Holland, My Heart

by Jennifer J. Coldwater

You know that stress inventory you can take? You get one point each for a long list of disastrous life events? Let’s just say I have lost count. In the last year alone I’ve lost my husband (and his brother), sold our home, moved across the country, quietly quit my job, watched my closest friend-slash-sister-in-law move out of the country, and… well, I guess that’s it. Could be worse, right? So, here I am. My name is Holland Gallagher and I'm a twenty-seven-year-old MBA with no job and a broken heart.

Which, of course, is when my best friend-slash-mother-in-law Naomi introduces me to her oldest and dearest friend, Kai Ipu. He’s the empirically attractive Black-slash-Samoan CEO of a corporate consulting firm (think a started-in-his-dorm-room company with an eye to making corporations better citizens of the world). But I’m a mess and he’s significantly older than I am. So, I don’t have to worry about that, right? You’d think. He just invited me to join his company. I’m never one to turn down a challenge… so, here goes everything.

Loosely based on the Bible book of Ruth (but with f-bombs from Kai, Holland’s drunken confessions of adoration, and one spicy sex scene), Holland, My Heart is the first in a collection of biblical women’s stories retold as contemporary romance. Holland, My Heart is an MF, dual POV, love-after-loss, slow burn, witty standalone romance.

Genres: Audiobook

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

The first story Jennifer J. Coldwater wrote was in a spiral-bound notebook and about a talking horse. Sadly, the notebook is long gone and she cannot corroborate this tale. There are no talking horses in her current stories. She hopes that’s not too disappointing to her readers.

Always curious, always writing, Jen wanted to find work that fed her soul. The closest she could get to a career in Curiosity and Questioning was teaching English, journalism, and creative writing at a public high school in San Diego, California in the late ‘90s.

Jen lives her life as an ally and an advocate for the Jewish people. A small sliver of that is embodied in her collection of contemporary romance novels based on the women of the Hebrew Bible. She creates diverse characters who believe love is love.

To learn more about Jen, visit https://www.jenniferjcoldwater.com/

Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chief Unicorn

I was emotional quickly into this as we witnessed the coming together of Holland and Aiden. I'm not sure if I'm glad or sad that I read part of the blurb. Either way, it wasn't the only time tears made their way to the surface.

I love the first time Holland and Kai meet and how tongue tied he becomes. In similar fashion, I love Zara and Micah's reactions, too. Holland has some esteem issues, but that just make her more human (you know, as much as a fictional character can be).

I love this book so much. The misunderstandings, the slow burn, the shared dreams, and the building of a beautiful relationship and several friendships were all wonderful. Usually I don't like a burn this slow, but it totally works for these two.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are Cindy Harden and Brian Rivera. This is a first time listening to either and I really liked both.

Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x

I rarely comment on book covers, but I don't think this one does the story justice.

[Sharli Kaltenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read. After the devastating death of her only children, two sons, Naomi wants her daughter in laws to find happiness again. Xemenia has her family in Mexico but Holland has no one but her. She decides to play match maker. Kai and Holland have no idea she is plotting. Holland goes to work for Kai and quickly becomes indispensable. Everyone can see the chemistry between them although they constantly deny it. Can't wait to see who Naomi chooses for Xemenia

[Amanda Mijares❣️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely smitten over this book. This author created these beautiful characters that you can’t help but fall in love with them. I love how it goes from past to present so smoothly. The story development is done so right.
We have Holland who alongside with her MIL Naomi and SIL Ximena lost the men that brought them together.
Holland follows Naomi to Los Angeles where she introduces her to her good friend Kai. ( unknowingly, Naomi wants Holland to find happiness again).
Holland & Kai start working together and boy, what a power couple they could be.
While reading, you can definitely see that they are each other’s equal and treat one another with absolute respect. They complement each other so well.
They both develop strong feelings towards each other but this is a slow burn so don’t expect anything so quickly to happen but when it does, you won’t be disappointed. Trust me! 😏
I enjoyed the pace of the friendship and their growing attraction and the hesitation to lay all the cards out on the table.
Holland & Kai also struggled with issues regarding paternal figures so it was touching to go into that.
I’m so excited to see what this author has in store next. ♥️
I’m really wanting to know more about Ximena 🤞🏼🫣

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶️🌶️ 2/5

[Brett Comeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book more than I expected

My wife wanted me to read this book, I hesitiaed because it’s not my thing but this book was actually pretty good, I enjoyed the book and and the characters

[Julia G · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the “f-bombs” and sexuality of this book (while fun to read!) actually veneer the kindness, love, and connection that are at the heart of Holland, My Love. The combo of irreverence and SEX and love make for a perfectly calibrated tone. Plus, I find myself re-reading the Book of Ruth as I read Holland, something I haven’t done for many years, “solving” of a puzzle of how Holland echoes "Ruth" and re-seeing the Biblical text at the same time!

[chaitea_and_tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this audio book! Definitely one of the best books I have read all year!
I was crying, laughing and smiling to myself like an idiot- this book really captured my heart 💗


Characters:
I loved all the characters in this book, especially the strong female leads and the supportive and unbreakable bonds that Holland, Naomi, Xemenia and Zara share.
MMC Kye is my ultimate book boyfriend 💕 I was enamored with how sweet and patient he was with Holland as she overcame the loss of her first husband and how he would sacrifice anything for her. His internal monologue was hilarious! I adored how he comes across as so mature, calm and collected yet his internal monologue showed he was as nervous as a teenager experiencing his first crush. Coldwater expertly navigated between internal monologue and the action and dialogue of the plot to create something really beautiful!

Audiobook:
I loved both of the narrators for this audiobook, particularly Brian Rivera who voiced Kye. The way he said ‘IPU’ – OMG swoon!!

Read if you like:
- Dual POV romance stories
- Emotional and heart jerking stories
- Love after loss
- Found family
- Billionaire romance
- Cinnamon roll FMC

[Erin (Bellah Loves Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook!

I love romances and generally love sweet, happy-ending love stories. This certainly fit that bill, but unfortunately, I found it a little too sweet and the main female character, Holland, a little too perfect, especially in the eyes of the male main character, Kai. The main conflict between them lasted a very short time and things seemed a little too happy/perfect for the majority of the story.

There were some great aspects to this story, though! First, the narrators were fantastic. A narrator can really make or break an audiobook and the two narrators for this one were great!

Second, I loved the relationship between Holland, her mother-in-law Naomi, and her sister-in-law Ximena. They truly all loved each other and the tragedy they all experienced only brought them closer.

Third, Kai truly does love Holland and that is obvious. The support group he has behind him with his coworkers and friends is one to be envious of.

This book is loosely based on the Bible book of Ruth, however, this is not Christian literature and I wouldn't have known the story's origins had I not read the synopsis beforehand.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this age gap, billionaire romance. It wass so sweet, it maked my teeth hurt. Emotional. Funny. Loved their dialogue. Kai swore a little. But Holland would not........."Holy moly" was as bad as it got. All the characters are nice and likeable. The plot was simple and predictable. Probably too good to be true. If you are looking for a feel good romance, it is right here. Well written. Well told.
The narrators presented this story to perfection. Dual POV. Dual narration. Sexy, deep male voice. Kind, caring female voice. 5 stars for the narrators.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Story Origin.

[Domi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Jennifer Goldwater and Happily Booked PR for the ARC 🤍

“Holland My Heart” by Jennifer Goldwater is a poignant tale of resilience and unexpected connections. Holland Gallagher’s journey through heartbreak and life changes is both relatable and inspiring. Goldwater beautifully captures the complexities of starting over, weaving in themes of friendship, ambition, and the power of new beginnings. The chemistry between Holland and Kai adds a delightful layer to the story, keeping readers invested in their evolving relationship. This book is a heartfelt reminder that sometimes, the most significant changes can lead to the most rewarding opportunities.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧🎧

hmmmmmm

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story so much, I wanted to listen to them all day long. Holland had gone through something that no one should have to, right before her mother in low and sister in law. Holland lives her life after losing without knowing what else to do or what came next, until one day Naomi, her mother in law brings Kai Ipu into her life, and boy, did this man rock her world. It was definitely a very slow burn romance, but it was so so good. The romance, the characters, and the story line was chef kisses. Loved it all !!

[Aaliyah Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute!!! It’s such a high four-star for me. The only thing that upset me was Holland really almost called it quits over a misunderstanding because her ass was Meddling lol. I love that he fell first I love the way he cared for her. I love the way he loves her. 🥺 he had a literally thought about their future from the first time he met her.

[Rachael Patera · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Sugary sweet romance that gave me a toothache at times.

After the death of her husband and his brother, Holland is lost. Her friend and mother in law, Naomi, introduces her to Kai, founder of a global consulting firm and he offers Holland a job. As they work together, attraction grows between them and soon they are more than coworkers and Holland is given a second chance at love.

The initial attraction between the two main characters was very well written. You could see how they each felt a little spark, and it continued to grow, especially as they worked together. It did feel a little contrived and choppy in terms of the flow of the story in general. It was like watching two grown people navigate a relationship like two 16 year olds. The phrasing and wording that the author used felt very juvenile. Also it was a slow burn at first but once they came together everything happened very fast and was all sunshine and rainbows and wrapped into a tidy little bow.

I hate to admit it but I got a little bit of the ick factor with the storyline of Kai being initially attracted to Naomi, who is 15 years his senior, when they first met years ago and now he’s attracted to Holland who is 13 years his junior. The fact that he potentially could be with either of these women, as he is right in the middle of the age gap, weirded me out. Holland was even curious as to if he and Naomi ever had a thing. Was it cringe? Yes. Was it something that I could look past? Well obviously I did as I continued to read the book, but I also think it was an unnecessary plot point. It was established that Kai and Naomi were very good friends and could have been left at that.

I liked the connection the three women had for each other. They all lost big and they still showed up and supported each other. It was endearing to see and really was the highlight of the book for me.

I listened to this book and the narrators did a good job. The accents were well done and you could tell all the different characters as they were speaking. They were a little bland in parts but the dual narration did help and I enjoyed the flow of their storytelling.

Huge thanks to Happily Booked PR for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was actually really good. First I want to say I’m not a huge fan of slow burns— in this instance I understood why it was such a slow burn- Holland had only been widowed for like a year, and Kai was a friend of the family who had just kind of been thrown into this whole thing- so I totally got that.

That being said, I did NOT believe the fact that Kai had *no idea* that his best friend and his best friend’s wife’s two sons had been killed in a car accident that was national news. If they were soooo close, then why was Kai never invited to the funeral? And say they only did close friends/family for the funeral, fine. But both those men were married. Kai talks about all these thigns that they did together and how close they were and how incredibly close Naomi and he were when her husband died. How he was still mourning his death.. and no one invited this man to their kids’ weddings? There were no Christmas cards? No phone calls? Nothing for… what? 10 years? Then all of a sudden his “best friend” Naomi calls him up for dinner, throws her DIL at him and bounces less than 10 minute later?

That part just was… extremely far fetched to me.

That being said I VERY much enjoyed the rest of the book. I thought that the way they handled love after loss was great. I thought that how smitten Kai was with Holland was perfect. I loved how caring Naomi and her SIL were for Holland.. how desperately they wanted her to be happy and had become this actual family for her.

There wasn’t much spice but I thought it was done just well enough that it fit the tone of the book.

There were absolutely some super cute light hearted moments (especially at the start when hes basically stalking her online to know everything about her lol) and he really fell for her at first sight.

I would definitely give this author another chance

The narrators — they were *fantastic* .. I listen to SO many audio books but Im not 100% sure Ive heard these two before. Cindy Harden was fantastic with the different accents and the way she can just make each character sound unique was fantastic. Brian Rivera also did a great job, and I think im going to have to go see what other books he’s narrated because his voice is just perfect to listen to.


Thank you to Happily Booked for providing me an ALC for this book!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you ever have those books that you don’t quite know how to review? This was one of those for me.

So I’m deviating a bit from my standard format and rating each category separately to get an average for my thoughts on the whole book.

My review of Holland, My Heart by Jennifer J. Coldwater

ONE SENTENCE-ISH SUMMARY: Holland is a young widow who has kinda stagnated since her husband passed. When her MIL, Naomi, unexpectedly sets her up on a date, Holland is shocked and angry, but admittedly sparks fly.

MY RATING: See below

POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNINGS:
🫣 Accidental death
🫣 Grief
🫣 Spousal death

SPICE: 🌶️🌶️

READ IF YOU LIKE:
💜 Strong tribe of women
💜 Found family
💜 Office romance
💜 Christian romance?

WOULD I RECOMMEND: Hmm. To the right person, yes. (Spoilers ahead!)

What tripped me up about this book is I caught myself with a big stupid smile on my face several times while listening in the car. I loved it. However there were two major sticking points.
1. This is the sloooooooowest of slow burns. I’m talking the second to last page type of slow. And then it left me wanting a lot more.
2. After I read the book and had my happy little review written in my mind, I got a PR email announcing that this book is a modern day retelling of a Bible story. And that, my friends… made me feel some kind of way. 😳😬🤬

- I felt gross for wanting more spice from a freaking Bible story.
- It felt like a major bait & switch
- I know exactly which Bible story this is a retelling of and that made it even more uncomfortable.

But here’s the thing… I did enjoy the book a lot before I found out the weird theme. So how do I rate it?

Story (prior to the weird Bible knowledge): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice (before): 🌶️

Story (after): ⭐️⭐️
One star because the retelling is VERY close to the original and I didn’t like that copycat feeling.
Extra bonus star for great depiction of strong female characters

Spice after: 🙈🚫👎🏼😖
I just can’t. No. No smut in the Bible stories, kids. 😉🤪

OVERALL AVERAGE RATING: 3.25/5

[Jocelyn Delarosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Rating: ⭐️ 4.75/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 2/5
Narration: 🎧 4.5/5

Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Jennifer J. Coldwater for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

I was not expecting this audiobook to completely consume me the way it did, I was hooked from the start! Holland and Kai had such a perfect dynamic, complementing each other so well. While this is a slow burn, the tension was so well done, keeping me engaged the entire time. Their chemistry was undeniable, and from the moment they started working together, you could feel that there was something more.

This is definitely a feel-good romance, sweet, cute, and heartwarming. If you’re not into lighthearted love stories, this might not be for you, but I have two moods when it comes to romance, and sometimes, I just want something fun and uplifting, this absolutely delivered! It was also surprisingly funny, and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times while listening.

The narration was fantastic! The voices paired perfectly…one sweet and kind, the other deep and sexy, creating a really nice contrast and dynamic. I always appreciate a well-done dual narration, and this one was a definite highlight.

My only minor gripe was the miscommunication trope, which I’m not a huge fan of. There was a bit of that here, and it did irk me at times, but luckily, it was short-lived.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable, comforting romance with great characters, humor, and narration, I highly recommend it!

[Lyndsi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

I received an ALC copy in exchange for my honest review of Holland, My Heart.

What a sweet story of love after loss! Holland Gallagher is a young professional with a good reputation. Her professional skills are highly sought after, but unfortunately she has not been in the mood to work after the loss of her husband and brother-in-law. She has maintained a close relationship with her MIL, Naomi, and relocates to LA to be closer to her. Once in town her MIL introduces her to an old friend, Kai Ipu.

Kai ends up offering Holland a job with his organization, initially as a favor to Naomi, but quickly realizes what an asset she is to his company. However, the job also allows him the chance to keep Holland close and to get to know her better allowing his attraction to grow. Holland is resistant to make a long-term commitment to working for Kai, as she’s still hesitant to rejoin the workforce while still dealing with grief, but she’s a perfect fit and enjoys the challenges she’s assigned. Additionally, she enjoys having the chance to get to know Kai better and spend time with him. Their relationship continues to blossom and grow, leading into the sweetest love story.

This was such a good story, a relatively quick read, and it felt so relatable. While I’ve not experienced this kind of loss, I imagine sharing Holland’s feelings. The amount of respect shown from Kai towards Holland is what every widow/widower deserves.

Tropes:
He falls first
Miscommunication
Love after loss
Sloooooooooow burn 🔥
Holland, my heart (swoon!)
Age gap
Interracial relationship
Billionaire romance
He has a private jet
Foster parents
Planned pregnancy
Mexican SIL
Public declaration of love

[Nikolett Berkiné Varga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thank you Jennifer J. Coldwater for the ARC of Holland, My Heart—this one was an emotional ride in the best way.

We meet Holland as she’s grieving alongside her mother-in-law Naomi and sister-in-law Ximena, all of them bound by loss after the deaths of the men who brought them together. When Holland follows Naomi to LA, she’s introduced to Kai—and from the very first moment, I loved Kai’s reaction to seeing her.

Their dynamic only grew from there. As they started working together, the tension was palpable, and it made their growing connection feel even more real. I especially appreciated the character development—Holland comes across as this composed, well-put-together woman, but we slowly get to see the layers peel back. Watching her grow, process her grief, and allow herself to feel again was both heartbreaking and hopeful. And through it all, Naomi and Ximena were right there beside her. I loved those women. Their support, strength, and love gave the story such a beautiful sense of family and sisterhood.

This book hits deep on themes of loss, healing, and finding love again when you least expect it. If you enjoy emotionally rich stories with strong character arcs and simmering chemistry, this one’s for you.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audio was such a sweet romance of someone finding love again after losing their husband. It was the romance she deserved after going through so much.

Holland lost her husband a year ago and was trying to figure out life again. She is very independent and strong. She became very close to her in-laws, they were her family.

Kai is the founder of a global consulting firm. He was kind and smitten the first time he meets Holland. He offers her a job as a favor to his friend, Naomi, who also happens to be Hollands MIL.

I loooove how her MIL “sets up” Holland and Kai. She says it’s because she wants him to offer her a job, but she had more in mind.

The two get along quickly. There is a spark there, but they work together and she is still healing. It’s a slow burn, but with her having lost her husband a year ago, I think it was needed. There wasn’t too much spice, but the perfect amount for the two of them.

ⓐⓤⓓⓘⓞ ⓣⓗⓞⓤⓖⓗⓣⓢ
The narrators did a fantastic job! Cindy did a great job with the different accents and gave each character their own unique sound and personality. Brian also did a good job, his voice was very good! They both lure you in and bring the characters to life off the paper.

3.5⭐️
1.5🌶️

[Erica Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was swooned from beginning to end! Total feel good read. Even though the book touches down on loss, it didn’t do it to the point of bawling my eyes out. The author gives you just enough. I loved all the characters in this book! The two main characters are Kai & Holland. Their chemistry is on point. They share lots of the same goals, interests, and family background. Kai was beyond PERFECTION! One thing I loved about Holland was her assertiveness & her being a smarty pants! She also has the love of the best mother-in-law, Naomi. I enjoyed reading about their loving relationship. Every good story needs supporting & hilarious friends right? Ximena & Micah are totally it! They need their own story! Hopefully together (wink! wink!) Love-after-loss, billionaire workplace, age gap, some spice and slow burn! [A young widow seeks her new solo way in the world when her mother-in-law introduces her to the family’s oldest and dearest friend, a man she finds herself magnetically drawn to despite their age difference and her broken heart.] This is Jennifer J. Coldwater first novel. This is the first book of The Badass Babes of The Bible Collection.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent sob story/romance novel. Each of the characters have a bunch of hardships and sad personal issues that they end up overcoming together in the end.

Holland loses her husband and soulmate and then a year later is introduced to an older man who was best friends with her in-laws. Kai gives her a job and is instantly attracted to her. They both had absent mothers and recently deceased loved ones. But somehow both of them fall for each other despite denying their feelings at work.

Holland’s mother in law encourages the relationship and Kai publicly confesses his love. Then immediately they go on an Italian vacation and then get engaged as soon as they get back. From there they are basically just in love and figuring out their mother issues before they get married and live happily ever after.

There were a couple misunderstandings between the couple and Holland has issues with doubting herself throughout the story. I personally had a hard time getting past the crazy fast timeline in which they fell in love and get engaged, even though Holland only recently lost her soulmate. But overall a decent second-chance romance/age-gap story.

[Hailey Malouin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holland, My Heart was such a sweet and emotional read. The love-after-loss storyline was beautifully written, and I found myself rooting for Kai and Holland from start to finish. Kai’s character, though a powerful CEO, exudes such a gentle, caring energy, while Holland is both sweet and a true boss in her own right.

The romance is a slow burn, with the story taking its time to build a solid foundation of friendship as they each navigate their grief and personal challenges. There were moments that had me tearing up.

What really stood out to me was the unconditional support between Kai and Holland; they both gave each other the space to heal while offering love and encouragement. The chemistry between them grew naturally, and I loved watching how they supported one another.

The level of spice is very mild, probably around a 2, but it’s handled in a tasteful way that feels fitting for the themes of grief and healing in the novel. Overall, it was a heartfelt journey, and I truly enjoyed how their bond developed.

Overall a 5 star read for me!

A big thank to into Happily Booked PR and Jennifer J Coldwater for the ARC.

[Jodie Franken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being raised as a Christian (JW), it's interesting see a modern take on a Classic Biblical story! I genuinely went to bed each night listening to a Cassette tape of Bible stories and these characters were like childhood friends to me so I love reconnecting with them now as an adult!

The story of Ruth & Naomi (& Orpah) is always one that has tugged at heartstrings. I've always admired the band between these women and the remarkable resilience of them all through the losses they had to endure. Each character’s Unique identity was excellently portrayed

The main characters Holland (Ruth) and Kai (Boaz) were both delightfully charming and relatable. The audio version was well produced & I truly enjoyed every second. One of the better audiobooks that I have listened to in a while.
I loved the concept of this series based on the stories of Bible women and look forward to seeing (or hearing) what comes next!

Thank you to the author and Happily Booked PR for the advance listener copy of this incredible rendition of a classic Bible story!

[Ashley Wrenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read, but I honestly really struggled through the first half of the book. The storyline didn't feel believable to me and was basically justified by a supporting character at the end of the book. The main characters, I had to let grow on me (Im not sure if the storyline contribured to their dislike or vice versa) The FMC, Holland is looking for her second chance at love, but her husbands death is kinda blown over and barely influences her development in the book. Kai, the FMC is obsessed with having Holland from first sight, and based on his relationship with the supporting characters, it is a bit unsettling at first to me. HOWEVER, I thoroughly enjoyed the second half of the book, and the characters felt much more developed/believable. I absolutely loved the diversity the author brought to the book with the characters' backgrounds and different settings. The final chef kiss that I enjoyed was the woman in power role and man wanting to be homemaker.

[Arlene Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a sweet romance book. I really enjoyed reading about a man who is emotionally mature compared to other MMC I have read about.
Holland is grieving her loss and her MIL tricks her into getting a job so she can finally move on. Kai is smitten with her from the beginning.

I did not care much for Holland as a FMC, but she got betterish as the book went on. I loved all the found family love and how even though they lost so much, the 3 women stick together and become each others family.
There are some miscommunication things and oh how I hate them, but it doesn't overtake the whole book.
It was enjoyable to read about a man who loves his person and does everything he can to make sure that she succeeds in her work life. It doesn't scare him that she is good at what she does and make his business better.

If you need a sweet romance, you should read this
It would be even better if you listen to the audio its dual narration which makes it so much better.

[Bookwormtvaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars 3 steamy kisses
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

age gap, boss/employee, forbidden romance, workplace romance, love after loss, widow, billionaire romance, the family found, friendship, miscommunication, dual pov, insta-lust, interracial romance, slow burn romance, friends to lovers

I really enjoyed this love story. Yes, the two main characters finding a possible HEA was the whole point but the other examples of love throughout the book were so powerful. The love between those three women including the main female character, her mother-in-law, and sister-in-law who lost the two men they loved. He fell first let's call it because though both were instantly vibing he fell in love with the awesome Holland first. The story takes you at times to the past which doesn't really hurt the present storyline so I did like that too.

[Marie-Claude Carrière · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐3.5/5

**I listened to the audiobook version

This was a sweet romance of finding love after lost, there was ALOT of mention of death and lost, slow burn, no spice with a beautiful HEA ❤️

I found the miscommunication in the "third act breakup (without breakup lol)" was very annoying however it got dealt with very quickly so it didn't affect my rating.

I found some moments where the main characters made me feel very self involved.. We view the story through their experiences but when ever there's other characters present they show they greatly appreciate this character but when ever the main characters ask the other character a question there's minimal details revealed or none. The dialogue is self centered on those two main characters. I don't know if this makes sence and it's very minor.

[Re Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow!

i loved this book!

Jennifer has smashed this one out of the park! her writing really has a way of getting you so invested right from the beginning! i love the relationships between the characters, especially between Holland, Naomi and Ximina!

There are themes of grief throughout this book, but it is portrayed in such a beautiful way. It highlights the importance of having a great support system around you during those hard times & shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Kai is the perfect gentleman, he gives her the time and space that she needs to move on after her husband’s death , but also builds her up and helps her become a lot more confident within herself. I love their relationship🩵

100% recommend, and would definitely read more of Jennifer’s work!

I received this as a review copy🩵

[Tami Winbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, if you're a trope-aholic... then this book is for you.

* slow burn
* age gap
* he falls first
* millionaire
* workplace romance
* did I mention slow burn?
* second chance at love
* meddling bff/mother-in-law

Holland really gave me the feels when it came to the pain of losing a spouse. Ms. Coldwater portrayed that well. Having lost a husband at an early age, I could see myself in her sooooo much.

Kai is a man with a plan, but no way to complete it without finding a woman to go along with it, and in walks Holland.

I thought nothing could shake this pair once they found each other, but... there is a third act breakup with a satisfying resolution.

Jennifer Coldwater really nailed this book. The characters are wonderful, the settings amazing and well researched. I can't wait to read more by this author. I enjoyed the narrators for this book, they made the whole experience a joy.

I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. <3

[Luvleepati · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

💜 Age gap
🖤 Found family
💜 Slow burn

This book is filled with such strong women, Naomi was devastated after her husband passed away, but she had her boys with her, years later she loses both boys on the same night. Both boys were married, Xemenia went to live in Mexico with her family but still works in the family business while Holland is trying to figure what she wants to do for work. I love how close they all remain and how they still family no matter what. Holland broke my heart but I’m so happy she finally let Kai in and was able to fall in love again. Kai was so kind and understanding and he really fell for Holland at first sight and then even more when he got to know her. Great book, amazing characters.