What do you think?
Rate this book
Eternity #4
Worth the Test
Natalie
I just meant to thank him, not kiss him. My best friend’s big brother stepped in when I needed a quick rescue. I wasn’t surprised, considering Alex Santo has a moral compass that never veers from center. But after I move to his hometown, I can’t stop thinking about that kiss. When we run into each other more than once, we agree to one night together.
I’m sure I’ll be able to forget how amazing our night was … eventually. But one positive pregnancy test later, and I’m having to fight my growing feelings for the widowed single dad, knowing he’ll never love anyone except his late wife. How can I accept my lot in Alex’s world if he constantly compares me to her? And what if it impacts our baby’s life?
Alex
It was only supposed to be one night. And while I’m excited about becoming a dad again, I can’t seem to compartmentalize how differently I feel about Natalie than I did for my wife. The pull I feel toward Natalie is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I’m struggling to fight it.
I’m drawn to her passion and fire, but also her quick wit and steadfast support. She’s the polar opposite of my wife. I’m warring between leaving my past and accepting my future, and I’m afraid I’ll mess it up before I’ve even given things a chance. But how could I be this lucky? Can a man have two great loves in one lifetime?
I just meant to thank him, not kiss him. My best friend’s big brother stepped in when I needed a quick rescue. I wasn’t surprised, considering Alex Santo has a moral compass that never veers from center. But after I move to his hometown, I can’t stop thinking about that kiss. When we run into each other more than once, we agree to one night together.
I’m sure I’ll be able to forget how amazing our night was … eventually. But one positive pregnancy test later, and I’m having to fight my growing feelings for the widowed single dad, knowing he’ll never love anyone except his late wife. How can I accept my lot in Alex’s world if he constantly compares me to her? And what if it impacts our baby’s life?
Alex
It was only supposed to be one night. And while I’m excited about becoming a dad again, I can’t seem to compartmentalize how differently I feel about Natalie than I did for my wife. The pull I feel toward Natalie is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I’m struggling to fight it.
I’m drawn to her passion and fire, but also her quick wit and steadfast support. She’s the polar opposite of my wife. I’m warring between leaving my past and accepting my future, and I’m afraid I’ll mess it up before I’ve even given things a chance. But how could I be this lucky? Can a man have two great loves in one lifetime?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2024
160 people are currently reading
1047 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
December 29, 2024
idk why this is so highly rated tbh. he was honestly the worst and i kept wishing he’d just leave her alone. she’s pregnant with HIS kid and all alone and just escaped an abusive relationship and he has the audacity to just like not care about her at all??? he literally only comes over or hits her up every like month or so, gets his dick wet (AND TALKS TO HIS DEAD WIFE EVERYTIME THEY HAVE SEX), and then leaves her. never looks after her, never really questions if she’s okay, it’s like why am i supposed to root for them? like sorry your wife is dead dude but it’s been 5 years and you just have major issues. leave that poor girl alone. leave her baby alone. no thx , just no thx. also also also he’s always on some high horse and then there’s far too many shitty comments on how she’s so strong and no one understands why she stayed with that abuser #toxic. and then they don’t realize their brother/friend/resident asshole is emotionally manipulating and torturing this poor pregnant girl.
January 14, 2025
May this type of love never find me.
January 9, 2025
DNF at 77% because I just could not handle the MMC anymore. He’s not nice to the FMC maybe ever. I get he’s grieving, but everyone says how he’s a good guy even if he’s sullen, yet this poor woman coming out of an abusive relationship has to deal his shit the whole book?? He yells at her, snaps over everything, crowds her and gets in her face. And at 77% still hasn’t even groveled. Why would I want to continue this story if only the smallest part the MMC is tolerable? I can’t. This book feels like it’s all about his grief over his dead wife he is constantly comparing this girl to and even talks in his head to his dead wife while having sex with her.
Also…when she’s 12 weeks pregnant he says she has to be on top for sex so they don’t crush the baby….this man has two kids…and the FMC is like “oh right, sorry I wasn’t thinking. Good thing you were” ….huh????? Someone tell this author that’s not a real thing.
Also…when she’s 12 weeks pregnant he says she has to be on top for sex so they don’t crush the baby….this man has two kids…and the FMC is like “oh right, sorry I wasn’t thinking. Good thing you were” ….huh????? Someone tell this author that’s not a real thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
• Accidental Pregnancy
• Single Dad
• One night stand
• Moving on with grief
• Two adorable kids
• Huge family dynamic
• Escaping an abusive relationship
• Amazing supportive family members
This book was such a perfect example of navigating life through grief. I loved Natalie and Alex's story so much! Worth the Vow was my first intro into this series. And even at book 3 in the series I fell hard for every one of these characters and the way Jennifer interconnects their stories. So you know when I found out that Natalie and Alex were getting a book I was so stoked! Natalie is the best friend of Arianna, Alex's sister.
Natalie and Alex's story was so heavy! Both battling past trauma and learning how to navigate life changes for each of them as they bring a new life into the world. Natalie was coming out of a very abusive relationship, while Alex was handling raising his two kids and mourning his wife. Jennifer did such a wonderful job with both of these characters and handling all the sensitive topics in this book!
I absolutely LOVED Alex's two older children! And the relationship that grew between them and Natalie. It was so sweet! And I loved the way they accepted the fact that they were getting a new sibling! It was so well done!
This can be 100% read as a standalone. But I will warn you, it will pull you in and make you want to pick up every other book in this series.
December 31, 2024
ARC review
I liked this book way more than I thought I would. It was so good, the emotional side of this story was so well written.
Natalie had been in a relationship where her confidence at the end was basically zero. The abuse she endured, mentally and sometimes physically was a lot. She wanted to move forward and lo and behold she runs into her best friend's brother and gets pregnant. That was something neither of them expected. She had feelings for Alex but she knew he wasn't over his dead wife so she didn't pressure. But all the pull and push took a tool on her and it hurt her deeply. I felt bad for both of them, it was a unique situation and getting over someone, getting over that type of grief is not easy.
Alex had been mourning his wife for 5 years and the last thing he expected was someone new showing up in his life (not exactly new but new enough). He didn't know how to move forward and he didn't want to. But he also wanted Natalie and he knew for him to be better and the person that his family and Natalie needed, he had to leave the past where it was while still respecting it and remembering it, and allow himself to be vulnerable and open his heart to new possibilities. His journey to healing was so well done. He wanted to be with Natalie but he knew she deserved better from him so he tried his hardest to be the man she deserved and the father his children needed too.
Their struggles only made them stronger and I was so proud of them at the end. They did it, they reach their HEA
I liked this book way more than I thought I would. It was so good, the emotional side of this story was so well written.
Natalie had been in a relationship where her confidence at the end was basically zero. The abuse she endured, mentally and sometimes physically was a lot. She wanted to move forward and lo and behold she runs into her best friend's brother and gets pregnant. That was something neither of them expected. She had feelings for Alex but she knew he wasn't over his dead wife so she didn't pressure. But all the pull and push took a tool on her and it hurt her deeply. I felt bad for both of them, it was a unique situation and getting over someone, getting over that type of grief is not easy.
Alex had been mourning his wife for 5 years and the last thing he expected was someone new showing up in his life (not exactly new but new enough). He didn't know how to move forward and he didn't want to. But he also wanted Natalie and he knew for him to be better and the person that his family and Natalie needed, he had to leave the past where it was while still respecting it and remembering it, and allow himself to be vulnerable and open his heart to new possibilities. His journey to healing was so well done. He wanted to be with Natalie but he knew she deserved better from him so he tried his hardest to be the man she deserved and the father his children needed too.
Their struggles only made them stronger and I was so proud of them at the end. They did it, they reach their HEA
December 9, 2024
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I was given an ARC to read and I liked the overall book, the story flowed nicely, and I really liked how the story moved.
But there were so many details that brought me out of the story that I found myself getting angry before I was even at 80%.
Everything that I didn’t like was all personal preference— so I would definitely still recommend this book, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Examples of what ground my gears:
The family is wayyyyy too close. I’m not sure if it’s because this is the 4th book but everyone is up everyone else’s ass. The FMC is pregnant and bleeding on thanksgiving and within minutes everyone in MMCs family knows about this very private (and scary!) moment.
I’m talking, grandma, mom, his young children— even cousin Kenny gets involved….
Also when telling his 12 year old daughter that he knocked up FMC, he tells her that FMC was in an abusive relationship before they met… which to me is SUCH an overstep. First of all, the daughter is 12, I’m all for the heavy topics even at that age but to introduce someone by telling that fact? That’s rude.
Second issue for me was the lack of apology or groveling from the MMC. He pushes away FMC and breaks his word at every opportunity. He swears he won’t sneak out on her after they have sex, then does exactly that. He calls her his dead wife’s name, she storms off mad and then SHE ends up apologizing! Make it make sense.
He also says she should have been reprimanded when she yelled at a student (his son) even tho it was both their faults and she is hormonal. He literally tells her not to use the pregnancy as an excuse— he’s the least empathetic MMC I’ve read in a while.
He manages to ruin the gender reveal because he’s pissy and then in a completely unsurprising move he immediately disappears— leaving FMC on her own AGAIN.
The ending was good, the story felt well wrapped up. But I never did get over how much I hated the MMC. He was mean to her from the jump, never apologized or owned his actions, and ended up getting everything…
Like I said, I would still recommend this book. The writing was phenomenal and the spice was great— if you can overlook the things that triggered me personally then you’ll really enjoy this book.
But there were so many details that brought me out of the story that I found myself getting angry before I was even at 80%.
Everything that I didn’t like was all personal preference— so I would definitely still recommend this book, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Examples of what ground my gears:
The family is wayyyyy too close. I’m not sure if it’s because this is the 4th book but everyone is up everyone else’s ass. The FMC is pregnant and bleeding on thanksgiving and within minutes everyone in MMCs family knows about this very private (and scary!) moment.
I’m talking, grandma, mom, his young children— even cousin Kenny gets involved….
Also when telling his 12 year old daughter that he knocked up FMC, he tells her that FMC was in an abusive relationship before they met… which to me is SUCH an overstep. First of all, the daughter is 12, I’m all for the heavy topics even at that age but to introduce someone by telling that fact? That’s rude.
Second issue for me was the lack of apology or groveling from the MMC. He pushes away FMC and breaks his word at every opportunity. He swears he won’t sneak out on her after they have sex, then does exactly that. He calls her his dead wife’s name, she storms off mad and then SHE ends up apologizing! Make it make sense.
He also says she should have been reprimanded when she yelled at a student (his son) even tho it was both their faults and she is hormonal. He literally tells her not to use the pregnancy as an excuse— he’s the least empathetic MMC I’ve read in a while.
He manages to ruin the gender reveal because he’s pissy and then in a completely unsurprising move he immediately disappears— leaving FMC on her own AGAIN.
The ending was good, the story felt well wrapped up. But I never did get over how much I hated the MMC. He was mean to her from the jump, never apologized or owned his actions, and ended up getting everything…
Like I said, I would still recommend this book. The writing was phenomenal and the spice was great— if you can overlook the things that triggered me personally then you’ll really enjoy this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2024
Kinda exhausting reading this. The hero is EXHAUSTING, I tell you. He’s the only reason I give this a 3, if he was better this book would’ve gotten 4 stars. God.
December 5, 2024
Tropes: best friend’s brother, widowed single dad, one night stand turned more, accidental pregnancy, found family, mental health representation, man in uniform and plus size FMC.
Rating: 4.45✨
TW: DV from a past relationship (off page).
Jennifer J. Williams is a new-to-me author and what a pleasant discovery she has been! I already know I want to read more from her, so I will definitely read the previous books in this series, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
It was so nice to witness Alex and Natalie's story and the way they both embraced their healing journey.
I loved every single characters of this book (not Rob obv). The banter was amazing, and the chemistry between the two main characters was *chef kiss*.
I don't know what it is about the single dad trope (bonus if it is also grumpy x sunshine) that always hooks me right away, and this book didn't disappoint!
If you love these tropes as much as I do, then you need to add this book to your TBR!
Thanks to the author for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.45✨
TW: DV from a past relationship (off page).
Jennifer J. Williams is a new-to-me author and what a pleasant discovery she has been! I already know I want to read more from her, so I will definitely read the previous books in this series, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
It was so nice to witness Alex and Natalie's story and the way they both embraced their healing journey.
I loved every single characters of this book (not Rob obv). The banter was amazing, and the chemistry between the two main characters was *chef kiss*.
I don't know what it is about the single dad trope (bonus if it is also grumpy x sunshine) that always hooks me right away, and this book didn't disappoint!
If you love these tropes as much as I do, then you need to add this book to your TBR!
Thanks to the author for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2025
3.75⭐️
December 12, 2024
4.75⭐️ | 3.5🌶
whew! what a book! I really liked this one. at the beginning, I thought I'd be too triggered because it deals with some really heavy topics but the author really handled everything delicately. i was a wreck during the last 20%. Chapter 26 iykyk. the grief, the guilt, regret and searing pain everyone felt was so vivid. natalie and alex. abbie and ben. they all had their own journeys and traumas to work through. this was so good AND THE LAST 4 CHAPTERS! *melting* thank you to luna literary for this arc.
whew! what a book! I really liked this one. at the beginning, I thought I'd be too triggered because it deals with some really heavy topics but the author really handled everything delicately. i was a wreck during the last 20%. Chapter 26 iykyk. the grief, the guilt, regret and searing pain everyone felt was so vivid. natalie and alex. abbie and ben. they all had their own journeys and traumas to work through. this was so good AND THE LAST 4 CHAPTERS! *melting* thank you to luna literary for this arc.
December 15, 2024
I really liked this book. The writing flowed good but I really wasn’t a fan of Alex at all.
December 6, 2024
I'm very conflicted about this book. On the one hand I do enjoy them as a couple but there are just random political ideas put in the book that low key give me republican vibes and I don't like that.
Natalie was a good character and I liked her. Alex took a bit for me to like him. I just don't think it should've taken him so long to not be a jerk to her. The kids were cute though.
I received an arc from the author.
Natalie was a good character and I liked her. Alex took a bit for me to like him. I just don't think it should've taken him so long to not be a jerk to her. The kids were cute though.
I received an arc from the author.
April 6, 2025
if i could rate this awful book a 0 i would, and that alex he's such fucking bad character if you love you ghost wife so much go die with her he's so fucking bad , and the author if you made the dead wife the main character it will be better because it's clear that you till the end of fucking book you loved her more than the fucking main character , she's like a side character in her own book
April 9, 2025
guy's whole family manipulative as fuck, even the dead wife
April 25, 2025
I love how this is the love story of our FMC Sara (dead wife) and Hero.
December 16, 2024
This was a pleasant read with a very heavy topic - grief. Have you ever thought about how you would handle the death of a beloved spouse? Or the divorce from someone you loved more than you could breathe. That’s grief and it could take over your life making it so hard to move on.
That’s what happens to Alex when his life dies. He’s moving through life because he has to for his two children. He uses one night stands to satisfy his sexual needs.
Enter Natalie, his sister’s best friend. He has a one night stand with her that ends in an accidental pregnancy.
From the time she finds out she’s pregnant to the time she gives birth is the story told. How it affects them? How they move forward? How it affects his kids. There are lots of stops and starts. There is a lot of love too.
It’s a thoroughly engaging story that really explores grief, growth, spirituality and the ability to love again.
Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
That’s what happens to Alex when his life dies. He’s moving through life because he has to for his two children. He uses one night stands to satisfy his sexual needs.
Enter Natalie, his sister’s best friend. He has a one night stand with her that ends in an accidental pregnancy.
From the time she finds out she’s pregnant to the time she gives birth is the story told. How it affects them? How they move forward? How it affects his kids. There are lots of stops and starts. There is a lot of love too.
It’s a thoroughly engaging story that really explores grief, growth, spirituality and the ability to love again.
Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
December 15, 2024
5 ⭐️
Why you’ll love this book!!
Widowed Single Dad
Best Friends Brother
One Night To Get It Out Of System
Accidental Pregnancy
Found Family
Mental Health Rep
Plus Size FMC
Police Officer MMC
I fell in love with Alex and Natalie .. They have a harder story than most both going through stuff Natalie coming out of and abusive relationship and Alex losing his wife while he was deployed six years before and never truly getting over the guilt of being gone when she died.
Natalie is loud and a proud curvy woman or more proud before her stupid ex but thankfully Alex worships her curve and tells her she beautiful in the most perfect ways..
Alex is a shell of himself and he fights his feelings for Natalie but he loves her and one he realizes let just say I never loved a cemetery so much and I love how Natalie and Alex honor Sara after Aiden’s born!!
Why you’ll love this book!!
Widowed Single Dad
Best Friends Brother
One Night To Get It Out Of System
Accidental Pregnancy
Found Family
Mental Health Rep
Plus Size FMC
Police Officer MMC
I fell in love with Alex and Natalie .. They have a harder story than most both going through stuff Natalie coming out of and abusive relationship and Alex losing his wife while he was deployed six years before and never truly getting over the guilt of being gone when she died.
Natalie is loud and a proud curvy woman or more proud before her stupid ex but thankfully Alex worships her curve and tells her she beautiful in the most perfect ways..
Alex is a shell of himself and he fights his feelings for Natalie but he loves her and one he realizes let just say I never loved a cemetery so much and I love how Natalie and Alex honor Sara after Aiden’s born!!
December 20, 2024
Alex and Natalie
This story gave me ALL the feels! I laughed, cried, got angry, it definitely wasn't lacking in that department.
Alex was a great MMC to read. He was stuck where he was and Natalie totally came in and threw a curveball that totally shook things up! Natalie's personality was so much fun. I loved seeing her pregnancy hormones at work and how she would go to bat for anyone she cared about!
I think my favorite part of this story was Alex's development throughout the book. From how he handled the news of the surprise pregnancy and the events that followed... Natalie really was the perfect match for him, but called him out when he deserved it!
This story gave me ALL the feels! I laughed, cried, got angry, it definitely wasn't lacking in that department.
Alex was a great MMC to read. He was stuck where he was and Natalie totally came in and threw a curveball that totally shook things up! Natalie's personality was so much fun. I loved seeing her pregnancy hormones at work and how she would go to bat for anyone she cared about!
I think my favorite part of this story was Alex's development throughout the book. From how he handled the news of the surprise pregnancy and the events that followed... Natalie really was the perfect match for him, but called him out when he deserved it!
December 14, 2024
This was such a great story! I was looking forward to Alex's story and it did not disappoint! I loved Natalie and he was perfect for Alex and his serious grumpy personality. They were a perfect match. It just took them some time to be in the right place and time to realize it. I honestly couldn't put this book down and I highly recommend it!! A wonderful love story with lots of funny and exciting moments!
August 25, 2025
I actually liked this one
Widower is a fave trope of mine
Look I was a little creeped out that he was having convos with dead wife in his head whilst in bed with the h. But I didn’t see him as big of an asshole as other reviews. The h was a bit of a bitch a couple of times and she didn’t listen to him which created the miscommunications. There were a coupe of angst filled moments between them which I enjoyed. And yes I do believe in their HEA
Widower is a fave trope of mine
Look I was a little creeped out that he was having convos with dead wife in his head whilst in bed with the h. But I didn’t see him as big of an asshole as other reviews. The h was a bit of a bitch a couple of times and she didn’t listen to him which created the miscommunications. There were a coupe of angst filled moments between them which I enjoyed. And yes I do believe in their HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read of Jennifer’s, and I loved it! Even though it’s out of series order. It made me laugh and almost cry. It was spicy and sweet and romantic and emotional. Natalie and Alex are great and perfect for each other, despite their past trauma and baggage. They work through things and find their happily ever after.
December 13, 2024
I read this as my first ever Advanced Reader Copy. This is such a fun romance! I like that the MCs are in their thirties. The FMC is an elementary school teacher while the MMC is former military and a current police officer. He's a widowed dad, she starts the story with an abusive partner, they find each other for a one night stand. Except he gets her pregnant. Throughout the pregnancy, they get to know each other better with the help of their shared friend and family group. Tropes include best friend's brother, accidental pregnancy, man in uniform, small town, found family, and lots of sparks before the relationship (not quite enemies to lovers but similar). You should preorder this!
January 23, 2025
I just finished this series and I thought my whole world surrounded around Stone and no one could beat him. But then I really got to meet Alex! He's so sweet. I liked reading a how a he handled and worked through his trauma. I know a lot of our book boyfriends are these incredible no fault guys but Alex really had a true personal side to him and watching him heal and grow was something amazing.
July 22, 2025
Absolutely not
January 21, 2025
ARC 14- WORTH THE TEST
Author- Jennifer J Williams
Genre- accidental pregnancy, best friend’s brother, widower, single dad, mental health
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 in the Eternity Series
Trigger warning- death of spouse, explicit content, poor mental health.
Blurb:
Natalie
I just meant to thank him, not kiss him. My best friend’s big brother stepped in when I needed a quick rescue. I wasn’t surprised, considering Alex Santo has a moral compass that never veers from center. But after I move to his hometown, I can’t stop thinking about that kiss. When we run into each other more than once, we agree to one night together.
I’m sure I’ll be able to forget how amazing our night was … eventually. But one positive pregnancy test later, and I’m having to fight my growing feelings for the widowed single dad, knowing he’ll never love anyone except his late wife. How can I accept my lot in Alex’s world if he constantly compares me to her? And what if it impacts our baby’s life?
Alex
It was only supposed to be one night. And while I’m excited about becoming a dad again, I can’t seem to compartmentalize how differently I feel about Natalie than I did for my wife. The pull I feel toward Natalie is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I’m struggling to fight it.
I’m drawn to her passion and fire, but also her quick wit and steadfast support. She’s the polar opposite of my wife. I’m warring between leaving my past and accepting my future, and I’m afraid I’ll mess it up before I’ve even given things a chance. But how could I be this lucky? Can a man have two great loves in one lifetime?
Plot:
Natalie had no idea when her life became chaos and confusion, since when did she start doubting and loosing herself, her life and herself slowly fading away. Question mark at every turn, choice and decision. She was over-weight, but she loved her curves. Key word LOVED. The love slowing started fading into doubt with her boyfriend. He was abusive and manipulative. She always decided to leave him but then he would manipulate her into coming back to him. It was one night when they broke into an argument at a bar at Denver when life took a turn.
In came to help her that night Alex Santo, her best friend’s eldest brother, her childhood crush. A widower who still greatly missed his wife, who was struggling with his two kids Abbie and Ben who also were struggling. Ex-military, he was currently in the police department, a job which he didn’t enjoy. That night was a rare night where he was out with his brothers and brother-in-laws. He left the group, intending to head towards the washroom, never to encounter a couple fight. The boyfriend was horrible and didn’t leave her when the girl clearly was done with him. He interrupted them and helped her. To his surprise, the girl kissed him. To his greater surprise, he kissed her back. The greatest surprise was the girl was Natalie, his sister’s best friend. He ran away thinking about Sara, his late wife.
Natalie was supposed to thank him, not to kiss him, never to get kissed back. Few months go by when Natalie had decided it was time to take a firm control on her life and leave for good. She got a teaching job at the school at Eternity, where Alex and his entire family lived. She also become’s Ben’s teacher.
One night, when she and Alex cross paths, one thing leads to another and they end up spending the night together. It was just meant to remain as one night, nothing more. They ended up making a baby.
They both were excited on being parents, but mixed feelings were there.
Natalie had once given up the idea of kids. She got one now. But, she doubted herself every moment. Despite knowing that Sara was the only woman in Alex’s life, it didn’t stood her ever growing crush. Alex was excited on become a dad, but the feeling of cheating on Sara kept on nagging him despite her telling him NO. He also kept on being reminded about Sara every time. The differences between Natalie and Sara were stark obvious.
There was chaos, confusion, hurt, frustration and comparison. And at the same time persisted the desire for each other followed by their constant fear, low confidence and guilt nagging them. The gossip mill is also not sparing them. It’s a test that they all are going through. The question is, is their chance of happiness worth this test?
Opinion:
It’s a fast read.
Writing a book based on the widow/widower trope is not easy, personal opinion. So, hats off to the author for not only selecting this trope, but also for going a good job.
The book is a true roller coaster. There are ups and downs in a book and then come THE UPS & DOWNS of THIS book!! The intense tug and pull, the fluctuations of the emotions of the main characters and their arguments. But, at the end, a very happy ending.
Another point to appreciate is the Mental Health awareness. You may have everything that people desire except sound mental health, straightaway downfall. If affects EVERYONE and EVERYTHING negatively and severely.
Author- Jennifer J Williams
Genre- accidental pregnancy, best friend’s brother, widower, single dad, mental health
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 in the Eternity Series
Trigger warning- death of spouse, explicit content, poor mental health.
Blurb:
Natalie
I just meant to thank him, not kiss him. My best friend’s big brother stepped in when I needed a quick rescue. I wasn’t surprised, considering Alex Santo has a moral compass that never veers from center. But after I move to his hometown, I can’t stop thinking about that kiss. When we run into each other more than once, we agree to one night together.
I’m sure I’ll be able to forget how amazing our night was … eventually. But one positive pregnancy test later, and I’m having to fight my growing feelings for the widowed single dad, knowing he’ll never love anyone except his late wife. How can I accept my lot in Alex’s world if he constantly compares me to her? And what if it impacts our baby’s life?
Alex
It was only supposed to be one night. And while I’m excited about becoming a dad again, I can’t seem to compartmentalize how differently I feel about Natalie than I did for my wife. The pull I feel toward Natalie is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I’m struggling to fight it.
I’m drawn to her passion and fire, but also her quick wit and steadfast support. She’s the polar opposite of my wife. I’m warring between leaving my past and accepting my future, and I’m afraid I’ll mess it up before I’ve even given things a chance. But how could I be this lucky? Can a man have two great loves in one lifetime?
Plot:
Natalie had no idea when her life became chaos and confusion, since when did she start doubting and loosing herself, her life and herself slowly fading away. Question mark at every turn, choice and decision. She was over-weight, but she loved her curves. Key word LOVED. The love slowing started fading into doubt with her boyfriend. He was abusive and manipulative. She always decided to leave him but then he would manipulate her into coming back to him. It was one night when they broke into an argument at a bar at Denver when life took a turn.
In came to help her that night Alex Santo, her best friend’s eldest brother, her childhood crush. A widower who still greatly missed his wife, who was struggling with his two kids Abbie and Ben who also were struggling. Ex-military, he was currently in the police department, a job which he didn’t enjoy. That night was a rare night where he was out with his brothers and brother-in-laws. He left the group, intending to head towards the washroom, never to encounter a couple fight. The boyfriend was horrible and didn’t leave her when the girl clearly was done with him. He interrupted them and helped her. To his surprise, the girl kissed him. To his greater surprise, he kissed her back. The greatest surprise was the girl was Natalie, his sister’s best friend. He ran away thinking about Sara, his late wife.
Natalie was supposed to thank him, not to kiss him, never to get kissed back. Few months go by when Natalie had decided it was time to take a firm control on her life and leave for good. She got a teaching job at the school at Eternity, where Alex and his entire family lived. She also become’s Ben’s teacher.
One night, when she and Alex cross paths, one thing leads to another and they end up spending the night together. It was just meant to remain as one night, nothing more. They ended up making a baby.
They both were excited on being parents, but mixed feelings were there.
Natalie had once given up the idea of kids. She got one now. But, she doubted herself every moment. Despite knowing that Sara was the only woman in Alex’s life, it didn’t stood her ever growing crush. Alex was excited on become a dad, but the feeling of cheating on Sara kept on nagging him despite her telling him NO. He also kept on being reminded about Sara every time. The differences between Natalie and Sara were stark obvious.
There was chaos, confusion, hurt, frustration and comparison. And at the same time persisted the desire for each other followed by their constant fear, low confidence and guilt nagging them. The gossip mill is also not sparing them. It’s a test that they all are going through. The question is, is their chance of happiness worth this test?
Opinion:
It’s a fast read.
Writing a book based on the widow/widower trope is not easy, personal opinion. So, hats off to the author for not only selecting this trope, but also for going a good job.
The book is a true roller coaster. There are ups and downs in a book and then come THE UPS & DOWNS of THIS book!! The intense tug and pull, the fluctuations of the emotions of the main characters and their arguments. But, at the end, a very happy ending.
Another point to appreciate is the Mental Health awareness. You may have everything that people desire except sound mental health, straightaway downfall. If affects EVERYONE and EVERYTHING negatively and severely.
December 13, 2024
Worth the Test Eternity Series Book Four” by Jennifer J. Williams read on Kindle pgs. may vary 4894 (9.75 mins) Contemporary Romance/Law Enforcement/Teacher (Spicey- Level 4+), (Violence – Level 4) Power, friendship, loyalty, family, commitment, control, betrayal, abandonment, depression, grief, anxiety, body image, enemies to lovers, and second chances, redemption Mature Adults Trigger Warnings: See Author’s page for these warnings Main characters are Natalie (Sunflower) Jackson a 4th grade teacher and Alessio (Alex) Santo, an Eternity Springs, CO police officer. There are other minor characters as well, who are not mentioned within this review which make this wonderful story possible. This author has done it again with yet another wonderful soul-searching story from the Eternity Series! Readers really need to read this author’s triggers warnings. Though many of them are dealt with using family, humor, maybe the threat of a rocket or other unknown experiments, as well as a story or two from the characters to get them in-line. It’s a story the reader just doesn’t want to put down due to MOST of the female characters being strong as well as snarky in their own way and their male counterparts being strong enough to handle to own their own strengths and weakness while at the same time allowing their partners the freedom to just “BE.” Some of this reader’s favorite quotes are as follows: “She’s twelve going on twenty, and her mood swings rival those pirate ships rides at a carnival, where we just don’t know if it’s going to flip all the way over or not.” “My hand doesn’t expect dinner and chemistry.” “Women seem to think men are mind readers. News flash: we aren’t. Point us in the right direction.” “Trauma is trauma. Grief is grief. I guess we’re all suffering on some kind of f***** up spectrum.” “Not my fault if she has teenage ears that don’t work right.” “I assure you, I’m of age, completed medical school just fine, and my mom even let me drive all by myself to work today,” “I didn’t take into consideration how hard it is to focus on ta Kindle screen when I’m having an out-of-body experience like I’m taking part in that barf scene from The Exorcist.” “I think I heard the scale at the OB’s office scream when I stepped on it for my last appointment.” “You asked me to help you with your pipes – oh,” I day, realizing what meant. “Your pipes.” “It’s about the baby being a piece of your dad, and therefore a piece of you and Ben.” “I’m the one baking this crotch goblin, and I don’t have anything yet.” “Love is loud,” “And if you want me to throw, or kick, a ball, don’t be mad when it somehow hits you in the face when you weren’t even on the field.” As readers, just grab the story either in book or audio form only make sure “The Eagle Has Landed” doesn’t catch any plotting which maybe questionable, Rideshare anyone?
December 16, 2024
My tagged shelves can be spoilers.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
This is an insta-attraction but slow burn romance featuring an accidental pregnancy after a one-night stand. Alex is the oldest brother in a large family and also now a single dad after his wife passed away five years ago. Between the guilt of not being there when she died and struggling to raise his two kids, he hasn't even thought about the possibility of a new relationship ever occurring. Meanwhile, Natalie is recently single after working up the courage to leave her abusive ex. Moving to a small town, she's now surrounded by a group of best friends and only an hour away from her parents and brother. But also, now living in the same town as one of her best friend's older brothers, and the guy she used to crush on when in high school.
Tropes:
- small town
- close families
- single dad/widowed
- age gap
- accidental pregnancy
- teacher fmc
- veteran military/cop mmc
- close proximity
- one night stand
- accidental pregnancy
- overcoming grief
- past dv (not by mmc)
- slow burn romance
- insta attraction
My Thoughts:
I both really liked this and struggled with it.
The good -- I loved the overall love story theme of finding true love after grief/loss (Alex) and being hurt (Natalie). The banter between Alex and Natalie with their very opposite personalities was great; I loved how Natalie never let Alex just easily get his way and was a firecracker to his (attempted) organized life. Natalie for me was a great fmc. The small-town vibes were sweet & I'll probably go check out some of the earlier books in the series as I really liked a lot of the extended family members/side characters.
The struggle -- Alex's grief over his former wife's passing was a massive plot point and a bit too much for my liking. While probably realistic, it caused him to unintentionally hurt Natalie's feelings quite often and left us with really only the two of them being on complete solid ground the last 10% of the book. I'll admit, widow/widower trope isn't really a favorite of mine so that definitely played into it, but I have read other stories where the deceased partner wasn't as included, and I liked that much more. Additionally, I wasn't a fan of how Natalie kept saying she loved her body and curves but then would also negativity talk about herself being "fat", and how Alex would follow that up with "you're not fat you're beautiful". FYI: you can be beautiful AND fat!
Overall -- not a bad story by any means and I think will be perfect for a lot of readers. Just unfortunately didn't fit great with my preferences regarding the widow trope.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary PR for the e-ARC. Review is my honest opinion.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
This is an insta-attraction but slow burn romance featuring an accidental pregnancy after a one-night stand. Alex is the oldest brother in a large family and also now a single dad after his wife passed away five years ago. Between the guilt of not being there when she died and struggling to raise his two kids, he hasn't even thought about the possibility of a new relationship ever occurring. Meanwhile, Natalie is recently single after working up the courage to leave her abusive ex. Moving to a small town, she's now surrounded by a group of best friends and only an hour away from her parents and brother. But also, now living in the same town as one of her best friend's older brothers, and the guy she used to crush on when in high school.
Tropes:
- small town
- close families
- single dad/widowed
- age gap
- accidental pregnancy
- teacher fmc
- veteran military/cop mmc
- close proximity
- one night stand
- accidental pregnancy
- overcoming grief
- past dv (not by mmc)
- slow burn romance
- insta attraction
My Thoughts:
I both really liked this and struggled with it.
The good -- I loved the overall love story theme of finding true love after grief/loss (Alex) and being hurt (Natalie). The banter between Alex and Natalie with their very opposite personalities was great; I loved how Natalie never let Alex just easily get his way and was a firecracker to his (attempted) organized life. Natalie for me was a great fmc. The small-town vibes were sweet & I'll probably go check out some of the earlier books in the series as I really liked a lot of the extended family members/side characters.
The struggle -- Alex's grief over his former wife's passing was a massive plot point and a bit too much for my liking. While probably realistic, it caused him to unintentionally hurt Natalie's feelings quite often and left us with really only the two of them being on complete solid ground the last 10% of the book. I'll admit, widow/widower trope isn't really a favorite of mine so that definitely played into it, but I have read other stories where the deceased partner wasn't as included, and I liked that much more. Additionally, I wasn't a fan of how Natalie kept saying she loved her body and curves but then would also negativity talk about herself being "fat", and how Alex would follow that up with "you're not fat you're beautiful". FYI: you can be beautiful AND fat!
Overall -- not a bad story by any means and I think will be perfect for a lot of readers. Just unfortunately didn't fit great with my preferences regarding the widow trope.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary PR for the e-ARC. Review is my honest opinion.
December 16, 2024
This was my first read by Jennifer J. Williams, and I can say that it did not disappoint.
While Worth the Test is a book for the Eternity series, it can be read as a complete standalone.
This novel is Alex and Natalie's story, and it is a heartbreaking one.
Alex is a military veteran who cannot move past the death of his wife, and Natalie, who is just out of an abusive relationship, manage to find each other, and what should have been a one-night stand changes the whole course of their lives.
Alex, my heart broke for him throughout this story. Watching him finally accept his wife's passing and moving on had me reaching for the tissues more than once. The guilt that he carried for the last 6 years made it hard for him to move past her and live. The only thing that seems to have kept him moving were his 2 kids. When he meets Natalie again, she is his sister's BFF, it is as though fate has brought her to him, and he has a really hard time accepting it. The emotional rollercoaster he goes through is heartbreaking.
Natalie, a strong-willed FMC who has no problems putting anyone in their place, cannot seem to figure out 1. how she ended up in an abusive relationship and 2. why she stayed as long as she did. Seeing her navigate what life looks like once she is free of her ex was a journey unto itself.
I really loved this couple. I loved that after everything Natalie went through, she didn't seem to lose her spark; in fact, it is as though she rekindled it. I loved that we got a vulnerable MMC and that the grief journey was his and what that looks like from the male perspective. I feel like a lot of the time it is the FMC dealing with this kind of loss, and the hero comes and saves the day. In this story, they both save each other
I loved the support of the family and the friendships that are apparent and part of their development as characters.
I just wish that the healing for Alex would have come sooner than it did. I would have loved to see a more developed relationship between these two and what that looks like once they have started healing and working together to be a family unit and what that looks like with his 2 kids. I do like that we got it at the end, but I would have loved more of it.
• Accidental Pregnancy
• Single Dad
• One night stand
• Moving on with grief
• Two adorable kids
• Huge family dynamic
• Escaping an abusive relationship
• Amazing supportive family members
While Worth the Test is a book for the Eternity series, it can be read as a complete standalone.
This novel is Alex and Natalie's story, and it is a heartbreaking one.
Alex is a military veteran who cannot move past the death of his wife, and Natalie, who is just out of an abusive relationship, manage to find each other, and what should have been a one-night stand changes the whole course of their lives.
Alex, my heart broke for him throughout this story. Watching him finally accept his wife's passing and moving on had me reaching for the tissues more than once. The guilt that he carried for the last 6 years made it hard for him to move past her and live. The only thing that seems to have kept him moving were his 2 kids. When he meets Natalie again, she is his sister's BFF, it is as though fate has brought her to him, and he has a really hard time accepting it. The emotional rollercoaster he goes through is heartbreaking.
Natalie, a strong-willed FMC who has no problems putting anyone in their place, cannot seem to figure out 1. how she ended up in an abusive relationship and 2. why she stayed as long as she did. Seeing her navigate what life looks like once she is free of her ex was a journey unto itself.
I really loved this couple. I loved that after everything Natalie went through, she didn't seem to lose her spark; in fact, it is as though she rekindled it. I loved that we got a vulnerable MMC and that the grief journey was his and what that looks like from the male perspective. I feel like a lot of the time it is the FMC dealing with this kind of loss, and the hero comes and saves the day. In this story, they both save each other
I loved the support of the family and the friendships that are apparent and part of their development as characters.
I just wish that the healing for Alex would have come sooner than it did. I would have loved to see a more developed relationship between these two and what that looks like once they have started healing and working together to be a family unit and what that looks like with his 2 kids. I do like that we got it at the end, but I would have loved more of it.
• Accidental Pregnancy
• Single Dad
• One night stand
• Moving on with grief
• Two adorable kids
• Huge family dynamic
• Escaping an abusive relationship
• Amazing supportive family members
December 27, 2024
4.5 Stars
This book had some heavy topics that gave it a depth that you don’t always get in a basic romance. It wasn’t just a single dad story. It wasn’t just an accidental pregnancy. This was a book where both main characters were dealing with trauma that shaped everything for them. A main topic in this book was grief and how to deal with it and how to move forward in life when your entire world was shattered. And even there it wasn’t just the grief but the guilt of not being there. These characters had so much that had happened in their lives before they came together, and it makes for such an emotional, gripping story. This is the fourth book in the series and I thought that the writing was very good and has me interested in checking out the rest of the series.
The characters in this story have been on such an emotional journey that gives such depth to this story. The MMC’s story drives the plot, along with the accidental pregnancy, and there were times when I would get so frustrated with him. But I felt this made things more realistic and even though I wanted to shake him at times, I completely understood why he did the things he did. Alex went through something that many service members have had to battle with and that’s not being home when your family needs you. It can create so much guilt. But the struggle is that he has to keep his life together because he has two children that he has to take care of. There were definitely times when my heart hurt for Natalie. She had come from a relationship that had ripped her apart and broken her spirit. Then she had to deal with all of the baggage that Alex is dealing with, and she can’t just leave because of the pregnancy. But the chemistry between the two was so amazing and the battles that they each deal with makes them that much stronger.
I really enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. I really love a story that has some hurt and struggles because it makes the story more engaging. The spicy moments between these two are so wonderful and the connection that they have with each other make you love them together. This was a fantastic read and I am excited to read more by this author.
This book had some heavy topics that gave it a depth that you don’t always get in a basic romance. It wasn’t just a single dad story. It wasn’t just an accidental pregnancy. This was a book where both main characters were dealing with trauma that shaped everything for them. A main topic in this book was grief and how to deal with it and how to move forward in life when your entire world was shattered. And even there it wasn’t just the grief but the guilt of not being there. These characters had so much that had happened in their lives before they came together, and it makes for such an emotional, gripping story. This is the fourth book in the series and I thought that the writing was very good and has me interested in checking out the rest of the series.
The characters in this story have been on such an emotional journey that gives such depth to this story. The MMC’s story drives the plot, along with the accidental pregnancy, and there were times when I would get so frustrated with him. But I felt this made things more realistic and even though I wanted to shake him at times, I completely understood why he did the things he did. Alex went through something that many service members have had to battle with and that’s not being home when your family needs you. It can create so much guilt. But the struggle is that he has to keep his life together because he has two children that he has to take care of. There were definitely times when my heart hurt for Natalie. She had come from a relationship that had ripped her apart and broken her spirit. Then she had to deal with all of the baggage that Alex is dealing with, and she can’t just leave because of the pregnancy. But the chemistry between the two was so amazing and the battles that they each deal with makes them that much stronger.
I really enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. I really love a story that has some hurt and struggles because it makes the story more engaging. The spicy moments between these two are so wonderful and the connection that they have with each other make you love them together. This was a fantastic read and I am excited to read more by this author.
December 17, 2024
🫣asked to review this one because the title literally looked like it was shimmery. 🤣 won't lie.
then i got gut punched like no other and i wanted to thank you at the end
this is book four so yet again i'm coming into a series, interconnected or not, after relationships had been established. but even with that, i didn't feel lost and i fell in love with all the friends and family presented in this one.
y'all have seen alex and natalie before--being the best friend and older brother to arianna.
they both were dealing with a lot and learning how to navigate new lives while working thru their past traumas.
natalie? abusive relationship. confidence shot to shit and beyond.
alex? single parenthood and mourning the loss of his wife.
i loved watching both of them heal. even tho this was mainly where the gut punching came in because natalie was trying to not pressure him, even with the unexpected pregnancy, because moving on from a dead spouse is hard. she took on a toll and got hurt there. alex didn't know how to move on and you could clearly feel that he didn't want to. you could feel his struggle with the past and his present of wanting someone new.
they both grew. they both transformed into better versions of themselves, for themselves and for each other. plus, the bond that natalie formed with alex's two older children was sweet and what you hope for in situations like these! 🥰
yes, i would say you can read these as standalones (i did) but that comes with a warning of now i’m sucked in and will be adding the rest of the series to my 2025 tbr
thank you Jennifer J. Williams for navigating and writing this story and topics so well! and thank you for trusting me with an early copy (even tho i'm late per normal here recently)
then i got gut punched like no other and i wanted to thank you at the end
this is book four so yet again i'm coming into a series, interconnected or not, after relationships had been established. but even with that, i didn't feel lost and i fell in love with all the friends and family presented in this one.
y'all have seen alex and natalie before--being the best friend and older brother to arianna.
they both were dealing with a lot and learning how to navigate new lives while working thru their past traumas.
natalie? abusive relationship. confidence shot to shit and beyond.
alex? single parenthood and mourning the loss of his wife.
i loved watching both of them heal. even tho this was mainly where the gut punching came in because natalie was trying to not pressure him, even with the unexpected pregnancy, because moving on from a dead spouse is hard. she took on a toll and got hurt there. alex didn't know how to move on and you could clearly feel that he didn't want to. you could feel his struggle with the past and his present of wanting someone new.
they both grew. they both transformed into better versions of themselves, for themselves and for each other. plus, the bond that natalie formed with alex's two older children was sweet and what you hope for in situations like these! 🥰
yes, i would say you can read these as standalones (i did) but that comes with a warning of now i’m sucked in and will be adding the rest of the series to my 2025 tbr
thank you Jennifer J. Williams for navigating and writing this story and topics so well! and thank you for trusting me with an early copy (even tho i'm late per normal here recently)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews