant for divorce.

I enjoyed the journey these two go on in growth as a couple and as individuals. But about midway through it fell a little flat for me. Things blow up between the couple and then are fixed without any real discussion. During the story we learn that both Ryder and Liv are keeping very big portions of themselves from the other, and this is why they were headed for divorce in the first place. But once they reconcile they seem to be more understanding of the other, but they still are severely lacking in communication.

This was a lighthearted, quick read, with very low angst and a medium amount of steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s just start by saying I love small town romances!
This was my first read in this series but not by this author.
This was a sweet second chance romance read.
Ryder and Olivia are in the middle of a divorce... although the attraction is still there, as is the chemistry together.
Ryder wants to travel, Olivia wants to start a family but they both want custody of Kiwi their pet grey parrot.
Can they overcome their differences for the sake of love?
I was engrossed reading about how they overcome their problems and mended the rift between them.
Wonderfully written sweet read about a small town and second chances at love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was written well, but it just wasn't for me. I didn't like either of the Main characters, is predictable and boring.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder King and his wife, Olivia Anderson-King, seemed like the perfect couple until a huge fight over starting a family drove a wedge between them. Having reached an impasse, they filed for divorce and began the difficult process of separating their lives. The biggest challenge was a custody arrangement for their pet parrot, Kiwi, but after months of increasingly bitter negotiations, they still hadn't managed to come to an arrangement. It soon became clear that there was a lot more to the conflict than concern for their beloved pet, and neither of them was quite ready to let go of their marriage.

It was immediately obvious that Ryder and Olivia were still in love with each other, and there was a lot more than a single issue or fight that led to the breakdown of their marriage. Both Olivia and Ryder were keeping secrets from each other and they had significant issues to work through in order to save the relationship. They may have been forced into marriage counseling by the judge overseeing their divorce, but I appreciated that they made good use of the sessions to improve their communication. They were in a much better place by the end of the book and I truly believed that their love would withstand whatever future challenges life threw at them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming story and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. The Mason Creek series has been such a pleasant surprise, introducing me to several new-to-me authors, including A.D. Justice. I look forward to checking out more of this author's work as well as additional books in the Mason Creek series soon.

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via WordSmith Publicity. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN AN ADVANCED READERS COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW **

I love this book!

I am normally not one for second chance romance... I know I say that a lot if you see my reviews from time to time... But the spin on this one was amazing!

This book is a textbook miscommunication in a relationship. Oliva and Ryder have been together as long as anyone can remember but in that time it can be hard to find your won identity in a relationship and there are some issues that can arise.

Ryder thought he only needed her for the longest time, but then things started to come around him and he thought they were stuck and needed to getaway. Oliva thought they were on the road most married couples traveled, so when he hit the breaks and wanted something new she was blindsided and dug her heels in.

the back and forth with them was amazing and seeing what their friends thought made it better. They knew that this whole thing was blown out of proportion and they were just being stubborn.

I love the wisecracking Kiwi is the voice of reason more times than they care to let on. I really do love this book and how it came across. It was my first book by A.D. Justice and I cannot wait to read more from her.

10/10 Reccomend!

-Ashton

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, and heartbreak.

The below are part of this series if you want to read those books(s) first
Perfect Risk (Mason Creek #1) by C.A. Harms
Perfect Song (Mason Creek #2) by Lauren Runow
Perfect Love (Mason Creek #3) by A.M. Hargrove
Perfect Night (Mason Creek #4) by Terri E. Laine
Perfect Tragedy (Mason Creek #5) by Jennifer Miller
Perfect Escape (Mason Creek #6) by Cary Hart
Perfect Summer (Mason Creek #7) by Bethany Lopez
Perfect Embrace (Mason Creek #8) by Kaylee Ryan
Perfect Kiss (Mason Creek #9) by Lacey Black
Perfect Mess (Mason Creek #10) by Fabiola Francisco

This is Olivia and Ryder’s story. They are on there way to a divorce but one-night changes all that. They get outed and the judge does not want to give the divorce. They have to go for counseling so get it over with quicker. But they are both still in love with each other and the pull is still there they just lost there way. Can everyone who is rooting for them to stay together help them see that they have the one they want. They just have to expose all the secrets and stay together. The love is still there. But will they see it?

I recommend this book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder and Olivia have been married for a while and things were perfect between them through the years. That is, until Olivia wanted to children and Ryder doesn't...he just wants to travel and live their life to the fullest extent. They decide divorce is their best option, at this point. However, it's now seven months since their separation and they are no closer to that divorce. The problem....custody of their pet bird, Kiwi.

Olivia owns Queen's Unmentionables, a lingerie shop in town. Ryder owns a business in town, as well.

Thanks to an article in the MC Scoop, their divorce proceedings are now delayed another six months. This town has eyes and ears everywhere and Ryder and Olivia seem to be the main characters in this. These two are still so in love, but someone is going to have to compromise on what they want!

Between their court mandated therapy and town gossip, Ryder finds out Olivia has a secret and it sends him over the edge. But, not so fast Ryder, you too have a giant secret!

Great story! Loved the characters! I've never read a story where there was a custody battle over a bird........well played A.D. Justice!!

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute! I started off wondering if I would even like the book as the first chapter started out very polarizing for both individuals. Once I got to know both characters I was completely invested in the story! I was captivated by the ongoing love of the characters. It is a fun, quick, and happy romantic read!

There were a couple of items that bothered me: *Spoilers*
The main reason Ryder wanted to travel and separate for Olivia was dragged out way too much, and at that point, it pulled me out of the story because I thought it was the most ridiculous excuse as to why he wouldn't tell Olivia.
The phrases the bird repeated that Ryder and Olivia didn't know where they came from needed a lot more explanation to explain why this person was teaching the bird those specific phrases. There was no explanation as to why, which left this part of the storyline a hole in the story for me and completely frustrating and unnecessary.

Overall, I would read this book again and recommend this book to anyone that is interested in a fun and quick romantic read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Excuse is the 11th book in the multi-author Mason Creek series. I was not aware that this was a part of a series by different authors, just knew that one of my favorite authors was releasing a new book so I automatically jumped at the chance to read it. I have not read any of the other books in this series. I was able to read this as a stand alone but I am realizing there are going to be spoilers when I go back to read the earlier books. I enjoyed the small town setting of Mason Creek and can’t wait to know more about the other residences.
Ryder and Olivia and even Kiwi were great. There was so much laughter throughout this book that it was a breath of fresh air. It was an easy read but one that you didn’t want to put down as I just needed to know what crazy thing was going to happen next. It is definitely a small town setting in which everyone knows everyone and it is not easy to not end up in the town's newspaper. The custody battle over Kiwi was very unique and Kiwi only added to the story. If you are looking for a romcom, this is what you are looking for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in the quaint small town of Mason Creek. I have Been patiently waiting for Ryder and Olivia’s story. These two were childhood sweethearts and married right after college. Currently on the verge of divorce they are trying to navigate custody of their beloved Parrot Kiwi. Forced into counseling they are definitely learning things about themselves and each other that they never knew before. Ryder is the owner of his families jewelry store but is that enough for him? Does he need or want more? Olivia owns the lingerie shop in town and loves what she does. Can these two resolve their issues and get back together? There were a few times I wanted to reach though the book and shake both Ryder and Olivia! They are definitely both very stubborn people but at the same time they love each other soooo very much. This was a great quick read and I was extremely entertained. The Mason Creek gossip hot line was definitely working overtime in this book! I look forward to reading more books written by this author.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for Perfect Excuse ( Mason Creek #11)
I love visiting Mason Creek and Olivia and Ryder’s story is a great addition to this series set in this small town. If you love small town romances this book and this series should certainly be a must read.
This is not only a small town romance it’s also a second chance at love and that made it a win/win for me, this story captivated from the first couple of pages and there was no putting down until I had read the final line.
Olivia and Ryder married young and even though they still have feelings for each other they have decided that it’s time to go their separate ways and what follows is an entertaining read as this couple fight over custody of their parrot Kiwi. As they work through their differences with the help of a councillor they both realise this shouldn’t be the end and maybe it’s time to fight to win rather than to fight to lose their relationship…....
This is a great addition to the series, it has wonderful characters, it’s witty yet emotional and it’s a captivating read that I highly recommend.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have seen snippets of Ryder and Olivia and their contentious as well as ongoing divorce due to a custody battle so finally getting their story was fantastic, they are both still so in love with each other which you can see along with the rest of their friends and the whole town, but their relationship is so broken to the point neither know what to do. We learn that no relationship is perfect and both Ryder and Olivia have kept things from each other both the good and the bad which we slowly learn of and how those secrets caused a ripple effect in their relationship. Ryder and Olivia will make you laugh, cry, roll your eyes, want to throttle them as well as shake sense into them and hope that once the secrets are all in the open they both see why they fell in love and should stay married. You definitely want to get settled in before you star and may have some chocolates and wine at the ready for this one as you get pulled in deep to everything going on!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ronda Brimeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect excuse is a fun story of two people who love each other enough to start a divorce . Yeah right Olivia and Ryder are fighting really hard to stay away from each other. These two are as stubborn as they come. They are getting in each other's way of happiness. Until truths start coming out reveling both are holding back huge parts of their lives. Wanting to save each other from pain it may cause. Causing more pain in the process in their not so much divorce. Truths come out and they see and feel how much they love each other. Finding their way thru the problems in each others arms in flames of glory. Giving each other what they truly want their love and family with Kiwi. Finding something special in Manson Creek. Not one perfect Excuses anymore!!!! Just love happiness success and adventures for them......

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder and Olivia are the most realistic characters.  They have a love for the ages, since the first time he saw her in second grade! There doesn't seem to be anything that could tear them apart, until he drops a bomb that shakes the foundation of their lives.   She isn't little miss innocent,  with a saucey secret of her own,  but they both have reasons for not being honest.  

This leads to a six month separation period,  then orders to attend marriage counseling.  These two are doing their best to find any excuse to get out of their 7 year marriage.  There's talk of cheating,  jealousy,  secrets on both sides.  What they don't understand is that they have the perfect excuse to make it work, each other!

All the drama, laughter, and tears are amazing and I loved  Kiwi.  When a pet is one of the best characters in the story, who is the biggest surprise troublemaker, it's a win for me!  Can I just get out of my small town and move to Mason Creek?

[Mzlegz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryder and Olivia fooled no one with their bird bickering...even the bird!! I think she had more sense than her humans did...cue eye roll!! This story had me falling in love with Kiwi while rooting for those two quirky people to get it together. They may have taken over seven years to really get down to the core of who they were, but it was better late than never. I'm sure their mediator and therapist were glad to never see them again. Nothing they did was ever kept secret in that little town of gossips. My rooting points were Olivia FINALLY standing up for herself against over-grown mean girls and her parents. One bride's loss was their gain!! Didn't realize this was a part of 12 other novels and look forward to going back to catch up on the others by some of my newly followed authors. The potty language took away from the story which resulted in the 4/5 Stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I dive into a Mason Creek book, it's like coming home again. I've been looking forward to Ryder and Olivia's book for a long time and it definitely delivered.

One of my favorite tropes is a second chance romance for a couple who is separated or got divorced. I'm so happy that Ryder and Olivia were able to secure their HEA. These childhood sweethearts definitely had the deck stacked against them but we're able to figure out they are perfect for each other!

My favorite part of this book is how much Ryder was aware he didn't want to lose Liv and was going to do anything he needed to ensure he didn't.

Through overcoming their challenges they were able to make their individual dreams come true in a way that brought them closer together. I'm so happy they found a way to share their passions.

[Vera Blaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder and Olivia have been featured as secondary characters in other books in this series. I’ve been intrigued about their relationship and was hoping someone would come to my rescue! They’re in the middle of a divorce yet they still love each other. When someone says something less than flattering about one, the other jumps to their defense. What they lacked was communication. When they were given the opportunity to seek marriage counseling or wait another six months for a dissolution of their marriage, they sought marriage counseling. What they discovered through counseling was the importance of talking to each other and being completely honest. The author put a lot of heart and soul into the book.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

AD Justice is up next in the Mason Creek series (loving all I've read so far including this beauty!) with her addition and wow. This was a different take than the others I've read and I really, really enjoyed it. This was a complicated, all in your feels yet fun at times new release.

Ryder and Olivia. Our couple has problems and are separated on a path to divorce but when you still love your soon-to-be ex (on both sides to be clear) that can make everything more challenging. Throw in the custody battle of a parrot, secrets being exposed, a few bumps along the way... and you have quite the romance here y'all that keep you hooked first word to the last.

I love Mason Creek and I'm so excited to dive into the next in this interconnected series.

I can totally recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Heather Baxter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will they really have a HEA

I loved the first 75% of this book. Second chance and small town romances are my favorite troupe. I really loved the scenes in the counselling office. There interactions were realistic and moving. Then suddenly the book changed. I don't know if the author didn't know how to bring the couple together. I would have felt different about the story if Ryder showed support of his wife in front of everyone. I never felt like they really addressed the lack of trust in their marriage. Suddenly Ryder shows up in new York and all is well. Is Ryder good with the Livvy because she is now going someplace and he gets to rid her coat tails? I think Livvy will think of that in the future and their marriage may struggle again but now their is a real child to fight over ....not a bird.