Here’s the Scoop

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an arc of this book. Below is my honest review.

This is the second book in series. It can be read as a standalone but aspects from the first will be spoiled.

Max Ross, who we met in the last book, has recently taken up guardianship of his niece Emma after her parents passed in a house fire. When he brings Emma back to school, he recognizes her teacher as the woman that broke his heart five years ago…except she is going by a completely different name. What?!

Max and Sonya were the couple you want to root for…their issues are not relatable, per se., but believable in the world where one’s family runs a production company. And, revealing their history is spread out over the course of the book keeping readers on their toes.

I loved Emma in the last book, and her parents, so I was crushed to read she was orphaned due to a house fire. Max won a lot of uncle points by stepping up and taking custody of Emma. I was honestly surprised it wasn’t Ford and Mara, but the explanation given made perfect sense.

Showing Max’s utter dedication towards being a wonderful guardian for Emma just made me root for him more and more. Yes, he made mistakes in his past but showed with everything he had that he grew and is kind and decent man. He definitely proved he deserved a second chance.

Sonya’s struggles were clearly defined. Her anxiety towards Max and any other love interest was clearly explained. Watching her walls crumble was a joy. Also, she showed just how much she loved Emma.

The support of all of Emma’s uncles, as well as their friends was so sweet and amazing to read. As sad as the underlying storylines were (the fire, the Raven issues, and more) the underlying love and joy were just so comforting to read. Raven was a solid “nemesis” and I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion to that storyline. Darcy made for an excellent foil, although I wish that some motivation for her other than the “I am a Karen” that was provided.

Overall this is a solid book with a well rounded cast and a captivating plot. Highly recommend and I can’t wait for the next in the series.

CW: House fire and young child’s loss of parents, tertiary character with lung cancer, abandonment by parent.

I absolutely loved this book I read it in one day I just couldn’t put it down. It was such a sweet love story with some brilliant characters. Sonya’ as 5th grade teacher who’s hiding from her past life. Max has just became a guardian to his niece who’s in Sonya’s class. He’s who Sonya’s hiding from. I loved their chemistry they were adorable. Emma was such a sweet girl who really made the book. her class was putting on a show so more adorable children. Sonya not only gets a happy ending but also a family and real friends my heart ached for her during the book but I was so happy at the end. She’s a character who will always live in my head.

This book was so freakin cute! It’s full of witty comebacks, romance, and it was just a fun and quick read!

Max & Sonja (aka Essie) reunite after 5 years when Max becomes the guardian of his niece Emma after the loss of her parents. Sonja turns out to be her 5th grade teacher. I could feel the caring these characters all had for each other and how the small community came together. Emma was a really cute girl and captured the heart of everyone.

I couldn’t put this down. I read this in one afternoon and was swooning near the end. Reading this was like a warm comforting hug. I was worried a bit in the beginning I wouldn’t be able to keep all the characters straight. there were so many…. Between community members, teachers, students, parents and family.


I have not read this author before and didn’t realize there was a book prior to this until I finished and it didn’t alter my ability to read this one at all.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Publisher Flowers & Fullerton and Author Sheridan Jeane for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy. Anticipated publish date May 8, 2023. Review to be left on netgalley, Goodreads and Amazon.