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Loving Josy

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Ten years ago, she disappeared without a word. Josy was my best friend—the girl I couldn’t stop thinking about. I never got over the way she ghosted me and came back acting like I didn’t exist. I never got an explanation. Just silence, distance, and that look in her eyes like I was the last person she wanted near her. Now we’re forced into the same orbit again, thanks to our mutual best friends. And Josy? She still treats me like I’m the villain in her story. But I’m done staying quiet. When she needs a contractor for her new coffee shop, I make sure I’m the one hired. She’s not happy about it. I’m the only one available, and I plan to use every minute to get answers. What I didn’t expect was the way one argument turned into a kiss. A kiss that led to more. Weeks later, she tells me she’s pregnant—with my baby. I didn’t see it coming, but I’m not walking away. This baby means she can’t push me out of her life anymore. Now I’ve got one prove to her that love—the kind we never dared to admit—has always been right here between us. She says she doesn’t believe in me. But I’m all in. And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to her that I only want to love her.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2025

3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Maria Esther

7 books55 followers
María Esther is a Puerto Rican native and Spanish teacher with a deep love for reading. Her passion for romance novels inspired her to start writing her own contemporary romance stories, which she pours her heart into creating.

When she’s not teaching or writing, María spends her time with her husband and three children, or getting lost in a spicy book that keeps her up all night.

Find me on Instagram @mariaestherauthor
TikTok @mariaestherauthor

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5 stars
19 (50%)
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17 (44%)
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2 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa.
49 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2025

I loved this book from the very beginning. There was just something about Josy and Noah that made me want to keep turning the pages. But the moment I truly fell in love—and couldn’t put the book down—was when Josy found out she was pregnant. Even though it was a surprise pregnancy, the way the author depicted the doctor’s appointments, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, and finding out the baby’s gender brought back all the magical memories of my own pregnancy. It was beautifully done.

I also really appreciated the involvement of Violet and Austin in this story. It was so special to see them interact with other characters and get a glimpse into their lives now. The bond between Josy and Violet, in particular, stood out to me—it felt genuine and heartfelt, and watching their connection deepen was a highlight of the book.

One of my favorite things about this series is that we don’t get a third-act breakup. Still, the story delivers plenty of emotional twists and turns that tug at your heart. It’s a slow burn, and you’ll have to be patient while Josy and Noah navigate their feelings—but trust me, it’s absolutely worth the wait.

The banter, the emotional depth, and the cozy small-town vibes were all on point. If you’re a fan of grumpy-sunshine dynamics, unrequited love, small-town romance, and strong character development, this one’s for you.

Loving Josy felt like a true level-up from Loving Violet, and now I’m even more excited to read Esteban’s story next!

Huge thanks to author María Esther for the ARC—I’m so grateful to have been part of this journey.
Profile Image for Edgar.
139 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2026
Loving Josy is the second book in the Honey Springs series, and it was truly nice to return to this small town and its characters. There’s something very comforting about this world — it feels warm, familiar, and immersive in that cozy small-town way that makes you want to stay a little longer.

This installment focuses more on Josy, and I really enjoyed getting to know her better. I also loved seeing more of Noah and continuing to explore their dynamic. While I’m not usually a big fan of the pregnancy trope, I went into this book knowing that it would be part of the story — and I have to say, it worked within the context of this romance.

One thing I personally would have enjoyed even more is a bit more development of their relationship before certain major events unfold. I found myself wanting deeper insight into how and when they fell in love years ago — more emotional groundwork showing why their connection was so strong from the beginning.

That said, I still enjoyed the story overall. It was heartfelt, easy to read, and it gave me that same cozy Honey Springs atmosphere that made me fall in love with the series in the first place. I’m definitely continuing with the series and looking forward to the next book.

If you enjoy small-town romances with emotional history and second-chance elements, this one is worth picking up.

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Profile Image for Amber.
1,092 reviews47 followers
August 2, 2025
Josy and Noah were best friends as teens but a misunderstanding leads to them not talking for ten years. After their best friends get together, Noah decides he's done being on the sidelines and wants Josy back in his life for good.
Can he show Josy that he's changed and wants her in his life?
Profile Image for Zahirymar Flores.
148 reviews32 followers
August 1, 2025
Thank you, Maria, for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

This book tells the story of Jossy and Noah, who has intrigued me ever since the first book.

Jossy and Noah have been best friends since they were young, and Jossy has always been in love with Noah, but only quietly. One day, she decides to confess her feelings, but unfortunately, she overheard a conversation that broke her heart and made her decide to distance herself from Noah. Several years pass, and Noah finally decides to find out what happened that made Jossy walk out of his life and, in turn, try to win her back because he also has feelings for her. This leads Jossy to hire Noah to remodel her new coffee shop, and that's when they have an intimate encounter that ultimately bears fruit and leads to their forced relationship.

I really liked how determined Noah was to win Jossy back and how patient he was. On the other hand, I also really liked Jossy's attitude and how she didn't let it happen. I loved the jokes between them and sometimes they made me laugh a lot.

The reason I gave it 4 stars is because I would have liked to see a little more of their relationship as friends beforehand so I could better understand why they both felt the way they did for each other.
Profile Image for Leah_&_Books.
27 reviews
August 6, 2025
My swimmers did their job! 🤣🤣

How much I laughed with this book! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Without a doubt, Noah has become some of my favorite characters. After 10 years Noah and Josy meet again - or more likely, a consequence of each other's close friendships. Noah has created a plan to get Josy's attention (get her to talk to him) and learn the reason why she decided to stay away from him. But this story takes an unexpected turn.

This book has a Puerto Rican touch! Which I absolutely loved with all my heart.

I definitely enjoyed all the spicy scenes 🤭.

- Looking forward to hear more about Esteban 👀🤭--.


————————————————————————————————

¡Mis nadadores hicieron su trabajo! 🤣🤣

¡Que mucho me he reído con este libro! Me lo he disfrutado de principio a fin. Sin duda alguna, Noah se ha convertido en unos de mis personajes favoritos. Después de 10 años Noah y Josy vuelven a encontrarse -o más bien, consecuencia de sus amistades-. Noah ha creado un plan para captar la atención de Josy (lograr que le hable) y conocer la razón por la cual ella decidió alejarse de él. Pero su historia toma un giro inesperado

¡Este libro cuenta con un toque puertorriqueño! Lo cual amé con todo mi corazón.

Sin duda alguna, me disfruté de todas las escenas spicy 🤭.


— Esperando más sobre Esteban 👀🤭—-
Profile Image for Gina J.
173 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2025
So, Loving Josy gave me the answers I was waiting for from that Loving Violet cliffhanger. 😆 Not gonna spoil… but YES — this second book topped the first one in the series.

Y por lo que veo… si el tercer libro se trata de Esteban… jajajajaja será una joya. O sea, un boricua de pura sepa. 😆

Espectacular. Amé TODO:
✨ El coqueteo
✨ La tiraera entre ellos
✨ Las emociones intensas de un embarazo sorpresa que se sintieron reales
✨ El manejo de temas importantes como la salud mental
✨ El desarrollo genuino y paciente del love interest ... ¡Noah! ay, mi corazón 💖
✨ Y las amistades. Austin, Esteban y Violet no son solo amigos — son una familia elegida, siempre presentes, solidarios, y dispuestos a levantarse el uno al otro cuando más se necesitan. Ese sentido de comunidad me encantó.

Hubo momentos tan vulnerables, tan humanos, que se sintieron tan real. El plot twist… 👏🔥 y el spice 🌶🤌🏼

El trope de miscommunication fue trabajado sutilmente. Nada forzado, todo fluyó hermoso.

La descripción de ropa y algunos diálogos se repiten, aunque de forma más sutil y fluida.

⭐️ Rating: 4 estrellas sólidas, tirando pa’ 5. Una historia emocional, divertida, honesta, con un love interest que se ganó mi corazón, y una found family que lo hizo todo aún más especial.
Profile Image for Yarelis Rivera.
107 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2025
I really loved the growth of both characters , specially Josy. She had an emotional armor that prevented her from falling in love and to see it slowly crumbling down was a feast.

I loved Noah since the first book and being able to get into his thoughts and feelings was great! He is a huge green flag and I love it. I loved him more with the flaming hot Cheetos scene (IYKYK) 😅

The mix between their banter, humor, and love was perfectly done. So far this is my favorite book of the series
Profile Image for TheBookishSkull.
124 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2025
I didn’t think anything could top Loving Violet, but Loving Josy completely stole the spotlight! María Esther delivers a funny, clever, and refreshingly down-to-earth romance that I devoured in one sitting. I absolutely fell for Noah—determined, swoon-worthy, and relentless in the best way. Josy is the perfect match, grounding him with warmth and strength.

The story is easy to read but packed with emotion, and just when I thought everything was smooth sailing, a well-timed twist at the end sealed the deal on a full 5 stars. I also loved catching a glimpse of Violet and Austin again—it felt like coming home. María Esther has seriously raised the bar for the next book in the Honey Springs series, and I cannot wait for what’s next!

Thank you María Esther for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

—————————

No pensé que nada pudiera superar a Amando a Violeta, ¡pero Amando a Josy se robó por completo el protagonismo! María Esther nos presenta un romance divertido, ingenioso, refrescante y realista, que devoré de una sentada. Me enamoré por completo de Noah: decidido, cautivador e insistente en el mejor sentido de la palabra. Josy es la pareja perfecta, lo conecta con la tierra con calidez y fuerza.

La historia es fácil de leer, pero está llena de emoción, y justo cuando pensaba que todo iba viento en popa, un giro inesperado al final le dio las 5 estrellas. También me encantó volver a ver a Violeta y Austin; fue como regresar a casa. María Esther ha subido la vara muy alta para el próximo libro de la serie Honey Springs, ¡y estoy deseosa de leer lo que viene!

Gracias María Esther por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Profile Image for Smutty Professor.
520 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2025
Loving Josy is one of those stories that feels so personal, like you’re living it right alongside the characters.

Josy and Noah’s relationship is complicated and honestly kind of addictive. I loved Josy’s fire- she’s strong, stubborn, and unapologetically herself, even when it means keeping people at arm’s length. Noah is the kind of guy who quietly shows up again and again, even when it would be easier to walk away. Their history is messy, but the love that’s still lingering between them feels so genuine.

The writing has that perfect mix of sweetness and tension. I laughed, I got frustrated (in the best way), and there were a few moments that felt heavier than I expected. The spice is super hot, and it’s done so well. I really appreciated how real everything felt. The miscommunications, the hesitation, the slow process of trusting someone again- it never felt forced or over-the-top. Just two people trying to figure it out.

I didn’t want Loving Josy to end, and I already can’t wait to see what comes next in the series!
Profile Image for Yashira Medina.
108 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2025
Maria, ¡te la comiste con este libro!

Lo amé, lo amé… ¡y lo volví a amar! 🥰 Loving Josy es el segundo libro de la serie Honey Springs y, sinceramente, creo que la historia de Noah y Josy se ha convertido en mi favorita de esta serie.

Normalmente no soy fan del second chance romance, pero aquí el desarrollo fue simplemente espectacular. La trama nos presenta a Josy y Noah, mejores amigos desde pequeños, que por cosas de la vida se distancian. El amor entre ellos siempre estuvo ahí, pero antes de reencontrarse, deben enfrentar sus sentimientos y cosas del pasado.

Personajes:
💖 Josy – Una mujer independiente, fuerte y decidida.
💖 Noah – El green flag golden retriever de los book boyfriends. Amé cómo manejó todo con amor, sin presionar, con paciencia y determinación.

En resumen: una historia preciosa que me robó el corazón. Gracias, Maria, por el ARC. Fue una lectura que me dejó in love.

Ps. No puedo esperar a leer la historia de Esteban.

Tropes que encontrarás:
✨ Second chance romance
✨ Frenemies to lovers
✨ Golden retriever book boyfriend
✨ Unplanned pregnancy
Profile Image for Vanesssa.
14 reviews
June 21, 2025
Noah is determined to win Josy over.
And even though she plays hard to get, she hasn’t been able to stop loving him in the past ten years. What she really has are fears and insecurities plus, she’s incredibly stubborn.
But Noah is there, showing up, trying to break down every wall Josy has built.
And when she finds out she’s pregnant, he reminds her over and over again that he wants to be with her, that it has always been her. (Noah is a green flag.)
I love when a story strikes the perfect balance between steamy scenes and strong character development.
And just when you think everything is going smoothly, the author throws in an unexpected twist. I did not see it coming.
This story definitely had me hooked from the very beginning.
Also, the way it brings in Austin and Violet and shows how their story continues to evolve 💕 I absolutely loved it.
I highly recommend Loving Josy as much as I recommend Loving Violet.
Each story pulls me in even more than the last.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Juniper Grace.
172 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2025
The perfect accidental pregnancy trope, wrapped in emotional tension, second chances, and sizzling chemistry.

Josy and Noah were high school best friends, but Josy was secretly in love with him. Just when she worked up the nerve to confess, she overheard Noah telling another girl that Josy was “like a sister.” That one moment shattered everything, and she’s kept her distance ever since.

Years later, Noah realizes that no other woman has ever made him feel the way Josy did. He's done pretending she doesn’t matter. One moment of long-overdue passion changes everything...and suddenly, they’re expecting a baby!

I loved watching these two navigate their pregnancy journey, with all the emotional growth, past traumas, and heart-melting moments that came with it. The banter is electric, the spice is deliciously steamy, and the chemistry? Off. The. Charts.
Profile Image for Janelle.
24 reviews
September 1, 2025
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Loving Josy by Maria Esther. This book is the second installment in the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Violet and Austin's return. After a years-long silence stemming from a miscommunication, Josy and Noah reconnect. Will Noah be able to capture Josy's heart? This book delivers on its promises of slow-burning romance, unexpected plot twists, spicy moments, and humor - I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Profile Image for Génesis Idaris.
67 reviews36 followers
August 7, 2025
I’m so thankful and honored to have received the ARC of Loving Josy. I enjoyed every second of it! second chance | small town | banter | spice 🌶 Noah is the definition of soft, sweet, and supportive. Josy? I just wanted to hug her the whole time.
Their story felt real, emotional, and full of heart. I loved Loving Violet, but I think this one stole my heart even more 💜
Profile Image for Gladymar.
149 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2025
Their banter…. THAT’s it! Their banter was incredible.

Loved how Noah did everything in his power to have Josy’s love and be worthy of her. Josy was perfect and everything she felt, as her insecurities, were completely valid. Also, love a curly girl 🫶🏻

My favorite part is that there isn’t a third act breakup.

A masterpiece!!!!
Profile Image for Alejandra Zapata.
7 reviews
August 7, 2025
"Loving Josy" has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2025. It's a story that captivates you and one that many of us can relate to. It deals with current and realistic themes that will hook you from the very first page. I really enjoyed "Loving Violet," but "Loving Josy" touched me on a whole other level and will forever live in my heart.
Profile Image for Taisaly Lopez.
6 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity of receiving this as an ARC.

In the second book we follow Josy and Noah which we saw tension on the first book 👀.
I loved how their love story is portrayed. Really enjoyed the mental health representation and most of all, how friendships play such an important role in these books.

Favorite character: Esteban 😂 Love him!
Profile Image for Sasha Snyder.
57 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2025
“My swimmers did their job” 🤣 favorite line in the book!
Noah is the definition of if he wanted to he would. It may have taken him 10 years but at least he got there. I loved all the banter in the book. Josy made Noah work hard for them to have that HEA!
Profile Image for Sharon Llerena.
115 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2026
This is the second book by the author in the Honey Spring series and I dare to say that my favorite and I clarify *so far* because the author is working on the third and last book in the series!! I can't wait!!
Profile Image for Maria del Mar Roman.
85 reviews
August 7, 2025
loving Josy was such a sweet story about second chances, new adventures and self love!
definitely will keep reading from this author!
Profile Image for Lexcy Dent.
11 reviews
January 30, 2026
This story is well written and very cute. I loved it and can’t wait for more. Emotional, fun, heartfelt — with a love interest you’ll fall for and a found family that makes it even more special.

Absolutely loved:
✨ The flirty banter
✨ That playful tiraera between them
✨ The real, raw emotions tied to the surprise pregnancy
✨ How mental health was handled with care
✨ The way Noah showed up — patient, steady, and so in love ugh, my heart 💖
✨ And the friendships — Austin, Esteban, and Violet? That’s not just a friend group, that’s a found family. Supportive, solid, and always there for each other. I loved that dynamic.
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