Mary Ann Marlow is a favorite author. I accidentally let this archive before reading. I bought it, read it, and was not disappointed

This is a lovely story about second chance love. Lucy and Noah have loved each other since high school but they don’t live in the same world. She can’t stand being apart all the time so his music career is a deal breaker. Lucy doesn’t want him to give it up and end up resenting her so she broke up with him. Over the years, they’re drawn together at various times but now Lucy has a secret that will change everything. She wants more with Noah, but doesn’t believe it’s possible. Noah only cares about Lucy, nothing else, but she’s always pushing him away.

They struggle to find it within themselves to compromise, and in Lucy’s case, to even recognize that compromise is an option. She’s had her mind made up about this for so long that she’s never questioned her convictions, but maybe it’s time re-evaluate what she wants and what he can give.

I keep reading series out of order. It’s unintentional, but I see a book that looks good and jump on it without any research. A blurb is enough for me. Typically this is no big deal except that it’s kind of a spoiler for when I read the earlier part of the series and Kind Of A Big Deal is no different. This is my first book by the author and I absolutely loved everything about it: the characters, her writing style, the ending. This was a beautiful story and I couldn’t put it down.

This was a very enjoyable, compelling read. Both of the characters were well developed, with understandable backstories and real growth over the course of the story. Their thoughts, feelings, and fears were conveyed in a very affecting manner. Lucy did frustrate me a bit with her total inability to compromise and see shades of gray, but working through that is a key part of her arc.

Sex is addressed very frankly--there were even a few passages that surprised me, and I thought I'd read pretty much everything. But it was never prurient or distasteful and didn't detract from my enjoyment at all.

This is a smart story with some real depth, and definitely worth a read!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

The angst level is off the charts in this story! There were definitely times when I wanted to tell Lucy to grow up but I could also understand with her history why she was so guarded. Their HEA is hard won and a delight to see! Although this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone.

While not my favorite in the series, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit. This one uses a second-chance romance and secret baby (well, kid) trope. I liked the alternating POVs for both MCs, Lucy and Noah, After the first 3 books where Noah just seems like kind of a dick, it was nice to get into his head and make him feel more human.

The problem with a second-chance romance is you need to have some sort of background on how the first relationship went. In this case, it seemed like there was a lot of backstory to cover, and it made the pace seem too slow. This was also, by far, the most angsty of the series. Kids will do that, I guess!

That being said, I still enjoyed the story. Marlowe writes books with a good mix of emotion and heat. I look forward to seeing what she writes next.

Museum curator Lucy Griffin has always loved Noah, but she has no use for a vagabond musician, not even one as intoxicating as Noah Kennedy. The last time she let Noah seduce her, the tour bus rolled out of town before Lucy discovered she was pregnant. Not that he ever knew. Having grown up with an absentee dad herself, Lucy shut Noah out of her life, vowing to protect her child from the heartache and empty promises of a fly-by-night father.

Now Noah’s back, tempting Lucy with everything she’s ever wanted—his time, his attention, his presence. Reuniting with Noah would mean revealing their child, risking his fury, and destabilizing the safe world Lucy’s created. But if she can’t trust Noah with her secret, she’ll lose her one chance to build the stable family she’s always wanted.

I haven't read other books in the series but I have no problems following the story. I love second chance romance and this one was especially emotional. Noah's devotion won me over. The music part was interesting too and it brings so much to the story. I love the HEA as well...... :)

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC.