A good enjoyable easy read. Held my interest the whole way

I wanted to love this book. It started with a great premise and initially was well on its way to being a romantic comedy. Unfortunately, as the story unfolded, it kind of lost it's way... I found myself having to suspend belief to get through the last of it. So instead of loving it, I just liked it. It wasn't a bad read... just not as good as it should have been.

I didn't expect that this story will be so intense and full of action after reading an expert. But the story sucks you in and you can not stop reading it. It is just POV from Ava so we don't see Zanes part of the story but is really not necessary Ava is really thorough. So we see Ava on the run but she does describe her character before the run and I so didn't like that person. This running shows her that she is different people strong caring determined and someone who is willing to change. And this new Ava I like. Zane is also a likable strong character with his own personal problems and a kid brother to care for. They are both well developed and we don't see it from the start but when we do the chemistry between Ava and Zane is explosive. A fun intense great written story that I enjoyed reading.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

The blurb made me curious, the first chapter instantly hooked me, and the amazing characters and funny narration both kept me entertained throughout the entire book.

This was a great start to a new series, following Ava, who's on the run from her ex after discovering something about him she never wanted to know. Hungry, terrified and desperate, she decides to steal a car to get away from him as far as possible. Problem: in her distracted state, she doesn't notice the kid lounging in the passenger seat until it's too late. Through little Van, she meets his older brother Zander, who happens to run his own P.I. business and seems to be determined to help her out of this mess she's in.

This was so much fun, seriously. The first chapter alone would've been worth 5 stars, I loved it so much. Van in particular instantly stole my heart, and the relationship between the little boy and Ava was absolutely beautiful and endearing. The romance was sexy and the hero rather drool-worthy.
There was some suspense and action, too, revolving around a pretty serious subject matter that might need a trigger warning ((view spoiler)), and while it was dealt with sensibly, I found the execution a little lackluster, especially the big finale that felt rather rushed.

Still, the overall mood in this book was light-hearted with tons of funny banter, some emotional turmoil and characters you won't be able to resist for long.

3.5-4 stars.
My first foray into a Jessica Frances book and this crime-caper/ romantic suspense novel was really good. I was drawn in by how original the storyline was.
Ava is a woman running away from a terrifying discovery involving her now ex boyfriend Brian (an FBI agent).
In her desperation to get away, she attempts to steal a car and then realizes there's a little kid (Van) in the car. Since she cannot kidnap a child she is forced to return the car and child to it's owner where upon she meets Van's much older brother Zander.
Zander seeing how instantly attached and friendly Van appears with Ava decides not to call the police but takes her home with them instead.
Zander and Van have just recently lost their parents and both are grieving in their own ways.
Twelve year old Van has detached himself from people and friends. He is not fully able to cope and frequently lashes out in anger at Zander.
Zanders overwhelmed by dealing with not only his own grief and work responsibilities is also finding it hard to cope especially with a younger brother whom he doesn't seem to be able to help or understand.
I couldn't help but love Van in this story. His scenes with Ava were so very heart warming and tender as well as funny and entertaining.
Zander who runs a detective agency also decides to shelter and help Ava and so begins the start of a slow burn romance between the two of them.
There are some vile and evil characters later on in the story, with some scenes that were really difficult to digest but overall this was a very well written and also entertaining read.
Only pet peeve for me was Zander's use of curse words in front of his younger brother Van- that just bothered me for some reason.
Will definitely be open to more books by this author.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

This story revolves around private investigator Zander, damsel-in-distress Ava, and Zander's little brother, Van. It is a light read with a nice blend of suspense, romance, humor, and angst. I thought the characters were well developed and that the plot moved at a nice pace. I never got bored or found myself skimming; I was thoroughly immersed in these characters' lives as they tried to sort through the trouble Ava found herself in after seeing something she shouldn't have. I loved the opening scene between Ava and Van, and his immediate connection to her was sweet. And the chemistry between Ava and Zander was intense. I liked that the relationship took some time to build; after what she'd been through, I would have been completely put off if they'd immediately gotten together. This author knew exactly how to treat that relationship. This is the first book I've read by Jessica Frances, and I would definitely be interested in more.

Being honest I went into this story with low expectations. I've been in a rut of re reading old favourites because I had no idea what I wanted in a book and to be truthful I couldn't be bothered starting a book I potentially didn't want to finish. This year I've stuck to my safety zone of authors I know and love which is sucky cause I'm clearly missing out.
I've never heard of this author never mind read anything by her but I for sure will be browsing her books in the future because she blew my mind.

The story starts with Ava the heroine basically berating herself while trying to steal a car to get out of a situation at that point we know nothing about. When she eventually succeeds in nabbing one she gets way more than she bargained for and that being Van and Zander.

I really enjoyed the originality of the plot. It rare for me to find a story that I can honestly say I've never read anything like it before. The plot was set at a great pace with well developed characters, lots of emotions and slew of surprises. Both Ava and Zander have there own baggage they carry which happens to be the very thing that brings them together. Their struggles are relatable, their journey a hard one but I connected to it all feeling every emotion. The author did a great job on this story executing it perfectly, written seemlessly nothing felt out of place or just a pointless filler. I laughed so much throughout.. the author had the humour on point. I got mad, I cried and I gasped in both shock in horror. I felt everything.
It's definitely a slow burn romance. The chemistry was palpable between Ava and Zander making the sexual tension almost overwhelming. It did not disappoint. I love the instant connection Ava and Van had and how it progressed through the story. Van definitely deserves an honourable mention for being such a sweetheart. Jessica done a fantastic job building his character, conveying his emotional struggles and making him fit perfectly into this story while at the same time being very realistic and raw.

I enjoyed the hell out of this story and will definitely be looking out for more of this author in the future.

I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
This book was a real blast. I loved the mystery behind Brian and Ava and why Ava was on the run. This part of the book was really exciting and gave the right feeling to why Ava and Zander ended up being sexual lyrics involved.
I particularly enjoyed the way that Ava reconciled the two brothers-Zander and Van, after the death of their parents. What a great result became of stealing Zanders Car!
I read this book in one sitting as I wanted to know what was going to happen next and it was so exciting. The writing reinforced the pace of the story, which is something I often complain about authors not handling well.
Overall a very enjoyable, well written novel.
I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary review.