Felt a bit let down by the fact that the whole book is already 'told' to us in the blurb, so unless you're a fan of "how did it all happen in all the nitty-gritty detail", then the whole thing falls flat a bit. Also found the author's voice and tone to be grating, an almost 'love it or hate it' type of writing/speech/expression, and it was very much 'hate it' for me, unfortunately

The Girlfriend Mom was a interesting read, having been in the situation before I can certainly understand most the the things that Dani was feeling. Entering into a relationship with someone else that has children can be a complicated situation, never feeling certain how to correct those children. I loved the concept of this book, that even though Dani and their father were no longer together, she wanted to stay a part of their lives. I would recommend this book to others.

I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, I am not required to leave a favorable review all opinions on this book are my own.

I felt this book on so many levels. I have been in the position of Girlfriend-Mom and luckily, I still talk to the kids as well. It was really hard in the beginning though. Unlike the author's Portuguese lover, mine didn't cheat which made it all the harder to let go. I had to stay away from the kids for a short time just to give myself a little bit of time to heal since we wanted to be together, we were just oil and water. I applaud Dani for the raw look she gave us into her world and her emotions, especially for someone who was admittedly very closed off.

Never wanting a child of your own to being step mum., except your not married. Long term relationship with all the put falls with two young adults popping into the scenario on a semi permanent basis. How do you adapt, cope and find your place? " The tale of how Dani insecurities and life experience fed into the relationship. An interesting read when you have no legal position but need to rely on good will.

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Dani, a professional female set in her child free ways, fell in love with a man who was divorced with two children. This was not in Dani's plan at all, she would have loved to keep her life separate. But as time progressed, she entered the lives of two fantastic kids. As the story progresses, you see how Dani has to change her lifestyle once she and Julian decide to move in and get welcome his kids on weekends. This began with Dani having to share her office as a bedroom for the kids. I could relate to many of Dani's feelings about her space and not wanting to overstep with his children.

Though as the years pass, Dani ends up developing her own relationships with the children that works for them. It shows that people can change, and it doesn't matter if you are in a relationship or not, if you have a connection with someone, keep it!

The Girlfriend Mom by Dani Alpert surprised me in the best possible way. I was expecting to laugh, which I did, more than once, but I wasn't expecting the heartfelt evoking of emotion that came while reading Dani's experience with falling madly in love with a partner's children. This is a memoir that delves a little bit deeper into the heartache that arises from loving someone else's children, and many readers will find Dani's story both relatable and empathetic.

When Dani meets Julian, she falls head over heels. She is so smitten, in fact, that even the realization that Julian comes as a package deal with two children in tow does not deter Dani, who has never had any particular longing for kids of her own. But through the ups and downs of family life, Dani discovers that young Nicole and Tyler have shaken her indifference and burrowed their way into her heart.

This is a deeply personal story that very quickly had me invested in the high emotional stakes of everyone involved. Told with lots of heart and just enough humour to round things out, this is an altogether satisfying read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Danigirl Production, LLC for this ARC.

I am slightly disappointed by this book. I went into it think it would make me laugh and cry and feel all the things but I just couldn't connect with Dani Alpert. I still enjoyed it but it wasn't the read I was expecting.