I have not read the first book.. however it was given such great reviews on the first book, I was honestly tempted to first buy and read that one before reading this one. Unfortunately this did not happen..

Regardless.. with this in mind, I was sorely upset how this book turned out. So much so that I really do not want to get the first book. Was it necessary to write a follow up?

Not the book for me.

Last year, I loved Josh and Gemma Make a Baby so much that when I found out this book was coming out, I knew I needed to read it. A sequel to their story had to be just as good as the first.

And I was right. I couldn't put this book down once I got started.

Because it was an automatic read for me, I didn't bother reading the book blurb. I had no idea what was in store for Josh and Gemma. It was an emotional ride, but it was absolutely perfect.

I appreciate this book addressing the dangers of preeclampsia in pregnancy. Most people don't know what it is or how serious it can be until they find themselves or someone they know faced with the condition. It also shows the aftershock of severe cases of preeclampsia and how it affects not just the mother-to-be and baby but everyone in their support system. Not a topic a lot of people talk about, and I'm glad Sarah Ready broke that silence.

I loved these characters and how intricately their lives are intertwined. We got a little more insight into the infamous Ian Fortune and what's made him tick over the years. It comes full circle and ties together nicely.

If I thought I loved Josh before, after this book, I'm not sure I could love him for Gemma anymore. Total swoon. And the heat between the two of them in this book? Whew! 🥵

Thank you, @Sarah Ready @ibpalovesindies and @NetGalley, for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

I honestly thought at first that this book is just super light, cute, and funny romance but I was wrong. I did not expect that there would be heavier topics before they can finally have their happily ever after. I was honestly happy that Sarah Ready did give us a sequel to the romcom Josh and Gemma Make a Baby, because even though the book 1 is already satisfying and felt like it was already complete but its sequel made me learn more about Josh and Gemma's story and also I'm honestly glad that Ian Fortune was able to redeem himself. I just loved how everything turned out at the end. It was such a beautiful love story with sacrifices and compromise in between but it was so worth it.


Thank you Net galley for the ARC. Apologies for the late review.

Synopsis: This book is second in a series. I would suggest reading the first one prior as this one would not work well as a stand alone but TOTALLY worth reading both.

When Gemma decides that she is ready to be a mom and falls in love (first book) she faces that fact that love is not always just the big things but sometimes the little things as well.
When things go unexpected Gemma is faced with learning to love all over again and discover what love really means both for her daughter and with those around her. Love comes in all shapes and sizes and can be found in the toughest of situations.

Also please tell me we learn more about Ian next. I feel like there is definitely more to his story.

Thoughts: Where do I even begin with all the ways I loved this book. Truly this book will forever hold a special place in my heart especially timing of the read.

Traumatic Birth Story Trigger
There are so many risks and scary factors that women face when pregnant that I wasnt even aware of when I became pregnant. Some people see pregnancy as this exciting positive time in their life and truly I am happy for them. But there are many many more who are scared their entire pregnancy, me included and even more scared when they reach the end of their pregnancy and are unsure what challenges will be faced with birth and if they will in fact have a happy experience. Gemma faced not only traumatic injuries to her own body that included healing but also mentally missing out on part of her daughters life that she had been dreaming about her whole life.

Medical Trauma Effects on Life
Thank you for including the acknowledgements and for having real thoughts, feelings and emotions when it comes to pregnancy and to medical conditions. There are so many people facing uncontrolled hard times and this really touched home to me. Life isnt always what you think it is with other people and we have to just keep going.

Relationships in Sickness and in Health & Little Things
Thank you for talking about the challenges that relationships face during these times and for love stories not always being two people falling in love and living happily ever after. Thank you for focusing on the sickness and in health and all the little things in between. Love isnt always fancy date nights and elaborate vacations, sometimes its just doing life and being partners in everyday situations and making it through the rough patches by just loving each other.

Thank you Sarah Ready for writing this book it was a perfect read for this season I am in and truly a heart felt, real life book!

𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔: 𝙹𝚘𝚜𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙶𝚎𝚖𝚖𝚊 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍
𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛: Sarah Ready
𝙼𝚢 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎𝚜: 𝙵𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
𝙿𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝟸𝟼 𝙹𝚊𝚗𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹 (𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚠)

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓?
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Suddenly Josh and Gemma’s lives are turned upside down, and their love and their future together are at risk. They realize their happily ever after isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning—and now they have to fight for it.
They confront a devastating separation, the return of world-infamous Ian Fortune, and the question of whether or not their love can truly survive when everyone says...
It’s already gone.
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
My first book from author Sarah Ready. And oh my goodness what a book it is! I know it is a sequel to Josh and Gemma make a baby, but TBH I had no idea when this ARC was approved, so I dived into it like a standalone. And let me say this it did not slow my reading process.
Sarah has made this book heartwarming yet angsty, inspiring and filled with sunshine. I admire her for writing about mental health issues so delicately.
This book is a sweet little package filled with love, kindness and an intriguing twist. A fast-paced yet gripping storyline and unpredictable characters will entertain you throughout. Read Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around and witness their happily ever after.

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚂𝚠𝚒𝚏𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙻𝚎𝚠𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙻𝙻𝙲 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙽𝚎𝚝𝙶𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢.

I had read Josh and Gemma Make A Baby early last year but wasn't aware that a sequel was planned, so was pleasantly surprised when I came across this title. I had forgotten a little of the first book but remembered the general gist, and was able to pick up where that one ended, more or less. I don't think I enjoyed this one as much as the first. Gemma's character wasn't as likeable in this one I found, and the baby that was so wanted in the first book doesn't get as much of a role as I thought that it would. I thought it would be a little more centered around the baby but it is more about Gemma and Josh. Ian Fortune makes another appearance in this book. and I actually didn't mind him, I felt he redeemed himself adequately. Overall, a little far-fetched. Gemma's selfishness was also another thing I wasn't a fan of. 2 and half to 3 stars

3 1/2 stars

I was a big fan of Josh and Gemma Make A Baby. So, when I saw there was a sequel, I was eager to read it. Unfortunately, this was a situation for me where I wish that we'd left Josh and Gemma in their Happily Ever After. This sequel felt like unneeded angst. Not only was there an unforeseen incident that threatened Josh and Gemma's future, the author also brought back Ian. The same Ian who had definitely established himself in direct opposition to Josh in the first book. So naturally, he is trying to stir the pot in this book as well. Enough already. I did like that we get some answers about Ian's background and get to understand him better.

I think the intention in this book was a good one. Ms. Ready obviously wanted to raise awareness about certain issues and succeeded in doing so. Unfortunately, the way Josh and Gemma's relationship was handled felt like an afterthought compared to the rest of the storyline. Even though they worked their way through the ups and downs, it felt awkward and sometimes redundant. I just wanted more from this sequel. The first book was such a pleasant and enjoyable read that I had high hopes for this one as well and was disappointed when it fell short. All that said, it's not a bad book. It just isn't as good as the first one in my opinion.

AUDIOBOOK: The audiobook narration was done well and matched up well with the characters. 4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around is the sequel to Josh and Gemma make a baby. It starts off with Gemma and her family getting ready for Gemma's wedding the next day. Gemma passes out the next day and slips into a comma. I will have to say that I did not expect that. In fact for first few pages after she woke up from her comma I thought she was dreaming, the fact that another character I hadn't seen since the last book really messed with my head. I will have to say that I had to push through the book a little in the middle. It just wasn't what I was expecting and found my attention wandering. But it got more interesting towards the end and I really enjoyed a character's redemption arc. Overall I think that the book was okay. I think I would have liked to see more of Gemma's recovery.

I finished this book with the realization that maybe romances did not need sequels. Although I liked Ians redemption arc, I felt most of the plot was unnecessary and at times boring. The ending was clear and since we already saw Josh and Gemma fall in love during the first book, this was underwhelming.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange of an honest review. I really enjoyed the first book but idk this book just seems unnecessary? I get that HEA aren’t always happy and all but like it’s fiction, Maybe I think like this since I’m not really in a good place in my life at the moment but I feel like this book is just a redemption arc for Ian.

I was so excited to see there was a sequel to Josh and Gemma's story. I loved the first book and was eager to dive into this book but wow is it different than the first. First of all, I found it hard to remember some of the sub characters/things that had happened in the first book since it has been a while since I read the first one so it was a little hard to get back into their world. Second, the book was a lot darker than the first one, with Josh and Gemma struggling through their relationship, I felt like the reason for the struggle seemed a little farfetched and predictable at times so it was disappointing to have loved the first story and then have this weird second book to finish out their story. I almost wish there hadn't been a second book written.

I wondered how the second book could add to the first, as ‘Josh and Gemma make a baby’ was so good. However, this book is full of even more emotion. I wish I could give more than 5 stars!!
Gemma is ready to marry her fiancé Josh Lewenthal, and it looks like she has it all. She is pregnant and living a wonderful life with Josh, until life changes dramatically for them both. Without revealing too much in the book, they are faced with an uncertain future, as well as the much hated, Ian Fortune, who might be all that he seems.
I could not put this book down as every chapter brought more to the surface. I wondered how they would get through this. However, not only is there some fairly emotional scenes, some of the secondary characters bring great sweetness and joy to the story. I just loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Are things going to change between us?"

"Not a chance, Gem." He points between us. "You and me. As long as there's a sky above, we'll keep on loving each other. Guarantee it."

What You'll Find:
✔️Romance Sequel
✔️After The HEA
✔️Real & Raw
✔️Single POV

Full transparency. I have very mixed feelings on this one. And it's taken me some time to get this review together. Because I read and LOVED Josh and Gemma Make A Baby. So I was excited to experience more of their HEA. But I felt a little blindsided with this one.

While I thought this story was exceptionally well written, it was MUCH heavier than I anticipated. I simply did not want this to be a part of Josh and Gemma's story. It was too real, raw and heavy. Perhaps a little close to home for me in a certain aspect too. But the storyline was just unexpected for me. I expected a lighter story than what we got. A peak into their HEA. A romcom. But that's not what this was. And the focus didn't even seem to be on Josh & Gemma for a lot of the story. And I didn't love that either.

That all said, if this was any other couple, one I hadn't read about before (and been looking forward to their sequel)... I would have likely really loved this story. Because its everything I normally love- raw and angsty, filled with heavy emotions. And it was so well written in that regard. I felt everything. I read this in one day, I simply couldn't put it down regardless.

But overall, while I completely get the author's intentions... this was a bit too heavy a sequel for me, and I'm not sure I would recommend it. I think I would have personally liked to leave their HEA at book one. I wouldn't turn down a happy novella in the future for them, just throwing that out there.

3.5 Stars ⭐

*I received an ARC from Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.

Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around had me hooked within the first chapter. I was extremely excited when Sarah Ready announced she would be writing this book. It's so rare for a book to center on an already established couple. I love a good meet cute just as much as any other romance girl, but what happens after they fall in love? It's not always rainbows and butterflies. I wanted a story showing a much loved couple going through a difficult time TOGETHER. While I love the book almost as much as the first, I do feel Josh was pretty absent from the story. He was gone a lot of the time, which I thought was weird given the circumstances. He also makes a decision near the end that I feel was totally out of character and went against everything he had been saying the whole book. He made an assumption and that just wasn't in line with his character. Don't get me wrong, it has a wonderful ending. I just think it could have been even better without that part. I love Gemma's growth and her realizing how love isn't just the big overwhelming feelings/actions but all the little things as well. It was extremely well done. It has an original storyline and great pace all throughout the story. I finished it within two days, which is really quick for me these days! I highly recommend Josh and Gemma to those who love a great romance!

I remember reading the ARC of Josh and Gemma make a baby this time last year, and I LOVED it!! Seeing them back together brought back those familiar feelings.

The book is everything that you could wish for. You see them back together, with a baby this time and how they navigated,

But the plot twist?!?!?!?! I was not ready for that, My jaw was on the floor, honestly. We also see a bit of Ian, and when I tell you things start to connect, BRO!!!!!

But honestly, this was so cute, and I love Josh and Gemma. I wish them nothing but happiness,

Thank you to Sarah Ready for the ARC!!

Josh and Gemma the second time around

The beginning of this book was tough for me to get through only bc I hadn’t read the first book and there was a lot going on. So many emotions and a lot of confusion for me. But I kept reading and realized the strong emotions I was feeling never dissipated even as I came to understand what was going on and the whole story that was unfolding. This author made me feel so strongly in all the emotions displayed in this book that I would have to take breaks to being myself back to reality. A realistic love story about the struggles or a traumatic event and their consequences on family dynamics. This book is beautifully written and a highly recommended read.

I received a free advanced copy of this nivel and offer my honest opinion voluntarily.

What can I say…I didn’t expect this book to have a sequel and somewhat I feel like it wasn’t necessary.

It’s a fast pace story and it’s interesting in the beginning but not too much in the middle. I feel like it had too much going on and I kinda hate Gemma for how she acted.

Ian…oh Ian. I really don’t like that they became friends again…I felt the friendship was too forced and to be honest, I would be friend with someone who hurt me in the past.

I think if you like romances, you can read this one but the first book it’s better.

I really enjoyed this book, I didnt realise it was a 2nd book about them - if I had done, I would’ve understood the presence of one of the characters who I felt was a bit random but I’m going to look for the first book now to see how he slots in! Anyway bit of a roller coaster of a read, certainly easy to read and get involved in, I would definitely recommend this. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy

i almost dnf but pushed it through because i needed details about the maybe-infidelity.

while i’m always glad to see more of a couple i enjoy, to see their life after their wedding, more of the baby and sickeningly sweet days of josh and gemma, this did not do it to me.

i’ve seen many mixed reviews on whether or not a sequel should have happened. and i agree that it should have been left at how it was at the end of the first book. it just seemed to be prolonging the series of turning up the trauma factor and let more shit rain down on them.

I really enjoyed the first story of Josh and Gemma and finding out that there was a second was exciting for me! I was curious what the second time around would entail and it was something!

Get ready for a roller coaster. Right away from the beginning I recognized the symptoms that Gemma was presenting with and I found myself absolutely terrified for her. My brain went to a more sci-fi type place which would have made no sense with the book at all but once the story got going it flowed so well and really grasped the difficulties that relationships go through. So many ups and downs for Josh and Gemma - it’s a really good story.