I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing was on point and the story unique and interesting. The problem, in my opinion, (minor spoiler ahead) is that Jass and Sarah got together way too early, before their chemistry had a chance to properly develop. Unfortunately that is a deal breaker for me when I’m reading romance.

Even though I didn’t finish this book I still gave it three stars because I enjoyed it up until that point, and I understand not everyone wants more of a slow burn. It does have some good things going for it, including a cute kid, an adorably frazzled mom, and some good trans rep.

I recommend for anyone who is a fan of this author and/or isn’t a fan of slow burns.

Falling all In, is a great read. I loved the characters and was invested in how they think and get through any challenges. It touches on self-discovery, embracing vulnerabilities. family and true happiness. This will keep you captivated from start to finish. 4.5 stars

Thank you, Bella Books, NetGalley and Author.

An intimate look in learning from your past to create the future you want and deserve. This is a vulnerable story about second chances at love.

Sarah Cooper is flailing. She is successful as a family therapist with a hit podcast, but in her private life she is floundering. Newly divorced and struggling to raise her daughter almost alone, Sarah bumps into her own belief system over and over again, hard. When her ex doesn’t hold up her end of the deal about taking care of the pool in her backyard she seeks out a pool technician for help. Unbelievably hot and distracting, Sarah can’t help but recognize the stirrings of attraction Jass, the pool lady, awakens within her. Jass throws her off her axis and makes her question everything she once thought she believed wholeheartedly in.

Jass is dumbstruck when her favorite podcaster asks for her help to fix her pool. The woman she has fantasized about and learned a lot from while dealing with her own misgivings in life, is nothing like she imagined in real life. Oh yes, she is as hot as ever, but also stuck in a pattern of convictions that keep her from living life and finding love. And it’s not like she herself is in the best place to start a relationship. Jass is helping her best friend by being a surrogate mother for her. Somehow though, she can’t stay away from Sarah and her daughter Chloe. Before she knows it, she is ready to tackle every one of Sarah’s rigid beliefs head on.

Villeneuve does an excellent job in describing the internal struggles Sarah goes through. Throughout the story she meets people that make her question her stance on parenting and relationships. I loved the way she works through every new insight and doesn’t run away from difficult findings. Her budding connection with Jass opens her up to a totally new way of life, new friendships and ultimately, a new and all consuming love.

The way Jass fights for her love by showing up time and time again is so heartwarming. She is a remarkable woman and there were times I wanted to shake Sarah for not trusting her with her heart. And the way she supports Sarah in embracing her desires is lovely and very, very hot.

The different kinds of friendships and relationships Sarah encounters are amazing. From the sisterlike friendship Jass has with Amara, to the connection she builds with her neighbor Casey and her different form of family. The various forms of identity that are represented in this story are well thought through. I never felt like a character was the token transgender or neurodivergent person.

Villeneuve delivered a lovely romance. One that will make you re-evaluate what it is to be a family. A great read!

Sarah is a newly divorced mom and therapist with a popular podcast where she espouses the importance of putting children first and not dating as a single parent. She restricts herself from dating and focuses on her 5 year old daughter, Chloe. Her ex, Trish, has limited involvement with Chloe with only every other weekend visits.
Jass is a single lesbian who has a pool maintenance business and is committed to being a surrogate for her lifelong friend, Amara. She meets Sarah when she is called to check on her pool. The sparks are immediate for them both and Sarah has to wrestle with her view of motherhood and her attraction to Jass.
The story is engaging and the characters are easy to like and become invested in. The interactions between the women and Chloe are sweet and give a warm fuzzy vibe throughout. The book flows well.

This is a stand alone book and takes place in the same world and on the same street as the author’s Birds of a Feather (Sept 2022). I read that one and enjoyed the brief appearance of those main characters in this book. Sarah Cooper is a therapist and podcaster. She is feeling like a failure after her divorce and is trying her best to keep to good co-parenting rules for the benefit of her five year old daughter. When her pool needs attention she meets Jasmine (Jass) Dias who is a pool technician. Jass is a fan and has learned some good life lessons from Sarah’s podcast. But the real life Sarah is a hot mess, compared to her on air persona.

Jass and Sarah have undeniable attraction for each other which is complicated by Jass already committing to carry a baby for her lifelong best friend. The book explores a lot of what it means to be a family and the many, many shapes that can take. The relationship is loving and sex positive with a lot of smart rules because a child is also a part of the dynamic. I liked seeing Sarah adjust from her errors and take risks. There was a lot of therapy speak. It sounds very emotionally intelligent and you wish people communicated that well, but most people don’t.

I enjoyed the story and the characters. And I was glad to know the peacocks still wander the neighborhood in California. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)

This story made me think differently about what makes a family a family. It was certainly a different storyline that kept me wondering how things were going to pan out. I enjoyed watching the characters think things through and grow.

It’s an opposites attract romance, packed with emotions and endearing characters.

I love books with young children, it always puts things in a much different prospective with much higher stakes and this book did a great job acknowledging that.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Sarah finds herself at a loss when her relationship is over she wanted to give her daughter a family with two parents together not apart. As she tries finds new topics for her podcast she decided she done with dating and focus on her daughter Chloe she believes if you become a single parent you shouldn’t be dating but can she follow her own opinion when she meets Jasmine by chance. Jasmine knows who Sarah is because she listen to her podcast when Sarah ask for her help a friendship is form that turns into more but things get complicated by Jass determination to have a baby for her best friend Amara and Sarah stubbornness. This is good read about the importance of families and friendships.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

sarah had had it all planned out marriage and a baby, but when her partner went off her world crumbled and the worst thing about it was her podcast, with how her thoughts on bringing up a child reflected the family unit being two parents and not what she was now

jas was the local pool guy who everyone used to maintain and clean their pools and when sarah approached her about her very green pool jas couldnt believe her luck, she was a big fan of sarah and her podcast, to say they had changed her life was an understatement but she also couldnt get over her reaction to sarah

jas was also at a critic moment in her life, her found family had made a momentous decision and her attraction to sarah also added into the mix

a blended family, single parenthood and love whats not to like about this book...with all its ups and downs this one wasnt a bad one to read

In the enthralling novel "Falling All In" by Laina Villenueve, we are introduced to Sarah Cooper, a renowned podcaster who finds herself at a loss when her own relationship crumbles. Determined to heal and prioritize her daughter, Sarah redirects her love and attention away from the dating scene. However, her steadfastness is put to the test when her backyard swimming pool unexpectedly turns a murky green, demanding the assistance of a captivating new pool technician. Jasmine Díaz, the pool technician in question, deeply understands the significance of family, particularly the concept of chosen or found family. Devoted to carrying a child for her closest friend, Jasmine refrains from entertaining the idea of pursuing a romantic relationship. Yet, as Sarah's playful banter and seemingly flirtatious behavior become impossible to ignore, Jasmine finds herself considering the possibility of more. As the story unfolds, both Sarah and Jasmine find themselves drawn to the allure of dipping a toe into the dating pool. However, the question remains: Can they resist the temptation to dive in headfirst, risking the delicate balance they have established in their lives? Laina Villenueve masterfully crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. With carefully developed characters and a compelling plot, "Falling All In" delves into the vulnerabilities and insecurities we all face when navigating relationships. The author adeptly captures the nuances of human connection, intertwining themes of trust, sacrifice, and personal growth throughout the story. One of the highlights of this novel is the seamless blending of romance, humor, and genuine emotion. Villenueve's writing style effortlessly draws readers into the lives of Sarah and Jasmine, making us empathize with their struggles, laugh at their witty exchanges, and cheer for their personal triumphs. The chemistry between the two protagonists is palpable, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages in anticipation of their evolving relationship. "Falling All In" is a refreshing take on the romance genre, offering a poignant and affirming portrayal of love beyond traditional boundaries. Villenueve's exploration of unconventional family dynamics and the complexities of personal growth adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. By delving into the characters' journeys of self-discovery, the author presents readers with a powerful message about the importance of embracing vulnerability and taking risks to find true happiness. In conclusion, "Falling All In" is a captivating and heartfelt novel that captivates readers from beginning to end. Laina Villenueve's ability to create relatable characters and weave a compelling story makes this book a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and those seeking an emotional journey. With its engaging plot, witty dialogue, and insightful exploration of relationships, this book is a true gem that will leave readers feeling both satisfied and inspired.

This was a story that makes the reader pause and think about "what family really is" and helps us understand that we may all have some preconceived notions about the topic. The book widened my knowledge and my mind about the subject like it did Sarah's. I also enjoyed the chemistry between Sarah and Jass and Chloe was a breath of fresh air as Sarah's inquisitive five-year-old. 4 stars

I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The story was quite eventful, filled with drama and occasional humor. However, the constant back-and-forth and indecision from Sarah slowed down the narrative. I found myself frustrated, wishing she wouldn't dwell on trivial matters. Despite this, the balance between the characters when they finally found each other was satisfying. Overall, it's a good story, but it didn't evoke that special passion that usually makes me deeply connect with the characters. There was so much promise but I just couldn’t feel it.

This is my first Laina Villeneuve book and it certainly won’t be my last. Jass and Sarah’s chance encounter on the street leads to a working relationship that quickly changes to more. I enjoyed the dynamics between Sarah and Jass but there was a lot of excess drama that was added that at times overshadowed the relationship between Sarah and Jass directly. The dialogue and pacing were good and this was an overall entertaining read.

I love Laina Villeneuve's Birds of a Feather, so I was thrilled to start reading this new book. However, despite enjoying the two main characters Sarah and Jass, and even finding Chloe, the super annoying but cute 5-year-old, endearing, I couldn't quite put my finger on what seemed off when their stories were brought together. Although the characters were well-developed and their chemistry was excellent, the overall combination felt odd. I wouldn't say I didn't like the story, but I wish that the drama could be toned down a bit. It felt like Sarah's ex and Jass's pregnancy all at once was a bit too much. Overall, I think I'm still enjoying it, like I said, Sarah and Jass were fun to read!

Jass Diaz, pool cleaner and planned mother, is shocked to meet her favorite Podcaster on the street and get a job from her.

Sarah Cooper, single Mom, is trying to focus on her daughter, and does NOT have time for how hot her new pool technician is....

The two sleep together, but Sarah I'd shocked when she finds out Jass is a fan. Then things get complicated by Jass pregnancy....

Good, solid read. There's a LOT of lesbian drama going on, with Sarah's ex, between Sarah and Jass, and so on. It doesn't bog down the story tho. This also lightly ties into another book of the author's, but works well as a stand alone.