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Blue Collar Romance #3
Make Me
Make Me is part of the Blue Collar Romance series, a multi-author series of standalone novels. Welcome to Oak Bend, where blue-collar hotties work hard and love even harder, especially when it comes to landing their happily ever after.
Laci Hogan isn’t looking for love when she moves back to Oak Bend. Coming home is all about Laci gaining the independence she once lost. Besides, getting over a rocky past and losing her husband is more than enough for her to juggle while raising her two-year-old daughter but old acquaintance - Cooper Stevens can be persistent when it comes to getting what he wants.
No stranger to hard work, he’s willing to do all it takes to prove to his new neighbor Laci that she doesn’t have to do life alone and that with the right person, a relationship makes life better - oh so much better.
Will Cooper make her see that this could be all the happiness she never knew she was looking for?
Welcome to Oak Bend where blue-collar hotties work hard and love even harder, especially when it comes to landing their happily ever after.
Laci Hogan isn’t looking for love when she moves back to Oak Bend. Coming home is all about Laci gaining the independence she once lost. Besides, getting over a rocky past and losing her husband is more than enough for her to juggle while raising her two-year-old daughter but old acquaintance - Cooper Stevens can be persistent when it comes to getting what he wants.
No stranger to hard work, he’s willing to do all it takes to prove to his new neighbor Laci that she doesn’t have to do life alone and that with the right person, a relationship makes life better - oh so much better.
Will Cooper make her see that this could be all the happiness she never knew she was looking for?
Welcome to Oak Bend where blue-collar hotties work hard and love even harder, especially when it comes to landing their happily ever after.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2021
193 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Sola
29 books979 followersA Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.
Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.
She currently lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters.
Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.
She currently lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
September 14, 2021
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
How have I never read an Evelyn Sola book before now? Her writing pulls you in from the first page! There was not a moment I didn't completely love Laci, Ivy or Coop. This has been a top read for the summer, no doubt!!
Laci has recently moved back to Oak Bend with her daughter Ivy after her mother wouldn't take no for an answer. Laci was forced to marry the man that got her pregnant and ever since her life has been in shambles. Oak Bend is her new start where she has her daughter, her aunt and a job that she loves but she never expected Coop. The popular boy in high school who was just out of her grasp now seems to want nothing more than to spend time her and Ivy.
Cooper Stevens has always wondered what happened to the beautiful girl with the colored laces from high school. Now here she is, his next-door neighbor and even after all these years she is still the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. He knows that there is a story behind Laci returning with a daughter in tow, but the only thing Coop wants is to get close to Laci. If he could show her that she deserves so much more than she has been given than maybe his life could be filled with all the beauty that is Laci & Ivy.
Coop, Laci & Ivy made the perfect family!! I was rooting for them from their first meeting and Evelyn did not disappoint in giving me a beautiful story that made me swoon from start to finish. This story is the type of story I long to find. There was a couple of angsty moments, with some drama thrown in but the Laci & Coop were able to make it work through with communication, trust and love.
Do yourself a favor, pick up Make Me and fall in love with this beautiful single mom romance!!
How have I never read an Evelyn Sola book before now? Her writing pulls you in from the first page! There was not a moment I didn't completely love Laci, Ivy or Coop. This has been a top read for the summer, no doubt!!
Laci has recently moved back to Oak Bend with her daughter Ivy after her mother wouldn't take no for an answer. Laci was forced to marry the man that got her pregnant and ever since her life has been in shambles. Oak Bend is her new start where she has her daughter, her aunt and a job that she loves but she never expected Coop. The popular boy in high school who was just out of her grasp now seems to want nothing more than to spend time her and Ivy.
Cooper Stevens has always wondered what happened to the beautiful girl with the colored laces from high school. Now here she is, his next-door neighbor and even after all these years she is still the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. He knows that there is a story behind Laci returning with a daughter in tow, but the only thing Coop wants is to get close to Laci. If he could show her that she deserves so much more than she has been given than maybe his life could be filled with all the beauty that is Laci & Ivy.
Coop, Laci & Ivy made the perfect family!! I was rooting for them from their first meeting and Evelyn did not disappoint in giving me a beautiful story that made me swoon from start to finish. This story is the type of story I long to find. There was a couple of angsty moments, with some drama thrown in but the Laci & Coop were able to make it work through with communication, trust and love.
Do yourself a favor, pick up Make Me and fall in love with this beautiful single mom romance!!
July 21, 2022
- single mom
- Interracial romance (BWWM)
- Small town
Laci Hogan isn’t looking for love when she moves back home. Shes’s getting over a rocky past and losing her husband is more than enough for her to juggle while raising her two-year-old daughter but an old acquaintance - Cooper Stevens is determined to get whatever he wants and he wants her.
Super cute but ehh would’ve been better if it was longer and a slow burn also would’ve been better if he didn’t sexualize her so much like damn WE GET IT you think she has a fat ass and big tiddies gawd damn
“Forget everything else. I will make you feel loved every day, and I will never, ever leave you. Never. Only death will separate us. I’m your protector, Laci. I’ll walk through fire for you and Ivy. All you have to do is let me.”
- Interracial romance (BWWM)
- Small town
Laci Hogan isn’t looking for love when she moves back home. Shes’s getting over a rocky past and losing her husband is more than enough for her to juggle while raising her two-year-old daughter but an old acquaintance - Cooper Stevens is determined to get whatever he wants and he wants her.
Super cute but ehh would’ve been better if it was longer and a slow burn also would’ve been better if he didn’t sexualize her so much like damn WE GET IT you think she has a fat ass and big tiddies gawd damn
“Forget everything else. I will make you feel loved every day, and I will never, ever leave you. Never. Only death will separate us. I’m your protector, Laci. I’ll walk through fire for you and Ivy. All you have to do is let me.”
September 23, 2021
Takeover & Unwrapped are still my favorite books by this author. Happy Reading!
April 20, 2023
2.5 stars
I was disappointed because ivy wasn’t really a big part of the book. She was always either with someone else, at daycare, or sleeping. Also so many time jumps and it was basically all sex.
I was disappointed because ivy wasn’t really a big part of the book. She was always either with someone else, at daycare, or sleeping. Also so many time jumps and it was basically all sex.
January 2, 2022
A feel good “make you believe in love again” type of romance. 4.5 Stars.
September 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. So much so I couldn't put it down.
I really felt for Laci. She came from a rough background that has really caused her to not want to let anyone in. She also had a really rough relationship with her husband. Her self-esteem doesn't seem to be the best. She needs someone like Cooper.
I LOVED Cooper. The way he was with Laci and Ivy had my heart-melting. He was so good for them. And the way he fought for her...yeah who doesn't want that in their life!! His mom and sister were pretty amazing as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really felt for Laci. She came from a rough background that has really caused her to not want to let anyone in. She also had a really rough relationship with her husband. Her self-esteem doesn't seem to be the best. She needs someone like Cooper.
I LOVED Cooper. The way he was with Laci and Ivy had my heart-melting. He was so good for them. And the way he fought for her...yeah who doesn't want that in their life!! His mom and sister were pretty amazing as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 6, 2022
4.75⭐️SF GOOD
September 14, 2021
5 Star Make Me (Blue Collar Romance #3) by Evelyn Sola
Evelyn Sola is a relatively new author to me and what I have read I have enjoyed. We are back in Oak Bend for Cooper and single mum Laci’s love story and it was entertaining.
I fell hard and fast for all these characters, Cooper is totally swoon worthy and definitely a new book boyfriend. The secondary characters were engaging and I loved the interaction between Ivy and Cooper’s dog Sam.
My heart broke for Laci, she has been through so much and has little confidence or self esteem. The walls that she has built up will take a lot to bring down. I really loved how Cooper treated Laci and Ivy, it was heart warming; he was there for her and his love and support made me melt.
Cooper has always had feelings for Laci but has never acted on it, until now. The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, if only Cooper can convince Laci to trust in his feelings. I loved the relationship that he had with Ivy, it was beautiful to read.
Make Me was witty, emotional, romantic and a well written love story that I recommend.
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Evelyn Sola is a relatively new author to me and what I have read I have enjoyed. We are back in Oak Bend for Cooper and single mum Laci’s love story and it was entertaining.
I fell hard and fast for all these characters, Cooper is totally swoon worthy and definitely a new book boyfriend. The secondary characters were engaging and I loved the interaction between Ivy and Cooper’s dog Sam.
My heart broke for Laci, she has been through so much and has little confidence or self esteem. The walls that she has built up will take a lot to bring down. I really loved how Cooper treated Laci and Ivy, it was heart warming; he was there for her and his love and support made me melt.
Cooper has always had feelings for Laci but has never acted on it, until now. The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, if only Cooper can convince Laci to trust in his feelings. I loved the relationship that he had with Ivy, it was beautiful to read.
Make Me was witty, emotional, romantic and a well written love story that I recommend.
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November 12, 2024
Enjoyed. Loved Cooper and Laci together. Pacing was great. Loved the high school history between them. Loved Ivy (Laci's daughter) and Sam (Cooper's dog). Writing style kept me interested and engaged.
The downfalls here were the over the top, caricaturish villains and Laci having every insecurity under the sun. Candace (Cooper's ex) was a ridiculous character and her involvement in the story went on way too long...come on, even in the epilogue? Stop it. Laci's mother and ex mother-in-law really did the most, and what was the point of Cooper driving all the way to threaten the mother after Laci had already dealt with the situation?
Apart from all that, we are tired of the 'insecure, black, fat girl who's never known love' trope. This was written last year (2021); let's do better. I'm not at all saying insecure fat women don't exist, but did it have to be her whole personality?? The mama was horrible, the ex was horrible, the ex-mother-in-law was over the top. It was just soooo much with her. It just felt like the author was checking boxes of misfortune for this character. Thank God we had Aunt Mae!
All in all, an enjoyable story that would have been closer to five stars if things had been less cartoonish.
The downfalls here were the over the top, caricaturish villains and Laci having every insecurity under the sun. Candace (Cooper's ex) was a ridiculous character and her involvement in the story went on way too long...come on, even in the epilogue? Stop it. Laci's mother and ex mother-in-law really did the most, and what was the point of Cooper driving all the way to threaten the mother after Laci had already dealt with the situation?
Apart from all that, we are tired of the 'insecure, black, fat girl who's never known love' trope. This was written last year (2021); let's do better. I'm not at all saying insecure fat women don't exist, but did it have to be her whole personality?? The mama was horrible, the ex was horrible, the ex-mother-in-law was over the top. It was just soooo much with her. It just felt like the author was checking boxes of misfortune for this character. Thank God we had Aunt Mae!
All in all, an enjoyable story that would have been closer to five stars if things had been less cartoonish.
October 31, 2021
Shallow
I feel like this could have been a good book but the author just skimmed the top of the story and didn't try to dig deeper. Cooper is easily one of the worst heroes this genre has. He's not a jerk like most of the others but he is way too creepy and has no problems putting his hands on women. He is obsessed with Laci from the first time they meet and is in her face relentlessly regardless of how many times she says no. It would be an episode of dateline in the real world but since it's a book it's supposedly romantic. Most of the book is just Laci feeling sorry for herself or them having sex. There are also a few completely over the top villains straight out of a soap opera.
I feel like this could have been a good book but the author just skimmed the top of the story and didn't try to dig deeper. Cooper is easily one of the worst heroes this genre has. He's not a jerk like most of the others but he is way too creepy and has no problems putting his hands on women. He is obsessed with Laci from the first time they meet and is in her face relentlessly regardless of how many times she says no. It would be an episode of dateline in the real world but since it's a book it's supposedly romantic. Most of the book is just Laci feeling sorry for herself or them having sex. There are also a few completely over the top villains straight out of a soap opera.
September 6, 2021
If you know me then you KNOW I love me some Evelyn Sola. She never misses and this book was definitely a HIT HIT! Cooper and Laci unexpectedly reunite 10 years after high school and their chemistry instantly lit my kindle on fire. Sola did the single mother trope so beautiful and seeing Cooper fall in love with Ivy (Laci's daughter) was so pure and beautiful. He was always meant to be her daddy. The banter, emotion, love and steaminess of this book made me finish it in one go. Cooper has earned his way into my book boyfriends list forever. 💖
Read
September 5, 2021I read by the pool while on vacation. And "Make Me" was the perfect way to relax and get away from the real world!! The characters were loyal and strong. The love was intense. You will enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2023
This was fun, fast paced, a little erratic at times but a good enjoyable read!
July 22, 2022
SINGLE PARENT TROPE NEVER MISSES
July 28, 2022
I was going to give this one star. But out of the goodness of my heart it’s getting two.
September 7, 2021
A sweet small town romance of two passing ships in the night finally getting a chance.
I do wish that Laci had a little more spunk for the majority of the novel, a lot of it felt like self-pity and insecurity, but it was a very sweet story with some juicy bits thrown in that had even my eyebrows lifting.
Though I received a free ARC of this book from the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I do wish that Laci had a little more spunk for the majority of the novel, a lot of it felt like self-pity and insecurity, but it was a very sweet story with some juicy bits thrown in that had even my eyebrows lifting.
Though I received a free ARC of this book from the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2021
I was so excited to see that Make Me by Evelyn Sola was a part of the Blue Collar Romance series. Ms. Sola has become one of my favorite authors and she NEVER disappoints! She has the ability to create multilayered and complex characters with humor and heart. When Laci Hogan returns to Oak Bend, she is returning to the only real home she has ever known. She is widowed with a toddler, and she is not looking for anything but peace and a place to heal. The healing is there for the taking but the peace might be harder to come by; her landlord, who lives next door, turns out to be Cooper Stevens. Back when Laci lived in Oak Bend previously, Cooper was a popular high school student, dating the perfect girlfriend; Laci was sure he never noticed her. However, Laci was wrong, Cooper not only noticed her, but he also liked her! Back then Laci was too young but NOW that Cooper has Laci living next door to him, he is going to ensure that she knows how he feels. Unfortunately, Laci is so damaged by her past that she can’t see that Cooper could be her future! I am loving this series depicting real people finding real love. The fact that the always great Evelyn Sola is one of the authors is just icing on the cake.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2021
3.5 Stars!
POV: Dual (1st Person)
Tropes: Widow, Single mum, BW/WM romance, Small town
Triggers: Psychological domestic abuse. Bullying
Likes: I loved how protective Cooper was, of both Laci and little cutie Ivy. He really was all in! Plus he's one hell of a dirty talker! It was also so sweet that they'd both had a huge crush on each since high school, but neither knew.
Dislikes: I'm not a huge fan of OW drama, but Candace really took the biscuit, that woman was just horrid!
Synopsis: Make Me follows widow and single mum Laci as she moves back to her home town with her daughter Ivy. She's shocked when she finds out her new neighbour and landlord is high school crush Cooper. However her surprise soon turns to disappointment when it looks like he's still dating his high school girlfriend and her biggest bully Candace...or is he?
Cooper can't believe his eyes when he sees his new tenant. Laci's been on his mind since school, when he was too afraid to reveal his true feelings for her. He knows she's had a tough life, from her cold mother to cheating husband. Now he's determined to not let her slip through his fingers again, and show her what true love really is!
But what happens when his ex really isn't willing to step away gracefully? And can he convince Laci to lower her sky high walls?
POV: Dual (1st Person)
Tropes: Widow, Single mum, BW/WM romance, Small town
Triggers: Psychological domestic abuse. Bullying
Likes: I loved how protective Cooper was, of both Laci and little cutie Ivy. He really was all in! Plus he's one hell of a dirty talker! It was also so sweet that they'd both had a huge crush on each since high school, but neither knew.
Dislikes: I'm not a huge fan of OW drama, but Candace really took the biscuit, that woman was just horrid!
Synopsis: Make Me follows widow and single mum Laci as she moves back to her home town with her daughter Ivy. She's shocked when she finds out her new neighbour and landlord is high school crush Cooper. However her surprise soon turns to disappointment when it looks like he's still dating his high school girlfriend and her biggest bully Candace...or is he?
Cooper can't believe his eyes when he sees his new tenant. Laci's been on his mind since school, when he was too afraid to reveal his true feelings for her. He knows she's had a tough life, from her cold mother to cheating husband. Now he's determined to not let her slip through his fingers again, and show her what true love really is!
But what happens when his ex really isn't willing to step away gracefully? And can he convince Laci to lower her sky high walls?
September 18, 2021
Sweet Story.
When Laci moves to Oak Bend to start a new life for her and her daughter she never expected to be living next door to Cooper, a guy she hasn’t seen since her freshmen year of high school. When Cooper sees Laci again, he knows this is the chance to get the girl he wanted way back in high school.
Cooper was so sweet. He loved Laci and Ivy and let it be known. He was patient with Laci as they worked to make a relationship work for them while tearing down the walls she’s built from years of bad relationships with the people who should have loved her. Laci had a ton of emotional baggage she had to work through to put her faith, trust, and heart in Cooper. Also little Ivy was just the cutest, and her relationship with Cooper was the sweetest.
I love the single mom/dad trope and this didn’t disappoint. When Laci finally stood up for herself at the birthday party I cheered! Although I was frustrated with her reaction after everything was over. Also, that Candace was awful. The fact that no one close to her except Cooper (from what we see) ever call her out on her terrible behavior was annoying.
While I thought we were going to learn about Laci’s father and he would become that parental figure she deserved, it was nice she had Cooper’s family and her aunt.
This book has a satisfying epilogue and a nice bonus epilogue if you sign up for the author’s newsletter.
When Laci moves to Oak Bend to start a new life for her and her daughter she never expected to be living next door to Cooper, a guy she hasn’t seen since her freshmen year of high school. When Cooper sees Laci again, he knows this is the chance to get the girl he wanted way back in high school.
Cooper was so sweet. He loved Laci and Ivy and let it be known. He was patient with Laci as they worked to make a relationship work for them while tearing down the walls she’s built from years of bad relationships with the people who should have loved her. Laci had a ton of emotional baggage she had to work through to put her faith, trust, and heart in Cooper. Also little Ivy was just the cutest, and her relationship with Cooper was the sweetest.
I love the single mom/dad trope and this didn’t disappoint. When Laci finally stood up for herself at the birthday party I cheered! Although I was frustrated with her reaction after everything was over. Also, that Candace was awful. The fact that no one close to her except Cooper (from what we see) ever call her out on her terrible behavior was annoying.
While I thought we were going to learn about Laci’s father and he would become that parental figure she deserved, it was nice she had Cooper’s family and her aunt.
This book has a satisfying epilogue and a nice bonus epilogue if you sign up for the author’s newsletter.
September 21, 2021
Laci is in Oak Bend, looking for a fresh start with her young daughter. She meets Cooper right away - her new next-door neighbor and landlord. Laci had a tough home life growing up, and a crummy forced marriage - she's sworn off men. She tries to stay away from Cooper. Mostly. She does make him work hard to get close to her. He is just a doll, and I'm in love with him. All of her concerns about getting involved... he doesn't care about any of that. There's drama - her mother and mother-in-law show up unannounced, and Cooper's ex just doesn't understand the word "No". I want to be like Aunt Mae when I grow up. She's Laci's quiet strength, the mother that Laci always wished for, loving, accepting, supportive, non-judgmental. Ivy, the little scene-stealer, is the cutest two-year-old ever, falling in love with Cooper, and claiming his dog as her own. I picked up this book as part of the Blue Collar Romance series, and the author is new to me. Her entry in the series is absolutely wonderful, heartwarming story. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
May 12, 2023
Beautiful. Tender. Sweet. Loving.
5-MAKE ME
Laci came back to the little town she felt most at home in. She was now back in town with a child in tow and her heart not available. She was only here before for a short period of time. Now she is back to make home and reconnect with her aunt and uncle. They loved her no matter the choice she made or didn't make. But next door was her past. A past that did not happen but the past nonetheless. Cooper was the super hot sexy senior to her freshmen all those years ago. He was the one that didn't happen. She was the awkward young dark skinned girl with the vibrant laces in her shoes.
Cooper and Laci find that they both remember each other. There is a little something there brewing. Cooper finds that his past will now allow for his future to take place. Laci finds that her family are not all willing to love her unconditionally and protect her. She finds old wounds take a long to heal and that maybe a change in her life now will allow for her to move forward with her own future.
I enjoyed getting to see a bit of Oak Bend through the eyes of Laci and Cooper.
5-MAKE ME
Laci came back to the little town she felt most at home in. She was now back in town with a child in tow and her heart not available. She was only here before for a short period of time. Now she is back to make home and reconnect with her aunt and uncle. They loved her no matter the choice she made or didn't make. But next door was her past. A past that did not happen but the past nonetheless. Cooper was the super hot sexy senior to her freshmen all those years ago. He was the one that didn't happen. She was the awkward young dark skinned girl with the vibrant laces in her shoes.
Cooper and Laci find that they both remember each other. There is a little something there brewing. Cooper finds that his past will now allow for his future to take place. Laci finds that her family are not all willing to love her unconditionally and protect her. She finds old wounds take a long to heal and that maybe a change in her life now will allow for her to move forward with her own future.
I enjoyed getting to see a bit of Oak Bend through the eyes of Laci and Cooper.
September 10, 2021
This book was such a wonderful, sweet but steamy read.
Laci has had a difficult life and been deeply hurt by the very people that were supposed to support, protect and love her. The only good thing that has come out of this is her daughter Ivy. Laci moves back to Oak Bend and goes to work at her Aunt Mae’s flower shop to try and get her life back together.
Cooper is Laci’s next door neighbour and he has had a thing for Laci since they were in high school and now he sees his chance to finally make his intentions known. Cooper is such a sweet and patient guy and he is more than happy to let Laci set the pace of the relationship.
There are some dramas in this book but I absolutely loved the characters in this book and how their relationships developed and how they all worked to support Laci and Ivy and show how much they are loved.
This is my first Evelyn Sola book and I don’t think it will be the last
Laci has had a difficult life and been deeply hurt by the very people that were supposed to support, protect and love her. The only good thing that has come out of this is her daughter Ivy. Laci moves back to Oak Bend and goes to work at her Aunt Mae’s flower shop to try and get her life back together.
Cooper is Laci’s next door neighbour and he has had a thing for Laci since they were in high school and now he sees his chance to finally make his intentions known. Cooper is such a sweet and patient guy and he is more than happy to let Laci set the pace of the relationship.
There are some dramas in this book but I absolutely loved the characters in this book and how their relationships developed and how they all worked to support Laci and Ivy and show how much they are loved.
This is my first Evelyn Sola book and I don’t think it will be the last
September 11, 2021
So in love with this book!! I’ve never read from this author and some of the style was a little different but the sass was amazing and so incredible to read!!
Cooper seems so much different than I thought he would be and at first it was annoying and I wanted to roughly bump into him but then I thought about their age. He brings the swoon to new levels!! I couldn’t stop reading and watching him try to get what he wanted was awe inspiring.
I felt a connection to Laci and while we aren’t the same skin color I felt more connected to her than any other than I’ve ever read. It was refreshing to read and really have things be from someone my sizes perspective. My heart ached for her so many times throughout, just understanding her mindset!
Thank you for writing a book like this! Thank you for these beautiful words and making me feel like everyone else, instead of me trying to understand and not get mad about these twigs in other books. So many parts made me want to stand up and clap for not only Cooper but for Laci and even cutie Ivy at times!
Cooper seems so much different than I thought he would be and at first it was annoying and I wanted to roughly bump into him but then I thought about their age. He brings the swoon to new levels!! I couldn’t stop reading and watching him try to get what he wanted was awe inspiring.
I felt a connection to Laci and while we aren’t the same skin color I felt more connected to her than any other than I’ve ever read. It was refreshing to read and really have things be from someone my sizes perspective. My heart ached for her so many times throughout, just understanding her mindset!
Thank you for writing a book like this! Thank you for these beautiful words and making me feel like everyone else, instead of me trying to understand and not get mad about these twigs in other books. So many parts made me want to stand up and clap for not only Cooper but for Laci and even cutie Ivy at times!
September 21, 2021
Laci spent a year in Oak Bend as a teen. She has returned to town as a widowed, single mother. The object of her high school crush is her neighbor. Little did she know that Cooper had his sights on her all those years ago.
I am really loving the stories that are intertwined in the town of Oak Bend. It is great to revisit local places with each of the new couples.
Cooper is a man after my own heart. Who can resist a man that loves animals and small children? I love how he interacts with Laci's daughter, Ivy. Their constant argument over who owns Sam the dog is sweet and sigh worthy.
Ivy has had a rough life since leaving Oak Bend. Trapped in a loveless marriage has damaged her self worth and confidence. Cooper is exactly who she needs in her life.
The romance is sweet and steamy. I breezed through the book because I couldn't put it down.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am really loving the stories that are intertwined in the town of Oak Bend. It is great to revisit local places with each of the new couples.
Cooper is a man after my own heart. Who can resist a man that loves animals and small children? I love how he interacts with Laci's daughter, Ivy. Their constant argument over who owns Sam the dog is sweet and sigh worthy.
Ivy has had a rough life since leaving Oak Bend. Trapped in a loveless marriage has damaged her self worth and confidence. Cooper is exactly who she needs in her life.
The romance is sweet and steamy. I breezed through the book because I couldn't put it down.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 25, 2021
Laci was trying so hard to provide the type of life her daughter deserved. Despite how she came into this world and to whom, she wanted her to have all the love, all the opportunities, all the freedoms and support that she could offer...all the things she never received herself, growing up. I couldn't help but root for her, all the way through the story, and the ending, both the explosive scene and the epilogue, were spot on for the tale.
Memorable for many reasons with a story that will echo the "mean girl" tales many have from their own lives...but if you take a page from Laci, you'll know that the best way to win, the best way to come out on top of the naysayers, is to keep doing you, and don't let anyone steal your light. Note for readers, there is a fair mention of Laci's weight being a bit over that of your standard twigs, and a good amount of spicy talk and/or scenes. Sometimes those can be tipping points of interest, but if not, at the very least, it's good to know going in.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
Memorable for many reasons with a story that will echo the "mean girl" tales many have from their own lives...but if you take a page from Laci, you'll know that the best way to win, the best way to come out on top of the naysayers, is to keep doing you, and don't let anyone steal your light. Note for readers, there is a fair mention of Laci's weight being a bit over that of your standard twigs, and a good amount of spicy talk and/or scenes. Sometimes those can be tipping points of interest, but if not, at the very least, it's good to know going in.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
September 12, 2021
I really enjoyed Make Me by Evelyn Sola!! I absolutely loved Laci, Ivy and Cooper!! I was able to really understand and connect with Laci as I’ve always been on the heavier side. This story is about a widow coming back to Oak Bend where her aunt lives and where she spent one year of high school. Her and her daughter are renting a house and their neighbor is hot Cooper who runs a construction company. They meet when Laci’s daughter Ivy takes off running over to Cooper’s when she see his dog Sam. When they lock eyes Laci grabs her daughter and they run home. They both instantly recognize one another even though she was a junior and he was in his senior year. The book was incredibly hard to put down. I smiled, laughed, got mad and frustrated throughout the book. Yes I definitely loved it!! I received this advanced readers copy for my honest review. Happy reading.
September 22, 2021
I was torn with this book. I actaully loved the story of Cooper and Laci. The author did a great job of portraying mean high school girls. We all know what they were like and Sola's depiction of Candace was perfectly written. I thought it was clever the way the (h)'s name was Laci and Cooper (H) called her Laces. Ivy was simply adorable. Her ballet antics were so sweet - especially when Cooper did them, too! I would have to say that the characterization was really spot on.
I had two problems with this book: one big, one small. The small one... I really want an author to use the word "lay" correctly. The verb "to lay" requires a direct object. "The dog is laying down too".... should be, "The dog is lying down too"... I realize that is picky but shouldn't a published author know the difference?
The bigger problem I had was with Cooper smoking marijuana. "I only allow myself to do this on my days off and I plan on taking full advantage this weekend." It's a shame that the author felt it was necessary to have the main character one that smokes drugs. Especially when at the end, Laci (h) decides that Cooper's signature scent and that of marijuana is the "best smell on earth". I really felt that this was a good story - it did not need the drugs in it. That didn't add anything to the story line.
I had two problems with this book: one big, one small. The small one... I really want an author to use the word "lay" correctly. The verb "to lay" requires a direct object. "The dog is laying down too".... should be, "The dog is lying down too"... I realize that is picky but shouldn't a published author know the difference?
The bigger problem I had was with Cooper smoking marijuana. "I only allow myself to do this on my days off and I plan on taking full advantage this weekend." It's a shame that the author felt it was necessary to have the main character one that smokes drugs. Especially when at the end, Laci (h) decides that Cooper's signature scent and that of marijuana is the "best smell on earth". I really felt that this was a good story - it did not need the drugs in it. That didn't add anything to the story line.
September 17, 2021
I haven't read that many books by Evelyn Sola but every one I do I fell more and more in love with her work.
Laci and Copper's relationship doesn't start on a good note. Especially with his on/off again girlfriend still in the picture. The story is relatively fast paced but it was not rushed. I felt the chemistry, bond they seemed to have from the get go. I loved her aunt and his family. But the Sweetest Thing was the ending... Trust me when I tell you my heart melted on the spot.
With each book by Evelyn Sola I'm getting more addicted and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Laci and Copper's relationship doesn't start on a good note. Especially with his on/off again girlfriend still in the picture. The story is relatively fast paced but it was not rushed. I felt the chemistry, bond they seemed to have from the get go. I loved her aunt and his family. But the Sweetest Thing was the ending... Trust me when I tell you my heart melted on the spot.
With each book by Evelyn Sola I'm getting more addicted and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
September 20, 2021
Make me by Evelyn Sola is another beautiful story. Laci had difficulties to over come due to her past relationships and I absolutely loved Cooper for standing by her in spite of all the walls she erected to prevent him from getting close. The absolute show stopper is Ivy, she’s so adorable that you can’t help but love her and that’s exactly what happened to Cooper and his dog. Aunt Mae was such a phenomenal woman to Laci and Ivy as well as she was the right person to be in Cooper’s corner.
All in all, Evelyn Sola has been writing amazing books and this book is no exception. I highly recommend you get this book, you’ll be in love with the characters just as I am.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All in all, Evelyn Sola has been writing amazing books and this book is no exception. I highly recommend you get this book, you’ll be in love with the characters just as I am.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2021
Make Me is book three in the Oak Bend blue collar series. It focuses on the interracial couple Lacie a single mother and a widow and Cooper an all around gentleman with a tenacious streak a mile long. I greatly appreciated that his being white and she being a POC was not an issue here at all instead we get our conflict from a crazy jealous ex, fat shaming, a mother and "family" that shamed and manipulated an innocent girl and said girls struggle for independence and freedom to discover who she is after being subjected to cruel verbal abuse. Cooper, our H, was so patient and understanding of Laci. Laci, our h, is such a survivor and sweet woman. Can I just bring to attention how these books progressively bring on the heat factor!!! I mean, the dick action in this one?? Yes, please!
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