My only issues with this book is that I couldn't relate to the characters and it just didn't seem realistic to me. The whole premise although it was what originally intrigued me to the book it didn't win me over in the end.

Besides that the book had well developed characters, it was well written, the steam was there, and it was all about a woman feeling empowered after a brutal divorce in her '40s.

Thank you to Net Galley for an Arc in exchange for an honest review as always all words are my own.

This was an interesting book and my first by the author. Vanessa Jared is newly divorced. She's finding her way as a single woman after being married for over 20 years and overcoming the emotional abuse she suffered. When Michael Park contacts her about her ex-husband, the last thing she wants is to think about that man. But Michael is on a quest to show his sister that her fiance is a snake. He needs Vanessa to prove his suspicions correct and keep his sister from making the biggest mistake of her life. Neither Michael nor Vanessa expect their relationship to start while they're imploding another. I liked the diverse characters in this book and the accurate depictions of them.

I received an advance copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley and voluntarily left this review.

This is a solid romance with diverse characters that I certainly appreciated. However, I found it hard to buy the relationship between the main characters. This is a solid enough romance, but the plot was not enough to make it a very memorable one. 3 stars,

Divorcée Vanessa joins up with sexy small-town sheriff Michael to stop his little sister from marrying Vanessa’s narcissistic ex.

LaQuette is a queen of smart, steamy contemporary romance. In the prologue, Vanessa is a wreck after leaving the narcissistic husband who emotionally abused her for twenty years. Two years later, when the main action of the story opens, she’s found her feet with the help of her girlfriends. Michael is compassionate and supportive, understanding how difficult it is for her to entangle herself in her ex’s life again. Vanessa and Michael are both reluctant to start up a new romance after the scars of their past. The chemistry proves too strong to resist—but they have to dig deep to find the strength to overcome their internal and external obstacles, so they can be together. There are no superficial “misunderstandings” here. The conflicts are believable and real.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Okay this was soooooo good!
I have read LaQuette's indie work, but this book is amazing.
First of all I love what I call "grown romance" romance books with the MC's that are older. The FMC has started a fun group of divorcee's taking charge of their life and living it to the fullest. The chemistry of her friend group had me LOL. I love when romance books give us a vibrant supporting cast, it enhances the setting. so much.
Then you have MMC that is a hot cop and their chemistry is isntant and undeniable. The fact that the FMC tries and tries to deny their attraction makes the steamy moments even more explosive.
I loved the plot of the FMC facing her ex and claiming justice on the family heirloom, I also love the aspect of stepping out of your comfort zone for love. It's always the one you never thought you would like or end up with, and it makes the journey all the more worth it!
The steam was on point as could be expected from LaQuette. I will def be purchasing this book and gifting it to friends!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced copy!

'Vanessa Jared's Got a Man' is such a fun, low stakes romance that dives into some really nuanced places about the things we do and accept for the people we love. This was such a great romance I'm a little embarrassed to say it was my first LaQuette novel!

Michael and Vaness are HOTT together and I loved their interplay together. They are two people who need fun and find it in each other, which was so wonderful to reach. The plot feels a little absurd (Michael's sister is engaged to Vanessa's ex and can she please come by to tell the sister how horrible the ex is? ok sure) but honestly, it was just a framework for bringing two people to a moment when they could let loose and move on with their lives. And the fantastic supporting cast was a hoot along the way.

I also really loved how LaQuette explored the differences between the things that our loved ones do to control us and how they can come from abusive and hurtful places, but also caring places and places influenced by trauma. Michael has trauma in his past that moves him to try to control his loved ones, but in a way that hopefully makes him happy. Vanessa's ex was emotionally abusive and she is in the process of creating and flexing the agency she lost in her marriage. This creates a third-act clash that I thought LaQuette handled perfectly, allowing each character to acknowledge their own past and actions while leaving themselves open for growth and love. Just wonderful.

Also, this was perfectly steamy. Is Michael a stern brunch daddy? I think he might be.

Vanessa Jared is a divorced woman who spent 20 years with the wrong man. Despite it being 2 years after her divorce was finalized, Vanessa is still struggling to overcome the mental abuse and manipulation by her ex-husband. With the help of new friends, also divorcees, she is on the way to living a better life.

The gorgeous Sheriff Michael Park from the small town of Monroe Hills, knocks on Vanessa's door and tilts her world on its axis. Michael asks for her help in stopping her no-good ex from taking advantage of his little sister, Cindy. Despite her initial hesitation, Vanessa agrees to help Michael with his sister.

The trip to Monroe Hills should have been one night, maybe two, but there were a few bumps in the road that changed plans. Spending more time with the Sheriff may not have been in Vanessa's plan, but it certainly wasn't a hardship.

This was a great and quick read. LaQuette never disappoints! 4 out of 5 stars.

Vanessa Jared’s Got A Man | Laquette

Will Laquette be an Auto-Buy Author: YAASSSS

Favorite Quote: “Chile, please. Queens don’t tear each other down. We fix each other’s crowns. We got you, queen.”

Do I Recommend this Book: HELL YES

Things I Loved About It:
•Unapologetically Black
•Janae / Cree and their Vibes
•Vanessa finding out how Karl is still a lier
•Michael 😮‍💨💛
•The Storyline and Plot was well thought out and engaging
•I didn’t want to stop reading, if I wasn’t wrangling littles I would have read it in one sitting
•The Stella Got her groove back vibes
•How real Vanessa’s Divorce affecting her mental health was depicted
•The SPICE 🥵
•The comfort I felt while reading
•The reality of divorce, abuse, and the strength shown of coming out the other side.
•How real all the aspects felt
•ADULT TENSION
•Michael’s comforting vibes
•The way all the friends meddled and were just like my friends are 😅
•THE WRITING STYLE
•THE COVER ART (Hooked Me)
•“Mayberry” and The inhabitants
•Let’s Just Say I Loved THIS BOOK 🤎

#EARC #ReadersgunnaRead #MoodsaregunaMood #ARCS #Diversebookstagrammersread #POC #reviewer #Readingisfundamental #VanessaJaredsgotaman #SMPRomance #Influencer #Netgalley #PhysicalArc #Michael #Karl #Vanessa #Cindy #Gothergrooveback #Laquette #POCAuthor #BlackStories #Divorce #Whythefuckyoulying #Girlfriends #Therapy #Mentalhealthawareness #Abusesurvivor #Narcissist #Exhusband #Scrub #AdultRomance

Vanessa Jared’s Got a Man by LaQuette is a cute, multicultural, diverse romance featuring 40-somethings who get an unexpected chance at love. Vanessa Jared devoted her life to a man who molded her into what he believed to be an acceptable wife. It took her twenty-some years to face that he was a cheating, controlling husband. Once divorced, she is recommended to attend a divorce group to try to work through all of the hurt and at the same time, find the person she was before she got married. While attending the group meeting, she meets two other divorcees and they start a Savvy, Sexy Singles Club, agreeing to meet monthly to help and support each other on their journeys forward. As Vanessa is leaving to meet the divas to celebrate their two years of friendship, she meets Michael Park, a sexy, Korean-American, small town sheriff who needs her help to prevent his sister from marrying Vanessa’s lying, cheat, good for nothing ex-husband. From the moment they meet, these two are caught in a web of attraction. Working together to break up Michael’s sister’s relationship only sets aflame the sparks and chemistry, to the point where they need to determine if a future together is in the works. During this time Vanessa begins to come into own, confronting her past, and planning her future. Michael using Korean terms of endearment was the sweetest thing. Vanessa and Michael’s relationships with their best friends added an extra depth to the story, hopefully setting the stage for future stories. I highly recommend Vanessa Jared’s Got a Man to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and Orange Sky Audio for the ARC and audio ARC of this!

Such a cute romance, I loved that the characters were on the older end compared to most romances - Vanessa has just gotten out of a 20 year marriage. The tension was really good and the characters were so much fun to read about! I hope we get sequels for the best friends.

Book Review: Vanessa Jared’s Got a Man by LaQuette

Vanessa Jared’s Got A man by LaQuette is an adult contemporary romance about a divorcee and the small town sheriff that asks her for a favor.
Vanessa Jared is newly single after being married for twenty years and trying to start a fresh new life along with friends she met at a divorce support group. But she’s pulled back into drama after receiving a call from a protective older brother who explains that her ex is describing himself as a widower and engaged to a young woman (Cindy) with a big trust fund. Cindy’s older brother (and small town sheriff) Michael asks Vanessa to intervene and help him stop the engagement. Vanessa agrees only to get her family heirloom ring back and to save Cindy from decades of control and misery like she had. But poor weather, car issues and a hotel mixup has her staying in Michael’s guest room while they wait for Cindy to arrive back in town. There’s a town fair, bachelor auction and a lot of Hallmark small town cuteness. But there is also a lot of spice and romance as Michael and Vanessa explore their immediate feelings for each other.
I adored the cover for this book but didn’t realize that it was going to have such detailed and explicit romantic scenes. Although I appreciate a little spice the language used and graphic details were too much for me personally and took me out of the romance. I found that the instant attraction and insta-lust didn’t create enough tension and will/they won’t/they for me and I didn’t feel any chemistry between these two strangers. There were also way too many descriptions of physical appearances, outfits and body parts which is the type of inner dialogue I don’t really enjoy or find particularly interesting. Although I appreciate body positivity and authors representing and appreciating all types of beauty it was way too much on the page. But on the flip side there were virtually no world building scenes and descriptions of much else aside from physical appearances and the bedroom scenes. I also found the dialogue unrealistic to how real people speak and none of the interactions felt authentic to me.
For readers that enjoy a spicy Hallmark small town romance and a lot of descriptions of hair, thighs and clothing this might be a good fit but it was a 2 star read for me.
⭐️⭐️

Oooo, this book is sexy as hell! Michael Park has to become everyone’s new dream boyfriend. Sigh. I love that all of the main characters are late 30s/early 40s - it allows all of their life experience make sense. And the friendships are the true heart of the story - both Vanessa with her friends and Michael with his. I can’t wait to revisit Monroe Hills and see how their lives unfold.

I received copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

VANESSA JARED’S GOT A MAN – LaQuette
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 978-1250773395
September 20, 2022
Contemporary Romance

Monroe Hills, Pennsylvania – Present Day

Vanessa Jared has put her failed marriage behind her and moved on with a new life that includes forming a group for women called The Savvy, Sexy, Singles Club. Out of the blue, a man appears on Vanessa’s doorstep with the news that her philandering ex-husband has found a new mark, the man’s little sister. The man is Sheriff Michael Park, and he wants her help in stopping his sister from marrying her ex, Karl. Vanessa’s first response is no, but after seeing a photo of the woman wearing a ring that her ex stole from her, she decides to help. Of course, this will mean spending a night in Monroe Hills, but that shouldn’t be a problem because a couple of her best girlfriends already live there. Alas, getting there comes with problems, including finding herself without a room at the Inn. Michael offers Vanessa a room in his house, which she accepts, knowing that she is finding the sexy sheriff very desirable. With her car now needing to be fixed, Vanessa is going to find herself spending lots of time with Michael. But will she accomplish her goals?

Vanessa spent most of her adult life married to Karl, an egotistical bully who used her for his own personal gain. Once she realized that he expected her to turn a blind eye to his cheating, she divorced him and took most of his money. She thought that she’d put him in her past but hearing that he’s about to remarry—and he claims that he’s a widower—has her wanting to take him down a peg or two. But after spotting an old family heirloom ring that is hers, she now knows that she needs to get back at him—and get her ring back. Michael thinks a few revelations from the ex-wife will help change his sister’s mind about marrying Karl. But there are a few hiccups in the plan. One, his sister ends up staying longer on an out-of-town trip, and two, Vanessa’s car breaks down. With Vanessa stranded and staying in Michael’s home, the two are soon acting upon their mutual attraction. Will a woman who fought hard to gain her independence find herself falling hard for the man who might become her ex’s brother-in-law?

Vanessa learned to become strong once she realized she was her ex’s pawn in their marriage. She really doesn’t want to have anything to do with Karl, but Michael’s request is too tempting, especially after she learns that his sister will soon inherit money from a substantial trust fund. Clearly, Karl is after the money since Vanessa left him nearly cash dry with their divorce settlement. Much of VANESSA JARED’S GOT A MAN is her getting to know the little town of Monroe Hills—and falling in love with Michael. Once what she came there to do is done, will Vanessa and Michael go their separate ways, or is there a chance they can see where things will lead?

A passionate tale of revenge and finding yourself in the last place you expected to be, VANESSA JARED’S GOT A MAN will pull you into the drama and the romance that swirls between Vanessa and Michael. Grab a copy today.

Patti Fischer

First off the cover is beautiful and really catches the eye! It was refreshing to read about characters that are closer to my age in a romance novel. Even more refreshing that they were people of color.

This book was definitely one of my favorite reads this year. You felt the connection of the characters immediately. The spice was top tier and the side characters made it a great read! So glad I took the jump and requested it!

This was a perfect summer read for me! It was such a cute book, but I can’t lie that chemistry just wasn’t there enough for me. I still enjoyed the story and how it unfolded though it wasn’t what I expected.

I unfortunately couldn't get into this book at all. I think it would have more entertainment value for me in audiobook form but reading it just didn't grip me. I don't know whether it was my mood or not and there may be a point where I'll try again, but it was just so hard for me to care about the characters.

The beginning when the male lead was introduced just felt so... i don't even know the word because I keep thinking "forced" but that doesn't seem correct. As soon as the plot started to begin there was a scene where the male lead, literally a day after they first met, had a dream about her and it just felt so wrong to me. Like too much sexualization?

Mostly though I just feel like it just wasn't the right time for me to read it. I feel like most people WOULD enjoy this because there's great female friendship and a fun main character... but sadly, it just wasn't the right fit for me.

This was my first book by the author LaQuette and I really enjoyed it. Vanessa Jared is a woman in her 40's, 2 years post divorce trying to rebuild her life after 20 years with an emotional abuser. When her ex-husband gets engaged, his new fiance's brother tracks down Vanessa to help warn his sister about her ex-husband.

I loved a lot of things about this book - how it was a romance for people in their 40's, something I don't see much of, the representation, the female friendships, the steamy scenes and the writing. I appreciated Michael (new fiance's brother)'s arc and how he was overcoming things on his own. This book dealt with a lot of issues and needs a big TW for emotional abuse but it was at heart a romance. While I enjoyed this book, I didn't quite connect with the romance. I didn't feel chemistry as much as I was hoping and I would have loved a little bit more witty banter - but maybe that's because I've been reading so many rom-coms lately. Still, an enjoyable romance with a lot of heart and a HEA.

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.

One of the nice things about falling in love at 40+ is that many people tend to know what they really want, or at least how to recognize it. LaQuette's characters move beyond sorrowful personal experiences and find each other in the pleasant setting of a friendly small Pennsylvania town. Their backgrounds are very different -- Vanessa's an African American accountant, Michael's a Korean American Sherriff -- and it's fun to follow these likeable, complex characters while they learn that they have friends, values, and ethical viewpoints in common. The sizzling attraction between them is delightful, too. LaQuette writes love scenes that show how "older and wiser" can apply to intimate activities! A subplot involving truly rotten behavior by Vanessa's ex-husband towards her new love's sister blends smoothly with the romance. This is an enjoyable read by a talented author. As a Librarian, I'd recommend this to fans of multicultural contemporary romance; fans of Kwana Jackson's "Knot Again"; and romance readers interested in older people finding love.

I loved this book! It's a perfect romance. I'll do anything for an enemies to lovers, so this story checked all my boxes. The tension, the reward, all of it - chefs kiss!

Do you like sassy women friends and a hot romance? If so, this book is definitely one you’ll like. Vanessa is a divorced woman in her 40s. She met her two best friends in a divorce support group and their relationships/interactions are wonderful. One day, two years after her divorce is final, Michael Park shows up at her door because he’s trying to protect his sister from Vanessa’s ex, who was an emotionally abusive, controlling, cheating husband, and he asks Vanessa to help him. They have an instant attraction. The intercultural romance was delightful (Vanessa and her two friends are African American; Michael is Korean-American.) Michael happens to be the sheriff in a small town in the Pocono Mountains (Vanessa refers to the town as “Mayberry”), where her two friends live. She lives in New Jersey, in a gated community of some sort, is an accountant, and is totally not used to the vibes of a small town.

The audiobook was great. Denise Wallace did a fabulous job with the various voices. Be advised: do not listen to this without headphones because there are a bunch of very explicit scenes. Definitely NSFW!

Warnings: (past) death of parents; (past) emotionally abusive relationship
Steam factor: High

Thank you to OrangeSky Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.