Such a cute happy read of a closed door romance! While quite predictable, this was a breath of fresh air as most of her books are.

In Juliana Smith's captivating novel, "Rock and a Hard Place", readers are taken on an emotional journey as Marigold Wells and Liam Wells, two divorced parents, are forced to work together on a six-week project for their son's school. As they navigate the complexities of their past relationship and the challenges of the present, they discover that the spark between them is still alive. Marigold, a strong and independent woman, is determined to keep her distance from Liam, who she believes is still playing cruel jokes on her. However, as they spend more time together, she begins to see a different side of him. Liam, a successful businessman, is trying his best to reconnect with Marigold and rebuild their friendship. The story unfolds as Marigold and Liam confront the unresolved issues from their past. They must navigate the obstacles that have kept them apart, including their pride, insecurities, and the opinions of others. As they work together, they learn to understand each other's perspectives and find common ground. Smith's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, delving into the complexities of relationships and the challenges of moving forward after divorce. She portrays the characters with depth and realism, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs. The novel explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the power of love to overcome adversity. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the pain of a broken relationship and the hope of finding love again. Overall, "Rock and a Hard Place" is a well-written and emotionally charged novel that will leave readers captivated from beginning to end. Juliana Smith has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, reminding us that love can conquer all, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

i went into this book totally blind. i knew nothing about it and I'm glad i did! this book was beautiful between two people who had divorced and were now forced to work on a project for their sons school. this is also my first juilana smith book and i will definitely be reading her other and future work! i really enjoyed this story and loved seeing marigold and liam fall back in love with each other again. i laughed and cried and swooned while reading this, however since i didn't really relate to any of the characters it is a 4.5 star in my eyes. i did enjoy this book a lot!!

This is the first book I’ve read by Juliana and dang did I love it! Rock and a Hard Place is a second chance romance and I thought it was done so well!

Liam and Marigold were both such loveable characters, but Liam… I was obsessed with him, the flirty banter, the swoony moments the way he was still obviously so in love with Marigold it was just so good 🥹
I really loved this story, the writing was great, the characters and their chemistry was amazing, all around a super cute book I’d highly recommend!

Thank you to netgalley and Juliana for the ARC!

“That smart mouth of hers had always been one of my favorite features. It felt like she was sharpening a blade that she was about to throw straight at me.”

“Did she remember that too? The way our love had burned hotter than the sun in a bright summer’s day? How hard it had been to leave the house because of the overwhelming, all-consuming need to always be near each other.”

Juliana has given us another masterpiece. I honestly don’t know if I’ll be able to put into words my love for this book but I’ll try…

Liam and Marigold are our main characters in Rock and a Hard Place, a second chance sweet romance. They fell hard for each other at 17, went to college together, got married and had kids young. The trenches of new parenthood, beginning careers and new marriage struggles was too much for them to overcome. They are now divorced and co-parenting their amazing twin boys. For the most part Marigold does everything to stay as far away from Liam as possible. She can’t handle being near him without getting frustrated and he loves pushing her buttons. Enter the school carnival…They end up assigned to a project together and are forced to spend countless hours together…for the boys. Will their time together rekindle old feelings or make things worse? You’ll have to read to find out.

This book is a must read. I felt like the struggles of new parenthood and just starting out adult life is relatable to most! I’ve felt those moments where I’m drowning and didn’t know how to even ask for help. I’ve seen my spouse work tirelessly to provide for our family. This book hits ALL of those emotions. The love for our spouse and kids. The resentment that happens. The feeling of failure and finding a way out. It’s a beautiful story. I cried hard. I laughed hard. I loved it.

Oh my gosh this was my first book by this author and absolutely will not be my last! This was so freaking adorable!

This cover and blurb had me running to NetGalley and requesting the ARC!

I love a second chance romance - and when their history involves a marriage and kids, I love it even more!

Juliana’s writing was unique and refreshing! It felt like I was watching a cute rom-com. My heart hurt for Marigold and the struggles she faces as a mama of two boys! I couldn’t imagine being a single mom of twin boys! And don’t get me started with Daddy Liam Wells 😍 He was so sweet and watching him as a dad was 😮‍💨 My favorite part of second chances is when it all comes together and you feel that their time apart was vital to the growth of the characters. Sadly, Marigold needed a divorce… and Liam needed it even more.

But their HEA was beautiful! Liam was so in love with her still and we love to see it! Def Parent Trap vibes and I love how it all came together.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for allowing me an early read of this book. All thoughts are my own, I do not accept money for reviews.

Rock and a hard place is the third book in a series, I however did not know this when I requested to read the book on NetGalley even though I follow the author and am in her broadcast channel on instagram. It just never clicked for me I guess. However, I had no trouble following the story and fully plan to backtrack and read books one and two. And read book four when it comes out because that snippet at the end was everything.

I don’t think I have never been so invested in a couples relationship than I have Marigolds and Liams, or I guess I was invested in learned why they split and impatiently waiting for them to get back together. I had some theories based on little snippets we got, and I was mostly correct. While I like to claim I don’t feel one way or another about the miscommunication trope, I was yelling at these characters about how dumb they were. They did admit that they were young and didn’t know how to handle the hard stuff like being parents and recognizing what the other needed, so they are forgiven.

Liam still being absolutely gone for Marigold was so endearing, while getting to see Marigold let go of her resentment toward Liam was emotional. Seeing them bond over their love of their sons and rekindling their relationship that way was so beautiful. Also seeing their sons parent trap their parents was hilarious, I caught on in like the first 30% of the book what they were doing and loved it! Good on Calla for showing them a cinematic masterpiece.

I think my favorite part of reading this book is I get everything that characters were feeling as I read it. The author is so good at conveying the emotions and pulling at your heart strings. I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but I am hooked!

when i started reading this i was a teeny bit hesitant just because i'm nowhere near where the characters in this book are and i like to at least have some relation to my life usually with the books i read BUT!!! this was SO cute and exactly what i needed. marigold was such an enjoyable fmc and i found myself in her many times throughout the book. especially her making art and trying to find the time to do it and about how she felt with taking risks. it resonated with me and my life right now a lot.
i loved how she wasn't just a mom and how this book made her so much more, it explored the story of her finding herself again!! i don't even know where to start with liam, i already asked juliana if she has an amazon link for him or something because i am so so so obsessed with him he was sweet, kind, incredibly thoughtful and the way he loved marigold made me melt ahhh
¡ also loved their two twins, they were so cute and funny so i really liked them, especially how mischievous they were with their planning. i also loved that this was a closed door romance, the tension was still there alllll the time and that's what i'm here for tbh hehe if you love the parent trap, second chance & small town romances i feel like this will be perfect for you!!

sweet, charming and heartfelt is how I'd describe this book! I enjoyed every second and was kind of a new trope for me to read a divorced couple getting back together, but if you put the parent trap in there as well.... you got me hooked!!

I adored Marigold and Liam, he was just so in love with her ir was actually so wholesome to read, and reading about Marigold's struggles was so heartbreaking I really felt for those characters.... the kids were just amazing as well 💗

thank you so much to netgalley for providing me an ARC of this book!

3.75⭐️

this was a super quick read, Liam and Marigold's second chance romance was so sweet and wholesome. I really enjoyed the parent trap aspect, the twins and their meddling added a lot of heartwarmingly funny moments. I did think it was a bit odd for me that they spent 7 years not talking at all about their divorce even though they were in such close proximity, a lot could've been avoided with some communication, but I loved how Liam never gave up on them.

thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op and Juliana Smith for the e-arc in return for my honest review.

*arc review*
this was such a sweet second chance romance! i loved the twins so much 😭i don't read a lot of marriage in crisis second chance books because i don't enjoy them that much, but this one??? i devoured it!!! i truly took my time read every single word so i could savor it. *sigh* honestly it warmed my heart and i was so glad to see them together. i had a lot of laughs throughout this read and plenty secret smiles that i caught myself doing. i can't wait to read more books from Juliana <333

*thank you to @netgalley and @julianasmith for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

ok this was the PERFECT addition to the Wells family series, and I think this might be my favorite couple yet! you know I’m a sucker for second chance AND the parent trap so ofc I was going to love this!

Liam is everything you’re looking for when you pick up a book with the single dad trope… he’s sweet, he’s a handyman, he’s hot, and he’s a great father. Plus the fact that he’s never let Marigold go… so swoon worthy

Marigold is such a mamma bear in the best way possible! She’s creative, loving, sassy, and always puts her boys first

Together they are such an amazing couple and that slow burn…. ugh all the tension had my gushing over them! I thought the unpacking of their divorce was so realistically entertaining, it made me fall in love with the couple and the author even more! Truly such a perfect spring read!

“Most people would never find a love like this, yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her.”

read if you like: second chance, single parent, found family, parent trap, dual pov, forced proximity, it’s always been you, romcom, somewhere only we know, closed door, everyone sees it but us

rating: 4/5 ⭐️

I am torn about this story. Marigold and Liam is a feel good story and yes we get the swoony HEA ending but I had a big issue with the reasoning behind the second chance romance… which in turn made the getting back together a little less romantic to me.

In my opinion the conflict from the initial relationship/marriage could have been addressed with one conversation and probably resolved fairly easily. I found it unfair the way it was in the end pinned on the guy: praising his hardworking qualities in some situations and also blaming him for it in others and ultimately naming that the cause of the fall out — without ever communicating that to him… for 6/7 years!

With that in mind, at the end I was happy for the second chance but also not hopeful because she might walk away again without a word whenever something tough happens and he’s focus slips.

There are plenty of cute little lines and moments though that’ll make you giggle to help counter that plot issue.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Okayyyyy this was amazing I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this is exactly how it’s done. I fell in love with Marigold and Liam right off the bat, Marigold being a single mum co-parenting with her ex husband was something I didn’t think I would be able to understand as I am not in that time of my life but the way it was portrayed made me feel all the emotions the characters were feeling. I loved the little snippets we got of Marigold and Liam when they were younger it made me giddy watching them fall in love for the first time. Then watching them rekindle their love after years of being apart was so special.

“Most people would never find a love like this, and yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her” LIKE ARE YOU JOKING LIAM IM SCREAMING.

I absolutely loved the twin boys as well and their little scheme to force their parents together I thought this was such a cute addition to the storyline. The way they never stopped loving each other had my heart hurting and also so happy, I just loved Marigold and Liam so much.

3.75⭐
<i>“What makes you so sure you could fall in love with me again?”
“What makes you so sure I ever stopped?”</i>

One day, for some reason, I found myself thinking I would never read a book with the second chance trope. I just thought it wasn't for me. But oh God did this book change my mind!

As a big lover of romcoms and The Parent Trap movie, this book really warmed my heart. It's so simple and so nice, it felt like a breath of fresh air. I've read my share of romance books and most of them had that usual break up trope with miscommunication, which I usually don't mind, but this one didn't and it felt so refreshing to see these two characters being mature and open enough to communicate without having to fall into miscommunication. The chemistry, the love, the fears they have... everything felt so real, I genuinely really liked it.
And the whole planning that went on behind the scenes by their twins was absolutely fenomenal! Gotta give it to them for risking it all.

The storytelling and the imagery are absolutely perfect for this upcoming spring.
I don't have many critiques, to be quite honest. Sometimes I felt like the dialogue was a little unnatural or stilted, but it wasn't too big of a problem. The writing style is pretty playful, it perfectly conveys the characters in my opinion.
The pacing, I believe, was balanced, slow but not too slow, just perfect for the amount of pages this book has.


<i>"Most people would never find a love like this, and yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her."</i>

Big thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced digital copy!

I love the parent trap and this cover is so cute so I decided to apply to read this arc immediately. I love Liam and Marigold and their dynamics with their twin boys! The twins are so cute and I am so happy their devious little plans in getting Liam and Marigold back together worked out! I am a little disappointed though with how they finally hashed out everything that went wrong in their marriage after 7 years... But still I love Liam and Marigold, they are both sweet hearts.

Thank you netgalley and Juliana for allowing me to read this arc, I will always be honest in my reviews!

4.5 star read!

I honestly did not think I would like this book as much as I did but I absolutely loved it!
Normally I am not a fan of books where main characters are divorced because I always think that they divorced for a reason why would they get back together but this book made me rethink all of it. Juliana Smith made me understand why Marigold and Liam could didn't work the first time but could be back together now.

This book contained so may cute tropes including:
- Second chance romance
- Parent trap
- Adorable twin boys

I would highly recommend this to any romance reader!

Big thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an arc of Rock and a Hard Place

Thank you to NetGalley, Julianna Smith and Victory Editing for the review copy.

Marigold and Liam have been divorced for seven years, when they mysteriously get signed for a project together at their twin sons school. Liam has never stopped pushing Marigold’s buttons, but if can he push the right ones he might be able to reignite their past friendship. But be careful of how fast a spark can turn into a flame.

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series so I was so excited for the opportunity to read this one after meeting and loving Liam and Marigold. I wouldn’t normally go for a second chance romance but this one could convince even me. I loved these two characters so much, they’re a product of misunderstandings during the pressures of young parenthood to twins, but to me they feel meant to be. Overall, a fantastic third addition to this series and definitely my new favourite.

This is Book 3 of the Wells Family Series!

I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰

In Rock and a Hard Place by Juliana Smith, readers are treated to a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy that explores the complexities of second chances and co-parenting. Marigold Wells and Liam Wells find themselves thrown together in an unexpected situation when they are assigned to a project for their son's school. Despite their history of divorce and animosity, they must navigate their newfound proximity and confront their unresolved feelings for each other.

Marigold and Liam's dynamic is filled with tension, humor, and undeniable chemistry. Smith expertly captures the nuances of their relationship, from their playful banter to their deeper emotional connection. As they work together on the project, they are forced to confront the reasons behind their divorce and reconsider whether they can overcome their past and rebuild their relationship.

The plot unfolds in a charming and engaging manner, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming scenes. Smith infuses the story with warmth and humor, making it a joy to read from start to finish. The supporting cast of characters adds depth and dimension to the narrative, providing additional layers of humor and emotion.

While Rock and a Hard Place follows some familiar tropes of the romantic comedy genre, such as second chances and co-parenting, Smith brings a fresh and contemporary perspective to the story. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the pacing is brisk, and the plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end.

Rock and a Hard Place is a delightful and uplifting read that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. With its charming characters, witty dialogue, and heartwarming romance, this novel is sure to captivate fans of romantic comedies.