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Under One Roof #1
Do Over
I’ve gotten a do over... And I’m determined not to screw it up.
I’m a tough guy. I’m a whiz with power tools, earned my hard hat and work boots the legit way, and can throw a football spiral that makes pro quarterbacks weep. But when Maddie, the mother of my son, shows up on my doorstep in tears, I have zero defenses. I can’t say no to my kid. Or his mom. Never have been able to.
That’s how I make two big impulsive decisions: giving Maddie a bed to sleep in… and climbing in with her. Now I’ve got my kid and his mom living under my too-small roof, and I can’t put the attraction genie back in the bottle.
I always knew I wasn’t the guy anyone wanted as a dad or a husband, and nothing’s changed in that department. But I can’t deny that this time, something’s different.
I just hope that thing is me.
I’m a tough guy. I’m a whiz with power tools, earned my hard hat and work boots the legit way, and can throw a football spiral that makes pro quarterbacks weep. But when Maddie, the mother of my son, shows up on my doorstep in tears, I have zero defenses. I can’t say no to my kid. Or his mom. Never have been able to.
That’s how I make two big impulsive decisions: giving Maddie a bed to sleep in… and climbing in with her. Now I’ve got my kid and his mom living under my too-small roof, and I can’t put the attraction genie back in the bottle.
I always knew I wasn’t the guy anyone wanted as a dad or a husband, and nothing’s changed in that department. But I can’t deny that this time, something’s different.
I just hope that thing is me.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2018
88 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Serena Bell
54 books748 followersNewest Release!
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
November 26, 2017
3.5 Stars!
Friends to lovers second chance romance... I don't read enough of this trope.
Jack and Maddie were childhood friends but stopped talking to each other when they shared a kiss as young teens. Well it was more like Jack stopped talking to Maddie. He had a lot going on in his life though and Maddie didn't make much of an effort to try and reach out. So they are both to blame. Then a few years later Maddie is home for a visit from college and nursing a broken heart. Her bestie Mia convinces her to friend a bunch of her old high school buddies and in doing so they get invited to the beach for a bonfire. This is where she see's Jack. Just like in high school he is surrounded by females. They don't talk. Not at first. Later on her own Maddie is allowing herself to have a quiet cry when Jack walks up on her. He's a sucker for crying women and takes her in his arms. From there things get hot and heavy and they don't use protection and the sweetest little boy was conceived. Unfortunately Jack was on board with financially supporting his son, but he made it clear to Maddie that he was not father nor husband material. Although he does have two weekends out of the month he's not the one taking on the majority of the responsibility of taking care of his boy. No, he leaves that up to his mom and sister. He refers to himself as the "Fun Uncle". That didn't sit well with me, but at least the guy was honest with Maddie up front. She still wanted to have the baby knowing that Jack isn't going to be her forever guy.
5 years later Maddie is in a relationship and thinks it's headed to a marriage proposal and Jack is still enjoying his single life and one-night stands. But things get complicated when Maddie comes home early to find her boyfriend underneath her best friend, Mia's skirt. Heart broken Maddie runs to the only friend she feels like she has; Jack. Jack is having his own problems that night. He promised Maddie that he'd keep their boy while she had her work thing. The problem is, is that both his sister and mother are out of town and he is on his own having to do all the normal things you have to do while taking care of a 4 year old. When he finally gets Gavin down and he's about to relax there is a knock on the door. He opens it to find a sobbing Maddie and just like the 5 years before he takes her in his arms and things get heated. They hit the breaks not long after some steam and decide it's not smart to hook-up. But Jack does the unthinkable in his bachelor life and offers her his home to crash at while she looks for a new place. From here things get even more muddled. Sex is involved, feelings start rising again, and soon the past comes back to remind them why it didn't work the first time around.
It was an enjoyable read and both characters are likable and the little boy was sweet.
Although the story was enjoyable sometimes it got confusing on who's POV it was.
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Friends to lovers second chance romance... I don't read enough of this trope.
Jack and Maddie were childhood friends but stopped talking to each other when they shared a kiss as young teens. Well it was more like Jack stopped talking to Maddie. He had a lot going on in his life though and Maddie didn't make much of an effort to try and reach out. So they are both to blame. Then a few years later Maddie is home for a visit from college and nursing a broken heart. Her bestie Mia convinces her to friend a bunch of her old high school buddies and in doing so they get invited to the beach for a bonfire. This is where she see's Jack. Just like in high school he is surrounded by females. They don't talk. Not at first. Later on her own Maddie is allowing herself to have a quiet cry when Jack walks up on her. He's a sucker for crying women and takes her in his arms. From there things get hot and heavy and they don't use protection and the sweetest little boy was conceived. Unfortunately Jack was on board with financially supporting his son, but he made it clear to Maddie that he was not father nor husband material. Although he does have two weekends out of the month he's not the one taking on the majority of the responsibility of taking care of his boy. No, he leaves that up to his mom and sister. He refers to himself as the "Fun Uncle". That didn't sit well with me, but at least the guy was honest with Maddie up front. She still wanted to have the baby knowing that Jack isn't going to be her forever guy.
5 years later Maddie is in a relationship and thinks it's headed to a marriage proposal and Jack is still enjoying his single life and one-night stands. But things get complicated when Maddie comes home early to find her boyfriend underneath her best friend, Mia's skirt. Heart broken Maddie runs to the only friend she feels like she has; Jack. Jack is having his own problems that night. He promised Maddie that he'd keep their boy while she had her work thing. The problem is, is that both his sister and mother are out of town and he is on his own having to do all the normal things you have to do while taking care of a 4 year old. When he finally gets Gavin down and he's about to relax there is a knock on the door. He opens it to find a sobbing Maddie and just like the 5 years before he takes her in his arms and things get heated. They hit the breaks not long after some steam and decide it's not smart to hook-up. But Jack does the unthinkable in his bachelor life and offers her his home to crash at while she looks for a new place. From here things get even more muddled. Sex is involved, feelings start rising again, and soon the past comes back to remind them why it didn't work the first time around.
It was an enjoyable read and both characters are likable and the little boy was sweet.
Although the story was enjoyable sometimes it got confusing on who's POV it was.
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2019
Do Over by Serena Bell is a sexy second chance romance for two friends who give into their sexual attraction for a brief affair – that has long term consequences.
Jack Parker and Maddie Adams were best friends as kids but drifted apart as young teens for a variety of reasons. Through high school, they were both aware of each other, but ran in different circles. One night at a party and a few drinks led to a brief fling, though Jack was up front that he didn’t want a relationship. And when Maddie finds out she’s pregnant and brings the news to Jack, he’s clear that his feelings haven’t changed, though he’s willing to take responsibility .
Four years later, Maddie and Jack have taken well to co-parenting their son Gabe. Jack gets him every second weekend and with the help of his mom and sister has been a good father if somewhat uninvolved, acting more like an ‘uncle’ than a Dad. That all changes when Maddie’s current relationship dissolves when she catches her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend (double ouch!) and she needs a place to live on short notice. Jack offers to let her and Gabe stay with him while she searches for a place to live. In doing so, the two of them have a chance to reconnect as friends, and then as lovers. But is it enough to make them consider a future together as a real family?
I’m a big fan of Serena Bell’s books, such that I’m likely to pick up her stories even without reading the blurb. As a result, I didn’t actually know what the story was about when I started reading it. But once again she has impressed me with her ability to take an interesting premise and deliver a solid, emotional and steamy romance.
Jack and Maddie have a complicated history, and unlike most unexpected pregnancy stories, the fact that Maddie is going to have a baby is not what brings them together. It’s five years after the fact, when they’ve gotten into their routine of being the best separated parents they can be for their son that things take a new turn. Their friendship from childhood is always in the back of their minds but until they are living together they don’t delve into why it ended. Jack’s father was abusive to him as a child, and the dissolving of his parent’s relationship shaped his teenage years and his attitude towards relationships. Maddie is able to coax out of him the truth – that his worries about becoming like his father have kept him from considering a long term relationship. Even the birth of his child has left him a bit wary of taking on the full-time commitment of fatherhood without another relative to come to his aide. Once that shell cracks open, Jack and Maddie are able to move their relationship forward as Jack becomes a full time father figure.
There are several steamy scenes between the couple as they rekindle their relationship (though this time, birth control is higher on the priority list). Still Maddie is wary about letting Jack know how much she really cares for him. They both have to admit to some painful truths before they get to their happy ending but it’s definitely worth it in the end for them, and their son. There is a sweet epilogue too. I highly recommend this entertaining and unique second chance romance!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-do-...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Jack Parker and Maddie Adams were best friends as kids but drifted apart as young teens for a variety of reasons. Through high school, they were both aware of each other, but ran in different circles. One night at a party and a few drinks led to a brief fling, though Jack was up front that he didn’t want a relationship. And when Maddie finds out she’s pregnant and brings the news to Jack, he’s clear that his feelings haven’t changed, though he’s willing to take responsibility .
Four years later, Maddie and Jack have taken well to co-parenting their son Gabe. Jack gets him every second weekend and with the help of his mom and sister has been a good father if somewhat uninvolved, acting more like an ‘uncle’ than a Dad. That all changes when Maddie’s current relationship dissolves when she catches her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend (double ouch!) and she needs a place to live on short notice. Jack offers to let her and Gabe stay with him while she searches for a place to live. In doing so, the two of them have a chance to reconnect as friends, and then as lovers. But is it enough to make them consider a future together as a real family?
I’m a big fan of Serena Bell’s books, such that I’m likely to pick up her stories even without reading the blurb. As a result, I didn’t actually know what the story was about when I started reading it. But once again she has impressed me with her ability to take an interesting premise and deliver a solid, emotional and steamy romance.
Jack and Maddie have a complicated history, and unlike most unexpected pregnancy stories, the fact that Maddie is going to have a baby is not what brings them together. It’s five years after the fact, when they’ve gotten into their routine of being the best separated parents they can be for their son that things take a new turn. Their friendship from childhood is always in the back of their minds but until they are living together they don’t delve into why it ended. Jack’s father was abusive to him as a child, and the dissolving of his parent’s relationship shaped his teenage years and his attitude towards relationships. Maddie is able to coax out of him the truth – that his worries about becoming like his father have kept him from considering a long term relationship. Even the birth of his child has left him a bit wary of taking on the full-time commitment of fatherhood without another relative to come to his aide. Once that shell cracks open, Jack and Maddie are able to move their relationship forward as Jack becomes a full time father figure.
There are several steamy scenes between the couple as they rekindle their relationship (though this time, birth control is higher on the priority list). Still Maddie is wary about letting Jack know how much she really cares for him. They both have to admit to some painful truths before they get to their happy ending but it’s definitely worth it in the end for them, and their son. There is a sweet epilogue too. I highly recommend this entertaining and unique second chance romance!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-do-...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
February 2, 2018
Reviewed with Nereyda
Nereyda: Books with kids in them and I just… don’t get along. When Do Over showed up in my email, there was something about it that made me want to request it despite the pesky kid. The big reason this one caught my attention was because this book reminded me so much of Any Man of Mine by Rachel Gibson, which is not only one of my favorite books, but also one of the rare books with kids that I love.
Nick: Unlike Nereyda, I’m not a baby hater! But I do love all things second chance romances (and hot dads), so I had to get this one. Plus, I had seen Lauren Layne rave about Serena Bell’s books in the past, and I have had her on my TBR ever since. Do Over was so much more than I expected. I went in knowing that I would probably like it, but I was very pleasantly surprised at just how much I loved it.
Nereyda: Exes are a favorite trope of mine, enough that it made me overlook the kid thing. I’m so glad I did because this was such a refreshing book that I just ate up, I couldn’t stop reading it! Another selling point for me was that the kid belonged to the main characters so not only do they have an established history, they also have an established history with the child. I can’t tell you how much it annoys me when a new person comes in to the picture and they basically become mom/dad to a kid after a short while.
Jack and Maddie were childhood friends. Their son was a result of one night of passion that ended in a misunderstanding. Jack knew he would never be cut for the hands on dad role, so he offers to support Maddie financially and see his son on his assigned days. I’m not gonna lie, how Jack acted towards his soon in the beginning was very off-putting. He actually referred it as babysitting on weekends when he had his son and he basically dumped his son on his mom and sister and was happy to let them take care of his son. That laid-back dad lifestyle changes when Maddie shows up at his door crying after catching her boyfriend with her best friend. A crying Maddie has always been a weakness of Jack’s and he ends up offering to let them say at his place until she finds a new place to live. Living in close quarters with your ex who you still find very attractive is a bad idea. Even worse knowing their child will be affected if things end badly between them again.
Nick: I agree! There was just a very readable and addictive quality to this book. Once I started, I had a very hard time stopping. Don’t you just love books like that? I might just go and re-read this one as soon as I finish writing my review!
Anyways, I really really loved both Jack and Maddie. They were great likeable characters. I especially liked Jack. He is a bit of a fuck boy at first, but he grows for the better as the story progresses. He struggles with being a dad at times, but he tries to 100% be there for his son. He was an absolute sweetheart when he tried to make more of an effort for his son. It was the cutest seeing the two of them interact. Definitely had my ovaries exploding there, which I know, such a cliche thing to say! But besides that, I loved loved loved how he was 100% devoted to Maddie. He wants her, and is so patient, and kind to her. He offers her his support while subtly trying to seduce her, but never ever pushes her into something she doesn’t want. I liked Maddie a lot too. She’s a great girl, smart and with a good head on her shoulders. I especially liked how she wasn’t someone who waffled in her issues. When she faces an obstacle, she rises up from it, because she knows she has got to be brave for her son.
Nereyda: One of my favorite things in the book was seeing Jack’s evolution as a person and as a father. I loved seeing him grow from someone that cares about things like going out and girls to someone that puts his son and the mother of his child first. I liked seeing him bond with his son, without the help of his mom or his sister and I really liked seeing his relationship with Maddie grow as he realizes he may be cut out for this whole family life after all. Maddie was also a great character. She had every excuse to break down but she always remained strong for her son. I loved seeing her bond with Jack’s new sister and making new friends and pull herself out of a shitty situation. I absolutely loved the romance between her and Jack and loved seeing them all interact as a family.
Nick: YES! The OTP is real, folks! I loved the progression of the romance. Do Over was definitely a second-chance romance written well. I also appreciated that the book didn’t have too much angst or drama. Instead it remains light and hopeful throughout. And let me tell you, Serena Bell sure knows how to bring steam to the pages. The chemistry between Jack and Maddie was so good! I could feel the romantic tension between them, and I was just on the edge of my seat waiting for their first reunion kiss! There’s great banter and dialogue in the book, as well, which just amped up my enjoyment of the story.
Nereyda: Do Over was one of those rare books that reminded me that maybe not all books with kids are bad when done right. If you’re like me and hate books with kids, I would still highly recommend this book. I would also urge you guys to check out Any of Man of Mine while you’re at it, or any of these other kid books that made my favorite list. This is my first book by this author but I will keep an eye out for more books by her.
Nick: I’m with Nereyda! Do Over was a wonderful story of second-chance, family and romance. It’s the perfect sort of book to spend your time with when you’re feeling down or glum. The characters are sure to charm their way into your hearts, and the romance between the pair will have you swooning for days after (which isn’t as bad as I make it sound! 😉 ).
June 11, 2023
Look, Serena Bell tells stories with enough heart and heat to keep me reading, enough humor to keep it light, but enough emotion to keep me engaged. She hits that "just right" transitional phase for me when I don't know what to read or an between things. I do so appreciate that.
I'm this case, the characters were appealing and I really liked Jacks struggle with himself, his temper, and that he's not "smoothed" out to be perfect. Maddie and Jack's friendship rings true as well, reminding me of those people you boomerang to, only this one was more complicated - a man you can count on as a friend but who disappoints you as a potential partner, and sometimes as the father of your child.
Their narratives were distinct, and I liked that too. Was this perfect? No, nor will it go down as a favorite, but there was just enough here for to feel completely satisfied and have this book accomplish what I wanted it to, and I guess I felt strongly enough to give it this review too. It has reread/comfort read potential. It doesn't reach the heights of others, but if I'm in the mood for childhood friends turned complicated lovers and still really friends with benefits - I know where to look.
I'm this case, the characters were appealing and I really liked Jacks struggle with himself, his temper, and that he's not "smoothed" out to be perfect. Maddie and Jack's friendship rings true as well, reminding me of those people you boomerang to, only this one was more complicated - a man you can count on as a friend but who disappoints you as a potential partner, and sometimes as the father of your child.
Their narratives were distinct, and I liked that too. Was this perfect? No, nor will it go down as a favorite, but there was just enough here for to feel completely satisfied and have this book accomplish what I wanted it to, and I guess I felt strongly enough to give it this review too. It has reread/comfort read potential. It doesn't reach the heights of others, but if I'm in the mood for childhood friends turned complicated lovers and still really friends with benefits - I know where to look.
March 26, 2022
3 Stars
This was a nice easy read but in my opinion no where near as good as Serena's Wilder series.
I always struggle with miscommunication as it often seems like two adults just wouldn't act that way and I felt that in this book. I also wasn't a huge fan of Jack and generally wanted a bit more personality from the 2 main characters.
I will definitely continue the series as I am intrigued about the next book and they are cute easy reads which I need at the moment.
This was a nice easy read but in my opinion no where near as good as Serena's Wilder series.
I always struggle with miscommunication as it often seems like two adults just wouldn't act that way and I felt that in this book. I also wasn't a huge fan of Jack and generally wanted a bit more personality from the 2 main characters.
I will definitely continue the series as I am intrigued about the next book and they are cute easy reads which I need at the moment.
March 20, 2024
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September 24, 2025
The second chance romance trope is a popular one because people want to believe that mistakes can be overcome and that there really is a second chance to get what you want out of life. In Serena Bell’s Do Over, neither Maddie nor Jack ever got over the other. And even though their lives are forever entwined because of their son, both are simply too afraid to reveal their feelings. But both characters have some serious trust and communications issues to overcome.
The only negative aspect of this book for me was the alternating points of view. At times, I found it confusing as to who was who. However, getting the guy’s perspective does have a way of changing the story. Overall, it was a very enjoyable story about ordinary people just trying to find their way.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
The only negative aspect of this book for me was the alternating points of view. At times, I found it confusing as to who was who. However, getting the guy’s perspective does have a way of changing the story. Overall, it was a very enjoyable story about ordinary people just trying to find their way.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
November 8, 2017
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley for a honest review
3 1/2 stars
This story is about Jack and Maddie and while I wanted to love this story I just couldn't connect with either Jack or Maddie. I felt the story was interesting and held my attention, it's just the inter action between Jack and Maddie never quite did it for me. I never really connected to either one of them, except for the one scene the author describes when they were small, otherwise these two were just okay for me.
3 1/2 stars
This story is about Jack and Maddie and while I wanted to love this story I just couldn't connect with either Jack or Maddie. I felt the story was interesting and held my attention, it's just the inter action between Jack and Maddie never quite did it for me. I never really connected to either one of them, except for the one scene the author describes when they were small, otherwise these two were just okay for me.
January 24, 2018
A unique second chance, Do Over left me with mixed feelings. The storyline was fun and refreshing. The characters were developed and I absolutely loved Maggie.
Jack was hard to fall in love with. I found him to be selfish and a bit childish. However, I became addicted to watching him grow, and become worthy of Maggie and, their son, Gabe.
The story was paced well, we learn their history along with who they are today. The characters were interesting and I’m curious to see if Jack’s friends find a HEA.
Jack was hard to fall in love with. I found him to be selfish and a bit childish. However, I became addicted to watching him grow, and become worthy of Maggie and, their son, Gabe.
The story was paced well, we learn their history along with who they are today. The characters were interesting and I’m curious to see if Jack’s friends find a HEA.
January 26, 2018
Do Over
Serena Bell
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute second chance romance. Jack and Maddie have been friends since childhood. But stopped being friends when Jack kissed her when they were around 13 yo. Then when they were 21 they reunited in a boathouse and spent a crazy month together. When Maddie found out she was pregnant she saw a woman leaving Jacks place. Since Jack had a poor father figure, he used that as his reason to push Maddie away. So for the next 5 years they raised Gabe separately. Until Maddie caught her fiancé cheating on her with her best friend. But can Maddie and Jack find a way to make things work between them?
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Serena Bell
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute second chance romance. Jack and Maddie have been friends since childhood. But stopped being friends when Jack kissed her when they were around 13 yo. Then when they were 21 they reunited in a boathouse and spent a crazy month together. When Maddie found out she was pregnant she saw a woman leaving Jacks place. Since Jack had a poor father figure, he used that as his reason to push Maddie away. So for the next 5 years they raised Gabe separately. Until Maddie caught her fiancé cheating on her with her best friend. But can Maddie and Jack find a way to make things work between them?
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2021
Serena Bell is someone I think of as writing nice books I can mindlessly read and this was that but also didn't work as well for me for doing that as some of her books have in the past.
November 28, 2022
mf - contemporary romance - white MCs - second chance - co-parents to 4 year old - roommates to lovers - reformed player - high steam - 5 stars. Jack was a lovely hero, almost a himbo and I loved his growth arc. The steamy scenes were super sexy
April 26, 2018
4 stars when first read; 4.5 stars when I started thinking about it last night writing my review.
Synopsis: Jack and Maddie were best friends when they were children. Then when they were in college, they had a romance, and as a result, had a son together. They are not together now, but Jack is part of his son's life. He doesn't actually have to do parental duties, as his mother and sister are more than happy to do the heavy lifting when Jack has the child.
One night, Jack has to look after Gabe by himself so that Maddie can have time with her boyfriend. When Maddie walks in on her boyfriend with her best friend, Jack offers them both a place to stay until they can find an apartment. Maddie doesn't feel that she has any other options, so she agrees.
Maddie absolutely doesn't want to go through what she went through with Jack when they had their fling. But she sees how much Jack has stepped up to be an actual father, not a fun playmate, and really admires the man that he has become.
Jack doesn't believe that he could ever be someone to be relied on, and that he isn't one to have serious relationships.
What I liked: how much Jack grew up and took responsibility for both Maddie and Jack. Seeing Maddie and Jack and how strong their friendship was, and then watching them rebuild it it was very satisfying. Maddie was strong and even though she didn't want to be hurt as badly as she had been, she still ended up being strong enough to take a risk. Gabe was a real child and not a caricature or overly cutesy. Even though Maddie and Jack were attracted to each other, their friendship took precedence over any kind of intimate relationship. Jack and Maddie supported each other in their endeavours.
What I didn't like: how long Jack held on to his father's opinion of himself.
Overall impressions: I was very pleasantly surprised with the writing and the story. I found it engaging, and the characters people that I would like to know. This has actually grown on me since I read it, so I think that I'm going to raise it to a 4.5 star read. Alternating 1st person POV in present tense.
*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Synopsis: Jack and Maddie were best friends when they were children. Then when they were in college, they had a romance, and as a result, had a son together. They are not together now, but Jack is part of his son's life. He doesn't actually have to do parental duties, as his mother and sister are more than happy to do the heavy lifting when Jack has the child.
One night, Jack has to look after Gabe by himself so that Maddie can have time with her boyfriend. When Maddie walks in on her boyfriend with her best friend, Jack offers them both a place to stay until they can find an apartment. Maddie doesn't feel that she has any other options, so she agrees.
Maddie absolutely doesn't want to go through what she went through with Jack when they had their fling. But she sees how much Jack has stepped up to be an actual father, not a fun playmate, and really admires the man that he has become.
Jack doesn't believe that he could ever be someone to be relied on, and that he isn't one to have serious relationships.
What I liked: how much Jack grew up and took responsibility for both Maddie and Jack. Seeing Maddie and Jack and how strong their friendship was, and then watching them rebuild it it was very satisfying. Maddie was strong and even though she didn't want to be hurt as badly as she had been, she still ended up being strong enough to take a risk. Gabe was a real child and not a caricature or overly cutesy. Even though Maddie and Jack were attracted to each other, their friendship took precedence over any kind of intimate relationship. Jack and Maddie supported each other in their endeavours.
What I didn't like: how long Jack held on to his father's opinion of himself.
Overall impressions: I was very pleasantly surprised with the writing and the story. I found it engaging, and the characters people that I would like to know. This has actually grown on me since I read it, so I think that I'm going to raise it to a 4.5 star read. Alternating 1st person POV in present tense.
*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
August 22, 2022
When Maddie shows up at Jack's doorstep crying over her latest broken relationship, Jack can't help but let her back into his life and into his home while she finds a place to live. The last time Jack consoled Maddie like this it led to the conception of their son, but Jack would love to have them back in his life permanently if he only was deserving of them.
This book was an amazing friends-to-lovers, second chance, forced proximity romance book! (How's that for a list of romance tropes!) The chemistry between these two is off the charts hot from the first few chapters! If you love spicy love scenes, if you love adorable interactions between Dad and young son, if you love watching two lovers get a second chance at love, then this is the book for you.
I'm convinced that Serena Bell can't write a a bad book, and this one doesn't disappoint in the least. I'm looking forward to the re-release of the rest of the books in this series!
Thanks to Serena Bell for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book was an amazing friends-to-lovers, second chance, forced proximity romance book! (How's that for a list of romance tropes!) The chemistry between these two is off the charts hot from the first few chapters! If you love spicy love scenes, if you love adorable interactions between Dad and young son, if you love watching two lovers get a second chance at love, then this is the book for you.
I'm convinced that Serena Bell can't write a a bad book, and this one doesn't disappoint in the least. I'm looking forward to the re-release of the rest of the books in this series!
Thanks to Serena Bell for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2022
טוב זה סיפור חמוד בתכלס לא מעבר פשוט סיפור חמוד לא התאהבתי או משו אבל כן נהנתי ממנו וזהו
February 7, 2018
I have this really annoying habit of NOT reading synopsis of books by authors I already know I love. It's not suppose to be annoying, it's just that when an author enters my insta-buy list I don't even bother because I BELIEVE it's going to be great no matter what the story is about. Yet there ARE things that are less than appealing to me.. so imagine my surprise when a 4 years old INVADED my book! 😲😣
So basically most of my issue with this book is totally and absolutely about ME and what I prefer to read or rather prefer not to read in my books. For me, kids destroy the fun, the relationship buildup and insert all those cute-sy moments I cringe at. Not every book with a kid does that, but in this one, Gabe has quite a big part. So I say if you enjoy kids in your novels or you don't dislike it as much as I do - totally and absolutely give it a go!
Jack Parker and Maddie Adams have been best friends growing up but things changed over the years and kept them apart for a while. Yet somehow in one summer vocation they find their way to one another spending a lot of it in each other's hands. When the summer is almost over Maddie finds herself pregnant and though Jack has made it obviously clear he isn't interested in kids, Maddie decided to keep it and raise him on her own. Fast forward 5 years later. Maddie and Jack aren't really friends anymore but Jack does have a little hand in raising little Gabe though mostly his mother and sister do the 'heavy lifting', leaving him to have fun with his little boy. Things change when Maddie and her boyfriends' relationship breaks apart, not knowing where to turn she goes to Jack who offers Maddie and Gabe to stay with him until she finds a place of their own.
It's obvious both Maddie and Jack have feelings for one another but both rather not rock the boat. Maddie loves the fact Jack helps out with Gabe though she knows it's mostly his mom and sister, it still matters to her and though she wishes they could be a family she understand that Jack isn't ready and might never be ready for a family life. Jack doesn't see himself as a family guy, he doesn't do much as Gabe's father, yet he cares for him and naturally for Maddie yet he won't ruin her life with promising her something he doesn't feel like he can deliver or keep up on the long run. So they stay in their place.
When Maddie (and Gabe) move in with Jack things change. Firstly their MAD attraction to one another makes them realize how difficult keeping the status quo is going to be unrealistic when they share a house together... and also when Jack's mother and sister are away he needs to actually take care of Gabe on his own and to his surprise he truly enjoys it.
Now all is left is to find a way to bridge what happened in their past so they could build a future together.
I won't say more about this book because I feel if I start ranting on what I want to rant about I won't finish in a week. I have a feeling there is a reason I mostly read MM now and not MF. With MF when there is a big gap between what I'm willing to accept as a woman myself and what the character does I sometimes lose my patience and frankly I really shouldn't - yet I do.. I rather not be able to truly relate than find myself in a spot where I'm exasperated with the MC because she doesn't make sense to me. Maybe she doesn't have to.. but it's hard sometimes to separate these things. We WANT the characters to be relate-able, right? so when it's not.. It tends not to work for me.. Which is mostly what happened here - Maddie's decisions were totally alien to me and not only because she decided to raise Gabe on her own (I swear NOBODY has EVER heard of abortion in a romance novel).
I have LOVED many of Serena's books in the past which is why she is an insta-buy for me. PLEASE give this one a-go if you are less annoying like I am about kids in romance novels ;) It truly isn't the book it's me and also I would admit I had high expectation especially since it's been a while from Serena's previous release and I missed her!
More Reviews HERE
So basically most of my issue with this book is totally and absolutely about ME and what I prefer to read or rather prefer not to read in my books. For me, kids destroy the fun, the relationship buildup and insert all those cute-sy moments I cringe at. Not every book with a kid does that, but in this one, Gabe has quite a big part. So I say if you enjoy kids in your novels or you don't dislike it as much as I do - totally and absolutely give it a go!
Jack Parker and Maddie Adams have been best friends growing up but things changed over the years and kept them apart for a while. Yet somehow in one summer vocation they find their way to one another spending a lot of it in each other's hands. When the summer is almost over Maddie finds herself pregnant and though Jack has made it obviously clear he isn't interested in kids, Maddie decided to keep it and raise him on her own. Fast forward 5 years later. Maddie and Jack aren't really friends anymore but Jack does have a little hand in raising little Gabe though mostly his mother and sister do the 'heavy lifting', leaving him to have fun with his little boy. Things change when Maddie and her boyfriends' relationship breaks apart, not knowing where to turn she goes to Jack who offers Maddie and Gabe to stay with him until she finds a place of their own.
It's obvious both Maddie and Jack have feelings for one another but both rather not rock the boat. Maddie loves the fact Jack helps out with Gabe though she knows it's mostly his mom and sister, it still matters to her and though she wishes they could be a family she understand that Jack isn't ready and might never be ready for a family life. Jack doesn't see himself as a family guy, he doesn't do much as Gabe's father, yet he cares for him and naturally for Maddie yet he won't ruin her life with promising her something he doesn't feel like he can deliver or keep up on the long run. So they stay in their place.
When Maddie (and Gabe) move in with Jack things change. Firstly their MAD attraction to one another makes them realize how difficult keeping the status quo is going to be unrealistic when they share a house together... and also when Jack's mother and sister are away he needs to actually take care of Gabe on his own and to his surprise he truly enjoys it.
Now all is left is to find a way to bridge what happened in their past so they could build a future together.
I won't say more about this book because I feel if I start ranting on what I want to rant about I won't finish in a week. I have a feeling there is a reason I mostly read MM now and not MF. With MF when there is a big gap between what I'm willing to accept as a woman myself and what the character does I sometimes lose my patience and frankly I really shouldn't - yet I do.. I rather not be able to truly relate than find myself in a spot where I'm exasperated with the MC because she doesn't make sense to me. Maybe she doesn't have to.. but it's hard sometimes to separate these things. We WANT the characters to be relate-able, right? so when it's not.. It tends not to work for me.. Which is mostly what happened here - Maddie's decisions were totally alien to me and not only because she decided to raise Gabe on her own (I swear NOBODY has EVER heard of abortion in a romance novel).
I have LOVED many of Serena's books in the past which is why she is an insta-buy for me. PLEASE give this one a-go if you are less annoying like I am about kids in romance novels ;) It truly isn't the book it's me and also I would admit I had high expectation especially since it's been a while from Serena's previous release and I missed her!
More Reviews HERE
January 30, 2018
Review by Trinette Dungee
Making a baby does not a family make….Maddie learned this lesson the hard way. Not only were she, Jack and their son Gabe not a family; Jack was hardly a dad. Sure he asked for every other weekend visits but it was his mom and sister that really took care of Gabe. Sometimes you just have to put a person in a position to realize what they have is actually what they want.
I really liked this book. I love second chance stories and I love stories with kids so this one checked off a quite a few boxes for me.
I’ve read a lot of “romance” and “love stories” and while they are very enjoyable most teeter on the unrealistic side; this book, not so much. I can honest and truly say I know people like Jack and Maddie. I pretty much didn’t like Jack throughout most of the book. He was a jerk and his friends? Total assholes! But you know what, they were real! They were relatable. I’ll admit, when I read, I like to go to La-La Land to escape the everyday heartaches and breaks that life throws at you with some really unrealistic relationships but I have to say, It’s really enjoyable when you find yourself immersed in a book that has this kind of realness to it.
This wasn’t a rag to riches story, where the down on her luck heroine was swept off her feet or where the hero was a beast like person hiding his hurt. It was two regular people, with regular jobs, with regular problems who needed to find their way back to each other. Were there some moments that had me thinking “okay, this is just too cute and sweet to be taken seriously”? Yes, but the fact that these were relatable characters and situation out weighted that.
There really isn’t too much else I can say about this book. It was a quick, cute and enjoyable read; not at all what I was expecting…so much more.
Making a baby does not a family make….Maddie learned this lesson the hard way. Not only were she, Jack and their son Gabe not a family; Jack was hardly a dad. Sure he asked for every other weekend visits but it was his mom and sister that really took care of Gabe. Sometimes you just have to put a person in a position to realize what they have is actually what they want.
I really liked this book. I love second chance stories and I love stories with kids so this one checked off a quite a few boxes for me.
I’ve read a lot of “romance” and “love stories” and while they are very enjoyable most teeter on the unrealistic side; this book, not so much. I can honest and truly say I know people like Jack and Maddie. I pretty much didn’t like Jack throughout most of the book. He was a jerk and his friends? Total assholes! But you know what, they were real! They were relatable. I’ll admit, when I read, I like to go to La-La Land to escape the everyday heartaches and breaks that life throws at you with some really unrealistic relationships but I have to say, It’s really enjoyable when you find yourself immersed in a book that has this kind of realness to it.
This wasn’t a rag to riches story, where the down on her luck heroine was swept off her feet or where the hero was a beast like person hiding his hurt. It was two regular people, with regular jobs, with regular problems who needed to find their way back to each other. Were there some moments that had me thinking “okay, this is just too cute and sweet to be taken seriously”? Yes, but the fact that these were relatable characters and situation out weighted that.
There really isn’t too much else I can say about this book. It was a quick, cute and enjoyable read; not at all what I was expecting…so much more.
February 1, 2018
Do Over by Serena Bell is a second chance friends-to-lovers romance that was sweet and charming. Jack and Maddie had been friends for a long time, but lost touch with each other. Then one night they reconnected, and everything changed. That night resulted with their son. Now things are awkward and strained between them.
Jack couldn’t resist Maddie the night she came to him nursing a broken heart. But he never thought of himself as a father and pushed her away, but he stood up and did right by Gabe in the only way he could. But in reality, he let her walk away. Now he wants a second chance and he is going to fight for it.
Jack Parker is gorgeous and very sexy, but Maddie knows he is not the settle down and have a family type of guy. But he has stepped up when needed. And now he is offering her just the help she and her son need. But can she resist the man that drives her body crazy?
Maddie thought her current relationship was the one, imagine her surprise when she finds him in a very comprising position. Now her and her son need somewhere to live. Jack stands up and offers his place to help them out. But living under the same roof with someone you found sexy and are attracted too is not easy. The reasons they are not together now still stand between them. Can they find a way to make it work this time?
Do Over by Serena Bell was cute and sweet read with light angst. Though Jack was a bit frustrating at times, they were both very likeable characters and I loved Gabe, their son. A charming story.
Happy reading!
Jack couldn’t resist Maddie the night she came to him nursing a broken heart. But he never thought of himself as a father and pushed her away, but he stood up and did right by Gabe in the only way he could. But in reality, he let her walk away. Now he wants a second chance and he is going to fight for it.
Jack Parker is gorgeous and very sexy, but Maddie knows he is not the settle down and have a family type of guy. But he has stepped up when needed. And now he is offering her just the help she and her son need. But can she resist the man that drives her body crazy?
Maddie thought her current relationship was the one, imagine her surprise when she finds him in a very comprising position. Now her and her son need somewhere to live. Jack stands up and offers his place to help them out. But living under the same roof with someone you found sexy and are attracted too is not easy. The reasons they are not together now still stand between them. Can they find a way to make it work this time?
Do Over by Serena Bell was cute and sweet read with light angst. Though Jack was a bit frustrating at times, they were both very likeable characters and I loved Gabe, their son. A charming story.
Happy reading!
June 23, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was nice and light and enjoyable--a typical second-chance romance with pleasant characters with some interesting history. They've known each other since childhood, but then Maddie and Jack shared a great summer a few years ago and ended up with a child, even though their relationship didn't end up going any further. For some reason, now they are starting to get closer again. It's never really explained what changed except perhaps that Jack is finally growing up and recognizing what he gave up when he refused Maddie's offer of a relationship with his son. Although he helps pay the bills and takes Gabe once a month, his mother and sister are the ones who have built a relationship with the child. When Jack is forced to babysit for once, he starts to realize he can do this and might not turn out to be the abusive father his was. I liked Maddy's vulnerability, and I like that Jack was willing to show his vulnerable side too, especially regarding Gabe. I mean, even play-the-field guys have to grow up eventually, and Jack seems like he's just about willing to make some changes in his life. Gabe is a cute kid and adds a bit of lightness to the story with his cute childish comments. This is a new-to-me author, and I will look for more from her. And, OMG, look at that cover!
This book was nice and light and enjoyable--a typical second-chance romance with pleasant characters with some interesting history. They've known each other since childhood, but then Maddie and Jack shared a great summer a few years ago and ended up with a child, even though their relationship didn't end up going any further. For some reason, now they are starting to get closer again. It's never really explained what changed except perhaps that Jack is finally growing up and recognizing what he gave up when he refused Maddie's offer of a relationship with his son. Although he helps pay the bills and takes Gabe once a month, his mother and sister are the ones who have built a relationship with the child. When Jack is forced to babysit for once, he starts to realize he can do this and might not turn out to be the abusive father his was. I liked Maddy's vulnerability, and I like that Jack was willing to show his vulnerable side too, especially regarding Gabe. I mean, even play-the-field guys have to grow up eventually, and Jack seems like he's just about willing to make some changes in his life. Gabe is a cute kid and adds a bit of lightness to the story with his cute childish comments. This is a new-to-me author, and I will look for more from her. And, OMG, look at that cover!
January 29, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Jack and Maddie were friends growing up and when they were 21 had an affair that ended with Maddie falling pregnant. Gabe is now 4 years old and Jack is a weekend dad but Jack and Maddie are not together. When Maddie needs somewhere to live temporarlily, Jack invites her and Gabe to stay with him.
It was fun watching Jack and Maddie try to keep out of each other's pants. They don't succeed for long and they are dynamite together. I love the change in Jack through the story. He goes from being a Dad that isn't very involved in his son's life to living with his son, doing the bedtime routine and being involved in his every day life and actually wanting to spend time with Gabe. Female readers, you are going to love Jack hard. I know I did.
This story is dual point of view so we get to see how their relationship looks from both sides. At times the story takes us back for snippets of Jack and Maddie's past and we learn about what happened that lead them to where they are today and why they are not together.
Do Over is a story about two regular people and that is a huge plus for me - I love that. It makes it easy to relate to the characters and their lives. Do Over is also a second chance story as well as a friends to lovers story and all these elements put together make a fun, sex, hot romance but one that also pulled at my heart strings. A solid 4 star read for me.
Jack and Maddie were friends growing up and when they were 21 had an affair that ended with Maddie falling pregnant. Gabe is now 4 years old and Jack is a weekend dad but Jack and Maddie are not together. When Maddie needs somewhere to live temporarlily, Jack invites her and Gabe to stay with him.
It was fun watching Jack and Maddie try to keep out of each other's pants. They don't succeed for long and they are dynamite together. I love the change in Jack through the story. He goes from being a Dad that isn't very involved in his son's life to living with his son, doing the bedtime routine and being involved in his every day life and actually wanting to spend time with Gabe. Female readers, you are going to love Jack hard. I know I did.
This story is dual point of view so we get to see how their relationship looks from both sides. At times the story takes us back for snippets of Jack and Maddie's past and we learn about what happened that lead them to where they are today and why they are not together.
Do Over is a story about two regular people and that is a huge plus for me - I love that. It makes it easy to relate to the characters and their lives. Do Over is also a second chance story as well as a friends to lovers story and all these elements put together make a fun, sex, hot romance but one that also pulled at my heart strings. A solid 4 star read for me.
December 28, 2017
Cute, second chance love story that was fairly predictable.
Once upon a time, Jack and Maddie were very close friends and for the longest time that's all the way were. Until one night Maddie is heartbroken and they end up in bed together. 9 months later along comes their son. Jack doesn't abandon Maddie, but he's not very hands on. He provides child support and takes his son as he's supposed to, but his mom and sister provide most of the care when he has him.
That changes when Maddie once again shows up on his doorstep heartbroken.
I struggled feeling a connection between either character. I would have liked to read more about how their friendship before they had a child together or even more about the night that brought them back together. I think by the time these two issues were addressed in the book it was too late to help me feel connected to the characters.
Once upon a time, Jack and Maddie were very close friends and for the longest time that's all the way were. Until one night Maddie is heartbroken and they end up in bed together. 9 months later along comes their son. Jack doesn't abandon Maddie, but he's not very hands on. He provides child support and takes his son as he's supposed to, but his mom and sister provide most of the care when he has him.
That changes when Maddie once again shows up on his doorstep heartbroken.
I struggled feeling a connection between either character. I would have liked to read more about how their friendship before they had a child together or even more about the night that brought them back together. I think by the time these two issues were addressed in the book it was too late to help me feel connected to the characters.
Read
February 10, 2023This was a DNF for me. I really don’t like the MMC. I didn’t read that far into it but just from the beginning he seemed to not know how to comfort someone emotionally, but just help the FMC get over her problems with his dick. I wasn’t that impressed when the FMC had just caught her boyfriend (OM) and best friend having sex in their kitchen, and she went to the MMC and he ended up making out with her. Like out of the two of them he’s the one with a clearer head, and isn’t grief stricken. I swear I also remember him realizing to himself that he was taking advantage of her emotional instability again, and I don’t think he stops himself. I think they get interrupted by their shared kid. He also had a jerk friend from what I’m remembering.
I’m also not the biggest fan when the MMC fucks his friend (ow) and then the FMC and ow become friends. It’s just a personal preference.
I’m also not the biggest fan when the MMC fucks his friend (ow) and then the FMC and ow become friends. It’s just a personal preference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a sweet and sexy second chance romance. Jack and Maggie have a lifetime of history together and they share a son they both love very much. But it isn’t until Maggie’s life starts to collapse that she and Jack are able to get to know and care for each other as adults.
Jack is a difficult character to like at the start of the story. He is a proud player. He’s a happy bachelor and a lad’s lad. He is a little bit of a Peter Pan character who lets his mum and sister do most of the difficult care for the son he likes to play with. He gets better through the story and he does start to grow up - but there are moments when I just thought he was a complete arse.
Maggie is a nicer character but she’s pretty mild and bland and I feel like I’ve seen her far too many times before in romance writing. She’s a noble, struggling single mum with all sorts of emotional hang-ups.
This is very much a family romance. Jack and Maggie’s son Gabe is their focus and he adds all sorts of cute kid moments to the story. The story is fairly predictable. Even the major miscommunications are predictable and I’m pretty sure I’ve read this ending before too.
Ultimately, this is a sweet chic-lit romance. It is formulaic and predictable but it is also an entertaining beach read.
This is a sweet and sexy second chance romance. Jack and Maggie have a lifetime of history together and they share a son they both love very much. But it isn’t until Maggie’s life starts to collapse that she and Jack are able to get to know and care for each other as adults.
Jack is a difficult character to like at the start of the story. He is a proud player. He’s a happy bachelor and a lad’s lad. He is a little bit of a Peter Pan character who lets his mum and sister do most of the difficult care for the son he likes to play with. He gets better through the story and he does start to grow up - but there are moments when I just thought he was a complete arse.
Maggie is a nicer character but she’s pretty mild and bland and I feel like I’ve seen her far too many times before in romance writing. She’s a noble, struggling single mum with all sorts of emotional hang-ups.
This is very much a family romance. Jack and Maggie’s son Gabe is their focus and he adds all sorts of cute kid moments to the story. The story is fairly predictable. Even the major miscommunications are predictable and I’m pretty sure I’ve read this ending before too.
Ultimately, this is a sweet chic-lit romance. It is formulaic and predictable but it is also an entertaining beach read.
January 29, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
Do Over is a good second chance romance. It has some great lines from Gabe, the four year old son of not-together Jack and Maddie, and some funny bachelor many gaffes as well.
I loved how we get both sides of the story. Particularly as Jack learned about himself, in relation to his son, and his dating life, being conditioned fears due to his father's bad behaviour. It was so lovely to see him experiencing the good side of being a Dad, as well as getting the chance with Maddie.
I liked the twists and turns which forced Jack to think about what he wanted, and gave Maddie the courage to fight for her longtime friend to be the man she wanted all along.
December 13, 2018
DNF at 22%
Jack and Maddie had what was essentially a one night stand, and now they have a child.
There's some resentment and some dislike. I definitely believed that there's issues and that neither likes the other much (or at least that's what they successfully convince themselves of) the issue was that they also convinced me that there was no reason to like one another.
If I don't like the characters, it's hard to invest in them.
Jack and Maddie had what was essentially a one night stand, and now they have a child.
There's some resentment and some dislike. I definitely believed that there's issues and that neither likes the other much (or at least that's what they successfully convince themselves of) the issue was that they also convinced me that there was no reason to like one another.
If I don't like the characters, it's hard to invest in them.
January 20, 2018
Do Over by Serena Bell
4 stars
M/F Second Chance Romance
Trigger: Unplanned pregnancy, cheating
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is a dual POV story where you get to see a friends to lovers relationship have a few hiccups but ultimately, thrive.
Jack and Maddie have always had chemistry. But their friendship is what solidified their lives together. When Maddie is needing comfort, she seeks Jack out. In that night, they had the best night of their lives thus far and started on a journey that would lead them in very different directions.
Maddie and Jack’s son is not what they believe is their mistake. Jack knows that he threw away something precious in Maddie, but he can’t seem to figure out how to prove to her that he can be more than what he’s shown her. He also knows that he has to prove to himself that he’s worthy of someone like Maddie and their son. He has been shirking his responsibility – letting his mom and sister take care of his son when it’s “his turn” and he knows that needs to stop.
Maddie is hesitant to have Jack any more involved in her and her son’s life. She wasn’t able to count on him when it mattered and even though he’s letting them stay with him now, she’s not all about the trust yet. While she won’t totally write him off, she knows that there needs to be more than what she’s seen.
Maddie and Jack’s relationship isn’t overly dramatic, they don’t fight a ton and they are good at putting their son first. I think this was a sweet story about finding the balance and love again. That making poor choices earlier in their lives didn’t mean it had to dictate their future together. It’s a sweet story and one that is great from both points of view.
4 stars
M/F Second Chance Romance
Trigger: Unplanned pregnancy, cheating
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is a dual POV story where you get to see a friends to lovers relationship have a few hiccups but ultimately, thrive.
Jack and Maddie have always had chemistry. But their friendship is what solidified their lives together. When Maddie is needing comfort, she seeks Jack out. In that night, they had the best night of their lives thus far and started on a journey that would lead them in very different directions.
Maddie and Jack’s son is not what they believe is their mistake. Jack knows that he threw away something precious in Maddie, but he can’t seem to figure out how to prove to her that he can be more than what he’s shown her. He also knows that he has to prove to himself that he’s worthy of someone like Maddie and their son. He has been shirking his responsibility – letting his mom and sister take care of his son when it’s “his turn” and he knows that needs to stop.
Maddie is hesitant to have Jack any more involved in her and her son’s life. She wasn’t able to count on him when it mattered and even though he’s letting them stay with him now, she’s not all about the trust yet. While she won’t totally write him off, she knows that there needs to be more than what she’s seen.
Maddie and Jack’s relationship isn’t overly dramatic, they don’t fight a ton and they are good at putting their son first. I think this was a sweet story about finding the balance and love again. That making poor choices earlier in their lives didn’t mean it had to dictate their future together. It’s a sweet story and one that is great from both points of view.
October 26, 2017
Average couple with unplanned pregnancy and how they manage life's set backs together. It's how to learn and grow as adults and in love of their child. It's not flashy or extraordinary but good.
ARC Netgalley
ARC Netgalley
January 24, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I haven't read many books like this. A guy gets a girl pregnant, and doesn't see himself as father material. He's not against her keeping the baby, but he feels like he won't make a good dad. Picturing himself as a young child and listening to his dad scream and curse isn't what he wants to be remembered for. So, he financially helps with the child and with his mom and sister, seeks visitation with the child.
As a woman, I can empathize with Maddie. She's loved Jack for years and when she got pregnant, she just knew that he would step up and be the man she's always seen in him. However, she let her doubts and fears of not being loved enough to question the trust and faith she had in Jack. Jack, reacting to that loss, told her what she expected to hear.
As Maddie has raised their son with little help from Jack, she's come to realize that she can do it all on her own. She doesn't want to, she wants a home and family and more children. What she doesn't expect is to have it with Jack. But life doesn't always go as as planned and sometimes fate is a quirky girl and lands you back in place that will make you ask yourself, "can I really have a 'do over'?"
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
I haven't read many books like this. A guy gets a girl pregnant, and doesn't see himself as father material. He's not against her keeping the baby, but he feels like he won't make a good dad. Picturing himself as a young child and listening to his dad scream and curse isn't what he wants to be remembered for. So, he financially helps with the child and with his mom and sister, seeks visitation with the child.
As a woman, I can empathize with Maddie. She's loved Jack for years and when she got pregnant, she just knew that he would step up and be the man she's always seen in him. However, she let her doubts and fears of not being loved enough to question the trust and faith she had in Jack. Jack, reacting to that loss, told her what she expected to hear.
As Maddie has raised their son with little help from Jack, she's come to realize that she can do it all on her own. She doesn't want to, she wants a home and family and more children. What she doesn't expect is to have it with Jack. But life doesn't always go as as planned and sometimes fate is a quirky girl and lands you back in place that will make you ask yourself, "can I really have a 'do over'?"
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
March 16, 2022
Do Over by Serena Bell is one beautifully poignant, hot, and wonderful second-chance story. It’s part of her Under-One-Roof romance series, and all stand alone.
Jack Parker and Maddie Adams were childhood neighbors and friends. They’ve had off-the-charts chemistry forever but Jack’s history has not left him in a good place to commit to a relationship.
Serena Bell’s characters are so well written and it is both completely heartening and wrenching at times to see them be honest and vulnerable and true to themselves and each other.
Maddie and Jack’s path is not exactly straight but it is an incredible journey and one that ultimately leaves me joyfully all smiles.
Childhood friends, accidental pregnancy, second chance, temporary roommates
Jack Parker and Maddie Adams were childhood neighbors and friends. They’ve had off-the-charts chemistry forever but Jack’s history has not left him in a good place to commit to a relationship.
Serena Bell’s characters are so well written and it is both completely heartening and wrenching at times to see them be honest and vulnerable and true to themselves and each other.
Maddie and Jack’s path is not exactly straight but it is an incredible journey and one that ultimately leaves me joyfully all smiles.
Childhood friends, accidental pregnancy, second chance, temporary roommates
January 30, 2018
My Review:
This is both a second chance at love story AND a friends to lovers story...it's the best of all the tropes. And the book was really good for all that.
Jack grew up in an unhappy household...his father was a holy terror for his entire family. As a result, Jack doesn't trust himself to be any different if he were to have a family...so he won't have a family. Surprise!
But that surprise came five years ago in the form of an accidental conception with his best friend. He's done okay with his son since then, but that's only because he doesn't spend any time alone with his son (in his estimation). He always has his mother and sister as a buffer. But when Maddie shows up on his doorstep with no where else to turn, he lets both her and his son move in.
Whoops...sudden family. And Jack is just as uncomfortable as you would expect...until something begins to change.
The problem now is that they've tried a relationship once before. Jack cheated. That isn't something Maddie can just forget, not if she wants to come out of this relationship with her heart intact.
It's a complicated, emotional mess...and that made it such a good read. Because, despite everything that has gone on between these two, they've been best friends almost their entire lives. Beneath the fear and the pain lies the fact that they truly do love and like one another out of years spent together. That's not just something they can brush off.
I liked it. I highly recommend it for just a sweet, second chance at love read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is both a second chance at love story AND a friends to lovers story...it's the best of all the tropes. And the book was really good for all that.
Jack grew up in an unhappy household...his father was a holy terror for his entire family. As a result, Jack doesn't trust himself to be any different if he were to have a family...so he won't have a family. Surprise!
But that surprise came five years ago in the form of an accidental conception with his best friend. He's done okay with his son since then, but that's only because he doesn't spend any time alone with his son (in his estimation). He always has his mother and sister as a buffer. But when Maddie shows up on his doorstep with no where else to turn, he lets both her and his son move in.
Whoops...sudden family. And Jack is just as uncomfortable as you would expect...until something begins to change.
The problem now is that they've tried a relationship once before. Jack cheated. That isn't something Maddie can just forget, not if she wants to come out of this relationship with her heart intact.
It's a complicated, emotional mess...and that made it such a good read. Because, despite everything that has gone on between these two, they've been best friends almost their entire lives. Beneath the fear and the pain lies the fact that they truly do love and like one another out of years spent together. That's not just something they can brush off.
I liked it. I highly recommend it for just a sweet, second chance at love read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
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