Adriana Locke writes stories that feel real-about real problems, real people. I absolutely love the single parent trope! I love how parenting as a "step" parent is also seen in this story. I don't really like to call them step parents because even if they didn't make you physically, they are shaping you as a person and that is a parent!!

One of my favorite lines from this story that I will take forward with me- "Grab whatever it is that makes you happy and run while you can." What a profound statement! I definitely needed to hear that.

Listening to this as an audiobook was an experience all on its own. The narrator brought the chemistry between the main characters to life in a way that felt so vivid, I could almost feel their emotions. Their connection was undeniable, and I found myself completely invested in their journey.

Both of their stories were so heartbreaking, and hearing their pain through the narrator’s voice made it hit even harder. But what really stood out were the little moments of hope—friendship, laughter, and those tiny sparks of joy that kept them moving forward.

I went through so many emotions while listening—I was mad, I was glad, and sometimes both at once. Life is unpredictable, but this audiobook reminded me how beautiful it is to get a second chance, to start over, and to find something worth holding on to. It was raw, emotional, and incredibly moving.

I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing & Brilliance Audio.

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5🎧

Over 30 MCs who act their age… YES, please!
Gabby moved back to her hometown with her two boys. They have a bit of a fixer-upper house, and this is where Gabby finds herself in a little bit of a pickle. Enter the neighbour Jay, who is trying to create distance, but he can’t help but be drawn to Gabby’s nature. And he doesn’t want to see the woman electrocute herself.

Gabby is having a battle with her oldest who isn’t happy he had to move. Her youngest is a go-with-the-flow kind of guy and he is just happy to be happy.

Jay is hurting from a past relationship the last thing he wants is to get involved with a single mother. But his heart and her heart don’t care, and they fall hard for one another.

I enjoyed the side characters they added that extra warmth to the story. I always love reading about small towns because of the full-rounded plot.

Rachel’s voice for Gabby was perfect. You could feel her strength and her frustration with her boys. But her protective streak was shining through. Oliver is a new to me narrator and you could feel the back-off vibes at the beginning, it had me giggling. As he his character warmed up to the boys and Gabby Oliver's voice reflected that. It was very entertaining to listen to.

Gabrielle doesn't expect her new neighbour to be so good looking. And when he catches her falling off the railing, he instantly comes to the rescue. Can these neighbours to lovers keep going with their no strings attached relationship or will feelings get involved?

This was a predictable but feel good story of a single mother who has to navigate her children's wellbeing as well as her own happiness. The characters had sizzling chemistry together with the audiobook being narrated extremely well. With a sweet epilogue, I enjoyed this book.