<b>“‘I can't be sorry any of this happened,’ I say. ‘Because it showed me how many ways there are to love.’”</b>

(Thank you to NetGalley and WWCrown for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I surprised across this sequel immediately after finishing [book:Josh and Gemma Make a Baby], which had been on my TBR for a while, and that I really enjoyed as a slow burn, just-friends-turn-into-something-more. It wasn’t perfect (⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ for being properly swoony but just sort of allowing people to be awful to Gemma – especially her mom – and not really calling them out on it) but an enjoyable story nonetheless.

Josh and Gemma are expecting their baby in just a few weeks, blissfully in love and experiencing wild success in their careers. Gemma is literally about to walk down the aisle when everything suddenly goes black… and she wakes up three months later, having been in a coma from an eclampsia-induced seizure. When she wakes, her ex/former boss/world’s most hated man Ian Fortune is by her side, her daughter is a stranger, and Josh is nowhere to be seen, except on the cover of a gossip magazine that implies he’s sleeping with the actress starring in his comic’s TV adaptation. Josh hurries back, but to Gemma’s horror, she doesn’t feel anything – including love for her fiancée – only numbness. So she vows to relearn how to love him.

So it is with some sadness that I share that I had a hard time with this sequel. I really can’t stand it when exes-turned-villains get a second run in which they again behave abominably – in this case, Ian basically stalking Gemma and wearing her down and refusing to take no for answer – and get rewarded for it. Whether we’re supposed to believe Ian really has a shot, or if he’s telling the truth when he says he’s trying to goad Josh into action, is beside the point.

Moreover, and this is where I think I really struggled, is that Josh – in the title! supposedly our hero! – was barely in this story. And it just felt so out-of-character from the guy we got to know in <i>…Make a Baby</i>. He spends a lot of time in LA, which I suppose was forgivable when everyone thought Gemma might be in a coma forever, but (a) he had a newborn, maybe motherless baby he should have been home caring for! and (b) once Gemma woke up, he should have moved heaven and earth to stay by her side and help her with her recovery. He also was strangely out of tune with Gemma’s struggles, and he’s guilty of one of my least favorite tropes (running away rather than allowing an explanation) not once, but twice!

I also wondered about the way people treat Gemma’s mental and emotional issues. She absolutely should have been in intensive therapy (not just OT). And while I know it’s true that sometimes TBI does permanently change someone’s personality, the way some people – particularly Dylan, holy sh*t what he said was unforgivable – either treated it as a given or shrugged and said Gemma should just hope for the best really rubbed me the wrong way.

This book was saved for me by the third act. Ian’s behavior is at least explained, and while I don’t believe he deserves to be fully redeemed the way the book seems to want him to be, his motivations are at least clear. And I especially loved Gemma’s realization that she never stopped loving Josh, just that her love had changed, and would continue to change their whole lives.

<blockquote>
"It was so dark." I look into his dark brown eyes, at the light shining in them.
"I'm sorry," he whispers.
He wraps me in his arms and I lay my head on his chest. My cheek presses against his soft t-shirt and I breathe in his smell.
"No. I'm glad," I tell him. "Before, everything in my life was so bright that I only noticed the big things. The big love. The big joy. The big happiness."
I rub my fingers over the stubble on his chin. It feels soft and scratchy at the same time. "But when everything went dark and quiet, there was room to notice the small things."
His hand moves to my back, and ever so slowly, he starts to rub his hand up and down my spine. My heart speeds up at his touch.
"It took me a bit," I tell him, "my eyes had to adjust. But then, with all the bright gone, I got to concentrate on the quiet, and the little, and all those things I'd never noticed before.
</blockquote>

[book:Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around] by [author:Sarah Ready]
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 2.5 stars rounded up.
🌶️ 🌶️ Midwesterners who like Jell-O molds think this is spicy, but it’s really just a little heat
🥧🧁🍰🥮🌭 Both too much and not enough weird desserts. Some just desserts. Definitely not enough barbecue cocktail weenies
☕️ ☕️ ☕️ Too much stolen coffee

I also listened to parts of the audiobooks both this and <i>…Make a Baby</i> and Erin Mallon does a commendable job. Not too … squeaky… the way some narrators can be.

I saw this pop up and my first thought was - the first one wrapped up so well, how could there possibly be a second? This was a unique storyline for a second book. Although a bit unrealistic to start, I actually really enjoyed it overall- probably as much as the first even! The tension and chemistry was still there between Josh and Gemma, and that’s not something you always find in a sequel! Finding love was a big part of this story, and I do appreciate the take on love in this story and how there’s more to it than just romance and butterflies.

There were a lot of parts to this book besides just Gemma - but also her friendships, family, and a bit of Josh’s past coming through. This kept the story moving, although sometimes it felt like there was a lot to keep track of. Toward the end there was the usual miscommunication/back and forth trope that can be frustrating at times, but it was relatively quick and painless.

Both of the books I’ve listened to the audio version and I really enjoy Erin Mallon as the voice of Gemma! I’d definitely recommend reading these on audio as she helps keep the story engaging.

Thank you to Stiff & Lewis Publishing LLC and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

As a fan of the first book, I had high hopes for this. I honestly, think that I liked the idea of not knowing what happened to Josh, Gemma and their baby. I thought this story was well plotted, but I just didn't enjoy it like I did the first book.. The "love triangle" was bizarre to me. Gemma's knee jerk assumptions about Josh and what he was doing /not doing while he was in California, just didn't jive with the people there were in first book. The narration was on point, as it always is with Erin Malone.

What a fun, feel good romance. While serious issues were addressed it was done in a light-hearted, yet not dismissive, manner. The relationship between Josh and Gemma is very strong, yet everybody faces challenges no matter what. Despite everything they are going through, that strength wobbles, but hangs on. While I always love a good romance, a bit of realistic love is sometimes just what I need. The foil character found in Ian Fortune provided some great comic relief! Seriously? Who throws mashed potato at people? While I never doubted Jenna’s commitment to Josh, it was nice to shed a little competition once in a while. The whole premise of the book really revolves around the fact that Gemma has suffered a brain injury due to a lengthy coma and eclampsia. Yet so very little of the story addresses this. It seems a little incidental. While I agree that it is absolutely not the main focus of the story, I still feel a little more time should have been dedicated to this.
I think I need to go read the first in this series!

I am struggling to get through this one. I’m not sure if it is the weird ‘man voices’ the narrator is doing because I read the last one rather than listening to it and it just feels wrong, but it feels like this a story that doesn’t need to be told, as if the writer has thought if I wipe their memories almost clean we can go through the whole thing again. But it’s not really fun this time around. And I find the medical advice dubious also. I probably won’t get much further with this one.

“Things are better the second time around …”
My thanks to NetGalley, Swift and Lewis publishing LLC. And Sarah Ready for the opportunity to read and review this book. Josh and Gemma are a couple who found love and comfort in each other. They are in their wedding when a life changing thing occurred. We follow them in their journey to rediscover their identity and preferences. A love rekindled, a life rebuilt and a family reunited. I can’t tell you how much I loved this. It’s an ode to second chances and strong love. Like the prequel, this has depth in its plot; it’s not a silly goofy romance but a deep one that tackles issues of grief and loss. A brilliant sequel and a page turner you’ll never put down.

Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around is the sequel to Josh and Gemma Make a Baby. This story follows Josh and Gemma a little while after we leave them in the first book. We watch them handle a number of difficult situations, including the return of Ian.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I did like the first book more, but this one was still good. There were so many times during this book where I was like, can Gemma ever catch a break??

I gave this one 4/5 stars!

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 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.

** Please note I did actually enjoy the way the narrator Erin Mallon read the book. **

I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THIS. This was absolutely brutal on my emotions and not at all what I expected. I'm not saying that is a bad thing. I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it, I just advise people to be ready for an emotional roller coaster! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I chose this because I read the first installment of the Josh and Gemma saga... It was a unique take on what I call a "Rom-Com" book. This one took uniqueness a step further. While the vast amount of miscommunications and frustrating exchanges made me want to slap all of the characters in the face, repeatedly, it was still unique and kept my attention to the end. It bordered (maybe it touched) on cheesy Hallmark vibes with a wild storyline and inconceivable circumstances, but I guess they got me because I wanted it to all work out in the end. Which, if you know anything about Hallmark movies.... I won't spoil it.

In this sequel, we revisit with Josh and Gemma and see where life takes them after their happily ever after. But we are in for a surprise because life doesn't always end up how we think it will. When their world is torn upside down, they have to fight for themselves and then each other.

This book had an interesting concept that I'd not read about before. However, if you read the first book, Josh and Gemma Make a Baby, you would understand that something unique would have to happen for these two to need a "second time around." I was not 100% convinced of the situation throughout the book, but was happy that Ready addressed some of those issues as the book progressed.

I love Josh and Gemma. They are just the sweetest, most perfect couple really. I would recommend reading the first book first. Without the background in that one, this one would lack something. You will get to meet all the characters in this one and understanding their history is really helpful.

I will admit that some of the explanation for a certain character's behavior was a bit lacking for me, but I was able to overlook that and enjoy the story for what it was. It was nice to be back with Josh and Gemma for a while and I'd like to read more of Ready's work.

I listened to the audio narrated by Erin Mallon and I would definitely recommend it. I tend to speed it up a bit because her narration feels a bit slow to me, but she somehow manages to do a sexy man voice incredibly well.

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.

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.

This book was just a jumbo pot of miscommunication.

It starts out with Josh and Gemma about to get married, only Gemma has a medical emergency and ends up falling into a coma for a couple months then wakes up feeling nothing (emotionally). I felt like this part of the book could have been portrayed a little bit better. It seemed glossed over after it was mentioned, aside from the fact that Gemma no longer loved Josh apparently.
I did enjoy the backstory of Ian that we got and maybe there will be a spinoff book featuring him ?

4/5 - Spice: 1.75/5

Was this a very odd sequel to book #1? Yes. Did I still get incredibly invested in it too? Yes. The T.B.I., Josh being a simp, and the return of Ian?! Wild. I gotta say, I loved that this book really shows how even the most perfect Happily Ever Afters (like Book#1) still need soome reality testing, and that what Josh and Gemma (and even more for Gemma, yet again) are getting their relationship tested in this book! I really enjoyed it. I can see where some people may lose investment in it, but as someone who just biologically can't DNF, I enjoyed the entirety of this book! 

Brief Plot: As Josh and Gemma prepare for their marriage, Gemma experiences a medical emergency that leads to a Traumatic Brain Injury. With this, she has to re-learn her love of others, and with family meddling, and her ex-boss Ian constantly showing up to cause chaos, Josh and Gemma's relationship is TESTED. 

Thank you NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC for an eARC Audiobook of Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around, written by Sarah Ready, and narrated by Erin Mallon.

DNF'd! I enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one took a weird turn and I was not interested enough to power through.

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!!

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.

First, I would like to thank NetGalley and Swift & Lewis' Publishing, LLC for the opportunity to listen and review this book. I read this book as a standalone from the series and it did not disappoint! Josh and Gemma instantly pulled me in to their story and while some of it was very predictable, I thoroughly overall enjoyed the book. Highly recommend if you need something cute and quick to read!