The Fox and the Rebound

Fox Family #2

by Mary Frame

She made a deal with the devil and he’s determined to collect. But when passionate sparks fly, all bets are off.

Piper Fox hates clocks. With her confidence shattered by a bad break-up, the creative welder can’t stand another minute of her debilitating artist’s block. So with time running out on her deadline, she tests a wild theory that the best way to get over a jerk is to get it on rebound-style with crazy-rich and broodingly handsome Oliver Nichols.

Oliver Nichols curates a cool facade. So when sparks fly with the stunning artist he has under contract, the eccentric billionaire does his best to stifle his reactions. And though he’s convinced love isn’t in the cards for him, ever, the lonely philanthropist can’t stay away.

Not sure how to make the next move after chickening out once before, Piper struggles to ignore her stalkery ex and keep her nose to the grindstone. While Oliver fools himself that keeping a close eye on the vulnerable metalworker is just a matter of good business, only to discover she’s somehow snared his heart.

Will the thrill of danger push them into a forever embrace?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, M F Romance, Humor, Adult

286 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2022

About the author

Mary Frame writes romantic comedies with quirky characters, steamy moments, and banter that will make you blush and snort-laugh at the same time. She’s a full time mom with a full time job and has no idea how she manages to write novels, but it probably helps that she's a dedicated introvert. She doesn't enjoy writing about herself in third person, but she does enjoy reading, writing, dancing, and damaging the ear drums of her co-workers when she randomly decides to sing to them.

She LOVES hearing from readers and will not only respond but likely begin stalking them while tossing out hearts and flowers and rainbows! If that doesn't creep you out, e-mail her at: maryframeauthor@gmail.com

www.maryframe.com

Instagram: @maryframeauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryFrame
Bookbub: @MaryFrame

Reviews

[Mary Frame]

Update 10/10/22: Blurb/description updated! ARCs are out in the wild! Thank you everyone who is reading and reviewing, and for all of the stellar feedback I've received so far, it means the world!

I am so happy to finally share Oliver and Piper's story with you. Oliver has been in the back of my mind since I wrote Imperfectly Delicious in 2020 and bringing his story to life was such a joy.

Here's a couple little sneak peeks from Oliver's POV:

"There’s something about Piper that hammers at my self-restraint. All of the emotions, everything I’ve kept under tight control, transforms into beast that wants to come out of hiding and bask in her sunshine. I’m both captivated and alarmed. 

I have no room for these feelings.
They are decidedly bothersome."

"I’m ready to hand over my beating, bloody, brutalized heart, and ask nicely for it not to be crushed between her delicate palms."


"The exterior of the Fox family home hasn’t changed much since my last visit. It still looks as if the Winchester mystery house had a baby with a log cabin and the doula was a blind lumberjack."

<3
Mary

[Here4thehea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting! I received a free arc of this book but I’d have paid anything to get more time with the fox family! I loved getting to know more about piper but it was sweet damaged Oliver who stole the show.

Oliver had a rough life, lost his parents and aunt and entered the foster system young he never knew love and stability. His infatuation with piper can feel concerning but at the same time so genuine.

Watching him lighten up as the book went on was such a joy!

Definitely some shocking moments I didn’t see coming and I’m glad to have had some drama mixed in with my romance!

This is the perfect sunshine/grumpy billionaire romance!

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I "met" Oliver previously, he never failed to intrigue me - all this cold exterior of an seemingly insufferable, grumpy, mysterious character, ultimately relenting to do what's right while pretending he's just following his own selfish interests.

Though that's not always the case, the blurb of this book sums up the plot very well. What you can't sum up without actually reading the book is how wonderfully Oliver's inner beauty is revealed in his thoughts and his actions - his sensitivity, his disillusion, his generosity, his pain, his loneliness and his fear of rejection. He pretends he doesn't care, so his feelings running as deeply as an underground river cannot be seen above, but those closest to him can see his hard exterior crack under the pressure of the troubled torrent as he denies himself and resigns himself to being unlovable.
“ 'Being vulnerable with someone you care for is one of the most frightening experiences in human existence, which means it’s also one of the most courageous things you can do.' You have to be brave to be weak. Baffling, and yet accurate."

And Piper ... so worthy of his protection and his affection! She crawls into his darkness and lights the fire of hope:
“What’s the point of living?” He glances at me. “Money. Success. Power.” Right. He hoards it all like a squirrel preparing for winter. “The things that help us climb to the top are the same things that keep us from enjoying it when we’re there.” He stares ahead, jaw clenching. I won’t let this go. I have to make him see. “You’re missing what’s most important when you’ve been shit on by life, the thing that really matters: hope.” He faces me, mouth twisting with skepticism. “Hope? Hope is for children who still believe in the tooth fairy.” Anger spikes into me. Not necessarily at Oliver, but at the people who treated him so poorly he’s lost all faith in everyone. I shake my head. “You’re wrong. You wouldn’t have all that money, success, and power without it. Hope isn’t some delicate, weak thing. Hope is the only thing you have left when you’ve been torn into nothing.” My voice rises as the words spill out. “Hope is the thing that gets you out of bed and moving when you’re exhausted and everything is at its darkest. Hope is what keeps you from giving up. It’s being bruised and battered and torn and going on anyway. That’s hope.”

How can I describe the poetry of their relationship evolving without spoilers? I simply can't! Read this book, it's a wonderful, well written story of two tormented souls finding absolution.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Artist Piper escapes her controlling ex and rebounds with hot rich guy Oliver, who's been interested in her for a little longer than he admits.

2.5/5 but I'll round up — Tbh, it left a little bit to be desired in the buildup and felt unfinished. He's interested in her for all this time and avoids telling her that, but we don't really get the moment where he does tell her which I was waiting for the whole time. As per usual, I felt that this could've used another 100 pages of character, relationship, and plot development.

CW: controlling ex, etc.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fox and the Rebound is my first venture into this series
I adored Oliver - He is a crispy on the outside marshmallow softness on the inside grumpy for all but his gal leading man
Piper caught his attention with her artwork - No he has not caught feelings for her. He has had the vaccine for those pesky gremlins, he is just accompanying her, assisting her to ensure that her abusive ex does not get his claws in her again
Oh, the lies we tell ourselves...

This is heavy on angst but it is balanced in such a wonderful way that I did not drown in it - There is laughter, little moments of self-discovery, friendship, and romance
Piper has just come out of a controlling relationship and she is fighting so hard to keep from falling back into old habits Oliver is her lifeline
They fit together so easily -
His harsh to her softness -
Her bright to his dark -

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it and I read it in one day. I’m smiling even now as I write this. This is the second book I’ve read by Mary Frame and she’s becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Her writing is unique and engaging. I liked the h and H. The chemistry and intensity between them was swoon worthy.
The whole Fox family has captured my heart and I’m very excited about this series. I highly recommend this if you like contemporary romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, but it could easily be read alone. The character of Oliver was first seen in Imperfectly Delicious, a part of the Imperfect series. We first met Piper Fox in book one of this series, Between a Fox and a Hard Place.

This book is a slow burn romance, but once it fully ignites, it’s an inferno. Piper is a well-known metal artist; Oliver is a workaholic billionaire. Piper’s just broken up with her abusive boyfriend/manager. Oliver has never had anyone he’s cared about, or who cared for him, in his life. They’re a perfect match.

This is a delightful story. It’s beautifully written; it held my interest; and caused me to care for the characters. I can’t wait to read the next book to follow in the series.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.
I am enjoying this series more after reading this story and learning more about the Fox family. I think there is a darkness as they have gone through hard times, but they all have support, care and hope woven into their stories.
It was a bit tongue-in-cheek that the characters outwardly state that Piper and Oliver's relationship is like Beauty and the Beast. From this, Oliver's character does not need to be explained further and his group of lackies/"friends" makes more sense. It was a great comedic moment when Piper realizes that O's assistant is "definitely Lumiere." No one actually admits that the ex boyfriend, Ben, is like Gaston, but that is a given.
Where I found trouble seeing the characters' connection (apart from lust) in the relationship in book 1 (Between a Fox and a Hard Place), here the couple is a perfect fit: even without mutual attraction, they relieve each other of insomnia! If that's not a perfectly romantic connection, I don't know what is. In addition, Oliver finally sees what love, hope and purpose is. And Piper gets her confidence and inspiration for her art back.
Not really rereadable, unless there are details in the upcoming books I would want to look back at, but definitely a sweet, sappy, feel-good, hope-filled story. I would watch the movie!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story
Piper is an artist working in metal sculpture. She’s been commissioned by billionaire Oliver to produce four works, part of a deal to save her family’s business. But after coming out of an abusive relationship, Piper has lost her muse. She’s wondering if she can’t find her creativity if she spends time with Oliver, the one man that’s made her feel anything in months. But Oliver has been hurt so much in the past that he struggles to trust his feelings for Piper.

My thoughts
I loved the first book in this series (Between a Fox and a Hard Place) about Piper’s older sister. This story is a great follow up. There is charm, humility and emotion galore, and I loved getting insight into both character’s points of view. Oliver is a cold person on the outside but had the gooey-est inside and cares deeply about those close to him, even though he doesn’t believe this about himself. I love how he and Piper are able to find peace with each other. Piper’s messy and large family keeps things interesting. Excited to see that sister Mindy’s story comes next 😊

Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series , and while you absolutely can enjoy this as a stand alone, I recommend reading this one in the correct order. In the first book, Oliver wasn't super likeable for me, so I wasn't sure how a relationship with a Fox sister would work for me.

But I'm glad to report… I loved these two characters together!

Piper is trying to get on with her life, after a breakup and a creative slump. Her ex stalking her certainly isn't helping! When she and Oliver connect, the attraction between them simmers. He's definitely what she wants and needs. 😉

There are entertaining twists and turns in this story and I found it enjoyable. The pages turned themselves and I was at the end of the story too soon for my liking.

I recommend this author and this series.

My free ARC was provided by Booksirens, and I voluntarily leave my review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to this author and series by Hidden Gems ARC program. After reading the first book, I was excited to request this ARC and see where the story went from there. This being the second book in the series, it might help to have read the prior one. I was excited to start the story of Piper and Oliver as they were introduced in the first book. Piper was in an abusive relationship and has now moved closer to her family to heal from it. Her ex was also the manager of her career as a metal sculpture artist and therefore has caused issues for her as she goes forward. In the prior book, she is introduced to Oliver, who is a friend of her sister’s boyfriend was instrumental in getting her away from him. In turn they have an agreement that she will produce some pieces for his new gallery.

From the beginning there is a pull between the two characters, but Oliver can be hard to warm up to in many cases. As Piper continues to heal, she thinks he might be a good person to rebound with and see if she can move on from her past. Yet, Oliver is reluctant to let anyone into his life and is more enamored with Piper than he wants to admit. At the same time, Piper’s ex seems to trying to get back in the picture and Oliver is fixated on keeping her safe from him. It’s a very good story that keeps you reading to see how their relationship evolves.

[Em Kinsler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for this guy too.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Fox family series. You can read this as a standalone, but I do think you would enjoy it more if you had read book 1 first. The first book gives you a bit of back story of who Piper is and what her situation is leading to Book 2.

Long story, short: Piper Fox escapes a nightmare of a relationship. Her art had been her vessel, but now she it's an empty slate.

Oliver Nichols is a self-made billionaire. He is known for being a ruthless business man with no heart. Once he fix his sights on something, he will do everything he can to obtain it.

In this case, Oliver sets his sights on Piper to design a collection for an art gallery he owns. At least, that was his original intention. Piper has been shaken up by her emotionally abusive ex, and trust doesn't come easy. They find that their walls seem to break and fall when they are near each other. It is easier when they are with each other, but both are hesitant as to where this my lead to if they let go. Are they willing to accept what they can be, or is to soon?

Great story with lots of emotions, as each figure out who they are individually and who they are as a potential couple. I don't want to leave out the rest of the Fox family. You can see each family members story develop through each book in the series. I can't wait for the next one and see what is in store next for the Fox family.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an artist has been damaged by a romantic relationship, there is no creative spark to be found. Piper Fox is hiding the lack of progress for a commission of several metalwork sculptures from just about everyone, and especially Oliver North who has commissioned them. As a billionaire she figures he would be livid to know she has no creativity, so she tells him she needs a better studio and equipment. Within 2 days that is done and she has to try and hide the problem from Oliver, as she is also being stalked by her miserable jerk of an ex. Problem is (or is it a problem?) that Piper has fallen for Oliver. But he is such a clueless cold person that there is little hope for reciprocation of feelings. Or maybe she's wrong?
An interesting clash of personalities and upbringing is gradually chipped away by Piper, much to Oliver's happiness. But it's not fast or easy, and he needs to learn how to be a friend before anything else can happen.
What follows is a sweet story of two vastly different people learning, changing, and beating the odds for both of them to be happy. It's a bumpy ride, but a satisfying one as we see Oliver change for the better. Piper also learns to trust, a hard lesson after what happened before Oliver. The pacing of the story was perfect, nothing was rushed. I think one of the highlights of the book comes near the end and involves Oliver helping his personal assistant. Wonderful characters, a wide variety of emotions expressed, friends and Piper's family all blend together to make a book that had me near tears both from the sad past history of characters, and from unexpected lightness that the same characters have discovered. Wonderful book that makes you feel and think as you enjoy reading it.

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good with both endearing and tortured characters
4.5
It is a story in which the characters are both tortured for various reasons, but also tender and touching with their difficulties in expressing themselves, although one has a strong character and the other an artistic soul to express oneself. Their evolutions have a cute side despite all that Piper goes through, while Oliver accompanies her without ever admitting to himself what he thinks and what she means to him.
I look forward to the story of Mindy and Luke because I really like Luke's character, met here through few pages.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Resse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our scars are not the same, and yet they mirror each other all the same.

What do an artist and a billionaire have in common? More than you would think. Maybe not on the surface, but they understand each other to a certain degree, regardless of how different they may seem.

I'm glad I stumbled upon Mary Frame's Between a Fox and a Hard Place, the first of the Fox Family series, in June. Every once in a while, I check to see if there is a new book in this series. So I was glad when I found out that The Fox and the Rebound was coming in November. To be able to dive back into this chaotic mess of a family was a good distraction. Reading and focusing on someone else's chaos is more enjoyable than dealing with my own.

We met Piper and Oliver in Between a Fox and a Hard Place. After leaving a toxic relationship, Piper moves away to distance herself from her ex. She thinks that a rebound will help her. So she makes a deal with Oliver to have him as her rebound. However, that's not the only deal between them; Oliver wanted to display her work in his gallery. It's like he owns her in a sense and does everything he can so that she would produce the art needed.

There was just something about Oliver. He may seem cold, but he does care and does things for people that mean something to him. It may not seem that way, but actions speak louder than words. Oliver has good intentions, but he sometimes goes about it wrong. Growing up, he didn't have much, so what may seem like greed is him compensating for that. It's not a good feeling when you have no one. But, unfortunately, it's a fact of life that humans crave to belong, and Oliver doesn't have that. So my rumbling about Oliver is my roundabout way of saying I love him.

The Fox and the Rebound was a quick and fun romantic comedy with hints of Beauty and the Beast. Even though it could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the books in order. The chaotic mess that is the Fox Family is more fun that way. Start with Archer and Finley's book Between a Fox and a Hard Place before this one. Family/friend dynamics make exciting stories. When the characters are interesting enough, you would want to know more about them and want to read their story, or at least that's true in my case. I can't wait to read about the other Fox siblings because it's not solely focused on the main characters but will have appearances from the other siblings and an update after their book ends if it is already out. With some hints at future stories sprinkled in. Luke and Mindy's story, Another Fox Bites the Dust, comes out in the spring/summer of 2023, with the predicted date of July 31, 2023, but that could change.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25)

[Ali Cunliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

We romance readers love our tropes. If an author can create a page turner we love within the limits of a familiar basic, central story, we know we’ve found a winner who will reward us for reading again and again.
I found such an author in Mary Frame, way back in her first book, Imperfect Chemistry. It featured Lucy, aka the Perfect Nerd, a Brainiac social moron who finds herself, improbable though it may seem at first, in a burgeoning relationship with magnetic campus heartthrob Jensen.
She’s a fish out of water extraordinaire, and so is Oliver in The Fox and the Rebound.
Mary Frame’s latest book isn’t quite as good as her first, in my humble opinion, but then Imperfect Chemistry pushed all of my buttons as few books have. In other words, let’s not let the minor difference in ranking make us think anything other than a smidgen less of The Fox and the Rebound.
Oliver is an eccentric self-made gazillionaire, so he’s a wizard of a different kind than Lucy, i.e. at making money. He sucks at everything else, though, especially at anything that smacks of dealing with people.
That doesn’t stop him from being a hero. He rescues brilliant sculptress Piper Fox from her abusive boyfriends the moment he finds out she wants and needs help.
But then he has to talk to her. That’s hard to do at all, and rarely happens without opening his mouth to take one foot out and put the other one in. Social graces were hard to find when he was growing up, hungry and abused, in the worst kind of foster family.
Piper, meanwhile, is struggling to get past the creative block her boyfriend left her with along with a shredded ego and non-existent self-confidence.
I’ve devoured every book Mary Frame has written, and she hasn’t yet failed to put the punch of surprise into how her hero and heroine start finding out they are made for each other.
Oliver and Piper, for instance, start to find their magic when they spend a sexless night together and each of them sleeps well for the first time in years.
Huh? What less likely way could you possibly find as the catalyst for a couple in a romance novel coming together?
Think about it, though. What better way could two damaged, abused people learn they trust and need each other?
I read The Fox and the Rebound in a free advance reading copy supplied by the author with a request for an honest review if I cared to leave one. I definitely did so care. Every lover of romantic comedy should find this author, and it’s a pleasure to help them do so.

[Crys Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Mary Frame’s other book from the series, she starts off with a preface letting her readers know about the topics in the book that can trigger people. I like that she added this and that she made recommendations for other reads if the topics were too much for her readers.

Piper recently left a bad relationship and is trying to rebuild her life. She’s an artist, but with everything that happened, she found herself mentally blocked from creating. It wouldn’t be so bad if she hadn’t commit to Oliver in having some of her work done for his gallery opening.

Oliver not only is a billionaire, but he is also good at everything. Everything that is, except for love and caring for others. He builds work relationships, as long as, there is something in it for him.

Having to work closely to each other, Piper and Oliver bond. It’s obvious there is an attraction to one another, however, past inflictions make it hard for any of them to admit their feelings.

There was a little bit of romance, humor, self-growth, and suspense, which made it an exciting read. Both Piper and Oliver had endured a lot of things in the past, though they were different, they both got deep scars. To see them battle with their thoughts and open themselves up to each other and others around them, was quite the journey.

This is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Piper and Oliver does a great job in filling you in on what happened in the first book.

I received an ARC and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is the second book in Mary Frame’s Fox Family series and can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed the first book but this book was even better!!! There are some content warnings in the beginning of the book so check those out before reading.

This book is Oliver & Piper’s story. They met at the end of book one when Oliver’s private jet was used to rescue Piper from an abusive relationship. They shared a sweet night together - one that neither could forget!

Oliver is a wealthy businessman who had a rough childhood. When his mother had died at the hands of a boyfriend, he was put into the foster care system. He was a smart kid who did everything he could to better himself - applying for camps, private schools, etc. just to get out of the system. He is a self made, hunky billionaire but he does have some serious issues with love because of what happened to his mother...until he met Piper.

Piper was an amazing artist. She left home when tragedy hit the family and found herself right in the middle of an abusive relationship. Thankfully her family & Oliver saved her from the abuse and she is starting over in New York - living with her older sister Mindy & working with Oliver (who commissioned some artwork for an exhibition). Piper has a lot of healing to do and Oliver may just be the one to help her…

This steamy rom-com is a quick read with dual POV’s. I loved seeing Oliver from Piper’s perspective- he has such a tough exterior but he really is a sweet, protective, loving guy. The chemistry between them is felt through the words in this book! I really enjoyed getting more of the back story on Oliver. AND the secondary characters - we learned more about Mindy and I absolutely love Carson!

I cannot wait to see what is to come in the next Fox family book! (Im)Patiently waiting!!! I will be checking out more of Mary’s books until then!

Thank you to Mary Frame for the Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract romance with a baddie in the shadows😯

4.5🌟 stars
I really got into Oliver and Piper's love story, and actually found I liked it a bit more than Finley and Archer's earlier story in the first book in the series. From the get-go, the sexual tension is obvious despite their totally different approaches to life. The romantic scenes are heated at times but not too explicit and, for me, the scenes were not too frequent and the right length: not long but getting the mood across just fine. And it's obvious that their attraction has been developing for a while rather than an insta-love, hurried situation. This couple shares their thoughts and secrets before the physical relationship gets serious.

Artist Piper is surrounded by a supportive family and all about the feels, expressing intense emotions through her work. Oliver is a buttoned-up super-wealthy businessman and perfectionist who's got no family and had a hard-knocks childhood that left him detaching from emotions.

The stalker ex-boyfriend adds to the story's drama nicely. And Piper's numerous siblings, while all present, don't take the focus off the couple.

Last but not least, the author includes a bit of whimsy and humor for the guys when they misguidedly take a turn at a new hobby.

I'm totally in for what comes next in this series with so many unattached siblings.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Bookworm Express Kwan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year I read Between a Fox and a hard Place, which was a small town romance about Finley and Archer. The story was cute and I especially loved the amount of depth and rich background stories that accompanied the characters. They added to the story, supported the characters and made the romance better. So I was really excited when the second book in this series about the chaotic Fox siblings came out!

This time we get to follow Piper and Oliver to their happily ever after and I really, really liked it. Both characters came from a dark place and I was rooting for them to allow themselves to love and be loved again. The topics were quite serious and heavy, but it was never too hard to read, because both of them were already healing and very much willing to try. Their moments together were cute and what’s not to love about a grumpy billionaire with a gooey center? Yeah, I genuinely loved this well written character of Oliver Nichols - and I think I loved Oliver and Piper’s story even more than Finley and Archer’s (and I seriously loved Finley and Archer!)

I am always skeptical about *SPOILER ALERT ON* the big confrontation involving a gun *SPOILER ALERT OFF* and I still think that it’s not necessary to drive a plot that way, especially not in a character-driven novel, but I don’t begrudge Oliver his action hero moment.

The next book in this series is going to be Mindy and Luke’s story. I can’t wait for Mindy to get the HEA she deserves!

[Luisa Baudino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I am so glad I waited for Oliver to come around and find someone who would make him seem more human, because although intrigued, every other time we met him in Imperfectly Delicious or Nerdelicious I thought there was more to him but wasn't completely convinced. Then Between a Fox and a Hard Place came and I simply KNEW i needed to get to know him better.
And finally his time came and we got to see him for the person he is and the wonderufl human being he can be with the right person, aka Piper.
Those two togther were intense and amazing and beautiful to read. Even though they had quite a rough patch in life they both complete each other and help each other mend their souls and life. They were simply beautiful and I am really glad I read their story. Now I want to see what happens to Mindy!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Frame's The Fox and The Rebound is the second book in the Fox siblings series. This story follows Piper Fox as she tries to regain control of her life after dealing with an emotionally abusive ex. She does this by making a deal wo create art pieces for billionaire Oliver Nichols.

This book was so beautiful and had so many great lines about hope, grief, and survival. The written evoked many emotions and was terrifically funny. I loved the relationship between Piper and Oliver and watching both characters learn from one another and grow stronger was immensely satisfyingly. Both characters have experienced with past grief and abuse in some form and reading about how they were able o share those dark parts with one another added a richness to their relationship and the story overall.

Once again the side characters, particularly the Fox siblings and Oliver's employees were exceptional and I could easily read a book based off each of them. I am already excited to read Mindy's story that was teased in this novel.

This in another fantastic offering from Mary Frame. Her novels are always moving and highly entertaining. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially readers of romance and fiction.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

We met both Piper Fox and Oliver Nichols in Between a Fox and a Hard Place. Piper is one of Finley’s four living siblings, an artist that has just come out of an abusive relationship. Oliver has just made a business agreement with the Fox family that benefits both of them, but one of the conditions is that Piper creates some pieces for his new gallery. Both characters have emotional hurt in their past that leaves them unsure or unwilling to a romantic relationship. However, there is undeniable attraction between them that can not be ignored.
Oliver believes he is a jerk and uncaring but he is just defensive. Piper sees through him quickly and the more time she spends with him the more there is to like. I love that Piper acknowledges the harm her ex caused but is determined to live her life to the fullest. Although, there were also times where I wish she would have proceeded with more caution. As I am sure Oliver would as well.
This book is a slow burn with a touch of suspense. It also builds well off the previous book and leads into the next. We know the Piper’s sisters Taylor and Mindy are not really on speaking terms but not why. Piper lives with Mindy while in New York and gets a front row seat to the consequences of her mistakes. I am interested to learn more about her personal story next.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Fox Family romance series, The Fox and the Rebound matches Piper Fox, an artist who has just escaped a psychologically abusive relationship, with Oliver, a curmudgeonly billionaire with a difficult past. The couple meet through Oliver's lifelong friendship with Piper's sister's boyfriend (from book 1) and form an instant connection that deepens into a strong romantic bond. However, their relationship is threatened by Oliver's unearned reputation as a jerk and Piper's stalking ex.

Mary Frame knows how to write a romance! Her characters' identities and relationships feel so authentic, and her writing never feels forced. This novel has plenty of sweetness, a touch of suspense, and a little bit of steam, and the right number of subplots and side characters to round out the story and keep me turning pages until the end.

Having enjoyed the first book in the series, it was fun to see the Fox siblings in a second story. But I felt this book leaned on its predecessor a bit too much; for example, we never saw Piper and Oliver's first meeting from either character's point of view.

4.5 stars.
[I received a complimentary ARC from the author. Opinions are my own.]

[Naceonthebrain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book after enjoying Finley and Archer's story and it did not disappoint. Oliver and Piper both deal with a dark past making it hard for them to open up to others. Their relationship, although not exactly slow burn, develops throughout the book and you get to see how each begin to accept what they both thought was not possible.

Even though they are both attracted to each other from the beginning you see their relationship as friends and more slowly grow rather than an insta love type of relationship. I really loved the stalkery element and how the issues Oliver and Piper' relationship encountered weren't drawn out or blown out of proportion. There was a perfect balance of humor and romance while dealing with more serious topics such as family death, stallking, emotional abuse, and child abuse.

Although it can be read as a standalone, I would encourage you read Between a Fox and A Hard Place before picking this one up. It's an easy and fast read and I definitely look forward to the rest of the Fox siblings' stories.

One of my favorite quotes, "You never need to soften your edges for a man who doesn't have a sharp enough tool." -Oliver

I received this book as an ARC and encouraged to leave an honest review.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book after reading the first book in the series. It was obvious then that Oliver had an interest in Piper. I was also extremely curious about Oliver. He came off as a robotic businessman, yet he had layers that weren’t fully explored.
After learning more about Oliver and his past, my heart felt for him. It hurt my heart to read that he didn’t believe he had friends, more acquaintances with similar pasts.
Piper was great. She was able to get out of an emotionally abusive relationship with support from her family and Oliver. While she felt somewhat pushed into creating pieces for Oliver, I think there was also a bit of a pull between them.
Their growing connection/attraction was so good! I loved that it was a slow burn. They were to broken people that grew and were able to become something more together.
Mary Frame has an incredible talent in being able to pique your interest in the next story while you’re still reading the one that comes first! That’s what happened while I was reading Between a Fox and a Hard Place, and it happened again while reading this book! So now I can’t wait to see what happens with Mindy!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.

[TheLazyCatLady · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fox and The Rebound is the second book in the series and it centers around Piper Fox. She is trying to get her life on track after an abusive ex. She's an artist and she makes a deal with Oliver. Piper and Oliver both have trauma in their past that create a bumpy road for the couple. I loved the relationship between Piper and Oliver. They both grew and evolved and reading about them was both touching and funny as only Mary Frame could have written. The more they shared of themselves the deeper and more beautiful their relationship became and the more wonderful the story.

The book wouldn't be nearly as fun if not for the awesome side characters. The Fox siblings made their appearance, of course, and Oliver's employees played an important part. They all make the book read like a sitcom at times. It seems like the next book will be about Mindy and I am truly excited for more good times and romance.

This was a fabulous book. Well written and easy to read. It took me no time at all to finish because I was really enjoying it. There is no cheating, no obvious OM/OW drama, and a beautiful HEA. I am definitely recommending this book. It's a great romantic and fun read. Four very bright stars!

[Narci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited about this book, because I was so intrigued with Oliver and excited about Piper escaping her tormentor. Oliver fascinated me from the moment he helped Asher, this mysterious, grumpy, broken man who would drop all to help a friend girlfriend sister captivated me. Oliver portrays as a heartless, selfish, businessman who demands perfection, his cold exterior is all but an act. In this book we get to peel all the layers of Oliver's exterior, his hard shell slowly cracks giving us a glimpse of the real sweet, tender, caring Oliver. I loved how Pipe sees past Oliver's cold, hard exterior and is able to bring Oliver light to his darkness. Piper is such a strong, determined, sweet and carrying artist whose art captivated Oliver. Piper's art spoke to Oliver in a way no one had reaching a part of him he didn't know he was capable of. I loved how Oliver is able to help Piper regain her confidence, her drive and vulnerability. The message behind this book is a beautiful one, the courage to trust is one of the hardest things but the most rewarding and never lose hope. Hope drives us to reach for the stars and never stop fighting for what you need. I would give this book more than a five star if I could.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Oliver, the wealthy businessman who we briefly met in the first book of the series ("A Fox and a Hard Place"). Readers learn why he appears to be so cold and unfeeling. Piper is the Fox sister whose sculpture had intrigued Oliver. Although she contractually agreed to produce a piece for Oliver, Piper finds herself struggling with artist's block and the aftereffects of being in an abusive relationship. Through well-written dual points of view, both Oliver and Piper grow, recover, and bring out the best of each other. This story is very engaging. There is some heat without being too graphic, good supporting characters and some suspense on the way to a romantic and satisfying HEA. A final note: Although this book can be read as a standalone, I was glad I had already met many of the characters in the first book of this series. The bit of foreshadowing in this book has already hooked me on the next sibling’s story. I am recommending both this book and the series! I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.