The Godparent Trap delivers some laughs, but was also an emotional gut punch I wasn't quite ready for! Obviously, there is a traumatic event that puts the child in the care of the godparents, but that wasn't the only emotional moment. But, there are plenty of laughs to help balance it out if you aren't big on the emotional reads right now.

This certainly has the opposites attract vibe because Colby and Rip are about as different as it gets. Colby is fun and free, where Rip is planned and organized. Ben and Viera add both angst and laughs, as I think you would expect from children!

My only struggle with the book was that I felt I should FEEL more. For all the sadness, I didn't cry at all (and I'm a crier for sure). I think it just didn't totally click for me in that way. I can't really explain it except to say maybe I didn't feel chemistry. However, I still really enjoyed the book!

3.5 stars

The Godparent Trap is a quick and pleasant read; I read it in one day.

It is billed as enemies-to-lovers, but it lacks some of that push-pull that you often see with that trope. To me, it feels more like a combination of the opposites attract and best friend's brother tropes with a past disastrous first date that led to miscommunication and estrangement between the two main characters thrown in.

Van Dyken does capture the hecticness of having young children and wondering how you spent your day--even though you know you were busy and going, going, going the whole time-- and why the house looks worse at the end of the day despite all your best efforts.

And the book conveys how different people handle and manage grief differently. I liked the found family aspects and how Colby, Rip, and the kids find a sense of stability and of home again after the loss of loved ones.

There are some fun text exchanges between Colby and Rip, and the back-up best friend, Banks, grew on me after his initial introduction. There is one character that has what seems like a miraculous redemption, sans a redemption arc in the book, that I find difficult to believe.

I understand the inclusion of some of the events at the end (pre-epilogue) in terms of Rip's and Colby's character development and relationship, but I feel like maybe those events aren't entirely necessary. Plus the denouement / resolution after those major events feels pretty abrupt.

I liked this one and can see other readers loving it. This would be good for fans of the film Life As We Know It, which also finds two opposites coming together to parent a child after the tragic death of her parents.

CW: death of loved ones, grief, abandonment (past), automobile accidents, ICU, bullying

I received an advance copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

I got to about 25% through this book before I put it down and I am so disappointed. This was one of my most anticipated books of the summer and it was a major let down.

What drew me to this book was the premise which reminded me of the movie "Life as We Know It" (one of my favorite movies of all time). I thought I was going into a book where two unlikely people were brought together through a tragedy and bound together to raise their god children. While all the vibes were there, the male main character, Rip, ruined the experience for me. He was insufferable and rude, and constantly wanted the female main character, Colby, to "change" and "be better." I thought his character extremely short-sided and cruel. I can understand character not liking each other but this one took it too far.

For those reasons, I had to DNF (did not finish) the book. Thank you Valentine PR, NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the review copy.

Oh, I really loved this story!

"Her cheeks were turning pink, and suddenly I found I couldn't look away. She looked really pretty. She also looked like she fit. With us. With everything."

Colby Summers and Rip Edison have known each other for years. She's been half in love with him, even though he detests her. They are opposites in every way. However, they have Monica in common - her best friend, his sister. When tragedy strikes their lives, Colby and Rip find themselves guardians to Monica's young children and trying to navigate their new life - co-parenting and living under the same roof. Colby is a hot mess and Rip has a stick up his butt. Life is chaotic, to say the least. However, out of tragedy, something beautiful is born - maybe something that was meant to be all along.

"I don't know what sane man would see you as just a friend. You're like a f*cking hurricane - a chaotic beautiful mess of waves and wind, powerful, daunting, and any guy...would risk his life during the storm just to see if he can survive it."

This was a such a fantastic story. It was funny, sad, and sexy as Colby and Rip dealt with their grief, their new situation, and their undeniable attraction to each other. Colby was full of light, love and fun. No matter what was thrown at her, I liked that she fought hard against her vulnerabilities and insecurities with a big smile on her face. Rip was desperate to control his life and everything around him, but he hadn't been truly living and enjoying even the smallest joys of life until it decided to throw him a massive curveball. I loved how he and Colby adjusted to life with two little people, as well as each other. I adored how Colby recognised so many good qualities about Rip, and how Rip recognised what a beautiful person she was inside and out - something he knew all along but just didn't know how to deal with. The kids were funny, adorable and pretty darn smart! LOL. Really loved this story.

I don't even know where to start with this review. Rachel has done it again. I'm speechless. Well, almost speechless!

This book will definitely be on my top 5 reads for the year.

At 90% I really didn't want to keep reading. I didn't want the book to be finished.

Both Colby and Rip are amazing. Yes, they both struggled. But who wouldn't when put in this situation?

They are opposites for the most part. And now they have to become parents to two kids that just lost theirs.

This book will have you laughing out loud, but on the next page you'll be crying ugly tears.

You will have all the emotions. That's what makes Rachel such a fantastic and amazing author.

I want more!

Out July 19, 2022 [Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!]

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

When two people close to them die in a tragic accident, Colby and Rip are left with a mountain of grief, two toddlers, and a lot of unexpected romantic feelings.

Enemies-to-lovers is my favorite trope, and I was really into the enemies-to-lovers meets best-friend’s-brother meets unexpected parenting premise of this one. Unfortunately, it didn’t entirely land for me. In the end, I think I was just expecting something I didn’t get—namely a lot more banter and a bit more in the way of plot. The book felt a bit too much like a string of disconnected events, and by the end I found myself wondering how we really got to the place we ended up.

My personal negatives out of the way, though, I think a lot of people will love this one—it was cute and fast-paced (I would probably have finished in a day if I wasn’t balancing other reads) and there were definitely a lot of sweet moments I highlighted. Plus, the kids are adorable, and I would read an entire spin-off about the adventures of Stu the arthritic cat.

Recommended if you like: unexpected parenting/forced proximity trope; quick reads; light hearted romance but with some heavy topics.

CW: Death/death of parent; car accident; grief.

I wasn't sure what to think of this book at first. It was just so depressing. Colby's best friends with Monica. Monica is Rip's sister. Rip is best friends with Banks. Banks is married to Monica. And everyone thinks Rip and Colby would be perfect for each other. Except Rip and Colby. 

And then the worst possible thing happens. Monica and Banks die, leaving their two children with Colby and Rip. Chaos ensues. 

The reason this was depressing, besides the obvious--was because in the first few chapters, Rip was just horrible to Colby. Horrible. It had me wondering if there was a way forward for these two. And how they could possibly be meant for each other. 

And then the book progressed and this hot mess of a couple just--took. off. Thanks to a meddling friend of Rip's, that is. 

There were some seriously sad moments in this story. Moments that anyone who has lost anyone can relate to. And then there were the moments where you can just feel how life really does move on, even when it's chaotic--and it can be beautiful. 

By the end I was desperately in love with Rip and Colby as a couple. The ending was magic. The kids were just hilarious. I'm so glad to have read this book.

I really, really wanted to love this one, but sadly, I just couldn’t get there.

I loved the idea behind this book. It’s a new twist on that insta-parent, sudden guardianship trope that I’ve enjoyed in the past. Colby and Rip are thrusted into parenthood after their best friends / sister die in a tragic car accident. They couldn’t be more different and haven’t gotten along in the past (especially after a disastrous first date), but now have to learn to co-parent after both being named guardians to their friend’s children, Ben & Viera. It’s a quick read with several laugh out loud funny moments. And, I really enjoyed the writing and honest commentary on the challenges of parenthood.

My main issue was with Rip. I had a very difficult time connecting with him as a MC. He was very vocal about his criticism of her in the beginning, often times right to her face. I just wished I understood what Rip did in the past to earn Colby’s affection. Was there some long standing childhood crush? Because honestly, even with cutting him slack for grieving, Rip was too much of an asshole for me to understand why Colby was letting him off the hook for all the harsh things he’d said. Later in the book, Rip acknowledges his past poor behavior and gives a rational for it, but by then I was past the point of no return.

Thank you to Forever & Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really love and adore this book, this is my first time reading a Rachel Van Dyken and i was so happy that the author did not disappoint my expectations. This is a sunshine/grumpy trope and i was really happy that i got the opportunity to read it. One of my faves and i cannot wait to read more from this author.

Exquisitely emotional, sublimely confrontational, and whole-heartedly endearing. I feel it’s every parent's nightmare to have something happen and you have to figure out who’s gonna take care of your kids. But when you have people in your life, like Colby and Rip, you know they’re gonna do what’s right. And hopefully, do it together.

I can’t say this enough, so listen close. When this is made into a movie... I would like to be invited to the premiere. 😁 I want to be standing next to Ryan Reynolds with him talking about his portrayal of Rip. I want all the selfies and I want Van Dyken to be there when it wins all the things. It's what I want. All joking aside (not really joking) I haven’t been able to get this book out of my head since I finished reading it. I’ve highlighted, written notes, and added bookmarks in places that I never thought I would put a bookmark. Lol. The Godparent Trap is one of those books that when someone asks me, "do you have a recommendation for a fun flirty rip-my-heart-out kind of a love dynamic?" This. This will be the book I recommend.
~Tanja

Thank you Forever and Grand Central Publishing! All thoughts are my own.

I truly was not prepared to give this book 5 stars. But what makes a book 5 stars? It’s a gut reaction for the most part. I didn’t have a busy weekend, i would have read this book in one sitting. It totally drew me in so when i finished it, I immediately had to give it five stars. I held my attention and made me feel all the feels, in the best way.

I simply loved this book and it came at the perfect time for me. It’s heartbreaking and I cried a lot. But it was also hopeful and funny and sexy. After the last two and a half years of things being so awful, I think it’s nice to lean into the things that bring us peace and I think that’s what this book represents. Some people may roll their eyes at it, but I like to lean on hope. How else are we supposed to keep going?

What I Liked:

The Pacing—I thought everything was paced so well and nothing felt forced, rushed, or even unbelievable given the circumstances.

The Balance of Emotions—I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I fell in love. And I also felt that sick feeling in my gut as I walked with these characters through their grief. Grief isn’t something we ever get over, it’s a part of us. And I think that was evident in this story.

The Characters—I love all the characters! Ben and Viera were adorable and so sweet. My heart broke for them. I liked Rip and Colby as well! I loved their grumpy/sunshine and opposites attract situation. Plus, the best friend’s brother trope! And even Banks, outrageous as he was, brought a lot of levity to the story.

What Didn’t Work:

Brief Mentions of Faith—As someone who has a very complicated relationship with Faith/God/Prayer, I wasn’t turned off by the subtle mentions of a higher power. I didn’t think the author shoved it down the reader’s throat, more so was leaning on the hope we have to find when we lose someone we love in a tragic way. I really don’t think it was annoying or propaganda-ish. Especially with how conservative Christians are trying to take away freedoms in the United States, I was nervous, but I really wasn’t turned off by the very brief mentions (like, minuscule) of prayer/Heaven.

Character Authenticity: 4.5/5 Steam Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 5/5

Content Warnings:

grief, loss, death of parents, death of sibling, death of best friend, car accident, fire, ICU stay

This is sworn enemies Rip and Colby’s story. Colby has followed her dreams of travelling the world as a food blogger, while Rip is a workaholic account, who abides by the rules in life. Rip and Colby’s lives implode when the become co-guardians to two adorable little children, when Rip’s sister and best friend, and Colby’s best friends have a tragic accident. Now these two must learn to tolerate each other and live together to create a home for the children. These two are complete opposites, but they complement each other perfectly, as they move on from enemies / lovers.’ This is a well written emotionally charged story, which has family, loss, grief, healing, humor, witty banter, heartbreak, and love, which leads to an entertaining and swoony page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

The Godparent Trap
Rachel Van Dyken
4.5 ⭐️

“A trap that’s not really a trap but a dream. One I’ve wanted to be stuck in my entire life.”

Colby and Rip are sworn enemies and couldn’t be more opposite, but when a tragic accident leaves them insta-guardians they soon discover they need each other more than they hate each other.

All the feels in this heartbreaking yet heartwarming read. I laughed, I cried, and fell in love with this lovable found family. I absolutely adored and devoured it! The topics were heavy but handled with grace which kept the overall feeling light and throughly enjoyable.

It was the perfect enemies to lovers steamy romance told in dual POV. The banter was witty and a little dirty. I ate it up. Thank you for that Rachel. 😍

What I loved;
💛Enemies to lovers
💛Grumpy x Sunshine
💛Opposites attract
💛Forced proximity

I’ve been a fan of Rachel Van Dyken’s for years. There are many reasons why I grab anything she writes as soon as possible. She’s not afraid to tackle difficult topics head-on but tempers the heavy by sprinkling light-hearted banter throughout her stories. The sarcasm and wit are what drew me in way back when and resonated with me so much that she has a lifetime fan in this reader. The Godparent Trap is a modern-day retelling of The Parent Trap with her own spin on it. Within the pages of this book, she tackles the issues of grief, what seems like almost all of the parenting issues one could have with small children, fake dating, opposites attracting (Colby is the hot mess express, and Rip is uptight and controlled), and even a mean girl thrown in for good measure. It’s heavy on emotion, especially in the beginning, so if you cry at everything like I do, have some tissues ready. She obliterated my heart before carefully stitching it back together by the end of the book. As with all Rachel’s stories, I knew I had to give myself several uninterrupted hours prior to picking this up because I wouldn’t want to put it down once I did. Once again, she showcased exactly why I keep coming back for more from her.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dukes was an enemies to lovers, grump/sunshine trope that I really enjoyed. I went into this book blind so I did not know it dealt with death and that happened in the second chapter (so not really a spoiler). Carefree, messy food blogger Colby had to fulfill her godparent role when her best friend and his husband get into a car accident. She is joined by godfather and uncle to the kids, the organized grumpy accountant Rip. Rip and Colby have to navigate grieving for their best friend/sister while taking over the caregiver role to two little kids.

I thought the author did such a great job of navigating the grieving process while still telling an entertaining story. The banter between Rip and Colby was really entertaining and realistic. I felt for Colby so much and Rip was a great male MC. This story even had a fake dating trope thrown in that I really enjoyed and Brett was a great secondary character!

This was heartbreaking, swoony, funny and romantic all rolled into one and I recommend this book but be prepared for the content warnings (death, car accident, grief).

The Godparent Trap is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract romance. You couldn’t get much more opposite than these characters, but that’s what makes it fun.

Colby is a free-spirited food blogger, and Rip is a strait-laced accountant. The only thing that they ever really had in common was their mutual love for Monica and Brooks. When tragedy strikes and forces them to live together in order to raise Monica and Brooks’ two young children, they do what needs to be done in order to provide these children with a stable and loving home.

Now, Colby is messy, disorganized, and slightly out of her element, but she loves those kids dearly, and she is doing her very best. Living with a type A personality doesn’t make her life very easy, but Rip is a wonderful uncle who would always put his niece and nephew’s needs ahead of his own. While Rip likes everything to be scheduled, tidy, and perfect, Colby is just looking to hold everything together as best as she can.

If you enjoy grumpy characters in your romance novels, Rip will be just what you’re looking for. Yes, there may have been a few occasions where I wanted to smack this fictional character right upside his fictional head, but don’t be fooled by his gruff demeanor, he does have a softer side that he lets out once in a while.

The Godparent Trap was a good read. The children were adorable, Stu the cat was…well, a cat, and the back and forth between Colby and Rip was entertaining. It had an emotional story, a good dose of humor, and that underlying tension between the characters that made the romance interesting.

*3.5 Stars

This book had all the emotions that we usually expect from RVD. One minute you’ll be laughing at the antics and the next your heart will be heavy with all that is occurring. This book was a great escape and reminder that life is. Life is going to be messy, complicated, filled with both joy and sorrow, and EVERYTHING in between. I adored Colby and Rip as well as Banks and the kids. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fun (& deep), quick read that has RVD written all over it.

I have seen a lot of twists on the class parent trap story, but “The Godparent Trap” is one of my favorites by far. When Rip and Colby, who just so happen to be each other’s arch-nemeses, suddenly find themselves having to coparent their godchildren, they have no idea how they’re going to make it. They have a history that still haunts both of them and makes it difficult for them to be in the same room, but they are trying to move past it to raise two kids together.

This enemies to lovers story is HEAVY on the enemies and I loved every second of it. Rip and Colby’s banter is hilarious but lovable and I couldn’t get enough. Rachel Van Dyken’s novel features such complex characters who are grieving and healing in completely different ways alongside each other, creating a heartwarming love story.

The story moves fast so this is a perfect beach read for the summer! There’s no shortage of laughs, tears, or spiciness in Van Dyken’s latest and I highly suggest grabbing a copy when it releases on July 19! Thanks to @/Netgalley, @/Forever, and @/Rachel Van Dyken for this ARC!

This book tells us the story of two people who dislike each immensely. They are forced to work with each other after their best friends die and they need to take care of their two children. Assuredly, chaos ensures. This was overall a light read (albeit with a heavy topic) and it was super funny at times and just really enjoyable.

This was utter and complete perfection. I loved every second of the book--even when Rip was being a major meanie. This book was entirely wholesome and everything I needed. It also made me cry... A lot.

The plot was amazing. It had a really good flow. It wasn't too fast and it wasn't too slow, and it managed to keep my attention (and I'm in a lil reading slump so kudos). I'm always a sucker for the grumpy vs sunshine trope, and I think it was done incredibly well because Rip was a grump almost to the point where I knew redemption in my mind would be rough. His grumpiness also felt really realistic to me. Colby's personality was literal sunshine and rainbows but not in an overbearing way--she'd be the best type of best friend. I loved Banks too--he seemed like a really good supporting character and brought a lot of laughs.

I do wish I could've seen more of Brooks and Monica--maybe a novella of the two one day? I really want to see more of Colby and Rip's relationship. It just felt so right. That closet scene was definitely one of my favorite scenes in the book. Oh, and the text messages. I loved the text messages. I love it when books have cute lil banter over text messages.

If you enjoyed the movie Life as We Knew It, this is a hundred times better, so I fully recommend it.

My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4846378881?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

I had high hopes for this book but it ultimately fell flat for me. It could have benefited from several hundred extra pages of backstory, giving depth to both Rib and Colby separately and apart. The premise was intriguing, however I kept getting caught in the plot holes rather than able to sit them aside to get lost in the story. However, the author nailed the parenting aspect of this book and I found myself laughing out loud at the kids and Rip and Colby’s reactions. I honestly think if the story was longer it would have been better filled out and more palatable.