Des has spent 10 years in Witness Protection when he discovers that the love of his life whom he left behind was pregnant with his child. Now, might he and Sadie have a second chance at the love they lost?

I adore a second chance romance, but this one did just miss the mark for me. There were some sweet moments, and Des getting to know his son was adorable. Unfortunately, everything felt like it was taking so long to get going! The plot dragged out and the whole book was about twice as long as it needed to be.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I loveee this book! The storyline was smooth and enjoyable. I love how Desmond and Sadie relationship so strong and deep. Their son make it even better.

This book begin with Desmond aka Daniel POV. how witness protection destroy his life, his plan, especially his love. Seperation with Sadie destroy him.

“Missing you, Sadie . . .” I close my eyes briefly, my heart feeling like it’s covered in paper cuts. “It sucked the life out of me.”

Desmond way with Max was awesome and try creative idea to make hiking enjoyable. Love between Desmond and Sadie never die, spark flying when they meet again, Sadie can stop herself to touch Desmond and he seems oblivion lol.

The wedding vow tattoo tho.. woww
"When I’m lost, you light the way. When I’m down, you lift me up. My life is full because of you. Friend. Lover. Wife. Beautiful mother. A partner in this life we’re building. When you need me, I’ll be there to hold you. Support you. Encourage you. Find you when you’re lost. Lift you up when you’re down. No obstacles are too hard for us to conquer together. I am forever and always yours."

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#10SignsYouNeedtoGrovel #KellySiskind #Montlake #NetGalley #ARC

I’ve definitely enjoyed my time with the Bower boys and look forward to reading the next installment in the series. The characters are so damn likeable that even when the story slowed down a bit, I felt invested in the outcome.

(3.75⭐️)

Kelly Suskind's novel, 10 Signs You Need To Grovel,  follows grumpy Desmond Bower and single mom Sadie Jones in this second-chance romance.

I had been looking forward to reading this ever since I saw a Tikok about it and how it was a second chance. I mean I literally stalked my social media until I found the author, just so I could request an arc. The title also immediately caught my attention since, really, who doesn't enjoy top tier groveling, and I just knew this was going to promise me groveling?

I adored the way Des was making every effort to be the kind of father his 10-year-old son, Max, deserves, as well as how accepting he was of the possibility that his kid might be gay. Since they had gone through so much, this family certainly deserved their happy ending and was the cutest thing ever.

However, given that this is a second chance romance and that the main characters were high school sweethearts, I was expecting for a LOT of heartbreak, to the point where I would have been bawling my eyes out. I even anticipated a little bit more angst because I felt like everything was just glossed over and left at that.

Overall, this is an amazing introduction to the second chance trope with moderate angst, making it ideal for readers who prefer swooning to heartache.

*Thank you to the author, Kelly Siskind, for providing me with this paperback arc in exchange for an honest review!*

I adored the first book in Kelly Siskind's Bower Boys series, 50 WAYS TO WIN BACK YOUR LOVER, so I jumped at the chance to snag an early review copy of 10 SIGNS YOU NEED TO GROVEL, and I'm so, so glad that I did because I absolutely loved it!
 
I felt so much for Des in the snippets that we saw of him in his brother, Ethan's, book and I was so eager to see him reunite with Sadie! I've been loving the Bower Boys series and the town of Windfall that Kelly Siskind has created, and I was so excited when I found out that Des and Sadie would be the couple in book 2! It was so lovely seeing them get their second chance and grow together!!! I love that this series is following the Bower brothers finding love...and they've all been so wonderful so far!
 
In 10 SIGNS YOU NEED TO GROVEL, Des reunites with his first love, Sadie, after being separated due to their family being thrown into witness protection. While the rest of his family struggled, Des took it the hardest. He spiraled, went on benders, and isolated himself...and now that they're able to go back to their lives, he doesn't feel like he's worthy of Sadie's love and also worries that she's moved on. As the blurb reveals...he also discovers that while he was in protection, Sadie gave birth to their son and he's now a dad! 

I'm a huge sucker for romances where we get to see the heroes grow into fatherhood, and Kelly did an amazing job with that here. Des was such a wonderful character--totally one of those heroes who puts on a cold front, but is actually a big softie who's willing to do anything for the people he loves! And Sadie was amazing, too! She was so strong, passionate, and I loved seeing the way that she and Des worked together, and their chemsitry was sooooooo good! They had amazing banter and there were some very excellent and steamy scenes between them, too. Their son, Max, was wonderful, too! He was such a sweet, sweet boy, and I can already tell that I'm going to love seeing more of him as the series continues! I also once again loved seeing all of the fun characters that live in the small town of Windfall, and especially enjoyed getting to know the Bower family even further!
 
Overall, I loved 10 SIGNS YOU NEED TO GROVEL—it was a wonderful second chance romance, and left me feeling so happy and warm! While this is the second book in a companion series, you could definitely read it as a standalone—I suggest you do read E's book, 50 WAYS TO WIN BACK YOUR LOVER, too, though because amazing! I can’t wait to see what happens with the rest of the Bower Boys and am so excited for Lennon and Maggie to get their story told next…I’m also hoping we start to get some teases about the other two brothers. They’re such a mystery at this point and I really hope they’ll get books, too. Highly recommend this one to all contemporary romance fans, especially if you like them sweet and spicy!!!

What a swoon worthy and heartwarming romance that had me giggling and feeling all the emotions in almost one single go; I just cousins seem to put it down. Absolutely loved it

Another great book in this amazing series. I honestly didn't think we'd get this story so soon. But man does it pull at the heartstrings! Just when you think you can't get your life back you do. But what happens when what you think you still want out of life just doesn't feel the same? So many feels and missed opportunities, no wonder why the depression runs deep. This is such a good series and an original story idea. Cannot wait to get the next book!

Desmond has been in WITSEC for the last ten years, and is finally able to get back to his life. Trouble is that everything has been upended by his leaving town all those years back: he lost out on his track to becoming a lawyer and he had to leave the woman he was set to propose to without being able to say a word to her. Now he has come to find out that he has a 10 year old son named Max with Sadie, who he has never met.

This story was just amazing. There is so much heartfelt emotion between all of the Bower Brothers and coming to grips with all the things they've lost in the ten years that were basically stolen from them. Watching Desmond grow into a father, and watching his and Sadie's relationship grow is amazing to watch. There is so much emotion in mourning the time they've lost, but such joy while they try to make it up to each other and to their son.

I absolutely love this series, and can't wait to read about each and every brother, and what they'll do now that they have gotten their lives back!

Thank you to Kelly Siskind for providing me with an ARC of this book!

4 stars — Oooo, this one is hard for me to rate, because I was genuinely frustrated by the lack of communication by both Sadie and Desmond. BUT there were all these other good things in the book, so I’m sticking with the 4 stars, and not 3.5…the good deserves it.

I think part of the reason I’m willing to err on the high side is that while it took WAY longer than my patience could handle, when Desmond finally figures his shiznit out, he figures it out good and we can really see how much he has grown in the time he was in WITSEC…and I really appreciated that. For someone who was such a guy guy back in the day, he was hiding a pretty sensitive heart that just got more soft and squishy as time went on.

I particularly appreciated seeing how his work on the hikes opened him up and unlocked different pieces of him. And then, holy wow, the building of his relationship with his son was just heart melting to me. I adored how important Max was immediately to him, and how much he wanted to do his best by him. It was just…*swoon* There were lots of little details that made that experience richer, but I don’t want to spoil it. I thought it was done really well though.

Both Des and Sadie had the WORST habit of assuming things about the other person without talking to them. It was aggravating. I get it to a degree, but seriously…it was on the edge of too much for me. I actually put the book down at one point because I was annoyed with both of them. They’re lucky they had such great chemistry otherwise and lots of absolutely adorable (and steamy) moments together to make up for their failings. 😛

Still really enjoying the Bower family and the town (though the town wasn’t as prominent in this one). I appreciate that secondary characters play a part in the story though, it always makes it richer.

Definitely looking forward to more in this series. I appreciate that the boys are all so different, and bring something new.

Whew! This cover! While I haven’t read the first in this series, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It had small town vibes, second chance romance, and was a slow-burn, all of which I love. The characters were all relatable, but watching Desmond work through his demons and discover himself was the highlight for me. The only critique I have is regarding the title of the book—maybe there’s a reason for it, but I feel like it’s too long and more playful than the actual story.

Looking forward to the next in this series!

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

4.4/5 stars

I adored this book!

Seeing the journey Des goes through, with finally having the freedom after being in witness protection for ten years was amazing to read, then him finding out the love of his life he had to leave had a child…their child!

Gosh all the feels in there, I loved that the book was in his pov it made it more impactful with his journey of healing, peace, and getting the happy ending he deserves.

He wasn’t what he seemed, the grouchy, rude, drunk you think he is in the beginning…well he’s the opposite, he’s such a sweetheart, absolutely wonderful and caring, always trying his best, and way too hard on himself,

He’s all big and tough and tattooed on the outside and soft, warm, and oh so Swoony on the inside,

The love he had for Sadie was heartwarming, seeing his struggles with wrapping his mind around having a child with her was oh so sad to read about, but it was amazing to see him blossom and fall in love with his son and get to love Sadie at a closer distance now.

This book had me swooning, almost crying, screaming with joy, and saying aww so many times!! So happy they got their happy ending!

I completely devoured this and truly hope we get to see his brother's stories as well! I need the tea on the Maggie and Lennon situation 🤭

An edge of your seat emotionally thrilling roller-coaster journey filled with witty and engaging charters, hear racing twists, dangerous turns and deeply emotional moments. Really enjoyed this action packed and heartwarming second chance at life and possibly having it all.

recieved arc from netgalley but all thoughts are my own.

omg I just love these brothers with my whole heart. Desmond is beyond sweet with how much he wants to be a good father to the son he just found out he has. and his fight to get back with Sadie he is so patient and hungry for her. I absolutely loved this and I cannot wait foe Lennon's story next!

Des has been in witness protection for ten years when the threat he's been hiding from is finally gone. It's only then that he finds out that he's a father to Max, his 10 year old son. Max's mother, Sadie, is Des' high school sweetheart but he had no choice but to abandon her without saying a word when he was put into witness protection. Now he can see her and Max but he's terrified things won't go back to the way they were with Sadie and that Max won't like him.
With help from his wonderful brothers, he hatches a plan to lead nature hikes with a group of local pre-teens, his son included. Slowly he gets to know Max, and catch up on everything he missed. Des is desperate to be with Sadie again but doesn't want to pressure her and waits to be sure she's single and interested in him too. Little by little, Des returns to his old life. He gets to know his interfering brothers better, builds a bond with Max and starts a new relationship with Sadie. Finally discovering who he can be, years after he was ripped from everything and everyone he knew.

This is an incredibly sweet second chance romance but the added element of connecting with his son adds a unique dimension to this novel. The scenes in which Max and Des talk and get to know one another are heartwarming.

I loved that the 10 Signs You Need to Grovel is from Des' perspective as this gave real insight into what he was feeling and why. He's a complex but lovable character who's had a rough hand dealt to him, but nonetheless remains a doting son, brother, partner and father.

I definitely want to read other books in the Bower Brother series!

I’m here today sharing my thoughts on book 2 in Kelly Siskind’s Bower Boy’s series of interconnected novels, this time featuring Desmond, his high-school sweetheart Sadie and the little boy he's about to learn all about!

As always a huge thank you to NetGalley, and Montlake for the advance copy, thoughts below are my own, enjoy.

Before we get, get into it, I do think to get the most of this whole series it does benefit the reader to read them in order (I know, sorry). Seeing glimpses of Des in E’s book really makes his story all the more emotional and resonant, so definitely keep that in mind as you go through my review!

Des, the self-hating, bad tattoo getting, EXTREMELY heartbroken brother is finally free from WITSEC. Readers of book 1 should still be reeling from the revelations at the end that one (Uh Des, you’re a dad), we pick up 5 month in the future when E finally get’s a hold of him.

Desmond, finding out he’s fathered a child with Sadie, the love of his life was intense and sets the entire premise of this book up really well. I think the whole 10 signs, part of the title is a little misleading as both Des, Sadie and Max to some degree are victims of the most shit-tastic circumstances that places Des’ family in WITSEC for wait for it, 10 years.

Des spends most of the first half of the book getting closer to both Sadie and Max through an outdoor program for preteens, and wow are there some genuinely heart squeezing moments between new dad and son. Especially seeing them connect over books. Max is clearly grappling with his sexual identity, and is unsure how to process whatever he’s feeling.

Max and Des bond over book club and seeing Des unlearn his own very hetero world view was exactly the feel good sh*t I needed to read about. And the confession between son and dad while they’re talking about Simon vs The Homo Sapiens, RIGHT IN MY FEELS. My goodness.

The connection and love between Sadie and Des was so tender, but also the ANGST. The book is told from his singular point of view (which is a rarity!) and pretty much from the first time he sees her after 10-odd years his right back where he was the night before their lives were changed: so extremely in love with her. Oh and you’re probably like BUT DO THEY BANG?!?

Yes. They sure as f*ck do. All over the place, and on the couch like the v horny people they are.

Listen. this is a story about falling back in love with your person despite being so scared that they will find you wanting. Finding and falling in love with the child you never knew you had. And in some ways loving yourself and battling with the grief of losing out on what could have been.

I love Kelly’s writing, and how she tells stories, and this again was no exception.

Like I said at the top, grab E’s book first and then if you’re dying to know how it turns out pick this book up wherever you buy your romances when it lands in stores and online Jan 31st 2023. (hide spoiler)]

'A brilliant standalone continuation of a series that's set to become a firm favourite in the book world. I'm invested & loving every word!' - The British Bibliophile

I was introduced to the wonderful Kelly Siskind via the first book in the Bower Boys series, 50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover ('E' & Delilah), which earned a very impressive five stars right off the bat. For a first time reading a brand new author, I was blown away with the compelling story we were presented with, and I could not wait to get my hands on the next novel after learning of one.

10 Signs You Need To Grovel (Des & Sadie), follows the story of our second Bower boy, Des, and where his life has been and will go, now that he and his family are free from WITSEC. A situation forced upon his family as outlined in the first book, read that to find out how and why they were placed in it in the first place. It's good, I promise.

After meeting Des in book one--albeit briefly--, I knew his story was going to good if we were treated to it and here we are. The grumpy bartender's time to shine. His life in more ways than one, even after WITSEC, was about to be turned upside on its head once more after learning that he is in fact, a father. A point within the blurb which I loved! Surprise fatherhood is on of my favourite tropes, so I couldn't wait to read how Des was going to me made aware of his sudden fatherhood, and how he would meet his son.

Des is the very definition of a ruff and ready character. Hardened by unfortunate circumstances, he's the type to grunt at you rather than use words as an answer. That, however, is only a cover for the real man that lays beneath the gruff exterior. He's not the same man Sadie once knew, but she knows that he's there underneath all that he's let himself become on the outside. On the inside, Des is quite the opposite. He's a sensitive man--with a rather delicate stomach--, who knows who and what he wants, knows his mind and wears his heart under his sleeve. Kelly has written a brilliant character with Des.

Sadie is equally as admirable. Shoved into the suddenness of being a single mother upon Des' disappearance, she single-handedly raises their son until such a time when fate put them both back in Des' path. She's as much a victim of unfortunate circumstance as is Des, and manages against all odds to hold herself together while raising a reminder of a man she once knew and loved with her whole heart. When their paths did cross again, she didn't shy and run away but met their new future head on. She's willing to be there on this new road and navigate it in the best way possible so their son, Max, isn't affected. It isn't easy, then or now, but with Des at her side and with no matter what happens between them, she knows she can do it.

Their story is one of overcoming adversity, pushing past barriers both physical, emotional and mental, and working out a new normal of two people who were always meant to be together. Navigating one another, re-leaning each other, caring for a being that is half of each of them. There are struggles, speed-bumps and many hurdles both Sadie and Des had to go through, but at the end of the day would weather any storm knowing that the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow after the storm, would be worth it and more.

Where I enjoyed the first book, I can solidly cement that the second book--and its characters--have my heart and from cover to cover won me over again and again.

Five stars for Des, Sadie and Kelly.

(3.5 stars)
I really liked the premise of this novel and the overall storyline a lot. I feel like the pacing was a bit off but I didn’t mind too much. I wish there had been a bit more unpredictability in the story but overall it was good and I enjoyed reading it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There was so much angst in this book! Desmond, Sadie and Max have been through so much but after some rocky patches come out of it together as a family. This book also addresses some mental issues and shows how wonderful a supportive family can be. The hiking courses are great, loved Olivia! Gotta love it when a long fought after HEA come through!

ARC provided by NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for honest review.

10 Signs You're In Your Own Way

1. Everyone keeps asking you the same question.

2. You cling to the past as a sign of the future.

3. You don't take the dare.

I could go on but any Bower boy fan is going to love Des whether I give them his reasons or not. Fall for the charismatic 20 something and stay for the 30 yr old dad with a bright future. These men are worth the wait, worth the fight, and worth showing they aren't broken- just bent.

Find love in all the right places. Start with Windfall and work your way to a HEA.

10 Signs You Need to Grovel. Coming out of 11 years in witness protection, Desmond learns he has a son by the love of his life. Reconnecting with his family openly after so long is hard, but harder still is how to become part of his boy’s life. Siskind has written a second chance romance with some sensitive issues. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.