Reading is a passion of mine. My love for the written word was rekindled a few years ago, and it's been a blessing to discover everything that is out there. I love a good romantic book, one filled with swoon-worthy heroes and the women who drive them crazy. There aren't too many genres I won't read (sorry horror and scary stories, you still give me nightmares). As long as it drags me into the world to live alongside the characters, I want it!
I've been married since December 2000 to my best friend. Yes we were young, yes people thought I was crazy, but when you know, you know. We had one of those insta-love relationships where we fell hard and never looked back. We have 4 beautiful daughters who drive us a little batty but we still love them!
Ever since I was little, I dabbled in writing, starting with Fanfic of Sweet Valley High (Yes, Jessica and Elizabeth needed some new adventures). In Seventh Grade my teacher submitted a poem I wrote to a national contest and was published in an anthology. I was afraid to turn it in because I never thought I had a chance and yet, it was picked. Writing stories had always been an escape of mine, something to lose myself into or rewrite a bad experience I had to give it a better outcome. There's a little bit of me put into my books so I'm always emotionally attached to them.
Jodie Larson does a great job of letting the reader feel the emotions of her heroine in I Don’t Regret You. We get taken on a powerful journey of not just self-discovery but of finding happiness in the small things in life. That loyalty to your family means treating yourself with the same respect, and finding hope when you think you’ve lost it all. There is so much beauty found in Larson’s words and in the complexity of the character development.
This book hooked me quickly with emotional tension and domestic drama, but it ultimately landed as a rather forgettable read :/
Jocelyn’s marriage to Mike is unhappy, sharp-edged, and increasingly toxic, especially in how he treats their children. That aspect of the story was the most compelling. Watching her finally choose her kids and herself, kicking him out after he crossed the line, was the strongest moment in the book and where the story felt most authentic
Henry, the MMC, is undeniably sweet and patient, a safe harbor after years of emotional neglect. He shows Jocelyn what affection and stability look like, and while their connection is gentle and supportive, the chemistry never fully ignited for me. Their relationship leaned more comforting than consuming, which worked emotionally but lacked spark
The romance simmered rather than burned, and when the spice finally arrived, it felt awkwardly written and emotionally muted. The buildup didn’t quite pay off, and the language occasionally pulled me out of the moment instead of drawing me deeper in
The latter half of the book escalates with custody threats, jealousy, and Mike’s increasingly erratic behavior, but it felt rushed and predictable. By the final stretch, I found myself skimming the last handful of chapters. The epilogue was sweet, though 😊
Overall: This was an emotionally gentle, drama-forward romance that starts strong but loses momentum. Enjoyable enough, especially for readers who like relatively low-heat, second-chance-at-love stories
I Don't Regret You is DEFINITELY one of my FAVORITES from Jodie.
I couldn't WAIT to read it once I found out their were kids in this one. Of course the best parts are whenever one of them was in the scene. Henry was TO DIE FOR. I couldn't have asked for a better hero. I. Could. Not. Stop. Swooning. Then there was Mike. I felt the EXACT OPPOSITE for him. I'm not a violent person, but I wanted to slap him. I LOVED reading about a heroine who was a geek. It doesn't happen very often.
I'm looking forward to what Jodie comes out with next!!!
Starting over at any age is hard. Now finding yourself while starting over along with taking care of 2 children is mindboggling. Jodie Larson has written a story that shows the true strength of a woman/mom. The struggles of keeping a family together when the husband is nothing but wasted space in hopes that your children grow up with both parents however you have completely lost yourself in the process was perfectly described in this story.
Starting over after an emotionally abusive relationship is never easy. But having someone like Henry around would definitely make life better. A man that not only has pride in himself and his work, but also knows how to treat a woman.
I think we could all use a little Henry in our lives.
Jodie Larson gives readers a breath of fresh air with I Don't Regret You. It's not all rippling biceps and big bad alpha-holes. Sometimes a good man with an even better personality is all you need. Now don't get me wrong, Henry still has a great body (yes I have seen him in my head. Don't judge me!) but what he has even more of is heart, compassion, and tenderness.
This book was not the first I have read from this Author, and I know it will not be my last.
"Things are always better when they take their time. Like how a slow simmer brings out the flavors of what you’re cooking."
If you never read a book by Jodie Larson, you should definitely start with this one. It's her best one yet. This book gripped me from the beginning and I could not put it down. It might have been because the characters were closer to my age than the ones in the previous novels, or the fact that the heroine was very relatable. I felt for Jocelyn and I couldn't wait for her to take matter into her own hands and realize her worth. Loved the slow simmer, and when it turned into a boil, it was super, super hot.
One of the top reads for me this year! This book was everything!
It starts off almost like you're seeing the end of her marriage and a glimpse into how he treated her, but it wasn't that at all. She's married most of the book but not... get it? He was awful, the husband, typical male who wants a female to serve him... hated him instantly. The kids were awesome tho. Jocelyn was a very strong woman. Didn't have a backbone too many, but a great mother and amazing wife, even if he treated her differently. NOW let's talk about Henry! Henry I love you and wanna lick your face. He was my hero of the story. Patience was a thing with this and he had all kinds. No baby momma ex drama with him, just regular schedule with his kids and life. He was so gentle with Joss and helped her to heal. This book was so good. Get it, devour it! And try really hard not to swoon over Henry!
Light at the end of a dark tunnel.....a must read!!!,
This was the first book I read by this author and I absolutely loved it. Her phenomenal writing and storytelling has me wanting to devour the rest of her books. My emotions took a beating while reading and my stomach was so sick seeing what Jocelyn endured during her marriage; but watching her find her strength and stand up to that scumbag had me cheering so loudly. Finding her confidence and opening up her heart led to an extremely happily ever after and a life she didn’t think she would ever have again. All of the characters were amazing, but Henry stole my heart with his unconditional support and love.
Fantastic book by a fantastic author! I've been a fan of Jodie's since day one and this is her best yet! Can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
I Don't Regret You by Author Jodie Larson is a standalone, contemporary romance in which two amazing and deserving people get a second chance to find love.
"Trapped. I’m a mouse in a laboratory running through the maze and hitting every dead end I can find. There’s no exit, no cheese at the end. Nothing but walls all around me. And like the mouse, I know my fate."
Jocelyn's husband, Mike, is a male-chauvinist pig. A rude, disrespectful drunk, concerned only about himself. She's lived with his ridicule, verbal abuse, and threats for far too long. She is a hard-worker and works tirelessly to maintain a household. She just needs a new perspective. And thats exactly what she gets when she begins working with Henry.
"Change is coming. And I can’t wait to drown in its waters."
When I first started this novel, I couldn't help but feel that the opening theme was so real. I have, unfortunately, known way too many families who experienced the decent of their marriage in this fashion. It was disheartening, but also made the story line almost immediately identifiable, and caused me to cling to Jocelyn.
“Nothing’s wrong with quick and easy. But the wait, the anticipation of the good stuff is worth it.”
Do you ever see movies or commercials with larger-than-human hands hold a little person by the nape of their jacket as their feet dangle in the wind? That's how I felt as the novel progressed. I'm dangling! I need footing! Where's the ground? What is happening? Kill him! Kiss him! I wouldn't say this was what most people consider to be "suspense". It was more of a combination of angst and pure anger, combined with a sensation of anticipation and fascination.
"Just because I can’t touch, doesn’t mean I can’t look and dream. And there’s nothing sexier than kindness and compassion."
As the magic of Jocelyn and Henry's attraction became more palpable, so did the fun times with their families. If true love between two deserving people doesn't hook you, then watching this flow over into their children definitely should. Caring parents and loving arms were always present.
"You have this preconceived notion in your head of how things are supposed to be. Let it go. There’s no rulebook, no teacher grading you on how you’re living your life. The only person you answer to is you.”
Author Jodie Larson definitely provided the swoon in I Don't Regret You, a sweet and savory love story that any romance reader will enjoy.
Jodie is one of my favorite authors to follow. Her covers and blurbs make her books automatic one-clicks for me. But being a busy blogger, this is actually the first one I've read and I'm damn glad that it was. This book was incredible.
Jocelyn reminded me so much of myself. And I love that she was around my age. She was a mother and a wife, but she didn't feel like a person. I've been there. She felt like a coward, but she was stronger than she knew. She just needed the right person to show her that.
Mike, the husband, was a complete and utter crap bag. It's not a spoiler really, because you learn this immediately in the prologue. Mike was like my ex. He came first, and no one else was even a blip on his radar. I was really rooting for him to get what he deserved, but I won't say if he did or not.
Henry was damn near perfect. He was such a good friend to Jocelyn and ever the hero when she needed saving. I loved their friendship and how it progressed into more. Their connection was really strong.
The pacing was perfect. When it comes to matters of the heart and having been through what Jocelyn went through, you can't expect her to jump in the sack with someone else right away. Even though that happens in real life, I'm glad it didn't happen to her. She guarded her heart and protected her children. She did everything she needed to make sure that her kids didn't suffer.
I loved that the whole story focused on Jocelyn and her journey to discovering who she was as a woman. I'm a big fan of dual POV, but in this case it wasn't necessary. Jodie conveyed everything Mike and Henry were feeling through dialogue and interactions with Jocelyn. Both men pretty much laid their feelings out flat, and it was up to Jocelyn to decide how to interpret them.
The side characters were awesome too, and I loved seeing how they all saw Jocelyn, even though she felt invisible most of the time.
The sex scenes...all I can say is wow. They were intense and showed how your head and your heart don't always agree, but you get a fantastic experience nonetheless.
This is an amazing story of second chances, self-discovery, and learning how to truly love. I found myself giggling at the nerd jokes and smiling big whenever Jocelyn was in a moment of happiness. It's beautiful and definitely something you'll want to read.
I’ve never read a book by Larson. And as I usually do, I don’t read synopsis’s or blurbs. I just like to jump in blind. I really connected with Jocelyn and what she was experiencing. I went through what she did. Just being with a verbally and emotionally abusive man. So obviously, I was able to relate. Jocelyn is going through the motions. Thinking that she isn’t worth much, that maybe she deserves to be treated this way. Which obviously, she doesn’t. But it’s hard after years and years of experiencing what she had.
It really was a Journey for her, she’s discovering who she is and she isn’t all things her husband said about her. It’s sometimes hard when you lose yourself in someone. I loved watching her grow and change. From becoming just this hallowed person to one that could find happiness out of the darkness. I just wish I had someone like Henry to guide my way. It just takes one thing to happen, to really turn your whole life around.
Larson really conveyed through this story, where a lot of women find themselves. And really we are all stronger than we believe. Strength is the one thing that can tear everything down. Since this is my first book by her. I know that it won’t be my last. She’s an excellent story teller and was able to make relatable characters. It may have brought memories I have forgotten, but it was also therapeutic in a way. This isn’t a story that I’d forget.
I was a little nervous when I got this book. I'd heard so much about it, all of it good, and when everyone's raving about a book, I'm never quite sure how to react. See, one of two things happens. Either it's not as great to me as everyone else things it is and I feel totally awkward being the one person out there who doesn't love it or I end up jumping headlong in with a group of fans and can't let go. When it comes to romance novels, it's honestly usually the former. I'm a tough critic sometimes. But I absolutely loved this book. I'm pretty sure I was completely and irrevocably in love with Henry before I even finished the prologue. And Jocelyn? Well, I've been there and done that, pretty much lived that mess before. So I couldn't help but relate to her and desperately root for her to take charge of her own life.
I do want to point out that, while it's not physical abuse, a good portion of this book does focus on an abusive relationship. If you're someone who's been through it, it can be triggering. So maybe think before you read in that instance or at least be prepared to know if you need to give it a break. But it is well worth it once you move through that part. I didn't want this book to be finished! And it's pretty safe to say I'm addicted to Jodie Larson at this point.
When I first started reading this book I thought same cliché. Yet what I like about Jodie Larson is that it is more than the usual cliché and digs deep into one person's life. We have Jocelyn who has really one have had one love in her life and thought she snagged Prince Charming. Along the years she is starting to see that maybe there is someone better for her and now she is struggling to survive. Henry is definitely the man she needed in her life for just talking to her she feels wanted and acknowledged. My heart broke for the way she has been treated and wanted to kill her husband for how she is treated in this book. Through all this though we see the woman Henry see's and that is a strong, beautiful and speaks her own mind. Jodie Larson once again blows me away with her books and have to say I loved Henry with his patience, love and the friendship he shows towards Jocelyn is beautiful. Loved it.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
I Don't Regret You by Jodie Larson is a full-length, standalone, romance novel. This book will stay with you! Meet Jocelyn, she´s a 32 year old mother of two who and works two jobs to make ends meet. Her husband is a cruel self centered man who only takes, takes, takes. She is overworked, tired and burned out. He demands and demands and finally she has enough. She grows a backbone. And I so cheered for her! And then is there a third person. A person who would do everything for her. But would that be healthy? I can´t say how much I loved Jocelyn´s story. I suffered with her, I cried for her and I was happy for her. The writing is brilliant and the story is great. I love the words and the characters. I could feel the characters emotions in the words. And I love the beautiful and well deserved HEA. I think I want my own Henry. I recommend I don´t Regret You and give 5 stars. Thank you so much Jodie Larson !!
3.5 Stars I really liked this book. It kept me interested and I wanted to read it. But there was something that was missing or lacking that kept me from loving it. I liked the characters enough. At times, Jocelyn was a bit wishy-washy, but that didn't bother me. I loved Henry- he's a great guy, super involved with his kids, very attentive. I didn't like Mike- as we weren't supposed to- so the author did him well. The plot was quite good, too, although it felt very rushed at the end. One thing I wasn't crazy about was how quickly Jocelyn moved on, and her relationship with Henry seemed to progress. Again, nothing that really bothered me, though.
This was a very good book. Worth the time to read, and I will probably check out others by this author.
I have a hard time reading about women who have suffered in a relationship. It's a hard pill to swallow and although the book is fiction, it's a reality for some. It's a great story and I'm glad Joss was finally able to get herself out of a bad marriage and finally meet a man who is a real man. One who dotes on her and shows her what it's like to be in a loving relationship that she truely deserves. I just love Joss's character. She's an amazing mother and caregiver and she's so strong once she found her voice. And Henry is the ultimate father and lover. Great man all around and I adore him.
I have been following Jodie for a bit now and I love to see the way her writing has progressed. You know the saying that it gets better with age... well the same goes for writing she has evolved and changed and only gotten better over the years!
Henry is a super swoon worthy character and he is perfect in every way. I need one of him 😍. Jocelyn is reserved and I know I have felt the way she has at one point or another making her very relatable. Together Henry and Jocelyn weave a beautiful love story that everyone can fall in love with.
The perfect story about realizing your worth and moving on.
Jodie perfectly captured not only the feelings post separation/divorce but the struggle of learning to move on. The emotions in this book were almost like a direct reflection on my life the last couple of years which is why I connected to the characters so well in this book. I don't want to say too much about this as I feel the reader should experience it themselves. I think anyone who reads this book can take something away from it.
I Don’t Regret You is a sweet and fun read. Example of funny: “Actually, I think even my hindsight is drunk.”
The interaction between Jocelyn and Henry is easygoing, which made rooting for them as a couple a no-brainer. But more than that, Henry is genuine. Henry’s feelings for Jocelyn are swoon worthy. His personality, freaking adorable. Example of He Ty’s awesomeness: “Nothing’s wrong with quick and easy. But the wait, the anticipation of the good stuff is worth it.” See! Adorable. ❤️
This book definite hit home. Jocelyn was such a great heroine. I definitely related to her in many ways. I liked that it was relatable. Henry was most definitely swoon but in a different way. I definitely find Dad's who are totally involved in their children's lives swoon worthy. I give you a sense of their commitment level. He was so supportive and understanding. If only I could find my own Henry! The book touched on sensitive issues in a classy way. Really well written and delivered. I would definitely recommend it!
This story was beautifully written. It flowed flawlessly and kept me interested in what was happening. Jocelyn grew a lot within the book. Watching her blossom was beautiful and fabulous at the same time. Sometimes your rose colored glasses keep you from seeing what others see and as soon as you remove them you realize others have noticed you. Her children are her rock and who keep her going when things look tough until Henry comes along.
This book was so relatable! It shined light on the hard realities of losing pieces of yourself in domestic abuse situations. Although, serious issues were addressed in this book, it is also the tale of a healthy love story. I loved Henry! He was everything that Jocelyn deserved. I enjoyed her story of finding herself and realizing she can have real love in the process.
I loved this story. It felt so real to me. I loved the heroines growth throughout the book. And Henry (hated that name) was amazing. I have this 4 stars because I did think there was a little too much of her thoughts played out, almost like fluff and it was unnecessary. I was able to skip some paragraphs and didn't feel like I missed anything. Overall good read that was wrapped up in a pretty bow at the end.
This book was extraordinarily...fine. Nothing was wrong with it but nothing was amazing. It was just fine. I found both lead characters and all of their children to be too perfect. People aren’t like that in real life and so it wasn’t believable for me. I kept thinking of the quote from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You “I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?” I feel super neutral about this book. It was fine.
I love Jodie's writing style. She has a way of grabbing your attention and keeping it.
Now this story is different. People don't always act like they should. It is a beautiful story about overcoming. It is about looking hard enough and seeing "it" for the first time. It's about "A New Hope"
I absolutely love this story! Henry and Jocelyn are truly inspiring!
Jodie Larson brings a sexy novel about self-respect, family, loyalty and letting go of regrets. Jocelyn's story was important and powerful and all too relevant. This story is so well-written and I applaud Jodie Larson for her honest words and characters that are complex and well-developed. A beautiful, contemporary romance with heart and soul.
My first read by this author and I'm so impressed! The characters were so well developed, so relatable and realistic, I was totally engrossed by the story of Jocelyn and Henry. Their journey was a complex slow burn romance that both smart and sexy. A complex, poignant story of love acceptance and second chances.