I wanted to like this one so badly but it just fell flat for me. It really did not read like Rachel’s other books! The storyline was interesting and I was so excited to read it but the execution was not good. The characters did not seem developed (we never really got to see their background and what little we did it was all about Rip and not about Colby). I also felt like the plot was all over the place and changing without any buildup or really any explanations. They go from literally hating each other and wanting to kill each other and Rip berating Colby to all of a sudden they’ve been in love for years. This one left me disappointed.

I was giddy with joy when I saw the cover of this book and completely devoured it in a day when I got my hands on it. It is so much more than a romance book. It deals with complex emotions that are told beautifully through two characters that feel authentic and genuine. Their sadness and grieving was perfectly balanced and flowed well with the natural progression of Rip and Colby’s relationships. The topics of grief and love never overshadowed one another nor did it feel like the author lightly touched on either topic.

This was my first book by this author and it definitely will not be my last. From the snarky banter to the emotional story, this book was captivating from start to finish. It’s the kind of book you get lost in and miss the feel once the last page is read. Trust me when I say this book is a must read! Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Pub for this ARC.

“…my heart was trying to protect me while my brain was trying to be logical…”

This book was heartbreaking beautiful. There were times I had tears streaming down my face and other moments I was physically laughing out loud.

“…it was like he’d reached into my soul and pulled out every single insecurity I’ve ever had and voiced it out loud.”

You could feel all the emotions that were pouring off the pages. The gut wrenching pain, loss, heartache, humor, sadness, friendship, healing, chemistry, self doubt, survival mode and so much more!

“I was a fixer. But I couldn’t fix this. I couldn’t fix any of it.”

Special thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this digital ARC of The Godparent Trap.

The title caught my attention because let's be honest - who did not love the parent trap (both original and reboot?). I wasn't sure it would be the same but it was enough to intrigue me. This book touches on some tough subjects of loss, heartbreak, family tragedy and more - but it also is like a big hug wrapped up in the pages.

Colby and Rip (the Godparents) are nemeses but are soon forced to not only figure themselves out but also how to become parents overnight when their mutual friends are killed a tragic accident. Even though there is so much sadness surround the accident, there is joy, happiness interwoven too as we watch Colby and Rip figure it all out. This is a quite read and hard to put down. Love watching their relationship blossom and for them to overcome such tragedy with a great outcome

I had a feeling I would deeply enjoy this read and I was right! If you’ve ever watched “Life As We Know It” this book shares a similar storyline, however remains unique in its beautiful depiction of all the characters. I can truly say I fell in love with all the characters in this book (kids included- which I don’t usually like). I would highly recommend this book as a light, quick, feel-good, romance when you’re looking for a solid laugh along with something that has the ability to pull at your heartstrings. Overall great read! 4.5/5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book I have read from this author. I will be definitely looking for more from her! I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Very good story highly recommend it.

Very much like the Katherine Heigl/Josh Duhamel movie Life as We Know It. It was just an ok read for me. I thought it was missing that certain spark that pushes books into 4/5 star territory.

At first, I thought the MMC was overly harsh to the FMC even though they were both new to parenting. There was really nothing redeeming about him after that point. Supposedly the characters have been in love with each other all along but I didn't really feel a connection between them at all.

Then the twist the author throws in at 90% was really unnecessary and didn't add much to the story.

Overall, not a terrible read but not very memorable.

I received this novel as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Great quick read, characters of Rip and Colby had so much chemistry and I could truly feel the love and emotion. Although the plot was based around a sad event the novel as a whole was uplifting and fun. Highly recommend!

If a book makes me laugh or cry, it automatically gets a five-star rating. This book made me do both at the same time.

This book is a pretty easy and fast-paced read.

Grumpy/Sunshine trope and second chance trope.

Check trigger warning if you are uncomfortable with topics regarding death.

I enjoyed the way the author approached the main themes in the book, and the cover art is fantastic!

This book caused me to have many emotions. I was crying one minute and laughing the next. Colby and Rip are forced by the death of his sister and her husband to have custody of their children. They were always attracted to each other. Colby always was in love with Rip. Rip was fighting the attraction. As they maneuver their new world of parenting, keeping house and everything that comes along with that, the attraction burns bright. Rip finally admitted that he wanted Colby. Their love will be tested. I couldn’t put the book down.

For fans of the movie ‘Life As We Know It’ then “The Godparent Trap” is a book that is for you. Rachel Van Dyken has created a story with characters who are well developed and a story where these characters experience the highs and lows of life as we know it to be.

In ‘The Godparent Trap’ readers will meet Colby and Rip who are tasked with the responsibility of taking care of two young children: Ben and Viera as tragedy has struck.
Colby and Rip are as different of characters as you can get. Colby is an adventurous food blogger, who is considered to be a bit chaotic and messy. Rip is a bit of a stuck up accountant who is very structured and organized and makes it well known about his feelings towards Colby.
Throughout the novel Colby and Rip are forced to find a way to get along with each other for the sake of the kids. Finding a way to make their new life fit for them without losing their sanity in the process.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved that this story really showed how messy life can get with lots of struggles but at the same time life can be beautiful and rewarding. I also loved being able to connect to the characters. This story deserves to be read especially by those readers who love a good enemies to lovers romantic comedy.

I would love to thank NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and I look forward to purchasing the story when it comes out on July 19, 2022

The Godparent Trap is a book that deals with death, grief, and learning to take care of children. I thought this book dealt well with heavy emotions: one moment was funny and the next was somber. The main characters, Colby and Rip, are put in a situation where they have to work together for others that depend on them which leads to stressful and hilarious situations.

I was confused about their initial relationship. Colby and Rip supposedly knew each other growing up, but he was also the best friend’s older brother who was also college roommates with his brother-in-law. For some reason, I thought Brooks was the same age as Colby and Monica so that confused me.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Quick heartfelt read about enemies becoming more.

This book is opposites attract/grumpy x sunshine perfection.

I absolutely loved this book and I went through a roller coaster of emotions while reading it. The author tackled really heavy topics while somehow making the story feel light and easy to read.

Rip and Colby are complete opposites, he’s the grumpy one and she’s the sunshine (which i’m a total sucker for). Rip loves order and routine, Colby is a free spirit who travels on the regular for her job. Throw in lots of angst, jealousy scenes, and forced proximity and I was SOLD.

This book is the definition of girl falls first but boy falls harder and I adored it! If you're a fan of rom coms like 'Life as We Know It,' then this is the book for you.

It was a quick, cute read but it really felt lacking in the chemistry between the characters. The plot kept progressing without any changes between the characters. It seemed like they hated each other for no reason and then when they finally started to fall for each other it wasn’t believable.

cute and quick. i blazed through this and things flowed easily. i liked colby and rip’s chemistry, and the kids were super funny. i’d been planning on 3.5 stars, but the ending kinda killed it for me. so dramatic … for why? these poor people have been through enough.

#netgalley

3.5 stars.

In spite of the triggers in this story, it’s a quick and easy read, full of life and romance.

Colby and Rip, in spite of having the worst names in a book I’ve read this year, are pretty fantastic main characters. Named the guardians of their best friends’ (and Rip’s sister) young children after they are killed in an off-page car accident, they navigate these unchartered waters of raising grieving children together, while deep in mourning themselves.

I enjoyed this one.

And okay, I’m sorry, but I can’t help myself - nearly every time I read Rip’s name, all I could think of was Rip Torn as Patches O'Houlihan in Dodgeball.

This is an honest review for an arc received.

To say I was nervous at the very beginning of this book is an understatement. It did, to me at least, almost follow a movie from years ago. But alas RVD quelled my worried heart.

“Then you’re a perfect mess…a perfect wreck…let yourself be the masterpiece of chaos.”

Colby & Rip had a love/hate relationship for sure. But the chemistry between these two was off the charts when they finally acknowledged their true feelings.

“Nah, I think I’m beginning to think that the truly beautiful things in this world aren’t perfect. I don’t want perfect.”

Ben & Viera will completely steal your heart! This book will shred your heart. Make sure your box of Kleenex is nearby.

“Love. Acceptance…with a side of annoyance that I’m pretty sure I’ll always see.”

4 1/2 heartwarming stars! Like I said earlier the very beginning made me nervous, but the way RVD brings everything together is uniquely hers. I loved each character, yes even Stu! This book will show that love can conquer the worst heartache and give you everything you’ve ever wanted.

I love the premise of the book, but kt clunky and opaque. The prologue was great, but things feel apart after that. I can tell the author is trying to show me rather than tell me, but I can't figure out what she's trying to show me. I had to reread many sentences multiple times to get their meaning. The alternating POV is awkward. Both narrators sound the same, and I would get easily confused about whose chapter it was. The timeline of their life as friends/enemies is unclear. The kids and the chaos scenes stand out. There's clearly talent there. I think the book might need a better editor